Wanderlust

The World's Best Beautiful Sunsets We've Seen

11th April 2023

Enjoying beautiful sunsets is something that all humans around the world have in common. You can be anywhere in the world and we guarantee a sunset will draw an admiring crowd. Watching beautiful sunsets is one of our favourite things about travelling. How can you not love the changing hues of red, pink, orange and purple as the sun drops towards the horizon and then disappears out of sight.

Maybe we’re wired to the feel safe in a sunset’s gentle glow, like that of a fire’s. Fire was an important part of our evolution. Our ancestors used fire for 75,000 years before we became Homo Sapiens, so there’s bound to be a strong relationship there.

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Every single sunset is unique due to many factors. Most importantly is the location. Beautiful sunsets over the sea, behind iconic buildings or from the top of a mountain. The amount of cloud coverage can change a sunset instantly and there are many other weather conditions which play their part. This natural randomness adds to a sunset’s appeal and romance.

We’re also so busy on this incredible planet, so watching beautiful sunsets gives us all a time to stop to just sit and stare. A time to contemplate or enjoy the moment with someone close to you. We can put any troubles of the day behind us and move on in the cooling temperatures of the evening.

We’ve enjoyed our fair share of beautiful sunsets around the world so we’d love to share with you our favourite ones to date.

Portugal – Vila Nova de Milfontes

A beautiful sunset in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

We backpacked through Portugal from south to north for our honeymoon last year and adored the country. We stopped at a pretty little estuary town called Vila Nova de Milfontes for 3 days and enjoyed many sunsets over the Atlantic ocean. There were a lot of awesome sunset viewpoints scattered along the wild and rugged coastline. We enjoyed this sunset just before a delicious fish dinner!

India – Varanasi

Sunset on the Ganges River in Varanasi

Spending 9 weeks in India is one or our travelling highlights. It’s not an easy country to travel but the rewards are well worth it. Visiting Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges was a fascinating experience. From constant religious festivals to burning bodies, the Ganges was a buzz of activity. We enjoyed sunsets over the river most evenings while locals washed themselves in the holy waters. I took this picture as a flock of pigeons came into view.

Sri Lanka – Sigiriya

Sunset from Lion Rock in Sigiriya

This was taken just a few weeks ago in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. We spent the late afternoon climbing up 1000 steps to the top of Lion Rock. Visiting Lion Rock is a must on anyones Sri Lanka itinerary and it’s popular to climb at sunrise and sunset. The views from the top looking across the jungle clad plains of Sigiriya are stunning. On a good day you can see as far as the eye can see. We enjoyed this sunset while sitting on the walls of a ruined palace, 200 meters above on the top of Lion Rock.

Cambodia – Angkor Wat

Sunset at Angkor Wat in Cambodia

We have to admit that Cambodia wouldn’t be on the top of our list of countries to visit in Asia. However, visiting Angkor Wat is another amazing world highlight of ours. Angkor Wat is a 162 hectare temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world! Visiting for sunrise or sunset is a beautiful experience. The sun turns the temples into black silhouettes which contrast against the changing colours in the skies.

Thailand – Ko Lipe

Sunset in Ko Lipe Thailand

One of the many great things about Thailand is the amount of beautiful islands there are to explore and watch beautiful sunsets. On most of our visits we’ve enjoyed island hopping from one island to another to enjoy the beach lifestyle. Unfortunately many of Thailand’s islands are getting quite developed and over crowded by too many tourists. However, Ko Lipe in the very far south still retains it’s quiet hammock swinging vibe without too many tourists, for now. Every night the sun sets over the island’s calm blue waters filled with traditional fishing boats. Where’s my cocktail?

India – The Taj Mahal

Sunset at the Taj Mahal India

India’s Taj Mahal needs no introduction. It’s one of the world’s manmade wonders and is another amazing place to watch the sunset. The best vantage point is actually behind the building as the sun sets in front. Like Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal becomes a black silhouette against the orange glow of the sun.

Laos – 4000 Islands

Sunset at Don Det in 4000 Islands Laos

4000 Islands, or Si Phan Don, is a riverine archipelago located in the Mekong River. The name 4000 islands comes from the fact that there are thousands of islands in this area. Some of which get fully submerged during periods of Mekong flooding.

We enjoyed this sunset while sipping a beer at a small bar on the main island of Don Det. We were the only ones in the bar so could hear nothing but bird call and the odd motor from passing fishing boats like the one in this picture. At this point the clouds created a hole where the bright orange sun pierced through and reflected on the water. This would be our favourite of all our beautiful sunsets.