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Angkor 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.
Ankor Extension Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel this morning. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Empire. We’ll start our visit with the early-Angkor era temples of the Roluos Group, including Preah Ko (Sacred Ox), the completely restored Ba Kong and Lo Lei, all of which venerate the Hindu gods and date back to the 9th century. In the afternoon, we’ll tour the South Gate of Angkor Thom, as well as the enchanting and photogenic Bayon (1190) and the sculpted panel masterpieces of the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. We return to our hotel after watching the sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in Siem Reap. All meals on your own today.
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Day 2
In the morning, we concentrate our attention on an extensive visit of the magnificent 12th-century Angkor Wat, which was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The bas-relief temple symbolizes Mount Meru, considered the center of the universe and home of the Hindu gods. The best-preserved temple on this site and considered to be the biggest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat is certain to take the breath away of even the most jaded traveler. In the afternoon, we continue our exploration with visits to Banteay Kdei, where Buddha images were recently found buried, the small twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon and the amazing Ta Prohm Temple or the “old Brahma” temple that is squeezed by the roots of enormous trees and gigantic creepers. Overnight in Siem Reap. Breakfast included.
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Day 3
After breakfast, we visit the finely sculpted Banteay Srei, the “citadel of women”, built in 967 A.D. of red sandstone and referred to as the “jewel” of Khmer architecture. We’ll also see Banteay Samre, which is one of the most complete temples and has interior moats that are filled during the rainy season. After lunch, we’ll continue our tour of the “Big Circuit” temples, including Pre Rup, East Mebon, Preah Khan and Neak Pean, which has a shining pool and human and animal head water spouts. Overnight in Siem Reap. Breakfast included.
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Day 4
Depending on departure time, after breakfast we can return to the "Big Circuit" for additional exploration, visit the workshops of the Artisans d’Angkor to see wood and stone carving demonstrations and shop for souvenirs or take a boat trip on the Tonlé Sap lake (for those trips in July through February), the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s most productive inland fisheries, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Later today, transfer back to the Siem Reap Airport for your flight home. Breakfast included.
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.
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 | Borei Angkor Hotel or similar | $775 | $500 | Holiday Supplements: For departures taking place over 12/24 - $60 per person. For departures taking place over 12/31 - $100 per person. |
| Superior Class | Angkor Palace Hotel or similar | $899 | $625 | Holiday Supplements: For departures taking place over 12/24 - $60 per person. For departures taking place over 12/31 - $100 per person. |
| Deluxe Class | Le Meridien Angkor or similar | $1299 | $825 | Holiday Supplements: For departures taking place over 12/24 - $100 per person. For departures taking place over 12/31 - $150 per person |
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.
Airfare to/from Siem Reap; Cambodian visa (can be obtained upon arrival); 3 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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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 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.
Weather
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.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- 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
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid kit
- Handi-wipes
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Small first-aid kit
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Ziploc bags for easy storage
- Favorite energy snacks and drink mixes
- Travel pillow
- 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 REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.