VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 2025

12 - 27 FEBRUARY 2025

The central tower rises from the centre of the monument symbolizing the mythical mountain, Mt Meru, situated at the centre of the universe. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Mt Meru. The outer wall corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat the oceans beyond.

Center point of the cruciform cloister
The image shows the exact center point of the cruciform cloister on the lower level Angkor Wat. The lines on right and left sides are exactly oriented along the east-west axis.

The term cruciform cloister is used in architecture to describe a cross-like covered structure. The underlying design-principle was used in Angkor Wat to build two structures, one on the lower level and another on the uppermost terrace (also known as Bakan). The cruciform cloister on the lower level is situated near the west-side entrance of the temple and connects the outer-enclosure to the middle-enclosure.

The cruciform cloister structure has two perpendicular axial galleries that intersect in the middle to form a cross and four boundary galleries that surround the cross to form a square. The shape of the structure thus looks like a cross surrounded by a square.

Each axial gallery connects to a boundary gallery in the middle. Thus, the resulting structure has four equal-sized quadrants, each of which is enclosed by half of the boundary and half of the axial galleries. Each quadrant looks like a basin. Check this image.

The cruciform cloister structure described above is an example of a perfectly symmetrical design. It is symmetrical about the east-west axis as well as the north-south axis.

ANGKOR WAT

When you’ve traveled as much as I have over the years, it is incredible how some of the world’s most powerful spiritual destinations continue to linger in your consciousness. Long after you’ve forgotten the many other (and truly extraordinary!) experiences. 

One of them is Machu Picchu, Peru. Another, they say, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

So what makes them stand out?

My awareness with Angkor Wat is that not only is it a phenomenal architectural wonder, but it also holds the most amazing sense of peace.

It is as if the veil between the tangible and the inexplicable quickly fades here. The barrier between the Divine and the Earthly - stretches - and then disappears! 

A mysterious corner of the Earth.

And the key? 

Pure nature. A true celebration and co-creation of the Elemental Realms. The Earth. 

A connection to our Galactic heritage.

In this magical and enigmatic place, the Divine constantly whispers cosmic secrets for those who are ready to receive. 

INVITATION

So are you ready to tap into these Celestial revelations and sense of pure peace? We are at a stage in our evolution where this can be so real. 

And so easy!

You don’t require any qualifications.

Just a willing, open Heart.

With celebration, creation and New Earth power  

What else is possible?

Anything!

Elizabeth

For SACRED EARTH & STORM SCHOOL 

SHORT ITINERARY

Gather in Hanoi (Vietnam), visit Halong Bay (world heritage site), catch overnight train to Hue (Vietnam’s Imperial City), travel to the ancient Port of Hoi An, short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), cross border to Cambodia. Arrive Phnom Penh (Cambodia’s capital city), stay in Siem Reap (close to Angkor Wat), sunrise at Angkor Wat and visiting the Temples of Angkor Wat (built to represent the cosmic world where everything is in perfect balance, symmetry and composition). Return to Phnom Penh. (16 days/15 nights)

PRACTICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP  

An unforgettable adventure through two of the most colourful yet contrasting cultures in South East Asia. Starting off in Vietnam, cruise through karst scenery on a boat in Ha Long Bay, step back into the world of the country’s last Emperors in Hue, soak up the old-worldly charm of Hoi An and be amazed by the endless energy of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). In Cambodia, discover the country’s fascinating history and culture in Phnom Penh and the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. A journey that draws you away from the crowds and into the heart of this captivating region and its equally enchanting people. An unforgettable experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Cell/mobile/WhatsApp  (+27) 662124130 

 sacredearthstarfire@gmail.com 

 elizabethbardin@icloud.com

You can also see details on my linktree: 

https://linktr.ee/sacredearthandstormschool

DAILY ITINERARY

(may be subject to change)

DAY ONE - HANOI

Wednesday, 12 February (FULL MOON)

Arrivals & Welcome 

Overnight HANOI HOTEL

(Meals included: none)

OPTIONAL: water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (evening) Entry ticket approx 10 USD.

DAY TWO - HALONG BAY

Thursday, 13 February 

FULL DAY EXCURSION to World Heritage site Ha Long Bay

(8am - 9pm)

Cruise the Bay, explore Caves, hiking, swimming

Evening celebration party under the night sky.

Overnight HANOI HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, welcoming party)

DAY THREE - HANOI

Friday, 14 February (New Mayan Wavespell - White Wind)

Morning: free time to rest after excursion to Halong Bay (previous day) 

Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter with Hanoi Street Food - sample some delicious Vietnamese food, bustling markets etc. 

OPTIONAL: STREET FOOD TOUR (cost approx 20 USD)

Board our VIP train in the evening

Overnight SLEEPER TRAIN (19h50)

(Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, snacks and seasonal fruits on train) 

DAY FOUR - HUE

Saturday, 15 February

Arrive Hue and transfer to our hotel (09h44)

Rest or explore on your own

Afternoon: EXCURSION:  Imperial and Forbidden City Tour.

Overnight HUE HOTEL

(Meals included: breakfast)

DAY FIVE - HOI AN

Sunday, 16 February

Travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hoi Van Pass

(travel time approx 3 hours)

Arrive Hoi An

Sightseeing walk through though the Old Town of Hoi An 

Overnight HOI AN HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast)

DAY SIX - HOI AN

Monday, 17 February

Enjoy the charm of Hoi An 

EXCURSION: Vietname Coffee culture and class

EXCURSION: Hoai River Boat trip at night with lanterns 

Overnight HOI AN HOTEL 

DAY SEVEN - CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

Tuesday, 18 February 

Travel to Danang airport (1 hour)

Short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (previously known as Saigon)

(travel time approx 1.5 hours)

Check into hotel

Overnight HO CHI MINH CITY HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast)

DAY EIGHT - CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

Wednesday, 19 February

EXCURSION: Makong Delta Full day tour

Overnight HO CHI MINH CITY HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast)

DAY NINE: PHNOM PENH

Thursday, 20 February

Travel by bus over the border - through rural Vietnam and Cambodia onto Phnom Penh.

Capital of Cambodia and major junction of Mekong and Tanle Sap Rivers.

(travel time and crossing the border approx 10 hours)

Rest and relax

Overnight PHNOM PENH HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

DAY TEN - PHNOM PENH

Friday, 21 February 

EXCURSION: Visit a tragic, yet important part of Cambodia past -the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

Overnight PHNOM PENH HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

DAY ELEVEN - SIEM REAP

Saturday, 22 February 

Travel by bus to Siem Reap 

Check into hotel

Overnight SIEM REAP HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

DAY TWELVE - SIEM REAP

Sunday, 23 February

A free day of rest and preparation for our visit to Angkor Wat

Overnight SIEN REAP HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

DAY THIRTEEN - ANGKOR WAT

Monday, 24 February

EXCURSION: Visit Angkor Wat in early hours to watch sunrise! Temple visit with our guide. The temples dating back as far a 9th century, were believed to be the Cosmic world and set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bass reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing!Appreciating the archeological sites of Angkor Wat,

Overnight SIEN REAP HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast)  

DAY FOURTEEN - SIEM REAP

Tuesday. 25 February

A free day of rest and integration

Overnight SIEN REAP HOTEL

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

OPTIONAL: You can return to Angkor Wat on your own to explore some more (entrance fee 37 USD) 

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

DAY FIFTHTEEN - PHNOM PENH

Wednesday, 26 February

Travel back to Phnom Penh

(travel time approx 9 hours)

Overnight PHNOM PENH HOTEL

(Meals included: breakfast) 

DAY SIXTEEN - PHNOM PENH

Thursday, 27 February (NEW MOON & New Mayan Wavespell -Blue Eagle)

Departures

(Meals included: Breakfast) 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. The OPTIONAL items mentioned in itinerary are suggestions that you may like to explore in addition to the tour activities. Everyone has different energy /interests levels and so these are options that you may like to pursue at your own cost.
2. In order to explore the many extraordinary parts of Vietnamese and Cambodia, this adventure involves substantial overland travel, giving the opportunity to see a huge amount of the fascinating landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia. The itinerary has been structured to provide rest periods in between and should be accessible to most people. However, if on the longer journeys between cities you prefer to fly instead, you are welcome to book your own flight. 
3. At times some of the places we stay may not have continuous hot water. Most travellers do not find this a problem and are keen to cool down from the heat with a refreshing cold shower.
4. The weather may be hotter and more humid than what you are used to. Always consider suitability to your own health.

1. This trip includes a domestic flight. Checked luggage allowance is a maximum of 20 kilograms, plus up to 7 kilograms carry on luggage. Any excess luggage charges will need to be paid directly to the airline at check-in.

What is included? 

• 15 nights/16 days shared accommodation
• All meals mentioned in itinerary
• 1 overnight train
• 1 domestic flight
• all airport and other transfers as a group during trip
• all private excursions as per itinerary
• all entrance fees 
• English speaking professional guides where appropriate 
• all overland travel between places
• personal/Earth guidance/tuition by Elizabeth
• meditations, water and nature ceremonies 

What is not included? 

• international arrival flight from home (to Hanoi) and departure flight (from Phnom Penh) back home
• all visas etc
• travel and health insurance
• meals excluded in itinerary, drinks and items of a personal nature
• tipping

When and where?

The journey starts in Hanoi and ends in Phnom Penh where you will be able to catch your international flight back home.

Note: Many participants arrive a day or two earlier to settle in and some also decide to stay on for a few days afterwards to relax and see more. Please ask if you require any assistance with accommodation etc before or after the trip.

What to bring along

After booking and before we travel, you will be sent detailed information as to what to bring along by way of clothing, other packing items, useful traveling suggestions, money considerations as well as general information and the places we visit.

Types of hotels and transport 

Hotels: 3 star or similar (as available)

Transfer vans and public bus: tourist standard.

Overnight train: shared facilities (even if you have chosen single supplement). 

Full price all inclusive: 

Sharing: $2933

Single supplement: $360

Payment methods

Can be paid via a secure payment link (sent to you for using a bank card), or via PayPal, or you can make a South African EFT/ bank transfer - details given after booking. 

Deposit amount: $1600

The full amount is due at least six weeks before the trip.

IMPORTANT: If you have not traveled with me before I suggest we do a short zoom or WhatsApp call. It is a good way to meet, get a feel for what the trip will be like and discuss any further questions. 

About Elizabeth and Sacred Earth & STORM School

Elizabeth organises through her business called Sacred Earth & Storm School Earth trips to various sacred site locations in the world since 2007. Her passion is the Earth and how we can explore and interact with her in a much more powerful and Heart-connected way. To live a life beyond normal, be far more creative and productive in our lives. It is just a choice! Anything is possible.

NB: Service policy

• Cancellation and refund:
  • If I cancel or postpone the event for any reason, payment will be refunded in full within a reasonable period, but no liability can be accepted for any consequential losses you might incur.
  • No-shows are not entitled to refunds, exchanges or transfers.
• All travel and other arrangements made for your participation are entirely made at your own risk.
• I reserve the right to limit bookings, or reject a booking, without explanation.
• Indemnity forms to be signed by all participants.
• My responsibility is for the highest well-being of the group attending the event. I do my best to facilitate and/or mediate any difficulty that may arise, but reserve the right to require a participant to leave during the event if their continuing attendance is not in the best interests of the other participants, without a refund.
• If any printed notes or workshop content are copyright of Elizabeth Bardin, All rights reserved.
• I respect your privacy. I do not, and will not sell your personal information. I only collect, store and use your personal information for defined purposes. I use your information to support and enhance my working relationship with you, to process your booking, provide services and support, and share trips, products, services, news and offerings with you. You are always free to opt out.

LOCATION AND CONTACT DETAILS 

32 Barbara Road, Pringle Bay 7196, South Africa. 

Cell/mobile/WhatsApp  (+27) 662124130 

 sacredearthstarfire@gmail.com / elizabethbardin@icloud.com

You can also see details on my linktree: 

https://linktr.ee/sacredearthandstormschool