THE HIDDEN GEM 19-DAY PHOTO TOUR IN CAMBODIA. THE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET!

Cambodia is a land steeped in both legend and history. It was once home to the awe-inspiring Khmer Empire, the pinnacle of civilization from 800 to 1200 AD. However, the country also carries the scars of a more recent past—the devastating four-year reign of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s. Despite this dark chapter, the legacy of the ancient empire endures, visible in countless corners of the country. From the iconic Angkor Wat to the hidden, jungle-covered temples and forgotten cities, Cambodia offers a journey through time like no other.

Cambodia is far more than just Angkor Wat! For photographers, it offers an abundance of breathtaking subjects waiting to be captured. Cambodia is a visual treasure trove from ancient temples to vibrant local life. And when it comes to photographing this stunning country, there’s no one better to guide you than Cambodia’s very own Koemle Saing.

I’ve enjoyed leading photo trips in my beautiful homeland for over a decade! During this time, I’ve received countless positive reviews highlighting my deep knowledge, friendly nature, and love for going the extra mile to help photographers capture that perfect shot. I truly understand what international photographers are seeking, all while bringing a few delightful surprises to the table! Thanks to my wonderful network of friends across the country, I stay updated on the latest local happenings and can offer access that would be hard to find elsewhere.

We kick off and wrap up our photo tour in Phnom Penh, a truly fascinating city in Southeast Asia. From there, we venture into the heart of rural Cambodia, where charming villages often nestle alongside ancient city ruins and the stunning remnants of lost kingdoms, gently embraced by the jungle. This road trip to Siem Reap feels like a beautiful journey through time, as we rediscover these hidden gems, much like archaeologists with our cameras.

And while capturing ancient history for those incredible photo opportunities is a big part of our adventure, there’s so much more awaiting us! Picture the vibrant looms of Silk Island, the towering interiors of brick kilns, and picturesque rice paddies dotted with coconut palms. Imagine standing atop ancient temples with breathtaking views, browsing exotic markets filled with snake fish and deep-fried tarantulas, catching sight of children bathing their family buffalo, drifting past graceful floating villages, exploring centuries-old teakwood monasteries, riding the bamboo train in Battambang, and of course, soaking in the magic of Angkor Wat and its surroundings!

Even if you have been to Angkor Wat before, you haven’t experienced it with us! We know how to navigate around the crowds to give you those perfect, uninterrupted photo opportunities. (Check out this article for tips on how we do it!) Beyond the well-trodden paths, many of the most stunning, jungle-covered ruins lie outside the usual tourist zones. Often, we find ourselves alone in these hidden gems, with nothing but our cameras and sometimes a few young monks, capturing the magic of these ancient sites to our heart’s content.

HIGHLIGHT – THE HIDDEN 19 DAYS PHOTO TOUR.

Magnificent Angkor Wat & Environs

Inside Access to Authentic Cambodia

Fascinating Phnom Penh @ the Confluence of The Mekong & Tonle Sap Rivers

Hidden Jungle Temples w/ Buddhist Monks

The Floating Village on the Largest Lake in Southeast Asia

Authentic Khmer & International Cuisine

Battambang – Uniquely French Colonial

The Warm & Friendly People of Cambodia, Up Close & Personal

Freshwater Dolphin along the Mekong River.

Cambodian people digging for gems.

Indigenous minority @ their culture

LET’S THE JOURNEY BEGIN!

DAY 1: Welcome to Cambodia

Pick up from PP Int. Check-in at the hotel, Welcome drink by the hotel, relax and take a shower.Afternoon, Pick up from the hotel at 3.30 pm.
This afternoon, we’ll explore and walk along the Chak Tomuk River (where the four rivers meet - forming a four-branched confluence.) in front of the Royal palace with activities life in the city, People praying at Preah Ang Dorngkeu shrine, Riding a boat cruise for a sunset view and then dinner at a Cambodian restaurant.

Day 2: Dive into Cambodian Culture

Pick up from the hotel at 7.00 am.

This morning, we’ll begin at Wat Onalom Monastery Buddhist temple with Khmer Art and culture where the holy monks stay, From Wat Ounalom Monastery temple, we’ll shoot people working and selling along the street with Fresh Market and France colonial building then take a break for lunch.

Lunch break/ Take a shower.

In the afternoon, Pick up from the hotel at 2.30 pm.

This afternoon, we’ll go to the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a good example of Khmer architecture featuring its layout of the defensive wall (kampeng), throne hall (preah thineang), Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Preah Keo Morakot), stupas (chedei), towering spires (prang prasat) and mural paintings. The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh covers an area of 174,870 square meters

After we explore the royal palace, we’ll go to Wat Phom Doun Penh, Phnom Penh, the central point of Cambodia. It is a pagoda, that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh, and a historical site that is part of the Khmer national identity. Wat Phnom has a total height of 46 meters (150 ft) The pagoda is named after Lady Penh from the story of the discovery of the five statues: four Buddha statues and one Vishnu statue. From Wat Phnom Doun Pend, we’ll shoot night light painting at the Independent Monument building.

Phnom pend City- Skun- Kampong Charm

Afternoon, Pick up from the hotel at 3.30 pm.

Day 3- A Spiritual and Cultural Journey

Pick up from the hotel at 5.00 am.We’ll set up the alarm and leave the hotel early morning driving approximately one hour and a half hour to Oudong Monastery Buddhist where we’ll take pics of Buddhist monks and nuns offering food with monks’ activities.From Oudong Monastery Temple, we’ll go to the Silk Island to see some Cambodian families. Silk Island, also known as Koh Dach, is located on the Mekong River in Cambodia. It is famous for its silk production, traditional silk-weaving communities, and the unique lifestyle.From Silk Island after our lunch break, we’ll be driving approximately another one and a half hours to Kampong Cham by stopping at Skun where we have an opportunity to take pics of Cambodian children with the mother selling deep-fried tarantulas.

Day 4- Sunrise Serenity and Ancient Ruins.

Pick up from the hotel at 4.30 am.

This morning, we’ll go to shoot sunrise with fisherman at Tmorg Bridge, After our sunrise shooting. We’ll have our breakfast before checking out the hotel for our next destination.

CHECK OUT THE HOTEL.

Before bidding farewell to Kampong Cham, we’ll make a delightful stop at the enchanting ruins of the Prasat Norkor Bachey temple, where we’ll have the chance to meet friendly monks and priests and capture some amazing photos together. After soaking in the beauty of Nokor Bachey, we’ll head to the charming town of Kampong Thom for another cozy overnight stay. On our journey there, we’ll have plenty of wonderful opportunities to stop and snap photos of the vibrant local life along the way. As we approach Kampong Thom, we’ll visit a quaint village at the foot of Sand Tok Mountain, where artists create stunning stone statues. And who knows, we might even catch a breathtaking sunset over the rice fields before we check in at our hotel!

Day 5- Mystical Temples and Cultural Encounters

Pick up from the hotel at 7.15 am.

This morning, we’ll check out of the hotel and bring all our belongings as we drive for 45 minutes to the old, ruined temple of Sambo Prei Kum. On the way, we’ll stop at one of the Buddhist monasteries and bring two monks along with us to take photos of the ruined temple. After visiting Sambo Prei Kum Temple, we’ll drop the monks off at their residence and then stop somewhere for our lunch break. After our lunch break, we’ll drive to Kratie Town, where we’ll stay for two nights. On the way to Kratie, we have many opportunities to stop by Cambodian families engaged in their daily lives along the Mekong River and check into the hotel later today.

Day 6- Island Life and the Mekong River Adventures

Pick up from the hotel at 7.15 am.

In the morning, we’re excited to cross the Mekong River to Koh Trong Island on a charming local ferry! At the boat dock, we’ll capture some wonderful photos of the vibrant Cambodian community and the lively market right next to us. Once we arrive at Koh Trong Island, we’ll stroll around and soak in the beautiful views of people tending to their farms. After our adventure, we’ll treat ourselves to a delicious lunch at a delightful Cambodian restaurant.

Back to the hotel late afternoon, free time to relax.

Day 7- Dolphin Watching & Ratanakiri Exploration

Pick up from the hotel at 7.00 am.This morning, we’ll check out the hotel and drive about 40 minutes to KAMPI where we’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River to spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins.From KAMPI, we’ll be driving 2 and a half hours to three hours to RATANAKIRI known as the Gems Land area in Cambodia. Check-in at the hotel- relax and take a shower.In the afternoon about 4.00 pm.,we’ll explore Ban Lung Town and go to the national park Beng Ya Lom with the tribe people nearby there.

Day 8- Tribal Village & Gem Mining

Pick up from the hotel at 7.15.00am.

Today, we’ll visit a remote village to observe and photograph tribal families in their daily routines. Afterwards, we’ll witness the fascinating process of local gem mining.

Afternoon- Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 9- Sunrise & Homestay Adventure

Pick up from the hotel at 4.30 amWe’ll begin the day with an early start, catching the sunrise from a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of Ban Lung. After breakfast, we’ll check out and drive to Koh Han Island, where we’ll stay with a local community for an immersive experience

Day 10- National Park and Preah Vihear Province

Pick up from Homestay at 7.00 am.

This morning, we’ll ride a boat through the National Park flooded forest around Koh Han Island and then lunch break.

After our lunch, we’ll say goodbye from Koh Han, get in a boat back to the land and drive two and half hours to 3 hours to Preah Vihear Province.

Tonight, we check in at the hotel late and we’ll stay at a small town called SraEm.

Day 11- Ancient Ruins and Historical Sites

Pick up from the hotel at 7.30 am.

This morning, after our breakfast, we’ll be driving 40 minutes to Prasat Preah Vihear along with Thailand border and the greatest top view.

Check out the hotel.

After our lunch and check out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Anlong Veg district where we have a look at Pol Pot’s House (Ta Mok’s House) where they created Polpot and then drive to check into the hotel in Siem Reap Late.

Day 12- The Jungle Temple & Angkor Thom

Pick up from the hotel at 5.40.00 am.This morning, we’ll go to Ta Prohm Jungle Temple known as Tomb Raider with a big tree growing on the ruined construction temple, From Ta Prohm, we walk through the sanctuary forest to the hidden north gate with four faces of Ta Prohm and then a quick ride to the small hidden Buddhist Temple of Ta Nei, After Ta Nei before our lunch break, we’ll stop at Banteay Kdey Temple.Lunch break in the town area/ Relax at the hotel and take a shower.Afternoon- Pick up from the hotel at 2.30 pmThis afternoon, we’ll go to explore the ancient City of Angkor Thom with big stone smiling faces of Bayon, Terrace of Leper King, Preah Palilay, Victory Gate, and East gate with four faces and then before coming home will stop at the south gate of Angkor Thom for sunset view.

Day 13- The Magnificent Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Pick up from the hotel at 4.30 am

This morning, we’ll go to Angkor Wat for a classic sunrise with 5 lotus towers reflected in a water lily pond and then we’ll explore Angkor Wat, climb up to the third level with a great view and then back to the hotel for a late breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll go to a Cambodian Local Market shooting people selling food on the street.

Lunch break/ Hotel and take a shower.

Afternoon- Pick up from the hotel at 3.pm

This afternoon, we’ll go to the countryside with children playing around and their activities then a sunset view along rice fields with children.

Day 14- The Floating Villages & Hidden Temples.

Pick up from the hotel at 7.00 am.This morning, we’ll drive one and a half hours to Kampong Kleang Stilt Houses Village (floating community) and where we can see and shoot Cambodians along the streets, Fishermen, people smoke fish and ride in a boat to the floating village.Back in town for lunch break and shower.Afternoon- Pick up from the hotel at 2.30 pm.This afternoon, we’ll ride 45 minutes to one of the most beautiful pink sandstones Carving of Banteay Srey, from Banteay Srey temple, we’ll ride 30 minutes to the uncrowded Chueve Srey Vibol where we will bring to monks for shooting with ruined in the background, Candle’s light and incense smoke.

Day 15- Pick up from the hotel at 4.30 am

This morning, we’ll drive two and a half hours to Kok Ker. Our first stop was at the best temple of Prasat Pram with tree roots growing on top of the sanctuary ruined construction temple where we took two monks along with us for shooting. From Prasat Pram, we’ll go to Prasat Thom and then back to Beng Mealea’s ruined Jungle temple.

Lunch and then back home.

This late afternoon your free time.

Day 16- Pick up from the hotel at 4.30am

This morning, we’ll set up the alarm and check out hotel.We’ll drive 3 hours to the northwest of Cambodia close to the Thailand border to the ruined Banteay Chmmar temple with a few small construction temples nearby and then we drive back to a small town Banteay Meanchey where we stop for our lunch break.After our lunch break, we’ll drive another one and a half hours to check in the hotel in Battambang.Check in hotel/Relax. Afternoon- Pick up from the hotel at 3.00 pm.This afternoon, we’ll go to Phnom Sampov Mountain with a beautiful view from the top. Killing cave where we can take pics of a priest praying with a Buddha statue, from the top view before we back home will wait till the sky turns to dark and see a million bats come out of the cave.The Battambang and Final Farewells

Day 17- Pick up from the hotel at 7.30am

This morning, we’ll explore Battambang Town with its railway station, France Colonial Building, Market and railway bridge with monks walking across.

Lunch break/ Hotel relax and take a shower.

Afternoon, Pick up from the hotel at 2.30 pm.

This afternoon, we’ll go to Wat Sam RoungKnong Monastery Buddhist Temple. During Khmer Roug, they used Wat Samroung Knong as a Prison and killed more than 10 thousand people and put them together in one grave, From Wat Sam Roung Knong, we’ll go to Fish Market, From Fish Market, we’ll go to Wat Ek Phnom shooting tattoo monk with statue of Buddha and on the way to Ek Phnom stop by Cambodian family make rice paper and then can stop at monks’ school where you can share your English or talking to them and take pics.

Battambang-Kampong Chnnang- Pottery- People on the the stilt houses.

Day 18- Pick up from the hotel at 7.20 am

This morning, before we say goodbye from Battambang after our breakfast, we’ll walk around Wat Kandal Monastery Buddhist temple which is a French Colonial building inside there and very quiet calm and peaceful also we will meet monks.

Check out the hotel and drive to Kampong Chnnang for one night before we head back to PP city or go threat to the airport after Kampong Chnnnag. On the way from Battambang, we’ll go to Kro Ko Floating Village where we’ll ride in a boat to see people living in the Lake at floating houses.

Check in hotel in Kampong Chnnang.

Relax and take a shower.

Afternoon- Pick up from the hotel at 4.00 pm.

This afternoon, we’ll walk around Kampong Chnnang Town and along the Tonle Sap with Cambodian people’s daily life.

Day 19-Pick up from the hotel at 7.30 am.

Before, we go to PP city for someone who wants to stay one night more in PP city or thread to the airport. we’ll go to a village to see people make pottery

If you don’t have enough time to experience this entire journey, don’t worry! Feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to customize the itinerary to fit your schedule. Whether it’s a shorter adventure or a tailored package, I’ll ensure you get the most out of your Cambodian experience. Keep in touch for the best options that suit your needs!

$ Tour Price

$4,879.00 per person. Minimum 2 people. Supplement 1,440.00

Price inclusive : Ac land transportation, 3-stars or 4- stars accommodation(share bedroom) Food from breakfast to dinner, all entrance ticket fee, one soft drink at dinner, drinking water, hot black coffee, hot tea, private tutor and guide services.
(An option additional guests available)
Price excluded: Health care insurance, air-ticket, personal cost and Camera equipment.

This itinerary is flexible. I can also put together a custom itinerary based on your specific needs or interests. Just CONTACT ME