
McDermott Gallery
Experience Angkor Wat's magic through ethereal black-and-white infrared photography by John McDermott, capturing a unique pre-tourism era.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & best light

McDermott Gallery
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Angkor Wat's magic through ethereal black-and-white infrared photography by John McDermott, capturing a unique pre-tourism era.
"Captivating black-and-white photos of Angkor Wat, whetting the appetite for the real thing."

Free Entry & Cool Escape
Enjoy the stunning photography in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. Entry is free! :moneywithwings:
Mind the Reflections
Some photos have reflections, making viewing tricky. Try different angles to get the best look. :camerawithflash:

Quick Facts
Rating
3.9 · 20 reviews
Type
Art Gallery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Angkor Wat's Ethereal Glow
Captivating black-and-white infrared photos of Angkor Wat, showcasing its magic before the tourist boom.

Defining Images of Angkor
Acclaimed by The New York Times, these photos capture the temples in a unique, almost otherworldly light.

Pre-Tourism Cambodia
Experience Cambodia's iconic temples as they were between 1995-2008, with fewer crowds and a raw, untouched beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Photography's Epic Glow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Cool Escape
Enjoy the stunning photography in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. Entry is free! :moneywithwings:
Mind the Reflections
Some photos have reflections, making viewing tricky. Try different angles to get the best look. :camerawithflash:
Invest in a Photo Book
While prints are pricey, photo books offer a more accessible way to own McDermott's work. 📚
Visit the Raffles Gallery
For more of McDermott's work, check out the smaller gallery located inside the Raffles Hotel. 🏨
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Cool Escape
Enjoy the stunning photography in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. Entry is free! :moneywithwings:
Mind the Reflections
Some photos have reflections, making viewing tricky. Try different angles to get the best look. :camerawithflash:
Invest in a Photo Book
While prints are pricey, photo books offer a more accessible way to own McDermott's work. 📚
Visit the Raffles Gallery
For more of McDermott's work, check out the smaller gallery located inside the Raffles Hotel. 🏨
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise McDermott Gallery for its stunning, unique black-and-white infrared photography of Angkor Wat, offering a captivating glimpse into Cambodia before mass tourism. The free entry and cool, air-conditioned space are significant draws, though some find the prints to be quite expensive and note reflections can hinder viewing.
"Nice, but small collection of black and white photos of Angkor Wat from back in the mid 90s. Really whets the appetite for the real thing."
Jackson Hardaker
"A gallery where you can find some pictures made by a famous photographer, who came to Cambodia before the boom tourism and took amazing pictures of some places here in Cambodia. He used infrared film, so the pictures have a strange glow that make the photos even more epic. The visit is free, you can buy products inside. Definitely worth it."
Carlos 까를로스
"The photographs are amazing. When you want to buy it, its rather expensive. However, visiting and viewing the airconditioned gallery is free. The place also sells a fantastic variety of of photo books pertaining to Angkor Wat and other Asian temples. This place is definitely worth a visit in Siam Reap. As a side note, they also have a gallery inside Raffles hotel in Siam Reap."
Musical Greenhouse 2018
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McDermott Gallery is conveniently located in Siem Reap. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or taxi from most hotels. It's a short ride from the main tourist areas, making it an accessible stop during your exploration of the city.
Yes, the gallery is often visited in conjunction with other Siem Reap attractions. It's a great place to cool off and gain a new perspective before or after visiting the temples.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to McDermott Gallery is free! You can wander through the collection and admire the photographs without any entry fee.
The gallery typically follows standard business hours in Siem Reap, usually open during the day. It's best to check their specific hours closer to your visit, but it's generally accessible when you need a break from the heat.
Absolutely! McDermott Gallery offers a range of his stunning photographs for sale, from individual prints to beautifully curated photo books. While prints can be expensive, the books are a more affordable way to take home a piece of his work.
📸 📸 Photography
John McDermott is renowned for his black-and-white infrared photography. This technique gives his images of Southeast Asia, particularly Angkor Wat, an ethereal, glowing quality that captures a sense of timelessness and mystery.
Some visitors note that there can be significant reflections on the framed photographs, which can sometimes make viewing them a bit challenging. It's recommended to view them from different angles.
His primary focus is on the temples of Angkor Wat and other significant sites in Southeast Asia, captured during a period of lower tourism. He also has a collection of images from other parts of Asia.
The photographs displayed were taken between 1995 and 2008, a time when Siem Reap and Angkor Wat experienced significantly less tourism than today. This offers a unique historical perspective.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The gallery is a tranquil, air-conditioned oasis, providing a welcome respite from the Cambodian heat. It's a quiet space perfect for appreciating art and reflecting on the beauty of the region.
Yes, it's a relatively small gallery, making it ideal for a brief visit. You can easily experience the highlights within 30-60 minutes, fitting it perfectly into a day of sightseeing.
It's a chance to see iconic Cambodian landmarks through the eyes of a celebrated artist, capturing a unique historical moment. The quality of the photography and the serene environment make it a memorable stop.








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