The Angkor Wat of Cambodia

The Angkor Wat

We at Kosher Culinary Cruises specialize in Jewish tours through beautiful rivers around the world, offering luxurious all-inclusive cruises with exquisite kosher cuisine. This July 2020, we will tour the waterways of mainland Southeast Asia, embarking on a journey through the wondrous Mekong River as we explore the cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Hundreds of years ago, the Khmer people established a great civilization, one that encompassed almost the entire Indochinese peninsula. The Khmer Empire built various temples and monuments, cultural structures that can still be seen today. The sprawling complex of Angkor Wat, whose image can be found on the Cambodian flag, is the most famous buildings that they left behind.

Angkor Origins

The formation of the Khmer Empire formally began during the rise of Jayavarman II, but the temple itself was not built until much, much later. He established what would be called the Angkorian Period, and the capital of the empire was named Angkor, but the famed temple complex seen on the Cambodian flag would not be made until the reign of another king centuries later.

The word “Angkor” is derived from the Sanskrit word for “City”, and was used in the names of several locations in the region. “Angkor Thom” for example, means “Great City,” which encapsulated its status as the last great city of the Khmer Empire. “Angkor Wat” means “Temple City” or “Capital City of Temples,” which is fitting, considering its sheer size.

Creation of the Angkor Wat

The vast temple complex of Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th Century, under the reign of Suryavarman II.  Angkor Wat is a 200 hectare structure sitting solemnly in the lush Cambodian Jungle, serving as Jayavarman’s state temple in life and his resting place in death. Intricately carved with figures and presenting a captivating Khmer aesthetic, Angkor Wat is a sight to behold.

On our 2020 Jewish travel through the Mekong River, Kosher River Cruises will have a post- tour expedition through this scenic remnant of ancient Cambodian history. Join us as we explore exotic locales and dine on delicious kosher foods, all while enjoying an all-inclusive luxury cruise.

Oh, Porto! Unique Things To Do In The City

Jewish cruises in Douro is not complete without a Porto city tour. Who would miss a chance to fall in love with a UNESCO Heritage Site when you are already sailing there, right?

Douro River

Here are three unique things to do once you are embarked on this Portuguese paradise:

Ride

The most scenic natural wonder in Nothern Portugal is definitely the Douro River. The 897 kilometer-long river is among Iberia’s most important waterways. The river connects Portuguese and Spanish river towns and cities which makes it a vital transportation route.

A unique way to get enchanted by the beauty of Douro is through a cable car. The cable car gives you an astonishing view of the river and the equally iconic Luis I Bridge. Take your family and friends during a kosher tour in Porto on a cable car overlooking the majestic city of Porto.

Buy

During your Jewish vacation in Porto, you should not forget bringing home something memorable - things that would make you reminiscent of Portugal’s second most populous city. One unique (for foreign tourists) find in Porto local markets and shops would be the Galo de Barcelos or Rooster of Barcelos.

The Rooster of Barcelos is an iconic Portuguese legend about a Galician who was falsely accused of stealing then hung. The man then meets a judge, who eats a rooster, to plead his innocence telling him that the rooster will crow once they hang him - it did!

Visit

When J. K. Rowling was still an ESL teacher, she frequently visits the Livraria Lello, one of Europe’s most beautiful libraries. Established in 1906, the library is said to be Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts. Once you visit the captivating Portuguese wonder, you’ll realize how similar it is to the structures in the magical place of Hogwarts.

Feel the magic and nostalgia during your kosher tour in Livraria Lello. Take selfies and photographs that would definitely be the star of your social media feed.

Make your Jewish travel memorable by joining a Kosher River Cruise in Douro river. Liven up and enjoy your short vacation on an all-inclusive luxury river cruise with exceptional first-class services, luxury kosher food, and in-depth educational tours in destinations in Northern Portugal and Spain.