Chasing Light: A Full Day in the Temples of Angkor
Pricing
(without photography guidance)
Photography Themes
Temple Photography
For Temple Photography Lovers: A Full Day Photographing the Temples of Angkor from Dawn to Dusk
This Angkor Wat photography tour will be a day to remember in the magnificent temples of Angkor. This tour will start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a very busy venue especially during the months of december, january and February so I have two more options for you, out of the beaten path.
After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.
Next destination will be the Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its giant trees where the most impressive scenes of the Tomb Raider movie were filmed. We will continue on by veering you away from the crowd to a remote temple in the jungle. We will also visit places out of the beaten path where you will capture unique pictures. In the afternoon we will get lost in the magnificent Preah Khan temple, one of the best temple to learn photography.
We will spend most of the afternoon in Preah Khan temple, a vast 12th-century monastic temple complex. The temple showcases exquisite Buddhist and Hindu-inspired carvings throughout its grounds. Unlike Angkor Wat, Preah Khan's sandstone surfaces covered all year round algae, lichen, and moss, creating extraordinary textures. Its location within a forest creates a mystical atmosphere, filled with the gentle sounds of nature. Here, you can capture dramatic scenes of massive tree roots reclaiming the crumbling temple ruins. You will also have time to explore the endless corridors and discover hidden corners that most visitors overlook.
Before the sun goes down behind the dense Angkorian jungle, you might be overwhelmed by the Bayon with its 216 giant faces carved in sandstone. We will end the day at Angkor Thom, to watch the sun set behind the stone giants at the entrance of the defunct city but other options for sunset are also available.
During this tour, we will stop at certain spots so you can learn about composition, control of the exposure as well as some special techniques. We will make sure that all your camera settings are correct to capture the best photos from this tour. Many photographers found that taking pictures in the temples is challenging and also a fantastic playground to get your photography to the next level.
Tour Details
🏨 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM — Pickup from your hotel
🌅 Sunrise — Angkor Wat reflection pond or alternative location
🏛️ Morning — Ta Prohm & lesser-known temple exploration
🏨 Around 12:00 PM — lunch in the Angkor Park or go back to your hotel
🏛️ Afternoon — Extensive exploration of Preah Khan temple
🌅 Sunset — Various locations for sunset or golden light to finish the day
🏨 ~6:30 PM — Return to hotel
Inclusions:
- Photography guidance by Laurent Dambies
- Private car with driver
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch in Angkor Park
- Water bottles
Exclusions:
- Angkor Wat pass ($37/1 day, $62/3 days, $72/7 days)
- Personal Insurance
Behind the Lens: What Our Guests Have to Say
A Must Do For Photographers. Informative and comprehensive. The Full Day tour took us to temples both on and off the main route to get the best shots and to learn from an expert professional. Laurent took me through settings I never had the confidence to use on my DSLR and knows where and when to capture views of Angkor Wat and the surrounds. Bayon temple at sunset and the water blessings were particular highlights. With one on one tuition, a dedicated driver, plenty of cool water and a good breakfast and lunch along the way, it represented pretty good value and I can thoroughly recommend both Laurent and his tour.
Once in a life photography trip thru Angkor Wat. I was privileged to be able to take a once in a life photography trip thru Angkor Wat with one of the most professional photographers or should I say artists ever. Laurent has a talent that very few people possess. We started before sunrise to get the perfect location to catch the golden rays of the sun reflecting off of the ruins. As the day progresses he is able to point out many fantastic spots that are captured by the lightning. He can instruct you on how to capture the highlights of each item. So that you have a tour that is not only educational but one that you have captured on this amazing journey. We spent the entire day until sunset exploring many areas that very few have seen or would have experienced. Well worth the $$ and time spent.
How to Book Your Tour
- Choose "Angkor Complete" from the drop down menu.
- Pick your preferred date on the calendar.
- Select the number of guests in your group.
- Click "Next" to complete the required information.
