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                                        The Cambodian Cultural Extension
                                            To the Women's Vietnam Tour
                                                                      September 2018
  

The Kingdom of Cambodia is well known for the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat near the city of  Siem Reap.  From small ancient ruins to the amazing edifices, these temples should be on your "must see" list.  Cambodia as a whole is recovering from many years of war and then unspeakable control by the Khmer Rouge.   Today it is a vibrant nation rebuilding its cultural heritage.  In Phnom Penh wander through the splendors of the Royal Palace and its many impressive structures, with sparkling tile roofs and upturned eaves, the beautiful gardens, and the Silver Pagoda complex. Not to miss is the beautifully constructed National Museum.  Cambodia and its people are very welcoming to visitors.  This tour extension takes you through the sights of Phnom Penh. In Siem Reap explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, the floating fishing village, meet the local people, and view the current resurgence of their great textile history.  

 

                                                              Itinerary 

Day 01- Monday, Sept 19 -    ArrivalPhnom Penh

Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh international airport, meet with your guide and driver and transfer to the hotel.  Your first exposure to the Kingdom of Cambodia is a visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town.  The Silver Pagoda located within the grounds of the Royal Palace,  is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. Continue your visit to the National Museum, one of Phnom Penh's true architectural gems. If time permits a visit to the market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh 

 

Day 02 - Tuesday, Sept 20 -     Phnom Penh – Siem Reap          

This morning we start our journey by private vehicle to Siem Reap.  Learning about the countryside during our half day journey.  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Siem Reap. Start your visit to the Angkor complex with a visit to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since its  discovery and retains much of its mystery, including trees growing through the structures. Also visit Neak Pean, , a tower built in the middle of a pool (representing the sacred Himalayan mountain-lake, Anavatapa),  Ta Som, built in late 12th century, and C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic and the first to be built of sandstone.  Visit Preah Khan temple, built by the King Jayavarman VII.  Preah Khan is a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors, besides a temple, it was also a university.  It is in a fair state of preservation with ongoing restoration.    Your day ends with a buffet dinner and a Khmer Traditional Dance Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap   B D

 

Day 03 -  Wednesday, Sept 21 -    Siem Reap  - Tours of Ancient Angkor

In the morning, visit  the amazing ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) entering    by the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk.  Next smile back at Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. This is followed by the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.  After lunch, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares (approx. 198 acres) and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing.  Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Then view a beautiful sunset from the top of Phnom Bakhen Hill.      
Overnight in Siem Reap     B

 

Day 04 - Thursday, Sept 22 -     Siem Reap Tours

This morning visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then Srah Srang called "The Royal Baths" as it was once used for ritual bathing, Banteay Kdei that is surrounded by 4 concentric walls, and Ta Keo, constructed in the late 10th, early 11th century.   This afternoon visit the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles [IKTT] http://iktt.esprit-libre.org/en/.  This organization was formed to support the revival of the traditional textiles of Cambodia and the teaching of the textile culture to the next generation.  This includes the planting of trees that are used in the dyeing process and the planting of other vegetation necessary to augment the production of the traditional textiles. They also teach the skills necessary for the weaving of the textiles.   Continue on to visit the silk farm, located about 20 minutes from the center of Siem Reap.  Here you will be able to view the entire process.  Cambodian silk is a large part of the Siem Reap tourism industry.   This is the best place to buy the local Cambodian fabrics made by hand, cotton as well as silk. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.     B

 

Day 5 -  Friday, Sept 23         Siem Reap – Departure   

In the morning  visit  the floating village of Chong Khneas, located south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. At leisure until time to transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight. Time to bid amazing Cambodia good bye.    B
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