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THAILAND ADVENTURE: SPLENDORS OF SIAM
(with Angkor Wat extension)

Year round departures (Nov-April is best)

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

First unified in the mid-14th century, and known as Siam for most of its history, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized by a European power. The richness and distinctiveness of Thai culture reflects not only the country's history of independence but also its position as a migratory crossroads: Chinese, Khmers, Mons and many hill tribes have all settled in Thailand over the centuries, adding ethnic diversity without detracting from the unique Thai identity. But Thailand is much more than the land of smiles -- it offers picturesque jungle-covered mountains, ornate Buddhist temples, ancient cities, colorful floating markets, incredible soft adventures, charming hill-tribe villages, exotic islands and frenetically fascinating Bangkok.

Highlights of your private 12-day cultural and soft adventure tour include an easy bicycling excursion through the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai; enjoying a class in Thai cooking, silk weaving or Thai dancing in Chiang Mai; visiting with the Padaung and Meo people near Mae Hong Son; taking an exciting mahout training course at Lampang Elephant camp; visiting Chiang Rai's Opium Museum and cruising across the Lao border; listening to a lecture on Buddhism followed by meditation with a monk; partaking in a short elephant back trek through tropical jungle; exploring Bangkok's canals and the exquisite Emerald Buddha; and taking an easy bicycle ride to hill-tribe villages.

Note: All included adventures are elective and low-intensity.

Angkor Wat Extension: You might also consider taking an optional 3-night extension to Angkor Wat (Cambodia) to explore some of the world¹s most impressive temple ruins; teach English to Cambodian students (optional); visit a floating village on Tonle Sapp Lake; and take an easy elephant trek through the jungle!

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly to Bangkok, Thailand, arriving on day 2. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Peninsula Hotel

Note: You may upgrade to The Oriental

Bangkok is a relatively young capital, founded in 1782 by Rama I after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital. Bangkok has since evolved into a modern metropolis of 9 million inhabitants that dominates Thailand culturally, economically and politically. Your private tour of Bangkok begins with a longboat ride along the Chao Phraya river to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which you will explore. The Grand Palace is the royal palace of the Kings of the Chakri dynasty, the current ruling house. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the symbol of the regency of the House of Chakri.

After lunch at Supattra Riverside Restaurant, you have a choice between visiting the Weekend Market or Wat Pho. The Weekend Market is Bangkok¹s most colorful all-purpose market, offering a staggering array of fruits, vegetables, fabrics, handicrafts, antiques, pets and other goods. Wat Pho, built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago, houses the gigantic Reclining Buddha, an image entirely covered in gold leaf. Peninsula Hotel (B,L)

Note: In the afternoon, you may instead have a lecture on Buddhism, although
this can also be done in Chiang Mai.

Private airport transfer for your morning flight to Sukhothai. You will be met and taken on a private bicycle tour of Sukhothai Historical Park, where you will see classical Thai architecture and religious art. As Thailand's first capital, Sukhothai thrived from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century, an era viewed as Thailand's "Golden Age". In the afternoon, you'll travel north to explore the ruins of the Si Satchanalai. Smaller than Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai's superb setting, lovely ruins and relative isolation make it a memorable place. Built by the Khmers as a military outpost in the 12th century, Si Satchanalai was liberated by two Thai tribes in 1238 and later enjoyed great importance during the Sukhothai kingdom. Transfer to Lampang. Lampang Wiengthong Hotel (B,L).

This morning, you'll take part in an exciting mahout training course at Lampang Elephant camp (elective). The mahout is a lifelong work-partner and friend to the elephant, and you will not only watch the real mahouts training the elephants but you will enjoy a hands-on experience training an elephant yourself. After lunch you'll be privately transferred to Chiang Mai airport for your short flight to Mae Hong Son. You will be privately transferred to your hotel. Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel (B,L)

Note: If you prefer to do a different activity, we will gladly arrange another cultural or soft adventure excursion.

Early morning visit to Mae Hong Son's most colourful market, where scores of women barter with vendors for fresh produce, fruits and flowers. You will also see monks, swathed in yellow robes, setting forth on their morning alms rounds, accepting gifts of food from the faithful. You will then take a one hour boat trip on the Pai River which provides the best vantage point to appreciate the beauty of this region. You'll stop to explore a Padaung Village. The Padaung are recent arrivals into Thailand, having migrated from the remote mountains of northern Myanmar. The Padaung women are distinguished by their brass neck rings which are worn when a girl reaches puberty. After lunch, you'll visit a Meo village. Also called Hmong, the Meo are generally much less shy than other tribal people. Originally from southern China, the Meo have settled mostly in the Chiang Mai Province. You will also have an opportunity to visit a Meo home for a cup of herbal tea. Imperial Tara Mae Hong Song Hotel (B,L,D).

After breakfast, visit Burmese style temples Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang located next to a large pond in southern end of town. Wat Jong Kham was built nearly 200 years ago by Shan people who make up about 50% of Mae Hong Son’s population. Wat Jong Klang houses 100-year-old glass paintings and woodcarvings from Burma, depicting various lives of the Buddha. Then drive uphill to Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo, with its beautiful view over Mae Hong Son.  Lunch will be served at local restaurant before transfer to airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. This afternoon, you'll have a choice of four activities: a Join-in Thai cooking class at Thai cooking center or a local restaurant (not at the hotel); a traditional Thai Dancing class; a lecture on Buddhism followed by meditation with a monk; or a lecture on Thai silk weaving. This evening, enjoy an authentic Thai dinner at Gallery Restaurant, a combination of exquisite Lanna architecture, fine Thai cuisine, and exhibits of northern Thai art, the Gallery is the perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment during a stay in Chiang Mai. Four Seasons Resort - Pavillion Suite Garden View (B,L,D)

This morning, you will enjoy a private tour of Waroros market, before taking a short "samlor" (tricycle) ride to Wat Phra Singh. This 14th century Lanna style temple has been one of Chiang Mai's most important sanctuaries. Your morning concludes with a drive outside the city to Wat Doi Suthep, which sits 3,500 feet above the valley floor, commanding a stunning view of the forested mountain slopes and the green valley below. Lunch is at Pong Yang Ang Doi Garden Resort. This afternoon, you will enjoy a tour and lecture at Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, which contains a lovely collection of rare and endangered species of native flora. Then, you'll enjoy an easy bicycle ride along dirt road to visit hilltribe villages. Four Seasons Resort - Pavillion Suite Garden View (B,L).

Depart early this morning for a day trip into the northern Thai countryside beginning with a visit to Chiang Dao Elephant Training Camp. The camp features a fascinating performance of the elephant's skills, highlighting their keen intelligence. You will then embark on an elephant back trek (1 hour) through surrounding jungle. Lunch is at a local restaurant. After that, you will be privately transferred to Chiang Rai, the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Originally immigrating from central and southern China, the ancestors of the modern Thai established a thriving kingdom in the Chiang Rai area. Today, the scattered ruins of ancient stone stupas, many overgrown with lush foliage, stand testament to the past glories of Thai culturedrive to Chiang Rai stopping along the way to visit hill tribe villages. Anantara Resort & Spa, Golden Triangle / Deluxe room  (B,L).

Your day begins with a visit to the Opium Hall, an excellent museum that traces the fascinating history of opium and details how the drug trade made its way to the Golden Triangle. It also investigates the contradictory moods and dangers associated with opium and narcotics. You'll then stop at the Doi Tung Royal Villa, formerly a summer palace for the King's now deceased mother, and the magnificent Mae Fah Luang Garden. Lunch is at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll visit the 10th century Wat Phra That Doi Tung for impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area. Then cross the Burmese border at Mae Sai before taking a boat trip along the Golden Triangle area, briefly venturing across the Lao border. Anantara Resort & Spa, Golden Triangle / Deluxe room  (B,L)

This morning, enjoy Chiang Rai city tour by rickshaw to see local lives and visit the oldest temples in Chiang Rai, WAT Phra Kaew. Then continue to visit the Haw Kham Mae Fah Luang Royal Museum, which displays some of the finest religious and secular artifacts in Thailand, mostly from the Lanna period (17th century). Situated in a beautiful teak building, the museum is surrounded by gardens and a lake. Then transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Bangkok. On arrival at Bangkok airport, you will take a shuttle bus provided by the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel Airport to the hotel for check in. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel / Deluxe room (B, L)

Note: You may stay at the Oriental or Peninsula hotel for a surcharge.

You will be escorted to the terminal for your return flight to the U.S. (B)

Note: You may go on an optional extension to Angkor Wat, Phuket, Ko Samui, Burma or Vietnam

Optional 3 Night Extension to Angkor Wat.

Morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, you will visit Banteay Srei, a truly stunning temple that is somewhat isolated from the other monuments of the Angkor Region. Built in red sandstone rather than usual grey, it is one of the very few temples not endowed by royalty. It was built by Yajnavaraha, a Bramhin priest and key figure at court in the 10th century. Banteay Srei is virtually complete in its decoration, with a wealth of religious symbolism. This evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Cambodian dancing. Grand Hotel D¹Angkor (B, D).

Your day begins with a visit to Angkor Thom, a heavily fortified city that was the capital of the Khmer Empire from 802 until 1431, when it was conquered by the Thais. With a population in excess of one million inhabitants, Angkor Thom covered an area of 10 square kilometers and was larger than any city in Europe at the time. You¹ll visit the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper-King, named for King Yasovarman (899-910), who founded Angkor and later died of leprosy.

You¹ll then embark on a short elephant back trek to the Bayon. Constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181 - 1201), the Bayon is considered the single most outstanding monument of Khmer culture. It is also the most venerated of the city¹s temples. Archeologists have long debated the identity of the 172 smiling faces adorning the temple¹s 49 towers, with many believing the temple to be a shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, others to Brahamas, while modern Khmer specialists have generally concluded that this was a Mahayana Buddhist temple dedicated to the benevolent Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara.

Another highlight is your visit to Ta Prohm, a beautiful temple that is literally intertwined with luxuriant tropical vegetation. The huge roots of giant trees coil themselves like enormous snakes around the temple, penetrating its stonework.

After lunch and a rest, you¹ll explore Angkor Wat. This magnificent example of classical Khmer architecture reflects Indian and Indochinese influences and incorporates the accumulated experience of centuries into one of the world¹s most beautiful monuments. At the height of his power, Suriyavarman II, one of the most important of the Khmer kings, ordered this gigantic project to be started from all four sides at once, completing the construction in less than 40 years. Grand Hotel D¹Angkor (B, L, D).

This morning, you will embark on a boat trip to visit a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake. The inhabitants of the floating village reside permanently in their floating houses, and you¹ll cruise by floating schools, post offices, police stations, businesses, bars etc. The Great Lake was the lifeline of the Khmers, a source of fish and rice to an agrarian society. Afterwards, you¹ll get a chance to see how silk is woven in one of the local workshops. You¹ll also have the option of visiting a Buddhist Monastery and observing or even teaching an English class to high school students normally taught by monks. No prior teaching experience is required. Grand Hotel D¹Angkor (B, L, D).

Private airport transfer for your return flights to the U.S. (B)

Note: Depending on the latest flight schedule, you may need to spend a night in Bangkok (not included).

Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

Trip Cost Includes:
o Accommodations for 10 nights mainly in deluxe hotels, based on double occupancy
o All elective soft adventures (hiking, bicycling, elephant back trek)
o Private touring and transfers
o 22 meals as indicated
o Entrance/park fees

NOTE: SUBTRACT $400 WITHOUT CHIANG RAI

Trip Grade: Easy. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Activities include bicycling, elephant back riding, and walking. Adventures may be replaced at traveler's request with cultural excursions. Because the trip ventures into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations for 10 nights, based on double occupancy (7 nights deluxe, 2 nights first class, 1 night tourist class); 22 meals as indicated in itinerary; private touring (except mahout excursion); private transfers; entrance/park fees; all service and handling charges.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated on itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from Thailand.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy (7 nights deluxe; 2 nights first class; 1 night tourist class). Singles who sign up will be subject to a single supplement charge.

Climate: The best time to travel in Thailand and Cambodia is between the months of November and April, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more moderate. High temperatures generally range between 88-93 degrees, while lows are between 66 and 73 degrees.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed during the season with a minimum of two passengers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: rip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness. NEI offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan at a significant discount to its trip participants. Please contact us if you have any questions about travel insurance.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company¹s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced expedition. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.