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Sri Lanka Travel Tips

On May 17, 2019 / Sri Lanka

Updated: April 2024

If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka soon on a budget , we have few advices below and tips to help you out.

1. GET YOUR TOURIST VISA ONLINE

Only the citizens of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives and The Republic of Seychelles are exempt from an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka visa fees were increased in December 2022 and two visas are available for tourists. These prices are for tourists outside ASEAN.

30-day tourist visa double entry: USD 50
180-day (6 months) tourist visa: USD 180

Please note that there is no visa fee for children under 12 for all nationalities.

Be careful as third-party websites exist and will come up first on Google (yes they do pay google ads…). They will charge you up to USD 75 for a tourist visa! Be sure you order your visa on the official website of Sri Lanka immigration. It will cost USD 35 USD and valid for 30 days.

Online visa is only USD 10 more expensive than a visa on arrival and will avoid you to queue. With the online visa you just need to present your passport at the immigration officer as you are already on the system. Please double check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon entry to Sri Lanka.

2. BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD

It is best to buy a local sim card and a data plan as soon as you arrive in Colombo airport. Pass the immigration and few phone operators are just before the exit doors. Few companies exist in Sri Lanka but we recommend Dialog, we found the coverage to be good in most places. They have also an app to monitor your consumption. I would recommend the Prepaid Tourist Plan. Here are Dialog prices in April 2024:

50GB data for Rs. 2,450 (USD 9) including Rs. 250 worth of local calls and SMS, valid for 30 days (unlimited Whatsapp)

In April 2019, the plan was 10GB of data for Rs. 1,299 (USD 7) including Rs. 350 of local calls and SMS. Extra 10 GB was Rs. 1,000.

3. PREFER HOMESTAYS INSTEAD OF HOTELS

Homestay in Sri Lanka have pretty good value and the price range is between 10 and 20 USD depending on the location. Generally breakfasts are not included and most of the time the owners can cook for you Sri Lankan traditional plates. They can help you out as well in your travel plans. You can find many ones on booking.com, using the app can give further discounts, no credit cards are necessary for many of them during booking.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SRI LANKA RAILWAY SYSTEM

With more than 1500 km of railway is a very convenient and cheap transportation to go from one point to another. Even if it is a slow mode of transport, it can be fun and some lines like the Kandy-Ella that became a huge hit with tourists. If you travel on second class, a 60 km journey will cost you less than USD 1. You can check timetables and fares on the website of Sri Lanka Railways or here.

5. TUK-TUK AND TAXIS

Tuk-Tuks (also called three-wheelers) are very popular in Sri Lanka for short but also long distance journeys. The difficulty for a traveller arriving in a city for the first time, is to know the standard fare or a journey and of course if you get a tuk tuk in a touristic city you have a lot of chance to overpay.

As soon as you have your local card, you can download the app called PickMe, a taxi hailing app with which you book tuk tuk, nano and a whole range of cars, even vans. Although you can install pickme from your home country, drivers always call to confirm the ride, so it will be an issue once you are in Sri Lanka. Pickme is getting popular and it is now available in Kandy in 2024. In 2019, it was difficult to get a driver in Ella. In Colombo however it is not issue to get drivers in few minutes.

In 2024, we estimated fares to be about 80 Rs. using UBER tuk tuks. If you have to cover a long distance it is safer to get a private car. To cut down the cost, it is a good idea to share a ride with other travellers.

Mode of Transportation	Distance in km	Total Price Rs.	Price per Kilometer in Rs.
Taxi	93	11000 (USD 36.42 )	118
Train (1st Class)	116	2000 (USD 6.7)	17
tuk tuk (Uber)	5.7	436 (USD 1.45)	76

Prices for different transportation in April 2024 (daily LKR/USD rate was applied)

5. STAY AWAY FROM THE CROWD

It is not difficult in Sri Lanka to stay away from the crowd. It is worth it, not only for activities and scenic spots but also for food. Food prices in the center of Ella and Fort Galle are much expensive than in other less touristic town. Try to find a place a bit away from the main street or ask your hotel or homestay what are their meal options.

Sri Lanka Photography Tips: 10 Expert Secrets for Better Pictures

On May 10, 2019 / Photography Tips, Sri Lanka

tips to take better pictures in Sri Lanka by Laurent Dambies

Sri Lanka offers an impressive number of photo locations for photography enthusiasts and travelers, both on and off the beaten path.In the morning, you can take photos of the sun rising behind a fog-shrouded mountain, and in the evening witness capture a vibrant red sunset at the beach. We hope these 10 photography tips will help you in taking better pictures on your trip in Sri Lanka.

1. CHECK THE WEATHER

Sri Lanka’s diverse climate and location make it an ideal destination for photographers all year round. With two monsoons each year – southwestern monsoon from May to September, and northeastern monsoon from October to February – the country’s weather can be unpredictable, particularly in the highlands. For up-to-date weather forecasts, visit the website of the Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology.

2. TAKE THE TRAIN

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without taking at least one train ride. This adventure is highly recommended as it provides numerous opportunities for photographers. Additionally, it is the most economical mode of transportation for reaching various locations throughout the island. It’s also a favorite among locals, making it an excellent choice for people photography.

The Kandy-Ella train journey, in particular, is incredibly scenic as it passes through mountains and tea plantations. We suggest traveling in second or third class to get access the exit doors and windows. Similarly, the coastal train ride offers breathtaking views, especially a few kilometers south of Colombo, where the train runs just a few feet away from the crashing waves.

So, don’t miss the chance to embark on an unforgettable train journey in Sri Lanka and capture some stunning photographs along the way.

3. BEAT THE CROWD

While Sri Lanka has some locations with relatively less tourists, some popular destinations like Kandy, Ella, and Fort Galle often attract large numbers of visitors. To make the most of your experience in these places, we suggest waking up early to capture stunning photographs of these hotspots before the crowds arrive.

4. HIKE THOSE TRAILS

Sri Lanka offers numerous hiking trails suitable for individuals with varying fitness levels. Some of the most renowned trails include Adam’s Peak, Ella’s Peak, and the Knuckles mountain range. These locations offer breathtaking views of the landscape, particularly during sunrise when the mist is still present, providing a unique opportunity for capturing stunning photographs.

Top of Little Adam’s Peak in Ella

Shadow of Adam’s peak (Sri Pada) at sunrise

Golden light at sunrise with mist in Sigiriya

5. TRAVEL LIGHT

As you will likely be walking and hiking frequently during your stay, we would highly recommend bringing a small bag to carry your photo gear. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a photo backpack, but it should be padded enough to protect your equipment while you’re on the move. Given that some hikes can last several hours, it’s also important to be selective with the gear you bring along.

Tea estate workers in the highlands

6. TAKE A LONG LENS

Because of the many photography opportunities available in Sri Lanka, a wide lens or a standard zoom lens might not enough. A long lens (300 mm or more) is recommended for wildlife photography but also for landscape photography to isolate details.

Sigiriya rock fortress at sunrise

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue in Kandy at sunset

7. PREPARE YOUR SHOTS

For landscape photography, we recommend to use TPE (The Photographer’s Ephemeris), available as paid app for Android and IOS and free on a web browser. For train shots, have a look at the timetable as even if the trains do not run fast, you have only few seconds to be on the right spot. Be aware than they can run up to 30 minutes late.

Passenger train on the Demodara nine arch bridge in Ella

8. CHECK THE CALENDAR OF FESTIVITIES AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Many people in Sri Lanka are following Buddhism so the Sihanese New Year celebrated during the month of April is a major holiday. This can disrupt your travel plans but also give some unique photo opportunities. For photography there are some festivals like the famous Esala Perahera festival taking place in Kandy during the month of August.

Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort

9. GET CREATIVE WITH ND FILTERS

ND (neutral density) filters block a fraction of the light coming into the camera sensor and thus allow you to have longer exposure times during the day. It is particular suitable for waterfalls and seascapes, and Sri Lanka has plenty of those!

Unless you a shooting in low light conditions (sunrise or sunset) where a ND8 filter could be enough (3-stops reduction), be prepare to use a very dark filter during the day. In the pictures below, a 10-stops reduction filter was used (also called ND1000).

10. TAKE A SMALL TRIPOD

If you do not carry a fiber carbon tripod, I recommended to take with you a steady and small tripod for long exposure shots. It is even better if you add a fluid head.

Photowalk in the streets of Battambang

On July 26, 2018 / Battambang, Cambodia

Battambang (also called Bat Dambong which means the disappearing stick) is the second largest city in Cambodia with a rich colonial history. It had more than 500,000 inhabitants in 1962.

Because of its proximity with Thailand, Battambang had a tumultuous history. It was annexed by Thailand in 1795 until it was transferred to French Indochina e in 1907. But it was not always peaceful, it was in the middle of the French-Thai war in 1940-1941, Thailand finally ceded back in 1946.

Because of the quality of its soil, Battambang province is the rice bowl of cambodia. The city center counts about 800 colonial building spread around the central market called Psa Nat 0r Psah Nath, west of the Sangkar river. It was built by the same French architects who did the central market in Phnom Penh and Saigon following the art deco style. some old pagoda with Thai influence. They are many shop houses along streets number 1 and 1.5 although many now are defaced because of shops. There is even a 150 years old Chinese active temple.

A photowalk in Battambang city center will give you plenty of photo opportunities of you like architecture and street photography. The back alleys and the yellow wall will remind of Hoi An or the Cholon district of Saigon.

Architecture

150 years old Chinese temple

New Khmer Architecture building (Sangkum Reastr Niyum)

Interior of Phsar Nath market (Art Deco)Wat Pipetharam (Thai architecture)

Chinese shophouse

Back Alleys

Background and patterns

Post French period (Sangkum Reastr Niyum).

Pagoda damrey sor and wat pipetharam

Wat pipetharam psa nath
Meatl

People

Shophouses

The Revival of Cambodia’s Railway

On May 26, 2018 / Cambodia, Railways, train

The existing Cambodian railway system covers 650 kilometers and consist of two lines: The Northern line (386 km) , built between 1929 and 1942 during the French Protectorate and the Southern line (266 km) which was built later in the 60’s. It was then operated under the name of CHEMINS DE FER ROYAUX DU CAMBODGE ( C.F.R.C.). The tracks suffered a lot during the war and from the lack of maintenance afterwards.

Freight and passenger trains were definitely put out of service in 2007. The project of rehabilitation of the network had many setbacks as it was on the pipeline since 2013

The railway is being rehabilitated since 2016 by the government with the help of the Asian Development Bank, the Australian Agency for International Development and China. Poipte-Phnom Pen is actually only only a small part of the much bigger Trans-Asia railway, projected initiated in 1995, that will connect Singapore to Kunming in China. and finally in 2016 Sihanoukville and Kampot opened. 2018 is an important year is it should be the year when passengers can travel from Phnom Penh to Poipet and maybe even Bangkok.

This is a railway master plan in Cambodia running between 2014 and 2031 and beyond which plan to to add 3 more lines, 8 branch lines, 4 high speed lines, 5 industrial railway and 4 access railway. The lines which have the priority are the one connecting to Vietnam.

Sisophon- Poipet (48 kilometers)

This section of the Northern line is particularly important as it connects Sisophon in Banteay Meanchey province to the city of Poipet, the main international border to Thailand. The line was completed in 1942 by the French but suffered a lot of damage during the Pol Pot regime when the line was destroyed.

After many setbacks (the line was initially planned to be opened in 2008), service resumed on the 4th April 2018 after 40 years of interruption. In May 2018, two passenger cars and one freight car were running once a day. The current train schedule is a departure at 9 am and arriving at Poipet a around 11 am. Rehabilitation of the Poipet train station was near completion in May 2018.

The train station in Sisophon is quite small with few ticket counters, it has some interesting art deco architecture with a rounded rooftop. It has been cleaned up and had a paint job with bright yellow and blue colors probably in march 2018.

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The railway line opened again on the 29th April 2018 and follow the NR5 all the way to Battambang.

Battambang- Pursat (107 kilometers)

The train is scheduled to resume service on the 29th of May 2018.

The lost Temples of Mrauk-U in Myanmar

On June 14, 2017 / Myanmar

Mrauk-U is a relatively unknown and probably the most underrated archeological site in South-East Asia. It is located in the western state of Rakhine in Myanmar (Burma). Rakhine state is a narrow strip of land bordered on the Bay of Bengal on the west and by Bangladesh on the north.

Mrauk-U has an interesting landscape as it sits on a valley with numerous mounds and interconnected creeks, moats, canals and artificial lakes.

Founded in 1430 A.D, Mrauk-U became after Launggret the center of the powerful Arakan Empire for more than 300 years until 1785 and an important cultural and commercial hub.

Mrauk-U, named the “Golden City” by early Europeans (Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch) traders and missionaries who the center of trade for elephants, rice. It is also known as the fortress city due to its 30 kilometers of fortifications built around it.It is also called Little Bagan because it has pagoda and temples.

Mrauk-U archaeological site is centered on the old palace and divided in four main groups: western, eastern, southern and northern, the latter being the most important. You can buy a 5000 Kyats pass (less than USD 4) for the temples at Mrauk U, sold at the Shittaung Pagoda.

The temples of Mrauk-U are not as impressive as the ones in Bagan, but their beauty are hidden: you can stroll for hours inside them looking at colored carvings . You can have also many temples by yourself and with some tenacity found new ones which are not on the map. As locals are living within the ruins, you will have many opportunities to interact with them and take beautiful portraits.

The most popular temples in Mrauk-U are Kothaung temple (also called the little Borodudur), Andaw temple

In his last visit to Mrauk-U in december 2016, Kofi Annan (who sits on the advisory commission on Rakhine state) strongly advocated for Mrauk-U’ UNESCO World Heritage Status.

There is no direct flight from Yangon at the moment and the construction of the new airport is being halted due the lack of funding. The only way to get to Mrauk-U is by a 4 to 5 hours scenic ferry ride on the Kalandan river from the city of Sittwe, by bus or private car. With only 4,000 visitors in the temples of Mrauk-U in 2016, you are sure to have most of the temples for yourself.

If you enjoyed exploring the other archeological sites in South-East Asia (Angkor, Bagan, Borodudur,Sukhothai, Ayutthaya) it is time to go to Mrauk-U before it gets its fame back. Temples are best explored by bicycle or by foot especially the ones in the Northern group, but to move between all the groups it is recommended to have a private transport.

Sunset with some of the temples of Mrauk-U

One of the many beautiful temples of Mrauk-U

Buddha statues inside Andaw Thein temple

Stone carving in Shittaung Pagoda

Beautiful carved wall inside Shittaung temple

Enigmatic Buddha in the temples of Mrauk U

The amazing interior of Koe-Thaung temple

Young burmese girls in the temples of Mrauk-U with Thanaka

Local woman going back home at the sunset

Old Colonial Architecture in Yangon Myanmar

On April 25, 2017 / blog, Myanmar

Yangon is the city with the highest density of colonial buildings in South East Asia. Known as Rangoon, it was the capital of Burma between 1824 and 1948 and one of the province of the British India Empire. It witnessed a rich architectural development during this period following different styles: Art Deco, Edwardian, Victorian and British-Burmese.

Many buildings were built for Scottish companies like Burmah oil, Brothers & Co, A. Scott&Co, Messrs Bulloch Brothers & Co to name a few which operated successful businesses in oil, import/export of commodities, shipbuildings, etc…

Natural disasters (the earthquake of 1930, cyclone Nargis in 2008) and the bombings of Word War II inflicted severe damages to the city and many buildings were lost forever.

The isolation of the country for 50 years after the military coup of 1962 did not help. With all these events, it is actually surprising that so many colonial buildings are still standing today. In 2005, many government offices were moved to the new capital Naypyidaw, about 350 km north of Yangon and definitely closed.

Nowadays, many large colonial buildings are occupying downtown, along Merchand and Strand roads, and also on Pansodan street. Some of them have been renovated like Aya bank headquarters, City Hall or the Strand Hotel, a famous five stars built in 1901.

This photo essay is focusing on the beautiful and neglected colonial buildings which will either disappear or being restored in the coming years.

Because of safety concerns some places such as the Pegu Club are not open to the general public anymore. Some others, like the secretariat building, are under renovation.
Entering a neglected colonial building in Yangon is like taking a time machine and one cannot help wondering how it was back then when these places were home of powerful trading houses, banks or offices.

Nowadays, small business offices are sometime occupying premises and bring some life to these places. Some private buildings have interiors in fairly good condition and can be accessed after of course seeking the authorization from the owner.

The state of disrepair of some buildings is such that trees start growing on the walls and entire structures have collapsed.

You can spend hours wandering in the streets of Yangon looking for unlocked buildings. It is not uncommon while exploring these locations that a friendly local gives you a bit of history about the places, they understand their potential to attract tourists interested in colonial architecture.

Founded in 2012, the Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT), has for goal to identify and preserve colonial architecture in Yangon. YHT installed blue plaques on buildings with historical significance to raise awareness among the public, the first one was installed in 2014 at the City Hall.

In 2017, Yangon is at a crossroad and time will tell if authorities in charge manage to save this unique architectural heritage in South-East Asia.

Defunct elevator in dilapidated colonial building

Defunct elevator in fairly good condition

Neglected colonial building from 1905 and its gatekeeper.

Apartments building in Yangon downtown

Dilapidated colonial building in downtown Yangon

Beautiful wooden staircase in a private building

Neglected staiway in a colonial building

Tenants walking down a beautiful rusty stairway

Dark staircase in an abandoned colonial building

Crumbling staircase in an old building

Beautiful wooden stairway in private building

Some families are still living in their colonial homes

Amazingly, Pickerings company still exist today and is still manufacturing elevators

Beautiful metal staircase with rich pattern

Details of ceiling at the Inland Water Office

Beautiful old colonial building interior

Metal fence outside a colonial building

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)

12 Beautiful Pictures of the Cambodian Countryside

On August 29, 2016 / blog, Cambodia

Millions of tourists flock in Siem Reap every year to visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage temples of Angkor. While these temples are the highlight of every tourist visiting Cambodia, the countryside of Siem Reap tends to be overlooked and only a few chooses to explore off the beaten track and get to experience the beauty of Cambodia’s authentic rural lifestyle.
About five kilometers away from the busy Siem Reap downtown area, one can find picturesque and tranquil scenary of villages with small traditional houses scattered throughout the expanse of the countryside. People are warm and they are almost all the time happy to pose for photographs. Main photography themes would be landscape photography of the green paddy and lotus flower fields, farmers working in the plains, amazing sunsets, and portrait opportunities of kids from the village.
Angkor Photography Tours offers photography tours in Siem Reap to photography enthusiasts who wants to see and capture rural living.
These photographs were taken during our tours and will hopefully entice you to take a day or two of your visit in Siem Reap to explore the lovely Cambodian countryside.

Paddy fields just before the storm

Farmer in paddy fields

Cows coming back from the fields

Mother and her kids near their house

flooded paddy fields siem reap photo tour

Young Cambodian kid working in the flooded paddy fields

Lotus flowers harvesting

Kids with lotus flowers

Cute Cambodian girl holding a lotus flower

Father and son coming back from harvesting

Flooded boat

fisherman on boat siem reap photography tours

Fisherman at sunrise

countryside siem reap sunset photography tour

Beautiful sunset in the countryside near Siem Reap Cambodia

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

angkor wat sunrise spring equinox photography tours

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.

Cambodian Monks in the Temples of Angkor

On January 4, 2016 / blog

Monks, with their vivid-colored saffron robes, are interesting subjects for photographers as they provide a striking contrast against the sandstone of Angkor temples.

According to history, Buddhism in Cambodia dates back to the 5th century from a king in the Funan Dynasty. However, it was then that during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Angkor Empire when a certain type of Buddhism, called Mahayana Buddhism, was established. Then there was another form called the Theravada Buddhism that took over the former one after the death of King Jayavarman VII.

In the present days, about 95% of people in Cambodia practice Buddhism. Buddhist monks are also referred to as “bonzes”. There are two types of monks, the Novice and the Bhikkhu. Novices can be as young as 7 years old while Bhikku should be at least 20 years of age. Converting into a monk is a matter of personal choice but theoretically speaking based on religious rites and beliefs, Cambodian male above 16 years old should at least serve some terms as a monk. Though they are not compelled to serve as a monk for their entire life, others opt to take the vow and serve otherwise. They live in a simple lifestyle and they are normally prohibited from participating in activities outside their religious practices. However, there is a bit of gradual change in their traditional observance due to the fast-changing contemporary lifestyle influences.

At present, there are about 4000 monks in Cambodia, however it is not an exact figure as there are many Cambodian monks living in Thailand. This number was much higher not so long ago as most of Buddhist monks were murdered between 1975 and 1979 by the Pol Pot regime. In 1969, it was estimated that 53,000 monks and 49,000 novice monks were serving in more than 3,000 temples.

Monks can be spotted in temples and pagodas by the altars praying, some are walking thru the gates and corridors of Angkor Wat or in the maze of Bayon temple either alone or in groups, while others are interacting with ordinary people and tourists. Taking good pictures of monks in these conditions could however be challenging as good lighting and composition is often proved to be difficult.

We had an unexpected opportunity on the 19th and 20th of December 2015, to witness a ceremony with 4100 monks in the temples of Angkor. After the offering ceremony which took place at the Terrace of the Elephants, we met and chatted with some monks and were able to learn about their religious beliefs and observances.
Taking photos of monks from afar in their saffron robes is already enchanting. Being closer made it more a delightful encounter as one can see more intricate details like the position of their hands inside the robe, the elements of the robe, and the silver alms bowl inside the monk bag.