While we don’t typically think of waking up at unspeakable morning hours as part of an enjoyable vacation, it’s a small price to pay to see the world’s best sunrises.
But whether you’re hiking, swimming, running, or walking, it’s not always to find the energy you need to wake up and catch the sunrise with the group. Especially if you’re not a coffee drinker.
That’s why we teamed up with our friends at Verb Energy Bars, makers of the energy bars that pack as much caffeine as an espresso but are made from organic green tea, to help you rise, shine, and make your way to the best places in the world to watch the sunrise.
Grand Canyon, USA
The only thing more awe-inspiring than seeing the Grand Canyon in person is seeing it during the sunrise. Watching the early morning rays of light fill the vast canyons really captures what’s so special about one of America’s most iconic landmarks. To find the best seat in the house, check out the National Park Service’s guide to sunrises, sunsets, and moon phases at the Grand Canyon.
Machu Picchu, Peru
This ancient Inca citadel sits high in Peru’s Andes mountains, making it an incredible sunrise spot – provided you have a little luck on your side.
Because Machu Picchu is often shrouded in mist, you can’t always count on clear skies for sunrise. But even if your sunrise shot isn’t purely Instagram-worthy, just making the trek to this ancient city will show you why it’s among the most famous archeological landmarks in the world.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and one of Asia’s most iconic destinations.
Now, we won’t lie to you. You almost certainly won’t be the only one waking up early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. But that just goes to show that it is truly one of the world’s must-see spots to watch the sunrise. The sun rising behind this massive temple complex creates an incredible silhouette that truly captures the majesty of Angkor Wat.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Sunrise at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is rivaled by few places on earth. The best way to experience a Ha Long Bay sunrise is from right on the water. Book an overnight cruise through the seemingly endless bay and set your alarm. As you watch the sunrise over the thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, you begin to see why this magical place has been the subject of ancient myths and legends for centuries.
Bagan, Myanmar
Myanmar usually gets passed up by those backpacking through Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. But one look at sunrise in Bagan and it’s immediately clear that this is a mistake, as it’s as beautiful a sight as any in Southeast Asia. This is especially true if you opt for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Bagan’s 2,000 temples and pagodas. Take a hot air balloon at sunrise as the sunlight cuts through the morning mist, creating a lasting memory that even the best photo could never fully match. Before you go, be sure to read this awesome guide to the best sunrise (and sunset) spots in Bagan by Kristin from Be My Travel Muse.
Great Smoky Mountains, USA
The serene sunrise from Clingman’s Dome is just one of the many reasons that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. At 6,643 feet, Clingman’s dome isn’t just the highest point in the Great Smokies but in all of Tennessee. Climb to the top of the 54-foot observation tower and treat yourself to one of the best places to witness the changing colors of the treetops in autumn.
Mount Batur, Bali
Bali may now be known as a digital nomad paradise packed with yogis, remote workers, tourists, and beach bums but a sunrise hike up Mount Batur is an easy way to escape it all and reconnect with the island’s magical spirit. To grab a seat at Bali’s best sunrise spot, you’ll have to follow a guide and hike up the mountain in the pitch black, early morning hours (think starting around 3 am). But every ounce of sleep-deprived grumpiness will quickly wash away when you see the sunrise from atop this active volcano.
Get up and go
If you've got places to go and sunrises to see, don’t forget to add Verb Energy Bars to your travel checklist.
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