Bambu Stage introduces a new form of educational entertainment in town as it opened unique shows about Cambodian culture and the famous temples of Angkor in its very own backyard in a quiet street not far from Wat Damnak Pagoda. Created by Nick Coffill and Jon de Rule, whose years of experience in museum design and theatre production delivers a different take of informative, interactive, and entertaining performances giving the audience that one-of-a-kind authentic experience. Other members of the team include Malar (marketing and F&B), Sorn (puppetry), Wab (technical). At present, Bambu Stage runs two different shows each week. Every Friday, a show about the history of Cambodia exhibiting the very first photos of Angkorian temples taken by John Thompson and Emile Gsell is narrated by Nick. SNAP! 150 Years of Photography in Cambodia takes you back in time from 150 years back, all the way thru the golden age of the 60’s, throughout the dark period of the Khmer Rouge, and Cambodia today. Tuesdays in Bambu Stage is a show about the temples of Angkor and their connections to Hinduism and Buddhism. This rare interactive show, named Temples De-coded, using a miniature model of the temples will give you a better understanding of the layout of both pre-Angkorian and Angkorian temples relative to astronomy and the spirit of the ancestors. It also presents some new insights about the last LIDAR scans done in Angkor by the Cambodian Archaeological Lidar Initiative. Another exciting act, Bambu Puppets, is set to run very soon on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Shows starts at 6.46 pm on the days specified. This is a highly recommended must-do for your stay in Cambodia, to have a better understanding of the culture and history of this town with so much ancient history to reveal. Shows are priced at $25 which include a welcome drink and a banquet. An option without dinner is also available at $12.50. Private shows are also available upon request. For bookings please please click on the logo at the end of the page. Below are few pictures we took during the show Temples De-Coded.
Temples De-Coded just before the show
Live drawing on projector
Nick Coffill starting…
and finishing drawing a map of Asia
Nick Cofill showing a piece of the Angkorian temple model
Nick Cofill showing a piece of the Angkorian temple model
Nick, Wab and a guest starting the design of a temple following the sun
Drawing the lines….
The design is almost completed
Main lines are drawn before adding the main structures
With the widespread use of digital cameras and the recent progress in smartphone photography, ten of thousands of pictures are taken everyday in the temples of Angkor. We take the ability to take pictures granted but often forget that the first photographs of the temples of Angkor were taken more than 150 years ago!
Photographers back then were using one of the first photographic process created called wet plate collodion. They had porters to carry their darkroom and chemicals as photographic plates needed to be developed on site. In top of that, access to the temples of Angkor were very difficult as they were still covered by a dense jungle….
Two photographers were credited for successfully captured the first pictures of Angkor. The first one, was a Scottish Photographer named John Thomson, who was 29 years old and based in Singapore. He did an extensive photographic work during his two weeks spent in Angkor in 1866. John Thomson was inspired to take this trip by the writings of Henri Mouhot in 1860. Beside Angkor Wat, Thomson took pictures of Angkor Thom and Bayon which were covered by a dense jungle. It was only in 1911, that Jean Commaille lead an archeology mission from École française d’Extrême-Orient to clear up the trees in Bayon temple and started restorations.
Few months after John Thomson, Frenchman Emile Gsell, 28 years old, based in Saigon, brought his darkroom to Angkor and captured more than 100 pictures. He returned later on in 1873 part of the famous expedition lead by Louis Delaporte. Gsell developed his glass plates on paper coated with albumen. The pictures of Thomson and Gsell are today priceless documents as they put in perspective the massive restoration work accomplished since the beginning of the 20th century in the temples of Angkor.
THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR |
EMILE GSELL
THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR | JOHN THOMSON
I rarely do black and white processing because I prefer seeing the unique tones of sandstone, the building block of all Angkorian temples, as well as the different hues of lichen and moss growing on the stones. However on some photos, black and white effect can add an interesting dimension as they give a classic impression to the images similar to those photographs from the late 19th century towards the beginning of the 20th century captured by the first explorers of Angkor. This handpicked selection of Angkor temples photographs was processed using one of the vintage filters of Silver Efex Pro2 from Nik collection to add a dramatic and timeless dimension. These were taken in 2013 to 2016 in Angkor Wat, Preah Khan, and Beng Mealea temples as well as in Angkor Thom.
Hidden devata in Preah Khan temple
Devatas at Angkor Wat temple
Gopura at Ta Som temple
Gate at Ta Prohm temple
One of the faces of Angkor Thom West gate
Devata close up at Ta Prohm temple
Beng Mealea the jungle temple
Smiling face at Bayon temple
The majestic Angkor Wat temple
Angkor Thom east gate also known as gate of the dead
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
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 at sunrise
Beautiful sunset in the countryside near Siem Reap Cambodia
🌅 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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
This blog post is a follow-up of our previous post Angkor UpClose as they are many more amazing we discovered and captured during our photography tours in the temples of Angkor. This series of pictures were taken in the temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Phnom Bok, Beng Mealea and Prasat Thom in Koh Ker.
Elephant carving at Beng Mealea temple
Bas-relief at Angkor Wat temple
Delicate carving on a door frame in Beng Mealea temple
Aside from the remarkable elaborate carvings of devatas, apsaras found in many Angkor temples, there are a number of writings carved on stones that one can find on their walls and pillars. Most of the inscriptions are in Sanskrit, which serves as a testimony to the Hindu origin of the temple.
Sanskrit is the classical language of Indian and the main language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. One of the 22 official languages of India, Sanskrit is a standardized dialect of the Old Indo-Aryan, originating as Vedic Sanskrit with ancestry tracing back to Proto-Indo-Iranian and Proto-Indo-European. Vedic Sanskrit, comprising mainly of chants and hymns, is closely related to Avestan, the oldest preserved of the Iranian languages. Rigvedic Sanskrit, language of hymns of the Rigveda, is the oldest stage of the language. It is said that Vedic Sanskrit is one of the languages that couldn’t be accurately translated in this age.
During the classical period of Iron Age India at around 4th century B.C., the language evolved into Classical Sanskrit. According to scholars, Classical Sanskrit is a different dialect compared to Vedic Sanskrit. Although quite similar, there are distinct differences in phonology, vocabulary, syntax and grammar.
The word Sanskrit means “refined”, “consecrated” and “sanctified”. It continues to be used mainly as a language for Hindu and Buddhist religious ceremonies.
Below are the picture of few sanskrit writings found on pillars of Angkor Wat, Ta Nei, Kravan and Koh Ker temples.
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Angkor Wat temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Ta Nei temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of a temple in Koh Ker
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of a temple in Koh Ker
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Angkor Wat temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of prasat kravan temple
I recently had the opportunity to revisit the temples of Sukhothai in Thailand I explored for the first time back in 2011. Leading photography tours in Angkor for more 2 years now and having walked hundreds of kilometers in the temples it gave me a new perspective about photography but also allowed me to appreciate better the architecture and influences, especially Khmer, present in Sukhothai.
The Sukhothai historical park, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1991, is located about 400 kilometers north of Bangkok and is home of the old temples of the Kingdom of Sukhothai (translated by dawn of happiness) which existed between the 13th (after being freed from the Khmer empire) and 14th century (after being annexed by Ayutthaya).
The park lies on 70 square kilometers and divided in two sections, the inner and the outer wall. The inner city is immaculately clean with cut grass, ponds and frangipani trees and certainly a model of management. While it is possible to visit the temples inside the inner enclosure of 2.5 sq km2 by walk (Angkor Wat temple is 1.95 sq km2) it is advisable to rent a bicycle.
The architecture in Sukhothai got many influences over the years from Ceylonese (modern Sri Lanka) and Khmer art. In the part, are ruins of two temples built during the Khmer empire. The largest one, just outside them main enclosure, called Wat Phra Pai Luang is the oldest of the group built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, but only one tower with the Khmer architecture remains.
Wat Si Sawai is another example of Khmer architecture subsequently modified with the Thai style with three beautiful towers (called prang) one of them still housing a pedestal which once held a linga, dedicated to shiva.
The main temple in Sukhothai park is Wat Mahathat with an imposing seated Buddha facing east making this temple it a perfect location for sunrise and sunset. As a bonus there is like in Angkor Wat a small reflecting pond.
Within the walled old city, on temple temple not to be missed is Wat Sa Si with a Sukhothai style walking Buddha and a main tall Chedi
Wat Si Chum outside the park has an impressive seating Buddha image quite enigmatic behind a tall square structure called Mandapa. In a crumbling state, the Buddha image and Mandapa were restored between 1953 and 1956.
If you already visited the temples of Angkor I would recommend extending your UNESCO world heritage journey by spending one or two days exploring the ruins of Sukhothai as this site has the advantage of being much less touristic than Angkor and great for photography.
Seated Buddha at Wat Mahathat temple
Seated Buddha at Wat Mahathat temple
Seated Buddha at Wat Mahathat temple at night
Standing buddha images at Wat Mahathat temple
Seated Buddha at Wat Mahathat temple
Seated Buddha at Wat Mahathat temple with sun
The impressive seated Buddha of Wat Si Chum temple
Visiting the temples of Angkor can be overwhelming. The structures are quite massive that most tourists focus their attention solely in watching the breathtaking grandeur of the fortresses against the picturesque landscapes. More often than not, the elaborate details of the temples are inevitably missed or neglected, for some reason.
But the beauty of Angkor is revealed on its exquisite elements: intricate carvings of Apsara dancers, Devatas, Buddhas, guardians and demons, bas-reliefs of battles or everyday life scenes. The minute details are actually the ones telling us fascinating stories of the bygone era.
Uncovering interesting details can be a challenge for most as quite a lot are hidden in the dark corners of the temples where only the curious dare go while others are covered with moss.
People who have visited Angkor temples for first time could not seem to get enough so they tend to come back for more. Even if they have been to the temples several times, each visit is just as stimulating as the first time. Every visit is an opportunity to find something new and unique.
If you want to see the awe-inspiring intricacies of Angkor temples with your very own eyes, please check our website at www.angkorphotographytours.com to know more about our photography tours. You might just spot an angel, on your lucky day.
Sanskrit writing on a pillar in Angkor
Sanskrit writing in Prasat Kravan temple
Intricate details of a pillar in Angkor Wat temple
Detail of a lintel in Koh Ker temple
Detail of a demon carving in Koh Ker temple
Demon carving in Banteay Thom temple
Beautiful Apsara dancers carving at Bayon temple
Bas relief detail in Bayon temple
Apsara dancer carvings in Preah Khan temple
Detail of an aspara’s hand in Banteay Thom temple
Apsara feet close up in Ta Prohm temple
Buddha carving covered in moss in Preah Khan temple
This a guest post from Pascal who I had the pleasure to guide in the temples of Angkor last December. Fascinated by the giant trees of Angkor, Pascal captured them in a very special way through openings. Enjoy his selection of pictures below taken mainly in Ta Prohm and Preah Khan temples.
Les grands arbres multi-centenaires de la jungle ( même maitrisée aujourd’hui ) ont pris le pouvoir sur les majestueux ouvrages bâtis par les hommes… Les temples d’ANGKOR, par les ouvertures béantes du temps, regardent le ciel à travers la nature qui précipite, chaque jour, sa perte et reprends ses droits ! ..
The large three century-old trees from the jungle (although controlled today) overtook the majestic masterpieces built by man… The temples of Angkor, with their opening in the sky through time, are looking at the nature which, day after day, takes inexorably back its territory.
