EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF GREATER ANGKOR
An educational tour of Greater Angkor narrated by anthropologist Manuel Arboleda G.
and co-hosted by Vinh Phung.
Banteay Srei. Photo by Vinh Phung
Tour Dates to be announced
4 nights / 5 days
4 nights / 5 days
INTRODUCTION
After combing the tropical rainforest of Cambodia for almost two years (1858-1860), Henry Mouhot, the intrepid French naturalist, stumbled into Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Civilization. Stunned by the noble beauty of its ubiquitous low-relief carvings and of its numerous towers embellished with giant portraits of bygone demi-kings, the French explorer then elevated forest-clogged Angkor to lofty heights by comparing it to other archaeological wonders of equal stature. “Angkor is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome,” quipped Mouhot. Indeed, his claim to fame was to be among the first explorer to write a vivid and illustrated account of his sojourn. In doing so, Mouhot catapulted Angkor to world fame.
Now you can retrace Mouhot’s steps by exploring the most significant sites of Greater Angkor; from the time he disembarked and stepped ashore the shallow waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, to the time he unveiled the muddy trails leading to, among other sites, the inspiring temple of Angkor Wat (circa 1120 CE.) and the forest-clogged capital of Angkor Thom. In doing so, you will be able to appreciate the different waves of Hindu and Buddhist influence on Khmer art and architecture, a phenomenon that was to last some 500 years.
Now you can retrace Mouhot’s steps by exploring the most significant sites of Greater Angkor; from the time he disembarked and stepped ashore the shallow waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, to the time he unveiled the muddy trails leading to, among other sites, the inspiring temple of Angkor Wat (circa 1120 CE.) and the forest-clogged capital of Angkor Thom. In doing so, you will be able to appreciate the different waves of Hindu and Buddhist influence on Khmer art and architecture, a phenomenon that was to last some 500 years.
ITINERARY
DAY 01, DEPATURES
Depart from your home country arriving to Siem Reap sometime on Day 02.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
Depart from your home country arriving to Siem Reap sometime on Day 02.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
DAY 02, ARRIVALS
Arrive to Siem Reap, Cambodia, sometime today. Our transfer person will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel.
Note: Rooms may not be ready until check-in time: 13:00 hrs.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
Arrive to Siem Reap, Cambodia, sometime today. Our transfer person will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel.
Note: Rooms may not be ready until check-in time: 13:00 hrs.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
Angkor Wat. Photo by Vinh Phung
Day 03, SIEM REAP (B, L)
By any scale, Angkor Wat’s extensive architectural complex and exquisite carvings-together with its sophisticated hydraulic system, or “Barays,” makes Angkor rank as one of the most admirable monuments ever! And we have to thank Suryavarman II for that. The Khmer king, deeply influenced by Hindu religious principles, erected Angkor some time around 1120’s, CE., as an allegory to Mt. Meru, the mythical abode of the Hindu gods. He crowned it with a towering temple, embraced it with carved snakes, or “nagas ”(icons for rain and fertility), and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu, the “Lord of Preservation.” From here, we head south to have lunch, and then stop to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, (Great Lake). Enjoy cruising the mighty lake which, unlike other lakes, the Tonle Sap reverses its course every year during the Monsoon season trapping tons of fish. Indeed, some 300,000 tons of fish are caught here annually (including the rare giant cat fish and sting rays) making it the lifeblood of some 1.5 million people. Among them, are the Vietnamese who reside on most of these floating fishing villages. Unfortunately, the Great Lake’s ecological balance is under threat from unmitigated demographic growth, overfishing and dam building.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
By any scale, Angkor Wat’s extensive architectural complex and exquisite carvings-together with its sophisticated hydraulic system, or “Barays,” makes Angkor rank as one of the most admirable monuments ever! And we have to thank Suryavarman II for that. The Khmer king, deeply influenced by Hindu religious principles, erected Angkor some time around 1120’s, CE., as an allegory to Mt. Meru, the mythical abode of the Hindu gods. He crowned it with a towering temple, embraced it with carved snakes, or “nagas ”(icons for rain and fertility), and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu, the “Lord of Preservation.” From here, we head south to have lunch, and then stop to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, (Great Lake). Enjoy cruising the mighty lake which, unlike other lakes, the Tonle Sap reverses its course every year during the Monsoon season trapping tons of fish. Indeed, some 300,000 tons of fish are caught here annually (including the rare giant cat fish and sting rays) making it the lifeblood of some 1.5 million people. Among them, are the Vietnamese who reside on most of these floating fishing villages. Unfortunately, the Great Lake’s ecological balance is under threat from unmitigated demographic growth, overfishing and dam building.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
Angkor Thom.Photo by Vinh Phung
DAY 04, SIEM REAP (B, D)
Shortly after the Khmer king Javavarman VII defeated the Champa Kingdom (circa 1200 CE.), he set out to reorganize his kingdom and erected Angkor Thom as his testament to his victory. But unlike Hindu-inspired Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom was inspired by Buddhism. Thus giant portraits of Buddhas and the King’s favorite Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara, dot the landscape. What’s more, he crowned his capital with a towering temple called the Bayon (dedicated to Lord Buddha) and embarked on a series of public projects that almost tripled Angkor in size: Ta Phrom, located in a lush forest with spectacular views of vines and giant banyan trees that seem to be “devouring” some of the sacred temples; Preah Khan, built in honor of his father, Jayavarman VI (a devout Hindu king), includes hallways, pavilions, temples, all of which seemed draped with thick forest growth. Graceful carvings of “apsaras,” or ”celestial angels,” also embellish many panels. From here, we will return to the hotel, have lunch (on your own) and then drive to the 10th century CE., petit site of Banteay Srei.. The temples here-made mostly of rosette sandstone-were dedicated to Lord Shiva and are renowned for its “davatas” or bare-chested goddesses. Found mostly in pediments and wall panels, these semi-nude figures are so ubiquitous that Banteay Srei is often referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” This evening, enjoy a fine dinner-show of Khmer ethnic and classical dancing.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
Shortly after the Khmer king Javavarman VII defeated the Champa Kingdom (circa 1200 CE.), he set out to reorganize his kingdom and erected Angkor Thom as his testament to his victory. But unlike Hindu-inspired Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom was inspired by Buddhism. Thus giant portraits of Buddhas and the King’s favorite Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara, dot the landscape. What’s more, he crowned his capital with a towering temple called the Bayon (dedicated to Lord Buddha) and embarked on a series of public projects that almost tripled Angkor in size: Ta Phrom, located in a lush forest with spectacular views of vines and giant banyan trees that seem to be “devouring” some of the sacred temples; Preah Khan, built in honor of his father, Jayavarman VI (a devout Hindu king), includes hallways, pavilions, temples, all of which seemed draped with thick forest growth. Graceful carvings of “apsaras,” or ”celestial angels,” also embellish many panels. From here, we will return to the hotel, have lunch (on your own) and then drive to the 10th century CE., petit site of Banteay Srei.. The temples here-made mostly of rosette sandstone-were dedicated to Lord Shiva and are renowned for its “davatas” or bare-chested goddesses. Found mostly in pediments and wall panels, these semi-nude figures are so ubiquitous that Banteay Srei is often referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” This evening, enjoy a fine dinner-show of Khmer ethnic and classical dancing.
Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa (4*)
DAY 05, DEPATURES (B)
This morning we will visit the stunning National Museum and enjoy its world-class collection of Khmer art ranging from the renowned Khmer torsos sculptured in-the round to free-standing stelas carved in either Khmer or Sanskrit script. These stelas, deal mostly with specific dates denoting the accession of a king or the date when a particular building was erected. This facilitates the work of archaeologists in their efforts to establish, among other things, dynastic sequences. We will then drive back to the hotel and bid goodbye to our fellow travellers, most of which will be flying to Ho Chi Minh City to join our Legendary Land of Vietnam tour of Vietnam.
This morning we will visit the stunning National Museum and enjoy its world-class collection of Khmer art ranging from the renowned Khmer torsos sculptured in-the round to free-standing stelas carved in either Khmer or Sanskrit script. These stelas, deal mostly with specific dates denoting the accession of a king or the date when a particular building was erected. This facilitates the work of archaeologists in their efforts to establish, among other things, dynastic sequences. We will then drive back to the hotel and bid goodbye to our fellow travellers, most of which will be flying to Ho Chi Minh City to join our Legendary Land of Vietnam tour of Vietnam.
Important: nearly all of the sites covered on this tour require moderate and, in some cases, strenuous walking. Climbing the uneven steps of Angkor Thom; walking on the pot-holed streets of Siem Reap; ascending the uneven sandstone steps of Angkor Wat etc., may pose a challenge to some participants. To remedy the situation, we will structure staging areas where the tour members can wait and not participate in a given walk or hike.
End of service
End of service
TOUR INFORMATION
THE PRICE
All land prices are per-person, in USD, and are based on two people sharing a room
04-07 paxs: $ USD
08-11 paxs: $ USD
12-15 paxs: $ USD
16-18 paxs: $ USD
Add: $ USD if traveling single (Single Supplement)
THE PRICE
All land prices are per-person, in USD, and are based on two people sharing a room
04-07 paxs: $ USD
08-11 paxs: $ USD
12-15 paxs: $ USD
16-18 paxs: $ USD
Add: $ USD if traveling single (Single Supplement)
THE PRICE INCLUDES
…all of the land services which begin and end in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is also guaranteed providing a minimum of 08 persons sign up. The tour includes all entrance fees; sightseeing services; transfers and rides in, buses and boats. Likewise, the tour also includes a Nawpaq Expeditions educational kit (eg. essays, maps) designed to enhance your cultural experiences as well as daily breakfasts and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
THE PRICE EXCLUDES
…the international airfare to/from Siem Reap of approximately $ USD and, for those who are continuing to Vietnam, the one-way airfare from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. The tour price excludes tips to local guides, drivers, porters at the hotels and airports, assistants and such personal incidentals as room service, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, pre-tour inoculations, visas etc. Note: Visa for Cambodia can be obtained on-line for approximately $ USD.
Note: Visa for Cambodia can be obtained online for a nominal fee at: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
HOTEL INFORMATION
With a few exceptions, Nawpaq Expeditions only uses “four-star” properties chosen for their location, price and service. Please refer to the name of the hotel found in the itinerary for detailed web information on each hotel.
THE DEPOSIT
For those of you who are not going to Vietnam with us, we require a $ USD deposit per-person to hold your space. The amount is fully refundable until 30 October 2019, the date in which we will release your funds to our tour operator. The balance is due approximately 45 days before the commencement of the tour (10 January 2020).
…all of the land services which begin and end in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is also guaranteed providing a minimum of 08 persons sign up. The tour includes all entrance fees; sightseeing services; transfers and rides in, buses and boats. Likewise, the tour also includes a Nawpaq Expeditions educational kit (eg. essays, maps) designed to enhance your cultural experiences as well as daily breakfasts and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
THE PRICE EXCLUDES
…the international airfare to/from Siem Reap of approximately $ USD and, for those who are continuing to Vietnam, the one-way airfare from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. The tour price excludes tips to local guides, drivers, porters at the hotels and airports, assistants and such personal incidentals as room service, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, pre-tour inoculations, visas etc. Note: Visa for Cambodia can be obtained on-line for approximately $ USD.
Note: Visa for Cambodia can be obtained online for a nominal fee at: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
HOTEL INFORMATION
With a few exceptions, Nawpaq Expeditions only uses “four-star” properties chosen for their location, price and service. Please refer to the name of the hotel found in the itinerary for detailed web information on each hotel.
THE DEPOSIT
For those of you who are not going to Vietnam with us, we require a $ USD deposit per-person to hold your space. The amount is fully refundable until 30 October 2019, the date in which we will release your funds to our tour operator. The balance is due approximately 45 days before the commencement of the tour (10 January 2020).