POST MYANMAR TOURS

FACTS ABOUT THAILAND

GEOGRAPHY:

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

TOPOGRAPHY:

Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;

The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;

The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

 NEIGHBORING COUNTRY:

•  Myanmar - west and north,
•  Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
•  Cambodia - southeast and
•  Malaysia - south.

AREA:

513,115 sq. km.

RELIGION::

Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)

POPULATION:

Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

PEOPLE:

Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

LANGUAGE:

Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

CURRENCY:

Thai Baht (THB), which is, as of September 2006, approximately US$1 = THB 38

TIME:

GMT+ 7 hours

BUSINESS HOURS:

• Commercial company: from 8 am to 5 pm (5 days a week).

• Stores: from 10 am to 10 pm (7 days a week)

• Government offices:8.30 am and 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday except on public holidays)

• Banks: from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm (Mondays to Fridays except on public holidays)

THAILAND OPTIONS

CHIANG MAI 2-DAY/1-NIGHT

 

Day 1: City Tour – Meo Hilltribe – Wat Doi Suthep Visit the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai such as Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai built by King Mangrai, Wat Suan Dok which houses the remains of many generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. After lunch A beautiful drive takes you uphill to a visit of the Meo Hilltribes living in simple huts and speaking their own language. Also visit Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 3,280 feet (1,056 meters). The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a NAGA balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue- Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. Day 2: Elephants working site – Handicraft Village Excursion to the north of Chiang Mai to visit an elephants working site. Watch the elephants taking their daily bath in the stream before beginning to haul timber in the forest. You will be amazed by their strength and clever team work. On the way, a short visit the Mae Sa Waterfalls in the Ruckachati National. Then go to Bo Srang Umbrella Village, in this village of cottage industries, visitors can view young women in traditional costumes hand-paint silk and cotton umbrellas in various animal and floral designs. There are also craft shops selling various northern Thai handicrafts. Tour of the Handicraft factories to see the manufacturing of lacquer ware, the spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and how paper umbrellas are made. Also visit a famous Thai wood carving factory with possibility to buy Burmese antiques. BANGKOK 2-DAY/1-NIGHT Day 1: Royal Palace – Temples Visit to the amazing Grand Palace, the official residence of the King of Thailand until the middle of the 20th century. In the grounds of the palace is also Wat Phra Keow, the temple of the Emerald Budha. After lunch, we proceed to the Golden Budha Temple (Wat Tri Mitr) and Wat Pho, where we will see the reclining Budha Image. After that, we will go to the Wimarnmek Throne. On the way, we will pass by some historical sites in town, like The City Pillar Shrine, The Democracy monument, The Golden Mountain (Wat Srakat), The Equestrian Statue of King RamaV The Great and The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Back to the hotel and free evening at leisure. Day 2: Floating Market – Phra Patom Chedi After early breakfast, we will go to one of the most famous attractions in Bangkok, the Floating Market (Damneonsadauk). Shops and customers move their way around on boats. If you like spicy food, this is the best place to try the typical Boat Noodles, a specialty of the Thai cuisine. After that, visit to the Rose Garden, where you will see villagers, in their natural habitat, working to create traditional village handicrafts such as silk-weaving, pottery-making and even the intricate crafting of silver and laquerware. At your option, you can also see one of the best elephant shows in Thailand. After that, we will visit the Buddhamonthon, the tallest Budha Image in Thailand which marks the center of the largest Buddhist place in the country. In the late afternoon, back to the hotel for freshen up. In the evening, we will visit the Lumpini Night Bazar, one of the best in town. Free time for shopping and dinner. NOTE: In case the customers are here on a Sunday, we can take them to the Sunday Market, the best and cheapest place for shopping. PHUKET 2-DAY/1-NIGHT Day 1: Phuket – Phuket Fantasea Depending on the time of your flight, free afternoon to enjoy the hotel beach or join one of the optional excursions. In the evening, we will visit Phuket Fantasea, which won the Thailand Tourism Award of Best attraction. There, we will see one of the most amazing shows in Thailand, where they tell a very famous legend of a blessed kingdom. Day 02: James Bond Island Today, we will spend the whole day visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Enjoy the crystal clear water to go snorkeling. See the colorful fishes and beautiful corals. Back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Free evening at leisure. PATTAYA 2-DAY/1-NIGHT Day 01: Tiger Zoo – Ripley’s Believe it or not We start our day traveling by bus from Bangkok to Pattaya (2h30). On the way, we will have lunch and visit the amazing Tiger Zoo, which claims to have the largest number of Bengal tigers in Asia. After that, we will visit the Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum. The attraction is located in front of the beach and in a shopping complex. After the museum, feel free to explore the area. At your option, in the evening you can also go to the famous Tiffany’s show. Day 02: Nong Nooch Garden – Mini Siam After breakfast, we will go to Nong Nooch Garden & Elephant show, where we’ll also have lunch. In the afternoon, visit to the world’s wonders miniatures at Mini Siam. At appropriate time, we will take the bus back to Bangkok. NOTE: For more options and programs, please feel free to contact us.

FACTS ABOUT VIETNAM

GEOGRAPHY:    The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is an independent country with its sovereignty, unification and entire territory. It includes mainland, islands, territorial waters and air space. Looking at the map, you can see Vietnam which is a curved and S shaped land strip. It is located in the centre of South East Asia with the area of 329,241 km2 and the coast of 3,260 km and the land border of 4,510 km. On the mainland, from the north pole to the south pole (as the crow flies) it is 1,650 km long, from the east pole to the west pole, the widest place is 600 km and the narrowest one is 50 km.. NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES: China - north, Lao P.D.R. and Thailand - southwest, and Cambodia - south. AREA: 513,115 sq. km PEOPLE:    There are 54 different ethnic groups in which Kinh ethnic group occupies nearly 90% of the whole population, the rest of over 10% is the population of 53 groups. POPULATION:    76,324,753, as of April 1999. There are 54 different ethnic groups in which Kinh ethnic group occupies nearly 90% of the whole population, the rest of over 10% is the population of 53 groups. RELIGION:    Buddhism comes from India, Confucianism, Taoism come from China, Catholicism, Protestantism come from the West. LANGUAGES:    As Viet (Kinh) ethnic group occupies more than 90% of the population, it becomes the official language of Vietnam. Other 53 ethnic groups has its own language. CLIMATE:    Vietnam is strongly influenced by the North East wind. In general, Vietnam has a hot season with a lot of rains and a quite cold season with little rain. CURRENCY:    Vietnamese Dongs (US$ 1=15.750.000 VND). US$ can be exchanged into VND or cheques at banks or foreign exchange offices, hotels and gold, silver and gem trading shops. TIME: GMT+ 7 hours BUSINESS HOURS:    All state-owned companies work from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, from Monday to Friday. Banks opens at 7.30 am or 8.00 am and close at 3.30 pm, closed on Saturday afternoons and Sunday. Private shops open from 8 am or 8.30 am and close at 9 pm or 10 pm.

VIETNAM OPTIONS SAIGON STOPOVER TOURS (3-DAY/2-NIGHT) Day 1: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL Meet on arrival at Tan Son Nhat / International airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Pm: Sightseeing around the city including Reunification Hall (Former Presidential Palace), History Museum, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Ben Thanh market. Photo stops at famous tourist sites such as City Hall, Grand Theatre, Notre Dame Cathedral and Center Post Office. Dinner at local restaurant. Accommodation.   Day 2: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI   Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Cu Chi and visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the American war. Lunch at local restaurant. PM: Drive back to Saigon free yourself for shopping or discovering HCM city. Accommodation. Day 3: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE   Breakfast at hotel. Free time until transfer to the airport for international departure flight. HANOI STOPOVER TOURS (3-DAY/2-NIGHT) Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. PM: City tour (if time permits): Ngoc Son & Quan Thanh Temples and the old quarter of Hanoi. Dinner at local restaurant. Evening : Enjoy water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art. Accommodation. Day 2: TOURING HANOI Breakfast at hotel. Full day Hanoi City tour: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday and the whole October-November) and his residence, One-Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, Army Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue to visit Temple of Literature built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university, Fine-Art Museum and Dong Xuan market. Have shopping at Ha Noi Old’s Quarter. Dinner and accommodation. Day 3: HANOI DEPARTURE Breakfast at hotel. Time at leisure until transfer to Hanoi / Noi Bai airport for departure. EXPLORING THE HIDDEN CHARM OF VIETNAM (6-DAY/5-NIGHT) Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL PM: Arrival at Noi Bai Airport. Welcome and transfer to hotel. Short city tour to Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam (1076), Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple, stroll around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter. Dinner followed by water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. Day 2: HANOI - HA LONG AM: After breakfast, an excursion to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Lunch at restaurant. PM: Coach trip to Halong, the most beautiful landscape in Vietnam while enjoying Vietnam's rural scenery. Transfer to hotel. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Ha Long.   Day 3: HA LONG - HANOI AM: A morning on the boat to view the emerald water of Halong Bay (5 hours) and many charming islets. Visit two natural caves – Thien Cung & Dong Go grottoes with various shapes of stalagmites. Have a view to Dog Islet, Insences Burning Islet, Fighting Cock Islet. sunbathing at a white sand beach. Seafood lunch on boat. PM: Drive back to Hanoi. A stopover to Dong Trieu Ceramic village. Arrival at Hanoi. Dinner in the local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi. Day 4: HANOI - HO CHI MINH CITY AM: Breakfast. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for early fight to Ho Chi Minh. Check in. Lunch at a local restaurant. PM: Back to the city, visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Conference Hall. Back to hotel. Cruise on Saigon River while dining on boat. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.   Day 5: HO CHI MINH CITY - ME KONG DELTA AM: Departure for My Tho (the first province in the Mekong Delta hub - about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City). Visit to Dong Tam snake-farm and Vinh Trang Pagoda. Boat trip on Mekong river to visit a fruit garden. Lunch at a local restaurant. PM: Back to the city, visit Jade Emperor Pagoda. Dinner by your own tonight. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Day 6: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE AM: Breakfast. Shopping at the city's center before coach transfer to airport for departure. NOTE: For more options and programs, please feel free to contact us.

CAMBODIA OPTIONS UNVEILED ANGKOR 3DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS   Day 1: SIEM REAP ARRIVAL Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond. Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Accommodation at hotel. Day2: SIEM REAP TOUR Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup until sunset. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Accommodation at hotel Day 3: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE Breakfast at hotel. Visit the floating village of the Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits) Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to the next destination. LEGEND OF ANGKOR 4DAYS/ 3NIGHTS Day 1: SIEM REAP ARRIVAL Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond. Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Accommodation at hotel. Day2: SIEM REAP TOUR In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup until sunset. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Accommodation at hotel. Day 3: SIEM REAP TOUR Breakfast at hotel. Morning, drive to Kbal Spean. Walk 45 minutes through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean, the "Thousand Linga River". Discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled into the rocky riverbed, the Royal Bath and the waterfall. Continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei, nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carvings. In the afternoon, visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to the "anastylosis" restoration method being used. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people that inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found at this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period, similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. Return to Siem Reap at the end of the afternoon. Accommodation at hotel. Day 4: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE Breakfast at hotel. Visit the floating village of the Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to the next destination. PHNOM PENH-SIEM REAP 7DAYS / 6 NIGHTS Day 1: PHNOM PENH ARRIVAL Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the Victory Monument and the National Museum, the Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town, and Silver Pagoda, which located within the Royal Palace ground. You will then end your tour with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree lined avenues of the city during sunset. Accommodation at hotel. Day 2: PHNOM PENH TOURS Depart from Phnom Penh. En route, visit a Cham Muslim village. Arrive at Phnom Baset. Visit the pre-Angkorian temple (8th century) and the pagoda to view the reclining Buddha. Enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding plains and rice-fields from the hilltop. Drive to Udong where a picnic lunch will be served. Then, visit the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former Kings are preserved. Next, visit the most impressive structure of the site, the "Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha". En route to Phnom Penh, stop to visit a silver craft village. Overnight in Phnom Penh. Day3: PHNOM PENH TOURS Breakfast at hotel. Depart from Phnom Penh to Tonle Bati. Visit the late rite temple of Ta Prohm built by King Jayavarman VII (ruled 1181 to 1201), on the site of a 6th century Khmer shrine. The main sanctuary consists of five chambers with in each is a lingam. Then, visit Yeay Peau temple, named after King Ta Prohm's mother, located 150 m north of Ta Prohm. Visit a silk weaving village before proceeding to Prasat Neang Khmao. Visit Prasat Neang Khmao, the temple of the Black Virgin (10th century). Return to Phnom Penh for lunch. Visit the notorious Toul Sleng Museum. In 1975 Toul Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest such center of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeun Ek to e executed; detainees who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison ground. The museum displays include room after of these photographs of men, women and children covering the walls fro floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later killed. Choeung Ek museum, between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. They were often bludgeoned to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. Fragments of human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls, arranged by sex and age, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, which was erected in 1988. Overnight in Phnom Penh. Day 4: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple(unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond. Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Accommodation at hotel. Day 5: SIEM REAP TOURS Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Accommodation at hotel. Day 6: SIEM REAP TOURS Breakfast at hotel. Morning, drive to Kbal Spean. Walk 45 minutes through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean, the "Thousand Linga River." Discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled into the rocky riverbed, the Royal Bath and the waterfall. Continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei, nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carvings. In the afternoon, visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to the "anastylosis" restoration method being used. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people that inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found at this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period, similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. Return to Siem Reap at the end of the afternoon. Accommodation at hotel. Day 7: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE Breakfast at hotel. Visit the floating village of the Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to the next destination. NOTE: For more options and programs, please feel free to contact us.

LAOS OPTION EXPLORING THE TIMELESS LAOS 6-DAY/5-NIGHT Day 1: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. A city tour acquaints us with the major sights of the capital. We visit the sacred Wat Sisaket the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa , we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument , which is well known as Vientiane 's own Arc de Triumph, sunset by Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight in Vientiane. Day 2: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG We board a short afternoon flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia . The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos . On arrival, we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun , the shrine of Wat Aham , Wat Mai , we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar , where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Day3: LUANG PRABANG - PAUKO CAVE After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River , which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves , crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai , where they make the local rice wine. On return, we also have time visiting Ban Xangkhong , Ban Xienglek , villages of Jute Sar paper hand making, known for its hand made paper quality. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Day 4: LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANGSI WATERFALLS Breakfast Breakfast; this morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay , Hmong Village, Ban Ou , Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene , Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath . Overnight in Luang Prabang. Day 5: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE The National Museum at the former Royal Palace , which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, and the Central Market are not to be missed. Today, we visit these sights before catching a flight back to Vientiane . After checking into hotel, we transfer out to see the Buddha Park , a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River and the impressive Friendship Bridge . A view of the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River is perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane. Day 6: VIENTIANE DEPARTURE After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market , and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure.

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