Heritage sites around the world are definitely worth seeing and photographing for yourself. One way to start your list is to visit and explore Siem Reap.
It is almost impossible to form any precise expectations about how massive and varied Angkor is. This 400 square kilometer heritage site is arguably one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world, and no matter what kind of photography you’re into, the temples, people and things around Siem Reap are sure to sure to delight you as a photographer. Here are some of the most important reasons.
1. Cambodia’s Rich History and Culture
Written history suggests that present-day Cambodia has been inhabited since the third millennium BC, and this, of course, is reflected in the diverse and growing archaeological evidence. clearly shows the devotion of the people and the transition from God Vishnu and God Shiva to Buddhism. The main attractions of Siem Reap, of course, are the hundreds of temples scattered throughout the Cambodian jungle that vary greatly in architectural style, chronology, historical significance, and purpose. Of course, the most important and popular of them all is Angkor Wat.
Alongside a history of thousands of years is a growing culture to this day. Although Siem Reap is about six hours by road from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, it is certainly not immune to development and modernization. However, this modernization does not erase or change the culture and traditions of the place but also enriches the perception of both the locals and the millions of tourists who visit.
Beside and beside the rich heritage expressed through religious and architectural traditions, Cambodians appreciate and love the different types of art that any photographer wishes for. their culture has. Around Siem Reap, you’ll find art shops selling rice paper paintings for as low as $5 and canvas paintings from $20 to several hundred dollars handcrafted by self-taught artists , who place pride and love on their culture. paper. These paintings illustrate and represent their temples, people and religious beliefs and ultimately embody their rich heritage.
Cambodians also have a deep love for performing arts. The illustrations on the walls and columns of many temples prove that right from ancient times, Cambodians have taken the performing arts very seriously. Phare, Cambodian Circus, is a must-see attraction in Siem Reap and one of those places that has put a lot of effort into keeping Cambodia’s performing arts traditions alive and thriving with the times. This circus shows eye-catching acrobatics illustrating great stories that combine old traditions with the true stories of modern people. In addition to being a great source of entertainment, this Guinness World Record circus empowers people’s lives by providing jobs and free job training to lift people out of poverty and support. common community. Profits from their ticket sales fund the academic and artistic education programs of Phare Ponleu Selpak (Phare Brightness of the Arts) school.
2. Cost-effective travel experience
Aside from the multitude of things to see and photograph in Siem Reap, one reason to consider visiting is the fact that everything is cost-effective there. Siem Reap has its own international airport and some airlines can fly directly depending on the city of origin. You can also get here from neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam by bus if you want to visit multiple points in one trip. In Siem Reap, their iconic motorbike-powered rickshaw called “Tuktuk” usually costs $1 to $3 going from one place to restaurants, cafes, shops and other places in the area. Day tours from your hotel to different areas of Angkor can cost around 20 to 35 USD per day, depending on the actual destination.
An average comfortable hotel room costs less than $20 or even much less for vacationers. Around the temples, you can find food in generous portions for $5 or less and a little more at restaurants in the city. Tickets to temple sites cost about $37 for one day admission, $62 for three days, and $72 for five days. The rate per day is even lower for longer visits. Taken together, this means a full travel experience with transportation and accommodation that’s barely too expensive and definitely worth the photos and experiences to get. .
3. Everything is accessible and photographer-friendly
By riding a Tuktuk for a few dollars a day, you can get around Siem Reap and capture almost anything that interests you. All the must-see places in Siem Reap, whether temples or modern facilities, can be reached by Tuktuk. Whether you’re coming for landscape photography, street photography, travel portraits, food, or even wildlife, you’ll have no trouble getting to this location thanks to its convenient transportation and convenient locations. friendly driver.
Carrying a camera, no matter how big and professional looking, will never be an issue in Siem Reap. In the same way that they value their art and culture as a people, they also appreciate the fact that many people visit their place for inspiration and art. In my personal experience, I have never come across any place where photography or video is prohibited. In fact, tour guides in the area will even give you advice on the best vantage points and make sure you get to the right spot at sunrise or sunset, especially when visiting Angkor Wat . In my experience, tripods and portable lighting have never been an issue, as long as you don’t cause any inconvenience or danger to others visiting the venue. If you’re looking for even stronger proof that the area is photographer-friendly, note that the temples open as early as 5am so people can arrive just in time for sunrise and closed at sunset.
4. People make this place come to life
In Siem Reap, you will meet a good type of people from all over the world. In addition to the welcoming smiles of the locals, millions of people visit Siem Reap from all over the world and they will make your travel experience even more productive.
The people of Siem Reap are known worldwide for their warm hospitality. No matter where you come from, you will be greeted with smiles and a warm welcome. You should have almost no trouble finding places or asking around in Siem Reap as most people can speak and understand English. According to one of the Tuktuk drivers we spoke to, many of them passively learned English by simply being around and helping tourists. They say that about 80% of Siem Reap’s adult population works in jobs related to serving tourists visiting the place. That includes Tuktuk drivers, hotel or restaurant staff, tour guides, etc. With prolonged and periodic lockdowns during the pandemic, many of them have had to find other jobs because they are unable to do so. tourists come. With Siem Reap reopening recently, they are slowly returning to their hospitality industry and are clearly happy to do so. The people of Siem Reap are very humble people but proud of their homeland, culture and heritage, which makes the experience of visiting much more enjoyable.
5. Ancient temples are sure to enrich your creativity
It’s safe to assume that anyone visiting Siem Reap is mesmerized by the ancient architecture found throughout the area. Be it just seeing these temples, the history behind them or the culture that surrounds them, they certainly have a lot of potential for photography.
There are many ways to take photos and tell stories about the place depending on the type of photography you enjoy and your personal style, but aside from that, the temples have their own unique features that are sure to impress. Inspiring any photographer who wants to give it a try. create unique images. A lot of the temples are huge, while some are small, some are on flat ground and some are on top of a hill. Some temples are surrounded by forests and some are bodies of water. Needless to say, your approach to photographing each temple will be different from time to time and the challenge is sure to spark your creativity.
Perhaps this isn’t the first time someone has told you that Cambodia is a paradise for photographers. The temples, people, food, art and friendly atmosphere are just a few reasons to consider visiting. In addition to taking thousands of photos in a few days, you gain a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that is sure to stick with you for much longer.
