Uniworld Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Angkor Wat
Jill and Viv at Angkor Wat – Uniworld Mekong Cruise
Uniworld Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Angkor Wat
DAY 11: UNIWORLD MEKONG RIVER CRUISE TOUR IN CAMBODIA CONTINUES WITH AN INCLUDED MORNING EXCURSION FROM SIEM REAP TO ANGKOR WAT
Our morning started early as we wanted to enjoy a quiet and leisurely included breakfast at L’Escale Restaurant in the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa. At 8 am our groups would depart for Angkor Wat and spend almost 4 hours touring Angkor Wat during the included morning excursion.
The drive through Siem Reap to the entrance to Angkor Wat was only about 15 minutes and then we all got off the coaches so we could have our photos taken for the passes required by all visitors to the Angkor area. Thankfully, this was a brief stop and soon enough we were back on the coaches and making our way to our destination.
Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia
Local guide, Kinal, did a fantastic job of escorting us around Angkor Wat and took us to all the highlights. Even though the temperature was hot and humid, Kinal was able to keep us in the shade as much as possible and ensured we stayed adequately hydrated.
Steps leading to a tower at Angkor Wat
Many in our groups even ascended the steep stone steps to get a bird’s-eye view of the grounds (it was slow going coming back down due to the number of people and steepness of the steps).
Slow going on steps leading to a tower at Angkor Wat
DID YOU KNOW? ANGKOR WAT FACTS:
- Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century
- Suryavarman II was reigning during the time when Angkor Wat was constructed
- Angkor Wat is considered the pinnacle of Khmer architecture
- The main temple has 5 spires
- The 5 spires on the main temple are the most recognized symbol of Cambodia
- The height from the base to the top of the highest tower is 669 feet
- The moat around Angkor Wat complex is more than 1 mile long
Statues at Angkor Wat
TIPS FOR VISITING ANGKOR WAT:
- Wear good walking shoes
- Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs (at least to below the knees)
- Angkor passes must be worn on all visits
- Photos are not allowed in certain parts of the site – observe and follow instructions
- Avoid touching any part of the statues, monuments, temples, ruins, etc.
- Do not climb or sit on any part that is not indicated for this use
Exploring Angkor Wat with Uniworld River Cruises
After our tour we were returned to the hotel for lunch on our own and free time until the included afternoon excursion to Angkor Thom.
Special Note: An optional Sunrise Excursion was available today. This required a 4:45 am departure to take an elephant ride up a hill to see the sunrise. Although we would have loved to see the sunrise from this vantage point, we do not agree with riding elephants! In fact, we vehemently oppose this activity and hope that others will also educate themselves, and not do this or any other activity that involves breaking the spirit of these magnificent creatures.
Next… Angkor Thom near Siem Reap in Cambodia
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City | Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels | Day 3: Saigon City Tour | Day 3: Embarkation | Day 4: Cai Be | Day 4: Sa Dec | Day 5: Chau Doc | Day 6: Phnom Penh | Day 6: Phnom Penh Orphanage Dancers | Day 7: Killing Fields and S-21 Prison | Day 8: Prek Bongkong Khmer Silk Village | Day 9: Wat Hanchey | Day 9: Kampong Cham Excursions | Day 10: Disembarkation and Siem Reap |
