Overview
Cambodia is a country Karl Grobl knows intimately. He first traveled there in 2001 on a photography assignment and, over the years, developed deep connections throughout the country and established a home in Siem Reap. His longstanding relationships and extensive knowledge of Cambodia allow us to experience and photograph places, people and traditions that most visitors never encounter.
This journey takes us well beyond the usual Cambodia itinerary. While we’ll photograph the magnificent temples of Angkor, we’ll also venture to seldom-visited Angkorian sites including Banteay Chhmar, Preah Vihear and Koh Ker; explore rural villages, colorful markets and floating communities; travel through Battambang and along the Mekong River; and spend a night in a traditional village homestay.
Throughout the trip, our focus is on the people and everyday life of Cambodia. We’ll photograph monks, artisans, farmers, market vendors and rural communities, with time for spontaneous encounters along the way. We’ll explore life around Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong, visit a Muslim village, search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and conclude our journey with an intimate Apsara dance performance and celebration at Karl’s home in Siem Reap.
Karl’s decades-long connection to Cambodia gives this trip a perspective that goes far beyond simply visiting its famous sights. Designed specifically for photographers, this small-group journey combines extraordinary cultural access, ancient history and remarkable photographic opportunities with the chance to experience a Cambodia that few travelers ever see.
Itinerary
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Day 1: October 17
Arrival in Siem Reap. check into your hotel, the beautiful and historic Foreign Correspondent’s Club located alongside the river. Relax and rest to prepare for the upcoming days of exploration. In the evening we’ll meet to get acquainted with our fellow travelers and discuss the adventure that lies ahead. Overnight Siem Reap
Day 2: October 18
Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temples
Wake up early for a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, the iconic temple complex. Capture the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient ruins. Spend the day exploring other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Bayon and Ta Prohm. Photograph intricate carvings, unique architecture, and the interplay of light and shadows. Overnight Siem Reap.
Day 3: October 19
Head to Battambang by private boat, passing through Prek Toal, a bird sanctuary located within the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve. Along the way we’ll stop to see water buffalo, stop at an island pagoda and view life in the floating villages. Upon arrival in Battambang we might have the opportunity to photograph a fish processing area before heading to our hotel. Overnight in Battambang.
Day 4: October 20
Today we ride a bamboo train through the rice paddies and visit a local village market. Later we visit a working rice mill then return to Battambang city to refresh ourselves with a dip in the pool. Battambang has Cambodia’s best-preserved French architecture so we will take a stroll through town to photograph the most interesting buildings and streets, then and later witness the evening flight of thousands of bats at Phnom Sampeou. Overnight in Battambang.
Day 5: October 21
This morning we photograph Battambang’s main market before leaving town to explore Banteay Chhmar temple, a remote, seldom visited Angkor temple complex that is currently on the UNESCO “tentative list”, being considered for UNESCO World Heritage designation. Here, along with exploring the amazing ruins, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a local weaving cooperative and stay in a traditional Cambodian home, dine on authentic rural Cambodian food and maybe even photograph and take a quick ride in a traditional oxcart. Overnight at homestay near the temple.
Day 6: October 22
Anlong Veng – Historical Sites Today we travel to Anlong Veng, once a Khmer Rouge stronghold to visit the Khmer Rouge historical sites, including the final resting place of Pol Pot to photograph the stark contrast between the somber history and the region’s natural beauty. Cambodia’s dark period of the mid-1970s when millions of Cambodians perished at the hands of the Khmer Rouge is necessary, to understand more about present day Cambodia. Overnight in Preah Vihear.
Day 7: October 23
Today we start the day with an early morning visit to remote Preah Vihear Temple. Preah Vihear is an ancient Khmer temple built during the period of the Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia on the border of Thailand. Overnight at Preah Vihear.
Day 8: October 24
Koh Ker temple Today we explore the remote archaeological site of Koh Ker. We photograph the ancient temple ruins, including the striking Prasat Thom pyramid and take ample time to immerse ourselves in the site’s historical significance and capture its remote beauty. Overnight Preah Vihear.
Day 9: October 25
Today we travel to an ecological area to witness the awesome power of the Mekong River in full flow as we enjoy lunch at the base of a dramatic waterfall on the Mekong River. After lunch we head for our riverside hotel near Stueng Treng where we can enjoy a sunset view on the Mekong followed by a delicious dinner. Overnight Stung Treng.
Day 10: October 26
This morning we explore the expansive Steung Treng market and then drive south to the riverside town of Kratie for lunch. Along the way we might stop at a Buddhist pagoda or explore the busting activity along the river. Later we drive further south to Chhlong and check into the Le Relais de Chhlong, an iconic building reflecting the country’s rich history, now turned into a wonderful boutique hotel. Overnight at Le Relais de Chhlong.
Day 11: October 27
Today we take a boat ride to visit the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins near Kratie. About fifteen to twenty of these rare freshwater dolphins make their home on a beautiful stretch of the Mekong River near a small set of rapids. They make upward arches, breaking the surface of the water as they swim about the area. On the way back to our hotel in Chhlong, we stop to explore a local Muslim village. Overnight at Le Relais de Chhlong.
Day 12: October 28
This morning we visit Chhlong’s bustling local market to capture the vibrant colors and variety of goods on display and interact with friendly locals and document the market’s lively atmosphere then return to the hotel for a late breakfast before heading back to Siem Reap. Along the way we might have the opportunity to photograph lotus flower harvesting or a small Buddhist festival at a local pagoda. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 13: October 29
Today we’ll visit to some of the Angkor temples that we didn’t have time to see earlier in our tour and/or revisit Angkor Wat again to capture this iconic structure in different lighting conditions. This evening we are treated to a performance of Cambodia’s famous Phare circus, Cambodia’s answer to Cirque du Solei. Overnight Siem Reap.
Day 14: October 30
Today you can sleep in, rest and relax, then take a mid-day cooking class, visit a spa or make one last visit to the temples before we end our tour with a farewell dinner at Karl’s home. After dinner we are treated to a private traditional Apsara dancer performance. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 15: October 31
Guests are transported to the airport to catch their flights home.