TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam 2020
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 14) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Small Groups on the Road Less Traveled 1 Overseas Adventure Travel ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
We've always felt that real travel is about meeting new people and discovering unfamiliar cultures—elements that are at the heart of every O.A.T. adventure.
In the following pages, you'll find detailed information about the adventure you've expressed interest in, including a detailed day-to-day itinerary. We've also included visa requirements, regional weather conditions, local currency and health information—even a few film and book recommendations for further inspiration about this destination.
Exploring the world with O.A.T. allows you to experience the awe and wonder of familiar and far- flung destinations in a small group of 8-16 travelers (with an average of 14). And since no one brings a new location to life better than someone who makes his or her home in that destination, you'll be accompanied by one of our local Trip Leaders, who will serve as your chief experience leader—helping to ensure you're getting the personalized experiences you're looking for.
With O.A.T. you'll benefit from our decades-long experience introducing the world to American travelers at the best value anywhere. We have the lowest prices in the industry and offer FREE Single Supplements—which means solo travelers never pay more for their own hotel or cabin. Plus, you can join the 85% of travelers who are choosing to personalize their experiences. From extending your travels—whether with us or on your own—to building in time to ensure a smooth beginning and end to your adventure, the choice is yours.
We hope you find the information inside helpful. If you have any further questions about this trip, don't hesitate to contact one of our Adventure Specialists at 1-800-955-1925. Thank you again for your interest, and we look forward to welcoming you soon on a life-changing adventure.
Warm regards,
Alan E. Lewis Harriet R. Lewis Chairman Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. Visit us online to find videos and films about our adventures—from independent films featuring the destinations you'll visit, to itinerary highlights. Go to www.oattravel.com and enjoy the show!
1073 POD PMA-LET.indd 1 5/31/12 4:11 PM
2 WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included ...... 4 Departure Dates and Prices ...... 5 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6
DETAILED DAY -TO-DAY ITINERARY ...... 7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP...... 53
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements ...... 55
Health ...... 58
Money Matters ...... 62
Preparing for Your Trip ...... 67 Packing ...... 71 Climate ...... 78 About Your Destinations ...... 82
Demographics & History ...... 90
Resources ...... 106
MAP ...... 115
3 Participate in a traditional alms-giving ceremony in Laos
Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam Small Group Adventure Thailand: ÖłėĴŋĴ̳Ά̳Laos:dŽÖłėũÖðÖłė̇māĴŋłėĢƑāũ!ũŽĢŭā̇ÁĢāłŶĢÖłā̳Ά̳Cambodia:ĞłŋĿāłĞ̇łėĴŋũÂÖŶ̳Ά Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Countries: 4 Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆5
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 14) • International airfare, airport transfers, • 32 small group activities government taxes, fees, and airline fuel $ Explore in a small group of 8-16 20 days from 3995 surcharges unless you choose to make • travelers (average group size of 14) Includes international airfare your own air arrangements Services of a local O.A.T. Trip All land transportation and • Travel from only $200 a day • Experience Leader 4 internal flights Gratuities for local guides, drivers, $ Accommodations for 18 nights • 18 days from 2695 • and luggage porters 40 meals—daily breakfast, Without international airfare • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit 15 lunches, and 7 dinners (including • toward your next adventure— Single Supplement: FREE 1 Home-Hosted Dinner and an average of $327 1 community lunch)
Maximize Your To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure, Discoveries & Value watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/lvc2020
Optional extension s : Burma & the Irrawaddy River 7 nights pre-trip from $1995 Travel from only $285 per night New! Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa 7 nights post-trip from $1495 Travel from only $214 per night New! Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River Kwai 8 nights post-trip from $1295 Travel from only $162 per night Stopover in Hong Kong 3 nights from $695 Travel from only $232 per night Single Supplement: FREE
Alms-giving, Luang Prabang, Laos
Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
4 Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE From spending more time abroad or adding extensions, to Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam choosing your air preferences, our Adventure Specialists are here to discuss your personalization options at 1-800-955-1925. 2020 Dates & Prices Visit www.oattravel.com/personalize-lvc2020 for details.
APRIL; DEPART FROM JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH SEPTEMBER MAY AUGUST OCTOBER
Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Tampa $4995 $4895 $4795 $4695 $4095 $3995 $5095 Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, $5095 $4995 $4895 $4795 $4195 $4095 $5195 San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, DC Atlanta, Boston $5195 $5095 $4995 $4895 $4295 $4195 $5295 Detroit, Houston, Phoenix $5295 $5195 $5095 $4995 $4395 $4295 $5395
Dallas $5395 $5295 $5195 $5095 $4495 $4395 $5495 Without international airfare $3695 $3595 $3495 $3395 $2795 $2695 $3795
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. LVC2020
Critical Air Information Below, you’ll find the East and West Coast cities with the longest flight times. For more information on average flight times based on your gateway city, visit www.oattravel.com/lvc2020. GATEWAY DEPART RETURN
Hours Typical Connection Hours Typical Connection Miami (East Coast) 26 hrs 2 27 hrs 2 Portland (West Coast) 21 hrs 2 20 hrs 2
A visa is required for entry into Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and for Burma on the pre-trip extension. You will receive application information after you reserve. Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/lvc2020pricing
COMBINE ADVENTURES FREE SINGLE RESERVE EARLY & SAVE SHARE YOUR LOVE & SAVE SUPPLEMENT with our Good Buy Plan OF TRAVEL We offer FREE Single New travelers you refer will See more of the world—and Supplements on your main The earlier you pay by check or instantly save $100, and avoid another international trip and all extensions. electronic funds transfer, the you’ll earn increasing rewards— flight—by combining this more you SAVE! up to a FREE trip! Each departure has limited solo adventure with Japan’s For details, visit . space available—c all today For details, visit Cultural Treasures to reserve. www.oattravel.com/gbd www.oattravel.com/va
Publication Date 10/2/19
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oatt ravel.com/lvc2020
5 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience Your Choice, Your Adventure, Your Way
We recommend you spend extra time in a destination to truly make your adventure everything you’ve ever dreamed about—in fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 90 countries. Call us at 1-800-955-1925 to discuss personalizing your adventure today or visit us online at www.oattravel.com/personalize-lvc2020.
'āƩ łāÈŋŽũRùāÖķdāłėŶĞŋĕŶÖƘ̝arrive early, 3-night Stopover in Hong Kong from $695: More than 7,000 stay later & more travelers arrive early Extending your time in a destination can improve your overall travel Arrive early in Hong Kong for a fresh start before your main experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening adventure. An O.A.T. representative will meet you at the airport in cultural interactions. Your local Trip Experience Leader will help to Hong Kong and assist with transfer into the city for three nights in a ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking centrally-located hotel with daily breakfast—the rest is up to you. for. With their unmatched understanding of Southeast Asian culture, Back-to-Back Adventures: 90% of travelers who combined two it’ll be no surprise to you that 94% of our travelers rate their Trip trips anywhere in the world rated it excellent Experience Leader excellent. One of the most common adventures travelers combine with this one From extending your travels—whether with us or on your own— is Japan’s Cultural Treasures. If you’re already overseas, why not see to building in time to ensure a smooth beginning and end to your more of the world and avoid another international flight? Plus, you’ll Small Group Adventure, the choice is yours. Here are some of save $250-$350 per person when you reserve two trips right after one your options: another. Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of travelers take an extension ũĢƑÖŶāùƑāłŶŽũāŭ̆¦ũÖƑāķĢłÖłāƗóķŽŭĢƑāėũŋŽťŋĕ Trip extensions give you more time, allowing you to get refreshed and acclimated before your adventure begins or before your return to ÖŭĕāƒÖŭ˓ the U.S. On this adventure, you have three extensions to choose from, Reserve an exclusive departure with your friends and family. It’s including Burma & the Irrawaddy River—which 96% of our travelers simple: You choose the people you travel with, the departure date, and have rated excellent—New! Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River the size of your group. O.A.T. does the rest. Kwai, and New! Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa. “Break Away” Options: 30% of travelers spend more time abroad ĢũzťŶĢŋłŭ̆mŋũāŶĞÖł˔ˏͮŋĕŶũÖƑāķāũŭóŽŭŶŋĿĢơā Before or after your main adventure or trip extension, “break away” ŶĞāĢũƪ ĢėĞŶŭ anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring entirely on your • Choose your departure city and airline own. Extend your time abroad with the following options: • Depart from one city and return to another • Spend more time in Bangkok before, or in Ho Chi Minh City after, • Upgrade your seat or choose a specific meal option your adventure • Stay overnight (or for a few days) in Tokyo, a common connecting city on this adventure, or in a destination of your choice Please note: Our Adventure Specialists can help you plan your airfare if you’d like to “break away,” however since this option is completely on your own, you will need to plan your own accommodations, meals, tours, and transfers.
Hong Kong, China
Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
6 Overseas SM Adventure Travel Since 1978
Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam 2020 20-Day Small Group Adventure
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
PRE-TRIP Burma & the Irrawaddy River POST-TRIPS Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa OR Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River Kwai
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
7 OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel with us again, and recommend us to their friends.
A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Our Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure is designed for people who want a different kind of travel experience. We seek out unusual experiences, in out-of-the-way places where ordinary tours don’t go. Unlike most group tours, ours is a small group experience that seeks to provide a more intimate and up-close view of Southeast Asian life. Traveling with no more than 15 others, you ZLOOͫQGWKDWFDPDUDGHULHLVDQLQWHJUDOSDUWRIWKHH[SHULHQFH
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are developing countries, and the overall quality of travel VHUYLFHVLVQRWZKDW\RXZRXOGͫQGLQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVRU(XURSH7UDYHODQGVFKHGXOHVKHUHFDQEH sometimes unpredictable, and there may be times when we cannot follow your published itinerary exactly. The sequence of places visited may vary. In these cases we ask that you bring an open mind and a sense of humor. We are experienced in responding to changing circumstances on the spot, and will do whatever it takes to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
To best enjoy this trip, bring a sense of open curiosity and an adventurous spirit.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» International airfare, airport transfers, » Explore in a small group of 8-16 travelers government taxes, fees, and airline fuel (average group size of 14) surcharges unless you choose to make your » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip own air arrangements ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU » $OOODQGWUDQVSRUWDWLRQDQGLQWHUQDOͬLJKWV » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » Accommodations for 18 nights luggage porters »4 0 meals—daily breakfast, 15 lunches, and » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your 7 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner next adventure—an average of $327 and 1 community lunch) »3 2 small group activities
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
8 WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
PACING » $QKRXUEXVGULYHDQGLQWHUQDOͬLJKWVRI » 6 locations in 19 days with some about 1 hour each with potential for delays early mornings » One overland transfer of about eight hours in an air-conditioned bus, with included PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS stops for lunch and activities en route » Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids FLIGHT INFORMATION » You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted » Travel time will be 20-27 hours and will and participate in 5-7 hours of physical most likely have two connections activities each day ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES » Our activities include a 4-hour walk » All accommodations feature private baths through 3 miles of Angkor Wat on uneven and Western-style toilet facilities surfaces and up 300 non-consecutive steps on Day 15 » Outside of our accommodations, some public restrooms will be limited to » :HUHVHUYHWKHULJKWIRU7ULS([SHULHQFH Asian-style squat toilets Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
CLIMATE » Tropical, with daytime temperatures reaching 95°F with high levels of humidity, especially between March-May » Potential for heavy rains between July-October
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION » Travel over some bumpy, unpaved roads; climb uneven stairways at ancient ruins; and walk over uneven ground » Travel primarily via air-conditioned 20-passenger coach (no toilet on board) » Other modes of transportation include: ox cart; tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles); jumbos (three-wheeled vehicles); remork (a trailer pulled by a motorcycle); motorbike taxi; motorized boat on the Mekong, which will require agility to embark; and a horse-drawn carriage ride on an optional trip extension
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
9 Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam 2020
Veer off Southeast Asia’s trodden paths to uncover the glory days of lost empires—and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures that have emerged in their wakes. Traveling the Indochina peninsula through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, you’ll connect with locals who will share their homes, markets, and schools with you. In our small group, we’ll slip into daily life in Southeast Asia for A Day in the Life of a Laotian village, where we’ll meet young schoolchildren and Hmong villagers. Get a glimpse into the future of the region during a visit to a local school; absorb the quiet tranquility of the early morning as you participate in an alms-giving ceremony with local monks; and truly get a taste of local life here when you join a Laotian family for a meal in their home. And, with a local Trip Experience Leader by your side throughout this adventure, you’ll get a uniquely local perspective on Southeast Asia’s history and traditions as you explore this fascinating part of the world. Behold temples and shrines devoted to Buddhist, Hindu, and animist worship; romantic remnants of French Colonial architecture; and gilded palaces that were once graced by royalty. From the grandeur of Angkor Wat’s temples to the simplicity of life along the Mekong River, it’s an Asian adventure like none other. Plus, go even further off the beaten path when you add our optional Northern Vietnam post-trip extension to the terraced mountainsides of Sapa or our optional Thailand post-trip extension to discover the River Kwai and the Golden Triangle region—NEW extensions. And whenever you’d like, you have the freedom to explore more of Southeast Asia on your own: Break off from the group for independent discoveries—like venturing to Angkor Wat in the early morning to watch the sun rise over the ancient ruins—during free time.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
10 EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Burma & the Irrawaddy River 7 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP Burma, currently known as Myanmar, is a forest-clad country of mountain ranges and river systems, with an abundance of golden pagodas. After a period of isolation, it has again opened itself to visitors, while UHPDLQLQJRQHRIWKHOHDVW:HVWHUQLQͬXHQFHGFRXQWULHVLQ6RXWKHDVW$VLD7UDYHOWR%XUPDWRH[SHULHQFH$VLD as it once was.
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa 7 NIGHTS POST-TRIP See Northern Vietnam from two perspectives when we explore the region’s exciting capital and scenic countryside. Feel the pulse of cosmopolitan Hanoi during a tour, then leave the city behind when we travel WKURXJKVSHFWDFXODUODQGVFDSHVSDVVLQJH[SDQVLYHULFHͫHOGVDQGPRXQWDLQVFORDNHGLQYHJHWDWLRQRQRXUZD\ to remote villages. We’ll meet Vietnam’s distinct hill tribes, including the Black H’mong tribe who is known for their weaving and indigo-dyeing, before capping off our discoveries back in Hanoi.
Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River Kwai 8 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Following your Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure, experience another side of Thailand. On this extension, you’ll dive into the country’s World War II past during a visit to the original bridge on the River Kwai, which you’ll see on foot and by boat. Then, venture up to northern Thailand where cultural treasures abound—from discovering the Golden Triangle’s complicated history to meeting members of the Karen Long Neck Village, and experiencing the inner workings of an elephant care center.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
11 DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Depart U.S. • (QMR\DThai puppet show: Watch one of Thailand’s beloved hun-lakorn-lek, or a Fly overnight from the U.S. to Bangkok, traditional Thai puppet show, to see the skill Thailand, losing one day en route as you cross that goes into this art and learn about the WKH,QWHUQDWLRQDO'DWH/LQHRYHUWKH3DFLͫF country’s history and heritage. • How to get there: A 45- to 50-minute taxi Day 2 Arrive Bangkok, Thailand ride, about $7 USD one way. • Destination: Bangkok • Hours: 7:30pm-8:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO • Cost: About $30 USD. or similar • ([SORUHMuseum Siam: Take a journey Evening: This evening, arrive in Bangkok through Thailand’s past and present as where you will be met at the airport by an you wander through the museum’s myriad O.A.T. representative. You’ll take around one exhibits. Discover a map room, theater, and hour to transfer by van to our hotel, which is interactive displays that cover topics such as located in the heart of downtown Bangkok. politics, rural life, ancient kingdoms, and the Upon arrival, you will check in and receive your future of Thailand. room assignments. We spend four nights in • How to get there: A 30- to 35-minute taxi Bangkok and depending on which hotel we stay ride, about $7 USD one way. at, amenities may include an award-winning • Hours: 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Chinese restaurant, café, lobby lounge, • Cost: About $4 USD. ͫWQHVVFHQWHUDQGRXWGRRUVZLPPLQJSRRO • Take a meditation class: Find your center (DFKRIWKHKRWHO̞VDLUFRQGLWLRQHGURRPV at the Vipassana meditation center in Wat typically includes a safe, wireless Internet, a Mahathat. A meditation class is a great way refrigerator, and a private bathroom. Tonight, to escape the frenetic energy of the city, you can rest at your hotel before exploring the and learn how to steer your thoughts to a city tomorrow. calmer state of mind. Donations to the temple Freedom To Explore: During your three full are welcomed. days in Bangkok, you have the freedom to • How to get there: A 30- to 35-minute taxi explore this vibrant city on your own during ride, about $8 USD one way. your free time. Below are a few recommended • Hours: 1pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm, daily. options for independent explorations: • Cost: Free.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12 Day 3 Discover Bangkok • Exclusive Along the way, we’ll discover a Thai spirit cooking lesson house, which serves as a dwelling for spirits of the dead. These spirits may be connected to • Destination: Bangkok the family or they may be previously connected • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch to the home itself, but either way, the current • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO hosts of the home provide offerings to the or similar spirits at the spirit houses. Our hosts will teach Activity Note: We will ride in a boat on the us the traditional way to pray to these spirits. Chaophraya River and Bangkok Noi Canal Then just after 2:30pm, we’ll board a boat for about 45 minutes. Depending on weather that will pick us up in front of the house. We’ll conditions, the water may be choppy. enjoy a 45-minute cruise down the canal and the iconic Chaophraya River before arriving at Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel the pier around 3:15pm where we’ll disembark starting at 6am, with Thai and American our boat. options available. We’ll drive back to our hotel, arriving just Morning: You’ll meet your small group before 4pm, and you’ll have free time to around 11am, including travelers who took our explore Bangkok on your own. Perhaps you’ll optional Burma & the Irrawaddy River pre-trip take the Skytrain, a local transit system, to the H[WHQVLRQDWD:HOFRPH%ULHͫQJKHOGDWWKH Jim Thompson House. Here, learn about the KRWHO'XULQJWKLVEULHͫQJZHZLOOLQWURGXFH fascinating life of James Thompson—from ourselves and review our itinerary in more his success as the founder of a silk-making detail (including any changes that may need company in Thailand to his mysterious WRRFFXU 2XU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUZLOO disappearance in 1967. Around 6pm, we’ll also discuss logistics, safety and emergency gather and set off on an orientation walk procedures, and answer questions we may have. around the vicinity of our hotel with our Trip Around noon, we’ll board a bus and drive for ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU+HRUVKHZLOOSRLQWRXW about 30 minutes to the Ruan Khun Yai house, restaurants and sites you may want to visit located on the banks of the Bangkok Noi during your free time here. During our walk, Canal. Here, we’ll enjoy an O.A.T.-exclusive we’ll stop to try some local street snacks lesson on how to prepare traditional curry and drinks. We may sample hoi tod, an egg paste. During this 30-minute hands-on pancake that sometimes incorporates seafood experience, a local woman will invite us to help ingredients, before washing it down with her make curry. roselle juice or cha Thai, an herbal drink. This is also a great opportunity to practice wai, the Lunch: At the Ruan Khun Yai house around traditional way to greet locals by pressing your 1pm. We’ll sit down with our host and any hands together and bowing. We’ll return to our members of her family that are present to hotel around 6:45pm. enjoy the Thai dishes that we just learned how to make. Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 13 Evening: You are free to return to your room to Buddha—has resided in the Royal Chapel of the rest before our explorations tomorrow, or you Grand Palace. Around 11:30am, we’ll drive 45 may venture back out to experience Bangkok’s minutes to our lunch location. nightlife. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:15pm. You’ll have a selection of dishes that you Day 4 Explore Bangkok can order, all of which include traditional • Destination: Bangkok 7KDLͬDYRUV • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Afternoon: Our hotel is located about 15 • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO minutes away from the restaurant, so we’ll or similar walk back after lunch. We’ll arrive at the hotel Activity Note: The Grand Palace has a strict around 1:30pm, and you’ll have some free dress code. Men should wear pants, women time. You may take a water taxi around the should wear pants or long skirts that cover Chaophraya River to see scenes of daily life their knees, and both men and women should along the shore of the waterway. Around 5pm, cover their shoulders. It is also recommended to we will reconvene as a group to listen to a young wear shoes that you can easily remove as you’ll journalist’s moving story about the struggles need to take your shoes off before entering the of freedom of expression in contemporary Royal Chapel. Thailand. We can ask him questions about the current state of the media in Thailand and its Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel GLIͫFXOWLHVVLQFHWKH7KDLPLOLWDU\VHL]HGSRZHU starting at 6am, with Thai and American LQ7KLV2$7H[FOXVLYHDFWLYLW\ZLOOͫQLVK options available. by about 6pm, and you’ll have the remainder of Morning: At approximately 8:30am, we’ll the evening free. board a bus and drive for about 30 minutes from Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ̜\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH the hotel to Bangkok’s crown jewel—the Grand Leader can provide recommendations on the Palace of Thailand, a sprawling compound of best locales for whatever your preferences are. ceremonial halls, gilded spires, and ornate EXLOGLQJV7KHFLW\̞VGHͫQLQJODQGPDUNVLQFH Evening: Free for your own discoveries. 1782, the palace became the centerpiece of a You can retire to your room to rest for the new Thai capital called Krung Thep (City of QLJKWRUDVN\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRU Angels), known outside of Thailand as Bangkok. recommendations. It was King Mongkut (or Rama IV) who ruled from this palace, expanded trade with the Day 5 Explore Ayutthaya • Koh Kerd West, and was romanticized in the musical The Village visit King and I. • Destination: Ayutthaya 7KHIRFDOSRLQWRIWKHSDODFHLVWKH(PHUDOG • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Buddha. Carved out of jade and adorned with • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO JROGWKH(PHUDOG%XGGKDPDGHDGUDPDWLF or similar appearance in 1434, when it was found hidden Activity Note: Because Ayutthaya is a religious LQDWHPSOHVWXSD6LQFHWKH(PHUDOG site, visitors are asked to abide by the dress Buddha—the most highly revered image of the code. Men should wear knee-length shorts and women should wear knee-length shorts or Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 14 skirts. Today, we will drive to Ayutthaya where 2:15pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you we’ll walk over uneven, bumpy pathways. And, to make your own discoveries. You may want you’ll ride in a wooden rice barge on the to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Chaophraya River for about 1.5 hours this without actually leaving the city, by taking evening. Depending on weather conditions, the a stroll through the forest-like landscape of water may be choppy. We’ll also ride through Lumpini Park. the streets of Bangkok like locals when we hop Around 5pm, we’ll gather and drive about 30 aboard tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles). We minutes to the pier where we’ll board a private, may drive over uneven and bumpy roads. traditional, wooden rice barge for a cruise on Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel the Chaophraya River. starting at 6am, with Thai and American Dinner: During our cruise around 5:30pm. We’ll options available. enjoy a memorable Welcome Dinner—exclusive Morning: We depart the hotel around 8:30am to our O.A.T. group. and we’ll drive for around 1.5 hours to the Evening: We’ll cruise for about 1.5 hours, ancient city of Ayutthaya, located about 50 passing the Temple of the Dawn and the Grand PLOHVQRUWKRI%DQJNRN7KLV81(6&2:RUOG Palace. Following the conclusion of our dinner Heritage Site was home to 33 kings from many cruise, we’ll have the opportunity to travel back different dynasties. The capital of Siam from to our hotel like locals—via tuk-tuks. We arrive 1353 to 1767, the city was once a place of such back at our hotel around 7:30pm where you fabulous wealth that early travelers described may want to retire to your room to rest before its “2,000 spires clad in gold.” While here, our early start tomorrow morning. we’ll see the preserved temple ruins of Phra Sri Sanphet. Day 6 Bangkok • Fly to Luang Just before 11am, we’ll drive to Koh Kerd Village. Prabang, Laos Upon arrival around 11:15am, we’ll travel as • Destination: Luang Prabang, Laos the locals do when we hop aboard a tram and take a ride through the valley to the village • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch chief’s home. When we arrive around 11:30am, • Accommodations: Parasol Blanc Hotel we’ll sit down with her to discuss her role as or similar the leader of the village, as well as how she is Activity note: Jumbos, our main mode of combating the issue of children abandoning transportation in Luang Prabang, can only their traditions for more modern customs. FDUU\ͫYHWRVL[SHRSOHDWDWLPH7KHUHIRUHRXU Then around 12pm, we’ll enjoy a hands-on small group will divide into even smaller groups experience of making a traditional dessert. to ride in the jumbos, and we may drive over uneven or bumpy roads. Lunch: Just after noon in the home of the village chief. We’ll enjoy typical Thai dishes Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel before indulging in the dessert we prepared starting at 6am, with Thai and American earlier. options available. Afternoon: Shortly after 1pm, we’ll take the Morning: We’ll leave the hotel early—around tram back to our bus, and then we’ll begin our 7:30am—for the 1-hour drive to the airport return journey to the hotel, arriving around ZKHUHZH̞OOFDWFKDKRXUͬLJKWWR/XDQJ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 15 Prabang, Laos. The ancient, royal capital of on transportation on the river to get into the Laos is located on a peninsula between the city where they make a living by managing Mekong and Khan rivers with green mountains these snack and drink carts. We’ll discuss this DOODURXQG5HFRJQL]HGDVD81(6&2:RUOG profession with them during our time here. Heritage Site, this is considered one of While we enjoy our drinks, we’ll also get a Southeast Asia’s best-preserved small towns. glimpse of the daily routines of locals who rely on the ferry to cross the Mekong River to get to Upon arrival in Luang Prabang around noon, their homes, markets, and more. After, we’ll we’ll take a bus ride to the edge of the town. return to our hotel just before 6pm. Since large coaches aren’t allowed in the inner city, we’ll use jumbos, the local mode of Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 16 3-23. During your visit here, you can play We start our day on an excursion along one of board games, read books, and discuss daily the longest rivers in the world. The Mekong life with the students. River, or “mother of all rivers,” supports some • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute jumbo 90 million people who produce rice on the ride, about $3 USD one way. surrounding 54,000 square miles of land. Also • Hours: 8:30am-5pm, daily. KRPHWRPRUHVSHFLHVRIJLDQWͫVKWKDQDQ\ • Cost: Free. other river, this majestic waterway is said to produce balls of light along its surface, which • (QMR\DFODVVLFDOGDQFHVKRZDWWKHRoyal the locals attribute to the Phaya Naga, or Ballet: Watch a special performance of Phra- Mekong Dragons. Lak Phra-Lam, a sacred Lao poem portrayed through dance. We’ll cruise for around 30 minutes before • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute jumbo stopping at Muangkham Village, an ride, about $3 USD one way. O.A.T.-exclusive experience. During our time in • Hours: Performances start at 6pm every this small rural village located on the shores of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. the Mekong, we’ll have the chance to interact • Cost: About $15-$20 USD. with some of the locals, and we’ll help one villager prepare a traditional snack. First, we’ll • Discover the Traditional Arts and Ethnology watch them demonstrate how to prepare dried Center (TAEC): Learn about Laos’ diverse river weed before we have the chance to help HWKQLFJURXSVDQGͫQGKDQGFUDIWHGJRRGV make this tasty treat ourselves. Around 11am, made by a variety local artisans. we’ll head back to our boat and continue on • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute jumbo for another hour to the Pak Ou Cave. The cave, ride, about $3 USD one way. KLGGHQLQWKHXQGHUVLGHRIDFOLIILVͫOOHGZLWK • Hours: 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday. thousands of Buddha icons. Around 1pm, we’ll • Cost: About $3 USD. return to our boat. Day 7 Cruise the Mekong River • Explore Lunch: Around 1pm on the boat, where we’ll Pak Ou Cave savor a traditional lunch, taking in the lush scenery that passes us by as we cruise back to • Destination: Luang Prabang Luang Prabang. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Parasol Blanc Hotel Afternoon: We arrive back at the pier shortly or similar before 2:30pm where you can take a jumbo back to the hotel. Or, you may choose to stay in Activity Note: We’ll cruise for 1.5 hours in a town where you can walk around to admire the traditional wooden boat on the Mekong River French architecture, pop into a bakery for an today. To access the Pak Ou Cave, you’ll need to afternoon snack, or visit the Wat Xieng Thong walk up steep stairs. royal temple, the city’s oldest. Around 5pm, you Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel have some time to relax, explore on your own, starting at 6:30am, with Thai and American or you can choose to visit Big Brother Mouse, a options available. free time activity that will be led by your Trip ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU+HUH\RXFDQGLVFRYHU Morning: We’ll board jumbos around 9am and how this organization aims to make learning take a short 15-minute drive to the Royal Pier enjoyable for children. Shortly after arriving where we’ll board a traditional wooden boat. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 17 just after 5pm, you can join the children Prabang, collecting food offerings from us and who will show you games, books, and more the locals. Dressed in traditional Lao orange resources they use to learn. We’ll conclude our robes, the monks provide a sense of calm to the discoveries here just after 6pm. Around 6:15pm, inhabitants of the city each morning. We’ll walk our group will gather and we’ll hop aboard to a nearby temple with the monks and have a the local mode of transportation, jumbos, for a few minutes to ask them about their way of life short ride to a nearby restaurant. before they sit down to their breakfast. Next, we’ll visit a local café where we’ll have typical Dinner: Around 6:30pm in a local restaurant, Laotian breakfast foods for our own morning featuring typical cuisine which often includes meal. Then around 7:30am, we’ll visit a nearby meat, seafood, and sticky rice noodles. market to purchase ingredients to bring to our Evening: We’ll take a jumbo back to the hotel, community-hosted lunch. arriving around 7:30pm. If you choose to Breakfast: For those participating in the participate in the alms-giving ceremony early alms-giving ceremony, we’ll mingle with the tomorrow morning, you may want to retire to locals while enjoying a traditional breakfast at a your room to get some sleep, or perhaps you’ll local café around 6:45am. For those who choose grab a cocktail at the hotel’s bar and sit out on to stay at the hotel this morning, a buffet-style the patio. breakfast will be served starting at 6:30am, with Laotian and American options available. Day 8 Alms-giving ceremony • A Day in the Life of a local village Morning: At about 8am, our group will gather back at the hotel and we’ll board jumbos just • Destination: Luang Prabang after 9am that will bring us to the edge of • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch town. From there, we’ll board a bus and drive • Accommodations: Parasol Blanc Hotel for approximately 45 minutes to a local village or similar where we’ll enjoy an O.A.T.-exclusive: A Day in Activity note: This morning, you have the the Life experience. We’ll start with a walking option to rise very early to depart the hotel by tour led by the village chief before we head 5:45am for the alms-giving ceremony. Then to the elementary school (when in session), during our A Day in the Life experience today, supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation we’ll be walking over uneven, dusty, and as part of the World Classroom initiative. Our bumpy terrain. The local school is closed on small group allows us to join the students in Saturdays and Sundays. their classroom. The teacher will share what the school’s curriculum is like, and they’ll Early morning: You may rise very early tell us about the village’s education system. to participate in an ancient Buddhist We’ll also have the opportunity to ask the tradition: alms-giving to local monks. This teacher and the students any questions we may is a quintessential part of Laotian culture KDYH7KHFKLOGUHQVSHDNOLWWOH(QJOLVKVR\RX and is considered to be a highlight of this may need to get creative in your interactions adventure for many travelers. In the quiet with them—perhaps you’ll consider using of early morning (around 6am), we’ll take a hand gestures, pointing, or drawing on the 10-minute jumbo ride to an area where we’ll chalkboard. wait for hundreds of monks to parade solemnly DQGVLQJOHͫOHWKURXJKWKHVWUHHWVRI/XDQJ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 18 We’ll then walk to a nearby community whose Morning: You have the morning to relax residents are members of the Hmong hill before we leave the hotel around 10:30am for tribe, an indigenous people of Laos’ northern the airport. We’ll stop along the way at a local highlands that make up the largest hill tribe bakery where you can purchase a sandwich or group in Laos. Here, we may step inside the salad to enjoy for lunch later today. We continue home of a local shaman who will show us to the airport, arriving around 12:15pm. traditional clothing, instruments, and tools Lunch:$IWHUFKHFNLQJLQIRURXUͬLJKW used for hunting. to Vientiane and going through security, you’ll Lunch: We’ll enjoy a community-hosted lunch have time to enjoy the meal you purchased around 12:30pm which we help to prepare. The at the bakery earlier this morning before village leader and his wife will join us, and we’ll RXUͬLJKW have the chance to ask them about their roles in Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, we’ll take a the community. PLQXWHͬLJKWWR/DRV̞HDV\JRLQJFDSLWDO Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, we may visit the Despite its growing population, the city still village’s weaving group where we’ll see the retains a small-town feel: Laundry dries in local women create handcrafted goods. Our A the sun on French-style balconies, and street Day in the Life experience ends around 2pm, vendors spread out their wares on blankets and and we’ll leave the village for the hotel. Back banana leaves. in Luang Prabang shortly before 3pm, the rest We arrive around 2:15pm and take a short drive of the day is free for you to make your own to the hotel where we’ll check in. Depending discoveries. on where we stay, our centrally-located hotel Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ̜\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH should feature amenities like a restaurant and Leader can provide recommendations on the RXWGRRUEDU(DFKDLUFRQGLWLRQHGURRPVKRXOG best locales for whatever your preferences are. include a satellite TV, complimentary Internet access, and a private bathroom. After some free Evening: On your own—you may retire to your time to settle in, we’ll take a brief orientation room to rest before tomorrow’s explorations. ZDONZLWKRXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUDWDERXW Or, you may take a jumbo to the night market to 5pm, perhaps witnessing group aerobics at grab any last-minute souvenirs. King Anouvong Park. Day 9 Fly to Vientiane • Dinner: At approximately 6pm, our small group Home-Hosted Dinner will split up into even smaller groups and depart the hotel with one of the three or four different • Destination: Vientiane families who live on the outskirts of Vientiane • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner for O.A.T.-exclusive Home-Hosted Dinners. • Accommodations: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel We’ll drive anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to or similar reach our host family’s home. Then, our hosts Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel will introduce us to their family members and starting at 6:30am, with Laotian and American we’ll all discuss what life is like in Vientiane options available. over a glass of the local herbal drink. They’ll share insight into the economy, education, DQGWUDGLWLRQV̜DQGZHPD\HYHQͫQGVRPH commonalities between our two cultures. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 19 Our hosts will also invite us to help them glimpse of where they had their start. You prepare dishes for dinner, which may include can even sign up to take an art class during a traditional green papaya salad, minced pork your visit. salad, coconut pudding, and/or rice cake. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk Evening: We’ll return to the hotel around from the hotel. 8:30pm where you may retire to your room to • Hours: 8am-4pm, Monday-Saturday. rest before tomorrow’s explorations, or you • Cost: About $2-$8 USD. may take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor bar and lounge area. Day 10 Explore Vientiane • Meet a Buddhist monk Freedom To Explore: During your two days • Destination: Vientiane in Vientiane, you have the freedom to explore • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch this bustling city on your own during your free • Accommodations: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel time. Below are a few recommended options for or similar independent explorations: Activity Note: Men should wear knee-length • Discover the Lao Disabled Women’s shorts and women should wear knee-length Development Center: A visit to this shorts or skirts for the Wat Sisaket visit. QRQSURͫWRUJDQL]DWLRQZLOOOHDYH\RX inspired as you learn about how the center Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel aims to empower women with disabilities and starting at 6:30am, with Laotian and American assist them in securing jobs. options available. • How to get there: A 45- to 50-minute taxi Morning: We’ll set out at by bus around 8:30am ride, about $15 USD one way. to explore some of the famous city landmarks • Hours: 9am-5pm, Sunday-Thursday. of Vientiane. Pronounced “Vieng Chan,” the • Cost: About $7 USD. capital of Laos is a slow-paced, friendly city • Visit Carol Cassidy’s Lao Textiles Workshop: of some 600,000 people. First, we’ll visit Wat Carol Cassidy is an American textile expert Sisaket, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Laos who has showcased her craft around the featuring more than 6,800 images of the seated world for decades, and brought her work to Buddha in wood, stone, and bronze. We’ll Laos in 1989. Now, you can see the intricate, have the special opportunity to sit down with handcrafted, silk wall hangings, scarves, a Buddhist monk to learn about why men in shawls, and more that Cassidy and her Southeast Asia become monks and what their team create. daily routines are like—an O.A.T.-exclusive • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk activity. from the hotel. Then around 10:30am, we visit the • Hours: 8am-12pm and 2pm-5pm golden-domed Phra That Luang (Great Sacred Monday-Friday; and 8am-12pm Saturday. Stupa), a national symbol of Laos built in the • Cost: Free. 16th century. We’ll spend about 45 minutes • ([SORUHWKHInstitute of Fine Arts (NIFA): DWWKHWHPSOHEHIRUHͫQLVKLQJRXUWRXUDWWKH Some of the country’s most respected artists imposing Patuxay Victory Gate Monument, attended this school, and now you can get a which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and was built in the 1960s as a memorial for Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 20 those who gave their lives serving their country Day 11 Vientiane • Fly to Phnom in several wars. You may choose to walk 197 Penh, Cambodia • Visit the Champey steps to the top of the Victory Gate to witness Academy of Arts the panoramic views of Vientiane. At about • Destination: Phnom Penh, Cambodia 12:15pm, we’ll take a 5-minute walk to a nearby • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner restaurant. • Accommodations: Almond Hotel or similar Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant for Activity note: The Champey Academy of Arts a traditional lunch. is closed Sundays and public holidays. If your Afternoon: We’ll take a short walk back to our visit falls on one of these days, you may visit hotel, arriving around 1:30pm. You’ll have free the academy on Day 12. Also, we’ll use remorks, time to make your own discoveries. Perhaps a popular mode of transport, throughout our \RX̞OOYLVLWWKH&23(FHQWHU 7KH&RRSHUDWLYH time in Cambodia. Similar to the jumbos in 2UWKRWLFDQG3URVWKHWLF(QWHUSULVH 7KLV Laos, we’ll divide into smaller groups to ride in organization provides physical rehabilitation the remorks. to bomb victims and educates visitors on the Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel devastating impact of bombs that are still starting at 6:30am, with Laotian and American scattered around rural areas of Laos. These options available. bombs were released by American forces during the Vietnam War—it is estimated that Morning: We depart the hotel around 9:30am more bombs were dropped on Laos during the IRUWKHDLUSRUWZKHUHZH̞OOFDWFKDͬLJKWWR Vietnam War than all the bombs that were Phnom Penh, Cambodia around 11:30am. dropped during World War II. We’ll read the Lunch: A light lunch will be served during our emotional stories of Laos’ bomb victims and ͬLJKWWRGD\ We arrive at our hotel around 4pm and you’ll have some free time. Depending on which hotel we stay at, amenities may include two Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 21 UHVWDXUDQWVDQGDEDU(DFKDLUFRQGLWLRQHG Cottage Industry program is another part of room typically includes a TV, Internet access, the foundation that allows locals to put their and coffee- and tea-making facilities. creative skills to use by making handcrafted goods. You can purchase some of these items Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll depart the hotel at their shop in Phnom Penh. and ride for around 20 minutes in remorks to a local restaurant where we’ll have a • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi traditional dinner. ride, about $3 USD one way. • Hours: 8am-6pm, Monday-Saturday. Evening: We return to the hotel around 7:30pm. • Cost: Free. You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish, whether you want to Day 12 Phnom Penh • Visit Killing retire to your room to rest before tomorrow’s Fields of Choeung Ek & Tuol Sleng discoveries or join your fellow travelers for a Prison Museum nightcap in the hotel bar. • Destination: Phnom Penh Freedom To Explore: During your two days in • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Phnom Penh, you have the freedom to explore • Accommodations: Almond Hotel or similar this bustling city on your own during your free Activity note: Today’s visits to the Killing time. Below are a few recommended options for Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison Museum cover independent explorations: SDUWLFXODUO\GLIͫFXOWVXEMHFWPDWWHU:KLOHLW • Learn about the Daughters of Cambodia’s PD\EHKDUGWRKHDUWKHVSHFLͫFVRIWKLVSRLQW mission: Discover the important work that in Cambodia’s history, it is important to learn this organization does to free women from about to better understand the country’s Cambodia’s sex industry, and set them up for current political landscape. You’ll also walk success in their new lives. around for approximately one hour on some unpaved pathways. The Daughters of Cambodia • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi organization, which is an elective activity, is ride, about $3 USD one way. closed on Sundays. • Hours: 9am-5:30pm, Monday-Saturday. • Cost: Free. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel • ([SORUHWKHNational Museum of Fine Arts starting at 6:30am, with Cambodian and in Cambodia: Trace Cambodia’s history as American options available. you discover the museum’s collection of over Morning: We leave the hotel around 8am and 14,000 pieces of Khmer ceramics, bronze drive for 30 minutes to the Killing Fields of pieces, and ethnographic documents—the &KRHXQJ(N̜DJULPUHPLQGHURI&DPERGLD̞V world’s largest Khmer art collection. bloody past under Pol Pot and the Khmer • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi Rouge. It is almost inconceivable to confront ride, about $3 USD one way. the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, • Hours: 8am-5pm, daily. EXWWKH%XGGKLVWPHPRULDODW&KRHXQJ(N • Cost: About $10 USD. commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the • Learn how the Tabitha Foundation Cambodia 1975-79 Pol Pot genocide. This execution site is JLYHVEDFN 7KLVQRQSURͫWRUJDQL]DWLRQDLPV one of many throughout Cambodia. to help underprivileged locals by equipping them with professional skills. The Tabitha Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 22 We’ll spend around an hour walking through the hotel was frequented by journalists and the Killing Fields before we head to the Tuol foreign diplomats—Jacqueline Kennedy even Sleng Prison Museum, arriving around 10:30am. stayed here. We’ll learn about the atrocities committed here, where more than 10,000 prisoners were held Day 13 Phnom Penh • Overland to Siem before they were led to the Killing Fields. Out of Reap • Local interaction the thousands of victims that were imprisoned • Destination: Siem Reap in Tuol Sleng, there were only seven survivors and we have the special privilege to meet • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with one of them today to hear their deeply • Accommodations: Regency Angkor Hotel moving story. or similar Activity note: Our overland transfer to Siem We then board our bus and depart for a local Reap will take approximately eight hours in an restaurant just after 12pm. air-conditioned bus, with included stops for Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant. lunch and activities en route. We’ll have a family-style meal that allows us to Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel sample several different traditional dishes. starting at 6:30am, with Cambodian and Afternoon: Arrive back at the hotel around American options available. 2pm where you have the rest of the day to make Morning: We board our bus around 7:45am and your own discoveries. You may take a remork to begin our 8-hour overland drive to Siem Reap. Phnom Penh’s riverfront park to take in the During our journey, we’ll pass through the sights and sounds of the city. Locals regularly Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom provinces have aerobic dance classes at the park, which where we’ll pass scenes of everyday life. you can join, or you can take a relaxing stroll :H̞OOVHHH[SDQVLYHODQGVFDSHVRIULFHͫHOGV along the edge of the water. You may also and towering palm trees where farmers tend choose to visit the Daughters of Cambodia to their crops and Brahman cows and water organization around 3pm. You’ll meet with buffalo graze. some of the organization’s employees to learn about how they help free women from the sex Depending on availability, we may stop at industry and how they help them build lives around 9:15am at the home of a local woman for themselves. Then, you’ll return to the hotel who hunts for tarantulas, cooks them, and around 4pm. sells them at her village’s market. We’ll have the opportunity to learn about her unique Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ̜\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH profession before we trek into the forest Leader can provide recommendations on the surrounding her home to hunt for tarantulas best locales for whatever your preferences are. with her. Then, she’ll show us how she prepares Evening: On your own—you may want to these arachnids—and we may have the chance retire to your room to get some sleep before to sample the fried spiders. We’ll leave her our early start tomorrow morning, or perhaps home around 9:45am and continue our journey. \RX̞OOYLVLWWKH(OHSKDQW%DUDW5DIͬHV+RWHO/H Lunch: Around noon, we’ll stop at a local Royal where you can grab a drink and explore restaurant. Set on Tonle Sap Lake, we’ll admire this fascinating hotel. Built in the late 1920s, sweeping views of the idyllic landscape as we enjoy a family-style meal. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 23 Afternoon: We leave the restaurant around 1pm impact of landmines on Cambodian locals and and continue driving to our next stop: Kampong how rats, known as “HeroRATS,” are trained Kdei Bridge. Built around 1,000 years ago, the to locate these explosives. structure holds its title as the world’s longest • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi corbelled arch bridge. ride, about $5 USD one way. We arrive in Siem Reap around 2:45pm and • Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, head to the hotel to drop our bags off. Just Monday-Saturday. before 4pm, we’ll set off on a 30-minute • Cost: About $5-$15 USD. orientation walk to acquaint ourselves with • Catch a Khmer circus performance: The the area before we return to our hotel where %ULJKWQHVVRIWKH$UWVLVDQRQSURͫWVFKRRO we’ll check in. Depending on where we stay, that provides a creative outlet for disadvan- our hotel may include two dining rooms, an WDJHGFKLOGUHQ(QMR\DFLUFXVSHUIRUPDQFH RXWGRRUSRRODQRXWGRRUEDUDQGDVSD(DFK by the children that aims to preserve Khmer air-conditioned room typically includes a TV, traditions. Internet access, minibar, safe, coffee- and • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi tea-making facilities, and a private bathroom. ride, about $5 USD one way. You have some free time this afternoon to get • Hours: 7:30pm-8:30pm, daily. settled in at the hotel, or you may take a remork • Cost: About $18-$38 USD. to a local market in search of souvenirs—don’t • Witness the sun rise over Angkor Wat: Rise forget to haggle. early to catch an unparalleled view of the world’s largest religious building at dawn. Dinner: We’ll gather at the hotel’s You can use your 3-day O.A.T. pass to get into restaurant at about 6:30pm for dinner. We’ll Angkor Wat. enjoy Western-style cuisine for our meal this evening. • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi ride, about $10 USD one way. Evening: On your own—you may retire to your • Hours: Sunrise is between 5am-6:30am room to get some sleep before our early start depending on the time of year. tomorrow. Or, perhaps you and your fellow • Cost: Free. travelers will head to the hotel’s outdoor bar for a nightcap to discuss your discoveries thus far. Day 14 Siem Reap • Visit a floating village • Local interaction • Explore Angkor Freedom To Explore: During your three days in Siem Reap, you have the freedom to explore • Destination: Siem Reap this historic city on your own during your free • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch time. Below are a few recommended options for • Accommodations: Regency Angkor Hotel independent explorations: or similar • Watch APOPO’s “HeroRATS” in action: Activity note: Depending on the season, our APOPO is a Belgian organization that stands drive to the local village and the boat pier may for Anti-Personnel Landmines Removal be particularly bumpy as we’ll pass over dirt 3URGXFW'HYHORSPHQWLQ(QJOLVK9LVLWWKH roads that have been eroded by rain. Once APOPO visitor center to learn about the we reach the village, we’ll get a glimpse into Cambodia’s past as we ride on traditional buffalo-drawn carts, passing over uneven, Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 24 dusty, and bumpy roads. We’ll also ride in temples and monuments here between AD a wooden boat for around one hour later 800-1200 were motivated by their Hindu and this morning. Buddhist beliefs. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel We arrive in Angkor around 4pm and we’ll have starting at 6:30am, with Cambodian and about an hour to explore Angkor Thom. We’ll American options available. visit the 12th-century Bayon temple where we’ll be greeted by over 200 smiling faces. Morning: At approximately 8am, we’ll drive Hidden in plain sight of the structure’s 54 for about an hour out to a local village where stone towers are massive grinning heads that we’ll ride in traditional buffalo-drawn carts symbolize the spirit of one of Cambodia’s most in pairs. We’ll take in scenes of daily life as we beloved kings, Jayavarman VII. We’ll also make ride through the village for about 30 minutes DEULHIVWRSDWWKH7HUUDFHRIWKH(OHSKDQWV before we meet up with our bus. We’ll transfer where a series of almost life-sized bas-reliefs to the pier, arriving around 10am (or longer, depict the huge beasts, before returning to the depending on the season), where we’ll take hotel by about 5:30pm. an exclusive, private boat to visit the nearby ͬRDWLQJYLOODJH Dinner: On your own—you may choose to seek out a local restaurant to savor regional cuisine. We’ll spend 1.5 hours discovering how this isolated community has built homes, gardens, Evening:(QMR\IUHHWLPHWKLVHYHQLQJ :H̞OOJHWRXUͫUVWJOLPSVHRI$QJNRUWRGD\D Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel holy city that took centuries to build and whose starting at 6:30am, with Cambodian and scale is still breathtaking today—it sprawls American options available. across an area of roughly 96 square miles. 7KH.KPHU(PSLUHDULVWRFUDWVZKREXLOWWKH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 25 Morning: We leave the hotel around 8:30am Day 16 Siem Reap • Optional Banteay this morning and drive approximately 30 Srei tour • Fly to Ho Chi Minh City minutes to Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of (Saigon), Vietnam Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat is a large • Destination: Ho Chi Minh City pyramid temple, built between 1113 and 1150, (Saigon), Vietnam surrounded by a great moat 570 feet wide. Note • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the bas-relief carvings throughout the temple, • Accommodations: Orchids Hotel or similar and take a moment to stand in the courtyard of this temple whose towers represent Mount Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Meru, the center of all physical and spiritual starting at 6:30am, with Cambodian and universes and the home to many gods in Hindu American options available. and Buddhist mythologies. Around 11:15am, Morning:(QMR\IUHHWLPHWRPDNH\RXURZQ we’ll depart Angkor for a 30-minute drive to a discoveries, or you may choose to join our local restaurant. Optional Tour this morning to visit Banteay Lunch: At a local restaurant just before noon, Srei, one of the oldest and best-preserved featuring the traditional Cambodian dishes we temple sites in Cambodia. Built in AD 967, have come to know. Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” and is recognized as a tribute to female beauty. Leave Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll arrive back at the hotel by bus at 8am for the temple, followed the hotel where you’ll have a couple of hours to by a 15-minute drive out to a local village, yourself before we set off to explore Ta Prohm. where we’ll visit with a Khmer noodle maker Unlike Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm has been left the and learn the secrets of making the dish that way it was found, covered by a dense jungle of is closest to the hearts of Cambodians. You’ll trees and roots, allowing you to discover this return to the hotel around 11:45am and rejoin archaeological treasure just as it was found by our group. At around 12:45pm, we’ll all take a the French in the mid-1800s. The site is most 10-minute bus ride to a local restaurant. IDPRXVIRULWVVWUDQJOHUͫJWUHHVZKRVHURRWV seemingly drip down over Ta Prohm’s temple Lunch: At a local restaurant just after 1pm, and its appearance in the Lara Croft: Tomb featuring traditional Cambodian dishes. Raider movie. Afternoon: We’ll spend our last couple of hours After exploring Ta Prohm for an hour, we in Siem Reap at the Angkor National Museum return to Angkor Wat, around 5:15pm, where where we’ll trace the history of the Khmer we’ll toast to our discoveries as we watch empire through its comprehensive collection the sun set. of relics that span from the pre-Angkor Period to the great Khmer kings, and more. At about Dinner: We will arrive back at the hotel around 4:30pm, we’ll take a short drive to the airport 6:30pm, where you can enjoy dinner on your ZKHUHZH̞OOFKHFNLQIRURXUͬLJKW own, either at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Dinner: At a restaurant in the airport Evening: Your evening is on your own—you around 5:30pm. are free to rest in your room to prepare for tomorrow’s discoveries, or reach out to your Evening: Just before 6:30pm, we’ll catch a 7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRUUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV KRXUͬLJKWWR+R&KL0LQK&LW\$IWHUD on things to do in the area. half-hour drive from the airport, we’ll arrive Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 26 at our hotel around 8:30pm and check in. • See Saigon by scooter: A female student leads Depending on which hotel we stay at, amenities these scooter tours that will take you to Ho PD\LQFOXGHDSRROUHVWDXUDQWEDUDQGͫWQHVV Chi Minh City’s hidden gems—from an herbal center, and each air-conditioned room typically medicine museum to food vendors that serve includes Internet access, a TV, minibar, and a local cuisine. private bathroom. • How to get there: Travelers will get picked Freedom To Explore: During your four days up at the hotel. in Ho Chi Minh City, you have the freedom • Hours: 9am-12pm, daily. to explore this lively city on your own during • Cost: About $45 USD. your free time. Below are a few recommended options for independent explorations: Day 17 Ho Chi Minh City • Mekong Delta discovery • Take a cooking class at the KOTO Foundation: • Destination: Ho Chi Minh City Prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish during • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch a 4-hour cooking class at the KOTO (Know • Accommodations: Orchids Hotel or similar One, Teach One) Foundation. And, take a tour of a local market where you’ll have the Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel opportunity to sample traditional ingredients. starting at 6:30am, with Vietnamese and You’ll cap your discoveries off with an American options available. included lunch. Morning: We’ll depart the hotel by 8am • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi for a 1.5-hour bus ride. Our destination is ride, about $2 USD one way. Vietnam’s famous Mekong Delta. We’ll • Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm, daily. arrive at the picturesque province of Ben Tre • Cost: About $65 USD. around 9:45am, where we’ll enjoy a brief • Stroll through Tao Dan Park: Take in the walk through Ben Tre village—famous for sights and sounds of scenic Tao Dan Park. You its coconut plantations—and take a private, may join a line dancing, tango, martial arts, O.A.T.-exclusive sampan ride along one of the or hula hoop group that regularly practice town’s scenic and peaceful canals. Sampans are here. We recommend you begin your walk at like local houseboats and are the traditional DP$WWKHHQGRIWKHSDUN\RX̞OOͫQG&DI« forms of transportation in the delta, built to Sua Da, a coffee shop where you can get your navigate narrow channels and waterways that FDIIHLQHͫ[ZKLOHHQMR\LQJWKHEHDXWLIXOPXVLF deep-hulled boats cannot. Because we’ll be of the café’s birds. traveling in a less touristy area of the delta, • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUPD\EHDEOHWR ride, about $2.50 USD one way. facilitate interactions with locals who earn their • Hours: Open 24 hours, daily. livelihood along the river. • Cost: About $2 USD for a cup of coffee. We’ll also visit a coconut candy workshop to learn about making the sweet keo dua the region is known for. Then around 11am, we’ll board a motorized wooden rice barge for a 1-hour cruise on the Mekong River. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 27 Lunch: Around noon, we’ll get off the boat tour around 11am with a 20-minute bus ride at a local restaurant to savor a traditional to a secret bunker used to house communities Vietnamese meal. during the Vietnam War, which we’ll explore for about one hour. Then, we’ll make the Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll take our boat 15-minute drive by bus to our lunch spot. back to the pier where we’ll board a bus and return to the hotel. We arrive around 3:30pm Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll arrive at a local and you’ll have the rest of the day to make restaurant where we’ll enjoy pho (a traditional your own discoveries. You may head to the War noodle soup). Remnants Museum where you can get a glimpse Afternoon: We’ll arrive back at the hotel at into the harsh realities of war and its effects on about 2:30pm and enjoy a free afternoon DVRFLHW\ Dinner: On your own if you don’t choose to join Day 18 Ho Chi Minh City • Optional RXU2SWLRQDO7RXU Morning: At 8:30am, we’ll board our bus and KHDGRXWIRUDFLW\WRXU2XUͫUVWVWRSLVWKH Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Our bus will drop us off at the cathedral, where we’ll admire the red-brick façade before discovering WKH&HQWUDO3RVW2IͫFH7KHQZH̞OOZDONWR WKH3UHVLGHQWLDO3DODFH̜WKHIRUPHURIͫFH and residence of South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War. We’ll continue our Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 28 Day 19 Ho Chi Minh City • Visit Cu Dinner: We’ll cap off our adventure at a local Chi Tunnels restaurant this evening around 6:15pm. We’ll reminisce about our discoveries over the • Destination: Ho Chi Minh City past few weeks as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner together. • Accommodations: Orchids Hotel or similar Evening: On your own—you are free to return Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel WR\RXUURRPWRUHVWEHIRUH\RXUUHWXUQͬLJKW starting at 6:30am, with Vietnamese and home tomorrow, or join fellow travelers in the American options available. main hotel area for a nightcap to discuss the Morning: We’ll leave the hotel around 8am. highlights of your adventure. We drive for one hour before visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels—a 125-mile-long underground maze Day 20 Return to U.S. or begin your ZKHUHWKRXVDQGVRIͫJKWHUVDQGYLOODJHUVKLG post-trip extension and fought during the Vietnam War, referred to by locals as the “American War.” The South • Destination: U.S. Vietnamese Communists, or Viet Cong, built • Included Meals: Breakfast this vast network of tunnels in and around the Early morning: (QMR\DEUHDNIDVWER[SURYLGHG district of Cu Chi and worked continually over by the hotel this morning. Then, board a bus 25 years to expand the multi-level network. The with your luggage and take a 45-minute tunnels—which include mess halls, meeting drive to the airport early this morning for rooms, small factories, and vast ammunition \RXUUHWXUQͬLJKWKRPH2Uͬ\WR+DQRLRU stores—allowed the Viet Cong to control large Bangkok to begin your post-trip extension to areas near Saigon. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels New! Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa or New! provide invaluable insight into the war era, Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River Kwai. and we’ll get a unique glimpse of the site as we explore an area of the tunnels most American tourists don’t typically visit. We’ll depart the Cu Chi Tunnels at around 11:30am, and take a 5- 10-minute drive to a nearby restaurant. Lunch: We arrive at a local restaurant around 11:45am where we’ll enjoy traditional cuisine. Afternoon: We depart the Cu Chi area around 1pm for a 1.5-hour drive back to our hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll indulge your curiosity at the Maison Saigon Marou café. Discover the country’s original chocolate maker and sample some of his sweet creations. At around 6pm, we’ll depart our hotel for a 15-minute bus ride to a local restaurant. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 29 OPTIONAL TOURS 'XULQJ\RXUWULS\RXZLOOEHDEOHWRERRNRSWLRQDOWRXUVGLUHFWO\ZLWK\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU+H RUVKHZLOODVN\RXWRFRQͫUPWKHSD\PHQWIRUWKHVHWRXUVE\ͫOOLQJRXWDSD\PHQWIRUP2SWLRQDOWRXUV can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases. In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return. Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary. Banteay Srei City’s street food and drink culture at a beer (Day 16 $45 per person) garden where we can mingle with the locals, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Visit Banteay Srei, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved temple sites in Cambodia. Built in AD 967, Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” and is recognized as a tribute to female beauty. The structures here have been carved in painstaking detail out of sandstone with detail as intricate as a woven tapestry—a testament to the craft of the original artisans. The temple rises out of a tangle of forest some 20 miles from Angkor. This tour also offers a glimpse into the daily life of rural Cambodia, as we stop to visit a Khmer noodle maker. Traditional Puppet Show, Cyclo-Rickshaw Ride & Dinner (Day 18 $70 per person) This optional tour begins at a local theater, where you’ll watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, Mua Roi Nuoc, which uses water for the stage and depicts humorous tales from Vietnamese folklore. After the show, take an exciting ride on a cyclo-rickshaw ride through the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, seeing the city’s narrow streets the way the locals do. Then, we’ll tap into Ho Chi Minh Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 30 PRE-TRIP Burma & the Irrawaddy River INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » Airfare from Mandalay to Bangkok, plus 2 » 6 small group activities LQWHUQDOͬLJKWV » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip » Accommodations for 3 nights in Rangoon, 2 ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU nights in Bagan, and 2 nights in Mandalay » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 13 meals—7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, luggage porters and 2 dinners » All transfers PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY Burma, currently known as Myanmar, is a forest-clad country of mountain ranges and river systems, with an abundance of golden pagodas. After a period of isolation, it has again opened itself to visitors, while UHPDLQLQJRQHRIWKHOHDVW:HVWHUQLQͬXHQFHGFRXQWULHVLQ6RXWKHDVW$VLD7UDYHOWR%XUPDWRH[SHULHQFH$VLD as it once was. Day 1 Depart U.S. Freedom To Explore: During your two full days in Rangoon, you have the freedom to explore 6LQFH\RXURYHUQLJKWͬLJKWWR5DQJRRQ this culturally-rich city on your own during (Yangon) departs Los Angeles very early in the your free time. Below are a few recommended morning, travelers are advised to arrive at LAX options for independent explorations: the night before. • ([SORUHWKHNational Museum (QMR\WKH Day 2 Arrive Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar) extensive collection of historic artifacts and art, and learn about the history of • Destination: Rangoon Burmese people. • Accommodations: Chatrium Hotel or similar • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi Evening: You will arrive in Rangoon late ride, about $4 USD one way. tonight. You are met at the airport by your • Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. O.A.T. representative and transferred to your • Cost: About $5 USD. hotel—about a 30-minute drive. Depending • (QMR\WKHKaraweik Palace Culture Show on which centrally-located hotel we stay at, at Kandawgyi Park: Take a walk through DPHQLWLHVPD\LQFOXGHDSRROͫWQHVVFHQWHU this green park, enjoy morning exercises, or sauna, Jacuzzi, restaurants and bars, and a simply take in the tranquil lake views. In the terrace overlooking the lake and Golden Pagoda. (DFKURRPW\SLFDOO\LQFOXGHVFDEOH79DVDIH minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bathroom. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 31 evening, you can watch a dance performance Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant, and enjoy an included buffet dinner, featuring featuring traditional cuisine. international cuisine. Afternoon: At about 1:45pm, we’ll depart the • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. restaurant to drive back to our hotel. You’ll • Hours: 6pm-8:30pm, daily. have around three hours to yourself to relax • Cost: About $23 USD. or explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’ll • Visit the Bogyoke Market: Wander around roam the stalls of Bogyoke Market selling this large bazaar—famous for its colonial jewelry, Burmese fabric and dresses, local architecture and cobblestones—and browse artwork, and souvenirs. Or, if you’re looking for antiques, jewelry, dresses, souvenirs, art, and a more scenic activity, venture to Kandawgyi handicraft. Park. Spread across 260 acres, this park has • How to get there: A 30- to 45-minute taxi OXVKJDUGHQVDQGDQDUWLͫFLDOODNH:H̞OO ride, about $3 USD one way. reconvene around 6pm back at the hotel and • Hours: 10:30am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday. departs by bus for a half-hour ride to a local • Cost: Free. restaurant. Dinner: Around 6:30pm at a local restaurant Day 3 Explore Rangoon where we’ll experience an introduction to • Destination: Rangoon traditional Myanmar cuisine during our • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Welcome Dinner. • Accommodations: Chatrium Hotel or similar Evening: We’ll arrive back at the hotel around Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel 8:30pm, and the rest of the evening is on your starting at 6am, with hot and cold options own. You are free to retire to your room to rest available. before tomorrow’s explorations, or you may take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. Morning: Around 9:30am, our group will JDWKHUIRUD:HOFRPH%ULHͫQJDWWKHKRWHO OHGE\\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU:H̞OOJHW Day 4 Explore Rangoon • Optional to know our fellow travelers and review our Beyond the Rangoon River tour itinerary in more detail (including any changes • Destination: Rangoon that may need to occur). • Included Meals: Breakfast Around 10:15am, we’ll take a 15-minute bus • Accommodations: Chatrium Hotel or similar ride to Shwedagon Pagoda, often called the Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Golden Pagoda. Shwedagon is the most sacred starting at 6am, with hot and cold options pagoda in Burma, housing relics of the past four available. Buddhas—namely the staff of Kakusandha, the Morning: At about 8:30am, we’ll take ZDWHUͫOWHURI.RQDJDPDQDDSLHFHRIWKHUREH a 30-minute bus ride to the city center, of Kassapa, and eight hairs of Gautama. The where we’ll enjoy a walking tour around the pagoda dominates the city’s skyline with its area of Sule Pagoda, the City Hall, and the grandeur. We’ll spend one hour exploring this Independence Monument in Mahabandoola 2500 year old site and then take a 20-minute Park. We’ll walk along Strand Road, where we’ll drive to our lunch location. ͫQGUHPQDQWVRIROGFRORQLDOHUDEXLOGLQJVDV well as modern architecture. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 32 Our walk will take us to the historic Scott Evening: On your own—you are free to explore Market, where we’ll spend about an hour more of the area or retire to your room to rest. browsing the colorful stalls, glimpsing both the wares for sale and the lives of those who sell Day 5 Fly to Bagan • Explore Bagan or shop here. Around 12pm, we’ll drive about • Destination: Bagan a half hour to reach the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner home to one of Burma’s most revered reclining Buddhas. Begun in 1899, the massive image of • Accommodations: Aye Yar River View Hotel the elegant Buddha resting on its side in the or similar six-story pagoda is more than 200 feet long. Activity note: We’ll set out very early in the We’ll then return back to the hotel. We’ll spend morning, around 5am. about a half hour here, giving us ample time WRDGPLUHWKHHIͫJ\EHIRUHUHWXUQLQJWRRXU Breakfast:(DUO\WKLVPRUQLQJ DURXQGDP hotel by bus. we’ll get a boxed breakfast from the hotel, which you can enjoy on your way to the airport Lunch: On your own around or after you go through security. SP̜\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUFDQ provide recommendations on the best locales Morning: We leave the hotel at approximately for whatever your preferences are. You may 5am and drive for 30 minutes to the airport. choose to venture to Barbecue Street where 7KHQRXUͬLJKWOHDYHVDOLWWOHDIWHUDPDQG \RX̞OOQRWRQO\ͫQGWUDGLWLRQDOPHDWGLVKHVEXW will take just over 1.5 hours. Our destination is also vegetarian cuisine as well. Bagan, also known as the “City of Four Million Pagodas.” Many of the pagodas and temples Afternoon: You have the rest of the day to relax are small and simple—but the number of them or make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll is staggering. Although Bagan’s centuries-old visit a traditional tea house to sample local shrines, pagodas, and stupas do not actually varieties of tea, or you may explore Pomelo, a total in the millions, there are well over 2,000 fair trade market that aims to give back to the of them scattered along the remote plain, community and promote handcrafted items ͬDQNHGRQRQHVLGHE\WKH,UUDZDGG\5LYHU7KLV that were created by locals. TXDOLͫHV%DJDQDVWKHODUJHVWWHPSOHFLW\RQ the planet, as well as one of the most important Or, you can join an optional Beyond the archaeological areas in all of Asia. The majority Rangoon River tour, which features a ferry of ruins in Bagan were constructed between the ride to Dala, a rural village on the banks of the eleventh and 13th centuries, a time when Bagan Rangoon River, around 2:30pm. Here, we’ll ZDVWKHFDSLWDORIWKH)LUVW%XUPHVH(PSLUH explore by rickshaw, meet some of the local people, and discover a family-owned food From the airport, we’ll head to a village market preparation business. We’ll conclude our tour in the town of Nyaung-U, arriving just before back in Rangoon where we’ll visit Chinatown, 9am. This is a great opportunity to mingle with around 5pm. the locals and wander among stalls that feature locally-grown crops, rattan items, tea leaves, Dinner: Travelers joining us on the Optional and colorful traditional clothing. Tour will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. If you choose to spend the rest of the day making Around 10:30am, we’ll venture to Ananda independent discoveries, you’ll have dinner on Pahto, a terraced temple peaked in shimmering your own. gold that is considered a symmetrical Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 33 masterpiece. Built around 1090 by a Burmese • Visit the Archeological Museum: Discover king inspired by tales of visiting Indian monks, ancient handicrafts, paintings, languages, $QDQGD̞VSHUIHFWLRQTXDOLͫHGLWWRVHUYHDVD and literature in this three-story museum. prototype for successive Burmese temples. The • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi inner shrine of the temple is home to four large ride, about $5 USD one way. statues of Buddha. We’ll spend about one hour • Hours: 9am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. here before taking a 20-minute bus ride to a • Cost: About $5 USD. restaurant for our lunch. • (QMR\DEUHDWKWDNLQJYLHZIURPNan Myint Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant, Tower: Get a 360-degree view of all the featuring authentic cuisine. surrounding ancient temples, pagodas, and monuments, and enjoy a meal at the restau- Afternoon: At about 1:45pm, we’ll head to rant at the top. our hotel, arriving around 2pm. We’ll check in and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi get settled in and relax. Depending on which ride, about $5 USD one way. hotel we stay at, amenities may include two • Hours: 6am-6pm, daily. UHVWDXUDQWVDEDURXWGRRUSRRODQGͫWQHVV • Cost: About $5 USD. center. Typically, each air-conditioned • Prepare your own meal at a Burmese Cooking room has a telephone, satellite TV, minibar, Class: Learn about Burmese cuisine and coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private cook a traditional meal with the help of an bathroom. expert chef. This afternoon, you may venture to the nearby • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi Taung Bi Village to get a glimpse of rural life, ride, about $5 USD one way. or perhaps you’ll rent a bike and explore the • Hours: 8:30am-11am. treasures of Bagan at your own pace. • Cost: About $30 USD. Dinner: At the hotel around 6pm, including Day 6 Bagan • Optional Hot Air Balloon traditional dishes. Ride • Optional Lives Behind Bagan’s Ancient Pagodas tour Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. You may • Destination: Bagan retire to your room to rest before tomorrow’s • Included Meals: Breakfast discoveries or join your fellow travelers for a • Accommodations: Aye Yar River View Hotel nightcap in the hotel bar. or similar Freedom To Explore: During your two full Activity note: If you choose to join our optional days in Bagan, you have the freedom to explore hot air balloon ride this morning, we’ll leave this historic city on your own during your free WKHKRWHODURXQG DP7KLVEDOORRQͬLJKW time. Below are a few recommended options for is only available from October 1 to March 31. independent explorations: The tour must be reserved at least 30 days prior to your departure, and requires that you ͫOORXWDQGUHWXUQDEULHIPHGLFDOIRUP,I\RX have reserved this tour but have not returned your medical form, please contact our Traveler Support Department. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 34 Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at 6am, Dinner: If you choose to spend the rest of the with cold and hot options available. day exploring at your own pace, dinner will be on your own this evening. For travelers who Morning: You may rise very early this morning join our Optional Tour, dinner is included at a to leave the hotel at approximately 5:30am for local restaurant around 6:15pm. an optional hot air balloon ride, a memorable opportunity to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Evening: On your own—you may choose to sun rising over the ancient temples of Bagan. retire to your room to get some sleep before Afterwards, enjoy a sparkling wine toast and our very early start tomorrow morning. For return to the hotel for breakfast. travelers who joined our Optional Tour, you’ll return to the hotel around 8pm. At about 8:30am, we’ll all depart the hotel to gain another unique perspective of Bagan by traveling by horse-drawn carriage through the Day 7 Fly to Mandalay • Explore city archaeological zone. Witnessing the morning • Destination: Mandalay sun illuminating the ancient temples of Bagan • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch can be a memorable experience. We’ll make • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (DVWHUQ3DODFH+RWHO RXUͫUVWVWRSDW'DPD\DQJ\L7HPSOHDWDERXW or similar 9:30am before continuing on to a local farm. Activity note: We rise very early this morning We’ll pause at the farm for about 30 minutes to and leave for the airport at about 6:30am. interact with the farmer and his family, as well as sample some of the crops grown here. After, Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at 6am, we’ll head to a local shop, arriving just before with cold and hot options available. 11am. Here, we’ll get a glimpse of another traditional custom—lacquer ware. Then at Morning: We’ll depart our hotel at about about 12pm, we’ll drive back to the hotel. 6:30am and we’ll head to the airport. We’ll FDWFKDKDOIKRXUͬLJKWMXVWDIWHUDP Lunch: On your own. This is a great opportunity to seek out traditional cuisine at Upon arrival in Mandalay around 10am, we’ll local restaurants. Perhaps you’ll search for a drive one hour to the Mahamuni Buddha, the restaurant that serves traditional green curry most sacred shrine in upper Burma, covered DQGͫVK with so much gold leaf that its body has lost all proportion. Then around 11:30am, we’ll take an Afternoon:(QMR\IUHHWLPHWKLVDIWHUQRRQWR orientation drive around the city to acquaint make your own discoveries. Or, perhaps you’ll ourselves with our surroundings. During this join our optional Lives Behind Bagan’s Ancient GULYHRXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUZLOOSRLQW Pagodas tour. If you choose to join this Optional out restaurants to try for meals on your own, Tour, we’ll leave the hotel at about 2:30pm and sites to visit during free time, and ATMs. We’ll arrive at the Nanmyint Observatory Tower at conclude our drive at a local restaurant. about 3pm where we’ll enjoy a view of Bagan’s pagoda-studded plains. Afterward, we’ll visit a Lunch: Around noon at a local restaurant, nearby village to learn more about daily life and featuring traditional cuisine. the local culture. Afternoon: At about 1:15pm, we’ll depart the restaurant for our hotel where we’ll check in. Depending on where we stay, our Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 35 centrally-located hotel likely features a • (QMR\DVKRZDWWKHPrivate Marionettes UHVWDXUDQWURRIWRSEDUDQGͫWQHVVFHQWHU Theater Mandalay: (QMR\PXVLFDQGJDLQ Typical hotels feature air-conditioned rooms insight into the local culture as you watch with a satellite TV, a safe, a coffee- and traditional puppet masters perform on stage. tea-making facility, and a private bathroom. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi (QMR\WKHUHVWRIWKHDIWHUQRRQRQ\RXURZQ ride, about $4 USD one way. to make independent discoveries. You may • Hours: 8pm-9pm, daily. choose to visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, a • Cost: About $10 USD. 19th-century wooden monastery. Or, perhaps • ([SORUHWKHPyin Oo Lwin Botanical Garden: you’ll venture to the gilded Kuthodaw Pagoda. With over 400 acres, this botanical garden This site is often referred to as “the world’s features over 500 species of indigenous trees biggest book” due to its marble slabs inscribed as well as endangered wild animals such as with the entire collection of early Buddhist WRUWRLVHVDQGGHHU'LVFRYHUIRVVLOVSHWULͫHG writings (which, if read for eight hours a day, ZRRGDQGEXWWHUͬLHVDWWKHWKUHHVXUURXQG- ZRXOGWDNHPRUHWKDQD\HDUWRͫQLVK ing museums. Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 36 Burmese Buddhists consider it one of the Evening: You have the rest of the evening on world’s sweetest sounds. Then, we’ll visit Mya your own. You may choose to join your fellow Thein Dan Stupa to behold its completely white travelers at the bar where you can grab a façade and distinct architectural features. cocktail and reminisce about your discoveries thus far. Or, you may retire to your room to get Around 11am, we’ll leave Mingun and return to some sleep. Mandalay, arriving around 11:45am. Then, we’ll take a 15-minute drive out to a local restaurant. Day 9 Fly to Bangkok, Thailand Lunch: At noon, we’ll enjoy lunch at a • Destination: Bangkok local restaurant where we may savor • Included Meals: Breakfast traditional dishes. Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at 6am, Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll go back to the with cold and hot options available. hotel to rest before we leave again at 3:45pm. Our destination is the longest wooden bridge Morning:(QMR\VRPHIUHHWLPHWRUHOD[EHIRUH in Burma. We’ll drive for about an hour to the we depart our hotel around 11:15am. We’ll drive U Bein footbridge, which stretches almost for about one hour to the airport to catch a three-quarters of a mile over the shallow ͬLJKWWR%DQJNRNWREHJLQRXUAncient Kingdoms: Thaung Thaman Lake. It is constructed of teak Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure. planks and has withstood the elements for Lunch: Lunch is on your own today, so you may more than two centuries. grab something to eat at the airport. After our explorations, we’ll return to the hotel Afternoon: We’ll leave Mandalay at about around 5:30pm. SPDQGͬ\IRUDOPRVWKRXUVWR%DQJNRN Dinner: On your own—you may dine in the We’ll transfer from the airport in Bangkok and hotel’s restaurant, which features traditional take a 30-minute drive to our hotel, arriving dishes, or perhaps you’ll venture out into the around 6pm. FLW\WRͫQGDORFDOUHVWDXUDQW OPTIONAL TOURS Beyond the Rangoon River a world away. We’ll explore Dala by rickshaw (Day 4 $70 per person) before meeting locals at a family-owned food Learn more about life in Burma on our preparation business. Later, we’ll depart Dala Beyond the Rangoon River optional tour. In by ferry, returning to Rangoon with time the afternoon, we’ll depart for the Pansodan to explore its colorful Chinatown before an Jetty, where we’ll board a local ferry to take included dinner at a local restaurant. us across the Rangoon River to Dala. Although 'DODLVRQO\DͫYHPLQXWHIHUU\ULGHIURP urban Rangoon, the small, rural town feels like Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 37 Lives Behind Bagan’s Ancient Pagodas (Day 6 $65 per person) Join our Optional Tour to discover Bagan, an ancient city that—with its thousands of temples, monasteries, and pagodas—was once a thriving center of Buddhist scholarship. We’ll discover the beauty of Bagan at the Nanmyint Observatory Tower, where we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the area’s pagoda-studded plains. Afterwards, we’ll visit a nearby village to learn more about local life by watching a game of chinlone—a traditional Burmese sport—and meeting friendly residents. Then, we’ll depart for a local restaurant, where we’ll enjoy an included dinner. Hot Air Balloon Ride (Day 6 $320 per person) Join a hot air balloon ride over Bagan. We’ll rise early to enjoy a bird’s eye view of ancient Bagan and its pagodas at sunrise. 7KLVEDOORRQͬLJKWLVRQO\DYDLODEOHIURP2FWREHU 20 to April 10. The tour must be reserved at least 30 days prior to your departure, and requires that \RXͫOORXWDQGUHWXUQDEULHIPHGLFDOIRUP,I\RX have reserved this tour but have not returned your medical form, please contact our Traveler Support Department. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 38 POST-TRIP Northern Vietnam: Hanoi & Sapa INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » All internal transportation » 9 small group activities » Accommodations for 4 nights in Hanoi, 2 » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip nights in Sapa, and 1 night on an overnight ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU sleeper train » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 15 meals—7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, luggage porters and 3 dinners » All transfers POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY See Northern Vietnam from two perspectives when we explore the region’s exciting capital and scenic countryside. Feel the pulse of cosmopolitan Hanoi during a tour, then leave the city behind when we travel WKURXJKVSHFWDFXODUODQGVFDSHVSDVVLQJH[SDQVLYHULFHͫHOGVDQGPRXQWDLQVFORDNHGLQYHJHWDWLRQRQRXUZD\ to remote villages. We’ll meet Vietnam’s distinct hill tribes, including the Black H’mong tribe who is known for their weaving and indigo-dyeing, before capping off our discoveries back in Hanoi. Day 1 Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam our hotel at about 1:30pm where we’ll check in and have some time to get settled in. Depending • Destination: Hanoi on where we stay, our hotel may have a • Included Meals: Dinner UHVWDXUDQWEDUWHUUDFHDQGͫWQHVVFHQWHU • Accommodations: Sunway Hotel Hanoi Typically, the hotel’s rooms include a safe, TV, or similar tea- and coffee-making facilities, and a private Morning: Around 7:30am, we’ll leave the hotel bathroom. and head to the airport, where we’ll catch a Our group will gather at about 4:45pm for a KRXUͬLJKWWR+DQRLDUULYLQJDURXQGQRRQ WULSEULHͫQJZLWK7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU:H̞OO Lunch: Lunch will be on your own after arriving review our itinerary in more detail (including at our hotel in Hanoi, around 1:30pm. You may any changes that may need to occur). venture out in search of a restaurant that serves Around 5:15pm, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of local dishes like banh xeo. A mix of French Hanoi’s Old Quarter. While the Old Quarter LQͬXHQFHDQG9LHWQDPHVHͬDYRUVFRPSOLPHQW boasts a modern appearance, its history can each other in this dish made with a crepe, pork, be traced back some 1,000 years when artisan shrimp, and bean sprouts. ZRUNVKRSVDURXQGWKHSDODFHRI(PSHURU/\ Afternoon: An O.A.T. representative will Thai To joined into guilds to safeguard their meet us at the airport and transfer us to our trade secrets. The guilds have disappeared, but hotel—about a 45-minute drive. We’ll arrive at the craftsmen here have held onto the tradition Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 39 of grouping their shops by specialty on each witness how this bustling neighborhood turns street. The neighborhood’s low-rise shops into a ghost town as shops close for a few date back to the 15th century, with French minutes, twice a day. shutters and balconies added during the early • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi 20th century. We’ll cap off our tour at about ride, about $2 USD one way. 5:45pm and take a 15-minute bus ride to a local • Hours: Train arrives around 3:30pm and restaurant for dinner 7:30pm, daily. Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6pm, • Cost: Free. featuring regional cuisine. • Witness the Perfume Pagoda complex: Behold this unique group of pagodas and Evening: We’ll board our motorcoach just after shrines that were constructed into the side of 7pm and drive about 10 minutes back to our limestone cliffs. hotel. The rest of the evening is on your own. You may retire to your room to rest before • How to get there: A 1.5-hour taxi ride. tomorrow’s discoveries. Or, you may relax on • Hours: Starting at 8am and ending at 3pm, the hotel’s terrace—weather permitting. daily. • Cost: About $140 USD for a private tour, or Freedom To Explore: During your three full $70 USD to join a group tour. days in Hanoi, you have the freedom to explore this energetic city on your own during your free Day 2 Ninh Binh time. Below are a few recommended options for • Destination: Hanoi independent explorations: • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum: • Accommodations: Sunway Hotel Hanoi ([SORUHWKH:RPHQ̞V0XVHXPWRWUDFHWKH or similar history of women’s roles in Vietnamese Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at VRFLHW\ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 40 Lunch: At about 1pm, we’ll enjoy a traditional Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant, lunch at a local restaurant. where we’ll enjoy a traditional meal together. Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll depart by bus Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll return to our back to Hanoi, arriving at our hotel around hotel and you have the rest of the day to 4pm. Then, you have the rest of the day to yourself to make your own discoveries. Perhaps make your own discoveries. You may choose you’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum where ͫUVWXQLYHUVLW\&RQVWUXFWHGLQWRKRQRU you can trace evolution of women’s roles here &RQIXFLXVDQGKLJKUDQNLQJVFKRODUVLWVͫYH throughout history. grassy courtyards feature several architectural styles from this 1,000-year-old civilization. Or, Dinner: On your own—you can venture out you may visit the Hoa Lo Prison, also referred to LQWRWKHFLW\WRͫQGGLQQHUDWDORFDOUHVWDXUDQW as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Hoa Lo was constructed WKLVHYHQLQJ Day 3 Hanoi Dinner: On your own—you may choose to • Destination: Hanoi have dinner at the hotel’s restaurant this • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch evening. Perhaps you’ll seek out a traditional dish like banh khot. You can pop these miniature • Accommodations: Sunway Hotel Hanoi pancakes, topped with ingredients like shrimp, or similar into your mouth to savor every morsel of Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at ͬDYRUDWRQFH 6:30am, with Vietnamese and American options available. Evening: You may choose to retire to your room to get some sleep before our early start Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll set off by bus tomorrow morning. to explore more of Hanoi. We’ll start today’s tour in the French Quarter at the mausoleum Day 4 Lao Cai • Sapa of Ho Chi Minh, an impressive marble and granite structure that houses the preserved • Destination: Sapa remains of Vietnam’s beloved national leader. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After exploring the Ho Chi Minh complex • Accommodations: Sapa Charm Hotel for approximately two hours, we’ll take a or similar 15-minute drive to visit the Vietnam Museum Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at RI(WKQRORJ\ZKHUHZH̞OOVSHQGRQHKRXU 6:30am, with Vietnamese and American options Here, we’ll learn about the country’s myriad available. ethnic groups. Shortly after noon, we’ll take a 15-minute bus ride out to a local restaurant. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 41 Morning: At about 7:30am, we’ll check out of of the Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien the hotel and begin our bus journey to Sapa Son Mountains. We recommend spending 2.5 via Lao Cai, located at the heart of the Red and hours exploring the area. Nanxi rivers, bordering China. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. Lunch: Just after noon, we’ll stop in Lao Cai to • Hours: 7:30am-5pm, daily. enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. • Cost: About $41 USD. • Hike up Hamrong Mountain: On your way Afternoon: We’ll continue our journey to Sapa, up, you’ll pass an orchid garden that is home arriving around 1:45pm. We’ll check in at our to over 6,000 orchids of almost 200 different hotel, which may feature a restaurant and bar. W\SHV Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 42 Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at Day 6 Sapa • Sin Chai Village school visit • 6:30am, with Vietnamese and American options Transfer to overnight train available. • Destination: Hanoi Morning: We’ll leave the hotel at about 9am, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and take a 20-minute drive to a spot outside • Accommodations: Overnight sleeper train of Sapa where we’ll hike down the main road Activity note: Today is a long transfer day. The on the mountain slope. From this vantage MRXUQH\WR/DR&DLZLOOWDNHDSSUR[LPDWHO\ͫYH point, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of villages hours, and our train ride to Hanoi will take below, mountains beyond, and the meandering around nine hours. We’ll spend the night on river. Our trek takes us down into the Lao Chai DQDLUFRQGLWLRQHGVOHHSHUWUDLQ(DFKRIWKH Village, home to 100 Black H’mong people. train’s cabins includes reading lights, baggage Recognized by their embroidered indigo storage, and large windows. Bathrooms clothing, the Black H’mong work and live off are shared. the land. They are also known for their hemp and brocade goods, which we’ll notice in many Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at places in and around Sapa. 6:30am, with Vietnamese and American options available. Around 10:30am, we’ll conclude our discoveries in the village and return to the trail head, Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll board a WUHNNLQJWKURXJKͫHOGVRQRXUZD\7KHQ bus for a 30-minute drive to the village of we’ll board our bus and drive about 30 minutes Sin Chai. Located at the foot of Fansipan back to Sapa. Mountain—“the roof of Indochina”—Sin Chai is home to an agricultural community of Black Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant in H’mong people, who preserve the practices of Sapa, featuring regional dishes. weaving and indigo-dyeing. We’ll arrive around Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel around 9am, and have a little more than an hour to 2pm, and the rest of the day is free. Choose to interact with locals and some of the children in rest after the morning’s activities, or continue the village school. exploring on Sapa on your own. Perhaps you’ll Then, we’ll make our return journey to Sapa, hike up Hamrong Mountain, stopping along a arriving around noon. way at a mountainside garden that boasts over 6,000 orchids. Lunch: On your own shortly after QRRQ$VN\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRU Dinner: On your own, whenever you’d like. Your recommendations on some of the best places 7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUZLOOEHKDSS\WRSURYLGH for local fare, like bun bo nam bo, a dry noodle recommendations for preferred dining options GLVKWKDWFRPELQHVDV\PSKRQ\RIͬDYRUVDQG in Sapa. You may choose to seek out a classic textures. Vietnamese dish like bánh mì, a sandwich that FRPELQHV)UHQFKDQG9LHWQDPHVHLQͬXHQFH Afternoon: On your own—perhaps you’ll UHOD[DWWKHKRWHORUDVN\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH Evening: Free. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nighttime Leader for recommendations. You may choose stroll through Sapa or a nightcap at the to explore one of the area’s markets where you hotel bar. can shop for souvenirs and see locals going about their daily routines. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 43 Around 4pm, we’ll leave our hotel and head to Lunch: Around 1pm, our group will gather and Lao Cai, pausing en route to view the border depart by bus for lunch at a local restaurant with China and see beyond to the Chinese where we may sample traditional dishes. village of Ha Kou across the river. About 1.5 Afternoon: Depending on your gateway hours into our journey, we’ll pause at a local city in the U.S., some travelers will transfer hotel so you can freshen up and relax. to the airport this afternoon or evening for Dinner: We’ll continue on before stopping at a WKHLUUHWXUQͬLJKWVKRPH RWKHUVZLOOͬ\RXW local restaurant around 7:15pm to have dinner tomorrow morning. together. Dinner:(QMR\GLQQHURQ\RXURZQ̜\RX̞UH Evening: After departing the restaurant, we’ll free to indulge in more local favorites. Perhaps drive for another hour before reaching the you’ll try a popular street food like bánh tráng train station at about 9:30pm. We’ll board kep (grilled egg, pork, and shrimp on rice our overnight sleeper train to Hanoi, which SDSHU Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel starting at 8am, with Vietnamese and American options available. Morning: Following breakfast, you’ll have the day to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll explore the Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam where a fascinating mix of historical pieces’ contrast more contemporary artwork. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 44 POST-TRIP Thailand’s Golden Triangle & the River Kwai INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » All internal transportation » 3 small group activities » Accommodations for 2 nights in Bangkok, 2 » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip nights in Kanchanaburi, 2 nights in Chiang ([SHULHQFH/HDGHU Rai, and 2 nights in Chiang Mai » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 17 meals—8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, luggage porters and 4 dinners » All transfers POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY Following your Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure, experience another side of Thailand. On this extension, you’ll dive into the country’s World War II past during a visit to the original bridge on the River Kwai, which you’ll see on foot and by boat. Then, venture up to northern Thailand where cultural treasures abound—from discovering the Golden Triangle’s complicated history to meeting members of the Karen Long Neck Village, and experiencing the inner workings of an elephant care center. Day 1 Fly to Bangkok, Thailand TV, wireless Internet access, and a private bathroom. We’ll check in and you have the rest • Destination: Bangkok of the day on your own. You may choose to relax • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO at the hotel, or explore Bangkok on your own. or similar Morning: Around 9am, we’ll leave the hotel Dinner:2Q\RXURZQ̜\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH and head to the airport, where we’ll catch a Leader can provide you with restaurant KRXUͬLJKWWR%DQJNRN UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 45 Day 2 Travel to Kanchanaburi troops. The Japanese decided that the most via Mahachai viable option was a railway that followed the River Kwai through the dense jungle on either • Destination: Kanchanaburi side. About 200,000 Asian laborers and 61,000 • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Allied prisoners of war built this 260-mile • Accommodations: Hin Tok River Camp stretch of rail in abominable conditions—for or similar every half-mile of track laid, 38 POWs perished. Activity note: Today, we’ll experience the many 'XULQJRXUYLVLWRXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU modes of transportation that locals use to travel will share more of the history of this iconic across the country. We’ll travel by bus, train, site before we conclude our discoveries around and ferry to Kanchanaburi for a total travel time 2:45pm and take a one-hour drive to our of about 5.5 hours. hotel. Depending on where we stay, our hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel may feature an open-air restaurant and a starting at 6am, with Thai and American swimming pool fed by a natural spring. Typical options available. rooms are tented and air-conditioned, and should include a minibar, refrigerator, and Morning: We’ll depart our hotel around 7:30am SULYDWHEDWK(QMR\VRPHIUHHWLPHWRJHWVHWWOHG and begin our travels to Kanchanaburi. We’ll in this afternoon. Or, you may choose to visit drive a little more than 30 minutes to the train WKH-($7+:DU0XVHXPZKHUH\RX̞OOOHDUQ station where we’ll ride the rails for one hour more about the construction of the bridge on to Mahachai, an area located in the Samut the River Kwai from the perspectives of POWs. Sakhon province known for its thriving seafood This open-air museum contains photos and industry. From here, we’ll board a ferry just artifacts from the POWs who helped build after 9:30am and cross the Tha Chin River. the bridge. We’ll arrive in the Tha Chalom district, also NQRZQIRULWVERRPLQJͫVKLQJLQGXVWU\DQG Dinner: Around 6pm at our hotel, featuring begin the last leg of our journey. We’ll drive regional dishes. for two hours to Kanchanaburi, arriving Evening: On your own—you may wish to retire around 1pm. to your room early to prepare for tomorrow’s Lunch: Just after 1pm in a local restaurant, discoveries. featuring traditional cuisine. Freedom To Explore: During your two full Afternoon: Shortly after 2pm, we’ll walk to the days in Kanchanaburi, you have the freedom original bridge on the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi to explore this scenic city on your own during Province is a green region where the riverside your free time. Below are a few recommended scenery belies its dramatic history, portrayed options for independent explorations: LQWKHͫOPThe Bridge on the River Kwai. It was Zip-line to get a unique perspective of here that Allied POWs and Asian conscripts • Kanchanaburi: See the region from above as were forced to build the infamous World War II you glide between trees in Kanchanaburi’s railway. In the summer of 1942, World War II forest. In addition to zip-lining, you can ZDVUDJLQJDFURVV(XURSHDQG$VLD7KH$OOLHV were rapidly capturing the sea routes to Burma, forcing the Japanese to develop an overland supply route from the east to support their Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 46 also pass over rope bridges, walk along tight Morning: We depart the hotel around 8:30am ropes, and swing by rope for a thrilling forest DQGVHWRIIIRUWKH+HOOͫUH3DVV0XVHXP experience. Here, we’ll trace the turbulent history of the • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi “Death Railroad,” followed by a visit to the ride, about $20 USD one way. former River Kwai Railway. The area is now • Hours: 8:30am-5pm, daily. peaceful, but many lives were lost during • Cost: About $55 USD. WKHFRQVWUXFWLRQRIRQHRIWKHPRVWGLIͫFXOW sections of the railway. Around 10:15am, we’ll • ([SORUHLawa Cave: Discover the largest have the chance to walk over the railway before cave in Kanchanaburi where you’ll behold driving in pickup trucks to a nearby pier, a natural wonderland of stalactites and arriving just after 11am. Our small group will stalagmites that rise up out of the ground and board a longtail speedboat, and we’ll see the seemingly drip from the ceiling. During your infamous bridge from another perspective as explorations, you may even spot the Khun we cruise on the River Kwai. We’ll arrive back Kitti Bats, one of the smallest breeds of bats at the pier around noon. Then, we’ll take a in the world. 15-minute bus ride to a nearby restaurant. • How to get there: A 30- to 40-minute drive to the dock, and a 30- to 40-minute Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:15pm, boat ride, about $35 USD one way. featuring local dishes. • Hours: 9am-4pm, daily. Afternoon: Just before 1:30pm, we’ll drive back • Cost: About $6 USD. WRRXUKRWHO(QMR\IUHHWLPHWKLVDIWHUQRRQWR • Soak up the splendors of Erawan National relax before we gather around 6pm and head Park ,W̞VQRZRQGHUWKDW(UDZDQLVRQHRI to our dinner location. You may choose to see Thailand’s most well-known parks as it Kanchanaburi from another perspective when boasts a lush forest, numerous caves, and you zip-line through the region’s verdant a spectacular waterfall. The seven-tiered forest. Or, perhaps you’ll visit the Lawa Cave (UDZDQ:DWHUIDOOLVDPXVWVHHVLJKWZLWKLWV where you’ll witness stalactites and stalagmites turquoise waters and serene setting. all around. • How to get there: A 1.5- to 2-hour taxi Dinner: A little after 6pm at a local restaurant, ride, about $50 USD one way. featuring regional cuisine. • Hours: 8am-4:30pm, daily. • Cost: About $10 USD. Evening: We arrive back at out hotel around 7:30pm and you are free to retire to your room Day 3 Discover Hellfire Pass • Boat ride to rest or venture out to a bar where you can on the River Kwai your fellow travelers can grab a drink together. • Destination: Kanchanaburi • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4 Fly to Chiang Rai • Accommodations: Hin Tok River Camp • Destination: Chiang Rai or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel • Accommodations: Wiang Inn Hotel or similar starting at 7am, with Thai and American Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel options available. starting at 7am, with Thai and American options available. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 47 Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel around • Discover Art Bridge Gallery: Learn how this 9am and drive for 3.5 hours to the airport in community-based art gallery aims to provide Bangkok. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and you’ll local artists with a space to display and work KDYHVRPHWLPHWRUHOD[EHIRUHRXUͬLJKWWR on their crafts. Art Bridge Gallery not only Chiang Rai. showcases art pieces, but also offers work- shops and classes. Lunch: On your own. You may want to grab something to eat at the airport. You may want • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi WRͫQGDSODFHWKDWSUHSDUHVUHIUHVKLQJJUHHQ ride, about $4 USD one way. papaya salad, a Thai staple. • Hours: 10am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday. • Cost: Free to enter; class costs vary. Afternoon:2XUͬLJKWGHSDUWVDURXQG SP • Uncover Baan Dam Museum’s unique and will last about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we’ll collection: Also known as the “Black House transfer to our hotel (about a 15-minute drive) Museum,” this fascinating site holds artwork and check in. Depending on which hotel we stay E\7KDZDQ'XFKDQHH([SORUHWKHPXVHXP̞V at, amenities may include a restaurant, coffee 15 buildings to see an extensive collection of VKRSQLJKWFOXEͫWQHVVFHQWHUDQGRXWGRRU taxidermy animals and art displays made out swimming pool. Typically, each of the hotel’s of animal bones. rooms feature a TV, minibar, wireless Internet access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and a • How to get there: A 20- to 30-minute taxi private bathroom. You’ll have some free time to ride, about $20 USD one way. get settled in before we gather around 5:45pm • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily. to set off on an orientation walk around the • Cost: About $3 USD. YLFLQLW\RIRXUKRWHO2XU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU • Immerse yourself in local hill tribe cultures: will point out ATMs, restaurants, and sites you Begin this tour by driving to the Karen Long may want to visit during your free time. We’ll Neck Village, known for women who wear also stop by a night market during our walk large rings around their necks to give the where you can browse the stalls for souvenirs appearance of elongated necks. From here, and try traditional delicacies and street food. you’ll hike through a bamboo forest and past waterfalls to a nearby farming village. Learn Dinner: On your own starting around 6:30pm. how to prepare a traditional meal with the You may choose to try one of the restaurants locals before sitting down to lunch. Cap off that we passed during our orientation walk, or your discoveries by trekking back to the Karen DVNRXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRUDGGLWLRQDO Long Neck Village. recommendations. • How to get there: A 30- to 45-minute taxi Evening: You are free to retire to your room to ride, included in the total cost. rest before our discoveries tomorrow. Or, you • Hours: 8:30am-3pm, daily. may choose to experience Chiang Rai’s nightlife • Cost: About $100 USD. with your fellow travelers. Freedom To Explore: During your two full days in Chiang Rai, you have the freedom to explore this historic city on your own during your free time. Below are a few recommended options for independent explorations: Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 48 Day 5 Chiang Rai • Golden Triangle or “Black House.” This complex is actually • Destination: Chiang Rai made up of 15 buildings that were designed by the artist Thawan Duchanee to hold a large • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner collection of taxidermy. Or, you may want to • Accommodations: Wiang Inn Hotel or similar cool off by taking a dip in the water or just relax Activity Note: Today’s discoveries include a at the Chiang Rai River Beach. We’ll regroup 20-minute ride aboard a local farmer’s truck, around 6pm and walk to a local restaurant. which may be along a bumpy road. Dinner: At a local restaurant a little after 6pm. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel starting at 6am, with Thai and American Evening: On your own to explore Chiang Rai options available. as you wish. Or, you may choose to stay at the hotel where you can retire to your room to pack Morning: We’ll depart our hotel around 8:30am before we leave Chiang Rai tomorrow. and travel for two hours to the region known as the Golden Triangle. Upon arrival, we’ll Day 6 Chiang Rai • Overland to have the opportunity to see where Thailand’s, Chiang Mai Laos’, and Burma’s borders meet as we walk along the Mekong River. Then around 11am, • Destination: Chiang Mai we’ll visit the Opium Museum where we’ll get • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch an in-depth look at the history of the opium • Accommodations: Amora Hotel Tapae industry in northern Thailand. At one time, the or similar hill tribes in this region relied on the cultivation Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel of opium for survival—including several bands starting at 6am, with Thai and American of the Chinese nationalist followers of Chiang options available. Kai Shek, who have been living here (somewhat in hiding and in dwindling numbers) since Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel around the Revolution. But times have changed. The 8am and venture 15 minutes to Wat Rong government has established many programs Khun, commonly referred to as the “White to introduce more viable crops, and most of Temple.” This contemporary, and controversial the people are law-abiding farmers. Today, temple was constructed in 1997 by local artist tourism has become a preferable alternative to Chalermchai Kositpipa. The striking all-white drug smuggling, and the hill tribes are more exterior is the least shocking aspect of this concerned about preserving their old traditions. architectural treasure. Access the temple by crossing over a bridge that was built over a pit We’ll conclude our discoveries just before noon of reaching arms, meant to symbolize souls and board trucks that will take us to a local reaching up from hell. Then, step inside Wat restaurant. Rong Khun where you’ll see an interesting Lunch: Around 12:15pm at a local restaurant, blend of Buddhist art and murals of pop culture featuring local cuisine. icons, including Harry Potter and Michael Jackson. While photography is prohibited in this Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, we’ll drive 1.5 temple, it will surely be an experience that you KRXUVEDFNWRRXUKRWHO(QMR\WKHUHVWRIWKH won’t forget. afternoon on your own to make independent discoveries. Perhaps you’ll visit the Baan Dam, Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 49 We’ll conclude our discoveries around 9:15am you’ll participate in one of the myriad and begin our 3-hour drive to Chiang Mai—the activities that take place here, including yoga principal city of the north, a major cultural and Thai takraw, a local sport that combines center, and a favorite with visitors. elements from volleyball and soccer. Lunch: At a local restaurant along the way at • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi about 11:30am. ride, about $3 USD one way. • Hours: 6am-9pm, daily. Afternoon: We’ll continue on around 12:45pm, • Cost: Free. arriving in Chiang Mai around 2:15pm. • Dive into Chiang Mai’s history at the City Arts Depending on which hotel we’re staying at, and Cultural Center: Discover a collection amenities may include a swimming pool, of photos, artifacts, and maps that provide restaurant, and bar. Typically, each room insight into the city’s past. And, enjoy an features a TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making audiovisual representation of Chiang Mai’s facilities, wireless Internet access, and a private ancient and modern histories. EDWKURRP(QMR\DIHZKRXUVRIIUHHWLPHWR start exploring on your own before we gather • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute walk. around 6pm for an orientation walk. We’ll • Hours: 8:30am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday. take a 30-minute walk around the vicinity • Cost: About $3 USD. of our hotel to acquaint ourselves with our • (QMR\DWUDGLWLRQDOThai massage at the VXUURXQGLQJV2XU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUZLOO Women’s Correctional Institution: A point out sites you can visit during your free massage parlor is on the premises of this time, as well as ATMs. This is also a great time institution where you can get a traditional to ask them for restaurant recommendations massage. The prison trains inmates skills that for meals on your own. they can use once they are released, including how to give a Thai massage. Dinner: On your own—you can ask our Trip ([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRUUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVGXULQJ • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute walk. our orientation walk. Perhaps you’ll seek out • Hours: 8:30am-4pm, daily. a restaurant that serves tom kha kai, a sweet • Cost: About $6 USD per hour. coconut soup made with chicken. Day 7 Chiang Mai • Local hill tribe • Evening: You are free to retire to your room Elephant care center visit WRUHVWRU\RXPD\FKRRVHWRͫQGDEDULQ • Destination: Chiang Mai the city where you and your fellow travelers • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner can grab a drink together and discuss your • Accommodations: Amora Hotel Tapae experience thus far. or similar Freedom To Explore: During your two full days Activity Note: Today’s activities include several in Chiang Mai, you have the freedom to explore short drives aboard pick-up trucks along this culturally-rich city on your own during bumpy roads. your free time. Below are a few recommended options for independent explorations: Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel starting at 6am, with Thai and American • Stroll through Suan Buak Haad Park: You options available. PD\FKRRVHWRͫQGDVHDWLQWKHSDUNZKHUH you can watch scenes of daily life. Or, perhaps Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 50 Morning: We’ll board our motorcoach around Day 8 Chiang Mai • Fly to Bangkok 8am and drive for one hour before changing to • Destination: Bangkok pickup trucks. We’ll drive another 15 minutes • Included Meals: Breakfast before arriving at the Karen Long Neck Village. • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV (YHUJUHHQ/DXUHO+RWHO During our time here, we’ll discover this or similar group’s age-old traditions, including how the women of the village wear large rings around Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel their necks to give the appearance of elongated starting at 6am, with Thai and American necks. Then around 9:45am, we’ll depart options available. the village by pick-up trucks for a visit to a Morning: Around 9am, we’ll set out on a nearby elephant care center. Here, we’ll meet a walking tour of Chiang Mai’s Old City. The city’s mahout, a local who takes care of the elephants, medieval walls encircle more than 30 active to learn more about these gentle giants, and we Buddhist temples, and the metropolitan region may even have a chance to feed and help bathe boasts another 80 religious sites. We’ll have the elephants living at the center. the opportunity to see some of these landmarks Lunch: Just before noon, we’ll have a picnic along the way before returning to our hotel lunch at the elephant care center. DURXQG DPWRUHVWDQGͫQLVKSDFNLQJ Afternoon: Shortly before 1pm, we’ll take a Lunch: On your own—you may choose to grab short ride by pick-up truck to meet our bus. At something in Chiang Mai to bring with you to around 1pm, we’ll drive for one hour back to the airport this afternoon, or you can pick up the hotel. You’ll have some free time to rest or food at the airport. venture out to explore on your own. You may Afternoon: Around 12:30pm, we’ll head to the choose to visit Suan Buak Haad Park where you airport (about a half-hour drive). Our 1-hour can relax and people watch, or you can join ͬLJKWWR%DQJNRNGHSDUWVDURXQG SP8SRQ in on one of the activities that the park hosts, arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel (the same including yoga. Then, we’ll gather at about 6pm accommodations as at the beginning of this and head to a local restaurant. extension) and you’ll have the rest of the day to Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:15pm, relax or explore independently. You may want featuring traditional cuisine. to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, without actually leaving the city, by taking Evening: Free for your own discoveries. You a stroll through the forest-like landscape of can retire to your room to pack before we Lumpini Park. This forest-like landscape is leave Chiang Mai tomorrow, or ask your Trip located in the heart of the city, yet retains a ([SHULHQFH/HDGHUIRUUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV tranquility about it. Dinner: On your own—you can enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, or you may choose to venture out into the city in search of traditional cuisine. Thailand is known for their variety of FXUULHVVR\RXPD\DVN\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH Leader to point out a restaurant they recommend for this popular dish. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 51 Evening: On your own. Perhaps you’ll retire to your room to get some sleep before our early start tomorrow, or you may wish to enjoy the city’s nightlife one last time before returning home. Day 9 Return to U.S. • Destination: U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: (QMR\DER[HGEUHDNIDVWSURYLGHGE\ the hotel this morning. Early morning: Around 4:30am, we’ll depart our hotel and transfer to the airport for our UHWXUQͬLJKWVWRWKH86 Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 52 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP: With the planning of any adventure comes the need to research and ask \`P^_TZY^BPɪ]PSP]P_ZSPW[4Y_SPQZWWZbTYR[LRP^dZ`ɪWWʭYOTYQZ]- XL_TZY_SL_Z`]_]LaPWP]^SLaPQZ`YOXZ^_MPYPʭNTLWL^_SPdɪaP[]P[L]PO for this adventure, on subjects ranging from passports to weather, and currency to recommended reading. BPɪaPTYNW`OPO_SPZʯNTLW?]LaPW3LYOMZZV_SL_dZ`ɪWW]PNPTaPbSPYdZ` reserve your departure of this trip, which outlines everything you’ll need to know before and during your adventure. What’s more, our Adventure Specialists will be ready and eager to address any additional questions you may have. With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await. 53 CONTENTS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...... 55 HEALTH ...... 58 MONEYMATTERS ...... 62 Top Tips Local Currency Tipping Guidelines PREPARING FOR TRIP...... 67 PACKING ...... 71 CLIMATE...... 78 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION ...... 82 Culture & Points to Know Shopping DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY...... 90 RESOURCES ...... 106 54 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Your Passport • Must be in good condition • Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. • Must have the required number of blank pages (details below) • The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport Recommended Blank Pages ;WPL^PNZYʭ]X_SL_dZ`][L^^[Z]_SL^PYZ`RSMWLYV[LRP^QZ]_ST^LOaPY_`]P • Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will require 9 blank passport pages. • Pre-trip extension to Burma (Myanmar): You will need 2 more pages for a total of 11. • Post-trip extension to Northern Vietnam: No additional pages needed. • Post-trip extension to Thailand: You will need 1 more page for a total of 10. • Both pre- and post-trip extension: You will need a total of 11 blank passport pages if you’re taking the Northern Vietnam post-trip extension, or a total of 12 blank pages for the Thailand post-trip extension. • Stopover in Hong Kong: You will need 1 more page. Add 1 to your total as listed above. IMPORTANT::`]]PRTZYLWZʯNP]P[Z]_^_SL_^ZXP_]LaPWP]^ZY_ST^LOaPY_`]PSLaPMPPY ʭYPOMdWZNLWL`_SZ]T_TP^QZ]YZ_SLaTYRPYZ`RSMWLYV[LRP^,__TXPZQb]T_TYR_SPʭYP^bP]P roughly $50-$80 and could happen in any and all of the countries on the trip. Please double- check your passport before you leave. The numbers we have given above may seem like a lot, but the goal is for you to have more blank pages than you actually need to complete the trip; _ST^bTWWSPW[dZ`LaZTOLʭYP 55 Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This information is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change. • Thailand—No visa needed. For a U.S. citizen, a visa is not required for entry into Thailand on this adventure. • Vietnam—Visa required. Can only be obtained in advance. You must obtain your visa for Vietnam before you leave home; it cannot be obtained on arrival. • Laos and Cambodia—Visas required. We recommend you obtain these in advance. Although these visas may be obtained upon your arrival, we recommend you obtain them in advance. Entry requirements can change at any time; obtaining your visas in advance decreases the likelihood that you will encounter problems at the border and may protect you if entry requirements subsequently change. • Burma (optional extension)—Visa required. Can only be obtained in advance. You must obtain your visa for Burma before you leave home; it cannot be obtained on arrival. • Hong Kong (optional Stopover)—No visa needed. For U.S. citizens, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www. pvsinternational.org. Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate. Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. 56 If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available bZ]WObTOP,^LYLW_P]YL_TaPdZ`NZ`WOWZLO_SP^POZN`XPY_^ZY_ZLʮL^SO]TaPTY^_PLObSTNS can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip. Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents. 57 HEALTH Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send _]LaPWP]^SZXPTQ_SPT]NZYOT_TZYbZ`WOLOaP]^PWdLʬPN__SPSPLW_S^LQP_dZ]PYUZdXPY_ZQ themselves or of other travelers. PACING • 6 locations in 19 days with some early mornings PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids • You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 5-7 hours of physical activities each day • Our activities include a 4-hour walk through 3 miles of Angkor Wat on uneven surfaces and up 300 non-consecutive steps on Day 15 • We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience CLIMATE • Tropical, with daytime temperatures reaching 95°F with high levels of humidity, especially between March-May • Potential for heavy rains between July-October TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Travel over some bumpy, unpaved roads; climb uneven stairways at ancient ruins; and walk over uneven ground • Travel primarily via air-conditioned 20-passenger coach (no toilet on board) • Other modes of transportation include: ox cart; tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles); jumbos (three-wheeled vehicles); remork (a trailer pulled by a motorcycle); motorbike taxi; motorized boat on the Mekong, which will require agility to embark; and a horse-drawn carriage ride on an optional trip extension • ,Y#SZ`]M`^O]TaPLYO TY_P]YLWʮTRS_^ZQLMZ`_ SZ`]PLNSbT_S[Z_PY_TLWQZ]OPWLd^ • One overland transfer of about eight hours in an air-conditioned bus, with included stops for lunch and activities en route 58 FLIGHT INFORMATION • Travel time will be 20-27 hours and will most likely have two connections ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • All accommodations feature private baths and Western-style toilet facilities • Outside of our accommodations, some public restrooms will be limited to Asian-style squat toilets Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following: • Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. • Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip. • Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. • Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent) No Vaccines Required At the time of writing there were no required vaccines for this trip. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine vaccinations and on basic travel vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but these are suggestions only. However, this could change in future so we encourage you to check with the CDC yourself before meeting with your doctor. Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness • Prescription pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location • Anti-malaria medication—but only for the extension in Burma. At time of writing, the CDC reported that the risk of malaria was low in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, but was moderate in Burma. For this reason, the CDC suggested that travelers to Burma discuss an anti-malarial medication with their doctor. Anti-malarial medication can have ^_]ZYR^TOPPʬPN_^^ZMPNP]_LTY_ZL^VdZ`]OZN_Z]ʭ]^_ Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy. • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas. 59 • Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications. We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws >[PNTLW.T]N`X^_LYNP^ɮ&TQdZ`OZYɪ_^PPLYdXPOTNL_TZY^^[PNTʭNLWWdXPY_TZYPO_SPYdZ` can presume major U.S. brands should be OK). Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips • Start your trip well-rested. • Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. • Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. • ,aZTOSPLadPL_TYRLYOO]TYVTYRNLʬPTYPZ]LWNZSZWTNMPaP]LRP^]TRS_MPQZ]PɧLYOO`]TYRɧ dZ`]ʮTRS_ • /]TYV[WPY_dZQbL_P]LYOZ]Q]`T_U`TNPbSTWPʮdTYR • Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane. • After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. • /ZYɪ_[`^SdZ`]^PWQ_Z^PPLWZ_ZYdZ`]ʭ]^_OLd • ?]d_Z^_LdLbLVPdZ`]ʭ]^_OLd`Y_TWLQ_P]OTYYP] Allergies If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we bTWWNZXX`YTNL_P_SPX_ZZ`]]PRTZYLWZʯNP0aP]dPʬZ]_bTWWMPXLOP_ZLNNZXXZOL_PdZ` Water • Tap water on this adventure is not safe to drink, so we recommend you use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. • ,aZTOO]TYV^bT_STNPZ]^LWLO^Q]`T_^`YWP^^dZ`ʭ]^_NZYʭ]X_SL__SPTNPT^XLOPbT_S safe water or the salad/fruit has been washed in safe water. (Fruit you peel yourself ^SZ`WOMPʭYP • Hot drinks made with water are safe if they have been boiled. 60 • Bottled water is readily available for purchase; just be sure to check that the cap is sealed properly before buying. • Some previous travelers on this adventure have suggested bringing sachets of powdered electrolytes or powdered sports drink with you. If you feel dehydrated, you can mix them with bottled water, and this should help you re-hydrate quickly. Food • We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals. Your Trip Experience Leader can suggest restaurants for meals you take on your own. • When dining on your own, keep in mind that meats sold by street vendors may not have had proper refrigeration. • Be cautious with non-pasteurized milk products—they may or may not upset your stomach. Electricity Supply A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on electricity supply for health reasons (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) XLdbLY__ZNZY^TOP]LOTʬP]PY_:,?LOaPY_`]P 61 MONEY MATTERS Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as U.S. dollars, local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. Traveler’s checks are not accepted in the countries you will be visiting. • Bring a cash reserve for the extension to Burma. Burma is still much more reliant on cash and ATMs may not be available. We recommend that you bring a cash reserve to cover your basic expenses in Burma. • U.S. dollars should be in excellent condition (especially in Burma) and dated 2006 or later. Torn, worn, dirty, or taped U.S. bills may not be accepted. In Burma, bills should be pristine (not folded); uncirculated bills are best. Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverterdZ`]MLYVZ]_SPʭYLYNTLW^PN_TZYZQdZ`]YPb^[L[P] Thailand The basic unit of currency in Thailand is the baht (THB), easily distinguished by color and marked with both Thai and Arabic numerals. The baht is divided into 100 satang. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: • Banknotes: 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), and 500 baht (purple), 1000 baht (reddish brown) • Coins: 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht -LS_L]PRPYP]LWWd[]PQP]]POBSPYNSLYRTYR@>OZWWL]^_ZMLS_dZ`bTWWʭYO_SL_dZ`RP_L slightly better exchange rate on larger bills. Laos The basic unit of currency in Laos is the kip (LAK). Banknote denominations are as follows: • Banknotes: 1,000 kips, 2,000 kips, 5,000 kips, 10,000 kips, 20,000 kips, 50,000 kips, and 100,000 kips • Coins: Not commonly in use. Many businesses will accept U.S. dollars, but some will use Laotian kips. When using or exchanging U.S. dollars know that crisp bills in very good condition are preferred—bills that are worn, torn, or even folded might be rejected. The bills can be the newer “large portrait” style or the older, less colorful style; the condition is more important than the age. 62 Cambodia ?SPZʯNTLWN`]]PYNdZQ.LXMZOTLT^_SP]TPW63=M`_@>OZWWL]^L]PbTOPWdLNNP[_PO>ZXP businesses will also take Thai baht. Riel banknote denominations are as follows: • Banknotes: 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and higher • Coins are no longer in general circulation Previous travelers have suggested that since U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, and []TNP^L]PWZbLXTcZQ^XLWWP]MTWW^ɨ^`NSL^ZYP^ʭaP^LYO_PY^ɨT^XZ]P`^PQ`W_SLYLQPb large bills. A small amount of local currency is useful for some situations, such as to pay/tip the attendant at a public restroom. If you pay in U.S. dollars, it is fairly common to get your small change back in riels. Vietnam The Vietnamese monetary unit is the New Dong (VND). Banknote and coin denominations are: • Banknotes: 200d, 500d, 1,000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d, 200,000d, and 500,000d • Coins: 200d, 500d, 1,000d, 2,000d, and 5,000d Some businesses in Vietnam do not accept credit cards, so you should carry some cash. Many businesses will accept U.S. dollars. Dongs are usually preferred for small transactions (taxis, public restrooms, small tips). Hong Kong & Macau SARs Although Hong Kong and Macau are now part of China, the cities have their own currencies— the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) and Macanese pataca (MOP)—as a holdover from when they weren’t Chinese territories. In Hong Kong, U.S. dollars are usually not accepted for payment, so you’ll need Hong Kong dollars. Some larger shops will accept Chinese yuan, but usually at a poor exchange rate. Hong Kong dollars are also widely accepted in Macau, but Macanese pataca aren’t accepted in Hong Kong. Burma The basic unit of currency in Burma is the kyat (K). The kyat is divided into 100 pyas. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: • Banknotes: 50 pyas, K 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 • Coins: K 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 Coins are rarely used. Burma is still a “cash only” society, with little ATM and credit card use. You’ll want a mix of mostly smaller U.S. bills to pay with, plus a few large bills (like $100s) to exchange. 63 How to Exchange Money DZ`NLYNSLYRPXZYPdbSPYdZ`L]]TaPL_MLYV^XZ^_SZ_PW^LYOXZYPdPcNSLYRPZʯNP^4Y some countries you do not even need to exchange money at all—you can use U.S. dollars. For information on what type of currency can be used on this trip, see the “Currency” section. You can also obtain local currency from an ATM. Using a local ATM on an international network will allow you to withdraw money from your U.S. account in local currency; your bank at home will calculate the conversion rate and charge you in U.S. dollars. Keep in mind, that ATM availability on this trip may be limited in Burma, so you should plan to bring a cash reserve to cover your basic expenses and only use the ATM as a backup or supplement. Throughout the trip, your Trip Experience Leader can advise you of ATM availability and warn you before you enter areas where there are no ATMs, but will not be able to guarantee which ATM will take your card. ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card. Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart. Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.) Thailand: ATMs are fairly common. Laos:,?8^NLYMPSL]O_ZʭYOTY7LZ^LYO_SPZYP^_SL_L]PLaLTWLMWPXLdYZ__LVP American cards. Cambodia:,?8^L]PZYWd^ZXPbSL_LaLTWLMWPTY.LXMZOTLDZ`ɪWWʭYO_SPXTYWL]RPNT_TP^ but not out in rural areas or at archeological sites. Because U.S. dollars are in widespread use in Cambodia, most ATMs will give you dollars and not local currency. Vietnam: ATMs are fairly common in Vietnam. Occasionally travelers report having to try XZ]P_SLYZYPMLYV_ZʭYOLY,?8_SL_bZ]V^bT_S_SPT]@>ML^PONL]O Hong Kong (China SAR):,^LXLUZ]ʭYLYNTLWS`M,?8^L]PPc_]PXPWdNZXXZYTY Hong Kong. Burma: Do not rely on ATMs alone in Burma. In the past few years, the number of ATMs has increased in Burma, especially in major cities and towns. However, these ATMs have some important limitations: • They typically accept Visa, MasterCard, China’s Union Pay, and Japan’s JCB only. 64 • There is usually a fee of about $5 per transaction, and there may be a cap of $200-$250 per withdrawal. • Connectivity is unreliable. And if the ATM cannot connect to your bank, then it won’t work for you. Because of these limits, we recommend having a cash reserve to cover your basic expenses in Burma, and only use the ATM as a backup or supplement. Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. Thailand: Credit cards are commonly accepted as payment. Laos: Credit cards are rarely accepted. Cambodia: Credit cards are somewhat accepted—you’ll be able to use them in nicer hotels, shops, and restaurants but not at small businesses. Vietnam: Credit cards are commonly accepted. However, some businesses in Vietnam do not accept them, so you should carry some cash on you. Hong Kong (China SAR): Credit cards are widely accepted. Burma: Credit card use is just starting to gain traction in Burma. Most businesses are still “cash only”. And unfortunately, the places that do take credit cards can be very inconsistent. They may only take one type of card (MasterCard only or Visa only)…they may or may not charge you a fee…the fee may or may not be the same fee as yesterday…you get the idea. Because of these inconsistencies, it is important that you don’t rely on your credit card alone. It makes more sense to bring a card or two as a supplement to your cash reserve. Burma is changing fast, but cash is still king. Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online. 65 You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.! Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of dZ`bSZSLaPL^VPOQZ]_T[[TYR^`RRP^_TZY^bPZʬP]_SP^PR`TOPWTYP^ • O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7- $10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip. • Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-2 per room, per night • Waiters: Tipping waiters is not common practice, but if the service is excellent you may leave about 10% of the bill in appreciation. Your Trip Experience Leader will handle any tips, if appropriate, for included meals. • Taxi drivers: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not common practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next whole number. Please Note: Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during the scheduled activities on your adventure. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Please do not use personal or traveler’s checks for tips. 66 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air <`TNV/PʭYT_TZY^ • Land Only:DZ`bTWWMPMZZVTYRdZ`]ZbYTY_P]YL_TZYLWʮTRS_^,T][Z]__]LY^QP]^L]P not included. • Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet). • Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/ myaccount under “My Reservations”. Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased 1Z]PWTRTMWPʮTRS_^LT][Z]__]LY^QP]^XLdMP[`]NSL^PO^P[L]L_PWdL^LYZ[_TZYLWLOOZY ^`MUPN__ZLaLTWLMTWT_d?ZMPPWTRTMWPdZ`]ʮTRS_^X`^_XPP__SPQZWWZbTYR]P\`T]PXPY_^% • DZ`X`^_ʮdTY_ZZ]ʮdSZXPQ]ZX_SP^LXPLT][Z]_L^:,?_]LaPWP]^bSZ[`]NSL^PO included airfare. • DZ`]ʮTRS_^X`^_L]]TaPOP[L]_ZY_SP^LXPOLd_SL__SPR]Z`[L]]TaP^Z]OP[L]_^ Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814. If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com. Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations. What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability. 67 • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.) • To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”. • Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount). Optional Tours: Reserve Before You Go We strongly recommend that you reserve the following optional tours in advance. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline to do so is 45 days prior to your departure. Occasionally, space will be available for booking onsite, but this not guaranteed. Optional tours with O.A.T. can only be purchased with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or a debit card with credit card functionality. Because our headquarters are in Boston, charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company). Hot Air Balloon Ride Join a hot air balloon ride over Bagan. We’ll rise early to enjoy a bird’s eye view of ancient Bagan and its pagodas at sunrise. ?ST^Z[_TZYLW_Z`]T^ZʬP]POO`]TYR_SPBurma & the Irrawaddy River trip extension. The cost is $320 per person. Please note: ?ST^MLWWZZYʮTRS_T^ZYWdLaLTWLMWPQ]ZX:N_ZMP] _Z,[]TW ?SP_Z`]X`^_MP ]P^P]aPOL_WPL^_ OLd^[]TZ]_ZdZ`]OP[L]_`]PLYO]P\`T]P^_SL_dZ`ʭWWZ`_LYO]P_`]YLM]TPQ medical form. If you have reserved this tour but have not returned your medical form, please contact our Traveler Support Department. Communications To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip. 68 Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one. Phone Availability in Burma For a long time visitors could not use their own phone in Burma, but international roaming with western cell phones is now possible in some cases; the situation is changing fast, so it is best to check with your own cellular provider. Even if you can use your cell phone to make calls in Burma, you might not be able to use other services (like texting). Network access is often patchy or non-existent in rural areas, but usually works well in towns. If you can’t use your own phone, then other options are available, such as making calls from your hotel. (Public phones are rare, even in large cities.) Domestic calls costs aren’t extravagant, but overseas calls from Burma are some of the most expensive in the world. Calling “collect” is not available in Burma. Another option is to try using a local GSM SIM card, which can be purchased in Rangoon in ^XLWW[SZYP^_Z]P^?bZNPWW`WL]NZX[LYTP^ZʬP]^P]aTNP^TY-]`XL:Z]POZZML^POTY Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store. Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country. 69 How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone. Thailand: +66 Vietnam: +84 Laos: +856 Hong Kong (China SAR): +852 Cambodia: +855 Burma: +95 70 PACKING Luggage Limits MAIN TRIP LIMITS Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person. Weight restrictions Checked bag is limited to 44 lbs total. Carry-on is limited to 15 lbs total. Size Restrictions Standard airline size: checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+ width + depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches Luggage Type Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Please do not bring a hard-sided (clamshell) suitcase. TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS Same as the main trip. REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question. Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. • 4_ɪ^LRZZOTOPL_Z]PNZYʭ]XMLRRLRP]P^_]TN_TZY^LYOQPP^OT]PN_WdbT_S_SPLT]WTYPL week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free Y`XMP]^QZ]_SPXZ^_NZXXZYLT]WTYP^ZYZ`]bPM^T_PTY_SP1,<^PN_TZY • Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. • ?SPW`RRLRPWTXT_^LMZaPL]PML^POZYdZ`]]PRTZYLWʮTRS_^bSTNSXLdMPWP^^_SLYdZ`] TY_P]YL_TZYLWʮTRS_^0aPYTQdZ`]TY_P]YL_TZYLWLT]WTYPZʬP]^LWL]RP]bPTRS_WTXT_dZ` will need to pack according to the lower restrictions. 71 Your Luggage Checked Luggage :YPO`ʬPWMLRZ]^`T_NL^P7ZZVQZ]ZYPbT_SSPLadYdWZYQLM]TNb]L[L]Z`YOSLYOWP^M`TW_ in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase. Carry-on Bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be `^POL^MZ_SLNL]]dZYMLRQZ]dZ`]ʮTRS_LYO_ZNL]]ddZ`]OLTWdYPNP^^T_TP^ɨbL_P]MZ__WP camera, etc—during your daily activities. Locks 1Z]ʮTRS_^_SL_Z]TRTYL_PTY_SP@>dZ`NLYPT_SP]`^PL?>,L[[]ZaPOWZNVZ]WPLaPdZ`] luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure. Clothing Suggestions Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, we suggest several layers of clothing. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle- resistant fabric or built-in sun protection. • Footwear: You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot, sometimes over rough and slippery ^`]QLNP^^ZNSZZ^PdZ`]QZZ_bPL]NL]PQ`WWd?SP^ZWP^ZQdZ`]^SZP^^SZ`WOZʬP]RZZO _]LN_TZYDZ`NLYʭYOP^[PNTLWWd^`[[Z]_TaP^SZP^OP^TRYPOQZ]bLWVTYR7TRS_STVTYR boots might be useful for the ankle support, but they are optional. • December and January travel: If you are traveling during December and January, please bring some warm clothing for Laos; average lows are in the 50-65 degree range. • Walking sticks: Many past travelers have recommended bringing a folding walking stick, sold in most camping stores. An alternative is a folding ski pole. This is very useful when exploring ruins and trails that have no handrails. Style Hints and Dress Codes • Dress on our trip is functional and casual. The most formal you might need for a city evening would be a sport jacket with no tie for men, a dress and dressy sandals for women—but this is not necessary on this trip—the decision is yours. • Wearing shorts is acceptable in most places, except at some religious sites.>[PNTʭNLWWd shorts, knee-baring skirts, sleeveless shirts, and tank tops, are often forbidden in temples, so we suggest that you stick to trousers or a long skirt for temple visits. If you 72 forget and wear shorts on a day that includes a temple visit, all is not lost—temples will generally loan cover-ups to visitors who are perceived as “too bare”—but you must cover up to go inside. • TIP:-Z_SZ`]]PRTZYLW^_LʬLYO[]PaTZ`^_]LaPWP]^ZY_ST^LOaPY_`]PSLaP]PNZXXPYOPO_SL_dZ` bring enough long trousers and sleeved shirts for at least 4-6 temple visits. • It is common practice to remove your shoes inside the temple, so consider a pair that dZ`NLYRP_ZYZʬPL^TWdLYO[P]SL[^LNZ`[WPPc_]L[LT]^ZQ^ZNV^@^P_SP^P_Z]P[WLNP the ones that will get extra dirty in the temples. Or you could designate a couple pairs as your “temple socks” and wear them more than once.) In Burma, this practice goes even Q`]_SP]ɨdZ``^`LWWd_LVPZʬMZ_S^SZP^LYO^ZNV^>ZQZ]-`]XLdZ`XTRS_bLY__Z bring a few moist towelettes to wash the bottom of your feet “on the go”. What to Bring We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help dZ`[LNV?SP^PWT^_^L]PZYWdU`X[TYRZʬ[ZTY_^ɨ_SPdZʬP]]PNZXXPYOL_TZY^ML^POZY experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook. Recommended Clothing T Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts. For temple visits, you’ll want tops with sleeves (bare shoulders are considered inappropriate for religious sites). T ?]Z`^P]^LYOZ]UPLY^%.ZXQZ]_LMWPLYOWZZ^Pʭ__TYR9ZXL__P]_SP_TXPZQdPL]dZ`ɪWW want a few long trousers or jeans for temple visits. See “Style Hints and Dress Codes” for details. T Walking shorts: A longer cut shows the more sensitivity to the local culture, which tends to be modest. Shorts are viewed as inappropriate for visiting a temple, so we suggest you stick to trousers or a long skirt (below the knee or longer) for temple visits. In a pinch you could wear one of the temple’s cover-ups. T Shoes and socks: Shoes should be comfortable walking/ running shoes or low-cut hiking shoes, with arch support. A pair of sport sandals with secure ankle strap (such L^?PaL^L]P]PNZXXPYOPO&ʮT[ʮZ[^L]PYZ_-PNL`^PT_T^NZXXZY_Z]PXZaPdZ`] shoes inside the temples and local homes, bring at least one pair of shoes that you can RP_ZYZʬPL^TWdDZ`XTRS_bLY_LNZ`[WPPc_]L[LT]^ZQ^ZNV^ T Light cotton or wool sweater: Because motor coach air conditioning can be cold. T Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood T Wide-brim sun hat 73 T Underwear and sleepwear T Swimsuit Seasonal Clothing Recommendations For winter (December-February): T Warm clothing for Laos—days are warm, but nights are cool. The average low temperature is in the range of 50-65 degrees F. Essential Items T /LTWdP^^PY_TLW^%_ZZ_SM]`^S_ZZ_S[L^_PʮZ^^SLT]M]`^SZ]NZXM^SLaTYRT_PX^ deodorant, etc. Our hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but if you are sensitive to fragrances or new products, you may wish to bring your preferred brands. T Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses T Sunglasses, 100% UV block T Sunscreen, SPF 30 or stronger T Insect repellent with DEET (30-35% strength) T Cold-water hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite, plastic clothespins, sink stopper T Light folding umbrella T Packets of pocket-size tissues or small roll of toilet paper T Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm T Moist towelettes (not individual packets) and/or anti-bacterial “water-free” hand cleanser T Flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries/bulb T Electrical converter & plug adapter: see “A Word about Electricity” for details T Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger Medicines & First Aid T Your own prescription medicines 74 T ?]LaPWʭ]^_LTOVT_%-LYO,TO^SPLOLNSPLYO[LTY]PWTPQWLcL_TaP^LYOLY_TOTL]]SPL tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication. T Sachets of powdered electrolytes or powdered sports drink. If you feel dehydrated, you can mix them with bottled water, and this should help you rehydrate quickly. T An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness T Optional: Prescription medicine to prevent malaria T Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes T Optional: Motion sickness medicine if you are susceptible Optional Gear T Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm T Lightweight binoculars (if you plan to bird watch) T Folding walking stick, sold in most camping stores T Hanging toiletry bag (with hook to hang on doorknob and pockets to organize items) T Basic sewing kit T Hair dryer (most hotels will provide one, but not all) T Washcloth, and small thin towel. Hotels will provide towels, but not washcloths. Having your own small towel can be useful on extremely hot/humid days. T Handkerchiefs T Eye drops T Reading materials, phrase book T Travel journal/note pad and pens T Narrow-mouth water bottle. One from home may be easier to drink from than locally purchased water bottles. T Favorite snacks. Snacks are readily available for purchase locally, but the selection will MPOTʬP]PY__SLYTY_SP@>^Z_ST^^`RRP^_TZYT^ZYWdTQdZ`SLaPLaP]d^[PNTʭN_d[P of snack you need/want. 75 T Home address book T Photos or post cards from home, small gift for home-hosted visit T Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates T 1Z]L^_SXL^`ʬP]P]^Z]Z_SP]M]PL_STYRNZX[WLTY_^LQLNPXL^VXLdMP`^PQ`W particularly during rice burning season (Feb). Home-Hosted Visits Many of our adventures feature a visit with a local family, often as part of the ,/LdTY_SP Life experience. It is customary, though not necessary, to return your hosts’ generosity with a small gift. If you do bring a gift, we recommend that you bring something the whole family can enjoy, or something that represents your region, state, or hometown. Get creative and keep it small—peach jelly from Georgia, maple sugar candy from New England, orange blossom soap from California; something that can be used or used up is best. When choosing a gift, be certain to consider the local culture as well. For example, we do not recommend alcohol in Muslim countries because it is forbidden in Islam, and your hosts may be religious. 9Z_LWW:,?LOaPY_`]P^TYNW`OPL3ZXP3Z^_POAT^T_&[WPL^PNSPNVdZ`]ʭYLWT_TYP]L]dMPQZ]P you depart. Electricity BSPY_]LaPWTYRZaP]^PL^_SPaZW_LRPT^`^`LWWdOTʬP]PY_LYO_SP[W`R^XTRS_YZ_MP_SP same shape. Voltage Electricity in Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam is 220 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, _LMWP_^Z]NZX[`_P]^ɨNLY]`YZʬMZ_S LYO -`_dZ`^SZ`WONSPNV_SPT_PXZ]_SP ZbYP]ɪ^R`TOPʭ]^__ZNZYʭ]X_ST^MPQZ]PdZ`[W`RT_TY4QdZ`SLaP^ZXP_STYR_SL_YPPO^ volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.) Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local ^ZNVP_dZ`ɪWWYPPOLYLOL[_P]_SL_ʭ_^MP_bPPY_SP[W`RLYO_SP^ZNVP_-PNL`^P_SP]PL]P XLYdOTʬP]PY__d[P^ZQ[W`R^TY_ST^]PRTZYT_XLdMPPL^TP]_Z[`]NSL^PLYLWWTYZYP universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers _ZZWTVP?L]RP_Z]BLWXL]_4QdZ`QZ]RP__ZM]TYRLYLOL[_P]dZ`XTRS_LW^ZʭYO_SPXQZ] sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination. 76 /TʬP]PY_[W`R^SL[P^L]PYLXPOMdWP__P]^ZQ_SPLW[SLMP_>_LYOL]O@>[W`R^L]P?d[P,LYO Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip: Thailand: A and B (same as the U.S.) or C Laos: A and B (same as the U.S.), C, E, or F Cambodia: A (same as the U.S.), C, or G Vietnam: A (same as the U.S.), C, or G Hong Kong: G and D Burma: C, D, F, or G Type A Type C Type D Type G Availability A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. In some places, the electricity may be supplied by a generator, and lighting may not be as bright as you are used to. Travelers dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) ^SZ`WONZY^TOP]LOTʬP]PY_LOaPY_`]PZ]PY^`]P_SPT]L[[L]L_`^SL^MLNV`[ML__P]d[ZbP] 77 CLIMATE Thailand: Thailand’s climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity, and dominated by monsoons. April and May are the hottest months of the year, when even the locals are moved to complain about the heat. June sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October. During this season, the air is warm and humid and the sky is typically overcast. From November to April, the air is much drier, with only a few days of rainfall per month. During _SP]LTYd^PL^ZYLYO[L]_TN`WL]WdQ]ZX5`YP_Z>P[_PXMP]^`Y^STYPT^WTXT_PO_ZLMZ`_ʭaPZ] six hours per day. The north and northeast are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter, and hotter in summer. It will be warm during most of the trip. It gets hot in the sun at midday; in the north, it will cool down in the evening. Most of the country has abundant rainfall from May to October. Laos: Laos has a typical tropical monsoon climate, but with some cool temperatures in winter. During the rainy season (May to October), the winds of the southwest monsoon deposit an average rainfall of between 50 and 90 inches. The dry season (November to April) is dominated by the northeast monsoon. December through February can be quite cool at night—lows can be in the 50s, even though daytime highs will be warm. Daytime highs increase to more than 90° F in March and stay that way through September. In October and November, the average temperature is in the 80s. Cambodia: Cambodia’s climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 80-95°F. The dry season is characterized by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 80-95°F and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F. Vietnam: Vietnam lies entirely within the tropics. It has wet and dry seasons, which vary from north to south and with elevation changes. In the south, temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, ranging between 75º and 85º F. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is during April to August, before the rains have broken. In the north, there’s also a short “winter” season, which runs from December to February. At this time, temperatures can drop to the 50s, with some drizzle. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between September and January. Burma: Burma has a largely tropical climate with three seasons: the monsoon or rainy season, from May to October; the cool season, from late November to February; and the hot season, generally in March and April. Rainfall during the monsoon season totals more than 200 inches in upper Burma and over 100 inches in lower Burma and Rangoon. Central Burma, called the dry zone, and Mandalay, the chief city in the area, each receive about 30 inches. Mandalay is usually warm to hot, with average daily temperatures ranging from 56-82°F in January (cool season) to 77-100°F in April (hot season). 78 Like the central region, lower Burma is warm to hot most of the year, especially in the delta and coastal areas. It is also the most humid region. Average daily temperatures in Rangoon ]LYRPQ]ZX! ɧ${1TY5LY`L]dNZZW^PL^ZYLYOQ]ZX" ɧ$"{1TY,[]TWSZ_^PL^ZY Northern Vietnam: The climate in this region is cooler than the rest of the country. Summertime highs are usually in the 70s, although it can get hotter. But it’s winter that surprises most travelers. From December-March the low temperatures can be in the 40s and the daytime high might only be in the 50s. So if you’re traveling during these months, be sure to bring some warm clothing and/or clothing you can layer. Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical, with hot temperatures and high humidity much of the year. Damp spells can occur year-round. The winter months are slightly cooler than those of the spring and fall, when the weather is typically comfortably warm and sunny. Climate Averages & Online Forecast ?SPQZWWZbTYRNSL]_^]PʮPN__SPaverage climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast. Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall MONTH BANGKOK, THAILAND LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 89 to 71 88 to 49 0.4 82 to 56 70 0.6 FEB 90 to 75 89 to 53 1.1 89 to 58 62 0.7 MAR 92 to 78 88 to 55 1.2 93 to 63 58 1.2 APR 94 to 80 86 to 56 2.8 96 to 69 58 4.3 MAY 92 to 80 87 to 62 7.5 95 to 73 62 6.4 JUN 91 to 80 85 to 64 6.0 93 to 74 71 9.1 JUL 90 to 78 86 to 64 6.2 90 to 74 71 9.1 AUG 90 to 78 87 to 66 7.4 90 to 74 78 11.8 SEP 89 to 77 91 to 68 12.6 91 to 73 72 6.5 OCT 89 to 77 92 to 67 9.1 89 to 69 71 3.1 NOV 88 to 74 87 to 58 2.3 85 to 64 70 1.2 DEC 87 to 70 84 to 49 0.4 81 to 59 71 0.5 79 MONTH SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 88 to 67 71 0.1 88 to 72 87 to 51 0.6 FEB 90 to 70 70 0.5 90 to 73 85 to 50 0.1 MAR 93 to 74 69 1.0 92 to 76 83 to 52 0.4 APR 94 to 76 68 2.5 93 to 79 83 to 56 2.0 MAY 93 to 76 75 5.9 92 to 79 86 to 65 8.4 JUN 91 to 76 79 7.0 89 to 77 89 to 71 12.2 JUL 89 to 75 81 7.9 89 to 77 90 to 70 11.6 AUG 89 to 75 82 7.9 88 to 77 91 to 71 10.7 SEP 87 to 75 84 10.6 88 to 76 92 to 72 13.5 OCT 87 to 73 84 9.3 87 to 76 92 to 73 10.3 NOV 87 to 71 80 3.4 87 to 74 90 to 65 4.7 DEC 86 to 67 75 0.6 87 to 72 87 to 58 1.8 MONTH RANGOON, BURMA HANOI, VIETNAM Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 89 to 65 86 to 40 1 66 to 59 85 0.8 FEB 94 to 67 88 to 33 1 66 to 59 85 1.1 MAR 97 to 71 91 to 35 2 73 to 64 90 1.8 APR 99 to 76 90 to 40 2 79 to 70 90 3.6 MAY 92 to 78 92 to 65 17 88 to 75 85 7.2 JUN 86 to 77 96 to 84 26 90 to 77 85 9.0 JUL 85 to 76 96 to 85 28 90 to 79 85 10.1 AUG 85 to 76 97 to 86 28 90 to 79 90 11.7 SEP 86 to 76 96 to 80 22 88 to 77 85 9.9 OCT 88 to 77 95 to 72 13 82 to 72 80 5.8 NOV 89 to 73 92 to 60 6 75 to 66 80 1.8 DEC 88 to 67 88 to 48 1 70 to 59 80 0.5 80 MONTH SAPA, VIETNAM CHIANG MAI, THAILAND Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 55 to 45 84 1.6 84 to 58 90 to 41 0.3 FEB 57 to 46 87 2.8 89 to 60 84 to 34 0.2 MAR 64 to 52 84 4.7 94 to 66 78 to 33 0.6 APR 70 to 55 83 7.0 97 to 73 78 to 38 1.8 MAY 75 to 61 83 14.6 93 to 75 83 to 52 6.0 JUN 75 to 64 85 14.0 90 to 76 86 to 60 5.3 JUL 75 to 64 86 18.9 89 to 75 88 to 63 6.6 AUG 75 to 64 85 18.9 88 to 75 90 to 65 8.9 SEP 73 to 61 84 12.6 88 to 74 91 to 64 9.9 OCT 68 to 55 86 7.5 88 to 72 90 to 60 5.2 NOV 63 to 52 84 4.7 85 to 67 90 to 53 1.7 DEC 59 to 46 83 1.6 82 to 59 90 to 45 0.6 MONTH HONG KONG, CHINA Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 67 to 58 75 to 64 1.1 FEB 67 to 59 81 to 71 1.7 MAR 71 to 63 85 to 76 2.9 APR 77 to 69 86 to 76 5.5 MAY 83 to 75 87 to 76 11.2 JUN 86 to 79 85 to 75 15.7 JUL 89 to 81 84 to 71 14.3 AUG 89 to 81 85 to 73 14.8 SEP 87 to 79 81 to 70 11.7 OCT 83 to 75 74 to 65 4.7 NOV 76 to 67 71 to 61 1.5 DEC 70 to 60 71 to 60 1.0 81 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS :,??]T[0c[P]TPYNP7PLOP]^%,BZ]WOZQ/TʬP]PYNP During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience 7PLOP]^,WWL]Pʮ`PY_TY0YRWT^SLYO[Z^^P^^_SP^VTWW^NP]_TʭNL_TZYLYOPc[P]TPYNPYPNP^^L]d to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip 0c[P]TPYNP7PLOP]^[]ZaTOP_SPVTYOZQʭ]^_SLYOVYZbWPORPLYOTY^TRS__SL_XLVPWZNLW history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime. Culture & Points to Know For the adventurous soul, the challenges of traveling in Southeast Asia—in addition to the region’s renowned hospitality—make it a uniquely rewarding destination. You should be []P[L]POQZ]O`^_[ZWW`_TZY_]LʯNLYOWL]RPN]ZbO^TYNT_TP^;ZaP]_dNLYMPOT^_]P^^TYRQZ] some travelers, as can the history we’ll revisit at the Cu Chi tunnels and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Meals Our meals will be based on the local cuisine. Western foods will be available at breakfast, but otherwise we will experience the foods of Southeast Asia—many of them containing TYR]POTPY_^_SL_L]PYPbLYOOTʬP]PY__Z`^>ZXPOT^SP^L]PaPRP_L]TLYM`_[WPL^PYZ_P_SL_ no special accommodations can be guaranteed for dietary restrictions. Your Trip Experience Leader can suggest restaurants for meals that are not included on your adventure. Our Vehicles We use a variety of transportation, making our travel between destinations part of the fun. We experience traditional land and water transportation as well, riding in a local wooden boat L_LWLVPTY>TPX=PL[Z]_]dTYRLYZcNL]_]TOPbT_SL.LXMZOTLYQL]XP]BP_LVPʭaPQLT]Wd ^SZ]_ʮTRS_^bT_STY_ST^_]T[_SPWZYRP^__LVTYR_bZSZ`]^,T]^NSPO`WTYRTY_ST^]PRTZYT^YZ_ as reliable as in the U.S., and delays and routing changes are often part of the picture here. Our Trip Experience Leader will do everything possible to make the appropriate adjustments to our itinerary. We hope, that like most of our travelers, you take it in stride and develop an accepting and even lighthearted attitude. It’s part of the adventure. Toilets All of our hotels feature Western-style seated toilets. However, public restrooms outside of our hotels may be limited to Asian-style squat toilets. It is also common for the public restrooms in this region to run low on toilet paper and/or soap, so we suggest that you carry a small packet of tissues and something to clean your hands (wipes, hand sanitizer) when you are out and about. 82 Your International Flight: A Reminder ?SPɭ]`WPZQ_S`XMɮT^_ZNSPNVTYQZ]dZ`]TY_P]YL_TZYLWʮTRS_^LMZ`__S]PPSZ`]^MPQZ]P departure. 4QLYdZQdZ`]ʮTRS_^WPLaPU`^_LQ_P]XTOYTRS_Z]TY_SPPL]WdXZ]YTYRSZ`]^dZ`XLdYPPO _ZNSPNVTYMPQZ]PXTOYTRS_bSTNST^_PNSYTNLWWd_SPOLdMPQZ]P1Z]PcLX[WP%4QdZ`]ʮTRS_ leaves at 12:05 a.m. on May 2nd, you would want to arrive for check-in at 9 p.m. on May 1st. DZ`NLYNZYʭ]X_SPOL_PLYO_TXPZQdZ`]TY_P]YL_TZYLWʮTRS_Md]PQP]]TYR_ZdZ`][]PWTXTYL]d air itinerary. Cuisine in Thailand The variety of Thai food is truly amazing. Look forward to sampling meat, seafood, poultry, vegetable, and noodle dishes (a Thai specialty). Not all of it is spicy—in fact, much of it is very ^bPP_Z]\`T_P^`M_WdʮLaZ]PO8PLW^TY?SLTWLYOL]PZQ_PY^P]aPOQLXTWd^_dWPbT_SʭaPZ] more main courses, so vegetarians are easily accommodated. However, please note that any and all special accommodations for dietary restrictions (like vegetarian) cannot be guaranteed. Images of the King of Thailand In Thailand the king is held in high regard, to the point where even images of him are treated respectfully. The King’s image is featured on the currency, so it is even important to avoid stepping on any coins that may have fallen. Cuisine in Vietnam ATP_YLXɪ^YL_TZYLWNZYOTXPY_T^Y`ZNXLXLQP]XPY_POʭ^S^L`NP_SL_T^^P]aPObT_S every meal. There are hundreds of distinctive Vietnamese dishes, many of which are tasty []P[L]L_TZY^ZQʭ^SLYO^PLQZZObT_S]TNPLYOQ]P^SSP]M^L^^_L[WP^/T^SP^L]PʮLaZ]PObT_S basil, parsley, coriander, chilies, lemon grass, lime, and laksa leaf. The Vietnamese grow and consume a variety of tropical fruits, including coconuts, bananas, melons, pineapples, lychees, mandarin oranges, and exotic items such as the green dragon fruit and the three-seeded cherry. Rice cakes and spring rolls are typical snacks, and most meals include a soup. Rice is a staple of the cuisine, which also relies heavily on peanuts. The food can also be very spicy. To get the most enjoyment from your adventure, be open-minded about sampling OTʬP]PY_OT^SP^LYOPaPY`^TYRNSZ[^_TNV^;WPL^PYZ_P_SL_YZ^[PNTLWLNNZXXZOL_TZY^NLYMP guaranteed for dietary restrictions. Burma or Myanmar? Both names have origins in the local language—one is from the familiar word “Burmar”, and ZYPT^Q]ZX_SPXZ]PQZ]XLWɭ8]LYXLɮ4_ɪ^WTVP_SPOTʬP]PYNPMP_bPPY_SP^SZ]_PYPOɭ@>,ɮ and the more formal “United States of America”.) 83 However, due to historical and recent events, both names carry political overtones. According to the government, “Burma” is a colonial name that evokes British rule. Citing this reason, they changed the name of the country to Myanmar in 1989. For those opposed to the current government, the use of “Burma” shows a rejection of the current government’s legitimacy. ,^L]P^`W__SP`^PMdZʯNTLWMZOTP^LYO_SPXPOTLaL]TP^\`T_PLMT_?SP@>/P[L]_XPY_ of State and the BBC use “Burma”, while the United Nations, CNN, and New York Times use “Myanmar”. Regardless, the nationality and language are still referred to by all as “Burmese”. Ultimately, the best solution might be the one used by many local people themselves—it is N`]]PY_WdNZXXZY[]LN_TNP_Z`^Pɭ-`]XLɮTYPaP]dOLd^P__TYR^LYOɭ8dLYXL]ɮZYZʯNTLW documents or for dealings with the government. (In our materials, you will notice that our usage mirrors this practice—“Burma” in this handbook, but “Myanmar” for your visa application.) Religion Buddhism is the predominant religion in Burma, so an understanding of the religion will assist your discoveries. Based on the teachings of the Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known L^_SP-`OOSL_SP]PWTRTZYQZN`^P^ZYXZaTYR[L^__SP^`ʬP]TYRLYO[LTYZQ_SPPaP]dOLd world to reach a union with the universe known as nirvana, or enlightenment. The region is an ancient one, predating Christianity by at least 400-600 years. Over the many centuries OTʬP]PY_[L_S^_ZPYWTRS_PYXPY_SLaPMPPY[`_QZ]bL]O]P^`W_TYRTYOTʬP]PY_^NSZZW^ZQ Buddhism. Most of the Buddhists in Burma belong to the Theravada school, which is the oldest surviving school. It is estimated that Theravadins number more than 100 million worldwide, with large populations concentrated in southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Theravada Buddhism holds critical or analytical thought in high esteem. The main idea is to advance towards enlightenment through experience, reasoning, and studying the teachings of the wise instead of blind faith alone. Like all Buddhists they believe that worldly attachments impede spiritual growth, and that through rightful thoughts, deeds, and words, one can LNSTPaP_SPbT^OZX_Z_]LY^NPYO^`ʬP]TYR;]LN_TNTYR-`OOST^_^L]PPc[PN_PO_Z[]LN_TNP charity, moderation, and follow their school’s teachings. In Burma, much of Buddhist religious life centers on the monasteries. Monks and nuns are highly respected, and many parents send their children to the monasteries for religious TY^_]`N_TZY8Z^_-`]XP^PMZd^SLaPL^STYMd`NP]PXZYdTYbSTNS_SPdM]TPʮdUZTYL monastery as a novice at about age 7. During the ceremony, the young novice reenacts the Buddha’s journey from prince to prophet. It starts with a procession in princely attire to the monastery, where he dons monastic robes and his head is shaved. Usually the boy stays with the monks for a week or so, receiving religious instruction. When he 20 years or older, he can chose to return to the monastery for upasampada, or ordination. 84 Girls do not have a shinbyu ceremony, but they do receive religious instruction and can be ordained as nuns at or after the age of 20. The female rite of passage, the na htwin, is a ear- piercing ceremony (as in a physical piercing, not a loud or screeching noise). This ceremony is more of a social event then a religious one, since Burmese women traditionally wore earrings as a sign of social status. Religious holidays include Thingyan (the New Year Water Festival), Vesakha (“Buddha’s Birthday”), and Wa-dwin (Buddhist Lent). Buddhist holidays follow a lunar calendar, so their exact date changes from year to year. But generally Thingyan falls in mid-April, Vesakha is always in May, and Wa-dwin is three months from roughly mid-July to mid-October. Local religious festivals are usually pagoda festivals, which double as old-fashioned market fairs, with stalls selling food and handicrafts. Cuisine in Burma Burmese food has its own special identity. Although it draws on its’ neighbors with rice-based dishes served with vegetables and meat, it is neither as hot as Thai, as spicy as Indian nor does it resemble Chinese cooking much except in the stir-fry vegetables. /TʬP]PY_]PRTZY^bT_STY_SPNZ`Y_]dSLaPOTʬP]PY_aL]TL_TZY^ZQɭ^_LYOL]OɮOT^SP^@^PZQ seafood is more prevalent along coastal cities such as Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein), while land animals are more commonly used in landlocked cities. Beef and pork, although certainly not forbidden, are avoided by many Buddhists and Muslims. Vegetarian dishes are also common, as the Buddhist lent (Wa-dwin), a three-month fasting after midday is observed by many orthodox Buddhists. Local dining tables are round and low-footed. Family members sit on the mat around the table _ZSLaPXPLW^@YWTVP_SPBP^_P]YVT_NSPYQZZOT^YZ_^P]aPOTYNZ`]^P^/T^SP^bT_SOTʬP]PY_ items are spread out on the table for people to take from themselves. Food is eaten with the ʭYRP]^ZQ_SP]TRS_SLYO3ZXP^TYNT_TP^LYO_ZbY^SLaPOTYTYR_LMWP^LYONSLT]^^ZXP people eat with standard western utensils (fork, knife, and spoon.) Water Festival One of the biggest holidays in Burma is the week-long Burmese New Year, which is more commonly known as the Water Festival because of how it is celebrated—with locals of all ages splashing each other with water. This can be a joyful time of year, with lots of traditional music, dance, and street festivals. But it can also be crowded and noisy. Travelers who are in Burma during the festival should expect that their itinerary will have on-the-spot adjustments MPNL`^PZQN]ZbO^_]LʯNLYOM`^TYP^^NWZ^`]P^?SPd^SZ`WOLW^ZPc[PN__ZRP_bP_dZ`bTWW be soaked) and join in the fun of what maybe the world’s biggest water party. The dates of the festival change from year to year, so we suggestion checking an online holiday calendar like www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 85 Etiquette /ZYɪ_WP__SPʭYP[ZTY_^ZQWZNLWN`^_ZX^bZ]]ddZ`&WZNLW^VYZb_SL_aT^T_Z]^NLYɪ_MP expected to know every detail. Much of what is considered polite in this region is similar to bSL_ɪ^[ZWT_PTY_SP@>-`_L^LXL__P]ZQTY_P]P^_SP]PL]PLQPbɭʭYP][ZTY_^ɮ_SL_XTRS_ surprise you: • Body posture is important. Sprawling, resting your feet on furniture or chairs, or pointing your feet at someone are seen as impolite. • 4Y_PX[WP^dZ`XLdYZ_TNPWZNLW^^T__TYRZY_SPʮZZ]bT_S_SPT]QPP__`NVPO`YOP] them or in a cross-legged position. This it to avoid pointing their feet at the Buddha, which is rude. • A woman may speak to a Buddhist monk, and a man may speak with a Buddhist nun, but generally the correct thing is to let them approach you. • You may see people greeting one another with a bow of the head, and in some countries this will be accompanied with hands pressed together as in prayer. Traditionally, the deeper the bow, the more respect one is showing, with the greatest respect being towards elders and clergy. For you, a gentle western-style handshake is an acceptable greeting, but if you wish to try the more traditional head bow, that’s OK too. • ,aZTObPL]TYRNWZ_STYRTX[]TY_PObT_SL-`OOSLWZRZZ]TXLRPL^_ST^XLdZʬPYO^ZXP of the locals. Language Barrier You can have some great ‘conversations’ with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive toy. Your Trip Experience Leader can help get the ball rolling. Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older person. If you want to shoot a great [Z]_]LT_^SZbTY_P]P^_TYdZ`]^`MUPN__]d_ZSLaPLMT_ZQ^ZNTLWTY_P]LN_TZYʭ]^_?SPY`^P sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Experience Leader can help. Please do not take photographs of military personnel, military compounds, or other official institutions/personnel (such as police). This may result in the confiscation of your camera. 86 Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people. Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Do not leave valuable items unattended in your room or on the bus. Almost all of our hotels ZʬP]`^PZQLSZ_PW^LQPL__SPQ]ZY_OP^VZ]LYPWPN_]ZYTNTY]ZZX^LQPQZ]bSTNSdZ`NLY^P_ a personal PIN number). Please utilize them. Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers. Shopping There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases. Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund. Crafts & Souvenirs Thailand ?SLTWLYOZʬP]^LaL]TP_dZQʭYPN]LQ_T_PX^L_RZZO[]TNP^?]LOT_TZYLW^Z`aPYT]^TYNW`OPSTWW tribe handicrafts, including elaborate jewelry, colorful textiles, bronzeware cutlery, celadon pottery, and Thai lacquerware. Bangkok is famous the world over for its street markets— Pratunam, Chatuchak Park, Khlong Toey, Sampheng (Chinatown), Banglamphu, and many more. Local products include hand-woven cottons, decorative items made of silver, teakwood carvings, and gems. The best bargains in gems are jade, rubies, and sapphires, but buy from reputable dealers only. Thai silk, renowned for its lush colors and pleasantly rough texture, is considered some of the best in the world and can be purchased in the fabric shops of Chiang Mai. 9Z_P_SL_WL]RP]OP[L]_XPY_^_Z]P^TY-LYRVZVSLaPʭcPO[]TNP^,WXZ^_PaP]dbSP]PPW^P bargaining is expected, especially at outdoor stalls. 87 Vietnam ATP_YLXZʬP]^XLYdʭYPN]LQ_T_PX^L_RZZO[]TNP^?]LOT_TZYLW^Z`aPYT]^TYNW`OP^TWV precious stones, hilltribe handicrafts, including elaborate jewelry, colorful textiles, and opium pipes, bronzeware cutlery, nielloware silver inlaid items, and lacquerware. Local products include hand-woven cottons, decorative items made of silver, teakwood carvings, and gems. The best bargains in gems are jade, rubies, and sapphires, but buy from reputable dealers only. 8P]NSLY_^PYUZdYPRZ_TL_TYR[]TNP^LWXZ^_PaP]dbSP]PM`_TQdZ`XLVPLYZʬP]dZ`^SZ`WO be prepared to buy at that price. It is not unusual for the clerks in some stores in Vietnam to follow, assist, and advise you throughout the store—much as a personal shopper would do in the U.S. This is meant to be polite rather than pestering. Note about antiquities:Think carefully before purchasing an expensive “antiquity.” It is illegal to remove antique furniture or ceramics from Vietnam. To complicate matters further, any item that looks old can only be exported with the written permission of the Antique Art -`^TYP^^/TaT^TZYZQ_SPRZaP]YXPY_1TYP,]_^/P[L]_XPY_>ZXP^_Z]P^bTWWZʬP]_ZL]]LYRP this for you, but this may be unreliable. Burma Burma is famous for its exquisite handicrafts, most of which were handed down from generation to generation. Perhaps the most famous of these is lacquerware, a craft that dates back to the 11th century. There are many lacquerware workshops in Bagan and Nyaung Oo area. In Rangoon, a good place to shop is Scott Market (Bogyoke Aung San Market), which ^PWW^W`c`]dT_PX^SLYOTN]LQ_^QZZO^_`ʬ^NWZ_STYRUPbPW]dLYONZY^`XP]RZZO^ Burma is also known for jewelry and gemstones, but beware—you are not allowed to bring back rubies or jades to the U.S. if they were mined in Burma. U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511. The top three points to know are: • At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees. • Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when _SP^SZ[SL^ZʬP]PO_ZTYNW`OP^ST[[TYRLYOO`_TP^TY_SP[]TNP_ST^_d[TNLWWdXPLY^ shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to- door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties. 88 • It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. ?4;%,NNZ]OTYR_Z_SP@>.`^_ZX^-Z]OP];]Z_PN_TZYbPM^T_P_SPRPYP]LW@>^LYN_TZY^LRLTY^_-`]XL bP]PWTQ_POL^9ZaPXMP] 3ZbPaP]L__TXPZQb]T_TYRT_bL^^_TWWTWWPRLW_ZM]TYRMLNVULOPZ]]`MTP^ that were mined in Burma. 89 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Thailand Facts & Figures • Area: 198,115 square miles • Capital: Bangkok • Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), and ethnic and regional dialects are spoken. • Ethnicities: Thai 95.9%, Burmese 2%, other 2.2% • Location: Thailand is bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia • Geography: Thailand is roughly the size of France or the state of Texas. The country has been described as a huge rice paddy interrupted by the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok. However, that assessment isn’t entirely fair. In fact, the country’s geography is actually quite varied, with a rich central plain, heavily forested mountains in the north, and a tropical rain forest along the southern peninsula. • Population: 67,741,401 • Religions: Buddhist 93.6%, Muslim 4.9%, Christian 1.2%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2014 estimate) • Time zone: Thailand is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. So when it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in Bangkok. National Holidays: Thailand In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/05 Coronation Day Thailand celebrates a number of national May Visakha Puja (moves each year) holidays that follow a lunar calendar. To ʭYOZ`_TQdZ`bTWWMP_]LaPWTYRO`]TYR_SP^P 7/30 King’s Birthday holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. com/holidays. # ?SP<`PPYɪ^-T]_SOLd8Z_SP]ɪ^/Ld 01/01 New Year’s Day 10/13 Passing of King Bhumibol February Magapuja Day (moves each year; 10/23 Chulalongkorn Day see note above) 12/05 Father’s Day 04/06 Chakri Day 12/10 Constitution Day 04/13-4/17 Songkran 12/31 New Year’s Eve 05/01 Labor Day 90 Historical Overview of Thailand Early History The Thai people originated in what is now Yunan, China. After Mongols invaded the state of Nanchao, the Thai migrated down the Mekong River into what is now known as Thailand. They separated into several distinct groups, including the Siamese, the Lao and the Shan, but ]PXLTYPOTYNWZ^PNZY_LN_?S]Z`RSbL]^LYOOT[WZXLNd_SP?SLT\`TNVWdʮZZOPOLN]Z^^_SP R]PL_[WLTYZQ_SP.SLZ;S]LdL=TaP]LYO_SPʭ]^_`YTʭPO?SLTVTYROZXNLWWPO>`VSZ_LTbL^ formed in the 13th century. A distinct Thai culture developed as the kingdom expanded. A dominant aspect of this culture was the importance of Buddhism in daily life. Every village had a Buddhist wat, or temple complex, where festivals and social events took place. These temples also served as schools, orphanages, and hospitals—the monks who lived there were often skilled at local medicine. The Chakri Dynasty The Burmese invaded Ayudthaya in 1767, driving the Thai into the center of the country. A large portion of the population settled in the fertile valley of the central plain, giving rise to a new capital in Bangkok. Shielded by heavily forested mountains to the north, and secure from L__LNVMdYPTRSMZ]TYR^_L_P^_SPNT_dʮZ`]T^SPO?SPYPb?SLTVTYROZX_SL_R]Pb`[L]Z`YO Bangkok became known as Siam, a reference to the Siamese people of the central plains, where Bangkok is located. Around 1800, Siam’s great Chakri dynasty rose to power and created the groundwork for the modern nation-state of Thailand. The Chakri instituted a central bureaucracy, asserted authority over numerous tribes that had previously been ruled by local chieftains, and initiated a program of military conquest throughout the region. Over the next century, the Siamese Empire grew to include parts of modern-day Burma, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Perhaps even more importantly, the Chakri kings managed to keep Siam free from western colonial domination. The Birth of a Nation By the turn of the century, modernization had increased the number and types of jobs LaLTWLMWPP^[PNTLWWdTYRZaP]YXPY_LYO_SPXTWT_L]d?SP[]PaLTWTYR[ZWTNdbL^_ZʭWW_SP^PUZM^ based largely on education. Many Thai began sending their children overseas to be educated. When the children returned home, they brought with them western views on the scope and purpose of government. This new generation of educated Thai saw the Siamese political system as antiquated and began demanding a larger share of power. In 1932, the situation came to a head. The monarchy was overthrown in a bloodless revolution and the country’s name was changed to Muang Thai, “Land of the Free.” However, most peasants and farmers continued to view the king as the moral leader of the nation, and the king was eventually invited to return as a constitutional monarch. He lacks political power, but serves as the head of state—a unifying symbol of Thai culture. 91 During World War II, Thailand was allied with Japan. Despite protest from the British and French, the United States never recognized Thailand’s declaration of war. The decision paid ZʬL^_SPNWZ^P]PWL_TZY^ST[MP_bPPY_SP_bZNZ`Y_]TP^[]ZaPO_ZMPL[TaZ_LWNZX[ZYPY_ of the United States’ post-war policy in Southeast Asia. In the decades directly following _SPPYOZQ_SPbL]?SLTWLYO^LbLY`XMP]ZQOTʬP]PY_[ZWT_TNLW]PRTXP^XZ^_WdXTWT_L]d dictatorships. Change began to manifest itself in the early 1970s with the student-led October 14 uprising in 1973. For the next few decades, the government would vacillate between civilian democracies and military regimes. A recent example of this type of political reversal occurred in 2006 with the dissolution of parliament and a bloodless coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which was resolved by a 2007 national referendum approving a new constitution. The subsequent general election in 2007 gave a majority to the People’s Power Party, which was allied with the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin. But in 2008 the party was forced to disband amidst a storm of controversy over charges of election fraud. The 2006 coup and subsequent controversy continue to mark Thai politics. The two main factions—the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts—each accuse each other of having been involved in some wrongdoing. The Red Shirts view the Yellow Shirts as supporting the coup and therefore interfering with the democratic process; the Yellow Shirts counter that the Red Shirts are controlled by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom they view as corrupt. Although there have been some clashes, the resulting demonstrations by both groups have been largely peaceful and often mediated by the royal family, for whom both sides have shown great respect. (As a constitutional monarch the power of the king is limited to a symbolic ʭR`]PSPLOSZbPaP]_SPTY^_T_`_TZYPWTNT_^S`RPLXZ`Y_ZQ]P^[PN_LYO]PaP]PYNPQ]ZX_SP Thai people.) Laos Facts & Figures • Area: 91,429 square miles • Capital: Vientiane • Languages:7LZT^_SPZʯNTLWWLYR`LRP&1]PYNS0YRWT^SLYOaL]TZ`^P_SYTNWLYR`LRP^ are also spoken. • Ethnicity: Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% • Location: Laos is bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and Burma. • Geography: Unlike many of its neighbors, Laos is somewhat sparsely populated. The ]`RRPOLYOOTʯN`W__P]]LTYXLVP^QL]XTYRL^_]`RRWPLYObSTWPʭ^STYRT^TX[Z]_LY_ along the rivers, Laos has no coastline. The Mekong River, an important source of commerce and transportation, runs through Laos and links the country to the outside. 92 • Population: 6,803,699 • Religions:-`OOST^_!".S]T^_TLY Z_SP]LYO`Y^[PNTʭPO • Time Zone: Laos is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in Vientiane. National Holidays: Laos In addition to the holidays listed below, Laos 03/08 International Women’s Day celebrates a number of national holidays 05/01 Labor Day/ May Day _SL_QZWWZbLW`YL]NLWPYOL]?ZʭYOZ`_TQ you will be traveling during these holidays, 06/01 Children’s Day please visit www.timeanddate.com/ holidays. 11/14 That Luang Festival 01/01 New Year’s Day 12/02 National Day Historical Overview Early History Civilization in the Mekong River Valley where Laos is located stretches back at least 10,000 years and centers around the Mekong River. The Thai and Lao people who now inhabit Laos were originally ruled by the Mons and Khmers. In the 13th century, the Mongols under Kublai 6SLYTY.STYLZaP]]LY_SP]PRTZY,WZYR[P]TZOZQOT^NZY_PY_WPO_ZWZNLW`[]T^TYR^_SL_ʭYLWWd drove out the Mongols and brought the kingdom of Northern Thailand into existence. From _SPVTYROZXZQ9Z]_SP]Y?SLTWLYOLYO_SP6SXP]WLYO^_SPʭ]^_7LZYL_TZYNLWWPO7LYCLYR began in the 14th century. ,YPL]WdWPLOP]1L9R`XPXM]LNPO-`OOST^XLYOXLOPT__SPZʯNTLW^_L_P]PWTRTZY3PLW^Z accepted from the Khmers the Pha Bang, a gold Buddha that became a symbolic and powerful TYʮ`PYNP_S]Z`RSZ`_7LZST^_Z]d7LYCLYR^ZZYMPNLXP_SPXZ^_[ZbP]Q`WZQ_SPXLYd kingdoms in the Mekong Valley, and by the 17th century Vientiane was established as its capital and used as the name of the nation. Foreign Influence Siam, one of the other powerful nations in the Mekong Valley, and the kingdom of Vientiane fought a series of wars that by 1820 left the region in tatters. The Siamese continued with their aggression and by 1885 ruled all of the Mekong Valley. The power of the Siamese was not to last, however. The French arrived in Southeast Asia about this time and, using what we now call gunboat diplomacy, took over the various small kingdoms that now existed and turned them into a single principality that they governed and called Laos. The French did little for Laos—concentrating instead on developing the territories of Vietnam and Cambodia where they built cities, roads, and railroads, and supported education and commerce. Laos, however, was neglected by the French and did not share in the prosperity of its neighbors. 93 Modern History ?SP1]PYNSTYʮ`PYNPNLXP_ZLYLM]`[_PYObSPY_SP5L[LYP^PTYaLOPO4YOZNSTYLTY $ Laos, and the other countries in the region, were turned into Japanese territories until the end of World War II in 1945. The French tried to retake their former colonies when the war ended by landing paratroopers in Vientiane and declaring it a French protectorate. A resistance movement led by a group called the Pathet Lao quickly grew in the region, and by 1953 the French gave in and granted sovereignty to Laos. The decade of the 1950s saw the rise of nationalism in Laos with two dominant groups, the Viet Minh and the Pathet Lao. After a decade-long struggle for control of the country, the TY_P]YLWNZYʮTN_WPQ_7LZ^OTaTOPOLYObPLV-d $! L^_SPNTaTWbL]NZY_TY`PO7LZ^bL^ O]LRRPOTY_Z_SPNZYʮTN_MP_bPPY9Z]_SATP_YLXLYO_SP@YT_PO>_L_P^?SPYZ_Z]TZ`^3Z Chi Minh trail ran through Laos and helped supply the Vietcong and North Vietnamese troops ʭRS_TYRLRLTY^_@>QZ]NP^3PLad@>MZXMTYROPaL^_L_PO_SPNZ`Y_]dO`]TYR_ST^[P]TZOLYO Laos broke apart into two sections—the Royal Lao government in Vientiane and the Pathet 7LZTY_SPYZ]_SPL^_?SP=ZdLW7LZRZaP]YXPY_bL^TYPʬPN_TaPLYOMd_SPWL_P $!^_SP communist Pathet Lao controlled many sections of the country. The peace agreement that ended the Vietnam War in 1973 brought only more instability to 7LZ^-d $" _SP;L_SP_7LZbSZNZY_TY`PO_ZR]ZbTY[ZbP]PʬPN_TaPWdNZY_]ZWWPO_SPPY_T]P NZ`Y_]d3ZbPaP]WL]RP[L]_^ZQ_SP[Z[`WL_TZYbP]PLQ]LTOZQ_SP;L_SP_7LZLYOʮPO7LZ^ This loss of people convinced the Pathet Lao to change their harsh policies, which they did R]LO`LWWd_S]Z`RS_SP $#^4Y $#"TX[Z]_LY__]LOPLYOʭYLYNTLW]P^_]TN_TZY^bP]PWTQ_PO and the economy entered the modern era. Religious restrictions against Buddhism and travel restrictions on visitors were also lifted. By the end of the 1990’s the improvements in government policies and the re-opening of the country began to reverse the previous exodus—more than 28,000 refugees voluntarily ]P_`]YPO_Z7LZ^LYOTY _SP@93TRS.ZXXT^^TZYQZ]=PQ`RPP^NWZ^PO_SPT]7LZ^ZʯNP -`_OP^[T_P_SP^P[Z^T_TaP^TRY^ZYP_SPNZ`Y_]dɪ^R]PL_P^_NSLWWPYRP^ɨTYʮL_TZYɨNZY_TY`PO to trigger economic crises and political unrest. In response, the government turned to tourism as a way to improve the economy, creating a successful “Visit Laos” campaign. Today tourism remains a major force in the Lao economy. 4Y5`YPZQ 3TWWL]d.WTY_ZYMPNLXP_SPʭ]^_@>>PN]P_L]dZQ>_L_P_ZaT^T_7LZ^TYZaP] ʭQ_ddPL]^,^[L]_ZQ_SPST^_Z]TN_]T[_SP@>LR]PPO_ZNZY_TY`PLNWPLY`[PʬZ]__Z]TO the country of unexploded cluster bombs leftover from the U.S. bombings in the late 60s and early 70s. Cambodia Facts & Figures • Area: 69,898 square miles • Capital: Phnom Penh 94 • Languages:6SXP]T^_SPZʯNTLWWLYR`LRP&0YRWT^SLYO1]PYNSL]PLW^Z^[ZVPY • Location: Cambodia is bordered by Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. • Geography: The ancient Khmer kingdom we now call Cambodia is a nation of 16.2 million people in a country about the size of Missouri. This is a country of geographical contrasts—the borders of Cambodia are mountainous and rugged, but a rich, alluvial plain dominates the center of the country. Here the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap River, LYO_SP?ZYWP>L[7LVPN]PL_PL[]Z^[P]Z`^QL]XTYRLYOʭ^STYR]PRTZYQ`WWZQ]TNPʭPWO^ LYOʭ^STYRaTWWLRP^ • Population: 16,204,486 • Religion:-`OOST^_$!$8`^WTX $Z_SP] `Y^[PNTʭPO# • Time Zone: Cambodia is on Indochina Time, twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in Phnom Penh. National Holidays: Cambodia In addition to the holidays listed below, 04/14-04/16 Khmer New Year Cambodia celebrates a number of national 05/01 Labor Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar. To ʭYOZ`_TQdZ`bTWWMP_]LaPWTYRO`]TYR_SP^P 5/20 Day of Remembrance holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. com/holidays. 09/24 Constitutional Day 01/01 New Year’s Day 10/15 Commemoration Day of King’s Father 01/07 Victory over Genocide Day 10/29 King’s Coronation Day February (moves each year; see note above) November Water Festival (moves each year) Meak Bochea 11/09 Independence Day 03/08 International Women Day 12/10 International Human Rights Day Historical Overview of Cambodia Early History Cambodia was once the center of the great Khmer empire that ruled much of central Southeast ,^TLQZ]ʭaPNPY_`]TP^BPNLY_]LNP_SPST^_Z]dTY_ST^]PRTZYMLNV_ZL_WPL^__SP!_SNPY_`]d when Cambodia was part of the Kingdom of Funan. The Khmer people broke away from the 1`YLY^LYOP^_LMWT^SPO_SPT]ZbY^_L_P.STYWLbSTNSLQ_P]NPY_`]TP^ZQNZYʮTN_bL^T_^PWQ invaded and conquered by warriors from Java. By A.D. 800, under Jayavarman II, the great Khmer temples were built and a centralized government ruled the land from the Tonle Sap to ,YRVZ]?SP6SXP]NZY_TY`PO_ZPc[LYO_SPT]TYʮ`PYNP`Y_TWMd_SPPYOZQ_SP _SNPY_`]d they controlled what are now Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. 95 ?SPYPc_^PaP]LWNPY_`]TP^M]Z`RS_L^`NNP^^TZYZQbL]^L^_SP6SXP]^QZ`RS_ZʬTYaLOP]^ During a period of peace and prosperity from 1181 to 1201, the Khmer rulers conceived and built an elaborate capital at Angkor Thom. Perhaps because of the lavish lifestyle and the costs associated with the construction of Angkor Thom, the Khmer empire began a gradual decline from this opulent peak, hastened by a series of wars with the Siamese. Foreign Influence As the Khmer empire declined, foreign pressures appeared. In 1596 a Spanish expeditionary force invaded and attacked the capital Phnom Penh. The Spanish presence didn’t last; they were in turn defeated and expelled by the Siamese. The Khmer empire continued its decline after this with various occupations and an almost constant state of war with Thailand and Vietnam, which both claimed lands once ruled by the Khmers. Asian control over the region ended in 1863 when the French sent gunboats into the area to create a French protectorate. The French succeeded and began a long period of OZXTYL_TZYZQ.LXMZOTLMdTY^_LWWTYR1]PYNSLOXTYT^_]L_TaPʭYLYNTLWLYOPO`NL_TZY^d^_PX^ Modern History France ruled Cambodia until 1941 when the Japanese army swept across Indochina and, while expelling the French, brought terror of its own. With the defeat of Japan and the end of World War II, the French returned to Cambodia. But now they found opposition. By 1953 a strong local leader, King Sihanouk, had risen to power with the Khmer and sought independence for his country. King Sihanouk was a masterful politician and succeeded in wringing form the French the independence of Cambodia. King Sihanouk also established the People’s Socialist Party at this time. After abdicating the throne to pursue a political career, Sihanouk became _SPNZ`Y_]dɪ^ʭ]^_[]TXPXTYT^_P]3PXLYLRPO_ZVPP[.LXMZOTLYP`_]LWTY_SPATP_YLXBL] until 1965, when he broke with the United States and allowed North Vietnam and the Vietcong to use Cambodian territory. This led to the bombing of Cambodia by United States forces. >TSLYZ`VbL^OP[Z^POMdZYPZQST^RPYP]LW^TY $"LYOʮPO_SPNZ`Y_]d_Z.STYLbSP]PSP set up a government in exile that supported the Cambodian revolutionary movement known as the Khmer Rouge. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, United States and South Vietnamese forces TYaLOPO_SPNZ`Y_]dTYLYL__PX[__ZPWTXTYL_PATP_NZYRQZ]NP^STOTYR_SP]P1Z]_SPYPc_ʭaP dPL]^L^^LaLRPʭRS_TYR^[]PLO_S]Z`RSZ`_.LXMZOTL_SP6SXP]=Z`RPRLTYPOWLYOLYO power. In 1975 the capital at Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge, and their leader, Pol Pot, became the leader of Cambodia. BSL_QZWWZbPOQZ]_SPYPc__S]PPdPL]^]PXLTY^ZYPZQ_SPXZ^_SZ]]TʭNTYNTOPY_^TYbZ]WO history. The Khmer Rouge forced the entire population of Phnom Penh and other cities to evacuate to the countryside where they were placed in slave labor units and forced to do manual work until they dropped from exhaustion. Pol Pot and his followers began a campaign of systematic genocide against their own people, with the aim of returning Cambodia to the agrarian society of centuries before. Great segments of the population were slaughtered senselessly. People with any type of education (or those who just looked educated because they 96 wore glasses), or were doctors and nurses, anybody who had worked at a bank—these people were all mindlessly killed. Banks were blown up, airports closed, and money was abolished. The horror of the Pol Pot regime went unnoticed for several years. Finally in 1978, Vietnam, which had been watching the persecution and death of its own citizens trapped in Cambodia, invaded Cambodia and chased Pol Pot and his followers out of the cities and back into the remote mountains. By 1979, Pol Pot had been ousted and the Vietnamese installed a new government. Until 1990 civil war continued sporadically in Cambodia, but gradually the murderous followers of Pol Pot were eliminated from power. Pol Pot died under house arrest in 1998. Recent Years ?S]Z`RSZ`__SP $$ɪ^@YT_PO9L_TZY^[PLNPVPP[TYRPʬZ]_^SPW[PO^_LMTWTeP_SPNZ`Y_]d -d $$"LRZaP]YXPY_LXYP^_dNZYaTYNPOXZ^_6SXP]=Z`RP[L]_T^LY^_ZNPL^PʭRS_TYR and on October 4, 2004 the Cambodian National Assembly agreed with the U.N. to set up LYTY_P]YL_TZYLWbL]N]TXP^_]TM`YLW_Z_]d^PYTZ]6SXP]=Z`RPZʯNTLW^QZ]_SPRPYZNTOPZQ _SP $"^?SPʭ]^__]TLWMPRLYTY $LRLTY^__SPQZ]XP]SPLOZQ_SPTYQLXZ`^?`ZW>WPYR Prison, Brother Dutch. He was convicted of crimes against humanity in 2010, and although he appealed, the conviction was upheld in 2012. More leaders are expected to be tried over the next decade. ,YZ_SP]^_LMTWTeTYRTYʮ`PYNPO`]TYR]PNPY_OPNLOP^SL^MPPY_SP]P_`]YZQ_SPXZYL]NSd in 1993, when King Sihanouk was restored to the throne. In 2004, ill health forced him to abdicate in favor of his son, Norodom Sihamoni, who currently reigns as a constitutional monarch (similar to the system in Great Britain). But even after abdicating, King Sihanouk NZY_TY`PO_ZMPL[Z[`WL]ʭR`]PLYOXLYdbP]P^LOOPYPObSPYSP[L^^POLbLdZY:N_ZMP] 15th, 2012 from a heart attack only 16 days before his 90th birthday. Recent events in Cambodia have focused on the government’s approval of a controversial hydroelectric dam on a tributary of the Mekong River. Known as Lower Sesan 2, the dam could provide much-needed electric power and improve Cambodia’s relations with other countries (some of the funding is coming from abroad, mostly China). But opponents fear the dam’s impact on the ecology and the thousands of villagers who will need to be moved from the ʮZZO[WLTY^ Vietnam Facts & Figures • Area: 127,800 square miles • Capital: Hanoi • Languages:ATP_YLXP^PZʯNTLW0YRWT^STYN]PL^TYRWdQLaZ]POL^L^PNZYOWLYR`LRP some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) 97 • Ethnicities: Kinh (Viet) 85.7%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.8%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.5%, Mong 1.2%, Nung 1.1%, other 5.3% • Location: Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea (“the East Sea”), China, Laos, and Cambodia. • Geography: It is about a thousand miles long and ranges in width from 30 miles in _SPNPY_]LW]PRTZY_Z XTWP^TY_SPYZ]_S?SP]PL]PʭaP[]TYNT[WPRPZR]L[STNL]PL^ There are two mountainous areas, covered largely by forests or jungles: the Northern Highlands, located in the northwest, and the Annamite Range that extends from it down the western portion of the country towards Ho Chi Minh City. The two delta areas—the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south—hold most of the country’s population and also provide the majority of the country’s farmland. The Coastal Lowlands, which lie between the delta areas, are also heavily populated. • Population: 93,421,835 • Religions: Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8%. (Although Communists have discouraged the practice of religion, those who do practice are generally Buddhists.) • Time zone: Vietnam is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in Hanoi. National Holidays: Vietnam In addition to the holidays listed below, April Hung Kings Commemoration Day Vietnam celebrates a number of national (moves each year; see note above) holidays that follow a lunar calendar. To =P`YTʭNL_TZY/Ld ʭYOZ`_TQdZ`bTWWMP_]LaPWTYRO`]TYR_SP^P holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. 05/01 Labor Day com/holidays. 09/02 Independence Day 01/01 New Year’s Day 12/24 Christmas Eve February Tet Lunar New Year (moves each year; see note above) 12/25 Christmas Day 12/31 New Year’s Eve Historical Overview of Vietnam Vietnam’s earliest known residents were hunters and farmers who migrated into the area from the north and south. At the end of the third century B.C., the Red River Delta area and a portion of southeastern China became a kingdom named Nam Viet. The Chinese conquered _ST^L]PLTY -.LYOT_]PXLTYPOL.STYP^P[]ZaTYNPQZ]ZaP]L_SZ`^LYOdPL]^ʭ]^_NLWWPO Jiao Zhi and later, Annam. 98 ,YYLXMPNLXPLYTYOP[PYOPY_VTYROZXTY,/$ #LYOT_^ʭ]^_ATP_YLXP^P]`WP]]PYLXPO the country Dai Co Viet. The next 900 years saw Dai Co Viet grow into an empire ruled by powerful family dynasties. During the eleventh and twelfth centuries the Ly dynasty ruled, the PX[T]P[]Z^[P]POLYOL]_ʮZ`]T^SPO4Y _SP?]LYOdYL^_dNLXP_Z[ZbP]LYO]`WPOQZ] 175 years. The army of Dai Co Viet continued to defend the country’s independence, defeating Mongol TYaLOP]^LYOTY ##SZWOTYRZʬ_SPL]XdZQ6`MWLT6SLY?SPZYWdM]PLVTY$dPL]^ZQ self-rule was the period between 1407 and 1427, when the Chinese again took control. The Le Dynasty re-established independence from China in 1427, and the country became known as simply Dai Viet. Though nominally under Le rule, civil war between the Trinh and Nguyen QLXTWTP^[P]^T^_PO_S]Z`RSX`NSZQ_SP "_SLYO #_SNPY_`]TP^4Y # 9R`dPY,YS`YTʭPO the country and named it Vietnam, giving himself the title Emperor Gia Long. BP^_P]YTYʮ`PYNPSLOMPR`YTY_SP !_SNPY_`]dbT_S_SPL]]TaLWZQ0`]Z[PLY_]LOP]^LYO Roman Catholic missionaries. The Dai Viet rulers eventually felt threatened, and persecuted the missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. Seeking to protect the missionaries and to become a power in the area, French forces entered Vietnam in 1858, taking control of the country by 1883. Vietnam became part of French Indochina, and remained under French domination until 1940, when Germany occupied France during World War II and Germany’s ally Japan took control of Vietnam. After Japan’s defeat, in September 1945, the communist Vietminh led by Ho Chi Minh gained control of many regions of the country. Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent nation—the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. France re-asserted its claim on the region, and French forces regained control in the south. However, resistance from the Vietminh continued, and the Communists still controlled the north. By late 1946, the Indochina War was in full progress, continuing until 1954, when the French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu. In 1954, delegates to an international conference in Geneva agreed to a temporary division of Vietnam into two separate countries—North and South Vietnam. In 1955, elections were held in South Vietnam, and Ngo Dinh Diem was chosen leader. By 1957, the Vietminh in the south, now called the Viet Cong, had begun an armed revolt against Diem’s government, supported Md9Z]_SATP_YLX8Z]PNZ`Y_]TP^bP]PO]LbYTYL^_SPʭRS_TYRNZY_TY`POTYNW`OTYR_SP @>bSTNSMPNLXPOPP[WdPXM]ZTWPOTY_SPNZYʮTN_Md_SPWL_P $!^?SP@>>=LYO.STYL supported North Vietnam. In South Vietnam, a series of coups eventually brought army general Nguyen Van Thieu to power; he was then elected president in 1967. In North Vietnam, the Communist Party Politburo took over following Ho Chi Minh’s death in 1969. The war ended in 1975 with the withdrawal of American troops. In 1976, the country was `YTʭPO`YOP]_SP.ZXX`YT^_^L^_SP>ZNTLWT^_=P[`MWTNZQATP_YLXLYO>LTRZYbL^]PYLXPO Ho Chi Minh City. More than three million Vietnamese had been killed in the decades of war, and the country’s economy had been devastated. Many Vietnamese emigrated to the U.S. and other countries. In 1978, Vietnam severed its ties with China and aligned itself more closely with the Soviet Union. That same year, Vietnam drew China’s wrath by invading Cambodia, an incursion that lasted into the 1980s. Under the leadership of Nguyen Van Linh, the mid- to 99 late-1980s was a period of major economic and policy change in Vietnam. In response to the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the loss of its economic support, Vietnam began to liberalize its trade policies, allow private enterprise, and encourage foreign trade. From 1990 to 1997, Vietnam’s economy grew rapidly. In 1994, the U.S. lifted its trade embargo, and in 1995, full diplomatic relations were restored. A bilateral trade agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam was signed in July 2000. In a touching gesture of reconciliation, the U.S. and Vietnam agreed to work together on cleaning up the toxic Agent Orange left behind from the Vietnam War; the joint operation began in 2011. During the last decade, signs of economic improvement have continued—in 2005 the ATP_YLXP^PRZaP]YXPY_]P[Z]_PO_SL_Pc[Z]_^^`NSL^]TNPNZʬPP]`MMP]LYOSLYOTN]LQ_^ continued to outsell expectations. And just a few years later, in June 2012, the BBC reported _SL_ATP_YLXSLOZʯNTLWWd^`][L^^PO-]LeTWL^_SPbZ]WOɪ^WL]RP^_Pc[Z]_P]ZQNZʬPP Hong Kong Facts & Figures ,W_SZ`RS[L]_ZQ.STYL3ZYR6ZYRT^NZY^TOP]POL>[PNTLW,OXTYT^_]L_TaP=PRTZYZ]>,=LYO_S`^SL^ ^ZXPOTʬP]PYNP^ • Area: 427 square miles • Main City: Hong Kong • Languages: Mandarin Chinese and English • Ethnicities: Chinese 92%, Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, other 3.4% • 7ZNL_TZY%5`^_Zʬ_SP>Z`_SPL^_NZL^_ZQXLTYWLYO.STYLNWZ^P_Z_SPNT_TP^ZQ>SPYeSPY and Guangzhou • Geography: Hong Kong is made up of three districts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories • Population: 7.392 million • Religions: Buddhist and Taoist 82.8%, Protestant 6.5%, Catholic 5.1%, Muslim 4.1%, Hindu 1.3%, other 0.2% • ?TXPEZYP%@YWTVP_SP]P^_ZQ.STYLbSTNST^ZʯNTLWWdZY-PTUTYR_TXP3ZYR6ZYRT^ZY HK Standard Time, which is either 12 or 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, depending ZY_SP_TXPZQdPL]?SPSZ`]OTʬP]PYNPT^MPNL`^P3ZYR6ZYROZP^YZ_ZM^P]aPOLdWTRS_ saving time.) When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is either 6 or 7pm in Hong Kong. 100 Burma Facts & Figures • Area: 261,227 square miles • Capital: Nay Pyi Taw • Languages:-`]XP^PT^_SPZʯNTLWWLYR`LRP&P_SYTNLYO]PRTZYLWOTLWPN_^L]PLW^Z^[ZVPY • Ethnicites: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% • Location: Burma is bordered by India, China, Laos, Thailand, and the Andaman Sea. • Geography: Burma’s terrain is dominated by steep, rugged highlands that ring the NPY_]LWWZbWLYO^?S]Z`RS_SPWZbWLYO^ʮZb^-`]XLɪ^XLUZ]]TaP]_SP4]]LbLOOdbSTNS empties into the Andaman Sea through a large delta covering over 63 million acres. Although the administrative capital is Nay Pyi Taw, the two largest cities in Burma are actually Rangoon (pop. 5.2 million) and Mandalay (pop. 1.4 million). • Population: 55,622,506 • Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2% • Time Zone: Burma is on Myanmar Standard Time, 11.5 hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 5:30pm in Nay Pyi Taw. 101 National Holidays: Burma In addition to the holidays listed below, 03/27 Armed Forces Day Burma celebrates a number of national April Thingyan Lunar Water Festival (moves holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such each year; see note to left) as the Water Festival, Maha Thingyan. To ʭYOZ`_TQdZ`bTWWMP_]LaPWTYRO`]TYR_SP^P 05/01 Labor Day/May Day holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. com/holidays. 07/19 Martyrs’ Day 01/04 Independence Day November Tazaungmone Full Moon Day (moves each year) 02/12 Union Day 12/25 Christmas Day 03/03 Peasants’ Day 12/31 New Year March Tabaung Full Moon Day (moves each year) Historical Overview of Burma Early History—The Pyu and the Mon Human habitation in the area around the Irrawaddy river valley dates back many thousands of years. Little is known about the Stone Age peoples, but artifacts from the Bronze Age point to a fairly sophisticated culture that grew rice and domesticated chickens and pigs. By 500 BC, the Iron Age cultures that lived in the Samon Valley (south of Mandalay) seem to have been _]LOTYRbT_S.STYL&_SPT]OPNZ]L_PONZʯY^LYO[Z__P]d^`RRP^_L[]Z^[P]Z`^NZXX`YT_dbT_S a distinct culture. ;P]SL[^T_bL^_SP[]Z^[P]T_d_SL_O]Pb_SP;d`[PZ[WPQ]ZX_SPT]YZ]_SP]YWLYO^TY_SPʭ]^_ NPY_`]d-.:aP]_SPYPc_ʭaPNPY_`]TP^_SP;d`QZ`YOPO^PaP]LWNT_TP^P^_LMWT^SPOLW`N]L_TaP trade route between China and India, and adopted Buddhism. During this era, the greatest of the Pyu cities was Sri Ksetra (near modern-day Pyay). It was from Sri Ksetra that the Pyu oversaw their expansion into a federation of 18 city-states spread throughout northern Burma. During the same time, the Mon people migrated from an area in present-day Thailand into southern Burma, and established a few small kingdoms there. It seems that the Mon and the ;d`WL]RPWd_ZWP]L_POPLNSZ_SP][Z^^TMWdMPNL`^P_SPT]_]LOP]Z`_P^bP]P_ZOTʬP]PY_[L]_^ of the world (the Mon worked with Arab traders, the Pyu with the Chinese). Or maybe it was that as Buddhists, both groups were generally quite peaceful. Chinese records from the eighth century AD describe the Pyu as a gentle people who refrained from wearing silk so as to avoid killing silkworms. In other words: not warriors. Which perhaps explains why the Pyu city- states quickly fell to the invading Burman cavalry around 830 AD. Empire, Division, Repeat 102 In 849 AD, Pagan (present-day Bagan) was founded by the Burman invaders. Over the next 200 years, the settlement grew into a major power base for the Burmans, who slowly absorbed the Pyu into their new nation. In 1044, the Burman leader Anawrahta ascended to the throne. .ZY^TOP]PO_ZMP_SPʭ]^_VTYRZQ-`]XL,YLb]LS_LOPQPL_PO_SP^Z`_SP]Y8ZYTY_SP " siege of the city of Thaton, thus uniting the old Pyu and Mon territories under one ruler. But his ambitions were not limited to the Mon. Over the course of 30 years, the king laid the foundation of what was to become the Pagan Empire—a major power in southeast Asia that rivaled the Khmer kingdom in Cambodia. During their 240-year-reign, the Pagan Dynasty implemented many key changes that would impact Burma for centuries. For example, they implemented large-scale agricultural and irrigation projects, made Burmese the court WLYR`LRPLYOTY_]ZO`NPO_SP?SP]LaLOL^NSZZWZQ-`OOST^XL^_SPZʯNTLW]PWTRTZY?SPdLW^Z built thousands of pagodas, monuments, and monasteries, especially in their capital city of Pagan (Bagan). As with many dynasties in Asia, the undoing of this “Golden Age” was the Mongol hordes, who swept in and conquered Pagan in 1287. In the resulting confusion and destabilization, Burma divided into a series of small rival kingdoms such as Ava (near modern Mandalay) and Hanthawaddy (near modern Pegu). Politically unstable, subject to internal rebellions, and often at war with each other, the kingdoms were a patchwork of ever-shifting alliances. It wasn’t until the 1500s that Burma was re-united once again. This time it was the charismatic King Tabinshwehti who brought the kingdoms together. Together with his successor, Bayinnaung, the king founded the Taungoo Dynasty, re-united Burma, and conquered additional territory such as some Chinese Shan states, parts of Thailand, and parts of Laos. But the additional territories over-extended the dynasty’s resources, and ultimately proved to be too much to hold on to. In 1599, the Taungoo capital city at Pegu was sacked. The Taungoo Comeback What makes the 1599 sacking of Pegu such a key moment in Burma’s history is who the L__LNVTYRQZ]NPbL^MLNVPOMdɨ_SP;Z]_`R`P^P4_bL^_SPʭ]^_STY_ZQL0`]Z[PLY[ZbP] _]dTYR_ZbTOPYT_^TYʮ`PYNPTY-`]XL_S]Z`RSQZ]NPDP_OP^[T_P_SPOLXLRP_Z_SPT]NL[T_LW the Taungoo were able to regroup and successfully reclaim some of their territory in northern Burma by 1605. They used this territory as a base from which they challenged the Portuguese forces, defeating them at Thanlyin in 1613. By 1650, the Taungoo Dynasty had recaptured and reunited Burma. While other neighboring countries where being colonized by European powers, the Taungoo XLYLRPO_ZSZWOTY_Z-`]XL`Y_TW " bSPYTY_P]YLWʭRS_TYROTaTOPO_SPNZ`Y_]dZYNP again. Although the feudal period was long over, the country split into rival groups that echoed earlier history—the Taungoo, who were a Burman dynasty with roots in the old kingdom of Ava, were ousted by a rebellion of Mons with roots in the old kingdom of Hanthawaddy. 103 The Hanthawaddy rule was brief—only seven years. In 1759, they were successfully challenged Md_SPXTWT_L]dXTYOPO6ZYML`YR/dYL^_d,_ʭ]^__SP6ZYML`YRVP[__SP0`]Z[PLY[ZbP]^ at bay. They even managed to conquer territory in Thailand, China, and India. However, it was their involvement in India during the 1820s that drew the ire of the British. Anglo-Burmese Wars In 1824, a series of border raids between India and Burma sparked of the First Anglo-Burmese War. The war was brief—only two years—and resulted in Burma ceding almost all of its foreign territory. With the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852, the British seized part of Burma itself, yet allowed the king to continue his rule. With the Third Anglo-Burmese war in 1885, the British took the entire country, and sent the king into exile in India. Although their rule was relatively brief, and they eventually lost to the British, the Konbaung Dynasty oversaw an important transition period. The arts thrived, especially literature and _SPL_P]?SPNZ`Y_]dɪ^ʭ]^_^_LYOL]ONZTYLRPbL^TY_]ZO`NPO?SPdLW^Z^_L]_POLXLUZ] reorganization of the monasteries, known as the Sudhamma Reformation. Under the Konbaung, it seemed that Burma was recapturing some of its importance from the days of the Taungoo Dynasty. In contrast, when the British took over, they made Burma a province of India, essentially reducing it to a backwater. Economically, the union created a boom in rice and other crops, M`__SP[]Zʭ_^]L]PWd]PLNSPO_SPWZNLW^,OOTYR_Z_SPNZX[WPcT_dZQ_SP^T_`L_TZYbL^_SPQLN_ that many workers and professionals from India were brought in to Burma; because of the already existing ties between India and Great Britain, the Indians were viewed as suspect by many of the local population. The Thirty Comrades During the 1920s and 1930s, the main resistance against the British rule came from religious groups like the YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) and the RUSU (Rangoon University Students Union). With the outbreak of World War II, these young nationalists were torn between serving with Great Britain—who might thereby grant independence after the war—or joining the forces against Britain. Led by respected activist Aung San, a group known as the “Thirty Comrades” ^PN]P_WdL[[]ZLNSPO5L[LYbT_SLYZʬP]_ZNZWW`OPLRLTY^__SP-]T_T^S-`_bSPYT_MPNLXP apparent that the Japanese government would not keep its promises, the Burmese army, now SPLOPOMd,`YR>LYZʯNTLWWdUZTYPO_SP,WWTPOQZ]NP^ After the war, Great Britain did acknowledge Burma’s independence. A constitution for an independent Burma was in the works when tragedy struck—a political rival assassinated Aung San and several members of his political party on July 19, 1947. Despite the shocking event (or perhaps because of it) the new constitution was quickly passed in 1948. From 1948 until 1962, the government was a parliamentary democracy headed by a Prime Minister. But internal politics and divisions among ethnic groups meant the government’s hold was tenuous. In 1962 a coup lead by General Ne Win abolished the constitution and established military rule. 104 Military Junta and Resistance The military government’s extreme socialist economics meant that everything was nationalized—utilities, industry, even retail shops. This in turn slowed the national economy to a virtual standstill. In March of 1988, a student protest against the worsening economic NZYOT_TZY^bZY[`MWTN^dX[L_SdLYO_Z`NSPOZʬLbLaPZQ[]Z_P^_^LYO]LWWTP^_S]Z`RSZ`__SP country. It was during this time that Aung San’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, began to emerge as the voice of the opposition party, the NDL (National League for Democracy). In September of 1988, a group of generals formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). To control the uprisings, SLORC used the army against the protesters. It is estimated _SL_ZaP] []Z_P^_P]^Z]LN_TaT^_^bP]PVTWWPOLYO]Z`RSWd ʮPO>7:=._SPY[WLNPO the country under martial law and announced an election to select an assembly that would write a new constitution. Unfortunately for SLORC, it was the opposition— Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD—who won the majority of the seats in the 1990 election. The military responded by refusing to let the assembly meet, and by holding two of the NLD leaders, Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin U, under house arrest. It was while under house arrest that Aung San Suu Kyi won her Nobel Peace Award in 1991. For the next two decades, the government would periodically relax its restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi, only to detain her again or re-arrest her. It wasn’t until 1993 that the Constitutional Assembly was allowed to meet, and in the end they could not overcome the restrictions set by the military; the assembly was dissolved in 1996 without having created a constitution. It was not reconvened until 2005, but major pro- democratic groups like the NLD were barred from participating, and once again the assembly failed to produce a constitution. Recent History On May 10, 2008 the government held a referendum on the constitution, which many international observers questioned, especially since it was held in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. The cyclone had hit the Irrawaddy and Rangoon areas on May 2 and May 3, causing extensive damage and loss of life. It is considered the worst natural disaster in Burma’s history. Burma’s government was widely criticized by the international community for holding the referendum only one week later. In addition, the government created many delays and complications in delivering humanitarian aid, actions that were also strongly criticized. Although the 2010 election results were largely pro-government, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2010, and her open participation in the 2012 elections (she won a seat in Parliament) signaled a major change in Burmese politics. President Barack Obama visited with Aung San >``6dTMLNVTY XLVTYRSTX_SPʭ]^_;]P^TOPY_ZQ_SP@YT_PO>_L_P^_ZPaP]aT^T_-`]XL 4YLYPʬZ]__Z^`[[Z]_L[Z_PY_TLW^STQ__ZbL]O^OPXZN]LNd;]P^TOPY_:MLXL]P_`]YPO_Z Burma in 2014. 105 RESOURCES Suggested Readings General Southeast Asia ,?]LaPWWP]ɪ^3T^_Z]dZQ>Z`_SPL^_,^TL by J.M. Barwise and Nicholas J. White (History) As compact history of a diverse region, this book packs a wealth of information into its well-written and well-organized pages. (And yes, the title has two “L”s; the series is British). ?SP=TaP]ɪ^?LWP,DPL]ZY_SP8PVZYR by Edward Gargan (Travel Narrative) Describes in beautiful detail a year spend on the Mekong River during a 3,000-mile journey from its source in China through Tibet, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Sri Rahula (Religion) A useful overview of Buddhism as it is practiced in Southeast Asia by an internationally recognized authority who just happens to also be a Buddhist monk. Thailand ,YYLLYO_SP6TYRZQ>TLX by Margaret Landon (Biography) Some say the tale is more fanciful than true, but it certainly has endured. This is the classic account of a governess in mid-19th century Siam that inspired the musical, The King and I. -LYRVZV#,9ZaPWMd5ZSY-`]OP__8d^_P]d=PXTYT^NPY_ZQLʭWXYZT]ɨR]T__d^`^[PY^PQ`W and sometimes darkly funny—this book explores the underside of Thailand’s capital through a series of mysterious deaths by snakebite. The detective, who is a member of the Royal Thai police, also stars in sequels like: Bangkok Tattoo and Bangkok Haunts. -LYRVZV,.`W_`]LW3T^_Z]d by Maryvelma O’Neil (History) Art historian O’Neil’s scholarly book details the city’s art, history, royal ceremony, and tradition in such depth that it is sometimes used as a college textbook, despite coming in at less than 300 pages. Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap (Short Stories) The author’s debut work is a collection of short stories set in present-day Thailand. Inspired in part by Lapcharoensap own Thai- American heritage; critically well received. ?SP1ZZOZQ?SLTWLYO%,5Z`]YPdQZ]1ZZO7ZaP]^ edited by Kay Halsey (Food) A well-researched NZWWPN_TZYZQ?SLT]PNT[P^Q]ZXOTʬP]PY_]PRTZY^LWZYRbT_S^[PNTLW^PN_TZY^ZYNZZVTYR techniques and presentation that are uniquely Thai. Traveler’s Tales Thailand edited by Larry Habegger and James O’Reilly (Culture) A collection of useful and memorable stories that show a spectrum of experiences to be had (or to be avoided) in Thailand. The authors come from many walks of life: some are teachers, writers, scientists—all of them have tales to tell that will help to deepen and enrich your experience in Thailand. 106 Laos ?SP.Z]ZYP]ɪ^7`YNSMd.ZWTY.Z__P]TWW8d^_P]TP^?SPʭ]^_TYLYLbL]ObTYYTYRXd^_P]d^P]TP^ set in Laos featuring Dr. Siri Paiboun as the detective. ?SP>[T]T_.L_NSP^DZ`LYODZ`1LWW/ZbY by Anne Fadiman (Culture/Medicine) A sympathetic look at the culture clash between the Hmong parents of Lia, a child with epilepsy, and her American doctors. Cambodia ,3T^_Z]dZQ.LXMZOTL by David Chandler (History) A clear and succinct account of modern Cambodia that starts in 1953 and extends to the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge, the death of the noxious Pol Pot in the late 1990s, and the return of peace to this lovely land. 1T]^_?SPd6TWWPO8d1L_SP]%,/L`RS_P]ZQ.LXMZOTL=PXPXMP]^ by Loung Ung (Memoir) A personal account of Ung’s experiences throughout the Khmer Rouge years as a survivor of the Pol Pot regime. 2ZWOPY-ZYP^,Y0c_]LZ]OTYL]d5Z`]YPdQ]ZX3PWWTY.LXMZOTL_ZL9Pb7TQPTY,XP]TNL by Sichan Siv (Memoir) Deputy Ambassador to the UN during the Bush administration, Siv looks back on a remarkable life, from his privileged childhood in Pochentong to the murderous reign of Pol Pot, his escape from a work camp to freedom and, eventually, life in America. 8LYd8LYd8LYd2ZO^ZQ3TYO`T^X by Swami Achuthananda or 3TYO`T^X%,AP]d>SZ]_4Y_]ZO`N_TZY by Kim Knott (Religion) Although the primary focus of these books is on Indian Hinduism, some previous travelers felt that knowing about the Hindu religion is helpful to put the Angkor temples in context. :Od^^Pd2`TOP,YRVZ].LXMZOTLɪ^BZYO]Z`^6SXP]?PX[WP^ by Dawn Rooney Considered by many as the indispensable guide to Khmer culture and history. Vietnam ,-]TRS_>STYTYR7TP by Neil Sheehan (History/Memoir) This book details the Vietnam War _S]Z`RSZYPZQ_SPMTRNZY_]ZaP]^TP^ɨLNWLYOP^_TYPM]TPʭYRZQ_SP[]P^^Md7_.ZW5ZSY;L`W Vann, who strongly disagreed with his superiors on the direction the war was taking and America’s chances of winning. .L_ʭ^SLYO8LYOLWLMd,YO]PbC;SLX8PXZT]?]LaPW9L]]L_TaP,ATP_YLXP^P,XP]TNLY decides to revisit the land of his birth and some painful memories. This touching book balances the story of the author’s escape from Vietnam in 1977 and his subsequent return about 20 years later to tour by bicycle. .ZXX`YTZY%,.`WTYL]d5Z`]YPd?S]Z`RSATP_YLX by Kim Fay (Food). Part cookbook and part travelogue, this book charts the return of Fay to Vietnam for a culinary safari after a ten-year absence. Beautiful, bold photographs and stories about the chefs accompany authentic recipes. 107 Dispatches by Michael Herr (Journalism) First published in 1977, when Herr was a journalist QZ]0^\`T]P8LRLeTYP_ST^NZWWPN_TZYZQʭ]^_SLYO]P[Z]_TYRSL^MPPYNZX[L]PO_ZLbL] documentary in print. /`XM7`NV,9ZaPW by Trong Phung Vu (Literature) Once banned, the works of Vietnamese satirist Trong Phung Vu are now seen as masterpieces that were years ahead of their time. This sarcastic and comedic rags-to-riches story set in Hanoi is particularly popular. Fire in the LakeMd1]LYNP^1T_e2P]LWO3T^_Z]d1T_e2P]LWOL^_Lʬb]T_P]L__SP9PbDZ]VP] was on assignment in Vietnam when she became interested in the impact of America’s participation in the Vietnam War. The resulting book won both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award in 1973, and is still essential reading more than 30 years later. The Lover by Marguerite Duras (Literature) The bittersweet story of a doomed romance between a French teenager and an older Chinese man set in 1930s French Indochina (Vietnam). The novel contains some racy scenes and frank language, but was critically well-received and won France’s Prix Goncourt for literature. Last Night I Dreamed of Peace by Dang Thuy Tram (Diary) As a young doctor working for the North Vietnamese Army, Dang Thuy Tram kept a diary of her experiences until her death at age 27. Found by an American soldier, the diary was returned to her family and published for _SPʭ]^__TXPLWXZ^_ dPL]^WL_P] 8L__P]SZ]Y by Karl Marlantes (Literature) This debut novel is about a company of Marines who build, abandon, and retake an outpost on a remote hilltop in Vietnam. The author, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, reportedly spent 30 years writing this book about the folly of war. He succeeded in coming up with one of the most profound and devastating novels ever to be written about Vietnam—or any war. Perfect Spy by Larry Berman (Biography) Follows the intricate double life of Communist spy ;SLXC`LY,YbSZ[L^^PO,XP]TNLYXTWT_L]d^PN]P_^_Z9Z]_SATP_YLXbSTWP`YOP]NZaP]L^L reporter for Time Magazine in California. ?SP<`TP_,XP]TNLYMd2]LSLX2]PPYP7T_P]L_`]P<`T_P[Z^^TMWd_SPXZ^_QLXZ`^YZaPW^P_TY Vietnam, and a classic love triangle too. A knowing British war correspondent and a hopeful American are caught up in both revolutionary politics and whirlwind romance in 1950s Saigon. Unfortunately, they both fall for the same Vietnamese woman. ?SP>LN]POBTWWZb1Z`]2PYP]L_TZY^TY_SP7TQPZQLATP_YLXP^P1LXTWd by Duong Van Mai Elliott (Biography/Memoir) A family history following four generations that also reveals the country’s history over the last 100 years. It’s a rich, marvelously detailed family saga. The Sorrow of WarMd-LZ9TYS7T_P]L_`]P?SPʭN_TZYLWTePOLNNZ`Y_ZQ_SPL`_SZ]ɪ^ZbY experiences as a soldier for North Vietnam, this novel became a best-seller in Vietnam despite having been banned by the government (because it does not portray the war as heroic). The story can be tricky to keep up with—the time period jumps around, sometimes without warning—but the emotional honesty strikes a cord. 108 The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (Fiction) The taunt story of a double agent who secretly sympathizes with the Communist forces during the fall of the South Vietnamese government in 1975. Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. ?SP?STYR^?SPd.L]]TPO by Tim O’Brien (Literature) Like The Sorrow of War, this is a ʭN_TZYLWTePOLNNZ`Y_ZQ_SPL`_SZ]ɪ^ZbYbL]_TXPPc[P]TPYNP^M`_Q]ZX_SP,XP]TNLY[ZTY_ ZQaTPbLYO_ZWOL^L^P]TP^ZQ^SZ]_^_Z]TP^4_bL^;`WT_eP];]TePʭYLWT^_bSPYT_bL^ʭ]^_ published in 1990. ATP_YLX9Zb%,>ZWOTP]=P_`]Y^ by David Lamb (Memoir/Travel Narrative) For a reporter who once described Vietnam as “a war, not a country”, returning nearly 30 years after the war’s end as the LA Times bureau chief was a surprise. But Lamb puts his return to good use, creating a book that deftly interweaves the stories of “then” and “now”. BSPY3PLaPYLYO0L]_S.SLYRPO;WLNP^ by Le Ly Hayslip (Memoir) The true-life story of a Vietnamese girl forced into the war (on both sides), where she faced constant danger, near- starvation, and torture. A riveting, emotional, and brutally honest look at what it takes to survive a war. The sequel, .STWOZQBL]BZXLYZQ;PLNP describes the author’s life in America after the war’s end. Burma 1TYOTYR2PZ]RP:]bPWWTY-`]XL by Emma Larkin (Travel Narrative) A journalist travels the country in search of another young writer—the brilliant George Orwell, author of Animal Farm and 1984—who lived in Burma during the 1920s. If you enjoy this book, or just like Orwell in RPYP]LWdZ`XTRS_LW^ZbLY__ZWZZVQZ]ST^ʭ]^_YZaPW-`]XP^P/Ld^4_bL^WZZ^PWdML^POZY ST^Pc[P]TPYNP^L^L[ZWTNPZʯNP]TY_SP4YOTLY4X[P]TLW;ZWTNPbSPY-`]XLbL^LYLOU`YN_ZQ British India. 1WLXP?]PP,9ZaPWZQ8ZOP]Y-`]XL by Keith Dahlberg (Literature) George, a quiet and `YL^^`XTYR_PLNSP]TY-`]XLʭYO^STX^PWQXPOTL_TYRMP_bPPY_bZbL]]TYRQLN_TZY^ɨL dictator and a group of rebel—in an attempt to save his wife, who is being held hostage. Freedom from Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi (Memoir/Political Commentary) A collection of speeches, letters, and essays from Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist and winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize who was repeatedly arrested by the Burmese government for her work. If you are interested in Ms. Kyi, a good biography of her remarkable life is ?SP7LOd%,`YR>LY >``6dT by Barbara Victor. <`L]_P]PO>LQP:`_3P]P%,3L]]ZbTYR?LWPZQBZ]WOBL]44 by George MacDonald Fraser (Memoir) An exciting and action-packed memoir about the author’s experiences in Burma during the ʭYLWdPL]ZQBZ]WOBL]44L^L $dPL]ZWO[]TaL_P 109 Suggested Movies Thailand 4Y_SP8ZZOQZ]7ZaP 1Z]PTRY,W_SZ`RS_ST^^_Z]dZQ_bZ^[`]YPO^[Z`^P^ʭYOTYRNZXQZ]_ in each other is set in Hong Kong of the 1960s, most of the exteriors and street scenes are LN_`LWWd-LYRVZVLYO_SPʭYLW^P\`PYNPbL^ʭWXPOTY.LXMZOTLɪ^,YRVZ]BL_NZX[WPc4Y Cantonese with subtitles. The Beach (2000, Drama) An American backpacker in Thailand searches for an idyllic secret MPLNSNZXX`YT_dOP^N]TMPOMdLQPWWZb_]LaPWP]-`_TQLYObSPYSPʭYO^T_bTWWT_MPL paradise or a purgatory? ?SP-]TORPZY_SP=TaP]6bLT (1957, Classic) The dramatic story of the dangerous construction of a railway bridge by British POWs under the control of the Japanese army during WWII. The Impossible /]LXL,QLXTWdZYaLNL_TZYTY?SLTWLYO^_]`RRWP^_Zʭ]^_^`]aTaPLYO _SPYʭYOPLNSZ_SP]TY_SPTXXPOTL_PLQ_P]XL_SZQ_SP _^`YLXT ?SP6TYRLYO4 (1956, Musical) A colorful and fun production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that is loosely based on the life of Anna Leonowens, the British governess to the King of Siam (modern-day Thailand). The same story also inspired two other (non-musical) movies: ,YYLLYO_SP6TYRZQ>TLX starring Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison (1946) and ,YYLLYO _SP6TYR starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat (1999). Laos Rescue Dawn !/]LXL?SPSL]]ZbTYRML^POZY_]`PWTQP^_Z]dZQLY,XP]TNLYʭRS_P] pilot shot down over Laos during the 1960s and his subsequent escape from his captors. Cambodia .T_dZQ2SZ^_^ (2002, Drama) A con man looking for his payout, his criminal mentor, a trustworthy cyclo driver, and a pretty NGO worker are just some of the people that inhabit this increasingly dangerous story, which is mostly set in Cambodia. Filmed on location in Phnom Penh and at a pre-Angkor temple. ?SP6TWWTYR1TPWO^ (1984, Drama) Based on the work of New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg (Waterston) and his translator Dith Pran (Ngor), this war drama explores the tragic rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Vietnam ,[ZNLWd[^P9Zb (1979, Drama) Set in the midst of the Vietnam War, this intense drama follows L^[PNTLWZ[^^ZWOTP]ZYLOLYRP]Z`^XT^^TZY?SPʭWXT^LN_`LWWdLYLOL[_L_TZYZQ5Z^P[S Conrad’s book, Heart of Darkness. 110 2ZZO8Z]YTYRATP_YLX (1987, Comedy) While the irreverent humor of Armed Forces Radio Service host Adrian Cronauer (Williams) amuses the troops stuck in Vietnam, he clashes with the Army brass who try to censor his show. Indochine (1992, Foreign) When a well-to-do French plantation owner and her adopted ATP_YLXP^POL`RS_P]MZ_SQLWWQZ]_SP^LXPYLaLWZʯNP]_SPT]WTaP^RP_^bP[_`[TY_SP burgeoning nationalist movement. Set in French Indochina of the 1930s; in French with subtitles. 8,>3 $"/]LXL.ZXPOd,R]Z`[ZQ@>,]XdOZN_Z]^ʭRS_OT^PL^PbL]LYOXTWT_L]d TY^LYT_dTY>Z`_SPL^_,^TL,W_SZ`RS_SPLN_TZYT^XPLY__ZMP_SP6Z]PLYNZYʮTN_T_bL^ widely understood to be a comment on the Vietnam War. The darkly comedic tone of the movie was so popular that it was developed into a long-running TV series, M*A*S*H. Red Dust $ .WL^^TN>P_ZYL]`MMP][WLY_L_TZYTY1]PYNS4YOZNSTYL_ST^ʭWXT^LWWLMZ`_ desire and romantic intrigue: Although initially attracted to a tough and brassy beauty (Harlow) plantation foreman Gable soon falls instead for the classy wife of an employee ,^_Z]>`][]T^TYRWd_SPʭWXTYNW`OP^^ZXPQLT]WdLNN`]L_POP[TN_TZY^ZQ]`MMP][]ZO`N_TZY and the challenges of a remote jungle plantation (monsoons and malaria, just to name two). ?SP<`TP_,XP]TNLY (1958, Classic) A love triangle between a British journalist, a young ATP_YLXP^PbZXLYLYOL@>ZʯNTLWML^POZY_SPYZaPWMd_SP^LXPYLXP?SP remake starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser puts more emphasis on the intrigue and seedy side of Saigon in the 1950s, but is also quite good. Burma Never So Few (1959, Drama) When American OSS operatives are sent to train local Burmese ʭRS_P]^LRLTY^__SP5L[LYP^PO`]TYRBB44_SPdOTOYɪ_Pc[PN__SPWLNVZQ^`[[Z]_Q]ZX_SPT] commanders, the overwhelming odds against them, or the interference of murderous Chinese ]PMPW^.LYU`^_LQPb^ZWOTP]^]PLWWdXLVPLOTʬP]PYNP* The Lady (2011, Foreign/Biopic) A romantic tribute to the Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi, this biopic focuses on her relationship with her husband as much as on her political work. The cast and crew received high praise for authenticity, especially Michelle Yeoh, who reportedly learned Burmese to play the lead role. In English and Burmese. 111 Useful Websites Overseas Adventure Travel Forum (tips World Weather from previous travelers) www.intellicast.com www.oattravel.com/forum www.weather.com www.wunderground.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) www.travlang.com/languages Overseas Adventure Travel Frequent Asked Questions Packing Tips www.oattravel.com/faq www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC U.S. Customs & Border Protection (Centers for Disease Control) www.cbp.gov/travel http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Transportation Security Electricity & Plugs Administration (TSA) www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ www.tsa.gov plugs-and-sockets National Passport Information Center Foreign Exchange Rates www.travel.state.gov www.xe.com/currencyconverter Holidays Worldwide www.oanda.com/converter/classic www.timeanddate.com/holidays ATM Locators www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator 112 Notes 113 Notes 114 a S e a h i n h C u t S o Miles To/From U.S. Internal flight Land route Train route 0 200 VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Ninh Binh Extension) (Post-trip g S n o k O e M A Hanoi CAMBODIA L Tunnels Chi Cu Mekong Delta Lao Cai Extension) (Post-trip Wat Angkor CHINA Vientiane Phnom Penh Sapa Tonle Sap Tonle (Post-trip Extension) (Post-trip Luang Prabang Luang Siem Reap g on (Post-trip Extension) (Post-trip ek of Gulf M Thailand Pak Ou Cave Pak THAILAND Bangkok Ayutthaya BURMA e a a n S d a m A n THAILAND Bangkok Mandalay BURMA Sea Andaman Rangoon Bagan Bengal Bay of Bay PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 115 TRAVELER PHOTOS FROM THIS ADVENTURE Memories submitted by your fellow travelers Overseas SM Adventure Travel Since 1978 Visit www.oattravel.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-955-1925 0 Traveler 10/2019 116