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. 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 21-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 on our way to 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 Wat Phu, 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 |
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Day 1: Depart Los Angeles on our group flight to Bangkok.
Day 2: Arrive Bangkok. Transfer to the 5-star Peninsula Hotel, our home for two nights.
 Day 3: Begin the day with a visit to the Grand Palace, the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Within the grounds of the Grand Palace we will also view the Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Following this tour we will travel by long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River through the klongs or canals to see the family homes, temples and way of life in what is commonly referred to as the “Venice of the East”. En route visit the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun, whose 79m spire has become so identified with Bangkok. After enjoying our welcome lunch, enjoy a tour of 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 complex 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. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
 Day 4: Transfer back to the airport for the early morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival 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, Preah 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. Tonight while enjoying dinner watch a traditional dance performance at the hotel’s Apsara Theatre. (B/L/D)
 Day 5: Drive to Banteay Srei, an exquisite miniature temple hidden in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest. 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 early afternoon is free to explore Siem Reap or lounge by the pool at Angkor Village. Time permiting, in the late afternoon we go to Angkor Wat to view the sunset. Following the sunset, we watch a traditional shadow puppet show at Wat Bo, sharing our enjoyment of this time-honored art form with the local children who gather drawn to the spectacle .(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, as well as Baphoun temple. This afternoon we visit the Artisans d’Angkor Workshop created to revive, support and teach the artistic traditions of Siem Reap and the surrounding areas. (B/L/D)
Day 7: 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. Following lunch, visit the lovely Neak Pean, where a sanctuary was built within a vast pond in the form of a cross and crowned with a lotus blossom.  In the late afternoon, we will go to the vast complex of Preah Khan, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII and covering 140 acres. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)
Day 8: Today we continue our exploration of the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm, a site that has been left largely untouched since its “rediscovery” by French explorers. Visit Thommanon, a small temple dedicated to Shiva, recently restored, which boasts of beautiful Apsara carvings, as well as Prasat Kravan, the Cardamom Sanctuary, containing extremely fine bas reliefs on its inner walls. Enter the East Gate of nearby Banteay Kdei, or the Monk’s Citadel, which overlooks the sacred lake of Srah Srang. This afternoon we drive to Ton Le Sap Lake the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. For most of the year the lake is fairly small; however, during the monsoon season, the Tonle Sap river which connects the lake with the Mekong river reverses its flow. Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area from 2,700 to 16,000 square km flooding nearby fields and forests. Boarding a small, shaded vessel provides the perfect opportunity to drift amongst the floating villages and small fish farms that border the lake and to witness the ritual of lake life. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)
Day 9: Today’s adventure will take us on a drive over intermittently bumpy roads to Beng Mealea, which translates as Lotus Pond, and is 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. Clambering over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and worship corridor is an exploration to remember. (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 Sambor 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, so named for the 5,000 silver tiles which adorn it and which houses the priceless Emerald Buddha sculpted from baccarat crystal. We visit the magnificent National Museum of Art that contains some of the greatest works of art ever produced in Southeast Asia. Founded by the French in the early 20th century, the museum is housed in a beautiful building built in traditional style. We will stop by The Killing Fields Museum, documenting the devastation left by the Khmer Rouge. Time permitting, we will drive to the outskirts of Phnom Penh to the memorial stupa, or domed spires, at Cheung Ek where the remains of Toul Sleng inmates are displayed. Our special dinner party this evening will be in the elegant Topaz Restaurant serving exquisite Southeast Asian cuisine. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Our all day tour takes us northeast of Phnom Penh to Prasat Wat Nokor, also known as Nokor Bachey Pagoda. At first glance, this decaying 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite, seems to offer simply another opportunity to visit a Khmer temple. Instead, as though passing through a portal, a transformation occurs and little by little we become aware that this a “living temple” and, furthermore, that  seemingly grafted onto this ancient site is an equally important and revered modern expression of the Buddhist faith. Certainly we find the ubiquitous reclining Buddha, carved lintels and pediments still in situ; but we then find ourselves visually assaulted by a riot of multi-hued, almost garishly painted scenes from the life of Buddha. Additionally, there are current day altars created by and for the devoted nestled within the many ancient alcoves each graced with a modern day statue of Buddha. To have the opportunity to see this vivid juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern within a living temple is an experience not to be missed. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Begin the day wandering through the Russian Market or Psar Toul Tom Puong, repository of an amazing selection of goods from silk to silver to antiquities. Following an early lunch, we fly to Vientiane, Laos. 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. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 14: 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 Paksé 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 majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Wat Phu, 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 and overnight in a simple hotel located in the center of the town. (B/L/D)
Day 15: This morning’s flight returns us to Vientiane. Visit Vientiane's renowned Central Market overflowing with enticing wares. Tour 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 take on a beautiful golden glow. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of this capital city's many fine restaurants. (B/L)
Day 16: This morning we 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, explore Vientiane, walking along the river, visiting the vegetable market as well as Rasanikone Handicrafts. Dine tonight in Le Nedao Restaurant, hosted by the owner/chef, Saiyaveuth, who is the scion of a Lao royal family and trained as a chef in France.
(B/L/D)
Day 17: Fly to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage City.  Enjoy lunch at the Blue Elephant Restaurant upon arrival. Walk through the truly picturesque city of Luang Prabang and 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. Overnight for three nights in the Villa Santi, a boutique hotel, each room elegantly decorated in Royal Laotian style and located in the heart of the city. (B/L)
Day 18: Today we explore 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. Those interested in a climb and a spectacular view of Luang Prabang at sunset may climb to Wat That Phusi, overlooking the city and the Mekong River beyond. (B/L/D)
Day 19: This morning 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 lunch and on the way back to town, visit a local Hmong village and see the impressive Kouang Si waterfalls. Gather this evening at Brasserie L’Elephant, considered the finest restaurant in Luang Prabang, for our farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 20: Early this morning, watch the monks receive their offering of food from the local people. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Overnight at the 4-star Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, across the street from the airport. Lunch is served on our flight and dinner is on our own. (B)
Day 21: Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Los Angeles. (B)
 STUDY LEADER: Malcolm David Eckel studied Sanskrit at Oxford and received his Ph.D from Harvard University in comparative religion with special emphasis on the Buddhist traditions of India, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. He is the Dean of the Core Curriculum and Associate Professor of Religion at Boston University where he has taught courses on Buddhism, comparative religion, and the religions of Asia. Professor Eckel has been a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship and the Metcalf Award for Teaching Excellence, Boston University’s highest award for teaching. Professor Eckel is a popular lecturer on The Teaching Company’s lecture series. He is a scholar of Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Pali (the language of the earliest extant Buddhist canon). In addition to many articles, he has published two books on Buddhism: To See the Buddha: A Philosopher’s Quest for the Meaning of Emptiness and Buddhism: Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places. He is currently working on a book on the traditional classifications of Buddhist philosophy in India and Tibet. His knowledge of Buddhism and Hinduism, the two religions that dominate ancient and modern Cambodia and Laos, makes Professor Eckel particularly suitable to lead this trip.
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: a donation of $150.00 per person to Heritage Watch, passport or visa fees, airport taxes, beverages or food not included on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, gratuities to guides and drivers, alcoholic drinks, or other items of a personal nature.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,595.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
FUEL SURCHARGES: Far Horizons must pass on price increases for uncontrollable charges such as flights and other services due to additional fuel charges.
DEPOSIT: 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.
 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.
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.
TRAVEL IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD: The tourist infrastructure in both Cambodia and Laos does not meet United States’ standards. Please keep this in mind as you travel through these countries.
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.
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TO 18 PARTICIPANTS
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