Angkor Wat Extension
Described as grander than anything left behind by ancient Greece or Rome, the
12th- century jungle temple of Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece and the
largest religious structure in the world, remains Cambodia’s proudest symbol and
its biggest draw. Our four-day journey through the Angkor complex, a
tribute to the Hindu-Buddhist worlds, hits all the highlights of the majestic
bas-relief temples left behind by the once mighty Khmer Empire, which flourished
between the 9th and 14th centuries. In addition to Angkor Wat itself,
we’ll explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom including the remarkable Bayon
Temple, adorned by over 200 smiling stone faces created in the likeness of a
Khmer King, and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced over the centuries by the
roots of giant silk-cotton trees. Gazing upon massive Buddha images,
vine-draped ruins and gigantic moats provides a new appreciation for the power
of belief.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the
meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more
days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Angkor Wat Extension Itinerary:
Day 1 Rendezvous with your guide in Siem Reap and begin your Angkor explorations with a visit to Angkor Thom and the mysterious Bayon Temple.
Day 2 Spend the morning at magnificent Angkor Wat. Stops this afternoon include iconic Ta Prohm, its walls encased in giant tree roots.
Day 3 Morning visit to the red sandstone temple of Bantaey Srei, a jewel of Khmer architecture. Tour the "Big Circuit" this afternoon.
Day 4 Options to explore the floating villages of nearby Tonle Sap Lake or visit the workshps of the Artisans d'Angkor before departure.
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
This extension can be reserved for single travelers. The single supplement varies depending on specific hotel option selected. Please contact us for additional details on hotel options and single pricing.
| Hotel Category | Hotel Name | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Remarks |
| First Class | Tara Angkor Hotel or similar | $949 | $599 | Holiday Supplements: If your stay includes the night of 12/24 or 12/31 Add $75 per person. |
| Superior Class | Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa or similar | $1299 | $799 | Holiday Supplements: If your stay includes the night of 12/24 or 12/31 Add $100 per person. |
Trip price includes All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; local English-speaking guide; entrance fees to Angkor complex and all temple sites as noted; boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake (if your flight schedule allows); ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicle as noted; transfers to/from the airport.
Airfare to/from Siem Reap; Cambodian visa (can be obtained upon arrival); 4 lunches and 3 dinners; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; guide gratuities; laundry fees; airport taxes; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.
This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Participants should arrive in good physical condition and plan on 3-5 hours of walking on most days over generally flat terrain with some stair-climbing and short uphill stretches. As Cambodia lies in the tropics, warm temperatures with high humidity are common (see “Weather” below).
The climate in the Angkor region is generally warm and humid with some variation depending on the season. November through February is typically the coolest and driest time of year with daytime high temperatures in the mid-80s, dropping into the high-60s at night. The hot season falls between March and May when daytime temperatures average in the 90s and can occasionally climb to over 100 degrees. The rainy season falls between June and October when the monsoons arrive from the Gulf of Thailand. This is not necessarily a bad time to visit however, as the rains generally only last for 1-2 hours each afternoon and the temples receive fewer visitors.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Angkor Wat Extension
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- 1 Passport photo for entry visa to Cambodia
- Duffel bag (wheels and retractable handle are fine) sturdy and large enough to hold clothing and gear
- Passport security pouch or belt
- Daypack to carry raingear, camera, water and snacks
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Lightweight, easily washable items for evening wear or when traveling
- Lightweight hiking boots, well broken-in
- Sandals
- T-shirts
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt(s) for sun / insect protection
- Hiking shorts - synthetic, quick-dry
- Hiking pants - synthetic, quick-dry
- Hiking socks and liners
- Underwear
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Rain jacket (or poncho) - waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants - waterproof and breathable.
- Two water bottles (1-quart size) or hydration pack
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand/body wipes
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Ziploc bags for easy storage
- Favorite energy snacks and drink mixes
- Personal medication
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Bring clothing that is lightweight and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeve jacket, especially for the evenings.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Plastic bags are great for keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- Space for luggage is limited. Pack light, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag. During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, raingear, water bottle/hydration system and camera.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Accommodations (7)
- Guides (6)
- Well organized itinerary (5)
- Food (4)
- Activity level (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (6)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination (5), All the details planned for me (4), I liked the itinerary (4)
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Excellant guide
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Khemre culture
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
While the church was busy putting up cathedrals in Europe the Khemre were creating Buddist/Hindu structures of vast scale and intricate beauty. They reflect a culture steeped in myth that was an important part of their day to day lives. The jungle nearly took it all. What is left is exquisite. In most of the ruins you can sit quietly expecting a scene from The Jungle Book to play out before you.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Customer service, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- to see the ruins
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Our guide - Tot [@] - explaining his experience with the Khemre Rouge. He lost his entire family but harbors no hate or vengence. He told us all the myths and history that went with each temple and pointed out the best light and angles for photos.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be ready for heat humidity and a constant onslaught of children trying to sell you something. Make sure you make it down to Pub Street on a Tuk Tuk to get some 50 cent drafts and a fish pedicure
Pros
- Accommodations
- Food
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
The temples were great! We were pleasantly surprised at the vast number of them! The trip itinerary is very balanced; by the end of the day, we had as much information as we could absorb. It allowed time to enjoy the hotel pool. Our guide & driver thought of nice details (bottled water & umbrellas). Cambodia has great food at very reasonable prices. Transportation was easy to get in the evenings--the tuk-tuk drivers would even arrange to come back and get you. We were disappointed that the itinerary did not include a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat since that is considered a "must do" while there. In addition to supplying luggage tags, REI could provide a lanyard with a plastic holder for the 3-day admission pass for the temples.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Fit our travel plans, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We have always wanted to visit Angkor Wat and it was easy to add as a side trip while we were visiting our son in Singapore. REI was able to accomodate our schedule.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Visiting the less restored, still overgrown temples.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Carry lots of US $1 bills, plan on your own to see Angkor Wat at sunrise, eat at the Green Star (a non-profit restaurant), bring a plastic holder on a lanyard for your 3 day admission pass to the temples.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Excellent hotel
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
The entire cost of the trip was [$] for 4 days. In the USA, that hotel would have costs $300/night. The hotel had a pool, hottubs, spa, excellent food...we took advantage of everything!The temples were very impressive and had a huge amount of history.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We completed the Everest Base Camp trek and chose to extend our adventure.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- A 90 minute message at the hotel spa. It only costs $25.00 for 90 minutes! Of course Angkor Wat was cool too ;)
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- We were still recovering from our Everest trek, so the guide modified our itinerary to short days. I would read about the history of the regions politics. It will help you understand the guides stories and the native lifestyle.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Exceeded Expectations
- Flexibe Itinerary
- Food
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
Discovering the pace of life in Cambodia is slower made me reprioritize my own life's goals. The trip was surprisingly restful even while hiking in the heat up, down, and around miles of temple sites from 900 - 1400 BC. While it was surprisingly humid, everytime we stepped in or out of the car, the driver or guide handed us a cool water and towel. What amazing and sincere service provided by our guide to make us comfortable and happy. Worth every penny! We're so grateful to have visited Cambodia--thank you REI and our local guide!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I wanted to see the UNESCO site Angkor Wat without having to worry about logistics, food and lodging. We extended our REI Thailand trips.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The people were amazingly gracious, the food delicious, location safe, hotel fantastic,and of course Angkor temple sites were beyond expectation.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Wear comfortable shoes,consider sun exposure and be prepared to handle the humidity.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Group Camaraderie
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
The only disappointing thing I can mention is that I was the only person in the group. I travel alone and after getting out of China I was looking forward to interacting with a group for a few days. This isn't really REI's fault though but it would have been nice to know ahead of time I was going to be flying solo.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I chose this trip because I happened to be in Bangkok.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Of course the highlight of the trip was the the temple of Angkor Wat. It was seen on the day before I flew back to Thailand saving the best for last. I can't stress enough how awesome it was plus it had monkeys.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- It is very hot so prepare to sweat. The economy in Siem Reap also runs on the US Dollar. Cambodian currency is given for change under $1. Bring lots of $1's.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
Our guide went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable. He set us up for a show at some restaurant the last evening. He met us at the restaurant after he reserved the best table for us. The driver waited until the end of the show. At first our guide was a bit distant but when he got to know us a bit better he became very confortable with us. We did not waste time on this trip with so many historical sites to visit. We enjoyed the boat ride very much and got to take a look at how people live on the river. We saw floating schools, floating markets, floating basket ball courts etc.
One comment: We would have liked to have one free day to explore the surrounding by ourselves to get a feel of the place without a guide. This would assume staying an extra day but that would be very worthwhile.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Extension to EBC Trek
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- This trip was an extension to the Classic Everest Basecamp trip. I wanted to take advantage of being in Asia to visit Angkor. Based on my previous experience with REI extensions (Amazon) I decided I could not go wrong. And I did not.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The cultural aspect of this trip was phenomenal. The temples were magnificent. But I also discovered that Cambodia is a very nice country. We got so much information on the history of Cambodia and the temples! Our guide made our trip very enjoyable.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- This trip is active in the sense that there are many visits. This can actually become a bit overwhelming. It is nice to go with some basic knowledge of the local history, but the guide filled us with all the details we needed.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Food
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Angkor Extension:
Overall the trip was wonderful. We only had 2 full days and our guide was accommodating in making adjustments to the itinerary based on what we wanted to see and do.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Convenient, Destination
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Our primary trip was two weeks in Bhutan. The Angkor Wat trip was an extension of the original trip since it was only an hour flight away.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The Bayon in Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei were amazing.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- If you want to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, which was beautiful, you need to get there early! I'd recommend that right after you see the sunrise, you go immediately to Ta Prohm so you can see this area and take some great photo's without alot of tourists.
Displaying reviews 1-7
















