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Bright Horizons #19

Post-Cruise Trip to Angkor Wat
February 17th – 21st, 2014

  DAY/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION  
  MONDAY, FEB. 17
ARRIVE SIEM REAP

Your Insight Cruises host will meet you after you have claimed your luggage and passed through customs. When you leave the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with the Trails of Indochina logo and your name. Transfer to Angkor Café to enjoy your lunch then check into our five-star hotel, the Raffles Grand Angkor.
 
This afternoon, visit to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. If time permits, continue to visit other temples in the area. Dinner at the Raffles is included in your stay. Remainder of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.) [Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel or comparable, 4 nights]

 
  TUESDAY, FEB. 18
SIEM REAP
  • Banteay Srei
  • Artisan D’angkor

Banteay SreiStart the day very early with a transfer to 10th-century Banteay Srei (pictured at right), “the citadel of women”. (We’ll avoid crowds and have excellent photo ops.) This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures. Its walls are covered with remarkably well preserved, elaborately carvings which are an excellent introduction to the Angkor civilization and beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god — Shiva. A pleasant drive through the countryside away, the Bongthom Homestay offers you breakfast in a traditional wooden house set on acres of farmland. Visit 12th-century Banteay Samre afterwards, which is often compared to a mini Angkor Wat.
 
After lunch at Raffles Grand Angkor, visit Artisans d’Angkor, which focuses on training unschooled rural youth in traditional handicraft skills. Learn about ancient techniques such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting and observe the artisans at work. Learn about the overall operations and Artisans d’Angkor’s goals for the future. Dinner is on your own at leisure. (Breakfast and lunch are provided.) [Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel or comparable, 4 nights]

 
  WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19
SIEM REAP

Bayon HeavenAfter breakfast, visit the Angkor National Museum, which is home to a comprehensive collection of Cambodian artifacts showcasing the origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. Onward to the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire and the iconic Bayon temple (pictured at right). Enigmatic faces top the city gates, looking in every direction. Are they King Jayavarman VII, bodhisattvas, or guardians? Visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
 
Head back to Siem Reap to rest and enjoy lunch at the Foreign Correspondents Club. The balance of day is at leisure. (Breakfast and lunch are provided.) [Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel or comparable, 4 nights]

 
  THURSDAY, FEB. 20
SIEM REAP
  • Grand Circuit of Temples

Preah KhanStart the day with a transfer to Preah Khan (pictured at left). This massive structure probably served as city, temple, and Buddhist university, and is thought to have housed over 100,000 officials and servants. Next visit Neak Pean, an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on it. It is thought to be a hospital from King Jayavarman VII’s reign.
 
Take a breather at the Raffles and have a leisurely lunch. Mid-afternoon you’ll go to Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is one of Angkor’s jewels. Overgrown with fig trees, it has a haunting atmosphere with a ‘lost city’ feeling. Finish the day with a visit to Srah Srang, which is the former Royal bathing pool of the Khmer Kings, catching sunset from the west terrace. Return to Siem Reap for Farewell Dinner at Viroth’s Restaurant. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.) [Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel or comparable, 4 nights]

 
  FRIDAY, FEB. 21
SIEM REAP
  • Boat Trip On Tonle Sap Lake
  • Siem Reap Departure

After breakfast, we’ll visit a local village and take a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (pictured at right), “the Great Lake of Cambodia”. You’ll find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, and observe the residents’ daily lives. Returning to Siem Reap, you have the afternoon free until transfer to airport for the flight onto home. (Breakfast provided.) Raffles Grand Angkor’s check out time is 12 Noon.

 
  DETAILS
 
Trip Includes:
  • Four (4) nights accommodation in the outstanding five-star Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel in double occupancy
  • Five (5) breakfasts (one onboard the cruise), four (4) lunches, two (2) dinners at our carefully selected restaurants
  • Services of bilingual tour guides
  • All land transportation (as listed on the itinerary)
  • Entrance fees to all tourist sites (as listed on the itinerary)
  • City and hotel taxes

Not Included:
  • Airfare, visa fees, travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, imported mineral waters, telephone charges, room service, and laundry charges
  • Gratuities

Misc. and Pricing:
  • The price of the above is $2,088.90 USD pp.
  • For those requiring single occupancy accommodations, a supplementary charge of $899 will apply.
  • Deposit is 20% ($380 pp. based on double occupancy)

Cancellation Charges
  • This excursion, once paid in full, is non-refundable. I.e., there are no refunds provided for cancellations after October 20.
 

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