UCSD Thailand Predep Packet
THAILAND2014
ABOUT ITINERARY CISabroad STAFF WHAT TO PACK MONEY ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
About Thailand Friendly and fun-loving, exotic and tropical, cul- tured and historic, Thailand beams with a lustrous hue from its gaudy temples and golden beaches to the ever-comforting Thai smile. Thailand's beaches are mythical: tall palms angle over pearlescent sand, coral gardens flourish in the shallow seas and beach parties. But, no matter what draws you to the coun- try first, a Thai meal will keep you hooked. (Lonely Planet) ! ! About Bangkok Same same, but different. It's Thailish T-shirt philosophy that sums up Bangkok, a city where the tastes of many places are mixed into an often-spicy dish. The language barrier may seem huge, but it's never prevented anybody from loving the Thai people. The capital’s cultural un- derpinnings are evident in virtually all facets of everyday life, and most enjoyably through its residents' sense of sà·nùk (fun). In Bangkok, anything worth doing should have an element of sà·nùk. Ordering food, changing money and haggling at markets will usually involve a sense of playfulness – a dash of flirtation, perhaps, and a smile. It’s a language that doesn’t require words, and one that's easy to learn. With so much of life conducted on the street, there are few cities in the world that reward exploration as handsomely as Bangkok. Cap off an ex- tended boat trip with a visit to a hidden morning market. A stroll off Banglamphu’s beaten track can wind up in conversation with a monk. Get lost in the tiny lanes of Chinatown. After dark, let the BTS (Skytrain) escort you to Th Sukhumvit, where a sophisticated and dynamic city is revealed. (Lonely Planet) ! 1 ABOUT ITINERARY CISabroad STAFF WHAT TO PACK MONEY ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION Itinerary !*itinerary subject to change* !WEEK I Sunday, June 29, 2014 Day: Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the hotel. All students and faculty will be greeted at the airport by a CISabroad staff member and transported by private van to the hotel. Afternoon: CIS city and safety orientation. !Evening: Welcome dinner. Monday, June 30, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel !Day: Full day tour of the Chao Phraya River canals and visit to Taksin monument. Thursday, July 3, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Day: Visit to Royal Barge Museum and Wat Arun Friday, July 4, 2014 - Sunday, July 6, 2014: Open weekend. Explore the city like a local with suggestions from your CIS leader as part of “La Vida Local” culture !series. !WEEK II Monday, July 7, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. Afternoon: Free time !Evening: A traditional Thai performance at the National Theatre Tuesday, July 8, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Wat Yannawa Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel Day: All-day excursion to Ayutthaya. !Evening: Group dinner Thursday, July 10, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit the Foreigner’s Quarter and Santa Cruz Catholic Church Friday, July 11, 2014 - Sunday, July 13, 2014 Weekend excursion to Siem Reap, Cambodia Depart Bangkok Friday morning for Siem Reap, afternoon tour of floating villages outside of the city Saturday: Full day visit of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temples Sunday: Return flight to Bangkok, Thailand 2 ABOUT ITINERARY CISabroad STAFF WHAT TO PACK MONEY ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION Itinerary !*itinerary subject to change* !WEEK III Monday, July 14, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Dusit Neighborhood and Park, Vimanmek Mansion. Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Christian Churches and Wat Indrawihan Wednesday, July 16, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel Day: Visit Silom Road, Lumphini Park, Erawan Shrine, National Museum and Gallery of Thai History !Evening: Group dinner Thursday, July 17, 2014 - Sunday, July 20, 2014 Thursday: Morning flight to Chiang Mai, guided city tour in the afternoon. Friday: Day excursion to Independently-run, local Thai farm for market shopping, cooking lessons and group meal. Saturday: Morning bus to Sukhothai (approximately 5 hour drive), afternoon guided visit of the Historical Park and ruins, overnight in Sukhothai area. !Sunday: Bus ride back to Bangkok (approximately 6 hour drive). WEEK IV
Monday, July 21, 2014 !Morning: Return to Bangkok Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Jim Thompson’s House and Siam Square Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. Afternoon: Visit to the Museum of Siam !Evening: Group dinner Thursday, July 24, 2014 Morning: Breakfast at hotel followed by class time from 9 AM to 12:30 PM in hotel meeting space. !Afternoon: Visit to Chinatown area, Sampeng Lane markets and Wat Traimit Friday, July 25, 2014 Morning: Breakfast and free time Afternoon: Buddhist meditation talk at a venue like the Buddhist International Meditation Center in Maha Chula- !longkorn University Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, 2014 !Free weekend