Chautauqua 2023 - Cambodia in August
Zenith Passage at Ancient Angkor and Other Remote Khmer Ruins
By the 12th century, the city of Angkor had almost one million inhabitants. Virtually every other ancient city pales in comparison to not just its shear size, but its beauty as well. This Chautauqua course will explore Angkor and attendees will pariticipate in Dr. Barnhart's ongoing archaeoastronomy studies at the site.
Participants will fly into Siem Reap, Cambodia where they will spend all but one of their next nine nights. After a first day of visiting the town's markets and museums, their exploration of the ancient city will begin with a sunrise over Angkor Wat. Then over the next few days they'll explore Angkor Wat, six temple complexes within the metropolis, and the Great Lake of Tonle Sap (which annually expands to 10x its volume when the Mekong River's flow reverses in the monsoon season).
Day six of the course will begin an exploration of the Khmer ruins hidden in the jungle beyond the extent of Angkor. At Kulen Mountain participants will visit waterfalls, a massive mountain top carving of a reclining Buddha, and the remote ruins of Phnom Kulen where the first king of Angkor was crowned in 802 CE. That evening they will stay next to the ruins of Koh Ker. Those ruins have recently been discovered to be oriented to the zenith passage sunrise and the group will be there to hopefully take the first ever photos of the temple alignments.
The final day of the course will be spent back at Angkor in its largest complex - Angkor Thom. After a morning of exploring, the group will position themselves for photos inside the Bayon where at noon the zenith passage sunlight will beam down into most of its 52 towers. The day will conclude with a walk across the Elephant Terraces and an Apsara dance and dinner show.
For people with an interest in...
History, archaeology, anthropology, archaeoastronomy, architecture, religious studies, sociology, and other related science and social sciences fields.
Prerequisites
While not required, participants are encouraged to have at least some knowledge of the ancient Khmer history and the archaeology of Angkor. Dr. Ed Barnhart can recommend readings for those interested in learning more before the trip. Day trips will involve walking in extremely hot and humid weather. While it will not be physically challenging, participants in weak physical condition are encouraged to build strength and stamina before the trip.
Costs
$2700 per person (double room lodging)
Add $400 for single room lodging supplement
$500 deposit due upon registration
50% balance due 90 days before the course (May 10)
Final balance due 30 days before the course (July 10)
Flights
Participants are responsible for arranging their own flight reservations to and from Siem Reap. Since participants come from all over the country, recommending a single flight is impossible. The options are many for this trip. All will involve starting your journey the day before in order to arrive by August 10. Participants might consider getting a round trip to Singapore, Bangkok or another major city in SE Asia and then a shorter leg to Siem Reap. As of March 2022, round trip flights from California to Siem Reap (with multiple stops) are running between $1000 and $1400. Of course, the airline industry is dependent on the market and fees are subject to change.
Hotels During the Course
Siem Reap - Hotel Tara Angkor or similar
Koh Ker - Koh Ker Jungle Lodge (Khmer houses) or similar
Included
Lodging, private ground transportation, all entry fees, local professional guides, and evening lectures. Digital copies of the presentations given during the course will be provided to each participant.
Not Included
Airfare to/from Siem Reap, visa fees, lunches, dinners, and gratuities.
Cambodian Visas
There are only minor requirements for a tourist visa in Cambodia for US citizens - a US passport with at least 6 months before expiration, a passport size photo of yourself to submit, and an entry fee of $30usd. Upon arrival to the Siem Reap international airport, simply provide those three things at the immigration desk to recieve a 30 day tourist visa. There's an online option also. Any airport fees should have been part of your airline ticket price.
Its always a good idea to make sure your passport has at least six months left before expiration and one fully blank page free of stamps.
How to register for the course
To secure a place in the course, a $500 deposit to Ancient Explorations is required.
The course is limited to 20 participants. Balance payments will be due in two installements - 50% due at 90 days before the course on May 10th and the remaining 50% due at 30 days before the course on July 10th.
You must also fill out the registration form (PDF) and email it to Ancient Explorations at info@ancientexploration.com. Or if you prefer, send a printed out copy to the address below.
Pay by check
Please send your deposit by check made out to
Ancient Explorations to:
Ancient Explorations
3267 Bee Caves Rd
Suite 107-161
Austin, TX 78746
Pay with PayPal