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CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor and Tonlé Sap lake

BHUTAN

THAILAND

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

NEPAL

The Kingdom of Cambodia – The jewel of Southeast Asia.

It’s hard to visit Cambodia and not come away with the feeling that you really need to return again and again. On our 8-day Cambodia Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure, this country will surely leave a permanent impression on you with its unique charm. Cambodia has such a storied past, both good and bad, that is etched into the faces of its people. We think of Cambodia for two things: the temples of Angkor, and the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge. But take this journey with us, and you’ll see that this country is much more than that.

Phnom Penh is an upcoming modern city on its own, with a revitalized arts and culture scene. But you can still see evidence of centuries-old markets and palaces that will forever flavor this spicy city. The future of Cambodia is showing itself here from behind the veil of its recent troubled past.

For many, the Temples of Angkor will always be their image of Cambodia. While this may very well be the case for most, after our adventure in this amazing country, you’ll have a new appreciation for its resilient people and history. Built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the temples represent one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From Angkor, the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social, and administrative metropolis whose other buildings – palaces, public buildings, and houses – were built of wood and have long since decayed and gone.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your newfound skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. 

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our week together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh is an upcoming modern city on its own, with a revitalized arts and culture scene. But you can still see evidence of centuries-old markets and palaces that will forever flavor this spicy city. The future of Cambodia is showing itself here from behind the veil of its recent troubled past.

For many, the Temples of Angkor will always be their image of Cambodia. While this may very well be the case for most, after our adventure in this amazing country, you’ll have a new appreciation for its resilient people and history. Built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the temples represent one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From Angkor, the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social, and administrative metropolis whose other buildings – palaces, public buildings, and houses – were built of wood and have long since decayed and gone.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your newfound skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. 

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our week together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than in Cambodia.

Group Size

4 – 8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by airplane, car or minibus
  • Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

Nov/Dec: Temps 86/74 F  30/23 C  Sunrise 5:56 | Sunset 5:33 (17:33)

Includes

  • 8 Days
  • Travel, landscape, architecture, nature and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star hotels
  • Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • Local Guide
  • Entry fees to Angkor Wat
  • Local transportation
  • 1 Domestic flight

Travel Information

Arrival  Airport: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH) – Transfer to hotel: 45 min
Departure Airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia (REP)
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Phnom Penh – Raffles Hotel Le Royal, The Quay Boutique Hotel or similar
Siem Reap – Heritage Suite Hotel or Pavillon d’Orient Boutique Hotel or similar

Helpful Links

Floating and Stilted Villages – by Ian Robert Knight
Angkor for Photographers – 8 Tips – by Ian Robert Knight
Photographing People in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
> UNESCO Sites in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
> Beyond Angkor Wat – by Ian Robert Knight
> 10 Trees Worth Traveling For – by Erika Suban

Cambodia Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Michael Chinnici

November 13-20, 2023
November 19-26, 2024

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Lopamudra Talukdar

November 13-20, 2023
November 19-26, 2024

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

ITINERARY

CAMBODIA 8-DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Phnom Penh

Our journey in the fascinating Kingdom of Cambodia starts in Phnom Penh, the capital city. When we meet at our hotel in the city center, we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “The Art of Seeing” photographic technique.

We begin our tour with a trip to the Central Market for some street photography. Known in Khmer as ‘Psar Thmei’, which literally translates as ‘new market’, it has one of the largest domes in the world. The original design is sort of an Art Deco style and has recently undergone some renovations, breathing some new life back into this popular spot. It’s such a great place for photographs, and to practice your bargaining skills.

During our Welcome Dinner in one of Phnom Penh’s best restaurants, we will have informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles, and techniques. (D)

Day 2 | Phnom Penh - Killing Fields - Royal Palace

Our day starts with a short trip by private coach to “The Killing Fields” and Tuol Sleng Museum. This will consume the morning and early afternoon, and for some people will be emotionally draining, and for others, it will be fascinating. The museum was actually a notorious prison that was originally a high school. Many of the torture instruments and prison cells are still intact and available for viewing. This horrific time in Cambodia’s past is both tragic and educational.

In the afternoon, a visit to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum grounds will round out the afternoon and early evening. After dinner, we will have an opportunity to review and discuss the photos from the day. (B)

Day 3 | Siem Reap (flight) - Angkor

On the morning of day three, we will spend time on the riverside quay, where hundreds of locals start their days with exercise and gossip. The riverwalk is full of life every morning, and full of photographic opportunities.

After we check out of our hotel, we’ll take a short flight to Siem Reap. We will arrive in the early afternoon and check in to our hotel in the center of town. After we’re settled into our hotel, we will head to the main market area. This market caters to a mix of locals and tourists, and there are plenty of terrific photographic opportunities to be had when we wander the stalls. The wet market is especially colorful and energetic. Here, we’ll find vendors selling every variety of meat and produce. Look out for the fresh frogs — one of Cambodia’s specialties. Yum.

Dinner will be in one of Siem Reap’s local restaurants, followed by a visit to the Night Market. (B)

Day 4 | Angkor Park

Angkor is an incredibly large park – over 400 square kilometers. We will be spending three full days in the park, focusing on areas that few tourists ever venture to. We’ll see the “Big 3” highlights, of course, but there is so much more to explore in the park, and we will find it.

Our guide will take us to temples that are often empty because they are a little further away than a crowd is willing to travel. Seeing history in its purest form, much of it still covered in the jungle will bring home images that will be unlike those from the tourist buses.

At the end of the day, we will gather at one of the highest areas of the park for a beautiful sunset opportunity, with Angkor temple spread out in front of us. Our evening will allow us to review and share our photos from the first day in Angkor Park. (B)

Day 5 | Angkor Park

This day will begin with an early morning start, as we will be at the park before sunrise. Sunrise over Angkor Wat is one of the most iconic images during a visit to Cambodia. We will return to our hotel for breakfast and head out again in the mid-morning.

Our time in the park today will cover parts where the crowds are not present. Our guide knows the patterns the buses take and will ensure we get the temples to ourselves, as much as possible. With time permitting, we may also include a tethered hot air balloon ride over the park, for those with a sense of adventure.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a small French restaurant inside the park grounds. (B)

Day 6 | Angkor Park and Phnom Kulen Park

One of the best ruins off the main tourist trail in Angkor is Banteay Srei temple – certainly one of the more beautiful temples we’ll see. Known as the Pink Temple, the original name translates to “Citadel of the Women”, and takes on a pink hue when the light is right.

A little further along the road is Phnom Kulen park, with a spectacular waterfall. Considered a playground for locals, the falls are quite tall, and wonderful to photograph. And the pool at the bottom is inviting. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for us to gain some long exposure experience.

On the way back to the city, we will drive through Angkor and return to any temples that we want to revisit in a different light. In the evening, we will have another chance to go through our photographs from the last several days in the park. (B)

Day 7 | Tonlé Sap Lake

This day will be spent visiting Tonlé Sap lake and the surrounding stilted villages. Some of the travel will take place by boat with our local guide. There will be visits to local homes and lunch will be taken in a local restaurant, with locally caught food.

Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia, and it rises and falls as much as 10 meters between wet and dry seasons. Tonlé Sap Lake flows in and out of the mighty Mekong River and is central to the lifestyle and commercial needs of many Cambodians. We will be visiting during the dry season, so the water level will be low, and the house’s support stilts will be very evident.

After returning to our hotel, we prepare for a festive Farewell Dinner at one of Siem Reap’s best restaurants. Here we will discuss the events of the trip, share our favorite photos and enjoy the fun and laughter. (B) (D)

Day 8 | Siem Reap

On day eight we awake to some early morning photography opportunities in the city before our journey ends. At brunch, we will trade contact information, and bid you farewell.

We suggest you consider extending your stay elsewhere in Southeast Asia and make good use of all the photographic techniques you have learned on our amazing photo adventure. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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