Singapore/Angkor Wat

Transcription

1 4305 One night Singapore & Two nights Siem Reap/Angkor Wat Pre-Cruise Singapore V4305 Friday March 7 Monday March 10, 2014 Angkor Wat was once the center of a once-powerful empire and is considered one of the wonders of the world. In fact, the fascinating temple complex has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit to Cambodia not only allows an opportunity to discover magnificent Angkor Wat but also visit the intriguing sites and temples of Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei. Important Note Cambodia Guests must have one passport-size photo for obtaining a visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport. The tour operator will take all passports and photos and secure visas for all participating guests. The order of sights visited may vary. Traffic conditions may affect the duration of this program. As this program involves extensive walking over uneven and sometimes steep surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with physical and/or walking difficulties. This program is not wheelchair accessible. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. Guests may also wish to bring a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight long pants and shirts. Due to the popularity of sights visited, dense crowding and lines may be anticipated. Private regularly scheduled flights are used and it is recommended that guests pack one small bag. Flight departure times are subject to change. Single accommodations are extremely limited. In the unlikely event that accommodations are unavailable at the Sokha Hotel, a hotel of similar quality will be substituted. Friday, March 7, 2014: Singapore Arrival Welcome to Singapore! From Singapore Changi International Airport, begin your day with a transfer to your hotel. After your arrival, enjoy free time at your leisure. Dinner will be served at the Swissotel, The Stamford (buffet style). After dinner enjoy an overnight stay in Singapore. Hotel Accommodations: The Fairmont Singapore Meals: Dinner Saturday, March 8, 2014: Singapore Siem Reap Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before launching into today s exploration. Guests will check-out of the hotel and will depart for a half-day tour. 1

2 Spirit of Singapore City Orientation Tour (4 hours) Explore this bustling center of trade and culture on a comprehensive introduction to this decidedly cosmopolitan outpost. See Singapore s splendid colonial heritage as you drive past Parliament House and the imposing Supreme Court. City Hall overlooks the vast Padang, a wide-open green space that is host to many cricket matches and state events, including the annual National Day Parade when Singaporeans celebrate their treasured independence. Reflecting Singapore s diverse makeup of cultures and people, some of the city s magnificent temples are on your itinerary today. In Chinatown, visit the oldest Chinese temple in the city, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The intricate craftsmanship and cantilevered beams underscore its significant history. Likewise, the Hindu temple of Sri Mariamman features an imposing façade called the Gopuram. The lovely National Orchid Gardens is your last stop for the day, located in the lush Botanic Gardens. Opened in 1995 by Singapore s beloved founding Prime Minister Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the sprawling gardens feature exquisite manicured slopes bursting with some 60,000 orchid plants. Enjoy a private buffet lunch at the Swissotel, The Stamford (buffet style). Transfer from lunch to the airport for departure flight to Siem Reap. Arrive in Siem Reap by a flight from Singapore & meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to the hotel for check in. Dinner will be at your hotel. Accommodations: Sokha Angkor Wat Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Singapore) Dinner (Angkor Wat) Sunday, March 9, 2014: Angkor Wat/Angkor Thom TOUR DESCRIPTION: ANGKOR WAT Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before launching into today s exploration of the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Bayon Temple is one of the most impressive and mysterious temples emerging from the jungle as an incredible forest of heads; is considered to be an architectural masterpiece. The apparent chaos of its dark rooms and interconnected galleries are crowned with lotus flowers, symbol of enlightenment, and are dominated by 200 gigantic stone faces facing North, South, East and West on 51 smaller towers. The facial features are striking and the full lips, curling upwards at the corners, are known as 'the smile of Angkor'. Energized by breakfast at your hotel set out for your morning visit of Banteay Srei - the fabled pink temple of women so called, because it is made of pink sandstone and considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carvings and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of everyone's favorite temples. It s Apsara and male and female divinities represent the most skilled craftsmanship of sand stone carvings. Banteay Srei is located about 25 kilometers north of Angkor. It was dedicated in 987, making it one of the oldest temples in the region, though it was not rediscovered until the 1900s. On the way back, stop at the village to see the daily life of the people and have a fresh coconut drink. Lunch will be at Tonle Mekong restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in the area, as it have been (almost) untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. For all would-be Mouhots and closet Indiana Jones, Ta Prohm is the perfect lost-temple-in-the-jungle: Strangler figs and kapok trees entwine themselves around the ruins of Ta Prohm. Their roots burst apart even the thickest of walls, yet their clinging embrace prevents the walls' collapse. 2

3 Proceed to Angkor Thom boasts a series of walls that form terraces. One wall, called the Terrace of the Leper King, features a statue of a king sitting atop the terrace. Why the term leper is included in the terraces name is a matter of conjecture. One argument is that, when discovered, the statue was lichen-eaten, giving it the appearance of having leprosy. A short drive brings you to Angkor Thom s South Gate, an impressive entrance with walls that are 26 feet high. Angkor Wat: Begin your exploration of one of the wonders of the world with a visit to Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat s five towers symbolize Meru s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond, according to Hindu mythology. Many have the impression that Angkor Wat is a single temple, when in fact there are more than 40 sites still recognizable to this day. Angkor Wat, is about 5.5 km of the modern town of Siem Reap. This temple complex was built by king Suryavarman II in the early 12 th century as his state temple and state capital. In fact, Angkor Wat means City Temple. Drive back to hotel to relax and have time to freshen up before dinner at the Cambodian Cultural Village. After dinner you will have the option to visit Angkor Night Market. The first, best and currently the only true night market in Siem Reap. Located in the heart of town, the Angkor Night Market opens in the mid-afternoon and stays open until at least midnight. The Market harbors more than 100 shops and stalls offering souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, books, DVDs, electronics, jewelry, art and there s even a travel agency. The shopping atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Accommodations: Sokha Angkor Wat Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Monday, March 10, 2014: Siem Reap to Singapore Following breakfast and check out at your hotel, your adventure in Cambodia draws to an end, as you transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Singapore. Upon arrival at Singapore Airport, you will be met by local staff and directed to your motor coaches for the direct transfer to Crystal Serenity to begin your cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 3

4 Luggage Restrictions Luggage for international flights is limited to one piece per person, not to exceed 20kg. To avoid excess luggage charges, all checked luggage (luggage that guests will only need on the ship) will be collected upon departure from the hotel in Singapore and secured. You will be reunited with your luggage on board the ship in Singapore. There is no additional cost for this service. Please note all checked luggage must have proper identification and Crystal Baggage tags on each bag. Standard Policy for Valuables in Luggage THIS CONTRACT LIMITS CRYSTAL S LIABILITY - PLEASE READ IT All Crystal guests are advised not to leave luggage containing high value items, Passport/Driver s License and/or checks/credit cards, laptops, cameras, ipods or any other items of value, including, but not limited to jewelry, laptops, cameras, ipods and medicine with any individuals at hotels, on buses/vehicles or left unattended under any circumstances. It is unsafe to do so and Crystal Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such valuables, passports, driver s license, checks, credit cards or medicine left in bags that are left unattended. This includes, but is not limited to, leaving items on tour or transfer buses, with hotel bellmen or front office staff, at hospitality desks in hotels, or unattended hotel lobbies, holding locations, pier terminals or any other locations. Luggage containing any valuables should be in the possession of the owners at all times, without exception. Guests should not leave any such items with any individual who is not known to the guest, regardless of any assurances given to guests that it is safe to do so. Please note that Crystal Cruises cannot be responsible for any loss or theft resulting from guests leaving luggage containing valuables unattended. Note: This excursion involves strenuous walking over uneven and unpaved surfaces, and is not recommended for guests with physical and/or walking difficulties. There are many steps in the temples. Guests must be in good physical condition in order to participate. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible. The program of sights visited will be flexible due to many circumstances; it is not possible to schedule an exact itinerary. Hotels, dining venues and some sights may change; however, alternative properties will be of an equal or better standard. Price includes all accommodations, sightseeing, transportation, meals as indicated, porterage, Cambodian visa, and tips. Outbound international airfare, optional excursions, personal and incidental expenses (room service, telephone, fax, etc.) and inoculation charges are not included. Based on the number of participants on the program, smaller vehicles (sedans, minivans, etc.) may be used in place of motor coaches. Guests will be accompanied throughout the program by a local guide. Crystal Cruises may also, at its discretion, send a Crystal escort to accompany the group. A minimum number of guests are required for this program to operate and Crystal Cruises reserves the right to cancel the program at any time if the minimum is not met. Air/Sea guests will have their flight arrangements adjusted by the Crystal Cruises air department. Cruise-only guests will be responsible for making their own flight changes. Please refer to the 2014 Crystal Cruises Atlas for a complete listing of terms and conditions. 4

5 Hotel Program Details Singapore/Angkor Wat The Fairmont Hotel Sokha Angkor Wat 80 Bras Basah Road National Road No 6 & Sivatha Singapore, St. Junction Tel: Siem Reap, Cambodia Tel: Deluxe Room accommodations Due to the nature of the program request to upgrade, customize or extend this program will not be accepted. Transportation begins on March 7. ***All hotel/flight information is tentative and are subject to change *** Important Air Information for Cruise-Only Guests: This pre-cruise program starts in Singapore. Cruise-only guests should schedule flights arriving Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) on March 7, Please your flight information to Crystal Cruises Land Programs Department. embarkdebarktransfers@crystalcruises.com at least 30 days prior to departure. Tentative flight arrangements Flight Information Class of Service: Charter flights Date Carrier/Flight From/To Flight time Departure Arrival 08-MAR-14 Charter SIN/REP TBA 2:30 10-MAR-14 Charter REP/SIN 2:20 min :20 Important Visa/Vaccination Information A visa is required to enter Cambodia. Visas will be given on arrival. Guests must have one passport-size photo for obtaining a visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport. Please write guests name on the back of the passport-size photo. The tour operator will take all passports and photos and secure visas for all participating guests. Visas and passports will be returned to guests at the hotel. Please do not get a visa for Cambodia prior to your arrival. Please note your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from date of entry. Citizens of other countries, for whom requirements may vary, should contact their nearest embassy. 5

6 Packing Information Singapore/Angkor Wat Clothing: Normally the tropical climate calls for washable-cotton, light and loose dresses with comfortable shoes or sandals. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or when visiting mountainous areas and remote national parks. Umbrellas are needed during the rainy season Footwear: Other Items: Comfortable flat walking shoes Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant binoculars, travel umbrella Weather Singapore Climate: Sub-Tropical CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT High Low High Low mm RAINFALL in Siem Reap, Cambodia Climate: Sub-Tropical MONTH CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT High Low High Low FEBRUARY/MARCH mm RAINFALL FEBRUARY/MARCH Phnom Penh, Cambodia Climate: Sub-Tropical MONTH CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT High Low High Low FEBRUARY/MARCH mm RAINFALL FEBRUARY/MARCH in in 6

7 Communication Singapore: Telephone: Postal Service: Internet Access: Singapore s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here Post offices are available throughout the island, generally open 8:30AM- 5PM weekdays, 8:30AM-1PM Saturdays, closed Sundays. Fax and internet services are available in hotels Cambodia: Telephone: Postal Service: Internet Access: International direct-dial phones are available in each hotel room. Pay phones are widely available in cities, and calls to the U.S. can be made for about 25 cents a minute. Cambodia Postal Service is the Postal office in Cambodia. Opening hours vary. All rooms at the hotels offer Wired and Wireless Broadband Internet access. Electricity Singapore: Current: Adapters: Electricity in Singapore is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Singapore with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Singapore uses the British BS1363 three-pin rectangular socket (230V/50Hz). Adaptors may be necessary. Transformers: Transformers will have a much lower maximum Watt rating, usually 50 or 100. Transformers can often be used continuously and provide better electricity for low wattage appliances like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders. However, they are heavy because they contain large iron rods and lots of copper wire. Cambodia: Current: Adapters: The electrical current in Cambodiais volts. Required for North American and British plugs. Transformers: Required to convert North American appliances from 110 volts to volts. Money Matters Singapore Currency: The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also at most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express Traveler s checks: Most foreign currency and traveler s checks are cashed easily at hotels and tourist shops, as well as all provincial banks, shopping centers and money changers. Traveler s checks are best changed in banks, which will often require your passport. Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels. 7

8 Money Matters Cambodia Currency: Riel (KHR) Divided into 100 sen. Bills 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000, and coins of 50, 100 and 200. Exchange: Foreign currency exchange is available at hotels, airport and banks. It is recommended that money is exchanged at banks, as they offer greater security. In Cambodia the US dollar is welcomed and used widely. Traveler s checks: Not readily accepted in shops, restaurants, etc., although they can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus. Credit Cards: American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most retail establishments. Tipping Tips on meals and airport/hotel porters are included. Tips for your local guides and drivers are not included in your program price and are at your discretion. 8