I have travelled across the desert and bring news on whether it's possible to visit Raseir early. (in case the below screenshots are dead links, I also
uploaded the screenshots here.)
Exhibit AHere, we're standing outside Raseir, not Shapeir. You can tell because of the constellations.
Exhibit A-2Proof that the current day is 16, long before you're supposed to be in Raseir.
Exhibit BWe attempt to enter, and are met with the familiar hostility of the Raseirian guard.
Exhibit CBeing a crafty hero, we try something a little different...
Exhibit DHmm, nope, they ain't buying it.
Exhibit EOh well, we tried. We end up back at the town outlook.
So, in conclusion: Yes, it's possible to visit Raseir early in the VGA remake.