M ASTERPIECES OF S OUTHEAST A SIA

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1 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT M ASTERPIECES OF S OUTHEAST A SIA Laos & Cambodia January 7 to 20, 2012

2 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art, architecture, and nature come dazzlingly together as we travel through enchanting Laos and on to Cambodia, which gave birth to the Angkor Empire, one of civilization s great cultures. Accompanying us on this journey will be Marco Leona, David H. Koch Scientist in Charge in the Department of Scientific Research at the Met. Dr. Leona supervises a team of scientists conducting groundbreaking research on art conservation and artists materials and techniques. He has traveled through Laos and Cambodia and looks forward to returning with us to these compelling destinations. His lectures will shed light on recent discoveries related to Khmer monuments and sculpture, among other examples of Southeast Asian art. He will also discuss the varied conservation philosophies that we encounter during our trip, particularly at Angkor. Our program begins with an overnight in Bangkok, Thailand, before we arrive in Laos. Explore the exotic charms of tropical Luang Prabang, the old royal capital, as we visit sites such as the formal royal palace and the Cave of One Thousand Buddhas. Move on to Vientiane, an unspoiled French colonial city where the 19th century lives on. Board a flight to Cambodia s capital, Phnom Penh. A charming city with wide boulevards and 1920s mansions, Phnom Penh has a small but first-rate museum of Khmer antiquities. We will also visit the Royal Palace compound and the Silver Pagoda before discovering the famed ruins at the ancient site of Angkor. For sheer immensity, Angkor is unsurpassed among the archaeological wonders of the world, wrote Russell Ciochon in Archaeology. In stone tonnage, its massive temples dwarf the pyramids of Egypt and Mesoamerica, and its sculptures are the artistic equals of the best of THAILAND Bangkok Gulf of Thailand Luang Prabang Vientiane VIETNAM LAOS Siem Reap CAMBODIA Phnom Penh Gulf of Tonkin CHINA South China Sea Classical Greece or Renaissance Europe. Five nights will give us all the time needed to explore these glorious monuments. On an excursion from Siem Reap, discover the unique temple style that resembles an Egyptian pyramid at Koh Ker, the capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 C.E., and the spectacular ruins of Beng Mealea, which might have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. I hope you will join us. Sincerely, Emily K. Rafferty President T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 FIFTH A VENUE N EW Y ORK, N EW Y ORK 10028

3 M ASTERPIECES OF S OUTHEAST A SIA Laos & Cambodia January 7 to 20, 2012 Buddhas at Wat Sisaket, Vientiane. NEW YORK Saturday, January 7 Depart New York on overnight flight to Bangkok. BANGKOK, THAILAND Sunday, January 8 Arrive in Bangkok in the evening and transfer to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel near the airport. BANGKOK LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Monday, January 9 Board a morning flight to Luang Prabang in the tropical forests of northern Laos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is celebrated for its fusion of traditional and colonial architecture. View the treasures of the National Museum, housed in the former royal palace, before checking in at the elegant La Residence Phou Vao retreat. Gather this evening for welcome remarks followed by dinner. LUANG PRABANG Tuesday, January 10 A morning walking tour begins with Wat Xieng Thong, a classic example of Laotian temple architecture dating from A small reclining Buddha, one of the world s finest, is located inside. Conclude at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, with an impressive collection of ethnic clothing, household objects, and religious artifacts. After lunch, travel to a traditional Hmong village. Back in Luang Prabang, you may wish to browse traditional textiles and handicrafts at an evening market before dinner at a local restaurant. LUANG PRABANG Wednesday, January 11 Cruise along the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, where hundreds of images of Buddha were kept when the Chinese Haw invaders threatened Luang Prabang. Lunch is at a restaurant overlooking the river. Return to the city to visit a weaving workshop with the owner. Dinner is at the hotel. LUANG PRABANG VIENTIANE, LAOS Thursday, January 12 Depart on an early afternoon flight to Vientiane, capital of Laos, and check in at the Settha Palace Hotel, well located in the heart of the city. After lunch, view the 19th-century temple of Wat Sisaket, the original home of the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Bangkok s Grand Palace. Then see the temple of Wat Ho Phra Kaew with its fascinating collection of assorted Buddha images, as well as Patousay, inspired by Paris s Arc de Triomphe. Dinner is at the hotel. M ASTERPIECES OF S OUTHEAST A SIA

4 VIENTIANE PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA Friday, January 13 A brief morning visit is planned to the studio of an American textile expert who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving. Then drive to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh, a charming French colonial city and capital of Cambodia. Arrive at the elegant Raffles Le Royal Hotel in time for lunch. Visit the National Museum, with its masterpieces of ancient Khmer art. Those who wish may continue on to the monument to Cambodia s victims of the Khmer Rouge, the Tuol Sleng Museum, housed in the former prison. Dinner is at the hotel. PHNOM PENH SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Saturday, January 14 photo Joris Van Ostaeyen This morning discover the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital. Following lunch, drive to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Located near the legendary archaeological site of Angkor, which includes more than a hundred monuments, Siem Reap is our base for visits. Continue to the deluxe Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra. Dinner is at the hotel. National Museum in Phnom Penh. SIEM REAP Sunday, January 15 Begin the day at Angkor Wat Temple, the most magnificent and best preserved of Angkor s temples, dating from the 12th century. After lunch explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and the Royal Palace of the kings of the 12th and 13th centuries. The Temple at Ta Prohm, Angkor. majestic Bayon Temple, located within the city walls and surrounded by a dense jungle, has more than 200 faces carved into its 54 towers. We will also see the nearby Leper and Elephant Terraces. Conclude at Preah Khan, an impressive monastery commissioned by King Jayavarman VII. The evening is at leisure. SIEM REAP Monday, January 16 The focus of our morning is the enchanting and remarkably preserved temple of Banteay Srei, whose carvings are among the most beautiful in all Asia. Then visit Prasat Kravan, with its unique brick reliefs. Following lunch, see Thommanon, a small Angkor Wat period temple, before arriving at Ta Prohm. Except for the clearing of paths, Ta Prohm has been left untouched by archaeologists, and it is possible to imagine the awe of early explorers when they first saw these spires entwined with roots and tree trunks, literally hidden in the jungle. Drive back to Angkor Wat to experience sunset at the ruins. Dinner is at a local restaurant. SIEM REAP Tuesday, January 17 Depart for a full day excursion to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea, located in the rural hinterlands of Siem Reap. At Koh Ker, the capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 C.E., see the unique style of the temple that more resembles an Egyptian pyramid. After lunch, visit the spectacular ruins of Beng Mealea, built by King Suryavaman II ( C.E.). Although the temple area has not been totally cleared, it is possible to see that it may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure. L AOS & CAMBODIA

5 SIEM REAP Wednesday, January 18 Spend the morning at the Roluos Group of temples: Preah Ko, Lolei, and Bakong. The Bakong, the earliest of the great state temples of Angkor, represents the cosmic Mount Meru, and its four levels leading to the central sanctuary correspond to the worlds of mythical beings. The afternoon is at leisure. Celebrate a memorable journey with an Apsara dance performance prior to our festive farewell dinner. Bakong temple, Angkor. SIEM REAP BANGKOK Thursday, January 19 photo Susanna Chan Stone carving in Banteay Srei temple, Angkor. In the late morning, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok. Dayrooms are arranged at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel prior to flights to New York. BANGKOK NEW YORK Friday, January 20 Depart on an early morning flight, arriving in New York on the same day. To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $1,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print. T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Masterpieces of Southeast Asia January 7 to 20, 2012 RESERVATION APPLICATION ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Room Double Twin Single (supplement of $2,150) I wish to share a room with FORM OF PAYMENT Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card (may be used for deposit only) Address City State Zip Telephone (Home) (Business) Name on Credit Card Credit Card Number 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days prior to departure. Signature (Required) Date Fax Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: met@arrangementsabroad.com

6 Apsara dancer, Angkor Wat. PROGRAM RATE PER PERSON $9,850 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,150 RATE INCLUDES Twelve nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary Buffet breakfast daily, eight lunches, and eight dinners with bottled water, local sodas / beer, and coffee / tea Internal Economy Class flights: Bangkok / Luang Prabang / Vientiane / Phnom Penh / Siem Reap / Bangkok Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees Gratuities to local guides and drivers Airport / hotel group transfers; porterage for one suitcase per person Enrichment program of lectures NOT INCLUDED IN RATE Airfare between home city and Bangkok; passport and visa fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine at welcome and farewell dinners, and local beer at lunches and dinners; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; meals not specified; transfers for those not on suggested flights; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

7 T ERMS & C ONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements. A suggested flight schedule will be offered. Airfare will be quoted on an individual basis for both Economy and Business Class. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than the suggested flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly. Please note that AAA can only assist in rebooking flights on those reservations booked by AAA. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $1,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select an alternative insurer of your choice. PROGRAM NOTE The treasures of Angkor are best appreciated in the proper natural light and whenever possible without the company of large tour groups. With this in mind, the exact schedule of visits will be determined on location. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of The Met is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, the Met and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or the Met and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or wellbeing of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. The Met and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or the Met to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor the Met shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or the Met, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2011 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front and back covers: Bust of Hevajra. Cambodia, Angkor, Bayon style, late 12th early 13th century. Sandstone. H. 52 in. (132.1 cm); W. 29 in. (73.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fletcher Fund, 1936 ( ). On the bottom of the back cover: Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang, photo Brian Raisbeck.

8 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID ACADEMIC ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD M ASTERPIECES OF S OUTHEAST A SIA Laos & Cambodia January 7 to 20,