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Photo Tour at Ground Level (11 days)
FROM: $999
US$ 1,955 per person (based on a group of 2 people)
US$ 1,274 per person (based on a group of 4 people)
US$ 999 per person (based on a group of 6 people)

Code: E-CTHPH0002
Tour Style: Photography
Duration: 11 Days
Difficulty Comfort Exclusivity

A journey through the ancient and modern Cambodia for 12 days exploring the wonders of the temples of Angkor, some of the most iconic places around Siem Reap as well as being witness the rural Cambodian lifestyle at Battambang. Landscape, portrait and street photography will be just some of the photographic styles we will practice during this 12 days tour.

 

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: Siem Reap Arrival – Sunset in Angkor Wat
Day 02: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 03: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 04: Siem Reap - Phnom Kulen National Park, Kyunghyu
Day 05: Siem Reap – Pksar Krom - Bakong
Day 06: Siem Reap - Beng Mealea- Kompong Phluk
Day 07: Siem Reap - Battambang
Day 08: Battambang
Day 09: Battambang - Phnom Penh
Day 10: Phnom Penh
Day 11: 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.

 

Best travel time:
There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.

 

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 Siem Reap - Arrival
Morning arrival in Bangkok to stop over before taking a connecting flight to Siem Reap (50 min. Flight). Meeting at the airport by our local representative and transfer to hotel. Siem Reap has had incredible growth in recent years, driven by the growing influx of tourists. Once conglomerate of rural villages, it is today the "service center" of Angkor. The old town still retains the charm of the colonial French, along with a picturesque river and numerous pagodas. Lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon visit the picturesque town. Before sunset we will enter in the archaeological site of Angkor, the largest in the world, to admire and photograph the sunset at Angkor Wat, a symbol of Cambodia.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Welcome dinner. 


Day 02 Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Breakfast and departure early in tuk tuk to Angkor (7 km), the largest archaeological site in the world and the cradle of Khmer civilization. Visit of the fortified city of Angkor Thom (XII century) and its temples, chief among them the mysterious Bayon, with its 54 spiers gothic embellished with 216 faces oriented toward the 4 cardinal points, representing the enigmatic face of the king JayavarmanVII. Impressive also the quantity and the quality of the bas-reliefs that tell epic battles and scenes of everyday life. We will continue with the visit of the pyramidal Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, and PreahPalilay small but charming little temple frequented by tourists. For lunch we return to town.
In the afternoon we will visit the Ta Keo, elegant unfinished temple of the eleventh century, the little-frequented Bantey Kdey, to end the day and enjoy the sunset all'Angkor Wat (XI century), the largest religious building in the world, famous not only for bloated size also for the amazing bas-reliefs (1,200 square meters).Return to Siem Reap.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & lunch. 

 

Day 03 Siem Reap - Angkor Temples.
After breakfast we go back inside Angkor, to complete the visit of the archaeological site.
Let's start with the labyrinthine Preah Khan (XII century), second in size only all'Angkor Wat,
and we conclude the morning visiting the picturesque East Gate and West Gate, the monumental gates of Angkor Thom East and West. For lunch we return to town.
In the afternoon we move towards the Ta Prohm (XII century), a fascinating temple surrounded by jungle and surmounted by the roots of huge trees and creepers. We continue with a visit to Sra Srang, huge tub for washing public (800 x 400m), and closed the day climbing on the Pre Rup temple-mountain to watch the sunset.Return to Siem Reap.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & lunch. 

 

Day 04 Siem Reap - Phnom Kulen National Park - Kyunghyu
The whole day is dedicated to visiting the Phnom Kulen National Park, which includes one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Cambodia. After breakfast we will go by car or minivan (50 km). We will visit the Buddhist temple perched on a rock 40 meters high with a large reclining Buddha inside, the most sacred and important place of pilgrimage for Cambodians, and we will relax bathing underneath a wonderful and impressive waterfall. Packed Lunches. Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon. Before sunset we move into an area called by locals "Kyunghyu." Amusement park and meeting place for the Cambodians, who love to get together with friends and family to eat any work type of street food, bought in the stalls and tasted
Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon,

 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & dinner. 

 

Day 05 Phsar Krom - Bakong
Early breakfast, to visit the local market Psa Krom in the midst of turmoil. The fish caught at night in the nearby Tonle Sap Lake is brought here at dawn, and until mid-morning you can watch the lively purchase and sale of the locals.
By mid-morning we travel by tuk tuk in a village a few kilometers from Siem Reap, where we will have lunch in a house Cambodian and try authentic local cuisine. After a little 'relaxation and after visiting the village and its activities, we will move in the temple of Rulous, particularly admire his undisputed jewel in all its splendor, the Bakong Temple. The warm and soft light of sunset allow us to take memorable photographs. High probability of encountering several monks, always available for a chat and be photographed, being the temple adjacent to an ancient Buddhist pagoda.


Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast. 

 

Day 06 Beng Mealea - Kompong Phluk
After breakfast we move tuk tuk with the goal Beng Malea (XII century), a huge temple complex completely invaded by the violence of nature, with roots and vines that have now taken over the temple, a true exploratory experience. After lunch we stop to visit the stunning village on stilts Kompong Pluk. Due to the increase in volume up to 10 times of the Tonle Sap lake towards the end of the rainy season, all the fishing villages adjacent to it are built on stilts as high as 6-7 meters. The village has not yet been invaded by mass tourism, and the only one trip to get there will be an unforgettable experience. Between the village and the lake in a canoe, you can visit the picturesque floodplain forest, and photograph to return the sunset.
Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.

 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast. 

 

Day 07 Siem Reap - Battambang
After breakfast we will depart by boat to Battambang (about 8-10 hours, depending on the water level). Along the way we pass continuously among floating villages, villages on stilts and rural views. Picnic lunch on the boat. Arrival in Battambang in the late afternoon, hotel accommodation with swimming pool,

 

Overnight in Battambang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner. 

 

Day 08 Battambang
Elegant riverside town boasts a host of French colonial buildings and some of the most beautiful rice fields around the country. In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will make a brief but curious excursion on the famous "bamboo train". The train is actually a bamboo platform with a small internal combustion engine still used by the inhabitants of the villages adjacent to reach the city, and we will allow photographers to penetrate into the heart of the countryside, in the middle of rice paddies and water buffalo.
We will then move in tuk tuk to find out how local families prepare homemade sheets of rice for food, and visit the former Pepsi factory, closed in the early 70s due to the civil war and never reopened. Numerous machines and thousands of bottles are still inside. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit Wat Ek Phnom Wat Phnom or Sampeau or the old wooden houses. Towards sunset stroll along the bustling river, full of French colonial houses. Return to hotel,

 

Overnight in Battambang
Meals: Breakfast,lunch & dinner. 
 


Day 09 Battambang - Phnom Penh
Morning departure to Phnom Penh (5 hours, buses with air conditioning), but full of fascinating contradictions capital of Cambodia. Packed Lunches during the trip. Phnom Penh, a metropolis of nearly two million inhabitants, is situated at the confluence of three rivers. Once called the "Pearl of Asia," noted everywhere the hand of the French colonization, the elegant and vast boulevards, the old colonial houses.
Accommodation at the hotel. In the afternoon visit to the Royal Palace: the Throne Room, the Silver Pagoda and the house of iron donated to King Norodom by Napoleon III, are among the most important buildings and fascinating.
We move then walk to the nearby National Museum of Cambodia, where we will see the most beautiful pieces of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian periods.
Return to hotel,


Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast & lunch. 

 

Day 10 Phnom Penh
After breakfast visit to the Psa Thmei, the huge central market in Phnom Penh, most famous for the giant art deco-style building that houses it. We offer many photographic possibilities, from the bustling fish market to the very popular stalls selling local crafts.
In the late morning visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, better known as S21. Once school was ridestinata by Pol Pot in a maximum security prison, where more than 17,000 people were tortured and killed during the Khmer Rouge regime in the second half of the '70s.
After lunch at a brasserie along the river, you can enjoy shopping at the Russian Market, filled with stalls of all kinds, from clothing to antiques. Although it is also a tourist market, the central food is very photogenic, thanks to the many shafts of light that penetrate the tents of the ceiling.
We end the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong, which will allow us to see the silhouette of the royal palace with the sun setting behind. Return to hotel,


Overnight in Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast & lunch. 

 

Day 11 Phnom Penh -  Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the International Airport for taking the next flight home or to the next destination.

 

Meals: Breakfast. 

 

Ending of Service!

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$ 999 per person
4 People      US$ 1,137 per person
2 People      US$ 1,523 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. 

  

TOUR EXCLUDES:

1. International/Domestic 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 
Battambang Stung Sangke  3*   Superior
Battambang Khemara Battambang I  3* Superior 
Battambang Holiday Hotel 3* Superior 
Battambang King Fy Hotel 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  
Battambang Bambu Battambang  4*  Superior  
Battambang Battambang Resort  4*   Superior 
Battambang Phka Villa 4*  Superior 
Battambang Au Cabaret Vert 4*  Superior 

 

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