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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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Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresProgram ExtensionSmall GroupBest Value
Length
4 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,099
Itinerary
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. Read More.
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
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Activity Note
The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is included in your program cost. Flight information will be provided while on the main program in Vietnam. See your program’s travel information regarding arrival transfers. 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. The Group Leader will lead a brief Orientation. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines and emergency procedures. The Group Leader will also endeavor to answer questions you have. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We begin our extension program with short walk from the hotel to the Angkor National Museum, where interactive exhibits guide us through the height of Khmer civilization. The museum offers an introduction to Cambodia’s temples, art, and the religious beliefs that shaped the ancient Khmer Empire. We return to our hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This will be a full morning field trip. Getting in/out of motorcoach frequently; short drives. Standing and sitting in the morning sun in hot and humid weather. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day on uneven terrain; sturdy and closed-toe footwear recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach and travel to visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women—a pink sandstone temple built in the latter half of the 10th century during the reigns of Rajendravarman II and Jayavarman V. The carvings of Banteay Srei are among the oldest and most intricate and considered among the finest in the Angkor region. The three-dimensional carvings from pink sandstone depict vivid scenes from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as figures of deities, nagas (mythical serpents), celestial goddesses known as devatas, and mythical creatures like the Kala. We then visit the nearby Landmine Museum to learn about ongoing efforts to support land mine victims in Cambodia, one of the most heavily mined countries in the world due to decades of conflict—including civil war, the Khmer Rouge regime, genocide, American bombings, and Vietnamese occupation.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We have a free afternoon today allowing us to explore Siem Reap at our leisure. Review the free time suggestions provided in the first mailing packet. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions for the afternoon and dinner.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 we explore the ruins.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We travel by motorcoach to Angkor Thom, the last and largest capital of the Khmer Empire. Founded in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, this ancient city is home to the mesmerizing Bayon Temple, located at its very heart. We take time to explore the Khmer temple renowned for its massive, serene stone faces carved into dozens of towers. We return to our hotel and have some down time before our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant, including a complimentary "Farewell to Cambodia" drink.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack and prepare for your journey home tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 noon. See your program’s travel information regarding transfers.
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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