Discover the very best that the province of Siem Reap has to offer: From the splendour of Angkor Wat to the ruins of the Jungle Temple of Beng Mealea. We explore countryside and lake to give a taste of the real Cambodia from a photography perspective.
Transfer to hotel from Airport/ bus station. Free time (unguided) we can arrange for car /tuk tuk for those arriving during the day (additional charge).
We start with briefing at 07:30 and drive to Wat Bo one of the oldest of the local pagodas. We can view and photograph some the Buddhist monks here. You will find a 24-70 mm lens ideal for the photography of the monks and artisans. There is a small museum here and you can often see musicians practicing and monks praying before their lunch. We cross the river to the old French Colonial part of Siem Reap Town. We visit the local Psah Leu (upper Market) There is plenty of chance for atmospheric photos here. Bring a fast lens for the dark interior if you have one! (if you have Nikon or Canon I have a fast 50mm lens for you to use).
We enjoy a lunch at a Khmer restaurant and drive to one of the unseen wonders of Angkor: Baray Teuk Thla. The Western Baray is an immense reservoir over 8kms long and over 2 kms wide. It was the most important part of the vast irrigation system that formed the basis of the Agriculture that the Khmer Empire economy was based on. You will see the massive earth banks of the reservoir, the small beach resort on the sandy shore. You will have the opportunity to take a boat ride out to the small island temple in the middle; used as a Khmer style picnic spot.
We continue to Me Chreay a nearby village known for the use of traditional style buffalo carts. A short cart ride is a fun way to see the villagers, farmers and fishermen; who are often casting nets into the canals that run through the village. We usually see the farmers with livestock returning to the village at sundown. This can give stunning images of the dusty farmers and cattle backlit by the setting sun with a backdrop of sugar palms.
We start at 7am, to look at some of the less well known sites near the South gate of Angkor Thom and take you to unusual viewpoints of the moat and gateway. We proceed to The Bayon; with its stone faces which have become some of the defining images of Khmer Kingdom. We visit the spectacular Baphoun temple, which was re-opened in mid 2011 after 50+ years of restoration. The views from the upper galleries are impressive. To the rear of this temple is an incomplete but impressive reclining Buddha 70 metres long. We continue through the forest to the Royal Palace complex, Phimineakas pyramid and the Royal Pools Sras Srei. We take a look at a small pagoda where Buddhists blessed by water. We finish up the morning at the Elephants and Leper King terraces, to see hidden reliefs unearthed during 20th Century restorations.We break off for lunch and optional image editing session. or you can relax and enjoy the pool at our hotel.
We return in the mid afternoon for Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th Century was the masterpiece of the Hindu King Suryavarman II. It’s the largest Religious monument in the World. It is surrounded a vast moat 1600m x 1200m representing the celestial oceans. It has magnificent architecture, vast open spaces; reflecting pools, astounding bas reliefs and fine sculpture. The 5 lotus flower towers at its centre symbolize the 5 peaks of the mythical Mount Meru.
5am pick up for Sunrise; at Angkor before moving to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm early to avoid the crowds. We take you to see spectacular and sinister root systems growing through the ruins. We visit areas which are unseen by most of the visitors here. We continue to nearby Banteay Kdei a smaller and less visited temple, which is a delight to explore and photograph.
After Lunch we visit Preah Khan. It’s the second largest temple in the Angkor Group. We take in the little visited South Gate and atmospheric parts of this huge temple complex that relatively few people visit. Preah Khan and has a maze of passages and courtyards leading to the Halls of the dancers and the north east quadrant; one of my favourite areas with naga balustrades and a unique 2 story round columned building. The East Gopura has the most spectacular tree in temple shots at Angkor. We will be working in some confined dark places, so a fast wide-angle lens will be useful. We may be lucky and catch a dramatic sunset over the Angkor Thom South Gate on the way back to Siem Reap.
We have a 7am departure to the lake villages of Kompong Khleang. It is a fabulous place to practice portraiture of people in their environment. We drive to the small town of Dam Dek and drive via a local market to the Villages of Kompong Khleang. We take a boat cruise past the impressive stilt houses that line the riverbanks along ancient causeways, which flood in the rainy season. A highlight is the floating fish market. We have lunch in a typical stilt house village home of our boat owner. It’s a working home son you will see life as it is and not something put on for general tourists.
Then, with just a pleasant one-hour drive through local countryside - we'll arrive at what many people say is the highlight of the tour; the incredible jungle temple of Beng Mealea. This largely un-restored temple is in much the same condition when it was re-discovered. It is a wonderfully atmospheric temple with ample shade, vegetation and individual opportunity to explore it's hidden treasures.
Back to Siem Reap late afternoon
Explore Siem Reap by night and learn photographic techniques that best capture scenes after dark. You’ll learn from a professional photographer who will then guide you through Siem Reap as you take ...
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Ta Poul areas, Old French Quarter , Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Rei Angkor Boutique offers spacious Khmer-style accommodations in the heart of Siem Reap. It welcomes guests with an outdoor pool and free WiFi access throughout the property. Free parking is also available. Staff are able to converse in Khmer and English.
Fitted with wooden flooring and Cambodian golden wood furnishings, rooms feature a flat-screen TV with international channels and a large bathroom equipped with bathtub and shower facilities, including a toothbrush and toothpaste set. Certain rooms come with tea/coffee making facilities, while slippers are provided in all rooms. Room service is available round-the-clock.
Guests can rejuvenate in a soothing spa treatment or traditional massages. Staff can assist you with laundry services, airport transfers and car/bicycle rentals. Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services.
A refreshing cocktail or glass of wine can be enjoyed at the on-site bar. Rei Restaurant serves up Cambodian cuisines as well as a wide selection of other Asian and international dishes. For your convenience, Union Pay is accepted here.
Rei Angkor Boutique is 700 m from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market, while the famous Angkor Wat - a UNESCO World Heritage Site is 6.7 km away. The Royal Residence is just 1.4 km away, while Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport is 7.7 km from the property. Rei Angkor Boutique offers complimentary pickup service from the airport or bus station.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Angkor High School Road, Sangkat Salakomroeuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nestled within lush green gardens, Mane Boutique Hotel & Spa offers peaceful and elegant accommodation with free WiFi access in its public areas. It features an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, fitness centre and spa facilities.
The hotel is about 800 m from Angkor Trade Centre and 1 km from the famous Pub Street. Siem Reap International Airport is within 9 km away, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 7.1 km away. The property offers complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services.
Furnished with a collection of Cambodia antiques and artwork that include personal collections passed down from generations, air-conditioned rooms and suites come with a desk, in-room safe, a flat-screen satellite TV and sofa seating area. The en suite bathroom includes hairdryer, slippers and shower facility.
At Mane Boutique Hotel, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or rent a motorbike/car to explore the vicinity. The friendly 24-hour front desk staff can assist with laundry services, tour excursions and shuttle arrangements.
The in-house restaurant serves a delectable spread of local and Western dishes. After-meal drinks are available at the bar.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Mane Boutique Hotel & Spa has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 28 Nov 2014.
Hotel Rooms: 18
Banteay Chas Village, Slokram Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Strategically located in Siem Reap, Laysung Angkor Boutique offers modern and comfortable accommodations with free WiFi access in its public areas. It features an outdoor pool and provides complimentary airport pickup upon request.
The property is just 0.7 mi from Royal Residence and 0.9 mi from the famous Pub Street. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 3.9 mi away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within a 5.6 mi drive.
Offering pool views from the balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, a wardrobe, in-room safe, seating area, a fridge and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathroom includes a bathtub, shower facility, bathrobes and free toiletries.
At Laysung Angkor Boutique, guests may rent a bicycle/car to explore the area and visit nearby attractions. Friendly staff can assist with luggage storage, laundry and massage services. Free parking space is available for guests who drive.
Enjoy alfresco dining at the in-house restaurant, where guests can sample a delectable spread of local dishes. Meals can also be served in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Neelka Way, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Nestled within private gardens, Angkor Rendezvous Villa offers accommodation in the Svay Dangkum area of Siem Reap. It features an indoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
It is 2.7 km to the vibrant Pub Street. The Happy Ranch Horse Farm is 1.1 km from Angkor Rendezvous Villa, while Kravan Temple is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 6 km from Angkor Rendezvous Villa. The property offers complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services to the city centre.
Air-conditioned rooms also have a fan option. The seating area is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, sofa and a minibar. The en suite bathroom includes shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Free use of bicycles is offered for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
No.125, Sala Komroeuk Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, Udaya Residence offers accommodations in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throuhgout the property.
It is 1.2 mi to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat temple complex is 5.6 mi from Udaya Residence while Artisans Angkor is 1.4 mi away. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8.1 mi from the property. The property offers complimentary pickup services from the airport, bus station or boat pier.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. Some units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. An private bathroom features slippers and toothbrushes.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycles can be rented for guests wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, guests can indulge in in-house massage treatments. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Wat Damnak Krom 10, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Nestled within private tropical gardens, Rambutan Hotel - Siem Reap offers gay-friendly accommodations just 450 m from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. It features an outdoor saltwater swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 300 m to the vibrant Siem Reap Art Center Night Market and King's Road Angkor. Angkor Wat is 7.9 km from Rambutan Hotel - Siem Reap. The nearest airport, Siem Reap International Airport is 9.5 km from the property. Airport transfers and shuttle services are available at additional charges.
Air-conditioned standard villas offer split-level accommodation with private balconies that open up to views of the garden, swimming pool or surrounding area. One floor is fitted with a bed and an en suite bathroom while a separate living room is located on the other.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange and ticketing services.
Rambutan Hotel's in-house restaurant offers a variety of local flavours, as well as Western cuisine.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mrs. Mónica Dias
Country: Portugal
City: Lisboa
N.of Person: 12 pax
Travel date: 2024-11-23
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
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