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CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh, Battambang, 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

Travel Information

Arrival  Airport: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH) – Transfer to hotel: 45 min
Departure Airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia (REP)
Our adventure begins at 09 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
Battambang – Classy Hotel and Spa, 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


AdventurePriceREGISTER
From: $8,495
Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Lopamudra Talukdar

November 19-26, 2024

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Michael Chinnici

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.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

CAMBODIA 8-DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Phnom Penh

Our journey in the fascinating Kingdom of Cambodia starts in Phnom Penh, the capital city. 

We begin our tour with early breakfast and an introductory photo walk of the capital city. We will visit 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.

After lunch, we will take a walk around Royal Pavilion and Riverside Boulevard, followed by a private sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong River. We will end the day with 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 - Oudong - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang

Today, we will leave for the province of Battambang. On the way, we will explore some interesting places like Oudong, popular for its pagodas and temples. Here, history comes alive in its ruins and the grandeur that it exhibits.

After a special local meal, we will drive to Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’. Here we will attend a Pottery Workshop, and get to learn this ancient craft from the locals. Almost every household in this province engages in ceramic trade and traditional Khmer pottery.

Later, we will take a long drive to Battambang. (B)

 

Day 3 | Battambang

Today, we will explore the second-largest city in Cambodia – Battambang. Life here is laid-back and slow, yet peaceful and lovely to explore. You will find several French Colonial buildings, temples, and interesting architecture.

We will visit Wat Kandal, a Buddhist temple that features interesting murals and wooden carvings. Then we will walk through the Boeung Chhouk Market for some street photography. It’s a busy market where the locals bring fresh produce and traditional delicacies, allowing us to learn more about the local life and culture. This market caters to a plenty of terrific photographic opportunities to be had when we wander the stalls. 

We will end our day with a visit to the railway station and the beautiful Kan Doeng Pagoda. (B)

Day 4 | Banan Pagoda - Killing Caves - Phnom Sampeau

We start the day with a visit to Banan Pagoda or Wat Banan Temple, built in the 11th century. It is one of the best-preserved monasteries and pagodas in Battambang. Here we will get to photograph the monks and interact with them.

We will also visit the famous Killing Caves of Cambodia, a place of genocide during the reign of Khmer Rouge, hence the name. Today it has been restored by Nature and creates a mysterious ambience. The Killing Caves are located in Phnom Sampeau, a limestone hill that looks like a ship. You cannot miss the breathtaking view of golden pagodas on top of this hill.

After returning to Battambang, we will explore the streets and a university of monks in the evening. It will be a great time for local interaction, some street photography and a leisurely walk through Battambang. (B)

Day 5 | Battambang - Wat Samrong Knong - Siem Reap

Today, we will leave after an early breakfast and drive to Siem Reap. On route, we will visit Wat Samrong Knong, the oldest Pagoda of Battambang. It was built in 1707 by a monk and gets its name from Samrong trees that once surrounded the temple. This pagoda was also used as a place for manslaughter during the time of Khmer Rouge and you will find a memorial within the premises.
We will also interact with the monks and local people here. Hence, we will witness the past and present of this beautiful shrine.

We will photograph a fish market and then proceed to Ek Phnom Pagoda for a private photo shoot with a monk.

Later, we will drive to Siem Reap for the last stop of our tour. (B)

Day 6 | Angkor Park - Mechrey Floating Village - Tonle Sap

Today, we leave early for a sunrise shoot at rice paddy fields, before setting out to explore the temples of Angkor Wat.

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 will be 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.

We will go to Chau Srei Vibol Temple where we will be taking pictures of the Monks against the ruins . This large hilltop temple is belived to be constructed between 11th – 12th century and has never been restored.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Mechrey Floating Village by boat. Here houses, schools, restaurants, and shops are all floating. Yes, you heard it right. The community depends solely on aquatic resources. We end the day with sunset at the Great Lake of Tonle Sap. It is the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia, and it rises and falls as much as 10 meters between wet and dry seasons. 

Our evening will allow us to review and share our photos from the first day in Angkor Park. (B)

Day 7 | Koh Ker - Ta Prohm - Bayon

Today, we will leave early and take a drive to Koh Ker, an ancient archaeological site. Here, we will see the most interesting tree roots at Prasat Bram and photograph the Buddhist monks. Then we will visit a few nearby temples including the largely unknown Pyramid Temple.

We will then leave for Ta Prohm. Then we go to Bayon in Angkor Thom. This is among the “Big 3” highlights along with Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. The intricate carvings found on the site depict scenes from history and mythology.

After returning to our hotel, we prepare for a festive Farewell Dinner with Apsara Dance show. 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

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. After breakfast, 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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