This morning, I had the opportunity to join more than 10,000 Cambodian and international runners in Siem Reap for a very special morning — running toward Angkor Wat.
This was not just another running event for me. It was a beautiful combination of sport, tourism, nature, culture, and community.
The initiative was organized with the involvement of the Ministry of Tourism and Siem Reap Provincial Administration, with sponsorship from Ganzberg. More than 10,000 people came together to take part, creating an incredible atmosphere throughout the city and along the route.
Our run covered approximately 6.5 km, starting from the Royal Palace area and heading toward Angkor Wat.
And honestly, running toward one of the world’s most iconic ancient temples with thousands of people around you is something that is difficult to describe in words.
You have to experience it.
Why visit Cambodia during the Green Season?
Some travelers may look at the rainy season and think, “Maybe this isn’t the best time to visit Cambodia.”
I see it differently.
The Green Season can be one of the most beautiful times to experience Cambodia.
During this period, rainfall brings life back to the landscape. The rice fields become green, trees and vegetation become more vibrant, and the countryside feels fresh and alive. Roads may be wet, clouds can create dramatic skies, and the ancient temples can look especially atmospheric surrounded by greenery.
For photographers and travelers who enjoy nature, this season offers a completely different side of Cambodia.
It is not always about having perfect blue skies.
Sometimes, the clouds, rain, reflections, mist and green landscape are what make the picture beautiful.
Waiting for the Angkor Equinox
There was another special reason why so many people gathered around Angkor Wat this week.
Around the March and September equinox periods, the rising sun can appear aligned with the central tower of Angkor Wat, creating one of the temple’s most famous sunrise views. This year, visitors are gathering from September 21–23 to witness the phenomenon.
Today was September 21.
Thousands of us were hoping to see the sun rise directly behind the central tower.
But nature had its own plan.
After rain around Siem Reap the previous evening and more clouds in the early morning, the sky remained heavily covered. The sun didn’t reveal itself in the spectacular way we had hoped.
But strangely enough, I didn’t feel disappointed.
Because when I looked around, I saw something else.
The real beauty was the people
I saw families running together.
Friends laughing.
Children enjoying the morning.
Cambodian people proudly joining an event connected to one of our country’s greatest cultural treasures.
International visitors running alongside local residents.
People smiling, taking photos, encouraging each other and simply enjoying the moment.
There was energy everywhere.
And for me, that became the real sunrise.
Even without the sun breaking through the clouds, the happiness of thousands of people was bright enough.
This is what I love about experiences like this.
A temple can be thousands of years old, but the people who gather around it today continue to give the place new stories.
Come and experience Cambodia’s Green Season
If you’re considering visiting Cambodia, don’t automatically avoid the rainy season.
Come and see the green rice fields.
Ride through the countryside.
Walk around the temples after the rain.
Watch the reflections around Angkor.
Try local food.
Talk to local people.
And if you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll stand in front of Angkor Wat at sunrise and see the sun appear exactly where you’ve imagined it.
And if the clouds arrive?
Enjoy that too.
Because Cambodia isn’t only beautiful when the weather is perfect.
Sometimes, Cambodia is at its most beautiful when everything is green, fresh and alive.
Tomorrow, I’ll be returning with some friends from the Local Guides community (Siem Reap) to explore the area again. Maybe we’ll get the perfect view of the Angkor Equinox. @SophatCHY @Phalsothearith @kokhorngcheam @VireakTHY25
Maybe we won’t.
Either way, I’ll be happy to be there.
Because sometimes the destination isn’t just the sunrise.
It’s the journey, the people, and the memories we create along the way.
#Cambodia #SiemReap #AngkorWat #AngkorEquinox #GreenSeason #VisitCambodia #LocalGuides #GoogleMaps #Tourism #Running #CambodiaTravel