By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The star destination among World Heritage Sites—Angkor Wat—has long been on the bucket lists of many travelers. However, visiting Angkor Wat without capturing breathtaking or timeless photos is often a regrettable experience for many. To address this, La Résidence d'Angkor, a Cambodian hotel under Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., has partnered with several local professional photographers, including award-winning art photographer John McDermott, to launch a series of unique photography tours. These allow travelers to explore the World Heritage Site while capturing the vibrant beauty of Cambodia through their lenses.
Capturing the beauty of Angkor Wat from above is no longer just a dream. (Image provided by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.)
The basic “Angkor Photo Adventure” tour starts at USD 1,400 (approximately TWD 43,000), which includes two nights of luxury accommodation at the hotel with breakfast, a one-day guided tour with a professional photographer, and a three-day pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park, covering visits to the world-renowned Angkor temples. In addition, participants can learn the latest photo editing software under expert guidance to perfect their cherished images.
Each “Angkor Photo Adventure” itinerary is unique, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in Cambodia’s rich culture and distinctive environment. The hotel concierge can also arrange exclusive paid add-ons to help find the perfect shooting spots. Travelers can ride elephants along the gentle Siem Reap River, take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the iconic Angkor temple complex, or enjoy a leisurely bike tour along tree-lined boulevards to admire charming 19th-century French colonial shop-houses.
Carla Petzold-Beck, General Manager of La Résidence d'Angkor, said the tour will take curious travelers to some hard-to-reach, untouched areas. Experienced photographers will also share their knowledge, offer advice on the best angles, and reveal some industry secrets during the photo editing process.
During the tour, after a hearty breakfast, travelers will board a longtail boat to begin their photographic journey to Kompong Phuk, a water village on the edge of Southeast Asia’s largest lake—Tonlé Sap. Here, they can observe how villagers live in their floating stilt houses. Guides will then lead them along the riverbanks to observe flora and fauna, providing excellent photo opportunities.
At noon, travelers can enjoy a picnic with scenic views, followed by a private canoe trip to explore the hidden “waterforest.” The reflections of semi-submerged trees in the water create a captivating scene that photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. Other highlights include visiting local markets, where vendors in colorful attire and an array of goods offer ideal subjects for photography. For more details, visit the official website of Orient-Express Hotels.
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A heritage mini-trip you can complete in just 5 hours !
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A work by photographer John McDermott titled “The West Gate – Angkor.” Shot at the western gate of Angkor near La Résidence d’Angkor, the photo is currently on display at the hotel’s Martini Bar. (Image provided by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.)