Feb 22 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
1,099
Cambodia
Extension: Ancient Temples of Angkor
Program No. 22617RJ
Continue your learning adventure with a four-day extension to Cambodia. Visit four ancient temples of Angkor and learn about their significance for the Khmer people.
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At a Glance
Extend your learning adventure with a four-day excursion to Siem Reap, Cambodia. View the staggered temple towers of Angkor, the same stunning scene that Khmer people have gazed upon for over one thousand years. Learn about the historical and religious significance of the ancient ruins at the Angkor National Museum to fully appreciate the impressive site.
Program Extension
To take this extension, enroll in this main program first.
Walking Vietnam: Paths of Wonder from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy comfortable walking adventures throughout Vietnam, beginning in the capital city of Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon. Explore villages, citadels, bays and more!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to 7 miles (up to 4 hours) a day in a warm climate, over varied terrain with some uphill and stairs.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience the magic of the Angkor Empire as you explore the magnificent ancient temples.
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
- Visit local museums, including the Angkor National Museum, that will give you historical and cultural context.
General Notes
This program is an extension only to "Walking Vietnam: Paths of Wonder from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City" (#22552).
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Extension: Ancient Temples of Angkor
Program Number: 22617
A Traveller's History of Southeast Asia
A compact history of the region, including the Khmer and the various ancient kingdoms that produced Borobudur, Angkor and other architectural marvels.
To Cambodia With Love
In this insightful guide of works of 50 writers on the history, culture and attractions of Cambodia, including Khmer specialist Dawn Rooney (Odyssey Guide Angkor) and memoirist Loung Ung (First They Killed My Father).
Birds of Southeast Asia
This authoritative, masterfully illustrated guide, featuring 140 color plates covering 1,270 species throughout the region, also includes Malaysia, Burma, Borneo and Indonesia.
Arts of Southeast Asia
A handsome guide to the art, architecture, textiles and crafts of Southeast Asia.
A Cambodian Prison Portrait
There are many myths about the Khmer Rouge's bloodthirstiness and brutality, but there was at least one place where they all were real: Security Prison 21, the secret police's killing machine. Of the 14,000 or so prisoners who were brought there for questioning, only a handful survived. One of them were the artist Vann Nath (1946-2011). In this thin little book, he describes his horrifying year behind the barbed wired walls of S-21. This book ranks among the most important and strongest witness-stories of world literature.
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization
The author presents a concise but complete picture of Khmer cultural history from the Stone Age until the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1863, and is lavishly illustrated with maps, plans, drawings, and photographs.
The Mekong, Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future
A cultural history of the great river from prehistory to European exploration, colonial tensions and modern challenges. It's an engaging introduction to the history of Southeast Asia.
The Gods Drink Whiskey
Asma writes with verve and wit in this eye-opening account of his yearlong stint teaching at the Buddhist Institute in Phnom Penh. His account is both an overview of Theravada Buddhism and a down-to-earth portrait of contemporary Cambodia.
Art & Architecture of Cambodia
In the World of Art series illustrated overview of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei and lesser-known recent discoveries in the surrounding jungle.
A Dragon Apparent, Travels in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
A classic account of travels and adventure during the last years of French Indochina, strong on atmosphere and including wonderfully detailed descriptions of local cultures and archaeological treasures. First published in 1951.
The Road of Lost Innocence
Sold into servitude by her grandfather, Mam recounts the experiences of her early life, her awakening as an activist -- and work to rescue thousands of women and children in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Map
A convenient, double-sided map of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam at a scale of 1:1,500,000, with city maps of Hanoi, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, and Phnom Penh. Includes the eastern portion of Thailand and Bangkok.
Cambodia's Curse, The Modern History of a Troubled Land
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joel Brinkley returns to Cambodia a generation after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime to report on the country's continuing struggle to recover from its past.
Temples of Cambodia, The Heart of Angkor
Jessup (Art and Architecture of Cambodia) provides the accompanying essays to this oversized portfolio of dazzling color images by Barry Brukoff, who has been photographing the monuments of Cambodia since 1963.
Eyewitness Guide Vietnam and Angkor Wat
Featuring innovative site diagrams, local maps and hundreds of color photographs, this handy companion introduces the culture, history and attractions of Vietnam.
Angkor: An Introduction to the Temples
Rooney’s Angkor is one of the most important and easy to understand guidebooks to the temples of Angkor. For those looking to gain some insight on the temples before they go, use the maps and legends to help them explore the temples’ features while in the park, or read after returning home to increase their understanding, this is the book to buy.
A History of Cambodia
An excellent, scholarly history from early civilization through the rise of Angkor, French colonial period, Vietnamization of Cambodia, Khmer Rouge and Coup de Force of 1997.
First They Killed My Father
A heart-wrenching historical autobiography that recounts the brutality of war with vivid detail. A story of political oppression in Cambodia, it is all the more striking and intense as it is told from the perspective of a child, one who is thrust into situations that she doesn't understand, as she is only five years old when the terror begins.
Golden Bones, An Extraordinary Journey from Hell in Cambodia to a New Life in America
Full of determination and hope, this is a gripping memoir about author's family and idyllic childhood in Pochentong, and also, terrors of the Khmer Rouge and escape to freedom in America.
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong
This compact practical guide covers the entire Mekong from the heights of Yunnan to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
The River's Tale, A Year on the Mekong
A personal, probing chronicle of a 3,000 mile journey on the river from its source in China through Tibet, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
What's Included
7 meals (
3B, 2L, 2D
)
6 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
An experienced Group Leader
3 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia, Angkor National Museum
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is included in your program cost. The flying time is approximately 1 hour. Hotel check-in is available from 2:00pm.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to our hotel. We begin our extension program with a field trip to the Angkor National Museum. This relatively new museum will provide us with an informative introduction to Cambodian temples and their art. We return to our hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner, with complimentary welcome drink, at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
2
Banteay Srei, Land Mine Museum, Free Time
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. The Citadel is a pink sandstone temple and was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V. The carvings of Banteay Srei are among the oldest and most intricate that we will see. We then visit the Landmine Museum where we gain an understanding about what is being done to help land mine victims.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant near Banteay Srei. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We have a free afternoon today allowing us to explore Siem Reap at our leisure.
Dinner:
At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom, Angkor Thom
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Early rise and transfer to Angkor Wat to watch sunrise. Walking on this day is approximately 7 miles in a warm climate but mostly on shaded paths. Walking around ancient sites and forested areas from one temple to another. The walking is on relatively flat ground.
Breakfast:
Setting out with a local expert before dawn, we will immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. The best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is also the only temple to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. It was built to embody the Hindu tradition – specifically dedicated to the god Vishnu – but gradually shifted to become a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. The temple is at the top of the high-classical style of Khmer architecture. We return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we visit Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple, walking through the Angkor Trails. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite of many visitors. Some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed here) as they pick through the rubble.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We transfer by motorcoach to Angkor Thom and explore this temple, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing Temple of Bayon. We return to our hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant, with a complimentary farewell drink. Coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for departure home tomorrow.
Day
4
Program Concludes, Departures Home
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Program concludes. Transfer to the airport for flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
7 Meals
3 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
2 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
- Feb 22, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
- Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025
- Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
- Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
- Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 10 Reviews
Sort By:
I would recommend this extension program to anyone participating in the Walking Vietnam program. Though short, it was a perfect companion trip. Angkor Wat is a experience not to be missed. Our Guide was very knowledgeable and in addition to the planned outings, helped arrange extra activities for our free time.
— Review left December 3, 2024
Our tour leader was outstanding. Clearly he was proud to help foreigners see and understand his country's heritage. I wish we'd signed up for a longer tour. Cambodia merits more thorough treatment.
— Review left January 25, 2024
This is a must see experience. If you have already hauled yourself thousands of miles to this part of the world, why would you miss the the best part? It is only a few hundred miles away from Saigon. This is a very good value for your travel dollar. The guide enhances the experience and makes the most of your time. Siem Reap is very mellow compared to the big cities of Vietnam. It is walkable and charming.
— Review left January 25, 2024
A wonderful program - loved visiting several temples in the area and learning about Hindu and Buddhist teachings that are reflected in the structures. Hotel was wonderful - great food, and pool was lovely. Also enjoyed the massage services - a perfect way to wrap up our adventure in Southeast Asia!
— Review left March 29, 2023
It would be a shame for anyone on the Walking Vietnam trip to miss out on this extension. It is so easy to add on this on to the trip and well worth the extra time and money.
— Review left March 22, 2023
Don’t use road scholar travel services !!! They will send you on long flights in the opposite direction of where you need to go. Don’t trust them to make your travel arrangements!
— Review left March 7, 2023
Excellent trip with knowledgeable leaders sharing relatebt and personal information in well organized way. Excellent trip
— Review left March 7, 2023
This extension was a great addition to the Vietnam trip that we took. It was quite different from the first program and I would recommend that anyone who takes the Vietnam trip add this on. It gives you a whole different perspective and it enriched the Vietnam experience to see another Southeast Asian country. Plus, the temples are not to be missed.
— Review left January 30, 2020
I can't imagine NOT having taken this extension. Angkor Archaeological Park had been on my dream list for quite awhile, and finally experiencing this amazing temple complex was a dream come true. Our guide, Chum, was truly outstanding. He was the perfect host for his country, providing that extra special touch of sharing both personal and academic information and always offering individualized assistance. He navigated our small group of 8 to be at the right place at the perfect time, ie. sunset, sunrise, before the heat, etc. The Cambodian people of Siem Reap were an added bonus, with their smiles and willingness to be of assistance. Saving the best part of a three week trip for last was definitely the icing on the cake for me. The only thing I would do to improve this extension would be to add a day or two as I felt we only touched upon the highlights of this amazing location.
— Review left December 5, 2019
Awesome! I can't recommend this extension to the Walking Viet Nam tour highly enough. Beautiful and outstanding. The temple ruins are both truly amazing and equally humbling at the same time. I love the opportunity to have my mind reopened to the fact that the current humans aren't the only ones who are able to do seemingly impossible things. Our guide Tohn was exceptional with his breadth of knowledge and experience. My only regret was that the tour was over too soon.
— Review left March 27, 2019
