Preah Khan temple

On September 28, 2017 / Cambodia, Preah Khan

Preah Khan, temple of the sacred sword

Preah Khan of Angkor, not to be mistaken with Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, is one of the most beautiful and underrated temple within the Angkor archaeological park. Although Angkor Wat is the most impressive in term of architecture and symmetry it lacks some atmosphere.

When you visit Preah Khan, you will have the feeling of being one of the first explorers wandering within the narrow corridors, courtyards and concealed chambers. The walls of this ancient site boast an extraordinary palette, adorned with various shades of green, black, and red, courtesy of the diverse lichen and moss species. Colors are changing also with the seasons making this temple an ever changing playground for photographers. It is one the rare temple in Angkor worth exploring with your camera under the rain

This temple, commissioned in 1191, is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, one of the most charismatic Khmer king who built also the famous temples of Ta Prohm and Bayon. It is also known as the temple of the sacred sword, and dedicated to the father of Jayavarman VII (divinity Jayavarmesvara). The temple was a monastic city dedicated to teaching and of course a place of devotion. A stele discovered in 1939 by Maurice Glaize gave away many information for example 100,000 people were living on site, including 1000 teachers. We also learned that the temple was built on the battle site where Jayavarman VII defeated the Cham army. 60 tons of gold inlays were believed to be in the temple making an unique treasure in the 12th century.

Preah Khan | Temple layout

The temple was built on a flat ground oriented East to West, with a naga bridge on both side (most visitors enter via the west entrance). There are also two other entrances on the north and south of the temple, the later one not been used. The temple complex spread on 56 hectares with 4 concentric enclosures. It has 72 garudas (mythical bird-man),holding two nagas, all spread around the outer wall. The 40 meters wide moat is full of water all year around although some sections are dry during the months of April and May.

Preah Khan temple map (Maurice Glaize)

Preah Khan temple central sanctuary under heavy rain

Lotus flowers and candles at the central sanctuary’s stupa

Preah Khan temple | Conservation work

Past

The first conservation work was carried out by Henri Marchal from the EFEO between 1927 and 1932. After the war, conservation works was resumed by the WMF (Word Monument Fund) with a series in missions in 1991,1992, 1993 and 1994. In the 90’s, archeologists described the temple as a partial ruin deep in the jungle. Beside the consolidation and the restoration of many structures, an important goal of all these missions was to train Khmer people in conservation.

Like many temples of Angkor, Preah Khan suffered from looting during the Khmer rouge regime. By looking at archive pictures and footage you can see that a lot of statues are missing now. For example the two guardians at the west gopura still had their head in 1968 and a lion was still standing before the platform.The naga bridge on the east side just have half of giant face left out of the original 108…. Not so long ago, in 1993 and 1996, thieves tried to steal stone heads of Asura but fortunately got stopped.

Current

In 1996, WMF launched the Adopt a Garuda program. With a donation of USD 25,000 a garuda can be completely restored. The program is quite successful as in 2009, 27 of the 72 have been restored so far. Preah Khan is actually part of a larger WMF program which includes also Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng.

The project of dismantlement and reconstruction of of a small building close to the central sanctuary which a had a dead tree on top of it is now over. Although it is small building several hundreds of number sandstone blocks are laying on the ground ready to be put together like a puzzle which gives an idea of the daunting task of the workers who worked in the temple in the 90’s.

The visitor center was completely dismantled in 2017 and a new one is under construction at the same location. The previous building hosted some interesting information panels about the restoration work of the 90’s as well as some large pictures.

A major conservation work is on pause on the east entrance by the Archaeological Survey of India for many years now aims at restoring two of the three towers.

Visit highlights

Preah Khan has many locations to explore, you should plan a 1 h 1/2 to 2 h to cross the temple from West to East especially if you are taking pictures. Among the highlights are the stupa at the central sanctuary, a linga with its yoni, the hall of dancers, the biggest strangler fig in Angkor beside the east gopura, the 2-story pavilion, the baray on the east leading to Neak Pean and Ta Som. If you want to see the secret chambers it is recommended to hire a guide as they are difficult to find.

Narrow passage between two chapels

Elderly nun ready to give blessing, she is 81 years old and a long time resident of the temple

Group of monks in with the double stories pavilion in the background

The two stories pavilion has an unique architecture in Angkor

Devata in a narrow corridor

Demon pulling the naga snake snake on the west causeway

strangler fig growing on a wall

REFLECTIONS

Flooded corridor during the monsoon season

Gopura with giant stone guardians

Apsara dancers ornements in the hall of dancers

Devata (Queen Indradevi)

Crumbling headless statue of an Asura

Hidden Devata (Queen Jayarajadevi)

Monk exiting a secret chamber

Buddha carving covered in moss

Hidden guardian with flowers offering

Preah Khan Jayatataka

One of the standing lion at the eastern gopura

Nature and sandstone intertwined

Beams of light of the forest

Hidden Devata

The biggest tree (Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br. Datiscaceae) in Preah Khan, facing west

The biggest tree of the temple growing on the eastern gopura

Unfortunately the beautiful tree above (Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br. Datiscaceae) has been cut in 2020 and now just a shadow if itself:(

Angkor Complete

Angkor Sunrise

10 Fun Facts to Know About Angkor Wat Temple

On July 24, 2017 / Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat temple, architectural masterpiece of the Khmer Empire, situated near Siem Reap in North-western Cambodia is one of the most visited temple in the world (more than 2 million visitors in 2016). Here are 10 fun facts below about Angkor Wat temple.

1. The central tower of Angkor Wat is aligned with sunrise twice a year in March and September during the winter and spring equinox.

angkor wat sunrise spring equinox photography tours

Angkor Wat sunrise Spring equinox (March 2016)

2. The artificial moat surrounding the temple provides stability to the structure by keeping constant the humidity of the sandy ground below.

3. Contrary to the other Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is facing West.

4. Angkor Wat counts about 1700 delicate carvings of topless celestial dancers called Devatas.

5. The first pictures of Angkor Wat were taken in 1866 by John Thomson.

6. Angkor Wat was during the 12th century the largest city on Earth with an estimated population of nearly 1,000,000.

7. Angkor Wat has four entrances but only the west and the east are accessible.

8. Angkor Wat was built as heaven on earth with its fives towers representing Mont Meru and its moat the ocean.

9. Since 2013, you can visit the entire temple complex of Angkor Wat from your smartphone using Google Street View.

10. Angkor Wat central sanctuary is made of an iron core (coming from laterite, a porous stone containing iron oxide).

Dragon Monks of Cambodia

On July 15, 2017 / buddhism, Cambodia, monks

While leading a photography tour with one of my guest in the Cambodian countryside, we unexpectedly stumbled upon a unusual Buddhist ceremony at a local pagoda: many families were there busy preparing offering and several young Cambodian boys with shaved heads were wearing colorful dresses and make-up. One of them was actually crying.

We learned later that this 2-day ceremony was inspired by the Dragon Monk Legend: a long time ago, a dragon (Neak in Khmer language) who took the form of a man was ordained monk by Buddha. While taking a nap, the monk changed back to dragon and the trick was discovered. The legend lived until this day as the ceremony of the dragon is taking place when a Cambodian man wants to become a monk either for few years or longer.

We were lucky to be the only outsiders taken pictures of this ceremony of the 9 monks to be ordained. Future monks had their head and eyebrows shaved and were dressed up with the with a colorful sampot (an ancient long traditional saron) and a lace top along with some jewellery. They also applied lipstick to make themselves more beautiful, something which can be seen in the temples of Angkor done by locals on some Buddha and Devata statues.

At one point of the ceremony, beautiful horses were brought in and monks rode them to take part of a procession going back to the city few miles away. Some women carried colorful boxes containing the robe of the monks that they will be wearing the next day.

When back from the city, a large crowd did a circumambulation (3 times) before entering the pagoda where the monks were been ordained by higher monks.

If you are visiting Siem Reap and want to document this special Buddhist ceremony please get in touch with us.

Dragon monks praying Buddha

Dragon monk in a colorful pagoda

A soon to be ordained monk adjusting his colorful sampot

Khmer family dressing session in pagoda

Dragon monk wearing a pink sampot

Young dragon monk wearing a lace top outfit

Dragon monk posing with his offerings

Dragon monk dressed with a sampot in the monastery

The nine to be ordained monks kneeling and praying

Elderly Cambodian women at the Dragon ceremony

Elderly Cambodian woman in front of a colorful pagoda mural

Colorful box containing the robe of a future monk

Procession going from the pagoda to the city on foot

Dragon monk riding a colorful horse on his way to the city

Dragon monk riding a colorful horse on his way to the city

Monk waiting by the pagoda’s entrance

Young Cambodian kid with colorful paint on his face

Crowd gathered in front of the pagoda for the final ceremony

The enigmatic temple of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

On May 26, 2017 / blog, Cambodia

Preah Khan of Kompong Svay (not be mistaken with Preah Khan temple in Angkor), also called Prasat Bakan by the locals, is a remote archeological site located 100 km from Siem Reap as the crow flies in Preah Vihear province at the eastern end on the ancient royal road from Angkor.

Preah Khan is the single biggest temple complex built during the Khmer Empire occupying an impressive footprint of about 22 kilometers square, 11 times larger than Angkor Wat and 2 times larger than the city of Angkor Thom. Because of its remote location (more than 200 km one way from Siem Reap including about 70 km of unpaved road) it receives less than 10 visitors daily.

The layout of the temple is unique compared to the other sites in Angkor as it is oriented northeast. It has been proposed that the temple is aligned with the raising sun during thee summer solstice.

A large baray of 3 km long lies on the east with a temple called Preah Thkol in the middle similar to the West Mebon in Angkor. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries in different stages during the reigns of Kings Suryavarman I, II and Jayavarman VII. The influence of Jayarvaman VII is clearly visible in Prasat Preah Stun which has with a four-faced tower similar to the Bayon temple (see picture below).

Rediscovery

The rediscovery of Preah Khan is credited to French explorer and artist Louis Delaporte who lead a expedition there in 1873. At the end of their visit they took many statues which are now at the Guimet museum in Paris : among them, a naga garuda and an elephant statue from Preah Damrei (see picture below).

Because of its remote location and lack of security, the site was badly sacked during the 1980’s and 1990’s and even more recently in 2003. Even so, some beautiful pieces like doors and lintels are still there. The causeway crossing the moat (mostly dry like in Beng Mealea) has many garuda carvings on both sides.

Exploring the site can be quite difficult because of the dense vegetation there and the absence of clear paths.

Recent archeological missions

The Cambodian Archaeological Lidar Initiative (CALI) known for his groundbreaking discovery of the first Khmer empire city, Mahendravarpata, in Phnom Kulen and in 2014 did a survey of Preah Khan in 2015 and confirmed the previous layout of the temple. They confirmed that Preah Khan was an important iron smelting center at the height of the Khmer Empire. 90 structures were identified within the four enclosures of the temple.

Another project called The Two Buddhist Towers lead by a multidisciplinary team of researchers (UCLA, University of Illinois, University College London, EFEO,…) aims to study the transition from Mahāyāna to Theravāda Buddhism at Preah Khan did some excavations in 2015 and 2016. Three Chinese coins dating from the 10th and 11th century were found confirming the importance of his site during the Khmer Empire.

LIDAR image of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

Main entrance of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

Buddha niche at Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Atmospheric entrance in Preah Kompong Svay

Garudas below the main bridge of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

The same garuda bridge by Louis Delaporte in 1873

Remain of a lion statue

preah khan kompong svay photography tour

Laterite towers in Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Beautiful door at the main temple of Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Temple ruin in preah khan kompong svay second enclosure

One of the two elephant statues remaining statue at Preah Damrei. Louis Delaporte took one back to France in 1873.

Bayon like temple in Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Beautiful Naga with Garuda at Preah Damrei

Tree growing on one of the temples of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

Devata at Preah Damrei

Preah Stun , a surprising Bayon look alike temple in the jungle

Preah Khan of Kompong Svay is best visited during the dry season when the unpaved road is in fairly good condition. It is a 1-day trip from Siem Reap that can be combined with a visit to Koh Ker or Beng Mealea. A 2-day trip with a visit to Preah Vihear can also be arranged. If you like to do a private photography tour of this enigmatic and beautiful temple, please contact me.

Most Memorable Photos from 2016

On January 18, 2017 / blog

2016 in pictures angkor photography tours

The year 2016 ended in a wink. Nevertheless, it was a year full of sweet recollections and splendid adventures, as I travelled here and there, meet new people, and experience new cultures. Looking through my collection of more than 1000 edited pictures of 2016, I was inspired to select my favorite ones. I picked these pictures not only based on my own personal choice of uniqueness and aesthetic value, but also, by the stories behind.

These photographs and memories were taken in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, France, and the Philippines from my 2016 travel diary.

1. Cambodia : Angkor Wat Solar Eclipse – March 2016

This unique picture was taken on the 9^th March during a partial eclipse of the sun in Angkor Wat Temple. What make this shot rare is that of the date of the eclipse was less than 2 weeks away from the spring equinox and it was possible to find a shooting location where the sun was just above the central tower at the maximum of the eclipse. According to ephemerides, the next partial solar eclipse in Angkor Wat temple during sunrise will take place in 2042 ! Due to the nature of this eclipse, so the passing of the moon in front of the sun could be only be captured using a very dark filter in this case a 10-stop neutral density filter ND1000 which blocks 99.9 % of the incoming light coming to the sensor. This is a one-of-a kind, unforgettable shot in Angkor Wat as we were only 2 photographers at this spot. Others have vanished to go see the other temples and most people except few guides were not aware of the solar eclipse that day. To see more pictures of this solar eclipse please have a look at my blog post.

Settings: ISO 400, 105 mm, f:4, 1/40s, ND 1000 filter

2. Ho Chi Minh City : Street Scene – April 2016

Ho Chi Minh is a sprawling city of 8 million and with almost as many motorbikes racing in its streets. Here you can find places to service your motorbike even on sidewalks.

While inside a coffee shop (which is also numerous in Saigon) my attention was caught by this colorful poster across the street. I took few shots of it alone but it did not come out very well. By moving few feet, I got a much better picture : framing the customer with her red dusk mask waiting for her motorbike to be serviced against the blue metallic wall, while the poster of a future housing development was in the background. The black and yellow line worked as well as a leading line to connect all the elements of the picture.

Settings: ISO 160, 20 mm, f:7.1, 1/100s

3. Cambodia : Boy Planting Rice, April 2016

During the month of April, Cambodian farmers are busy planting floating rice on the West Baray, one of the biggest man made reservoirs in the word build during the Khmer empire in the 11^th century.To get closer, we boarded a small fisherman wooden boat and it was when I took a shot of this Cambodian kid, knee-deep in water, smiling despite the hardship of his work.

Settings: ISO 100, 168 mm, f:5.6, 1/500 s

4. Cambodia : Angkor Wat Vesak Day – May 2016

This picture was taken beside the main tower of Angkor Wat (also called Bakan) which is also the most sacred place of the temple. This Khmer family was walking counter-clockwise making several rounds around it, and I waited there to frame the shot with my 20 mm, the minimum focal length from this corner to fit all the building in a horizontal frame. This scene was taken 2 days before Buddha’s Day (Vesak Day). The act of walking around a sacred temple is called circumambulation and is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist devotional practices and usually done clockwise.

Settings: ISO 250, 20 mm, f:7.1 1/800 s

5. India : Ladakhi Monk in Lamayuru Monastery- July 2016

This picture was taken during our first photo tour in Ladakh India, more precisely in Lamayuru monastery about 100 km from Leh. We visited Lamayuru Temple during the 3-day annual colorful monastic festival. This monk posed for a brief moment, adjusting his robe, just enough time for me to frame a shot with the door. The colorful mural with its main character looking at the monk add another dimension to the picture.

Settings: ISO 640, 32 mm, f:4, 1/160 s

6. India : Milky Way in the Himalayas, July 2016

During our photo tour in Ladakh, we spent several nights in tents at an altitude of 4700 meters. Even during summer months, temperatures goes down below 5 degree Celsius at night. Adding to that the altitude sickness, this night shot sessions was quite challenging but looking at the starry skies and the Milky Way stretching over the Himalaya mountains was quite rewarding. In this shoot the illuminated tent is the one we used for our dinner and gives a touch of color and a sense of scale to the picture.

Settings: ISO 2000, 20 mm f:2.8, 30s

7. Thailand : Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at Golden Hour – July 2016

This shot was taken at the international airport of Bangkok at sunset. Suvarnabhumi, the busiest airport in Thailand handled more than 50 million passengers in 2015. This section of the terminal although not so photogenic came out much better for few minutes with the evening sunlight illuminating nicely the arched rooftop.

Settings: ISO 400, 84 mm, f:4 1/25s

8. France : French Medieval Castle at Sunset – October 2016

During a scouting photo trip in the region of Dordogne in France, famous worldwide for its food and castles, we ended up the day at the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac just in time for sunset with a view of the Beynac Castle built on on a limestone cliff and overlooking the river. This 12^th century fortress was built around the same than Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia and it is tempting to compare the austere architecture of the fortress with the scale and symmetry of Angkor and its fined carvings. Also on the 12^th century, only 50,000 people were living in Paris against 800,000 in Angkor according to last LIDAR survey.

Settings: ISO 200, 24 mm, f:5.6, 1/320 s

9. Cambodia : Betel Leaves Vendors – November 2016

In Cambodia, betel consumption is not as widespread as in Myanmar. Most of the time, only the elderly are munching betel unlike in Myanmar where you can see young people chewing them. In this picture, a wooden basket with fresh betel leaves is standing on the floor in front of this two smiling elderly Cambodian ladies. The three other ingredients making up the so-called betel squid missing from the picture are areca nut, tobacco and lime water (saturated solution of calcium hydroxide).

Settings: ISO 400, 38 mm f:4, 1/160s

10. Cambodia : Red Angkor Wat Sunrise, November 2016

Out of the many sunrises at Angkor Wat temple I have witnessed in 2016, this one was one the most spectacular hat I have seen. The bright red dramatic cloudy sky were just breathtaking. This picture was taken around the end of November when monsoon season was coming to an end.

Settings: ISO 320 , 20 mm, f:5.6, 1/80s

11. Philippines : Here Comes the Bride, December 2016

I took this quick shot at San Augustin Church in Intramuros Manila just when the bride was making her entrance. Intramuros is the frequently visited area in Manila where two beautiful churches are located not far from each other. You can visit the area by taking a horse carriage (kalesa in Filipino), but one of the best way for photographer is to wander around the cobble stone streets in order not miss any photographic opportunities.

Settings: ISO 500, 35 mm, f:2.8, 1/15s

12. Philippines : New Year Fireworks in Manila , December 2016

This picture is one of my last clicks of 2016 taken just 5 minutes before New Year’s Eve in Metro Manila. New Year in this megacity is celebrated with loads of fireworks and firecrackers that lighten up the skies around the city. Fireworks and firecrackers are grand spectacles during this year end celebration. The adverse effect though is that hundreds of people injure themselves every year using firecrackers and it gives raise to a peak in particles pollution few hours after.Fireworks were scattered and I was lucky to have a vantage point from a rooftop with the neon illuminated Rockwell Center in Makati just in the frame. Several shots were combined in Photoshop to have more firework explosions.

Settings: ISO 100, 25 mm, f:9, 30 s (composite picture)

Angkor Wat Sunrise: Experience the Magic of Angkor Wat Sunrise 365 Days a Year

On May 28, 2016 / blog, Sunrise

KEY TAKEAWAYS

🌅 Angkor Wat sunrise offers breathtaking beauty throughout the year, with each month providing a unique perspective.

⏰ Sunrise time at Angkor Wat varies from 5.30 am to 6.30 am.

🌄 Remarkable astronomical events occur during the equinoxes in March and September.

🎨 The colors of the sky at dawn are unpredictable, ranging from pale red to delicate pink or even blue.

📸 Photographers should arrive early to secure a spot, especially if using a tripod, and the best time for night photography is December and January.

☁️ The monsoon season adds dramatic and awe-inspiring skies.

📍 There are various vantage points to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, with reflecting ponds being the most sought-after location for stunning compositions.

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, make sure to add Angkor Wat sunrise to your agenda. Photographers, in particular, won’t want to miss out on capturing the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder throughout the year. Each month offers a unique perspective on this inspiring event, from clear skies and stunning red sunrises during the early months of the year, to the dramatic impact of the monsoon season, with rain clouds adding a mesmerizing depth to the photographs. Particularly in the months of March, April, and May, the sun appears as a massive red ball amidst the haze, perfect for capturing unforgettable images.

ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE TIME

Sunrise at Angkor Wat varies from about 5.30 am to 6.30 am depending of the time of the year. As Angkor Wat opens at 5 am all year around you can arrive sometime less than one hour before sunrise. This will have a lot of consequence on your pictures so if you want to get pictures of Angkor Wat at night, you should plan your trip accordingly.

Enchanting Sunrise at Angkor Wat’s Reflection Pond (January 2016)

Angkor Wat Sunrise | When the sun rises behind the temple

Two remarkable astronomical events occur each year in March and September at Angkor Wat Temple, highlighting the ingenuity of its ancient architects. During the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the sun rises perfectly aligned with the base of Angkor temple and slowly rise just beside the central tower, creating a stunning visual effect. This remarkable phenomenon is a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by the architects who built Angkor Wat 900 years ago

Majestic Sunrise Behind Angkor Wat’s main Tower During the Spring Equinox (March 2016)

The Enchanting Dance of the Sun During Sunrise

If you are standing at Angkor Wat facing east towards the rising sun in different seasons, you will notice that the position of the sun changes dramatically throughout the year. During the month of December, the sun rises at the far right side of the temple (south), while in June, it rises at the far left (north). Additionally, during the periods around the two equinoxes of March and September, the sun rises behind the towers of Angkor, creating a breathtaking sight. This celestial dance offers photographers and visitors alike a chance to witness the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat in a variety of perspectives and lighting conditions throughout the year.

Angkor Wat temple taken from central causeway just after the spring equinox (March 2022)

Spectacular Sunburst behind Angkor Wat Temple silhouette (June 2015)

Angkor Wat reflective pool after with the silhouettes few tourists (November 2017)

From Blue to Pink | Capturing the Ever-changing Hues of Angkor Wat Sunrise

At Angkor temple, the colors of dawn can be quite unpredictable. The sky may transform from a pale red to a delicate shade of pink, or even capture the elusive “blue hour” just before sunrise. Each morning is a unique experience, with the colors of the sky constantly changing throughout the year.

Blue hour with stormy sky (April 2023)

Captivating Angkor Wat: May Sunrise at the Blue Hour (May 2016)

Hues of pink with Angkor Wat reflection (February 2023)

Angkor Wat Sunrise | Tips for Photographers

For photographers, it is recommended to arrive as early as possible on location as soon as possible to secure a spot in front of the pond especially if you plan to use a tripod. Sunrise can be as early as 5.37 am in the month of June and a bit late at 6.32 am in the month of January. December and january are also best time of the year to capture photos of Angkor Wat at night with star trails as a backdrop. The opening hours are strictly enforced and Angkor Wat opens at 5 am sharp.

For photography guidance during a sunrise at Angkor and more, please feel free to have a look at our Angkor Wat Sunrise Photography Tour.

Angkor Wat at daybreak with golden colors (April 2016)

Nature’s Canvas: Angkor Wat Sunrise Against the Drama of Clouds

The moonson season brings hues of green to the temples of Angkor by also dramatic and awe-inspiring skies. This without any doubt gives another dimension to photographs compared to the clear skies.

These pictures can be taken between June until sometime Decembre depending on the moosoon season .

A Dramatic Angkor Wat Skyline Amidst the Clouds (August 2022)

Beautiful sunrise just after the rain (december 2015)

Golden sunrise at Angkor Wat (August 2014)

Angkor Wat at Sunrise: A Majestic Scene with Red Clouds in June

Angkor Wat with dramatic red clouds (October)

Angkor Wat with dramatic red clouds (October)

Angkor Wat in October with Vibrant Red Clouds (2017)

What is the best place to see the sunrise?

At Angkor Wat, the sunrise spots are plentiful, regardless of whether you face east or west. Whether you seek a dramatic backlight or wish to observe the golden rays illuminating the sandstone carvings, there are many vantage points to choose. The reflecting ponds at Angkor Wat are undoubtedly the most sought-after location for capturing the perfect Instagram shot. As the sun rises, the water create a mirror-like reflection, offering a stunning composition for photographers. Consequently, these areas tend to be quite crowded, as the area is quite small

Is Angkor Wat sunrise worth it?

The short answer would be yes. if you do not want to be shoulder to hundred of tousist at the reflective pools, they are other view points during sunrise where it can be relatively quiet. Note that the busiest season is from November to February but it not necessarily the best months for photographers looking to explore the temples of Angkor and get the most spectacular shots. If you can, we recommend to hire a photography guide.

Was it is the blue hour?

The quite elusive phenomenon, known as the blue hour, unveils itself approximately sixty minutes before the break of dawn, it can give a intense blue tone to your pictures even if your camera is set to a warm white balance.

Is Angkor Wat better for sunrise or sunset?

Angkor Wat temple’s popularity at sunrise comes from its stunning sunrises. The temple’s silhouette against the colorful sky creates a picturesque setting that has become iconic. especially viewed from the reflecting ponds.Although the same breathtaking effect cannot be replicated at sunset, the evening golden light sunset can be a blessing for photographers especially in areas rich with carvings.

10 Beautiful Pictures of Angkor Wat Sunrise

On April 10, 2016 / Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Running photography tours in the temples of Angkor, I am one of the lucky few who have witnessed and captured nearly 200 sunrises. Although there were days when sunrise was uneventful, Angkor Wat sunrise it is a special moment to capture although it became quite popular over the years. It is always a new spectacle depending on the weather and also due to the fact that sun rise is actually moving from the south to the north of the temple. Twice a year, during the equinox of March and September, sun rises just behind the main tower which make the sunrise even more spectacular.
Here is a selection below of the best sunrise pictures I took the past few years in Angkor Wat temple. If you are a photographer and want to get professional advice and tips during Angkor Wat and beyond please have a look at our popular Angkor Wat sunrise tour.

angkor wat temple sunrise central toer aligned reflection

Angkor Wat sunrise central tower aligned with reflection on pond

Lotus pond angkor wat sunrise photography tour

Angkor Wat sunrise with lily pond flowers

angkor wat sunrise reflection angkor photography tours

Angkor Wat sunrise with reflection

Angkor Wat golden sunrise Angkor Photography Tours

Golden sunrise over Angkor Wat temple

angkor wat tourist crowd sunrise equinox

Crowd at sunrise during the equinox at Angkor Wat temple

Beautiful sunrise just after the rain in Angkor Wat temple

Angkor wat sunrise causeway photography tour

Angkor Wat sunrise from western causeway during the raining season

Beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat with beams of light

Sun rising behind the temple of Angkor reflecting on pond

Dramatic sunrise over Angkor Wat temple

Apsaras and Devatas in the Temples of Angkor

On January 19, 2016 / blog

Apsaras are the ethereal, elegant and youthful beings dancing in celestial palaces while Devatas are beautiful standing young goddesses in elegant outfits. Images of Devatas and Apsaras are delicately carved in the sandstone of many Angkorian temples. If some of them did not stand the test of time and others were defaced (some of them can be seen in Preah Khan) many are still today beautifully preserved in Angkor Wat where about 1800 have been counted.

Apsaras and Devatas are fantastic photography subjects as they always look different in the direct sunlight of midday or the warmer light of sunrise and sunset. They can be seen in groups or alone so photographers can play with the depth of field to isolate one.

Pictures taken with wide or ultra wide angle also can give interesting perspectives as they come together in the frame even if far apart. In the first two photos below you can count 17 and 8 devatas respectively.

Close up shots reveal the intricate details and the true beauty of the carvings: devatas holding hands, touching their hairs, smiling showing their teeth or holding a bird.

There are still so many interesting details of apsaras and devatas waiting to be uncovered. If you want to see more , check out www.angkorphotographytours.com and book a photo discovery tour with us.