Optional Ancient Cambodia Excursion

After your incredible 4 week program in Thailand, join ISV to experience another spectacular country in Southeast Asia: Cambodia. ISV’s 5 day excursion will take you to Siem Reap for a taste of Cambodian culture and history. From here, discover the ‘lost city’ of Angkor Wat, an archaeological masterpiece, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and eighth wonder of the ancient world. With vine covered temples and mystical waterfalls it served as the setting for filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Explore the city and surrounding ruins by foot, bicycle and horseback, and visit the incredible floating villages by boat. Wander local markets and sample the tastes and aromas of this exotic region. The Cambodia Excursion is available for 10 December, 2012; 7 January, 2013; 2 January, June 7, July 5 and August 2, 2012 departures only.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Travel from Bangkok direct to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor region of Cambodia. This small city is home to traditional Chinese and French colonial architecture and boasts an array of markets and craft shops. After settling into our accommodations for the next 5 nights, we'll experience our first taste of Khmer (Cambodian) culture by tantalizing our taste buds with an array of traditional foods.

Siem Reap-Angkor by Bicycle

We start our bicycle tour visiting the royal city of Angkor Thom. Within Angkor Thom, see the giant, well preserved stone faces of Bayon that are a haunting reminder of the previous empire that once thrived here. After lunch, we'll visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking, it is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising over 65m from ground level. Enjoy a sunset from atop one of the many temples and return to the city for a free evening

Floating Village

Today you will visit Kompong Phluk Floating Village on the shores of Lake Tonle Sap- the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and an ecological hot spot, recently declared a UNESCO biosphere. This area is teeming with wildlife so keep your eyes open for amazing tropical birds, monkeys, crocodile, turtles and more! Here we will have a Khmer style dinner within a house, built on 10m high stilts while watching the sun set over Tonle Sap.

Free morning; Afternoon Grand Circuit and Sunset over Angkor

Take advantage of a free morning to discover the Psar Chaa (Old Market) for local crafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, our first stop is Ta Phrom, a quiet, sprawling monastic complex that is partly shrouded in jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left in a state of partial restoration, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors, offering some of the best "tree-in-temple" photo opportunities at Angkor. Enjoy a tuk tuk ride around this majestic area of Angkor- home to several Hollywood movies including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. In the evening, you will get a birdís eye view of Angkor as the sun sets!

Siem Reap on Horseback; Return to Bangkok

We begin our day in the cool morning with a journey by horseback to places that are otherwise unreachable- through countryside villages, scenic rice fields and temple ruins. This is an authentic taste of the true Khmer lifestyle viewed from horseback, and a welcome break from tourist areas. In the afternoon, we finish our last minute packing or relax by the poolside as we reflect upon our remarkable moments in Cambodia's hottest destination for travelers. Return to Bangkok via air-conditioned minivan.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for the Ancient Cambodia Excursion, check the "Ancient Cambodia Excursion" box on your ISV Flight/Options Form, and make the appropriate deposit. Due to the exclusiveness of this excursion, spaces are limited and on a first-come first-serve basis.