Field notes
First-hand notes from repeated visits to Angkor, including expert-led tours from Maya Exploration Center, Luke Caverns, private guides, bike rides, self-guided temple visits and practical travel around the archaeological park.
My review of Maya Exploration Center’s 9-day Angkor zenith passage tour with Luke Caverns: the itinerary day by day, price, hotels, and the zenith light beams at Bakong, the Bayon and Koh Ker.
A private moto tour on Phnom Kulen with Cambodia Backroads: the Amazing Cliff, Peung Tbal, the Elephant Pond at Srah Damrei, Damrei Krap and 20 km of muddy jungle trails.
Lolei temple in the Roluos group: how I had the August zenith sunbeam to myself, which tower to pick, why incense helps, and the giant staple grooves.
Climbing the Koh Ker pyramid by headlamp for the zenith sunrise on April 27, then going back in daylight: what Koh Ker is, how the sunrise alignment works, tickets, the drive from Siem Reap and where to stay.
Standing in the zenith sun at Bakong temple: when the beam drops straight down the central tower, the 2027–2029 dates, what time to arrive, and what happened when I showed up nine minutes late.
Three visits to Bayon temple in Angkor Thom: chasing the zenith light beam in April and August, and slowing down for the stone faces in June.
A private half-day sunset bike tour of Angkor with Cambodia Backroads: jungle trails, a wooden plank bridge, the North Baray, Preah Khan’s moat and sunset on top of the Angkor Thom wall.