Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: adventure to Phong nha caves & world heritage tour at Da Nang

Cruise line: Silversea
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9th and 13th centuries, Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire, a colossal city renowned for its superb architecture and sculptures, vast lakes and temples.Hidden in the jungles of Cambodia until the late 19th century, it's one of the world's greatest wonders, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Silversea's Mid-Voyage Land Adventure gives you an in-depth look at the Angkor Wat site that includes many structures still intact, including the grand Angkor temple.02MIDCHM-G Angkor Wat! Duration: 2.5 Days / 2 Nights Departs from: Chan MayRe-join ship:Ho Chi Minh CityReserve by:90 Days Prior to the Start of the Cruise This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the start of your cruise. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis and the programme price is subject to change. Payment in full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. This programme is non-refundable if cancelled within 90 days of sailing.A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme.IMPORTANT:Guests must bring two passport-sized photos (2"X2") with them.Once the capital of the Khmer Empire from 800 AD to approximately 1200, Angkor spreads out over an area of about 40 miles (63 km). The city and its famous temples were abandoned in the early 15th century and remained unknown to the outside world until 1860, when a French botanist stumbled upon them in the jungle overgrowth. Today, travellers flock to Angkor to see this spectacular temple city, rated among the world's premier architectural sites and since 1992 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure begins with an exploration of Cham civilization and the city of Da Nang before you travel to Cambodia to explore Angkor Wat.Experience the magical Angkor Temple City, acclaimed as being one of the most incredible ancient religious monuments in the World and Asia's most famous archaeological attraction.DAY ONE - Chan May/Da Nang/Siem Reap Depart the ship immediately after arrival and begin your day with the hour's drive to Da Nang, Vietnam's third largest city.It was on Da Nang's coast where the first U.S. troops landed on March 8, 1965. Despite its war-torn history, Da Nang is one of the most progressive cities in Vietnam.Among its highlights is the renowned Cham Museum, housing close to 300 Cham sculptures.Stop here for a guided look at Cham history before arriving at the Embroidery Workshop to see the artisans who can spend months on a single piece, with embroidery themes that include Vietnamese daily life and literature. The ancestor of this embroidery workshop came from Hue and trained many generations of workers, dedicated to this form of art.Next, a short drive takes you to Marble Mountain for a brief photo stop.King Minh Mang in 1837 named the mountains of Ngu Hanh after the five basic elements of the universe: Kim mountain (metal); Moc mountain (wood); Thuy mountain (water); Tho mountain (earth); Hoa mountain (Fire); (Hoa mountain consist of two peaks). Then, proceed to Marble Mountain Village.Here, thousands of stone statues have been created by the skilful hands of the area's talented workers.Most marble is transported here from Thanh Hoa province.Of particular note are the different coloured pieces, very interesting to most stone lovers. Complete your look at Da Nang with a stop at Sandy Beach.Often referred to as "China Beach", Sandy Beach is more than 25 miles (40 kilometres) long.During the Vietnam War, American Marines and South Korean troops used this area as a base camp.Since then, many famous resorts have been built along the beach.Sip a local drink, relax and enjoy the sea breeze, sun and sand.If you feel adventurous, climb the nearby mountain with more than 100 steps to see both the area pagoda and caverns, or just to admire the view of Da Nang, before a light lunch at one of the resorts.After lunch, the coach delivers you to Da Nang Airport for your onward flight to Cambodia.Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the five-star Sokha Angkor Hotel. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, the hotel's decor is inspired by the local culture. Check-in and relax before dining at the hotel. (Your photograph will be taken at the hotel and your temple pass issued, facilitating admission to the temple sites next morning.)Overnight accommodation is at the Sokha Angkor Hotel - Siem Reap.DAY TWO - Siem Reap/Angkor WatAfter breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Angkor Wat temple, the most famous of the Angkor sites and the largest Buddhist monument ever built. It spans an area of 500 acres (202 hectares), and is surrounded by a 660-foot-wide (201-meter-wide) moat. The construction required some 385,000 workers and 40,000 elephants over a 35-year period. The site remained covered by dense jungle growth until the late-19th century, when French archaeologists began a long restoration process. While some sections are still in ruins, others are used for worship and are occupied by Buddhist monks. Entrance to this majestic and vast complex is via a long causeway across the moat. Then begin your exploration with a guided walking tour through corridors and courtyards. The walls are covered with bas-reliefs featuring battle scenes, dancing deities and visions of punishment in hell and rewards in paradise. The temple's central building is three stories high and accessible via a steep staircase (only recommended for very fit and agile guests).After an extensive visit of approximately two hours, continue your exploration with a visit to the Angkor National Museum as a preview to the Angkor temple. Through interactive exhibits you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of tradition and different beliefs of the ancient empire. Statues, remnants from the great temples themselves, as well as artefacts depict all manner of social customs throughout the evolution of the unique Khmer civilization.Next, head to a local hotel where your buffet-style lunch awaits. Then proceed to Angkor Thom.Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman VII established Angkor Thom in the late-12th century. It spans 3.5 square miles (90.65 square km), and features 25-foot-high (7.6-metres-high) gates at each of the cardinal points. After entering via the narrow South Gate, continue to Angkor Thom's most significant sites, including Bayon, a temple known for its 49 towers and a terrace full of colossal heads with smiling faces. The stunning architecture and unusual décor makes Bayon one of the most visited sites at Angkor Thom. Other highlights include the Terrace of Elephants and the Leper King, representing one of Angkor's many mysteries. Exit the site of Angkor Thom for the short drive to Ta Phrom. The temple is reached via a footpath through the forest and your first glimpse is of an extraordinary sight. The invading jungle-like growth has been left in place. Serpentine trunks of towering fig trees wind around the temple ruins, across walls and through doorways, creating an incredible atmosphere. Ta Phrom is also featured in scenes of Angelina Jolie's movie, Tomb Raider.As you enter and exit the sites of Angkor, you may notice children selling various souvenirs.To promote education of the area's youth, Silversea has made a donation on your behalf to the school of the local orphanage to encourage education and the betterment of these children. As the day concludes, return to the hotel. Dinner this evening is enhanced by a performance of lovely Apsara dancers.Overnight at Sokha Angkor Resort Hotel - Siem Reap.DAY THREE - Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh CityFollowing breakfast and check out, you are transferred to the airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival and following Immigration formalities, a transfer coach will take you to the port