TIMELESS THAILAND

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Steeped in millenniums of tradition, Thailand is a graceful melding of past and present, old and new. Its rich history dates back five thousand years and forms the foundation upon which a unique and proud nation has emerged.

Travel with Far Horizons on a memorable 17-day journey through Thailand. During the trip we will visit two beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the historic towns of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. In the north we will walk through the beautiful moated and walled city of Chiang Mai, and journey into the northwest to visit colorful tribal villages. In the far eastern part of the country we will explore exquisite Khmer complexes. And in modern Bangkok, where piercing spires of 12th century wats, or Buddhist monasteries, punctuate the neon skyline, we will see striking monuments located within the old city and travel by boat through the khlongs, or canals, that served as the transportation arteries of Thailand.

ITINERARY:
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Depart Los Angeles.

Day 2: Arrive in Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok and transfer to the Royal Princess Hotel located downtown, within sight of the Old City, our home for the next two nights.

Day 3: This morning we venture into the cultural heart of Thailand with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. Established in 1782, the Grand Palace was built to mark the founding of Bangkok as the new capital of the Chakri Dynasty. The complex contains important structures including Wat Phra Kaeo housing Thailand’s most revered image, the Emerald Buddha. Cross the Chao Praya River to visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple, where you will see the 150-foot image of the Reclining Buddha. The afternoon will be spent in the National Museum. Gather this evening for our welcome dinner party. (B/L/D)

Day 4: A private boat takes us up the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok to the former capital of the second Thai kingdom, Ayuthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive beauty and grandeur of this city is legendary. Ayutthaya offered one of the region’s first small steps towards globalization, linking Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Burma and India, not only through geography, but through a culture that was a nucleus for many of these nations. Said to have some of the most spectacular ruins in the country, this was the commercial hub of Asia throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Explore the imposing Wat Phanan Choeng, housing a huge seated Buddha, and the Cathedral of St. Joseph, a Catholic reminder of the large European population that lived here during the city’s prime. View Chandrakasem Palace, built as a defensive bastion, and the old royal palace of Wang Luang where the foundations for the stables for one hundred elephants give an indication of the original size. Finish the day at the Chao Sam Praya National Museum to see the treasures recovered during excavations, including a lavish crypt containing breath-taking gold jewelry. There will be time on our own to explore the area. Overnight Krung Sri River Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 5: An early drive through the fertile rice bowl of Thailand takes us to one of Thailand’s oldest cities, Lop Buri. Artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found here in large quantity, testifying to the great antiquity of the site. At the height of the Angkor Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries, Lop Buri was a provincial capital, and later was the summer capital of Siam. We explore Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, built in the 17th century and enclosed by massive walls that still dominate the center of the modern town, and King Narai National Museum. Time permitting, we will stop by the Fine Arts College to catch dancers at rehearsal. Overnight Sima Thani Hotel for two nights. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Morning visit to the peaceful monastery of Prasat Phnom Wan with its heavy stone galleries and important inscription, still in situ, illuminating the early history of the of this region. Certainly one of Thailand’s most important Khmer monuments, evidence indicates that it was founded as early as the mid-9th century. Then it’s on to Wat Ku Prasat to visit its bright yellow temple, Bronze Age cemetery, and small onsite museum. In the afternoon, view the great Khmer temple of Prasat Phimai, one of the most extensively restored Khmer temple complexes in Thailand. The center is bound on three sides by the Mun River and encircled by a protective wall that was constructed almost one thousand years ago. Phimai faces towards the Khmer capital of Angkor to which it was linked by a great road. There will be time to enjoy the Phimai National Museum containing a notable collection of Khmer art from all over northeast Thailand. The handsome new building was constructed in 1994. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Today’s highlight is the incomparable site of Prasat Phnom Rung, one of the most important Khmer sanctuaries in Thailand. Located on the road to the Khmer capital of Angkor, Phnom Rung was built atop an extinct volcano in a series of raised platforms to symbolize Shiva’s mountaintop abode. Much of the beautiful decorations found here are a celebration of the region’s most powerful family that once ruled here. Eleven inscriptions have been found at Phnom Rung, and they give an account of its history and the city’s importance. Continue to the town of Surin. Overnight Thong Tarin Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Today’s drive takes us to the border to cross into Cambodia to see the magnificent yet rarely visited site of Khao Phra Viharn, known in Cambodia as Preah Vihear. Located in isolated and spectacular splendor on an enormous overhanging cliff in the Dongek Mountains, this is without question the most magnificent site of any Khmer temple. It was laid out in a north-south axis with only one entrance, and most of the large monuments here were built as a microcosm of the Hindu universe, a magical recreation on Earth of the home of the gods and the surrounding seas and continents. Possibly pre-dating Angkor, the site contains the most distinctive architecture covered with stunning carvings outside of the Khmer capital. Time permitting, we continue to Ubon Ratchathani for a visit to the Ubon National Museum. Overnight Tohsang Khongjiam Resort. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Step back into Thailand’s pre-history with a visit to Pha Taem, where fascinating prehistoric paintings that appear to date back 4,000 years decorate a sandstone cliff overlooking the Mekong River. We will see dramatic images of turtles, elephants, angular human figures, and geometric forms stretching across the rock face. Cross into Laos to visit the border town of Chong Mek. Evening flight to Chiang Mai. Dinner is on our own. Overnight River View Lodge. (B/L)

Day 10: Our early departure takes us in to the remote areas of northwestern Thailand. Our first stop is the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, where the pachyderms and their mahouts (trainers) demonstrate the skills developed when logging was important in Thailand. Then we will visit the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, before moving further west. We stop in several villages en route and enjoy the striking beauty of this area as we venture through the countryside. We stop at the spectacular Mok Fa Waterfall (so bring your bathing suit if you wish to take a dip) and visit a small H’mong village en route. Overnight at the Muang Pai Resort in comfortable, spacious teak cottages. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Today’s drive combines awesome natural beauty with pastoral views of rice fields, rushing streams, and high vistas encompassing lush forests and bright colored wildflowers high above a patchwork of temples, villages, fields, and farms. Our first stop is at a colorful village of the Lisu hill tribe before moving on to Tham Lod Cave where we slide by bamboo raft under giant stalactites and explore the remains of what are believed to be prehistoric boat burials. On the way to Mae Hong Son, we visit a Black Lahu village. In the afternoon, view Wat Hua Wiang, with its beautiful Burmese-style wihan, housing one of the most beautiful images of Buddha in northern Thailand. Made of brass, it is displayed under the Wat’s multi-tiered Burmese inspired roof. Although it is quite a climb up to Doi Kong Mu, seeing the sunset amidst this fascinating temple complex that overlooks the Burmese Mountains, is truly worth the effort. For those not wishing to climb up to Doi Kong Mu, there are always indigenous people selling their wares at the foot of the Naga steps ascend the hill to the Temple complex. Overnight in the Rooks Holiday Resort. (B/L/D)

Day 12: The Padaung, a Burmese people who have been forced across the border during their long struggle for autonomy, are better known as the ‘long-necked Karen’. A morning drive takes us to one of their villages. This afternoon, we fly to Chiang Mai. Dinner is on our own with the opportunity to pick-up previously ordered custom-made clothing. Overnight River View Lodge. (B/L)

Day 13: Learn more about Thailand’s ethnic minorities during this morning’s visit to the Chiang Mai University and the Tribal Research Center. The old city of Chiang Mai is encircled by a moat and defensive wall. Our walking tour will take us through the walls to view some of the most fascinating sites within the old city. Peaceful Wat Chiang Man is the oldest in the city; it was built soon after the establishment of the capital in 1296. Gilded woodcarving decorates the pavilions, and the gold-topped chedi is supported by rows of elephants. Founded in 1345, Wat Phra Singh is the largest and most important in Chiang Mai. It’s beautiful buildings contain fine woodcarvings and colorful wall paintings. Wat Chedi Luang was partially destroyed by an earthquake but now is being restored by the Fine Arts Department. Wat Duang Dii contains three Northern Thai wooden temples with stunning carvings. This evening sample the cuisine of Northern Thailand at the Chiang Mai Cultural Center followed by a folkloric dance performance. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Early morning departure south to Lamphun, dating from the mid-6th century and noted for its mellow upcountry atmosphere. Enter Wat Prathat Haripunchai, one of the oldest wats in northern Thailand, located between large statues of mythical lions that guard the portals. Continue to Wat Chama Thewi noted for its two chedi believed to be the oldest in Thailand, and Wat Luang, one of the most renowned and attractive temples in Northern Thailand. As a special treat, this afternoon we visit Si Satchanalai on the backs of elephants! Arrive Lamphang and overnight at the Pailyn Hotel in Sukhothai. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Spend today exploring Old Sukhothai, capital of the first Thai kingdom. The ancient city, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is encircled by three rows of earthen ramparts and two moats. Located within these walls are more than twenty temple complexes and monasteries. Visit the Ramkamhaeng National Museum, containing a fine collection of Sukhothai sculpture and other artifacts, and Wat Mahathat, the spiritual center of Old Sukhothai. Along the base of the temple’s main tower is a stucco frieze of walking monks that indicates the high degree of artistry that characterized this influential city. In the evening, fly to Bangkok and overnight at the Royal Princess Hotel. Dinner is free this evening. (B/L)

Day 16: Begin today in two of Bangkok’s most interesting wats – Saket and Suthat. Wat Saket contains a library with door panels and lower windows decorated with wood carvings depicting the everyday life in the Ayuttayan period, and window panels showing Persian and French soldiers during Louis XIV’s reign. The magnificent Wat Suthat contains six pairs of doors, each made from a single huge piece of teak, deeply carved with animals and celestial beings from the Himavanta forest. For centuries, the river and khlong, or canal, served as the transportation arteries of Thailand, linking this once floating city of Bangkok to the rest of Thailand. This afternoon’s exploration by boat takes us to the most traditional part of Bangkok, the Thon Buri Canals, where life still largely revolves around the canals. Here, we will view the many stilt houses, small temples, mansions and floating shops along the narrow canals, and watch water-borne vendors cruise up and down selling everything from Chinese pastries to cooking utensils. We will stop at the Royal Barge Museum to view lavishly decorated royal barges. (B/L)

Day 17: This morning, transfer to the airport for our flight to the United States. (B)

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

STUDY LEADER: Richard Ruth received his MA in Asian Studies and his PhD in History from Cornell University. He was a Fulbright-Hays recipient for his dissertation research. Richard has lived and worked in Thailand for a number of years. From 1992-1995, he was the Headquarters Director for the International Mission of Hope, a Non-governmental aid agency that assisted children in Vietnam, India, and Thailand, and from 1996-1998 was Research Assistant to the Director of the Cambodia Genocide Program at Yale University. He reads and is conversant in several Asian languages - Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Richard's knowledge of the culture and history of Thailand makes him the perfect study leader for this trip.

2007 TRIP DATES: No trip currently scheduled

2007 TRIP COST:
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes international air in coach, all hotels, meals as noted in brochure, entry fees, and land transportation, and flights within Thailand.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: passport, visa fees, departure taxes, beverages or food not included on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, personal tips, alcoholic drinks, or other items of a personal nature.

2007 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

AIR NOTE: Our international group space is reserved on Thai Airways. Business seats are available at a reduced rate on a limited basis. Thai Airways requires that tickets be issued 60 days before departure. Participants who register after that date may be charged an additional fee due to price changes. Air can be arranged from your home city at a substantial savings.

RESERVATION: A deposit of $500.00 is required upon making your reservation, along with a completed and signed registration form. Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.

LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS