Thailand & Angkor Wat
Travel/Destination Workshop
with Douglas Beasley
November 1 – 16, 2019
Thailand and Angkor Wat are an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty and inspiring temples. Travel through bustling Bangkok with its brightly decorated temples, wander through traditional Thai markets, and trek through the hill tribes from Chiang Mai, where you will interact with and feel at home in the local villages. Fly to Cambodia, walk amidst the fascinating jungle clad temples and mysterious stone carvings of Angkor Wat, along with lesser known visited ruins, and photograph the unique floating fishing villages.
In Bangkok you will explore the Grand Palace, Wat Phra, cruise the canals on a long tail boat, and photograph vendors in the floating markets. Ayuthaya, about an hour outside Bangkok, is a bit off the tourist track, giving you a day to photograph its temples in a quieter setting. Then it’s off to northern Thailand, where you will visit and photograph hill tribes from Chiang Mai and stroll through the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep, the crown jewel of a vivid collection of traditional Thai temples. You will have a first-hand look at the important role elephants have played in every aspect of Thai life, from ceremonial purposes to warfare, transportation, and farming. You will see a fascinating demonstration of elephants at work and play. You will also photograph the vibrant colors, warm faces, and local crafts at
the markets.
Depart Thailand and fly (flight included) to Siem Reap, Cambodia, your base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor Wat, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Photograph this ancient structure along with lesser-known wats in this region and lake villages built
on stilts.
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ITINERARY:
November 1 (Travel Day): We land tomorrow evening (November 2) in Bangkok, Thailand (BKK). Please note due to the long flights and the typical arrival time in Bangkok being after 10PM, we have included an extra day for everyone to rest and relax on their own at the hotel.
November 2 (Bangkok): You will be transferred upon arrival to the hotel. Overnight Bangkok (meals on plane). A day to rest and acclimate to Thailand.
November 3 – 6 (Bangkok – Ayuthaya): November 3 is on your own to rest, relax, and get over jet lag. The following morning visit Wat Pho, the largest temple complex in Bangkok, home to the great Reclining Buddha. The tour continues on to a flower market, traveling local style in a Tuk tuk. The market is also known as Pak Klong, Bangkok’s largest around the clock marketplace. Your guide will take you on a tour of this lively center of commerce, showcasing fresh local produce, exotic flowers, traditional spices, and herbs. Your tour will conclude with a stop at a favorite Thai restaurant for lunch before being transported back to your hotel for the afternoon. Meet your guide again this evening for a welcome dinner with traditional Thai cuisine.
The next day begins with an early morning long tail boat ride through the khlongs (canals) of Bangkok, seeing local life pass by on the lively waterfront. Stop at Wat Arun – the “Temple of the Dawn” – before continuing to the Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. This evening your guide will take you to the famous Chinatown, exploring the labyrinth of colorful shops, businesses, and markets. Visit Tian Fah Foundation Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Bangkok.
On your last day in Bangkok, venture outside the city, where you will be transported to the ancient city of Ayuthaya, situated at the confluence of three rivers. The Ayuthaya period is seen by many as the time when much of what is now thought of as “Thai style” was developed. In temples, this is when you see a marked transition from the Khmer style “prangs” to the bell shaped “chedi.” Ayuthaya is a relatively low-key site. You can spend a leisurely day here, all with relatively low pressure compared to many other sites. Visit the historical city center to explore the stunning temples: Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratburana, and then join your guide for lunch on a boat cruising along thePasak & Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the scenery along the river as you learn about the region from your guide. In the afternoon, continue exploring Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wihaan Mongkhon Bophit. Enjoy sunset in the temples before returning to Bangkok. Overnight Bangkok.
November 7 – 11 (Chiang Mai – Hill Tribe Trek): Board your group flight this morning to Chiang Mai, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy lunch and get to know your guide of Northern Thailand at a local restaurant. Today you will visit some of the more famous Wats within the city walls of Chiang Mai. Your guide will discuss Buddhism and the role it plays in everyday life, as well as show you the many intricate details of each of the temples. Next, visit the beautiful Wat Suan Dok, which was built in the middle of the ‘Pleasure Gardens’. This botanical wonder was designed by the 14th century Lanna Thai monarchy. Sunsets are magical in this beautiful and serene location.
Buddhism is one of the cornerstones of life in Thailand. Wake up early and meet your guide at 6:30am, go to Wat Sri Sodha to see the monks collecting alms (typically rice and fruit) then returning to the monastery for their morning meal. Your guide will explain the history and ritual behind giving the alms so that you may respectfully take part in this daily ritual. Afterwards, you will continue by van on winding roads leading you to the summit of Doi Suthep, the most revered temple in Chang Mai. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this site for Buddhists and the people of Chang Mi. Arriving in the morning will allow you to take in the temple and its incomparable views without the afternoon crowds. From here your guide will escort you to the bustling morning market, where you will learn about local produce, goods, and traditional cuisine. You will also get the chance to explore the fascinating craft and artisan world, touring home based businesses, learning techniques in the trades of lacquer-ware, silk, and traditional Thai umbrellas.
Enjoy the next morning having a photo discussion with your leader, amidst the beautiful gardens of the hotel. Later in the afternoon visit the Elephant Nature Park, a wonderful organization dedicated to conserving and promoting elephants. Spend the morning learning to bath, feed, and command these amazing beasts of burden. Please bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit as you will get wet giving the elephants their daily bath! In the evening your guide will take you to the famous Walking Street of Chiang Mai. This amazing street comes to life with stalls displaying local crafts and unusual finds. Your guide will drop you off and you are free to explore, shop, and enjoy dinner on your own before returning to your hotel.
Another day is devoted to trekking the hill tribes of this region. Start early and drive two hours to Chiang Dao where you will start your walk. From Ban Pang Tong, hike up the road as your guide tells you about different flowers and birds you see along the way. At the end of the road is a lovely village belonging to the Lao Ho people. Here, Animism is still practiced and the local people are wary of visitors and can be shy. Leaving the village, you’ll climb a steep hill for some amazing views of the rice fields and the village from above. Don’t worry, this is the steepest hill of the day! Continue on until you enter the bamboo forest. You will emerge into a valley with huge limestone cliffs towering around you and fields of rice and corn on either side of the trail. Follow the path into a Karen village and meet several locals to see their home. Afterwards, you will meet your driver who will take you to a well-deserved lunch. If you are adventurous and willing to do some light spelunking, head off to nearby sacred caves for some exploration with a local guide by lamplight. Explore the nearby temple and garden before your drive back to Chang Mai.
The last day in Northern Thailand begins with an early morning drive to Doi Inthanon National Park, where you will reach the summit of the highest mountain in Thailand, at eighty five hundred feet. You will have a picnic lunch on the mountain, stopping at a picturesque waterfall. There will be additional photo stops along the way before returning to your hotel mid- afternoon. Overnight Chiang Mai.
November 12 – 15 (Siem Reap, Cambodia): Travel to Cambodia today via flights (included) from Chiang Mai, back to Bangkok, and on to Siem Reap. You will be met and transferred to your accommodations, having the afternoon at leisure. You will be treated this evening to VIP seats at a unique performance by the Cambodian Circus, also known as the hugely talented Phare Ponleu Selpak. Literally translated as ‘’the brightness of the arts’’, this Artistic and Social Center has been running as a non-profit association since 1994 and was founded by a group of young ex-refugees from Battambang Province. Sitting in the center of the big top tent, you will witness some remarkable acrobatics and visual arts while supporting one of Cambodia’s most inspiring projects.
Wake up early and begin an extensive sunrise tour of the magnificent twelfth century Angkor Wat temple before the crowds arrive. Mid-morning head back to your hotel to relax in the garden, by the pool, in the sitting room, or in your own room through the heat of the day. Later this afternoon head to Angkor Thom, a famous walled city with many temples within its borders, including the fascinating Bayon Temple with its magnificent smiling faces. There are several beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset. Relax and enjoy a memorable end to your day.
Your guide will take you the next morning to Mey Chrey Floating Village. Arrive at the dock to board your boat where you will pass by floating shops, houses, and the local floating primary school before arriving at your kayaking base. Meet ta local family and jump in your kayaks to continue your exploration of the village, which will take you into a magical quiet part of the river system. Paddle the open expanse of the river admiring the greenery along the banks, ending your journey at the home of the village chief. Here you will enjoy a packed lunch on the front porch of this quaint little home before boarding your boat back to the dock and return to your hotel.
Your last day in Siem Reap, set off with your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple just twenty miles beyond Angkor Wat. As you head towards your hotel you can stop at Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex. Enjoy climbing through these smaller unique sites before returning to your hotel for lunch. This evening, head out in a tuk-tuk for a taste of the local nightlife. Take in the hustle and bustle of city streets, sampling Khmer fruits and snacks as you go. As you make your way through the crowds, your guide will give you the rundown on the Khmer food you sample. When you are finished, your tuk-tuk will be waiting to take you back to your hotel or into town for dinner if you haven’t filled up on local treats. Overnights Siem Reap.
November 16 (Siem Reap – Home): Transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home (check out is approximately noon). Please note flights back to the U.S. may be overnight flights, landing November 17, or if early morning flight home you may need to overnight and connect from Bangkok airport hotel November 16.
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View Portfolios of Doug’s photography
Dates: November 1 – 16, 2019
Class Limit: 12
Cost: $6,495.00 ($1,095 for single room supplements based on a first-come,
first-served basis)
Register: Contact Jacque Boehm Steedle jacque@strabotours.com at Strabo Tours
