in 2016 Dale began experimenting with 360-degree cameras that shoot spherical photos. Next came learning how to link the panoramas and adding photos, maps, and videos. The result was a 360-degree tour that added a whole new dimension to the idea of a virtual tour; these were designed for desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The next step was to make the tours more fully immersive, using VR headsets with smartphones. After experimenting with standalone apps, we have settled on VR tours hosted on Seekbeak.com, which allows tour creations to be adapted to virtual reality headsets like those shown to the right. The tours of both Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom now feature a VR option which may be accessed via the QR code below each tour. 

There is also a version of this tour that works in VR headsets, such as Google Cardboard, and it works with both iPhones as well as on Android smartphones. It can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the left. If you are viewing this on a mobile phone, you may access the VR tour by following this link. 

For iOS devices: scan QR code with device camera app, tap on prompt to open Safari, select "allow device motion" and on the next prompt "allow access to motion orientation." Turn device to landscape mode and a split screen will appear. When the screen turns white, swipe up for fullscreen and place device in headset.  Here is a video of how to do this--it is simpler than it sounds! [Video opens in a separate window-close window to return to page]

For Android devices: use the phone's camera to scan the QR code, and then select the tour you want to visit. Wait for the tour to load. Tour will appear in a split screen, and tap on the "X" and the bottom menu to go fullscreen. Turn the phone to portrait mode, place in headset and enjoy the tour. Here is a video of how to do this--it is simpler than it sounds! [Video opens in a separate window-close window to return to page]

Virtual Reality Tour for VR Headsets:

There is also a version of this tour that works in VR headsets, such as Google Cardboard, and it works with both iPhones as well as on Android smartphones. It can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the left. If you are viewing this on a mobile phone, you may access the VR tour by following this link. 

For iOS devices: scan QR code with device camera app, tap on prompt to open Safari, select "allow device motion" and on the next prompt "allow access to motion orientation." Turn device to landscape mode and a split screen will appear. When the screen turns white, swipe up for fullscreen and place device in headset.  Here is a video of how to do this--it is simpler than it sounds! [Video opens in a separate window-close window to return to page]

For Android devices: use the phone's camera to scan the QR code, and then select the tour you want to visit. Wait for the tour to load. Tour will appear in a split screen, and tap on the "X" and the bottom menu to go fullscreen. Turn the phone to portrait mode, place in headset and enjoy the tour. Here is a video of how to do this--it is simpler than it sounds! [Video opens in a separate window-close window to return to page]

If you enjoyed these tours (and especially if you have a VR headset such as Google Cardboard), please consider visiting our companion VR site, The Virtual Traveler, which features desktop and VR headset tours from around the world.