Northern Thailand and Angkor

January 6, 2025: Arrive by 3:00 PM this day, settle into our hotel. We’ll have an introductory dinner and an early night to catch up on rest after the long travel.

January 7, 2025: We’ll have an introductory presentation to prepare you for the days of photography ahead, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will photograph the busy markets and street scenes. Walking through the vibrant streets of Chinatown in Bangkok is a photographer’s paradise. The bustling neighborhood is filled with colorful markets, traditional shophouses, and ornate temples, providing endless opportunities for capturing unique and fascinating shots. We’ll end the day with dinner in one of the skyscraper restaurants in the area with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city.

January 8, 2025: We start the day with a ferry ride to Wat Pho to enjoy the sunrise over the spires of Wat Arun. This iconic temple silhouette is a favorite among photographers and offers a vintage view of the city from the top of its spires. After breakfast and checkout, we will fly to Chiang Mai to check into our new hotel and explore the city. At the evening market, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and try some of the delicious street food that Thailand is known for.

January 9, 2025: After breakfast, we start the day with the ethnic minority tribes in a Hmong Tribe village in the scenic valley of the Suthep-Pui mountain range. This is a unique opportunity to learn about and document the culture and traditions of these tribes. We’ll spend the afternoon and evening photographing some secret temples around Chiang Mai, where you will capture beautiful candlelight and monk scenes.

January 10, 2025: Our morning photo shoot will be with the Longneck Tribe in Chiang Mai. We will use a black or grey background studio setup, and Godox lights to capture stunning images. If other tribes, such as Lahu, Akha, Palong, Mien, or Lisu, are present, we may also have the opportunity to photograph them. We will also photograph family and cultural scenes in traditional houses, such as cooking with fire in the kitchen. After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to Sukhothai in the afternoon, where we will capture the evening scene at Sukhothai.

January 11, 2025: After breakfast, we will visit Wat Si Chum to see the renowned Buddha hand and explore the temples of Sukhothai. We will be accompanied by monks and female models dressed in traditional clothing. The morning will be devoted to photography at the Sukhothai Historical Park temples. Afterward, we will proceed to our next hotel en route to Saraburi.

January 12, 2025: Our day begins with a morning drive to Saraburi and the breathtaking Tham Dao Khao Kaew Cave. This cave has a mystical aura and is a perfect location for low-light photography. We will capture stunning images of novice monks performing daily rituals in the dimly lit caves. The cave is adorned with intricate carvings and stalactites, adding to the natural beauty of the cave.

After the cave shoot, we will have a delicious lunch before heading to the 500 Chedi Pagoda. This monument’s intricate designs and unique architecture are a delight for photographers.

As the day ends, we will drive to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and culture. The city offers an excellent opportunity to capture breathtaking night shots of the temples and ruins.

January 13, 2025: In Ayutthaya, we will have a full day of photography with beautiful models dressed in traditional Thai attire. The ancient temples and ruins of the former capital city will provide a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning images of the models. Use Godox light setup to highlight the intricate details of their dresses and bring out the richness of the colors. We will use a smoke machine to add more atmosphere and create a cinematic look. During the shoot, take the opportunity to study the movements of Muang Boraan, an old Thai fight sport that dates back centuries. Capture the fighters in action and study their movements as they perform the graceful martial art form.

January 14, 2025: Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thailand, and the temples and ruins are a testament to its past glory. The ancient city is a perfect location for photography, with its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and serene atmosphere. We will photograph the landscape filled with coconut climbers in the morning sun, and models dressed in traditional Thai attire with the historical backdrop will create genuinely memorable photographs. We will stay overnight near the airport in Bangkok.

January 15, 2025: Today we fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap. After check-in to our hotel, we’ll have one of our signature image reviews.

In the evening, we head to Pub Street, one of the liveliest spots in Siem Reap. This area is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists, offering various restaurants, bars, and street food vendors. You can also explore the night markets and shops in the area for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Khmer products. The area is also known for its colorful and vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open late into the night.

January 16, 2025: Our day begins with the extraordinary experience of watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, one of the most magnificent sights in the world. After capturing this spectacular view, we continue our journey by visiting Angkor’s main temples and capturing their murals’ intricate details. Later, we head to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of Angkor, and explore its grandeur. Bayon, with its serene Buddha faces, is a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for capturing perfect shots. We could spend hours capturing the temple’s details, shapes, and patterns. If time allows, we can also visit some smaller temples to photograph the architectural details and capture the essence of ancient Khmer civilization.

January 17, 2025: The day will be filled with exploring and photographing the magnificent temples of Koh Ker, an impressive excavation site located in a remote area of Cambodia. As it is off the beaten track, it is still considered a “lost city in the jungle.” We will capture the intricate details of the carvings and sculptures that have withstood the test of time. We will also be able to photograph the stunning landscapes surrounding the temples. The monks will add an additional layer of depth and emotion to the photographs, highlighting the spirituality and culture of Cambodia.

January 18, 2025: Today we return to Bangkok. After lunch, we will have our final image review and an evening visit to Night Market or Chinatown.

January 19, 2025: Flights home can be made anytime today.