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viking.com | 51 H I S TO R Y & A R C H I T E C T U R E I S S U E 2 2 detail in these carvings is astounding, with each figure meticulously rendered to convey movement, expression, and narrative depth. The "Churning of the Ocean of Milk" is one of the most famous panels, illustrating a pivotal episode in Hindu mythology with dynamic, intricate craftsmanship. Angkor Wat's construction primarily utilised sandstone, sourced from the Kulen Hills, approximately 30 kilometres away. The precise cutting and fitting of these stones, without the use of mortar, highlight the advanced engineering skills of the Khmer builders. The blocks were transported via a network of canals, showcasing not only their architectural ingenuity but also their logistical capabilities. The central sanctuary of Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Accessible by steep staircases, symbolizing the arduous path to the heavens, the sanctuary houses shrines and statues, including an important statue of Vishnu. The interior spaces are marked by a sophisticated system of galleries and chambers, each designed to enhance the spiritual experience through controlled lighting and space. The temple's orientation is another remarkable feature. Angkor Wat is aligned to the west, which is unusual for Hindu temples that typically face east. Scholars suggest this orientation may be related to Vishnu's association with the west, or it might have had a funerary function, with the west symbolizing death in Hindu cosmology. This alignment also allows for striking visual effects during the equinoxes, when the sun rises directly over the central tower, reinforcing the temple's religious symbolism. Gulf of Tonkin South China Sea Gulf of Thailand CAMBODIA THAILAND VIETNAM Bangkok Hanoi Ha Long Bay Phnom Penh Tân Châu Sa Ðéc Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Cái Be Siem Reap Angkor Wat MEKONG MEKONG TONLE SAP LAKE Kampong Cham Mƒ Tho C r ui s e A ir M o to r C o ach O ve r night in Po r t VIEW VOYAGE GETTING THERE: A 15-day Magnificent Mekong cruise from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, or the reverse. MAGNIFICENT MEKONG Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa 15 Days | 16 Guided Tours | 2 Countries DAY 1 - 2 HANOI, VIETNAM Visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex then continue to the One Pillar Pagoda. After time for lunch, see the Opera House and visit the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison. DAY 3-5 HANOI, VIETNAM & SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Tour Hanoi's Old Quarter by electric car. Fly to Siem Reap. Visit Angkor Wat Temple, one of the most spectacular sights in Southeast Asia. Later, explore the mysterious Bayon Temple. DAY 6-7 KAMPONG CHAM, CAMBODIA A coach tour through the Cambodian countryside to your ship in Kampong Cham, via Kampong Thom. Visit the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey. Afterward, visit a nearby silk-weaving village where you will meet farmers and artisans. DAY 8-9 PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA A cyclo tour of the city, via the Royal Palace and Cambodia's National Museum. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. An excursion through Cambodian villages, a tour of Udon Monastery, then get a glimpse into life in the silversmith village and learn about their traditions, before returning to your ship. DAY 10 MEKONG RIVER, CAMBODIA Sail down the incredible Mekong, passing by rice fields, villages and towns that seem frozen in time. DAY 11 TÂN CHÂU, VIETNAM Ride on a traditional rickshaw through Tân Châu, then take a boat ride to Vinh Hoa — "Evergreen Island." DAY 12 SA ĐÉC & CÁI BÈ, VIETNAM Explore the canals of the Delta on a sampan, then visit Sa Ðéc and the floating market of Cái Bè. DAY 13-15 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Bid farewell to your ship this morning. On your way to Ho Chi Minh City, tour the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. Check into your hotel, then enjoy free time to explore. See the grand City Hall, Reunification Palace, the old Opera House, the Chinatown area and Ben Thành Market.