| Angkor Photography Tours

World Heritage Historic Houses of Hoi An Central Vietnam

On May 8, 2017 / blog

Hoi An is a charming and picturesque little city located near the coastline in Central Vietnam. Once a major trading port between the 16th and 18th centuries, it managed to retain to this day some of his architectural heritage. The old city spreads on 30 hectares and is listed on the UNESCO Word Heritage since 1999.

Although many of the 1000 old houses in Hoi An are now converted to tailor, souvenir, coffee shops and restaurants due the booming of both international and national tourism (more than 2 million tourist in 2016), an handful of preserved houses are open to the public. To visit them, you need to buy a 120 000 VND ticket (about USD 5), valid for only 5 world heritage sites. This post lists all heritage houses you can visit with one pass.

I would recommend to start your visit around 8 am to avoid group tours that can spoil your experience and make it difficult to take pictures. The advantage also is to be able to use a tripod as the interior of some houses is really dark. Except for the ancient house, each site is only few minutes apart by walk.

Tan Ky house (101 Nguyen Thai Hoc St)

Named after its builder Tan Ky, this house is the most popular heritage house in Hoi An, also the first one to be listed on the national heritage of Vietnam in 1985. Built in the late 18th century, its architecture is a combination of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. Two entrances are available, one facing the river but unfortunately the first floor is not open to the general public. It is not the best house to take interior pictures as often crowded with groups.

A short five minutes introduction is given but some members of the founding family before you can wander around. On one wall, water levels due to floods are recorded, the last one being in December 2016 which lasted for 4 days.

Tan ky old house hoi an photography tours

Interior of Tan Ky old house in Hoi An

Old bed displayed in Tan Ky old house

Phung Hung House (4 Nguyen Thi min Khai St)

Not far from the famous Japanese covered bridge, Phung Hung is a two-stories private house built in 1780 with a combination of Japanese (four-sided roof), Chinese and Vietnamese styles. A balcony with a nice vintage on the street below and on the room below is accessible. A small tour with few explanations is given to you when you enter the premises. It is one the best house to take interior pictures because it is quite large and bright. A shop selling embroideries is located on the second floor.

Interior of Phung Hung old house in Hoi An

Phung-Hung heritage house house Hoi An photowalk

Interior of Phung Hung old house in Hoi An

Interior of Phung Hung old house in Hoi An

Quan Thang house (77 Tran Phu St)

Built by a Chinese merchant in the late 17th century, Quan Thang is a one-story shop-house with some interesting architectural details especially the teak walls. No explanations about the house was given by family during the visit. The back of the house is private so photographic opportunities are quite limited.

Interior of Quan Thang old house

Portrait of Ho Chi Minh in Quan Thang house

Portrait of an ancestor at Quan Thang house altar

Duc An old house (129 Tran Phu St)

Duc An is an heritage house built in 1850 with some timber carvings. The house was a bookstore at the end of the 19th century and Chinese medicine dispensary during the 20th century. Unfortunately a souvenir shop is now located on the back of the house thus restricting photography. There was no guide during the visit.

Interior of Duc An old house

Interior of Duc An heritage house in Hoi An

Old medicine dispensary in Duc An old house

Tran Family Chapel (21 Le Loi St)

Tran chapel is a beautiful house built in 1804 by Tran Tu Nhac with purpose to worship his ancestors. Architecture reflects Japanese (five columns), Chinese (turtle roof) and Vietnamese (bow and arrow) styles. The house has three entrances, a beautiful waiting room leading to the atmospheric ancestors’altar with stone tablets. A shop is located at the back with some interesting Yin Yang coins and few Piastres from the Indochina period. The guided visit was one of the best of all the houses.

Waiting room in the Tran Chapel family

Tran Tu Nhac, the founder of the Tran Chapel

Ancestors of the Tran family

Beautiful floor tiles in Tran Chapel family

Detail of a drape in Tran Chapel Hoi An

Yin Yang coins in Tran Chapel Hoi An

Ancient House (104 Thai Phien St)

One of my favorite heritage house situated in the northern part of the old town. Built 250 years ago on one floor with 4 rooms it has an unique Vietnamese architecture. A cluster of beautiful red lanterns are hanging in the entrance room and carved pillars are well preserved. Hosts are quite friendly and invite you for tea and biscuits to reply to questions you might have. Entrance is free so if if you do not want to buy anything from the shop, a donation box is available. Ancient House receives only few visitors daily so you are likely to be alone during your visit.

Ancient house interior Hoi An

Red lanterns in ancient house Hoi An

Beautiful carved pillar in Ancient House

Red lanterns in Hoi An Ancient House

Glass window detail in ancient house Hoi An

Diep Dong Nguyen house (82 Nguyen Thai Hoc St)

This old house built late 19th century has been converted to a museum displaying ceramics and furniture. Of particular interest is the wooden facade of the house with no windows. You do not need the old town ticket to visit the premises.

The beautiful wooden facade of Diep Dong Nguyen house

Porcelain displayed at Diep Dong Nguyen house

Resident of the house burning incenses for prayer

10 Tips to Take Better Pictures in The Temples of Angkor

On August 17, 2016 / Angkor Wat, Cambodia

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS ANGKOR WAT

Running photography tours in the temples of Angkor for the last 5 years, I am particularly acquainted the Angkor Archaeological Park which stretched over 400 square meters and counts more than 200 temples. I want to share with you some tips that will help you capture better pictures during your stay in Cambodia. From the preparation to the actual day, here are 10 photography tips below on how to get the best out of your day in the temples of Angkor.

If you are looking for photographing away from the crowd and explore hidden temples please checkout our E-Bike Hidden Temples of Angkor photo tour.

1. Take a wide angle lens

A wide angle lens is a must in the temples of Angkor. Unfortunately many people realized too late that their lens is not wide enough ….I would recommend at least a 24 mm (on a full frame) or a 10 mm (on a crop sensor). Many of the temple photography was taken at 17 mm or 20 mm.

If you have a Canon camera, I would suggest the moderately-priced ultra wide zoom lens Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM or the more expensive Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. In some instances you may want to bring or rent a telephoto lens as it can be useful in some temples like Bayon to isolate the distant faces or capture far details in other temples. If you have a Canon camera, I would suggest the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM or the more expensive version Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM.

If you have a Fisheye lens taking the dust in one of your drawers, I strongly suggest to take it to Angkor, it is a fun lens to use in the temples. Pictures below ere taken with the 7artisans fisheye 7.5 mm f:2.8.

Photography tips Angkor Wat: be creative with your fish-eye lens capturing devatas in Angkor Wat temple

Photography tips Angkor Wat: be creative with your fish-eye lens capturing the giants trees of Angkor

2. Pack extra batteries

You will probably take more pictures than usual during your photo tour and test the limit of your camera’s battery life. I noticed that cameras with electronic view finders (Sony Alpha 7r, 7s, Olympus OMD5 or Pen) drain their batteries quite fast so having extra batteries is highly recommended for mirrorless cameras. With Canon and Nikon DLSR’s, you can get away with one battery (if new) if you use from time to time your LCD screen. Be sure to charge fully the battery the night before. If you do not have an extra battery I highly recommend to bring your charger. There will be some charging stations at the restaurants around Angkor so you charge your batteries during your lunch break or coffee break.

3. Bring a monopod instead of a tripod

Many photographers are coming to Angkor with a tripod and end up not using it. It would be difficult to use a tripod at the sunrise in Angkor Wat unless you arrive very early and take a position in front of the crowd. Generally you can get away in taking Angkor Wat sunrise pictures without a tripod by using a large aperture and raising a bit the ISO. Light inside the temples can be quite low even in the afternoon but you can still get pretty decent photos in most cases by raising ISO to 1000. If you want to keep the noise low, one option is to use a monopod so you can use a lower speed. A monopod is also much easier to carry than a tripod.

Some people sometime ask if tripods are allowed in the temples of Angkor. The short answer is yes… However if you look “too professional” someone might ask you if you have a permit for shooting as they might think that you are shooting a commercial work.

4. Arrive early at Angkor Wat sunrise (best spot for sunrise angkor wat)

Tourists lined up in front of the reflecting pond facing Angkor Wat temple

Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a very popular venue all year round and it is best to arrive early to get your spot in front especially if you want to set up a tripod. 5 am is the earliest that you can enter Angkor Wat. The day before your planned tour, you can check sunrise time on Google. Leaving your hotel one hour before sunrise would be ideal. During the months of June, July and August, as sunrise is very early, I suggest that you buy your pass the day before from 5 pm at the new ticket center close to the Angkor Panorama Museum.

5. Buy the right entry pass

If you are planning to stay for several days and explore more temples, the best value for money is the 7-day pass at USD 72 which will allow you entry to the park 7 times for a period of 30 days. The worst deal is the one-day pass at USD37 , especially if you plan to visit the temples only half a day. To know more about the Angkor tickets please read our blog post.

6. Compose with shadows and highlights

Light in the temples of Angkor can be quite difficult to master especially at midday so it is best to shoot before 10 am and after 4pm. It does not mean of course that you cannot take good shots in between you just have to look for light and shadows.

Devata in Ta Prohm temple emerging from the shadow

Head of a Devata in the morning light at Angkor Wat temple

7. Do look up for details

Angkor Wat is such a massive temple that it is easy to miss many interesting details. Just look closely at the carvings and writings carved into the sandstone they can are often beautiful to capture. Do not forget also to look up the ceiling in the hall of 1000 Buddhas. If you want to see more close up pictures of Angkor please have a look at our previous blog entries here and here.

Bas relief detail in Bayon temple

Photography tips Angkor Wat: do not forget to look up in Angkor Wat temple to see these motifs with preserved red pigments

Hindu priest carving details in Angkor Wat temple

8. Get the right exposure

Getting the right exposure for your pictures in Angkor can be tricky as light changes drastically between outside and in the temple and change as well quite quickly outside. Unless you are shooting on auto ISO you will have to always pay attention to your ISO settings first before clicking your camera. Whether you are shooting manual or priority aperture, the metering system of your camera will be often challenged so you would to change quite often your camera settings. It is often said that shooting against the sun is a not a good idea but by choosing the right settings in your camera it can give fantastic results as you can see on the picture below.

Beautiful Apsara carvings at sunrise

9. Get out off the beaten path.

Even in the busiest temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon, you can escape the crowd by sauntering thru smaller corridors where you will often find hidden treasures that most tourist wouldn’t find.

Photography tips Angkor Wat: get out of the beaten path

10. Avoid Phnom Bakheng at sunset!

When in Siem Reap, many travel agents or independent drivers will recommend Phnom Bakheng as the best sunset viewpoint. It is actually the worst ! You would have to go there quite early as the numbers of people allowed on top of the temple is now limited to 300. The sunset view is not that impressive. You can see Angkor Wat from there but will need a least a 300 mm lens to take a decent shot. This useful website can help you find out other sunset spots in Angkor. Bear in mind that most of the temples are open only between 7.30 am to 5.30 pm which will make sunset pictures impossible. Beside Phnom Bakheng the only places which are opened until 7.00 pm are Pre Rup temple and Srah Srang.

Sunset at Angkor Thom

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ANGKOR SUNRISE PHOTO TOUR

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.

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

Best Time to Visit Siem Reap and Take Photographs in Angkor Cambodia

On March 17, 2016 / Cambodia

Cambodia sits just about the equatorial zone where the weather is mostly warm to hot all year round. Just like all countries with tropical climates, there are only two seasons – the wet and the dry.

One of the recurring question among visitors and photographers is what is the best time to visit Siem Reap and Cambodia in general?

The dry season starts in October and ends in April and it usually lasts longer than the wet season. This is the time when scorching heat brought about by the northeast monsoon dries up the land turning the Cambodian countryside into spectacles of golden paddy fields and creating fine powdery white to tawny colored dusty dirt roads. There are cool months though, from November to January, which is also considered high season by many tour operators particularly in Siem Reap. Tourists flock the temples of Angkor at this time of the year as they make the most out of the cool weather without having to worry of being soaked in the rain. Around the months of January and March, hazy skies can be observed giving the sun a fiery red ball effect, perfect for capturing stunning sunset at the Angkor Thom moat as shown in the picture below.

Red ball sun over Angkor Thom moat in March

On the other hand, wet season runs from May to September caused by the southwest monsoon. It tends to rain most days of the week, generally heavy downpours that usually last for a few hours. There are days when the rain is quite light but it continues all day long. Wet season in Cambodia means low season for tourism in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. For tourists and photography enthusiasts, visiting during the wet season has its lovely perks. Aside from being less crowded, spectacular cloud formations and charming colors can be seen in the morning. The countryside looks more alive with lush foliage. The green scenery is quite striking amidst the drenched surroundings. The dusty dirt roads are now soggy mud pits and the meadows are flourishing with vegetation. The moats surrounding the temples are filled with water and there are pools of water everywhere ideal for taking reflection photos.

angkor wat temple causeway photography tours

Angkor Wat temple seen from the west causeway in September

Banteay Kdei with green pond in October

Bayon temple reflection photography tours

Bayon temple at dusk with water reflection

Some temples are putting up their green moss robe during the monsoon season as in Preah Khan and Ta Prohm temples. You can see more pictures of the temples of Angkor during the green season on our blog Cambodia Green Season.

Buddha carving moss preah khan angkor photography tours

Buddha carving covered in moss in Preah Khan temple in October

Sandstone moss Ta Prohm photography tours

Numbered sandstone block covered with moss in Ta Prohm temple in September

Sunrise and sunset intervals also change during the seasons. In January, sun rises the latest at around 6:30am while in June, sun rises the earliest at around 5:30am. While the sun sets earliest in January normally around 5:30pm and not later than 6:00pm, it sets relatively late in June at around 6:30pm. Sun path also varies with the seasons. Angkor Wat in particular is exposed to a very different light in the months of June and December: standing on the central causeway you will see the sun rising on the right side or left side of the temple respectively. You can see below the dramatic change in light at the northern corridor.

Devata carvings in Angkor Wat corridor in December

Devata carvings in Angkor Wat corridor lit up by the sun in June

Angkor Wat sunrise with temple reflection on the pond in October

Apart from the temples, the Cambodian countryside is changing drastically between the dry and the wet season with lotus and paddy fields appearing and disappearing from the landscape.

Farmer working on a paddy field in the Cambodian countryside in November

Lotus flowers pond in August

Each season has its advantages and disadvantages, nevertheless, if you are a photography aficionado, any season is a good season to visit Siem Reap and capture the beauty of Angkor.

Countryside landscape near Siem Reap Cambodia in September

To conclude, especially if you are a photographer, all year around is good to take pictures in Cambodia.

If you are heading to Cambodia soon and you are wondering about the weather in Siem Reap, you can have look at the live siem reap weather map below.

Sukhothai historical park revisited

On February 23, 2016 / blog

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-Wat-Mahathat-temple-Sukhothai

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

Wat Si Sawai temple

Walking pilgrims sculpture at Wat Mahathat

Walking Buddha Wat Si Sai Sukhothai style

Walking Buddha Wat Si Sai Sukhothai

Buddha feet at Wat Saphan temple

Buddha feet at Wat Phra Pai Luang

Spring Equinox Celebrations

On February 15, 2016 / Uncategorized

Equinox, an astronomical event that marks a change in season, is the time in which the sun passes over the celestial equator causing the length of night and day to be roughly equal. In the northern hemisphere vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring while autumnal equinox marks the beginning of autumn. Vernal equinox is usually celebrated in March while autumnal equinox in September. In the southern hemisphere, it is the other way around.

Spring equinox is not just any ordinary season celebration. In most cultures, it is a religious observance embracing a symbolic sense of spirituality. It has been celebrated for thousands of years in many countries with different traditions with almost similar themes, the start of new beginnings. For Christians, spring equinox plays a vital role in determining the Christian Easter and the same goes for the Jewish celebration of the Passover. While a tradition from ancient Chinese calls for balancing of eggs to bring good fortune and abundance. For Iranians, spring equinox marks their New Year or Nowruz established from the Zoroastrianism beliefs. St. Patrick’s day in Ireland is also an observance related to the spring equinox.

In Pagan traditions, spring equinox is a celebration in honor of the gods and goddesses. Ancient Romans celebrate in honor of the mother goddess of Rome, Cybele, who with some divine intervention and help from Zeus, resurrected her lover, Attis after he castrated and killed himself. Germanic tribes celebrate Ostara, originally from the word Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring; while Ancient Egypt celebrate the Festival of Isis, the goddess of spring and rebirth.

The native Mayan people in Central America celebrates spring equinox for ten centuries in the Mayan sacrificial ritual pyramid, El Castillo or the Kukulcan Pyramid, in Chichen Itza, Mexico. The pyramid has four staircases and at the base of the stairs stands the carved head of a snake deity, Kukulkan. The pyramid is designed with quite an impressive precision that during the equinox, as the sun sets, shadows and sunlight plays an illusion of a snake sliding down the staircase. They call this occurrence as “The Return of the Sun Serpent”. At present, El Castillo is also one of the famous venue for equinox observance.

Stonehenge, a celebrated tourist attraction in England is another well-known venue for the equinox. One function of the Stonehenge’s blueprint is to serve as an astronomical observatory to forecast and calculate celestial occurrences. During the equinox, Druids and Pagans gather early in the morning to witness the sun rising above the stones. This structure has become a very prominent venue for those seeking some kind of an extraordinary spiritual encounter during the equinox.

Another remarkable site to experience the equinox is the Grianan of Aileach, a group of ancient structures on top of a hill in Count Donegal, Ireland, with structures believed to have been built in the 6th or 7th century AD. During the equinox, the beam of the rising sun is dividing the inside of the stone ring-fort which is the main structure, into a northern and southern part.

Mnajdra, a temple complex in the the island of Malta, is considered as one of the most ancient religious sites on earth. The structure is believed to have been built during the 4th Millenium B.C. During the equinox, a ray of sun pass thru the temple and lights up its main axis.

Finally, being considered as one of the shrines of the ancient world, Angkor Wat near Siem Reap Cambodia is the most popular venue in Southeast Asia to celebrate the spring equinox. The structure, aside from its magnificent design is also drafted to forecast celestial phenomenons. Angkor Wat temple features a very distinctive and spectacular sunrise during the equinox; the sun rises exactly behind the pinnacle of the central tower, the most sacred point of the temple rising 65 meters above the ground.

For this upcoming Spring Equinox we are doing a special photography tour, please visit this page for more details. Here are few pictures below of sunrise at the equinox in Angkor Wat temple.

angkor wat sunrise equinox photography tour

Angkor Wat spring equinox sunrise

Angkor Wat sunrise during the equinox

sunlight angkor wat central tower angkor photo tours

Sunlight behind the central tower of Angkor Wat temple

Sunrise over Angkor Wat temple during Equinox

Crowd waiting for sunrise during the equinox at Angkor Wat temple

Openings – The Trees of Angkor Ouvertures – Les arbres d’Angkor

On January 25, 2016 / blog

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.

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.

Group of devatas in Angkor Wat temple

Devatas at sunrise in Angkor Wat temple

Devatas holding hands in Angkor Wat temple

Devatas in Angkor Wat with early morning light

Devatas in Angkor Wat corridor

Devatas in Angkor Wat temple

Devatas in Banteay Kdei temple

Devata at sunrise at Angkor Wat temple

Devata in Angkor Wat temple

Devatas in Ta Prohm temple

Devata in Bayon temple

Apsara dancers at Bayon temple

Devatas in Ta Prohm temple

Devata behind crumbling stones in Preah Khan temple

Devata behind a tree in Ta Prohm temple

Devata close up in Ta Prohm temple

Hidden Devata in Preah Khan temple

Devata close up in Ta Prohm temple

Devata close up in Angkor Wat temple

Devata close up in Ta Prohm temple

Angkor Wat Documentary Videos

On January 9, 2016 / Uncategorized

Your flight ticket and hotel are booked and you are a now a few days away from your trip to Siem Reap. Like many you probably did not have the time to read about the temples of Angkor. Do not worry!
To help you out, we compiled a list of the best Angkor Wat documentary videos available online. Most of them are in English, some others in French only. If you have other movies to suggest or want to report broken links, please feel free to let us know.

THE KHMER EMPIRE: FALL OF THE GOD KINGS (2020, Fall of Civilizations MMXX, in English)

Watch online: Complete (98 min)

Combining footage from various sources: video stock agencies, digital work from Monash University, work from Chandara Ung of SensiLab, this documentary gives a very good overview about the rise and the fall of the Khmer Empire.

LOST WORLDS: CITY OF THE GOD KINGS (2002, Channel 4, in English)

Watch online: Complete (49 min)

This documentary gives a good overview about the history of the temples of Angkor. In this film, you will learn about the first images of the 1994’s Spaceborne Imaging Radar survey from NASA, the accounts of Zhou Daguan’s visit in Angkor in the 13th century, the first impressions of Henri Mouhot from 1860. Several leading archaeologists are interviewed and gave any interesting insights about their research on Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Phnom Kulen.

JUNGLE ATLANTIS BBC

(2014, in English)

Watch online: Part 1 (59 min) Part 2 (59 min)

Jungle Atlantis by the BBC is about the latest findings from the LIDAR, a groundbreaking laser technology which gave archaeologists new insights about the temples, the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen and revealed new archaeological sites hidden beneath the dense jungle.
In this documentary are also presented some new research evidences about the sophisticated Angkorian water irrigation system believed to be at the origin of the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire.

AUX SOURCES D’ANGKOR ARTE

(2015, Science Grand Format, in French)

A documentary about the first capital of the Khmer Empire, Mahendraparvata, and its discovery in 2000 by Jean-Baptiste Chevance on the top of Kulen mountain. The map of the ancient city is confirmed by the LIDAR survey of 2012.

Watch online: Complete (53 min)

ANGKOR REDECOUVERT ARTE

(2013, in French)

Watch online: Complete (86 min)

Angkor redécouvert is an Angkor documentary about the latest findings of the LIDAR project and some archaeological research led by French and German teams in the temples of Koh Ker. Also presented, the groundbreaking documentary work of the French explorer and artist Louis Delaporte, at the end of the 19th century.

ACCESS 360 WORLD HERITAGE ANGKOR WAT

(2013, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, in English)

Watch online: Complete (44 min)

A documentary about the LIDAR technology which helped scientists to get a better understanding of the layout of the city of Angkor Wat. A large part of the documentary is about the restoration and conservation efforts that took place in the temples over the years.

VISUALISING ANGKOR

(2009, MONASH UNIVERSITY, in English)

Watch online: Complete (3 min)

An amazing short animation film produced by Monash University depicting the landscapes and daily life during the golden age of Angkor Wat.

ANGKOR THE LAND OF THE GODS

(2011 SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL, in English)

Watch online: Part 1 (55 min) Part 2 (55 min)

The first part of this documentary focuses on the rise of the Khmer empire and the legacy of Suryavarman II: Angkor Wat temple. Is explained also the connection between the temples and the quarries in the Kulen mountain. The second part is about Jayavarman VII well known for his extensive temple building program. Also presented, the last findings about Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple. Both part feature beautifully designed 3D and movie sequences.

ANGKOR: LA CIVILISATION ENGLOUTIE

(2012, ARTE, in French)

A documentary which highlights the works of the EFEO about the history of the consecutive capitals of the Khmer empire. New research is been presented about the temples of Beng Melea, Phnom Kulen, Preah Khan and the West Baray water reservoir. Presented also, the new archaeological evidences uncovered by the LIDAR technology.

Watch online: Complete (52 min)

A LA POURSUITE DES PILLEURS DE TEMPLES

(2016, ARTE, in French)

A documentary about the controversial topic of antiquities trafficking and in particular about the looting of the statues of the statues of Koh Ker in Cambodia. Tess David a lawyer successfully executed a lawsuit against Sotheby’s for the sale of the unique statue of Duryodhana bondissant which was stolen in 1972 at Prasat Chen temple and which was part of a unique 3 dimensional Hindu fighting scene composed of 9 statues.

Watch online: Complete (52 min)

ANCIENT MEGASTRUCTURES ANGKOR WAT

(2008, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, in English)

This documentary focuses exclusively on the construction of Angkor Wat temple under the reign of Suryavarman II.

Watch online: Complete (47 min)

DIGGING FOR THE TRUTH ANGKOR WAT

(HISTORY CHANNEL, in English)

A fast-paced documentary about Angkor Wat temple.

Watch online: Complete (45 min)

PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

If you are a passionate photographer who wants to get the best pictures of Angkor and wants to improve your photo skills you can join our Angkor Wat sunrise tour or our countryside tour. We run also photography tours in the capital city of Phnom Penh.

Posts Tagged UNESCO

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS ANGKOR WAT

1. Take a wide angle lens

2. Pack extra batteries

3. Bring a monopod instead of a tripod

4. Arrive early at Angkor Wat sunrise (best spot for sunrise angkor wat)

5. Buy the right entry pass

6. Compose with shadows and highlights

7. Do look up for details

8. Get the right exposure

9. Get out off the beaten path.

10. Avoid Phnom Bakheng at sunset!

ANGKOR SUNRISE PHOTO TOUR

ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE TIME

Angkor Wat Sunrise | When the sun rises behind the temple

The Enchanting Dance of the Sun During Sunrise

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

Angkor Wat Sunrise | Tips for Photographers

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

JUNGLE ATLANTIS BBC

AUX SOURCES D’ANGKOR ARTE

ANGKOR REDECOUVERT ARTE

ACCESS 360 WORLD HERITAGE ANGKOR WAT

VISUALISING ANGKOR

ANGKOR THE LAND OF THE GODS

ANGKOR: LA CIVILISATION ENGLOUTIE

A LA POURSUITE DES PILLEURS DE TEMPLES

ANCIENT MEGASTRUCTURES ANGKOR WAT

DIGGING FOR THE TRUTH ANGKOR WAT

PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

ANGKOR PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

+855(0)15-720-655 I laurent.dambies@angkorphotographytours.com

Line: angkorphototours I WeChat: angkorphoto