C A M B O D I A
If
you've come this far, you will not want to miss the "Prize of Southeast
Asia" — the Temples of Angkor which are short one-hour flight
from Saigon or Bangkok.
Angkor what? Many people have heard of the main temple Angkor Wat, but
what they don't realize that Angkor consists of over 70 discovered ruins
spread over 200 square kilometers. Angkor Wat itself is a kilometr-wide and the greatest Buddhist monument ever constructed. There are
astounding structures of equal impact surrounding it. This density of
ruins is unparalleled anywhere else in the world, and is often called "the Nile Valley of Asia."
Siem Reap, our launching off point is only a short flight from Saigon
and a couple of miles from Angkor itself. Lodging at the magnificent 5-star Grand
Hotel d'Angkor, a beautifully restored French Colonial gem. The New
York Times article on this hotel can be read
here and Pico Iyer provides another perspective.
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Day
1: One-hour
flight from Saigon (or Bangkok) to Siem Reap. After checking
into hotel,
we begin exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor including the enormous
Angkor Wat, the south gate of Angkor Thom and the Bayon. The
day concludes
with a panoramic view of the area and dramatic sunset from the summit
overlooking Angkor Wat. Dinner
and accommodation in Siem Reap.
Day 2: After breakfast, continue exploration
of mystical Ta Prohm where its original structure, embraced by overgrown
roots of giant fig trees, has been preserved by archeologists as an example
of what the entire Angkor complex may have looked like when it was first
discovered. Other temples in the area include Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevoda,
Thammanon, Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang. Dinner
and accommodation in Siem Reap.
Day
3: Morning sightseeing includes the wonderfully carved Banteay
Srei, Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, Mebon and Pre Rup temples. Afternoon visit
to Roluos group of monuments or optional
boat trip on Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest lake, and waterfront
villages. Dinner and
accommodation in Siem Reap.
Unusual diversions? Explore rare wildlife our daytrip to the Preak Toal Bird Sanctuary.
