CAMBODIA AND THAILAND:
In Search of the Khmer
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current Asian Destinations
A
Journey Through Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand
In the 8th through the 13th century, southeast Asia was
dominated by the the powerful, opulent empire of the Khmers.
Standing in mute testimony of the greatness of that civilization
are magnificent and highly decorated temple complexes and
cities throughout Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
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 Khmer, 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 that traverses
three countries. In Cambodia spend six days exploring the
great Khmer city of Angkor Thom, including glorious Banteay
Srei and, of course, Angkor Wat. While in Cambodia, we will
visit the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh where we
will see the National Museum filled with Khmer treasures,
the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda, home of a priceless
emerald Buddha.
From
Cambodia we will cross the border into Laos and motor down
the Mekong River, a major artery of the Khmer Empire, to
the spectacular temple of Vat Phou. This great city is located
along the water’s edge proclaiming this civilization’s
greatness. Then it's on to Thailand to explore the impressive
Khmer cities and temples rarely visited by tourists and
as impressive as the ones in Cambodia.
Join
Dr. Michael D. Coe, author of Angkor and the Khmer Civilization,
and only 17 others for this memorable and unusual trip.
ITINERARY:
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
 Day
1: Depart Los Angeles on Thai Airways.
Day
2: Arrive Bangkok and transfer to the elegant 5-star Sukhothai
Hotel, our home for the next two nights.
Day
3: The morning will be spent in the National Museum, repository
of a wealth of the country's artifacts. Lunch will be in
the Supatra River House, overlooking the mighty Chao Phraya
River.  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. Dinner
is on our own. (B/L)
Day
4: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh,
the capital of Cambodia. Begin in 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. Continue to 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 distributor
for all books in Cambodia. Overnight for two 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. (B/L/D)
Day
5: There will be time this morning to walk through the Russian
Market to search for that special prized object to take
home. Then it's on to The Killing Fields Museum, documenting
the devastation left by the Khmer Rouge. Dinner is on our
own this evening. (B/L)
 Day
6: Transfer back to the airport for the morning flight to
Siem Reap, Cambodia, the town adjoining the ancient city
of Angkor. Stretching over some 400 sq. km., including forested
area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent
remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from
the 9th to the 15th century. The site of Angkor, including
Angkor Thom, the renowned Angkor Wat, and the Bayon Temple
with its countless sculptural decorations, was inscribed
simultaneously on the  World
Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger
in 1992. We begin our exploration of the Archaeological
Park by traveling 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. Gather for
a welcome dinner party this evening. (B/L/D)
Day
7: Drive north to Banteay Srei, an exquisite miniature temple
hidden in the heart of an immense 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 recently formed to stimulate international
scholarship on Khmer studies. This morning, we meet with
Dr. Philippe Peycam, the Center’s director, and learn
about their research fellowships and their program to cooperate
with and help Cambodian institutions of higher learning.
Then we will go to Wat Bo, one of several wats in central
Siem Reap. Its main religious and community buildings survived
the Khmer Rouge and provide a warm glimpse of the past.
Here, view a notable collection of cultural artifacts before
enjoying a privately arranged traditional shadow puppet
show. (B/L/D)
 Day
8: Spend the day exploring Angkor Thom, the last capital
of the Khmer Empire and surely one of the world’s
great archaeological sites. Ride elephants along a trail
in the forest from the South Gate across a causeway bordered
with stone figures engaged in the ‘Churning of the
Ocean,’ and through the beautiful South Gate dismounting
at the Bayon.  There
are more than 2000 large faces carved on the 54 towers of
the Bayon, and two galleries of bas-reliefs depicting Khmer
life a thousand years ago. Walk along the corridors of the
temple to see its awe-inspiring sculpture, and then the
Terrace of the Elephants, protected by a multitude of these
creatures. 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. Angkor Wat was constructed
as the funerary temple of a 12th century king, and the complex
represents an earthly model of the cosmic world. We will
spend the afternoon exploring this majestic monument and
learning about the imagery depicted in the series of bas-relief
panels along the central building’s corridors - scenes
from the Hindu epic, the Mahabarata, and of famous battles.
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
9: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 walk into the vast complex
of Preah Khan, covering 140 acres, where by special arrangement
we meet with John Sanday of the World Monuments Fund, or
a member of his staff. The World Monuments Fund has been
restoring this enormous set of buildings, and John will
show us the work they are doing here. As guests of the World
Monuments Fund, we will then enjoy a private classical dance
performance within Preah Khan’s ancient Hall of the
Dancers, and join the WMF staff for cocktails in the rain
forest after the show. Dinner is on our own this evening.
(B/L)
 Day
10: Today we 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,
containing extremely fine carved scenes on its inner walls,
and the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, where the roots of
giant trees encase the temples.  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
11: Fly to Vientiane, Laos. Upon arrival, visit the Central
Market filled with delectable items, and Camacrafts, a non-profit,
self-help project assisting Hmong and Lao women. Then it’s
on to Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles workshop, studio and
gallery where we meet with Carol to learn about Laotian
hand-woven silk. She employs 40 Lao artisans to produce
exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom
furnishing fabrics. Her pieces are displayed in galleries
and museums throughout the world. The afternoon and evening
is free for further explorations on our own. 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. Overnight at the Settha Palace Hotel
for two nights. (B/L/D)
 Day
12: Fly to
Paksé in remote southern Laos. The slow-moving Mekong
River flows through this part of the country 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 Paksé, 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 mysterious 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 Paksé for the night. Tonight's
hotel will be very simple. (B/L/D)
Day
13: Cross the border from Pakse and drive to Ubon. Visit
the museum in the afternoon. Overnight in the Lai Tong Hotel
in Ubon Ratchathani for one night. (B/L/D)
 Day
14: 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 Dangek 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. The 11th-century sanctuary of Prasat Kamphaeng
Yai is set in the heart of a small village next to a modern
wat. It attracted Theravada Buddhist monks and so its religious
function has continued. Overnight for two nights in the
Thong Tarin Hotel in Surin. (B/L/D)
 Day
15: Spend exploring two spectacular sites. Originally
built in the 12th century in the Angkor Wat style, Prasat
Sikhoraphum's five towers have an unusual shape as they
were later re-built by the Lao. Located on the edge of a
village, the charming complex is rarely visited and has
great charm. The rich and intricate details on the sandstone
lintels are a special delight. Built of high quality pink
sandstone and standing atop a hill with views of the surrounding
plain, Prasat Phnom Rung is an impressive temple. The richly-decorated
lintels and pediments attest to the wealth of the family
who built it. (B/L/D)
 Day
16: Standing majestically on the banks of the Mun River,
the stunning complex of Prasat Phimai is without a doubt
the most important Khmer monument in Thailand. It owes much
of its importance to the local ruling dynasty, a family
that supplied a succession of Angkor's kings including two
of the greatest Khmer rulers, Suryavarman II and Jayavarman
VII. We will spend the day visiting the city and its museum.
Continue to Korat and overnight at the Sima Thani Hotel.
(B/L/D)
 Day
17: As we drive to Lopburi, we will stop along the road
northeast of Bangkok to see the stone quarry of Si Khiu.
Here we will be able to see blocks of stone partly cut from
the living rock and evidently intended to be lintels and
other decorations for Khmer temples. Although many times
restored, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, or Lopburi, is still
an impressive example of late Khmer provincial architecture.
We will end our day in Ayuthaya at the Krung Sri River Hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day
18: Spend this morning in 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. In the afternoon, board a boat that takes us down
the mighty Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. Gather this evening
for our festive final dinner party at one of the city's
finest restaurants, The Blue Elephant, housed in a century
old building. Overnight for two nights at the five-star
Sukhothai Hotel. (B/L/D)
 Day
19: Begin today in the renowned 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.  Thompson's
achievements during his 25 year stay in the Kingdom of Thailand
won him much fame as the "Legendary American of Thailand".
The house consists of a complex of six traditional Thai-style
houses, teak structures that were purchased from several
owners and brought to the present location from various
parts of Thailand. Construction of the Thai house was completed
in 1959. Our elegant lunch will be in one of the fine restaurants
overlooking the legendary Chao Phraya River. The afternoon
is free for last minute shopping. Dinner is on our own this
evening. (B/L)
Day 20: Transfer to the Bangkok International Airport
for our return flight to the Los Angeles.
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
 STUDY
LEADER: Dr. Michael D. Coe is an anthropologist
and Professor Emeritus of Yale University. Dr. Coe first
visited Angkor in 1954 when he was struck by the amazing
similarities between the two great tropical forest civilizations
- ancient Khmer and ancient Maya. Subsequently, he published
articles on the Khmer in scholarly journals. In 1993, he
returned to Angkor and continues to be fascinated by the
subject that brought him there in the first place. Dr. Coe
is the author of Angkor and the Khmer Civilization,
published by Thames & Hudson in 2003.
2006 TRIP DATES: No trip currently scheduled
2006 TRIP COST:
(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 flights within Cambodia and Thailand.
 2006
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Far Horizons
will attempt to find a roommate for participants requesting
that we do so. However, if one is not available, the single
supplement will be charged.
COST
DOES NOT INCLUDE: the tax-deductible check for $150.00
written to the Center for Khmer Studies; passport or visa
fees; airport taxes; gratuities to guides and drivers; food,
alcoholic beverages and other drinks not on the regular
menu; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; telephone,
fax or email charges; or other items of a personal nature.
DONATION
CHECKS: The cost of the trip does not include the separate
donation check for $150.00 (per person) written to the Center
for Khmer Studies As a tour company that benefits from the
historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations,
we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological
and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations.
This has created a bond with the academic community that
allows you to gain an 'insider's view' of work being done
in each country. Your donation check will go directly to
the project's budget.
 CENTER
FOR KHMER STUDIES: The Center for Khmer Studies is
based in Siem Reap (Angkor). It was recently created to
serve as a forum enabling international academic exchange
on Khmer studies; to help promote a new community of Cambodian
scholars who will contribute original knowledge to this
field; and to expand the field of Khmer studies internationally,
in partnership with Cambodian institutions of higher education.
Your tax-deductible check for $150.00 will assist the Center
with its goals.
TRAVEL
IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD: The tourist infrastructure
in both Cambodia and Thailand does not always meet United
States’ standards. Changes in both accommodations
and flight times might occur. A good book to read while
waiting in airports, a flexible attitude and a sense of
humor will be beneficial.
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.
RESERVATION: A deposit of $500.00 along with a separate
check made out to the $150.00 written to the Center for
Khmer Studies is required along with your registration form.
Final payment is due 75 days before departure.
Upon receipt of your deposit,
the donation check, and completed registration form, you
will be sent a tour bulletin containing travel information.
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 17 PARTICIPANTS
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