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MONDAY, FEB. 17 ARRIVE SIEM REAP
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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. |
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TUESDAY, FEB. 18 SIEM REAP
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Start 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. |
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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 SIEM REAP
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After 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. |
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THURSDAY, FEB. 20 SIEM REAP
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Start 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. |
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FRIDAY, FEB. 21 SIEM REAP
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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. |
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DETAILS |
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