Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder
Phnom Penh ~ Siem Reap ~ Battambang
November 30 to December 14, 2013
Silhouette of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
OVERVIEW
Come join me on a customized small group tour of Cambodia (8 pax min. to 11 max.), consisting of 4 nights in Phnom Penh, 4 nights in Siem Reap, 3 nights in Battambang and then 2 nights back in Phnom Penh.
WHEN
November 30 to December 14, 2013 (14 days/13 nights)
COST
$2,499 per person in double occupancy
$499 single supplement applies to those wishing to have their own room throughout the trip (availability is strictly limited)
(Your participation is not confirmed until completed Reservation Form and payment in full have been received.)
This map will give you an idea of where exactly Cambodia is located.
Open to photographers and non-photographers alike,
so feel free to bring a spouse or other travel mate!
Man throwing fishing net in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
HIGHLIGHTS
- In Phnom Penh we’ll visit the Central Market, Wat Phnom, Silk Island, the Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng, the Russian Market, take cyclo and tuk-tuk rides and much more.
- Siem Reap is our base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat where we’ll have an included 3-day pass to the ruins. Our itinerary features sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, visits to Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and other incredible sites. We’ll also visit the floating village of Kompong Phluk on the Tonle Sap Lake, including a flooded forest boat ride. Plus, a unique Apsara Dance performance promises to be a highlight.
- Continuing our circumnavigation of the Tonle Sap, we’ll spend time in Battambang, where we’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride the soon-to-be shut down Bamboo Train (if it’s still operating), plus a tuk-tuk ride into the countryside with stops to see how they make rice paper and sticky rice served in bamboo, as well as a stop at the local fish market, an experience you’ll surely never forget. We’ll also visit the austere Killing Cave.
_______________________
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Please request a detailed Itinerary and Reservation Form by contacting us at
photoenrichment@gmail.com
We’ll actually be circumnavigating the Tonle Sap Lake, the lifeline of Cambodia.
- Approximately 2- to 4-hours per day on average of instruction with travel photographer Ralph Velasco, including group photo walks and locally-guided walking tours in each location.
- Ralph will schedule time to photograph with just two to three participants at a time, providing an opportunity for each person to get valuable hands-on instruction in an even smaller group setting.
- Each participant will have a chance to sit down One on One with Ralph during a mid-trip image review allowing him to gauge each participant’s progress and to provide valuable feedback.
- A copy of Ralph’s eBook “Ralph Velasco On Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More.“
- Complimentary download of Ralph’s My Shot List for Travel app for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.
- Optional One-on-One instruction with Ralph is available for a small additional fee of $99 for 2-hours, or $149 for 2 people.
Making a wish and receiving blessings at a shrine inside Angkor Wat.
- 13 nights accommodation in wonderful boutique hotels with pools and other amenities in each location (Phnom Penh – 6 nights, Siem Reap – 4 nights, Battambang – 3 nights).
- Meals: breakfast daily, plus 1 lunch and 7 dinners.
- Airport transfers in Phnom Penh.
- Transportation between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and back to Phnom Penh in a large, private, air-conditioned coach.
- Entry fees for all included sites and experiences.
- Cyclo and tuk-tuk rides for various activities.
- Orientation tours in each city with a local, English-speaking guide.
- Tips for all local guides and drivers.
Men carrying a bamboo train platform on tracks near Battambang, Cambodia.
Participants can look forward to plenty of free time to explore
and discover each location on their own, as well.
* All activities and itinerary details are subject to change, but be assured we’ll make every effort to provide a comparable alternative should changes to our schedule need to be made.
A wonderful local woman we met in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Airfare to and from Cambodia is additional and should be arranged on your own.
You’ll fly into Phnom Penh to arrive on December 1st, and then fly out on December 14th.
(Please don’t make non-refundable travel arrangements until you are given confirmation by us.)
_______________________
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Please request a detailed Itinerary and Reservation Form by contacting us at
photoenrichment@gmail.com
A young monk in saffron colored robe at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
WHEN
November 30 to December 14, 2013 (14 days/13 nights)
COST
$2,499 per person in double occupancy
$499 single supplement applies to those wishing to have their own room throughout the trip (availability is strictly limited)
(Your participation is not confirmed until completed Reservation Form and payment in full have been received.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Please request a detailed Itinerary and Reservation Form by contacting us at
photoenrichment@gmail.com
Note: I’d like to thank Tony Pond who put together
the original itinerary upon which this trip is based.
_______________________
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST TOUR PARTICIPANTS
“This was my first trip with Ralph. I enjoyed it tremendously and wish I could go back. I loved Cuba and the Cuban people. The photographic opportunities are infinite. Ralph’s familiarity with Cuba and his relationships with people there opened up extra doors for us to get to know the people and the place. I would definitely recommend going if you have the opportunity.” ~ Marion Steeg (Cuba)
“I’ve taken 2 trips with Ralph now, one to Spain and one to Cuba. He leads wonderful trips with a great mix of structured activities and plenty of free time to do your own thing. He is very knowledgeable in finding great locations for shooting as well as giving excellent technical advice. I can definitely recommend one of his tours for anyone whether they are interested in photography or not.” ~ Connie T., Seal Beach, CA (Spain and Cuba)
“My husband and I attended the LA Travel show, and you were the highlight of it. We enjoyed your presentation a lot and we felt like you gave a lot of wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing!” – Molly Godfrey
“Imagine being on a crowded side street in Havana and your instructor stops by just to check in with you, to make sure you’re getting the shots you want and most importantly that you’re having fun learning your gear. Ralph never forgets that he’s there to teach. On the bus? A quick lecture. Waiting for a tour to start? A quick photo review. In the elevator? A question or two about the day, what went well for me and what would I like to work on for the next day. Truly, I’d travel to the ends of earth to photograph with Ralph.” - Liz R. (Cuba, Central Europe and Egypt tour participant)
“Thank you again for putting the trip together. I am honestly unable to say just how much I loved every minute (even when I got lost for hours).” ~ Debbie Z. (Spain)
“You were the Guide Extraordinaire and had planned so many wonderful activities to make this a very special trip for us. We deeply appreciate all your planning and support and certainly hope we can accompany you on a future trip.” ~ Marilyn & Vergil H. (Spain)
“Ralph, I’m sure I speak for all of us in appreciating your time and help!” ~ Janet G. (Spain)
“Thanks, Ralph, we had an amazing time!” ~ The Mayberrys
“The trip to Spain was my first experience with international travel. Ralph did an excellent job choosing the hotels, arranging for the guides, choosing the restaurants, arranging the transportation between locations. He made this a very enjoyable and memorable experience for me and whetted my appetite for more travel. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to travel to Spain. I’m sure his other trips would be great too!” ~ Linda G.
“This was my third major tour with Ralph. He has been consistent with providing tours of very great value. Trips have been well-planned, purposeful and well-priced. His passion for travel is evident in making sure the tour participants have great accommodations and experience a realistic sense and taste of the culture.” ~ The Hills
_________________________
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Please request a detailed Itinerary and Reservation Form by contacting us at
_________________________
Join us!
REGISTER
To register please submit a check made out to:
“PhotoEnrichment Programs”
Send it to:
PhotoEnrichment Programs
422 1/2 Carnation Avenue
Corona del Mar, CA 92625 U.S.A.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
Ralph Velasco
Ralph Velasco is a Southern California-based travel photography instructor, author and international photo tour guide who has led photo tours to Egypt, Central Europe, Spain, Mexico’s Copper Canyon, Chicago and other locations in the United States. He’s also participated in Humanitarian and People-to-People programs in Cuba. Ralph is an award-winning travel blogger and founder of PhotoEnrichment Programs, and he’s the creator of the My Shot Lists for Travel app for iPhone, an organizational and tracking tool designed to help travelers of all photography skill levels to bring home a more well-rounded set of images of any destination or subject.
Ralph,
This trip looks amazing. I spent time in Cambodia and you have covered all the best highlights. I only wish my schedule was open to join you and your fellow photographers. It is truly one of the most spiritual locations that I have experienced. The people, history and architecture are truly phenomenal.
Colleen
Colleen,
I wish you could go, too, and thank you for the nice comments. Perhaps we’ll get you out on another trip some time!
Ralph