Dates January 12–27, 2005
Leader James Martin and local guides
Fee $4,595 Yangon, Myanmar, ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

The Khmer of Cambodia dominated the Indochina Peninsula and extended their reach as far as Indonesia. The empires of Burma threatened the independence of Thailand. In both cases the despots wrapped their regimes in the trappings of Buddhism, and the combination of military might and religious fervor resulted in two of the grandest examples of architecture and devotion the world has ever seen: Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma, now known as Myanmar. On our journey, we’ll photograph these spectacular classic cities, now in various stages of decay and rehabilitation. At the same time we will be able to create outstanding images of today’s vibrant cultures.

First we explore Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the capital of Myanmar. The Shwedagon Pagoda in the center of the city is one of the wonders of the world—a gold-plated and jewel-encrusted structure rising almost 100 meters above its base and surrounded by dozens of smaller stupas. Near sunset the gold gleams and a host of monks and worshipers circle the 2,500-year-old monument.

While Yangon is ancient, Mandalay was built in the nineteenth century and served as the last imperial capital of Burma. In addition to its many photogenic temples, it is also the crafts center of the country and home to 60% of the nation’s monks.

Situated on a dry plain, Bagan overwhelms the eye with myriad temples in every direction, covering 40 square kilometers. Many of the temples have recently been restored, but the largest and grandest retain their original materials and striking architecture. This is the true heart of Myanmar. Hundreds of young monks walk the city and live in nearby monasteries.

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat satisfies every preconception of a lost city. It was the center of the ancient Khmer Empire and is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is baroque and immense, a construction of matchless grandeur, covered with bas-relief representations of servants and gods. An incredible variety of photo opportunities will present themselves throughout the day. The outlying temples, built between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, offer diverse imagery. In some, the roots of centuries-old trees entwine the buildings; others house giant representations of Buddhas that gaze serenely over the forest.This exciting and productive photo expedition into the ancient heart of Indochina will yield a treasure-trove of incredible images. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to escape from winter’s icy grip!




Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2
Travel day.

Day 3
Arrive in Yangon, Myanmar. (D)

Day 4
Morning photography at the towering octagonal Sule Pagoda and Botataung Pagoda on the waterfront, followed by a dusk shoot at the reflecting golden spires of the Shwedagon Pagoda. (BLD)

Day 5
Fly this morning to Mandalay where we’ll produce images of monks receiving alms at the Mahagandayone Monastery and then visit the Royal Palace. Dusk is reserved for photography at the ruins in Amarapura and of dramatic sunset silhouettes of the teak-constructed U Bein Bridge. (BLD)

Day 6
We’ve chartered a riverboat for a morning excursion on the Irrawaddy River to photograph the immense, unfinished Mingun Stupa. We’ll return in the afternoon to our favorite sites in Mandalay. (BLD)

Day 7
We fly today to Bagan to begin our exploration of these fascinating temples. (BLD)

Days 8–10
Three full days will allow dawn-to-dusk photography in Bagan—the “City of Four Million Pagodas.” (BLD)

Day 11
 We return today to Yangon. (BLD).

Day 12
Our flight via Bangkok takes us to Siem Reap, Cambodia. (BLD)

Days 13–15
We have three days to photograph the exquisite ruins of the lost civilization of Angkor. Among our subjects will be the Elephant Terraces, the Leper King Terrace, the graceful Khmer Temple of Shiva, Ta Prohm (dramatically enveloped in jungle roots), the three-tiered temple hill of Pre Rup and at least one sunset shoot from the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng. (BLD)

Day 16
We depart today for connections homeward. (B)


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