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Photography in Angkor -Location Guide

The best places for photography in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Angkor, Siem Reap

Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples of Angkor offer some of the most unique photography locations in Southeast Asia. From iconic sunrise views at Angkor Wat to hidden jungle temples and quiet stone corridors, choosing the right location can completely change the look and feel of your photos.

As a professional photographer based near Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, I’ve spent over 10 years shooting across the temples at different times of day, in all lighting conditions. This guide highlights the best locations for photography in Angkor, along with when to shoot them and what to expect.

Whether you’re shooting your own temple photos, planning a couples or family photoshoot, engagement session, or simply want the best photo spots in Angkor Wat, this guide will help you choose the right locations for your style.

Angkor Wat

Couple proposal at Angkor Wat captured by Siem Reap Photographer during an Angkor Wat Photoshoot
Couple at Angkor Wat on a photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Couple at Angkor Wat on a photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Angkor Wat Photoshoot
family at angkor wat temple on a photoshoot with siem reap photographer wearing all white clothing
family at angkor wat temple on a photoshoot with siem reap photographer wearing all white clothing
couple at angkor wat sunrise photographed by siem reap photographer
Couple at Angkor Wat, photographed by Siem Reap Photographer
Couple at Angkor Wat at Sunrise on a photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer

Angkor Wat is the most iconic temple in Cambodia and the highlight of any photoshoot in Siem Reap. Its scale, symmetry, and sunrise light create some of the most recognisable images in Southeast Asia.

However, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it can also be very busy. Knowing where to shoot, when to move, and how to work with the light makes a huge difference to the final result.

If you are planning a photoshoot, I recommend focusing your shoot at Angkor Wat rather than travelling between multiple temples, as distances can be longer than expected. If you’d like more variety, a longer photoshoot allows time to include additional locations.

The best time to shoot here is early morning, just after sunrise, typically between 6:00 and 7:30am. This gives better light, less heat and humidity, and a more relaxed experience.

If you’re planning a proposal at Angkor Wat, you can also see my Angkor Wat Proposal Guide for detailed tips on timing and locations.

See past photoshoots at Angkor Wat

See my Angkor Wat Photography Tips Guide

See Photoshoot Packages

Ta Prohm

Couple in traditional Cambodian clothes at Ta Prom Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Couple in traditional Cambodian clothes at Ta Prom Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Solo Traveler at Ta Prom Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Solo Traveler at Ta Prom Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
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lady at ta prohm temple on a photoshoot with siem reap photographer
Solo Traveler at Ta Prom Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Solo Photoshoot at Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Lady at Ta Prom Temple photographed by Siem Reap Photographer
Solo Photoshoot at Ta Prom Temple in SIem Reap, photographed by Siem Reap Photographer

Ta Prohm is one of the most iconic temples for photography in Angkor, known for its jungle atmosphere, giant tree roots, and cinematic stone corridors. It offers a completely different look to Angkor Wat, making it a popular choice for couples, engagement, and portrait photoshoots in Siem Reap.

The combination of soft filtered light, moss-covered stone, and dramatic doorways creates a more natural and atmospheric setting. It’s especially well suited to relaxed, editorial-style images with depth and texture.

We typically shoot around the famous tree-root walls as well as quieter side corridors and hidden passageways that many visitors miss. These locations along with the dramatic light that can come through the canopy help create unique images with great atmosphere.

I recommend starting your shoot here as early as possible, ideally from opening time at 6:30am, to get the best light and avoid busy areas.

See Past Ta Prohm Photoshoots

What should I wear for a photoshoot?

For solo travellers or couples, a 1 to 2 hour shoots works well.

For families with young kids, I recommend a 1 hour shoot.

I recommend shooting here at 6.30am, beating the crowds, and catching the beautiful light coming through the treetops.

Soft colours work beautifully against the jungle greens and stone, as do bright and bold colors. I would say wear one dominant color overall.

See my Ta Prom Photoshoot Gallery for inspiration.

Bayon

Family at Bayon on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
LGBTQ couple at Bayon Temple, Cambodia
Family at Angkor Wat on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
couple at Bayon on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Photoshoot at Bayon captured by Siem Reap Photographer
solo traveller at Bayon Temple on a Siem Reap photographer photoshoot
Solo Traveler at Bayon Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Solo Traveler at Bayon Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer

Bayon Temple is one of the most unique photography locations in Angkor, known for its iconic stone faces and layered architectural structure. It offers a completely different style of photos compared to Angkor Wat, with more depth, texture, and character.

The temple’s carved faces create striking compositions, especially when framed with soft morning light. The surrounding open areas also allow for wider shots with the temple towers in the background, making it a great location for couples, family, and engagement photoshoots in Siem Reap.

One of the advantages of Bayon is that we can begin shooting just outside the temple at first light, before it officially opens. This allows us to capture clean, uncrowded images before moving inside as access opens.

Bayon is also very easy to combine with other temples due to its central location within Angkor, making it ideal as part of a longer photoshoot.

I recommend shooting here early in the morning, typically between 6:30 and 7:30am, for the best light and quieter conditions.

See more about Photoshoots at Bayon Temple

Beantey Kdei

Family Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer in Angkor
Family Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer in Angkor
Family Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer in Angkor
Family at Beantey Kdei Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
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22-1-7 Miiriam-10

A quiet and smaller temple, this is a beautiful location for a relaxed shoot. It is away from the crowds and has beautiful hallways and natural beauty.

I recommend shooting here as soon as it opens at 7.30am

Palilay Temple

Photoshoot at a quiet temple in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Solo Traveler at Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Photoshoot at a quiet temple in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Solo Traveler at Temple on a Photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer
Guest on a photoshoot with Siem Reap photographer at an ancient temple in Angkor, Cambodia
A very quiet and small temple, this is a great second location to shoot after Bayon. It is small so it makes a great place to get a few more pics after Bayon temple.

I recommend shooting here after a photoshoot at Bayon.

Ta Nei Temple

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Couple at Ta Nei Temple, siem reap, on a photoshoot with siem reap photographer
Ta Nei Temple Family Photography
24-9-16 Ang Zara Bayon Ta Nei-23
Couple at Ta Nei Temple, siem reap, on a photoshoot with siem reap photographer
24-9-22 Bec Brett Ta Nei + Blessing_-9
24-9-16 Ang Zara Bayon Ta Nei-20
24-9-16 Ang Zara Bayon Ta Nei-28

Picturesque remnants of a 12th century temple honoring Buddha, tucked away in a jungle environment, this temple is covered by forest, so is a good choice to avoid direct sunlight.

It is almost always quiet here, which makes it a good choice for avoiding crowds.

I recommend shooting here as soon as it opens at 6.30am for the best light

Local Pagodas - A Unique Experience

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Local Pagoda Temple Photoshoot in Siem Reap captured by Siem Reap Photographer
Siem Reap Vacation Photographer for families couples and proposals-19
Local Pagoda Temple Photoshoot in Siem Reap captured by Siem Reap Photographer
Join me for a relaxed photo walk through some of Siem Reap’s local pagodas and modern temples — peaceful places where monks live, study, and welcome visitors. These smaller temples in Wat bo or An Kau Sai capture the true spirit of Cambodia, offering quiet moments and beautiful photo opportunities without leaving town. You never know what we might discover, but every visit brings something special, just a little closer to home than the temples of Angkor.

These places are less crowded than the Angkor temples so we can go in the early morning of late afternoon, for the nice light.

Planning an Angkor Photoshoot?

When planning a photoshoot in Angkor, there’s a lot to consider –  there’s crowds, light and opening times for a start. Most people head to Angkor wat for sunrise, and while this is tempting, the other temples at this time are very empty and spectacular for a photoshoot. A little knowledge of where to go and when can go a long way.

If you decide book an Angkor photoshoot for your visit – I will assist you in planning the best time of day to avoid the crowds and make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

After booking, I will plan a photoshoot that suits you – whether you’d like to shoot at the famous Angkor Wat or a quieter temple, we will plan an itinerary that suits your needs.

The experience is relaxed, natural, and fully guided. I’ll guide you and choose the best locations based on the light and time of day, help with posing, and capture authentic moments as we explore the temples on our photoshoot.

Whether it’s a sunrise session at Angkor Wat or a quieter spot nearby at Bayon or Ta Prom temple, the focus is on creating timeless images that feel natural, unforced, and uniquely yours. No experience is needed – just enjoy the moment, and I’ll take care of the rest.

After our photoshoot, You will receive your images via an online gallery – editing times vary but if you have a timeframe in mind just let us know.

See Photoshoot Packages
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The Process

A simple, guided experience from booking to delivery.

Send Your Booking

Choose your date, time, and package. Share any special requests (proposal, solo, family, anniversary).

3

Meet & Shoot

We meet at Angkor Wat or an agreed location. The session is relaxed and fully guided with gentle posing.

4

Edit & Deliver

Your final images are professionally edited for natural colour and beautiful light, then delivered digitally.

Tip: Sunrise sessions are popular. If you have a specific date in mind, book early to secure the best time.
 
Confirmation and Planning
 

Your photoshoot booking is confirmed and we will plan a date and time, meeting point, and choose a location that suits your preferences.

Transportation arrangements can also be booked through SIem Reap Photographer, just let us know!

 
The Photoshoot

We will meet as planned for your Angkor or Siem Reap photoshoot.

You’ll be guided around, collecting the best shots with the best light.

If you have any locations you’ve seen before, just let us know before.

Couple proposal at Angkor Wat captured by Siem Reap Photographer during an Angkor Wat Photoshoot
Planning a surprise Proposal at Angkor Wat? Check out my Angkor Wat Proposal Guide

Helpful Links

If you’re planning a photoshoot in Siem Reap or within the Angkor temple complex, the guides below provide useful background information to help you prepare and make informed decisions.

Angkor Wat Proposal Guide
A step-by-step guide for planning a proposal at Angkor Wat or nearby temples, covering timing, privacy considerations, logistics, and how to discreetly plan the moment.