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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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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.
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4 days
3 nights
7 meals
3 B 2 L 2 D
DAY
1
Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia, Angkor National Museum
Siem Reap
D
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
Siem Reap
B,L
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
Siem Reap
B,L,D
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
In Flight
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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