facebook
g-plus
youtube
newslatter
Landscape, Portrait and Street Photography (9 Days)
FROM: $899
US$ 1,624 per person (based on a group of 2 people)
US$ 1,114 per person (based on a group of 4 people)
US$ 899 per person (based on a group of 6 people)

Code: E-CTHPH0001
Tour Style: Photography
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty Comfort Exclusivity

A journey through the ancient and modern Cambodia for 9 days exploring the wonders of the temples of Angkor, some of the most iconic places around Siem Reap and the rumbling streets of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Landscape, portrait and street photography will be just some of the photographic styles we will practice during this 9 days tour. To conclude the trip we will drive out toward the sea, in order to complete our album by taking the last snapshots in the charming coastal town of Kep.

 

Angkor Archeological Park provides wonderful photographic opportunities. the monuments and the surrounding jungle afford unlimited textural and lighting opportunities for composing a picture.
Clouds are common and tend to diffuse the light which is somewhat flat even though it is intense. As most of the temples face east the best lighting conditions are in the morning except for Angkor Wat where the best light is in the afternoon because it faces west. the temples surrounded by jungle such as Ta Prohm and Prah Khan can be photographed with good results when the sun is directly overhead and shining through the foliage. Just as one is never prepared for the enormous size and overwhelming beauty of Angkor, one is never ready to leave it. With photographs and visions etched in memory, one need never say good-by to Angkor, for its magic will go with you wherever fate and the gods may take you to colour your thoughts and dreams to life's very end. 

However Cambodia is much more than Temples…

 

Brief Itinerary:


DAY 01: ARRIVAL – SIEM REAP
DAY 02: ANGKOR TEMPLES
DAY 03: ANGKOR TEMPLES
DAY 04: ANGKOR – FLOATING VILLAGE
DAY 05: SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH
DAY 06: PHNOM PENH.
DAY 07: PHNOM PENH - KAMPOT.
DAY 08: KAMPOT-KEP.
DAY 09: KEP-PHNOM PENH-DEPARTURE 


TRIP FEATURES:
The photographic trips we propose are intended for UP TO A MAXIMUM of 5 participants (very different to all other workshops which are mostly crowded experiences, and subsequently can’t offer continuous feedback from the tutor). This makes the trip a truly exclusive and personalized learning experience.

- The aim of the trip is not only to bring back home great pictures, but also to improve photographic skills, learn how to edit your work and find a personal style by exploring different kinds of photography including landscape, portrait, street, etc.
- Post-production and editing sessions at the end of each day.
- An experienced English-speaking guide / translator who will give us an introduction to the magnificent temples of Angkor and additionally help us to interact with the local people.
- A private vehicle with air conditioning
- Accommodation
- Airfares


SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS:
- A serious interest in photography;
- A digital reflex camera with all good selection of lenses (wide, standard, telephoto etc)
- Good camera proficiency is suggested but the workshop is open to all levels.
- A willingness to take pictures every day for the duration of the trip (it means for example getting up very early in the mornings to catch the best light)
- Be ready to be challenged, get close to strangers and step outside your comfort zone;
- A laptop computer with photo editing software installed (Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.0) to edit the photos at the end of each day.

 

OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Thomas Cristofoletti is an Italian freelance photographer & videographer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For the past two years he’s been working on several social video & photography projects in South East Asia for different international NGOs, and his photographs have also been featured in several international travel magazines and newspapers. His work focuses on documenting the day-to-day goings-on and traditions of the people he portrays, as well the places they live in.

He has also cofounder of www.punto14.net — a video and photo production company mainly focused on social issues based in Phnom Penh.

So far, he’s travelled and made photographic and video reports in: U.S.A., Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Peru, Turkey, Morocco, Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, Laos, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and many European countries. His work has been published in several magazines and newspapers in Italy, Spain, Russia, United Arab Emirates and France, and his photos have been exhibited in Italy, Spain, England, US and Cambodia.

www.thomascristofoletti.com

 

Alessandro Vannucci is an Italian freelance photographer & videographer based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He is specializing in travel reporting, photojournalism humanitarian and documented with photos and video projects.
For more than four years he has lived for six months a year in Siem Reap, where he continues to volunteer with other members of the NPO.
This way of life has led him to be an expert on the country and local customs.
main collaborations and pictures posted:
guardian.com, shoot4change.net, unduetrestella.eu, togetherforcambodia.com, travelloops.com, geography.org.uk, woposhu.com, top-depart.com, demotix.com, womenandgirls.tumbir.com, bibliopoems.blogspot.com, outandaboutafrica.blogspot.com, boell.de, concertcambodia.org, awhf.net, swatassist.posterous.com, wissw.dradio.com, viajeafrica.com

www.alessandrovannucci.com

 

 ITINERARIES EXTENSION

* SIEM REAP


Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap is a holy site where many locals make the pilgrimage to pray. Here you will find an interesting working pagoda with a large reclining buddha and some the best waterfalls in Cambodia.

This mountain plateau served as the capital of the first Khmer Empire for more than half a century before it relocated south to Hariharalaya, known today as Roluos. As many as 20 minor temples are found around the plateau, including Rorng Chen temple, the first pyramid built by an Angkorian King, but many of them are difficult to reach. Numerous important sites lie scattered across the mountaintop, which is accessible by foot or by car.

 

Roluos Group Temple

The Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. It has become known as the ‘Roluos Group’ due to its proximity to the modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hariharalaya was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as the Khmer capital for over 70 years under four successive kings. Setting the pattern for the next four centuries, the first great Khmer temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei) and baray (reservoir) were constructed at Hariharalaya. The last king at Hariharalaya, Yasovarman I, built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to the Bakheng area in 905 C.E. With the exception of a 20 year interruption in the 10th century, the capital would remain at Angkor until 1422 C.E., 12km southeast of Siem Reap.

After the visit to the temples we could continue to Pre Rup where we can have a spectacular view of the sunset.


*PHNOM PENH


KHMER BOXING (Saturday and Sunday only).

Every weekend, Cambodia Television Network studio hosts the matches of Neak Pradals (Cambodian Boxers), the most important sporting event for the people of Phnom Penh and a perfect place to take fantastic shoots.

Khmer boxing’s roots go way back in history, but unlike Muay Thai, this sport hasn’t any international recognition and it remains somewhat enclosed in Cambodia’s cultural bubble.
 

DAY 01: ARRIVAL – SIEM REAP 
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner and meet the professional photographer to go over the details of the following day’s photography tour.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals included: Welcome Dinner.



DAY 02: ANGKOR TEMPLES
After an early breakfast we set off for Angkor Thom entering by the Southern Gate, which is flanked by the statues of gods and demons on each side. Bayon Temple is a well known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon Temple stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom.

The Bayon Temple's most distinctive feature are the many serene faces of the massive stone heads on many of the towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. This temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. Then we heading into Baphuon, built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered mountain temple built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It is the archetypal temple of the Baphuon. In April 2011, after 51 years, the archaeologists finished the restoration of the temple. King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and Prime Minister Francois Fillon of France were among those who first toured the renovated temple during the inauguration ceremony on July 3, 2011. We continue on to another 12th century temple of Preah Palilay, which, over the years has been reclaimed by the trees.
In the afternoon you will proceed to Ta Keo, or as it is otherwise known, the Pyramid Temple, and then on to the unrestored Banteay Kdey Temple. At the end of the day you will enjoy a photo shoot at the main temple of Angkor Wat.

*End of the day activity: Introduction to the post-production and editing session.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals included: Breakfast.

 
DAY 03: ANGKOR TEMPLES
Get up early (packed breakfast provided) and head off in time to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat or Srah Srang and enjoy a photo shoot while the sun comes up, casting its beautiful golden glow on to the temple and making it an even more memorable sight. We continue to Preah Khan, a ruin built after the success of Jayavarman VII's victory over the invading Chams in 1191. Unusually the modern name, meaning "holy sword", is derived from the meaning of the original—Nagara Jayasri (holy city of victory). Then it’s off through the Victory Gate and Western Gate of Angkor Thom. The Victory Gate is about 500 metres north of the east gate; the Victory Way runs parallel to the east road to Victory Square and finishes at the Royal Palace, north of the Bayon.
In the afternoon we will be shooting at the jungle temple of Ta Promh, where the trees and vines growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature. This is also where Angelina Jolie filmed the first Tomb Raider movie, playing Lara Croft in 2000. We drive on to Pre Rup, known as the mountain temple and constructed of pieces of clay bricks, laterite and sandstone, and was erected in 961. Known as the Royal Bath, we stop for a unset shoot at Srah Srang Temple.

*End of the day activity: Post-production and editing session.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals included: Breakfast.

 
DAY 04: ANGKOR – FLOATING VILLAGE
After an early breakfast at the hotel we drive to Banteay Srei, passing through the stunning Cambodian countryside, through paddy fields with cattle and water buffalo and locals working in the fields. This temple was only discovered in 1914, memorable for the deep carvings in the beautiful pink sandstone.

In the afternoon we enjoy exploring and shooting in and around the floating village of Kompong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3,000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and it is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques. We can board a pirogue, a small flat-bottomed boat, to discover how the seasons affect the village over the 12 months of a year. From August to January the water level is still high enough to flood the forest surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake, and so the village ‘floats’, in some places, quite literally. For the remainder of the year you will not see a flooded forest but the houses of the village will appear to be standing on gigantic stilts for no reason, all of which makes a visit to this village worthwhile all year round.

 

*End of the day activity: Final Post production and editing session using the photos taken during the trip.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner.

 

DAY 05: SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH
After breakfast we transfer to the airport to take a short flight to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Note: early check will depend on the room availability.

In the afternoon we head for our first shoot at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Walls divide the palace into three main compounds. On the north side is the Silver Pagoda, to the south side is the Khemarin Palace and the central compound contains the Throne Hall. The buildings of the palace were built gradually over time, and some were dismantled and rebuilt as late as the 1960s but some of the older buildings date back to the 19th century.

The Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and bejeweled Buddha statues. Most notable is a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha known as the "Emerald Buddha" of Cambodia and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds, the largest of which weighs 25 carats. It was created in the palace workshops during 1906 and 1907; the gold Buddha weighs in at 90kg and is dressed in royal regalia commissioned by King Sisowath. During King Norodom Sihanouk's pre-Khmer Rouge reign, the Silver Pagoda was inlaid with more than 5,000 silver tiles and some of its outer facade was remodeled with Italian marble. However only a small area of these tiles are available to be viewed by the public.

After the visit to the Royal Palace we move to the Olympic Stadium, designed by Cambodia's most noted architect, Vann Molyvann, who was part of the New Khmer Architecture movement of the 1950's and 60's. At one of the magnificent courtyards of the building, we will watch people taking part in massive aerobics classes, play football, power walk and a whole array of different exercises. This is a perfect spot to capture some stunning images of a typical Cambodian slice of life by the light of the setting sun.

*End of the day activity: Final Post production and editing session using the photos taken during the trip.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Meals included: Breakfast.


DAY 06: PHNOM PENH
After breakfast we will proceed to Toul Sleng Museum and Russian market. Toul Sleng Museum was former high school, which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime from its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979; an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned at Tuol Sleng. At any one time, the prison held between 1,000–1,500 prisoners. They were repeatedly tortured and coerced into naming family members and close associates, who were in turn arrested, tortured and killed. After this, we will visit the infamous Russian Market with its huge selection of souvenirs, curios and silks, several jewelers and gold-sellers, for sure one of the best markets in town to buy fabric – and of course take some memorable images.

Later in the afternoon we will have a chance to shoot at the Orrusey Market & the Central Market, the perfect environments to practice street photography and get a chance to see how the locals really live. You can find almost anything at the Orrusey Market such as fresh food, household supplies, garden tools, electronics, accessories, clothing, decoration and much more. The Central Market or Psah Thom Thmey is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. When it first opened in 1937, it was said to be the biggest market in Asia.

*End of the day activity: Final Post production and editing session using the photos taken during the trip.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Meals included: Breakfast.

 

DAY 07: PHNOM PENH – KAMPOT
After breakfast we check out from the hotel and make our way to the little French colonial city of Kampot. The transfer will take about 2-3 hours.

Cambodia's finest pepper is produced only in Kampot. Pepper fields surround downtown Kampot. The pepper, which is almost all exported, is considered the finest pepper across the globe. It comes in 3 main varieties, black, red or green.

The salt fields (which can be visited only from December till May) are close to the ocean so that the salt water can feed the fields. The fields are then blocked from the ocean, and the water is allowed to evaporate slowly, leaving salt crystals behind. This process is repeated many times. The raw salt is then collected and piled up in warehouses in the salt fields. It is then delivered to the salt factory, where it is cleaned, Iodine is added, and packaged in 50 Kilogram bags for shipment throughout the country. We can also get some good shots of the sunset over the sea.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Kampot
Meals included: Breakfast.


DAY 08: KAMPOT – KEP
After breakfast we will check out from our hotel and transfer to Kep. On our way to the coast, we will stop to visit the caves of Phnom Ta Aun. These caves form part of a limestone formation with chimneys and intriguing rock formations, some of which are revered as shrines and adorned with pagodas and they’re one the most respected places for the locals. After this we will head to Kep to shoot at the local crab market where dozens of women buy, sell, and cook the crabs. This is another chance to shoot an authentic snapshot of Cambodian life. After checking in at your hotel will you will have free time to relax go swimming.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Kep
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.


DAY 09: KEP – PHNOM PENH – DEPARTURE
After breakfast you will be free to relax until your departure transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your flight.


Meals included: Breakfast.

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

 

  • REMARKS:

We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:

 

>> Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 60 USD/room/night
>> Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 110 USD/room/night
>> Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night.

 

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

 
Tour prices based on superior level (3 Star Hotel) 

 

Group Size Price Per Person In USD based on twin / Double roon share
6 People  US$ 872 per person
4 People  US$ 979 per person
2 People  US$ 1,489 per person


TOUR INCLUDES:

1. Entrance Fees.
To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.

 

2. Meals.
All meals as specified in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).

When the meals are not included in the program and you want to look for a good place to eat, your guide assit you and recomend a good one from our list of approved restaurants. Breakfast is usually a mixture of Western and Vietnamese cuisines. We endeavor to ensure that a choice of western and Vietnamese breakfasts is supplied; however, there may be occasions when only a Vietnamese breakfast is available in some remote locations.

 

3. Private Transfers & Airport Pick-up and drop-off.
Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as mentioned in the itinerary).

 

4. Professional Tour Guide.
As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city that will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.

 

5. Accommodation.
Hotel fees are based on double occupancy one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily Western or Vietnamese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.

 

6. Service Charge & Government Taxes.

 

7. Arrangements Fees.
The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges. 

 

8. Domestic airfare from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (1way only)
Airport Tax, Fuel Fee, Service Charge

 

TOUR EXCLUDES:

1. International Airfares, Airport Tax, Fuel Fee, Service Charge
Any International Flight or Train Tickets to enter or leave the countries.

 

2. Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos Entry Visa Fees.

 

3. Excess Baggage Charges.
Passengers holding an adult fare or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg, for economy class. Total weight of carryon baggage for each passenger may not exceed 5kg. The size may not exceed 20x40x 55cm.

 

4. Personal Expenses.
Expenses of a purely personal nature such as Tips and gratuities, laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.

 

5. Meals.
Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.

 

6. Single Room Supplement.


7. Travel Insurance.


8. Payment fees.

  

The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen., but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.

Note: Our first choice for each level of accommodation has been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.
   

LOCATION

HOTEL NAME

STAR RATING

ROOM TYPE 

------------    Superior Level (3*)    --------------

Phnom Penh   Lux Riverside  3*  Superior 
Phnom Penh Cara Hotel 3* Superior
Phnom Penh Salita Hotel 3* Superior
Phnom Penh   Anise Hotel 3*  Superior 
Siem Reap Prum Bayon 3* Superior 
Siem Reap Stung Siem Reap 3* Superior 
Siem Reap Angkor Home 3*  Superior  
Siem Reap Saem Siem Reap 3*   Superior  
Siem Reap Casa Angkor 3*  Superior 
Kep The Beach House  3*   Superior
Kep Nibbana Resort 3* Superior 
Kep Palm House  3*   Superior
Kampot Kampot Diamond  3*  Superior 
Kampot  The Columns Hotel 3*  Superior 
Kampot Rikitikitavi 3* Superior  

 --------------     Deluxe Level (4*)     --------------

 Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Hotel 4* Superior 
 Phnom Penh Amanjaya Pancam   4* Junior Suite Room 
 Phnom Penh Sunway  4* Superior 
Phnom Penh   Himawari  4*  Superior  
Phnom Penh  Queen Hotel   4*  Superior 
 Siem Reap Tara Angkor 4*  Superior 
Siem Reap  Angkor Miracle 4*  Deluxe Poolview 
Siem Reap  Angkor Paradise 4*   Superior
Siem Reap  Borei Angkor 4*  Superior 
Siem Reap Shinta Mani 4* Superior 

 --------------    Luxury Level (5*)    --------------

Phnom Penh  Raffle Le Royal   5*  Stateroom 
 Phnom Penh Sofitel Phnom Penh 5*  Superior 
Phnom Penh Intercontinental 5*   Superior 
Siem Reap Victoria Angkor 5*  Superior 
Siem Reap Raffles Grand D´Angkor 5*  Superior 
Siem Reap Sofitel Phokeetra 5*  Superior 
Siem Reap Park Hyatt 5*   Superior 
Siem Reap Le Meridien 5*  Superior 
--------------    Boutiques & Resorts    --------------
Phnom Penh   The Plantation  4*   Superior  
Phnom Penh   White Mansion 4*   Superior 
 Phnom Penh The Governor´s House 5*   Superior 
 Phnom Penh The Villa Paradiso  4*   Superior 
Phnom Penh La Rose 4*   Superior 
Phnom Penh La Maison d´Ambre 4*   Superior 
Siem Reap Navutu Dreams  4*  Explorer Room 
Siem Reap  Memoires D´Angkor 4*  Superior 
Siem Reap Mulberry  4*  Suite 
Siem Reap Natura Resort 4* Villa
Siem Reap La Residence D' Angkor   5*  Superior  
Siem Reap The Sothea 5* Superior  
Kep Veranda Natural Resort 4* Superior  
Kep Knai Bang chatt 4* Superior  
Kep Villa Romonea 4* Superior  
Kampot Nataya Resort 4*  Superior 

 

    Related Tours:
Powered by Travelloops
Powered by Travelloops