Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The star attraction among World Heritage Sites—Angkor Wat—has always been a must-visit destination for many travelers. However, many visitors leave without capturing breathtaking or enduring images, which is often a great disappointment. To solve 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 and diverse beauty of Cambodia through their lenses.
Capturing aerial views of Angkor Wat is no longer just a dream. (Image provided by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.)
The basic “Angkor Photo Adventure” tour starts at $1,400 USD (approximately NT$43,000), and includes two nights of luxury hotel accommodation 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-famous Angkor temples. In addition, participants can learn how to use the latest photo editing software under expert guidance to perfect their precious memories.
Each “Angkor Photo Adventure” tour is unique, offering travelers an insight into Cambodia’s rich culture and distinctive environment. The hotel concierge can also arrange exclusive paid add-on services to help find the perfect photo spots. Travelers can ride elephants along the gentle Siem Reap River, take a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Angkor temple complex, or enjoy a relaxing bike tour along tree-lined boulevards in the city, admiring charming 19th-century French colonial shophouse architecture.
Carla Petzold-Beck, General Manager of La Résidence d'Angkor, said the tours will take adventurous travelers to some hard-to-reach, untouched areas. Experienced photographers will also share their knowledge, offer advice on shooting angles, and reveal some lesser-known industry techniques during the photo editing process.
During the tour, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, travelers will board a longtail boat to begin their photography journey, visiting Kompong Phuk, a riverside community on the edge of Southeast Asia’s largest lake—Tonlé Sap. Here, they can observe how villagers live in their stilt houses that sway gently over the water. Guides will then lead travelers along the riverbanks to observe flora and fauna, providing excellent photo opportunities.
At noon, travelers can enjoy a picnic with scenic backdrops, followed by a private canoe trip to explore the hidden “water forest.” The reflections of semi-submerged trees in the water create a mesmerizing scene that photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. Other highlights include visiting local markets, where vendors in vibrant attire and a colorful array of goods make for ideal photo subjects. For more details, visit the official website of Orient-Express Hotels.
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A photograph by John McDermott titled “The West Gate – Angkor,” taken at the west gate of Angkor near La Résidence d’Angkor, is currently on display at the hotel’s Martini Bar. (Image provided by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.)