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Cambodia
Experience even more...
Cambodia & beyond
This is an unrivalled opportunity to travel into the Kingdom of Cambodia at the end of your holiday in either Thailand (pages 38-39), Vietnam (pages 46-47) or Laos (pages 54-55). We are now able to offer unique add-on tours to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat (from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos) and a remarkable cruise up the River Mekong to Phnom Penh, then by air to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat (from Vietnam only). The formula is easy. Simply choose your preferred add-on itinerary (see pages 157-158 for departure dates) and book it in conjunction with your chosen holiday to Thailand, Vietnam or Laos. Our Holiday Advisors will be happy to discuss your requirements. The tour prices quoted opposite are supplements to the holiday prices on pages 38-39, 46-47 and 54-55, and cannot be booked separately.
Cambodia, the jewel of former Indo-China, has once again opened its doors to foreign visitors. Its courageous, dignified and gently smiling people are justifiably proud of their country's sublime beauty and its extraordinary cultural heritage, dating back to the mighty Khmer Empire and epitomised by the awesome Angkor Wat. Many of its cultural traditions predate those of Thailand, and its dominant influences stem from India. We know you will be pleasantly surprised by the facilities now available to visitors, and all meals and full sightseeing are included. Flying time from Bangkok or Saigon is only one hour.
ANGKOR WAT Angkor Wat has become the symbol of Cambodia, and its name is often used as a general term to describe the exotic, extraordinary complex of more than 100 magnificent Khmer temples and monuments located near the township of Siem Reap in central Cambodia. The complex is generally acknowledged to be one of mankind's most magnificent architectural achievements, and it has survived time and the ravages of the jungle in remarkable condition. The temples and walled cities were built between the 9th and 14th centuries AD, when Khmer civilisation was at its height, and dominated all of Cambodia and much of present day Thailand and Vietnam as well. The complex was brought to the attention of Europe when visited by the French in the 1860s. There are many highlights. The 12th century Angkor Wat itself is the largest, the most complete and the most breathtaking, with its 180ft high central tower and extraordinary bas-reliefs. It is thought to have been built originally as both a temple and a mausoleum, and faces west, thus allowing itself to be bathed in glorious light and shade at sunset. The fortified city of Angkor Thom is enclosed by eight miles of 25ft high walls, with five monumental gates. In front of each gate stand giant statues of 54 gods and 54 demons. Inside are the magnificent Temple of Bayon, with its intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life, Terrace of the Leper King, the 400 yard-long Terrace of Elephants, and the Baphuon. The temple of Ta Prohm is truly remarkable. It has been deliberately left to the ravages of the jungle, and its walls and towers are enveloped by the limbs and roots of giant banyan trees, often centuries old a truly surreal sight. Many other temples, such as Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon and Preah Khan, have their own extraordinary characteristics, as does the sacred bathing pool of Preah Neak Pean. We really cannot do justice to this amazing place in a few paragraphs. You must see it for yourself! All our tours to Angkor include the above mentioned locations and much more. The distances between the sites are all relatively short, and they are linked by an adequate system of roads. Exploring them is made all the more magical by the surrounding dense jungle.
THAILAND
Bangkok Angkor Wat CAMBODIA Siem Reap
Tonle Sap Lake Mekong River
Phnom Penh Chau Doc
VIETNAM
Saigon
Can Tho
South China Sea
ADD-ON KEY
Angkor Wat Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Mekong Cruise
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