ASIAN ODYSSESYS
"EXPLORATION OF CAMBODIA"
Angkor Complex and Environs
ITINERARY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay in stunning deluxe hotels
Explore the spectacular monuments of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Royal Kingdom of Angkor
Browse in bustling markets and craft centers
Delicious cuisine in fine restaurants
Expericence a spectacular Aspara Dance and Cultural Show with dinner at the iconic Raffels Hotel
Explore the village of Tonle Sap Lake in a traditional wooden boat
DAY 1 Arrive Siem Reap ( L, D)
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport, obtain visa-on-arrival, and transfer to the hotel. On arrival we begin our exploration of the vast temple complex at Angkor. These famous monuments are evidence of the richness of the Khmer civilization and comprise one of the world's greatest architectural achievements.
In the afternoon, begin your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, and the Srah Srang reservoir, known as the Royal Baths, once used for ritual bathing. Continue to Banteay Kdei, surrounded by 4 concentric walls, Eastern Mebon, guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are well preserved, and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup for sunset.
Dinner and accommodation at 5***** Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport, obtain visa-on-arrival, and transfer to the hotel. On arrival we begin our exploration of the vast temple complex at Angkor. These famous monuments are evidence of the richness of the Khmer civilization and comprise one of the world's greatest architectural achievements.
In the afternoon, begin your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, and the Srah Srang reservoir, known as the Royal Baths, once used for ritual bathing. Continue to Banteay Kdei, surrounded by 4 concentric walls, Eastern Mebon, guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are well preserved, and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup for sunset.
Dinner and accommodation at 5***** Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.
DAY 2 ( B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. It's distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architcture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks- the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world- and the surrounding moat- the ocean beyond. Visit the Angkor National Museum, an exciting, interactive new museum,, presenting a unique collection of invaluable art objects from the ancient Khmer Kingdom, for a deeper understanding of customs, traditions and the beliefs of this ancient empire.
Lunch and time to relax at the hotel.
Visit the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churing of the ocean of milk. This is the ancient capital of Angkor Thom ( 12th century). Continue on to Bayon Temple, unique for it's 54 towers decorated with over 200 faces of Avolokitesvara, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Sunset at Angkor Wat.
Dinner with Aspara Cultural Show at Raffels Grand Hotel d"Angkor
Accommodation at Sofitel Angkor Resort
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. It's distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architcture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks- the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world- and the surrounding moat- the ocean beyond. Visit the Angkor National Museum, an exciting, interactive new museum,, presenting a unique collection of invaluable art objects from the ancient Khmer Kingdom, for a deeper understanding of customs, traditions and the beliefs of this ancient empire.
Lunch and time to relax at the hotel.
Visit the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churing of the ocean of milk. This is the ancient capital of Angkor Thom ( 12th century). Continue on to Bayon Temple, unique for it's 54 towers decorated with over 200 faces of Avolokitesvara, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Sunset at Angkor Wat.
Dinner with Aspara Cultural Show at Raffels Grand Hotel d"Angkor
Accommodation at Sofitel Angkor Resort
Day 3 ( B,L,D)
An "early bird special" for those who wish...
Transfer to the archaelogical site for sunrise from Phnom Bakheng, on of the two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning: transfer to Banteay Srei Teimple ( 10thC) regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art.
Visit Les Atisans d"Angkor- Chantiers Ecoles of Siem Reap and have time at leisure at a local market.
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will continue your temple visits to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool, representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake, Ta Som and Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. The temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing resoration efforts maintain and improve this temple.
Visit Ta Prohm until sunset. One of the area's most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of it's mystery.
Dinner at Viorth's Resuarant, and accommodation at Sofitel Angkor Resort.
Day 4 Siem Reap-Departure (B)
Connecting flights onward
After breakfast we drive into the countryside, stopping en route to visit Wat Bo Krum village located near the river. Arrive at the quay and board a traditional wooden boat for an exploration of Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, and one of the largest in Asia. See the floating schools, markets and observe daily life. Return to town for lunch and then transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight.
Overnight in Bangkok or Yangon, to be arranged, or onward as arranged.
RATES AND CONDITIONS
INCLUED IN CAMBODIA PACKAGE PRICE ARE:
- Accommodations for 3 nights at the Sofitiel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, superior room
- Transfers, tours and transportation by private, air conditioned coach
- Services of a licensed English speaking guide for the duration of the trip
- Meals as indicated in the program ( B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- Entrance fees, service charges and activities at places mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage handling
- Applicable government taxes, room tax and 7% VAT
- International air ticket to/from Siem Reap
- Departure tax and visa-on arrival fee ( $20)
- Overnight accommodations in Bangkok or Yangon or elsewhere before or after this package
- Drinks during meals
- Admission fees or activites not mentioned in this itinerary
- Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, minibar consumption at hotel, etc.
- Personal Travel Insurance
NET PRICE PER PERSON, IN USD
Per Person/ shared room: $1200
Single room supplement: $350
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Invoices with full payment information will be sent to travelers upon booking.
Cancellation Policy:
22 days up - no charge
21-15 days up- 10% of tour price
14-8 days up- 30% of tour price
7-1 day- 50% of tour price
No Show- 100% charge
Per Person/ shared room: $1200
Single room supplement: $350
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Invoices with full payment information will be sent to travelers upon booking.
Cancellation Policy:
22 days up - no charge
21-15 days up- 10% of tour price
14-8 days up- 30% of tour price
7-1 day- 50% of tour price
No Show- 100% charge
ASIAN ODYSSEYS
Ellen Mayer
Southeast Asia Travel Specialist
Ellen Mayer
Southeast Asia Travel Specialist
Ellen Mayer, Faculty Emeritus, California State University Northridge, has been designing journeys for individuals and groups as a consultant for major tour agencies and consulates and has been arranging travel and leading tours for internationally recognized tour agencies for the past 15 years. She is noted for crating meaningful itineraries, specializing in people-to-people contacts.
