The Splendors of Thailand & Cambodia

Transcription

1 T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT IN THE REALM OF ANGKOR The Splendors of Thailand & Cambodia A D VA N C E I N F O R M AT I O N With Olivier Bernier November 1 to 17, 2013

2 T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The kingdom of Angkor, for some six centuries, produced some of the greatest art and architecture in Asia, and even in the two hundred years preceding its creation, the Indian roots of this amazingly rich and creative culture were transformed into highly evolved original forms. On this trip we will look at the splendors of Khmer art, not just in Cambodia, but also in Thailand. This trip has been designed by Olivier Bernier, whose connection to Cambodia is twenty years old, and whose love of Cambodian art will allow us to see several little-visited sites. An art historian and author, Mr. Bernier has frequently lectured to sold-out audiences at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. At the beginning of our trip, in Bangkok, we will see Khmer sculptures in the National Museum. Then, in northern Thailand, we will visit two very different but equally splendid temples, and near one of these, at Phimai, the small but excellent museum will show a very important bronze as well as some remarkable stone sculpture. As we move on to Cambodia itself, more masterpieces will await us. In Phnom Penh, we will see not just the public collections of the National museum, but also its reserves. Of course, Siem Reap will be the highlight of our trip. Our stay there, at the best, coolest, and least crowded time of the year, will enable us to see all the great monuments of Angkor; and we will also take full-day excursions to the pre-angkor site of Sambor Prei Kuk and the 13thcentury temples at Beng Mealea and Banteay Chhmar. All this will be done in great comfort: Thai and Cambodian hotels are among the best in Asia. LAOS I hope you will join us. THAILAND Gulf of Thailand Korat Bangkok Angkor Siem Reap CAMBODIA Phnom Penh South China Sea Sincerely, Emily K. Rafferty President MALAYSIA

3 T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT IN THE REALM OF ANGKOR The Splendors of Thailand & Cambodia November 1 to 17, 2013 Demon statues at the Grand Palace, Bangkok November 1 Friday November 2 Saturday November 3 Sunday November 4 Monday November 5 Tuesday NEW YORK DEPARTURE Depart midday on a flight to Bangkok. BANGKOK, THAILAND Arrive in the vibrant city of Bangkok in the early evening and transfer to the deluxe Mandarin Oriental hotel. BANGKOK The morning is at leisure. An afternoon lecture precedes a visit to the National Museum, Thailand s first public museum and among the best in Southeast Asia, with a fine collection of bronzes and sculptures from the Sukothai period. Our welcome dinner is at the hotel. BANGKOK Attend a private opening of the Chakri Mahaprasad, the Palace Reception Hall. Then tour the Grand Palace residence of the kings of the Chakri Dynasty. At Wat Phra Kaew, see the Emerald Buddha. After lunch, visit Suan Pakkad Palace, a complex of traditional Thai houses with charming gardens. Continue to the Royal Barge Museum, and conclude with a cruise along the canals en route back to the hotel. Dinner and the evening are at leisure. BANGKOK I KORAT, THAILAND Drive this morning northeast to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima). After lunch, visit Prasat Hin Phnom Rung, one of the most complete Khmer temples in Thailand. Its location atop a volcanic mountain offers views south to the Cambodian border. Conclude in Korat, where dinner and overnight accommodations are at the Dusit Princess Hotel.

4 November 6 Wednesday November 7 Thursday KORAT I BANGKOK Explore Phimai Historical Park, Thailand s largest collection of Khmer buildings and an excellent example of classical architecture in the style of Angkor Wat. Also see the small but first-rate museum and its collection of sculpture masterpieces before returning to Bangkok. Arrive in the early evening for overnight accommodations at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. BANGKOK I PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA Depart on a morning flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia s capital city. Upon arrival, an orientation tour will highlight the city s French colonial architecture and lively sights, including the Russian Market and Central Market. Conclude at the elegant Hotel Le Royal, arriving in time for lunch and check-in. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art and sculpture. A private viewing of the museum s reserves is also planned. Dinner is at a local restaurant. November 8 PHNOM PENH Friday Morning visits include the Royal Palace built in 1864, which houses the Silver Pagoda, with its floor comprising 5,329 silver tiles. The afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to join a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum. An evening lecture is followed by dinner. Royal Palace, Phnom Penh November 9 PHNOM PENH Saturday Depart on a morning flight to Siem Reap. Located near the legendary archaeological site of Angkor, it is the base for visits to more than one hundred monuments. Arrive in time for lunch at the deluxe Sofitel Phokeethra Angkor, our home for the next six nights. In the afternoon see Prasat Kravan, with its five towers depicting mythical and religious scenes, and then visit Angkor Wat Temple, the most magnificent and best preserved of Angkor s temples, dating from the 12th century. Dinner is at a local restaurant. November 10 SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Sunday Today s exploration focuses on the Roluos group of temples, the earliest of the Angkor temples: Preah Ko, Lolei, and Bakong. This complex represents the cosmic Mount Meru, and its four levels, leading to the Central Sanctuary, correspond to the worlds of mythical beings. This afternoon visit the small 12th-century temple of Thommanon and Ta Prohm, left untouched by archaeologists except for the clearing of paths. Here it is possible to experience the awe of early explorers when they first saw these spires entwined with roots and tree trunks. Dinner is at a local restaurant. November 11 SIEM REAP Monday Depart for a full-day excursion to the province of Banteay Meanchey, home to the ancient temple of Banteay Chhmar, a 13th-century temple left by the French in the state in which they found it. It has remarkable carvings of one of the aspects of The Buddha. A picnic lunch will be provided. The drive will also give us a chance to see the lush Cambodian countryside. Return to Siem Reap for an evening at leisure.

5 Photo by Joel Stratte-McClure Relief carving, Banteay Srei November 12 SIEM REAP Tuesday Visit Banteay Samre, whose unique interior moat gives the temple an ethereal atmosphere, and the enchanting temples of Banteay Srei, whose carvings of Hindu mythological scenes are among the best in Asia. As its pink sandstone glows in the morning sun, the full genius of its Khmer sculptors comes to dazzling life. After lunch, explore Angkor Thom, the Great City, and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. This was the Royal Palace of the kings of the 12th and 13th centuries. 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 Elephant Terrace, used by the king to welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, with its detailed carvings. The evening is at leisure. November 13 SIEM REAP Wednesday Spend the day exploring Beng Mealea and Sambor Prei Kuk. Beng Mealea was constructed in the early 13th century, and is one of the last major temples of the Khmer Empire. Enjoy a picnic lunch before an afternoon visit to the impressive site of Sambor Prei Kuk, which predates Angkor by more than 500 years. Following an early evening lecture, enjoy an Apsara dance performance and dinner. November 14 SIEM REAP Thursday This morning return to Angkor Wat, perhaps the most spectacular of the Khmer temples. After lunch, visit Preah Khan, a monastery built by King Jayavarman VII, then continue to the island temple of Neak Pean. The evening is at leisure. November 15 SIEM REAP Friday Begin the day with a specially arranged visit to the Center for Khmer Studies, and then continue to the galleries of Conservation d Angkor. In the afternoon you may join an optional visit to the Artisans d Angkor. This evening gather for our farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. November 16 SIEM REAP I BANGKOK Saturday In the early afternoon, fly to Bangkok where day-rooms are arranged at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure prior to the flight home. November 17 BANGKOK I NEW YORK Sunday Depart on an early morning flight to New York, arriving in the late morning.

6 Photo by Joel Stratte-McClure National Museum, Phnom Penh (left) and Angkor Wat (right), Cambodia. RATE INCUDES LAND RATE $11,950 PER PERSON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,665 Fifteen nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary Buffet breakfast daily, nine lunches, and eight dinners; coffee/tea with all meals. Beer and wine at dinners Airport / hotel group transfers Series of lectures by Olivier Bernier Internal Economy Class flights: Bangkok / Phnom Penh / Siem Reap / Bangkok Sightseeing and entrance fees for all included visits Gratuities to local guides and drivers Taxes, service and porterage fees for one suitcase per person NOT INCLUDED IN RATE Airfare between home city and Bangkok; passport and visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer at included dinners; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; transfers for those not on suggested group flights; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART IN THE REALM OF ANGKOR NOVEMBER 1 TO 17, 2013 RES ERVATIO N APPLICATIO N To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,000 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, New York Name(s) in Full as on Passport(s). Please Print. Address City State Zip Telephone (Home) (Business) Fax ACCOMMODATIONS I wish to share a room with Double Twin Single (with a supplement of $2,665) FORM OF PAYMENT Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card (may be used for deposit only) 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 Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: met@arrangementsabroad.com

7 TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights, or your own individual requests, for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your Confirmation Mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 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 walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs or, in some cases, videotapes of participants of Travel With the Met trips may be used for educational and promotional purposes by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION 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. 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. 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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 well-being 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. AAA and the Met 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 recover 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 2013 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST # On the cover: Standing Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. Vietnam or Cambodia, ca. 7th century. Gilt bronze. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Enid A. Haupt, 1993 ( ).