Small Group Journey Temples & Treasures – Thailand and Angkor Wat November 3rd – 14th, 2022
November 3rd - Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Thailand! As your co-hosts we are so excited to have you join us on this adventure filled with wonder. Upon arrival you will be transferred from the airport to the hotel accompanied by your guide in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide will make sure your check-in process is seamless. Time now to just relax and enjoy the amenities offered by the hotel. - Lindsay & Vicky Check in at the Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel Room / Bed Type: Urban Room Along the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok, Riva Surya is surrounded by some of the city’s most treasured historical sites. A 68-room boutique hotel, Riva Surya adds a touch of style and charm to this bustling locale. Surrounded by cultural treasures and within walking distance of the lively entertainment district of Khao San Road, Riva Surya gives you direct access to many popular sites and connects you to the city center via a distinctive mode of transportation, the river boat.
November 4th – Long Boat Tour Through Bangkok’s Canals This afternoon we will take a long-tail boat through Bangkok’s canals to discover the city’s local ways of life and iconic monuments. Starting with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as ‘River of Kings’, admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. The boat then turns off the main waterway and onto the canals, or ‘klongs’. See why Bangkok is often called the ‘Venice of the East’, while cruising along the intricate network of canals. Capture glimpses of small villages on the water’s edge and enjoy the slower pace of life away from the city center. Cruising back onto the Chao Phraya we will visit Wat Arun, meaning "The Temple of Dawn" and one of Thailand's most beautiful temples. This 259-foot high pagoda is built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. After crossing the river, we will disembark at one of Bangkok’s busiest piers and take a short walk to the the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries - the glittering Grand Palace. While exploring this spectacular complex of palaces, temples and museums we will learn about the history of the Royals. As we take our leave from this remarkable palace, don't miss a visit to the Emerald Buddha image, one of Thailand’s most sacred statues. This evening we will be exploring the vibrant streets and tranquil temples along with our local guide to gain a different perspective of this capital city. Following our evening tour, we will enjoy dinner with a beautiful sunset view.
November 5th – Explore Local Markets By Land And Water – Taste Local Delicacies Whatever floats your boat... No country does markets quite like Thailand, and this tour allows us to experience two of the more unusual examples of these traditional trading hubs. This morning we will have an early start to visit an amazing local market set up on the railway tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, setting them up again moments later when the train has passed! The journey continues on to the rural province of Samut Songkhram, home of the Tha Kha floating market where narrow wooden boats line the canals, filled with fresh fruit and other local produce. Our relaxing boat ride through the labyrinth of canals will offer us the chance to stop and enjoy a cooling coconut drink with a friendly local family, before the tour continues to a local Buddhist temple and the King Rama II Memorial Park, filled with an ornate collection of Thai-style pavilions. Time to regroup and refresh back at the hotel for a couple of hours.
November 5th Continued– Explore Local Markets By Land And Water – Taste Local Delicacies This evening, we will hop onto Bangkok’s iconic 3-wheel Tuk Tuks, for a night adventure ride to visit the best local eateries. Bangkok claims to be the city that never stops eating and is especially well known for its street food. We will be joining many of the local Bangkokians as they usually find themselves eating out at night. One of the stops along our way will include the local favorite restaurant of Northern Thai-Isan Food, a 2 star Michelin restaurant for 2 consecutive years. It's signature dish "Guay Tiew Gai" (rice noodles with chicken) is considered the best in town and popular with both locals and foreigners alike. Some of the city’s old town landmarks we will visit include Wat Pho, the famous iconic sight of Bangkok. We will be enjoying a night time perspective as the chedis (Buddhist monuments) will be beautifully illuminated while we learn all about the history of the temple. In addition we will take a stroll through Pak Klong Talad, the city’s largest flower market which is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore stalls where orchids, flowers, vegetables and other items spill over into the walkways. We will have a chance to taste some local snacks or fruits. Our final tour stop this evening will be a secret, outdoor hidden bar located by the river. Sip on chilled Thai beer or your drink of choice, while enjoying amazing night views of the Chao Phraya River along with the glittering Temple of Dawn. Then it's back to the hotel by tuk tuk to anticipate what awaits us tomorrow!
November 6th – Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Rai Today we'll be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Bangkok airport, where we'll hop on a quick 1-hour, 25-minute flight to Chiang Rai. Our private driver will meet us there to escort us to the hotel. Check in at Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa Room / Bed Type: Mountain Cottage Close by, but a world away, Phu Chaisai is the iconic Northern Thailand destination resort and one of the first boutique resorts of Thailand to incorporate lifestyle and wellness experiences such as yoga and organically grown produce. Set among an unspoiled and lush subtropical mountain forest, peace and tranquility awaits you at Phu Chaisai. All cottages incorporate natural building materials like bamboo and leaf covered rooms to blend into the natural surroundings. Phu Chaisai is noted for its gentle Northern Thai hospitality, authentic regional Thai cuisine and open-air spa. At Phu Chaisai, television sets and electronic alarm clocks are absent from your room so you can rise to the sound of an awakening forest in your luxurious bamboo accommodation.
November 7th – Estate Farm Experience – Includes Cooking With The Locals Today's our day to have a real farm to table experience! The experience begins in the garden where we will help to select and pick fresh organic ingredients from our farm such as Duck Egg, Chicken Egg, Mushroom, Vegetable, Banana, Banana Flower or Bamboo Shoot (Season dependent). Next you can show off your culinary skills as we prepare today's harvest with an expert local chef from the village. Throughout the day, head farmer Lung Adult will introduce us to the farm's livestock such as their buffalo and he will share the secrets to growing rice and tapping rubber trees.
November 8th – Chiang Mai Transfer And A Visit To Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) & Wat Ron Sua Ten (The Blue Temple) Today, we transfer from Phu Chaisai to our hotel in Chiang Mai accompanied by our local guide in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle. We will be visiting some of the more recent architectural additions in Chang Mai. Wat Rong Khun (popularly known as "The White Temple") is a privately owned art exhibit and a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. By the end of the 20th century, the original Wat Rong Khun was in disrepair. Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist from Chiang Rai, decided to completely rebuild the temple and fund the project with his own money. The artist considers the temple to be an offering to Buddha and believes the project will give him immortal life. Today the works are ongoing, but are not expected to be completed until 2070 (I guess a return visit for all of us will be in order!).
November 8th Continued– Chiang Mai Transfer And A Visit To Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) & Wat Ron Sua Ten (The Blue Temple) Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, is immediately recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire. The temple walls, roof, and surrounding statues are all covered in this gorgeous hue, an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold. This color is symbolically associated with purity, wisdom, and the lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to. The temple is a fascinating fusion of traditional Buddhist values and classic Thai architecture with extremely contemporary design choices. This modernism makes sense — the Blue Temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of the artist who built the eccentric White Temple. Check in at Tamarind Village Hotel Chiang Mai Room / Bed Type: Lanna Deluxe Room Tamarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property that nestles in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from a magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree that shelters the hotel in its shady embrace. Tamarind Village is situated at the center of Chiang Mai’s old town. Many of Chiang Mai’s historic landmarks and temples such as Thapae Gate, the Three Kings Monument, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are located within a few minutes walk of the hotel. Each week, Chiang Mai’s famous ‘Sunday Walking Street’ takes place just in front of the hotel’s entrance.
November 9th – Temple Hike, Visit To Village & Coffee Plantation Make sure to lace up your comfy shoes for an adventurous day today! After breakfast we will be driving up the famous Doi Suthep Mountain. Our first stop will be at one of Thailand's most beautiful and sacred temples - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in the early 19th Buddhist century, the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by sevenheaded serpent statues that line the stairs to the temple where a Chiang Saen style golden pagoda and all its exquisite Lanna architecture is situated. At 4,000 feet above sea level, the temples location offers magnificent views over the city of Chiang Mai. Following our temple visit, it's time for us to leave civilization behind for a while and commune with nature on a 6-mile hike up a slight hill. Please be aware that there may be the need to climb under or over fallen trees so please let us know if this will present a challenge for any of you. On our way we will be passing by coffee plantations until we reach the White Hmong Hill Tribe village where we will learn about tribal culture and enjoy a local lunch. What goes up must come down and you'll be pleased to know that we will be heading back down the mountain by horsepower with tires and a steering wheel!
November 10 – Elephant Rescue Park Today we get to experience what it means to be a "mahout" or elephant caretaker as we visit the Elephant Rescue Park. This sanctuary for rescued elephants is situated in a pristine and picturesque valley of Chiang Mai. We will even be provided with traditional mahout uniforms. As part of our mahout experience we will have the opportunity to feed, observe, and interact with the elephants as we walk with them to beautiful viewpoints, where you will have plenty of wonderful photo opportunities. Walk down the hillside towards their bathing area. Enjoy bathing and brushing the elephants in their very own natural swimming pool. Enjoy a delicious homecooked lunch prepared especially for you. The fun isn’t over yet as we will find a local stream close-by and jump on a home-made bamboo raft to float down the river for an hour or so! This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature along with some excitement and the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the water. In the evening we'll go for a farewell dinner together as tomorrow the group will split.
Extension Option One: November 11th – Transfer to Angkor Wat Today we'll be transferred to Chiang Mai airport for our flights to Siem Reap in Cambodia. There, we'll be greeted in the arrivals terminal by our guide and escorted to our hotel near Angkor Wat. Check in at The Aviary Hotel Room / Bed Type: Tailorbird Standard Room Set in the heart of Siem Reap town, The Aviary Hotel is a sophisticated urban oasis that has been inspired by nature and Cambodia’s rich heritage of traditional crafts. Our 43-room ecofriendly hotel in Siem Reap is a relaxing sanctuary filled with locally commissioned artworks, which celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Kingdom’s birdlife. Luxurious, welcoming and personal, we offer thoughtfully designed, quality accommodation in a modern environment with a uniquely Cambodian twist.
Extension Option One: November 12th – Angkor Wat Archaeological Park Optional: Sunrise at Angkor Wat Wake up in the early hours of the morning and drive through the dark to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Select a good viewpoint at Angkor Wat, sit back and watch the sunrise over the back of the temple. Seeing the temple emerge from darkness to being bathed in earlymorning light is an unforgettable experience. Return to the hotel in time for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll start our day at the famous Angkor Wat Temple. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. We'll then continue on to one of Angkor Wat's most famous temples, Ta Prohm. This is the temple overgrown by the jungle that has been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and Two Brothers. The large fig trees have merged with the ancient stones and have been left untouched by conservationists. It is truly an awe-inspiring sight to see how the vegetation keeps the temple walls “glued” together.
Extension Option One: November 12th Continued – Angkor Wat Archaeological Park In the afternoon, we'll continue to visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by a 24foot-high wall, with each side of the city being 1.5 miles long, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone entrance carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons holds the sacred Naga snake. From here, we'll make our way to the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. The particularity of this monument is the 54 towers with four faces representing the 54 provinces of the then Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. After our tour, it's finally time to relax: we'll board a private gondola boat on the moat of Angkor Thom for a cruise in the afternoon sunlight. Paddle along the moat filled with flowers and buzzing with dragonflies; watch for birds who flock to the trees and waters surrounding the ancient city wall. Enjoy champagne, soft drinks, and canapes on the 20-minute paddle out to the southwest corner of the wall, where we can climb the rampart to the ruins of the small Prasat Chrung temple overlooking the moat to the south and west. We'll enjoy the setting sun for a while before reboarding the gondola boat for the paddle back to the South Gate of the city.
Extension Option One: November 13th – Tour Of Rural Siem Reap And The Banteay Srei Temple Our driver and guide will pick us up in the morning to experience authentic rural lifestyles in Cambodia. We'll drive to the outskirts of Siem Reap, past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, we'll board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to Tonle Sap Lake. We'll cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of year, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomenon caused by the annual rising and receding waters of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom will be fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. Nearing the lake, see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. Along the way, we'll gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with lunch in a family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of local life - sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside.
Extension Option One: November 13th Continued – Tour Of Rural Siem Reap And The Banteay Srei Temple After enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, we'll continue the tour to Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei is made of pink sandstone and is one of the smallest temples you can visit but one of the most beautiful as well. Built in 967 AD by a guru to Jayavarman V, it showcases the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture. The carvings and bas relief are in perfect condition even after more than 1,000 years. In a small contemporary pagoda, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for us, wishing us health and a safe journey – a very special experience! On the way back, we'll have the possibility to stop at local villages along the way and our guide will help us interact with the local community to learn about the way of life here. Seize the opportunity to see how rice paper is produced and to taste Palm Wine and Palm Sugar, which are popular local products.
Extension Option Two: November 11th – Transfer to Phuket then onward to Koh Yao Noi In the morning, Vicky's group will be transferred to Chiang Mai airport for the 2-hour flight to Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket the private driver will be waiting to transfer the group by boat to the Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort and Spa . Check in at Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa Although only an hour away from Phuket, Paradise Koh Yao is away from the crowds, peaceful and quiet. It's a laid-back and close to nature setting is perfect to relax and unwind. You'll enjoy walking on the 1,200 foot private beach, indulge in the tropical spa or practice your yoga and meditation. Koh Yao Noi is unspoiled, largely untouched with a wonderful remote feel. The resort has 69 rooms, two restaurants and two bars. All of the exquisite rooms and villas are nestled in the tropical forest. They are spacious and private featuring a Thai style semi-outdoor shower and Hollywood swing in the open sala living area. The main restaurant of the Paradise Koh Yao is nestled in a covered area among palm trees with additional seating on the open beach, looking out on the beautiful bay. In this wonderful tropical setting you will enjoy outstanding Thai and Western cuisine. The restaurant offers a great variety of fresh seafood as well as changing buffets and a tasty a la carte menu.
Extension Option Two: November 12th – Day at leisure Free day for leisure. Feeling active? Feel free to drop by the activity center of the resort and see what they have on offer to fill your day.
Extension Option Two: November 13th – Day at leisure and evening farewell Breakfast at the hotel and another relaxing day on the beach. Tonight our trip comes to a close with a farewell dinner at the resort restaurant with fellow travelers and new friends. Time to reminisce and share photos about your amazing experiences before we head back home.
November 14 Option One – Depart Siem Reap Enjoy some time at leisure before being picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
November 14 Option Two – Depart Koh Yao Noi After breakfast, you will be picked up by the resort boat and brought back to Phuket airport in the comfort of a private, air- conditioned vehicle. Next stop, the USA!
Information & Documents Inclusions: • Hosted by Virtuoso Travel Advisors Lindsay Ames and Vicky Malakoff • Private local tour director • 11 nights' accommodation • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 3 dinners • Domestic flights and all transfers • Tours as stated in the itinerary • Pre-trip support Not included: • International air (assistance with booking international air available upon request-fees apply) • Travel Insurance • Cambodia E Visa -not included if you have chosen the Angkor Wat option for your trip • Any additional pre or post trip planning and travel costs Pricing: • $3,959/person based on double occupancy (does not include international flights) • $5,037/person based on single occupancy (does not include international flights) • Non-refundable deposit due at time of registration - $1,000 • Final Non-Refundable Payment is due on or before September 4th, 2022 • Discount is available if paying by check: $3,770/person based on double occupancy (does not include international flights) $4,797/person based on single occupancy (does not include international flights) Travel insurance is highly recommended. For specific details and questions please contact Travelex Insurance. If you would like a quote, please contact me directly or follow this travel insurance quote link. For questions and trip registration contact us at: Lindsay Ames / 727-808-0068 / Lindsay@largaytravel.com Vicky Malakoff / 609-933-1763 / vicky.malakoff@destinationuncharted.com