Thailand & Cambodia Detailed Itinerary May 19/16 Photo: Joel Gallin We invite you to discover two of Southeast Asia s Ancient Kingdom s - Thailand and Cambodia. From the Land of Siam to the Kingdom of the Khmers, these countries will fascinate you and leave you with a sense of astonishment. Visit ancient temples, hike through tropical jungles and meet warm, gracious people. Explore Bangkok s impressive Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha and enjoy traditional Thai dance. Visit the floating market and the River Kwai, with its infamous bridge. Stay on comfortable, floating bungalows on the river, set against a backdrop of jungle covered mountains. Explore the ancient capital of Sukhothai by bicycle. Visit an elephant workcamp and have the opportunity to ride one of these magnificent animals. The relaxing northern capital of Chiang Mai will be our base for exploration. We offer a more active trek to visit the hilltribes but also of- Facts & Highlights 22 land days Maximum 16 travelers Start and finish in Bangkok All meals included Includes 4 internal flights Visit the floating market Encounter remote Hilltribe villages Visit the bridge over the River Kwai See the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn in Bangkok Explore ancient Sukhothai on bicycle Explore the temples of Angkor, including Bantai Srei Visit the sites of Phnom Phen Departure Dates & Price Feb 02 - Feb 23, 2017 - $5295 USD Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough roads. Accommodations Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. US/CAN 1-800-741-7956 UK 0808-234-1714 INTL. 001-416-588-5000
fer something less active by road and river, as well as the delightful town of Mae Hong Son, set amongst the beautiful mountain scenery of the far northwest. You can also test your culinary skills during our Thai cooking class. Fly to Cambodia s chaotic but fascinating capital, Phnom Phen, situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Visit opulent palaces and temples but also bear witness to the countries recent tragic history under the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. Travel to Cambodia s enlightened period as we explore Angkor, the largest religious monument ever built, covering an area of 200 acres with its towers, terraces and causeways. Prepare to leave the outside world behind... travel through the world of Hindu mythology and arrive at the doorstep of the gods. The Khmer Empire reached its zenith of artistic expression and architecture with the building of Angkor. Built in the 12th century and abandoned in 1431, Angkor succumbed to the encroaching jungle until the great temple complex was rediscovered in 1860 by French botanist Henri Mahout. Angkor s colossal size, detailed carvings, courtyards and avenues is nothing short of impressive and overwhelming. Our trip to ancient Thailand and Cambodia concludes with a flight back to Bangkok for our farewell dinner and departure. Combines with Laos, Burma and Vietnam departures. mae sariang kanchanaburi chiang mai sukhothai thailand bangkok angkor Phnom Penh cambodia komphong thom Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to our comfortable hotel situated on the river. Overnight in Bangkok. 2
Temple of Dawn Bridge over the river Kwai 3
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Erawan Falls. Day 2 Bangkok - Grand Palace, Wat Pra Keo, Canal Trip This morning we visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Keo, and the ancient temple of Wat Po which includes the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. After lunch we board our longtail boats to travel along the Chao Phrya River and the small canals to see how the Thais live on the water, with restaurants, fruit sellers, laundry and even temples all accessible by boat! Two highlights along our journey are stops at the King s Royal Barges and Wat Arun (also know as the Temple of Dawn). Dinner and overnight in Bangkok. Day 4 Floating Market, To Kanchanaburi & the Bridge Over the River Kwai After an early breakfast, we drive through the countryside to the lovely floating market at Damnoen Saduak. We can enjoy this colourful market as we explore the floating market by canal boats. We continue by road to the town of Kanchanaburi, where we visit the Burma Railway Center Museum which illustrates the history of the Japanese occupation in World War II. We also take in the infamous bridge over the River Kwai and the War Cemetery. Dinner and overnight on the River Kwai. Day 3 Bangkok - Flower Market, Jim Thompson s House This morning, we avoid the traffic of Bangkok as we take a water taxi along the Chao Phraya river to the interesting and colourful flower market. After lunch, we visit the house of Jim Thompson, the American businessman who opened the Thai silk market to the western world. His house, built in traditional Thai style, is adorned with beautiful furniture and art worthy of a museum. We also learn about silk production. Day 5 Hike or Swim at Erawan Falls Our day trip begins with a boat trip followed by a short drive to Erawan Falls. We have the opportunity to hike to all, or just some of, the 7 stunning waterfalls. At the falls you can relax and swim in the natural pools. We have lunch at the waterfalls and in the late afternoon we return to our accommodations. Overnight at Royal River Kwai Resort. Dinner and overnight in Bangkok. 5
Day 6 To Sukhothai, Wat Mahadhat This morning we venture north into Central Thailand. In the afternoon, we continue to Sukhothai, stopping enroute in Pitsanuloke to visit Wat Mahadhat (or Wat Yai). Time permitting we will stop at the Folk Museum and Buddha image casting factory. Dinner and overnight in Sukhothai. Day 7 Sukhothai - Ancient Temples of Classical Siam Today we have a full day to explore Old Sukhothai, a beautiful complex of pagodas, gardens and temples dating from the 13th century. For those keen to ride, we take bicycles (cycling is optional and the temples will be also be visited by minibus or microbus for those who do not wish to cycle) to explore some of the seldom visited outlying temples scattered throughout the countryside. Dinner and overnight in Sukhothai. Day 8 To Lampang - Elephant Hospital, To Chiang Mai We depart for Chiang Mai following breakfast. Enroute we stop in Lampang as well as an elephant hospital which even produces prosthetic limbs for elephants. After lunch we continue to Chiang Mai, which has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It is also a modern, friendly, internationally flavored city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and the nights are relatively cool. Dinner and overnight in Chiang Mai. Day 9 To Chiang Mai - Elephant Work Camp, Orchid Nursery, Handicrafts, Kantoke Dinner We visit the Mae Sa Elephant Camp today where we will learn about the purpose of the camp and have an opportunity to speak with the staff. We will also visit an orchid and butterfly farm. This afternoon, those interested can visit some of the cottage industries producing traditional Thai handicrafts such as laquerware, jewelry and handpainted umbrellas, to name a few. This evening we will enjoy a folk dance while at our special Kantoke Dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai. 6
Day 10 Chiang Mai - Thai Cooking Lessons, Wat Doi Suthep This morning, enjoy a Thai cooking course where you can learn to prepare four different Thai dishes. Lunch is included in the program. In the afternoon we drive 15 km up Mt. Doi Suthep to Wat Doi Suthep, the impressive hilltop temple with great view of Chiang Mai. It is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built. Upon arrival we start with a walk up the 300 steps of the beautifully carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase (lift option is also available). Upon reaching the top, you are greeted with the sight of the Golden Spire which decorates the center of the mountain top temple. Dinner and overnight in Chiang Mai. Day 11 Chiang Mai - Wat U Mong, Old City by bicycle taxi Today we visit the 700 year old forest wat, built at the foot of Mt. Doi Suthep, which occupies a tranquil setting with a large pond with fish, turtles and ducks. Talking trees have words of wisdom in Thai and English. The wat is famous for its ancient tunnels and large stupa. There are tunnels with Buddhist images below the chedi which can be easily explored. If we are lucky, we may have the opportunity to learn about Buddhism from one of the monks at Wat U Mong. After lunch, we explore sites within the old city surrounded by a wall and moat. We will stop at the most important sites including ancient temples. Our exploration of the old city will be at a more relaxed pace with the help of local bicycle taxis. Dinner and overnight in Chiang Mai. Day 12 To Mae Sariang, Obluang N. P., Mae Ngao N.P., Bamboo Rafting Today we set out on a long but interesting drive through the mountains with stops in 2 national parks and a relaxing bamboo river journey (1 1/2-2 hours). Our journey is off of the tourist route as we avoid backpacker gettos like Pai (where you will likely find more partying backpackers than local Thais). In the national parks, see 28,000 year old rock paintings, burial sites, raging rivers and stunning mountains and rock formations. Today we explore on foot and also on bamboo rafts gently floating down the river. Drive to the Mae Sariang where we have dinner and overnight. Day 13 To Mae Hong Son, Kaew Komol cave, Hmong Microwave village Today we travel to Mae Mong Son but with a few stops along the way. First we visit Kaew Komol cave, a small cave with beautiful crystal formations. We continue our scenic drive though the mountains to a Hmong hilltribe village. The Hilltribes in Thailand are migratory ethnic group farming in mountainous regions. They normally have a distinctive ceremonial or even unique daily dress, particularly the women. The Hmong typically wear traditional black dress with white trim. We continue to the small border town of Mae Hong Son, a city with Burmese, Thai and Shan influences. Much of Mae Hong Son s prosperity is due to rice production as well as, because of its location, a trading center for a variety of Sino-Tibetan, ethnic hilltribe groups that thrive in the surrounding mountains. Dinner and overnight in Mae Hong Son. 7
Day 14 Mae Hong Son - Longtail Boat to the Long Neck Karen Hilltribe In the early morning, we get up to see the monks receiving alms (optional to make an offering to the monks yourself) at Phusama Monastery by the Sutongpe (bamboo) bridge over the rice fields. We return to the resort for breakfast followed by a short city tour including the visit market, temples and the reservoir in town. After lunch, we take a longtail boats to visit the Karen (also known as Padaung) village Nam Piang Din. They originated from Burma and their women are ornamented by many copper rings placed around their necks, actually pushing down their shoulders, which give the impression that their necks are elongated. Return to resort relax or do a hike along the nature trail. Dinner overnight in Mae Hong Son. day 15 Fly to Phnom Penh (via Chiang Mai & Bangkok) This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh (via Chiang Mai and Bangkok). Upon arrival meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. Founded in the 14th century, Phnom Penh became the capital of Cambodia in 1422 and again in 1866. Dinner and overnight Phnom Penh. Day 16 Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Killing Fields & Toul Sleng After breakfast, you will visit the impressive Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by a visit to the Killing fields and Toul Sleng, which are a reminder of a sad era in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. In the afternoon, we will visit the National Museum and afterwards have some leisure time to explore on your own. Overnight Phnom Penh. Day 17 To Komphong Thom, Visit Pre-Angkor Temples After breakfast, depart from Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom and check in to your hotel. After lunch, we visit Sambo Preikuk. Here you can explore the ruins which were built even before Angkor Wat such as Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tor and Prasat Yeah Puon. The setting is magnificent! This will be an opportunity to learn about the community based tourism project underway here. Overnight in Komphong Thom. 8
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Day 18 Komphong Thom - Siem Reap (Angkor) After breakfast we depart from Kampong Thom and travel to Siem Reap. You will have the opportunity to stop at the old bridge of Spean Prabtoes, hailing from Angkorean times, but still in good condition. Also visit the ruins of Beng Melia, a former Angkorian capital and one of the most remote temple sites in Cambodia which is currently accessible. Until the late 1990s, Beng Melia was considered unsafe because of its remote location in a Khmer Rouge-held area and could only be accessed by 4WD. However a new road has been completed making the journey much more comfortable. Good hiking shoes are a must as you ll have to scale walls (optional if you prefer not to) and descend jungle vines to access the inner courtyards. Afterwards continue to Siem Reap and check-in to our hotel. Overnight Siem Reap. Day 19 Explore the Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat Following breakfast, visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and, of course, the famous and magnificent Angkor Wat Temple. After lunch, we continue our exploration at Angkor and visit Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Enclosure and Phimean Akas until sunset. Dinner at the Madame Butterfly restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap. Day 20 Angkor - Chhuk Village, Hike to Prasat Banteay Ampil Temple Today we drive to Chhuk district to visit some of the projects of a Cambodian-Dutch foundation. We will visit a health center and a primary school. The health center was founded in 2001 and delivers medical services to the people living in Chhuk Village. At the primary school we will meet the teacher and pupils and get the opportunity to tell about your life. The children of this school are very eager to learn English and to learn about the world outside Cambodia. They will have many questions for you! After the school visit we drive to Andong Pei village where we start our hike to Prasat Banteay Ampil Temple. Covered in jungle vegetation this temple seldom sees visitors. After lunch we hike back to the main road and return to Siem Reap where there will be time to relax or to visit Les Artisans D Angkor, where young Cambodians are taught the skills of woodcarving, stone carving, lacquerware and silk weaving. Overnight in Siem Reap. Day 21 Angkor - The Citadel of Women, fly to Bangkok This morning, visit Banteay Srei, The Citadel of Women. Tucked away in the countryside the sand stone carvings are better preserved here than most of the other temples at Angkor. After lunch transfer to the Airport for our flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok. Day 22 Depart Bangkok Transfer to Bangkok airport for your departure flight. 10
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Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and personalized service throughout the itinerary. 2. What is included in the tour price? All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drinking water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), national guide, driver, restaurants and spot guides; services of a trip leader. 3. What is not included in the tour price? International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, alcoholic drinks, visa s and travel insurance. 4. Are these educational tours? Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, educational. We visit many historical sites and have discussions on a variety of topics of Thai or Cambodian history and culture, but this is only one aspect of what we do. We believe that it is equally educational to meet new people on a non-commercial basis, visit their homes, and even try to learn a few words in the local language. Sometimes the most educational moments are spent wandering around a morning market. 5. How do we travel while on Tour? All land transportation is included in the land price of the trip. We have our own air-conditioned vehicles for road travel and there are 4 internal flights. Additional modes of transportation include elephant, raft, bicycle and foot. 6. What are our accommodations like? We always stay in good accommodations both hotels and guesthouses, where each room has a private shower or bath. The accommodations have been chosen on the basis of location and atmosphere. Please note: for those choosing the trekking option, accommodation is for one night in a local family home, using foam pads and sleeping bags, without indoor bathroom facilities or electricity. Our night on the Kwae Noi rafts does not have the benefit of electricity. 7. What about weather? Most of our tours to Thailand take place between the months of November to February, or the cool dry season in Thailand. Daytime temperatures are around 70 90 F (21-32 C), while night time temperatures are around 65-70 F (17-21 C). Rain is not as prevalent during these months. Note: for those joining the trekking option, night temperatures are about 15 F (9 C) cooler. 8. When is payment due? A non-refundable deposit of $500 or 300 GBP (plus insurance if you want it) is due as soon as you decide to go and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment in full of the land cost is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and these are outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of our brochure. 9. Is medical insurance required? Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. *Please note those travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must take out travel insurance at the time of deposit 10. What meals are included? All meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1, finishing with breakfast on departure day. Other than breakfasts at our guesthouse or hotel, we will be eating at local restaurants and food stalls, where there is always a full selection of vegetables, chicken, beef, fish or shrimp. In many cases, we simply order a number of dishes, and all share Thai or Cambodian style. 11. What should I take on the tour? There is a detailed What to Take list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip. 12. Can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. Elder- Treks offers personalized flight itineraries not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 13. What if I would like more information? If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip. 12
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