Siem Reap isn’t just about the temples; it’s a place where every corner and sunrise offers a perfect shot. What makes it special for photographers is the sheer variety of scenery — from the iconic Angkor Wat at dawn to the lesser-known temples ideal for unique compositions. Among the options, we particularly like the Golden Hours: Angkor Wat sunrise photography tour with a pro for its personalized attention and flexible schedule. It’s perfect if you want to beat the crowds and get that perfect shot of Angkor’s most famous monument.
For those seeking a more tailored experience, Professional Photoshoot in Angkor Archaeological Park offers a fully customized, camera-ready adventure. And if you’re after a more relaxed, less crowded day with a chance to capture high-quality images, the Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot provides a wonderful balance of iconic sites and family or couple portraits. Each of these tours offers a different way to frame your memories of Cambodia’s ancient splendors, making the list below a practical guide to the best options for every photography enthusiast.
1. Golden Hours: Angkor Wat sunrise photography tour with a pro!
Starting early in the morning, around 4:30 am, this sunrise tour takes you to Angkor Wat at the magical hour when the sky turns to gold. The morning begins with hotel pickup and private transport, allowing you to set your own pace while avoiding the day’s heat and crowds. Your guide, who also doubles as a photographer, will help you capture the perfect shot of the iconic silhouette and the intricate details of the temple’s bas-reliefs. The tour includes visits to three major temples — Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm — each offering unique photo opportunities.
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized approach. With just up to 10 passengers, your guide can tailor commentary to your interests, whether you’re into architecture, landscape, or candid portraits. After the sunrise, there’s a break for breakfast before continuing to the other two temples. The private setup and flexible timing mean you get quality photos and a relaxed experience. The only extra costs are entry fees and meals, making this a good value for a dedicated photographer.
Bottom line: If you’re after a professional-guided, sunrise-focused experience that balances iconic shots with expert tips, this tour fits like a glove.
2. Professional Photoshoot in Angkor Archaeological Park
For around $135, the Professional Photoshoot in Angkor Archaeological Park offers a fully customizable photography day, lasting about six hours. What’s special is how flexible and personalized it is — your guide and photographer will design the itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Whether you want iconic shots at Angkor Wat at sunrise, candid family photos, or portraits in front of lesser-visited temples, this tour adapts to your vision.
You’ll receive 60 to 80 professionally edited photos plus unlimited raw files afterward, making it ideal for travelers who want high-quality images without the hassle of editing. The tour includes visits to main sites like Bayon and Angkor Wat, but can also include off-the-beaten-path locations. The guide’s deep knowledge of the area ensures you won’t miss the best angles and lighting.
Guests praise the guide’s dual role as a storyteller and photographer, calling the experience “fabulous” and “absolutely worth it.” It’s best suited for serious photographers or travelers who want a curated, professional shoot without compromising on flexibility. The total cost reflects the personalized service and quality photos, making it a worthwhile investment.
Bottom line: If you want a personalized, high-quality photography experience with professional editing included, this tour is a top choice.
3. Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot
At just $79 per person for about five hours, the Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot offers a chance to explore the lesser-visited temples while capturing family or couple portraits. This tour combines sightseeing with a professional photoshoot, focusing on the most picturesque and less crowded sites around Angkor. It’s perfect if you want beautiful photos but prefer to avoid the big crowds at Angkor Wat and Bayon.
Your photographer will accompany you through sites like Angkor Wat, Phimeanakas, and Ta Som, capturing high-resolution images of your group or family. You’ll get 20 carefully selected photos sent digitally afterward. The experience emphasizes enjoying Khmer culture and natural beauty, making it more than just a photoshoot — it’s a cultural experience as well.
Advanced booking is recommended, and reviews highlight the professionalism of the photographer and the quality of the photos. It’s ideal for travelers who want authentic images without the stress of a large tour group, or those seeking natural, candid shots in iconic surroundings.
Bottom line: For a more relaxed, culturally immersive experience with professional photos, this tour offers great value and memorable images.
4. Full Day Tour Photography in Siem Reap
The Full Day Tour Photography in Siem Reap offers a comprehensive, immersive experience worth considering if you want to capture the complete range of temple architecture and scenery. Starting with the stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, you’ll spend the morning exploring the temple’s intricate details and expansive grounds, followed by visits to other major sites like Angkor Thom and Bayon.
This tour is ideal for those who want a full day of photography, combining classic shots with opportunities to discover hidden angles and details. The guide will assist you with techniques and composition tips, ensuring you come away with quality images. The itinerary also includes time to explore and photograph at your own pace, giving you space to focus on what interests you most.
The value for money is good at $53 per person, especially given the 7 to 8 hours of professional guidance and access to key sites. It’s suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural discovery and photography, with structured support throughout the day.
Bottom line: If you aim to document the full story of Angkor’s temples and need expert guidance, this day-long tour hits the mark.
5. Angkor Wat Photography Adventure
For serious photographers, the Angkor Wat Photography Adventure is a full-day, all-in photography tour priced at $105. It’s designed to maximize your time and image quality, starting with the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat. Over the 8 to 10 hours, you’ll visit not only the main temple but also sites like Bayon, Ba Phoun Temple, Vimean Askas, Elephant Terrace, and Ta Prohm, plus a visit to Preah Dak village.
What sets this experience apart is the focus on capturing diverse architectural and natural scenes with expert guidance. The tour includes a brief orientation on each temple’s significance, helping you frame your shots creatively. The itinerary is flexible, allowing time for multiple angles, macro details, or candid moments. Guests have rated it highly, and it’s perfect for those with some photography experience looking to deepen their craft while exploring Cambodia’s ancient monuments.
While longer, this tour offers a comprehensive photographic journey, making every hour count for serious shutterbugs. The price reflects the tailored experience and the extensive site visits.
Bottom line: For dedicated photographers seeking a full, flexible day of shooting with expert tips, this adventure delivers.
$105.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Photography Experience in Siem Reap
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time, and photographic goals. If you’re after a stunning sunrise shot at Angkor Wat with professional guidance, the Golden Hours tour is hard to beat. For customized, high-quality images, the Photoshoot offers the most flexibility and professional editing. If avoiding crowds and exploring lesser-known temples** appeals to you, the Unseen Angkor Photoshoot provides a relaxed, cultural experience. And for those wanting a full-day, comprehensive photography workshop, the Siem Reap tour or the Angkor Wat Photography Adventure are excellent choices.
Practical considerations include your budget, the amount of time available, and whether you want a guided, structured experience or a more relaxed, personalized shoot. Booking early, especially for popular sunrise tours, is recommended to secure your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
Siem Reap offers a rich variety of photography experiences suited to all levels — from professional shooters to casual travelers wanting memorable images. Whether you prefer capturing the sunrise at Angkor Wat, exploring hidden temples, or commissioning a personal photoshoot, there’s a tour to meet your needs. For best results, plan ahead and book in advance, especially if you aim for sunrise or sunset shots. With these options, you’ll leave Cambodia with stunning images and stories to tell for years to come.