nature tours & travel, wildlife tours, adventure travel and general travel to Australia, Southeast Asia, South America and Alaska

 

THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

 

 

 

with Dr Donald Wood

The Virginia and William M. Spencer III Curator of Asian Art

Birmingham Museum of Art

 

October 2011

 

You are invited to accompany Dr Donald Wood on our extension to Angkor Wat, Cambodia. In addition to Dr Wood we will have expert local guides, adding their special knowledge to our understanding of what we see and experience.

 

Day 1: Saigon or Hanoi/Siem Reap
Fly from Hanoi this morning to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After clearing the formalities of visa on arrival, immigration and customs we are transfer to our hotel and check in. We have a little time to clean up, then lunch depending on flight time. This afternoon we visit the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm, an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. If time permits, we will also explore the surrounded temples today. We enjoy a typical Cambodian dinner tonight to welcome us to the ancient Khmer Kingdom. (L,D)

 

 

Day 2: Siem Reap
After breakfast we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Siem Reap / Gateway City/ Home City
We head further out of town by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends. After lunch we visit the floating village of Choueng Kneas, where you can find schools, restaurants, hospitals and much more on the great lake of Tonle sap. We return to Siem Reap where we have several hotel rooms available to clean up before our late evening flight home. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner, then transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B,L,D)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call us on 1 877 285 1170 to secure your place