Overview
Karl’s journey in Cambodia began while documenting the work of humanitarian organizations in 2001. By 2013, his deepening passion for the country led him to make Siem Reap his full-time home. Now, with over 10 enriching years of immersion in Khmer culture, Karl invites you to join him on an extraordinary adventure—an intimate exploration of the Cambodia he knows and loves, far beyond the usual tourist trails.
This meticulously curated journey offers privileged access to authentic Cambodia—an experience few visitors ever glimpse. Venture deep into the jungle to discover ancient temples shrouded in mystery and blissfully untouched by crowds. Wander through the enchanting streets of French Colonial Battambang, where colorful markets, timeless villages, and emerald rice paddies—the fertile heart of Cambodia—paint a picture of pastoral beauty. Cruise the mighty Mekong River, where rare pink dolphins play, and marvel at the waterfalls that tumble through the lush countryside. On the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake, we explore floating fishing villages where life ebbs and flows with the tides, offering countless opportunities to capture unique, unforgettable images.
Alongside these rich cultural and photographic experiences, we will engage with Cambodia’s more recent, sobering history. In a deeply moving and personal encounter, you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet a former child soldier, who will share his firsthand story of survival and transformation during the Khmer Rouge era—a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit of the Khmer people.
Designed for travelers with an adventurous spirit and a genuine curiosity about the “real Cambodia,” this experience blends exploration with indulgence. Each accommodation has been handpicked to reflect Cambodia’s rich heritage and contemporary elegance, ensuring your stay is as luxurious as it is authentic. And for one magical night, near one of the country’s most breathtaking and secluded Angkorian temples, you’ll step back in time with a traditional Khmer homestay—an intimate window into village life and local customs.
This is your invitation to delve deep into Cambodia’s soul: meet its warm and resilient people, wander its mystical temple complexes, and savor the essence of a culture that has endured for centuries. Join us for an unforgettable photographic journey—and create memories and images that will stay with you forever.
Itinerary
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Day 1:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Guests are transported to the airport to catch their flights home.