DISCOVER ANGKOR WAT & REMOTE LAOS

Located in what is now Cambodia, Angkor Thom, capital of the flourishing Khmer empire in the 11th century, once was one of the world’s most densely populated cities. An incredible mass of dazzling pagodas grew up around Angkor Thom, culminating in the glory of the magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat. With the fall of the Khmers, the temples were slowly recaptured by the lush forest and remained a hidden legend until 1861 when they were re-discovered and introduced to the western world.

Join Far Horizons for an exciting 20-day trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos that includes six days exploring the great Khmer city of Angkor Thom, including glorious Banteay Srei and remote Beng Mealea. While in Cambodia, we will visit the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh. Here we will see the National Museum filled with Khmer treasures, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda, home of a priceless emerald Buddha. And out of the capital, we will travel to the out-of-the-way and splendid complex of Sambor Prei Kuk.

From Cambodia we will cross the border into Laos where we will travel to see Vat Phou, certainly one of the most spectacular of the Khmer cities. For centuries, the Mekong River was a major artery of the Khmer Empire, and the spectacular temple ruins along the water’s edge proclaim this civilization’s greatness. And while in Laos, we will explore the capital city of Vientiane, and discover the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.

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

Day 1: Depart Los Angeles on our group flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok. Transfer to the 5-star Sukhothai Hotel, one of 'The Leading Hotels of the World', and our home for two nights.

Day 3: Begin the day in the National Museum, one of the largest in South-east Asia. The first public museum in Thailand, it was founded by King Chulalongkorn in 1874 to display the collections made by his father. Then we continue to the Jim Thompson House, the home of James H. W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. The house consists of a com-plex of six traditional Thai-style teak houses. The extensive art and antique collection is predominantly of Asian origin and includes a 17th century map of Siam (modern-day Thailand) and neighboring countries. After lunch in one of Bangkok's fine restaurants, the afternoon is free for further explorations. Gather this evening for our gala welcome dinner party in the Blue Elephant Restaurant, housed in a century-old wooden mansion and serv-ing royal Thai cuisine. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Transfer back to the airport for the morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Travel east to the Roluos Group comprising three remarkable temples. Dating from the late ninth century, this is the oldest area of the 600-year Angkor Period that is open to visitors. See Bakong, protected by fierce seven-headed serpents and elegantly sculpted elephants, Prah Ko with its six towers made entirely of brick and covered with ornate stucco ornamentation, and the small pagoda of Lolei. Overnight for the next six nights in the Angkor Village Resort, created by an architect in the lovely Cambodia style. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Drive to Banteay Srei, an exquisite miniature temple hidden in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest and seldom visited by tourists. In remarkable condition, it has a beautiful tapestry-like decoration completely covering the walls, and scenes inspired by Indian epics containing a liveliness that is not seen in the more formal adornment of earlier complexes. Continue to Banteay Samre, featuring a graceful temple encircled by a wall. Now that Cambodia is back on its feet following the horrific Khmer Rouge era, archaeologists from many nations are at work excavating, conserving and reconstructing ancient Angkor and other nearby national treasures. The Center for Khmer Studies, located in the beautiful Wat Damnak Temple in Siem Reap, was re-cently formed to stimulate international scholarship on Khmer studies. This afternoon, we meet with a member of the staff and learn about their research fellowships and their program to cooperate with and help Cambodian institutions of higher learning. The Center is housed within Wat Bo, one of several pagodas in central Siem Reap. Its main religious and community buildings survived the Khmer Rouge and provide a warm glimpse of the past. While here, view a notable collection of cultural artifacts before enjoying a privately arranged tradi-tional shadow puppet show. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Spend the day exploring Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire and surely one of the world’s great archaeological sites. Walk the long causeway guarded by tranquil gods and intimidating demons. View the Bayon with its awe-inspiring sculpture, and the Terrace of the Elephants, protected by a multitude of these animals. Visit the Terrace of the Leper King, and Phimeanakas, the sanctuary where the king was said to have had nightly congress with the Snake Goddess. Explore the cross-shaped terrace of Tep Pronom, and the nearby Preah Palilay temple shaded by the forest canopy. This wonderful day in this spectacular city will end as we watch the sun set on the glorious facade of Angkor Wat, an unforgettable experience! (B/L/D)

Day 7: Explore the temples north of Angkor Thom. Walk to lovely Neak Pean, where a sanctuary was built within a vast pond in the form of a cross and crowned with a lotus blossom. Ta Som is a single tower monument with entry towers on the east and west carved with four faces. The face on the right of the east tower has a beautiful enigmatic smile. In the late afternoon, we will go to the vast complex of Preah Khan covering 140 acres where Dr. John Sanday of the World Monuments Fund, or a member of his staff, will show us the work they are doing at this site. As Dr. Sanday’s guests, we will then enjoy a private classical dance performance within Preah Khan’s ancient Hall of the Dancers, with cocktails in the rain forest after the show. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)

Day 8: The complex of Angkor Wat, constructed as the funerary temple of a 12th century king, represents an earthly model of the cosmic world. Explore this majestic monument and learn about the imagery depicted in its magnificent artwork. In the afternoon, visit the monuments east of Angkor Thom including the temple of Chau Sey Tevada and Thommanon, both dedicated to Shiva. Explore Preah Kravan, the Cardamom Sanctuary, con-taining extremely fine bas-reliefs on its inner walls, and the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm. Enter the East Gate of the nearby Bantei Kedei, or the Monk’s Citadel, located overlooking the sacred lake of Srah Srang. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)

Day 9: Today, we will drive to Beng Mealea, one of the most interesting of Angkor's many temples, but also one of the hardest to reach. The 12th century temple is enclosed by a massive moat and is nearly the size of Angkor Wat, but utterly subsumed by the jungle. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Today is a long but worthwhile day. We leave Siem Reap and travel into the lush countryside of Kompong Thom province to see the 7th century temple complex at Sombor Prei Kuk, once the capital of Chenla in the pre-Angkor period. Here, still standing ancient brick and sandstone temples predating Angkor loom out of the forest. Besides their haunting beauty, the shrines are acknowledged to be the most important structures to understanding Angkor. Continue to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and overnight for three nights at the Le Royal, a Raffles International Hotel housed in an exquisitely restored building. First established in 1929, in its heyday the hotel enjoyed an international clientele comprising globetrotters and adventurers, writers and journalists, royalty and dignitaries. Dinner is on our own this evening. NOTE: For those not wanting to make this long drive, we can arrange that you fly to Phnom Penh for an additional cost. (B/L)

Day 11: Our tour of the city includes the former Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda to see the priceless Emerald Buddha sculpted from baccarat crystal. We will stop by Hanuman Antiques and Monument Books, the dis-tributor for all books in Cambodia. And finally, go to the magnificent National Museum of Art that contains some of the greatest works of art ever produced in Southeast Asia. It was founded by the French in the early 20th century, and is housed in a beautiful building in traditional style. Time permitting, we will stop by The Killing Fields Museum, documenting the devastation left by the Khmer Rouge. Our special dinner party this evening will be in the elegant Topaz Restaurant serving exquisite Southeast Asian cuisine. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Begin in the Russian Market, repository of an amazing selection of goods from silk to silver. Then we fly to Vientiane, Laos. Dinner is on our own. Overnight in the Settha Palace, a beautiful French colonial mansion built at the turn of last century. The French left Laos in 1953, but today there are more French people living here than at the height of colonial occupation. The result is a plethora of excellent French restaurants. Dine tonight in Le Nedao Restaurant, hosted by the owner/chef, Saiyaveuth, who is the scion of a Lao royal family who trained as a chef in France. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Fly to Paksé. The slow-moving Mekong River flows through southern Laos at a leisurely pace, through lush rain forest and past charming villages. This majestic waterway was once a major “highway” for the Khmer empire, and awesome reminders of the greatness of this civilization are located along the water’s edge. Depart from Pakse for Champassak, heading south aboard a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks. Arrive at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the ma-jestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou, once connected to Angkor Thom by a Royal Road. The temples contain extraordinary reliefs that are beautifully executed and are considered some of the best of Khmer art. Return to Pakse and overnight in a simple hotel located in the center of the town. (B/L/D)

Day 14: This morning’s flight returns us to Vientiane. Upon arrival go to Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles workshop, studio and gallery. Specializing in 100 percent hand-woven silk, the 40 Lao artisans she employs produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabrics. Carol's pieces are displayed in galleries and museums throughout the world. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the town, discover the myriad of tantalizing artisans shops, or laze by the hotel's swimming pool. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of this capital city's many fine restaurants. (B/L)

Day 15: Spend the morning in Vientiane's renowned Central Market overflowing with delectable items. After lunch, visit Wat Phra Kéo, the original home of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Si Saket, containing hundreds of small wooden, bronze and terracotta Buddha images sitting in niches. Continue to Pha That Luang, Laos’ most sacred structure and a site of Buddhist pilgrimage. We visit the pagoda at sunset, when the central lotus-bud tower and its surrounding 30 smaller stupas, or domed spires, take on a beautiful golden glow. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 16: Fly to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage City. Visit Wat Wisunalat, containing the largest Buddha in the city, and Wat Xieng Thong, a royal pagoda built in the 16th century. See the murals depicting life on the Mekong River as it was centuries ago in Wat Paa Huak, and the ornate door panels at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham. Travel to Ban Pha Nom where the art of weaving has been practiced for over 300 years. Overnight for three nights in the 3 Nagas, a charming bed-and-breakfast housed in two French colonial buildings that have been restored by a renowned architect and located in the heart of the city. (B/L/D)

Day 17: Then on to the former Royal Palace now housing a museum. We will visit the Private Chapel to see a priceless gold Buddha, the opulent reception room of the king, the throne room and the royal library. The afternoon is free for further explorations on our own. (B/L)

Day 18: This morning, drive to a village that makes rice whisky where we board a long-tailed boat to motor up the Mekong River to the ancient meditation caves of Pak Ou. Located in a striking limestone cliff where the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong, the caverns were used for the worship of the river spirit until Buddhism spread into Laos along the southern route from India. Now filled with thousands of beautiful Buddha images, the site is still revered by local people who travel here to worship. After a picnic lunch and on the way back to town, stop at Ban Xang Khong, a papermaking and weaving village. Those who want a spectacular view of Luang Prabang at sunset may climb to Wat That Phusi, overlooking the city and the Mekong River beyond. Gather this evening at Brasserie L’Elephant, considered the finest restaurant in Luang Prabang. After dinner, walk next door to OckPopTok to see contemporary Lao textiles in its gallery and workshop. (B/L/D)

Day 19: Early this morning, visit a pagoda to see the monks receive offerings of food from the local people. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Overnight at the Amari Airport Hotel, across the street fro the airport. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 20: Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Los Angeles. (B)

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

NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.

STUDY LEADER: Professor Malcolm David Eckel, PhD.

TRIP DATES: December 26, 2008 – January 15, 2009

TRIP COST: $9,995.00
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes all international air from Los Angeles in coach, all hotels, meals as noted in brochure, entry fees, and land transportation, and six flights within Cambodia and Laos.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: the tax-deductible check for $150.00 written to the "Heritage Watch"; passport or visa fees, airport taxes, beverages or food not included on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, personal tips, alcoholic drinks, or other items of a personal nature.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,595.00

TRAVEL IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD: The tourist infrastructure in both Cambodia and Laos does not meet United States’ standards. Changes in both accommodations and flight times might occur, especially in Laos as cadres from “comrade communist” Vietnam frequently are given priority. A good book to read while waiting in airports, a flexible attitude and a sense of humor will be beneficial.

NOTE ABOUT THE ITINERARY: The flight schedules in Cambodia and Laos are very flexible. Should the flights change our itinerary must change. Your patience is appreciated.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must changed.

HERITAGE WATCH: Since its inception in 2003, Heritage Watch has grown from a small group of individuals concerned with the widespread looting and decimation of Cambodian sites to an organized non-profit organization dedicated to saving Cambodia’s cultural legacy, raising awareness of looting and its consequences, and researching the trade of illicit Cambodian antiquities. As Heritage Watch has grown, become better known and begun making a difference in Cambodia, so has their need. Your tax-deductible check for $150.00 will assist Heritage Watch with its goals.

RESERVATION: A deposit of $500.00 to Far Horizons and a separate check for $150.00 written to "Heritage Watch" 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 18 PARTICIPANTS