Day 1 - Sat, 1 Feb 03: Depart Los Angeles  This evening, you will fly from Los Angeles International Airport on Cathay Pacific.  Relax and enjoy your overnight flight via Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific - CX#881  Depart Los Angeles  11:30pm  Arrive Hong Kong 6:55am
Cathay Pacific - CX#713  Depart Hong Kong  9:05am  Arrive Bangkok 10:45am

Day 2 - Sun, 2 Feb 03: Cross the International Dateline  En route, you will cross the International Dateline.

Day 3 - Mon, 3 Feb 03: Arrive Bangkok / Yangon (D)  On arrival in Bangkok, walk across the walkway to the Amari Bangkok Airport Hotel where dayrooms have been reserved for your comfort.  Relax and enjoy the hotel's luxurious facilities until later in the day, when you walk back to the check-in counter for your flight to Yangon, Myanmar. 

Thai Airways - TG#305  Depart Bangkok 6:00pm  Arrive Yangon 6:50pm

On arrival at Yangon International Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel.  The rest of the day is free for you to relax and settle in.  Tonight, a welcome dinner is included at your hotel. 

Stay: Summit Parkview Hotel (2 nights)

Day 4 - Tue, 4 Feb 03: Yangon Sightseeing (BLD) 

This morning, you will be taken on a guided sightseeing tour of Yangon.  Formerly known as Rangoon, Myanmar's capital city lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River.  The city gives the impression of being full of trees, shade, and shimmering stupas floating above the treetops.  The city only became the capital in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar, and Mandalay's brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.  Highlights of your tour include the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon.  This pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha.  Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the centuries.  Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered by about 130,000lbs of gold leaf, which is constantly being replaced. 

Next, you visit Botataung Pagoda.  This paya was named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted the relics of the Buddha brought from India over 2000 years ago.  This ancient monument was completely destroyed during WWII and was then rebuilt in a style very similar to its predecessor, but with a hollow zedi so that one can walk through it.  On to Ngadatkyi Paya, located near the Ashay Monastery and home to a huge seated Buddha image, appropriately known as the five-story Buddha. 

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant (included), before continuing on your tour of Yangon. 

Our first stop this afternoon is at the National Museum.  This museum houses several interesting exhibits, especially the 26ft high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king, and returned to Burma in 1908 by Lord Mountbatten.  The main floor contains jewelry, old black & white photos of Mandalay Palace, Yangon royal relics, Hintha opium weights, and inscribed tablets. 

Next, you visit the Buddhist Art Museum, housed in a 1952 Art Deco-style building.  The dominant lotus window depicts all the attitudes of the Buddha.  The museum's contents were collected by the archaeology department: begging bowls, palm leaf scriptures and 18th-20th century wooden Buddha images. 

On to Maha Wizaya Pagoda, built by General Ne Win in the 1980s.  This pagoda is hollow with a ceiling depicting Burmese constellations and a permanent display of pagoda styles through the ages.  Your tour of Yangon concludes with a visit to the Sule Pagoda.  This 157ft-high golden dome was used by the British as the nucleus of their grid pattern for the city when it was rebuilt in the 1880s.  The peculiarity of the Sule Pagoda is its octagonal-shaped stupa, which retains its shape as it tapers to the spire.  This evening dinner is served at a local restaurant. 

Day 5 - Wed, 5 Feb 03: Yangon / Bagan / Yangon (BLD)  Early this morning, you will be transferred to Yangon Airport for your flight to Bagan.

Air Mandalay - 6T#441  Depart Yangon  6:45am  Arrive Bagan  8:05am

On arrival in Bagan, you will be met by your local guide.  Formerly known as Pagan, Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Ayeyarwaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. 

Your first stop is at the Shwezigon Pagoda.  King Anawrahta started the construction of the Schwezigon Pagoda to enshrine some relicts of the Buddha.  The construction was finished by his successor, King Kyansittha between 1086 and 1090.  Originally, the Shwezigon Pagoda marked the northern end of the city of Bagan.  The stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for all later stupas over the country. 

Next, visit the Gubyaukgyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn.  This temple was built in the early 13th Century and repaired in 1468.  The great colorful painting about the previous life of the Buddha and the distinguished architecture make this temple particularly interesting to visit, and is not to be confused with the Gubyaukgyi Temple in Myinkabe. 

On to Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best preserved, and most revered of all the temples in Bagan.  Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. 

Next, you are taken to the Gubyaukgyi Temple at Myinkaba.  Built in 1113 by Kyanzittha's son Rajakumar, this temple is famous for its well-preserved stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls.  The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan. 

On to the Manuha Temple, built in 1059 by King Manuha, the King of Thaton, who was brought captive to Bagan by King Anawrahta.  This temple enshrines the unusual combination of three seated and one reclining image the Buddha.  It is said that this temple was built by Manuha to express his displeasure about his captivity in Bagan.  End your tour with a visit to the Shwesandaw Paya, built in 1057 by King Anawrahta, following his conquest of Thaton.  This was the first monument built in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan's magnificent sunsets. 

You are then taken back to Bagan Airport for your return flight to Yangon.

Air Mandalay - 6T#502  Depart Bagan  6:55pm  Arrive Yangon  8:15pm

On arrival back at Yangon Airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred back to your hotel.  Dinner tonight is served at your hotel.

Day 6 - Thu, 6 Feb 03: Yangon / Bangkok / Siem Reap (BD)  Today, you are transferred back to Yangon International Airport for your flight back to Bangkok.  On arrival in Bangkok, you will connect with your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

Thai Airways - TG#304  Depart Yangon  10:05am  Arrive Bangkok 11:50am
Bangkok Airways - PG#938  Depart Bangkok 3:00pm  Arrive Siem Reap 4:00pm

On arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of the day is free for you to relax and settle in at your hotel.  This evening, dinner is served at your hotel. 

Stay: Angkor Hotel (2 nights)

Day 7 - Fri, 7 Feb 03: Siem Reap Sightseeing (BD)  Today, you are taken on a guided tour of the Angkor Temples and Angkor Wat. 

Our first stop this morning is at Angkor Wat - the spectacular temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between 1131 and 1150.  It was constructed over a period of 30 years and is world famous for its beauty and splendor.  Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.  In 1992, UNESCO declared the monument and the whole city of Angkor a World Heritage Site. 

On to Angkor Thom, the fortified Royal City (2500 acres) built by King Jayavarman VII who ruled from 1181 to 1201.  The city has five monumental gates and is encircled by a moat 100 yards wide.  In the center of the walled city are the city's most important monuments including the Bayon, the Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the Phimeanakas with the Royal Enclosure.  Visit the Bayon, Jayavarman VII's temple mountain that stands at the center of Angkor Thom.  It is one of the most popular of Angkor's monuments and a place of narrow corridors, steep flights of stairs, and an amazing collection of towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces. 

 Next, visit the Baphuon, whose pyramid shape represents the mythical Mount Meru and marks the center of the city that was here before Angkor Thom.  On to the Phimeanakas near the center of what was once the royal palace within Angkor Thom.  Phimeanakas means 'Celestial Palace,' though today there is not much left to indicate its former splendor.  Nothing remains of the Former Royal Palace, except two pools that were used by royalty for washing.  View the Terrace of Elephants, which was used for viewing public ceremonies and was a base for the King's grand audience hall.  The famous lines of elephants are at either end of the retaining walls.  View the Terrace of the Leper King, north of the Terrace of Elephants.  On this platform is a nude statue, one of Angkor's mysteries.  Finally, you visit Phnom Bakheng at sunset.  This temple ruin is situated on a hill and provides one of the best views of Angkor Wat, especially at sunset.  This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 8 - Sat, 8 Feb 03: Siem Reap / Bangkok (B)  This morning, we continue our guided tour of Siem Reap, starting with a visit to Preah Khan, the temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. 

On to Preah Khan, covering a very large area but the temple itself is enclosed within a rectangular wall of around 700 by 800 yards.  Next, visit Neak Pean, built by King Jayavarman VII.  This is a Buddhist temple consisting of a square pool with four smaller square pools arranged on each axis.  In the center of the large central pool is a circular island encircled by two nagas with intertwined tails. 

You then visit Pre Rup, built by Rajendravarman II, ruler from 944 to 968.  This temple consists of a pyramid shaped temple with the upper-most of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx.  The name means 'turning the body' and refers to the traditional method of cremation. 

Next, visit Ta Keo, built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001.  It was the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone and was dedicated to Shiva.  The summit of the central tower is 164ft high and is surrounded by four lower towers. 

Your tour will end with a visit to Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.  You are then taken back to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight back to Bangkok. 

Bangkok Airways - PG#933  Depart Siem Reap 1:20pm  Arrive Bangkok 2:20pm

On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and settle in.

Stay: Eastin Bangkok (4 nights)

Day 9 - Sun, 9 Feb 03: Bangkok Waterways & Weekend Market (BD)  Our introduction to this Asian capital city begins with a relaxing cruise along the Chao Praya River and through the Thonburi canals to observe the rural lifestyles of the Thai people who live and work on the water's edge. 

Our sightseeing also includes a visit to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Royal Barges Museum.  Our day's activities continue with a visit to the famous Chatuchack Weekend Market - a huge, open-air public market offering an incredible range of local produce, as well as native handicrafts and souvenirs.  Items range from exotic fruits, clothing, handicrafts, paintings, ceramics, furniture, antiques, etc. - a great place to buy your souvenirs, but don't forget to bargain! 

Time to relax this afternoon before joining your fellow travelling companions this evening for a special Welcome Dinner.

Day 10 - Mon, 10 Feb 03: Bangkok Sightseeing & Grand Palace (B)  This morning, we start with an exciting tuk tuk ride, Bangkok's most colorful mode of transportation. 

Our first stop today is at Wat Trimitr, or Temple of the Golden Buddha, home to a 10ft-high solid-gold statue of the Lord Buddha, which was discovered some 40 years ago.  We then board our coach and drive through Bangkok's Chinatown, one of the most densely populated, richly ethnic neighborhoods in the city. 

Our next stop is at the Grand Palace, the most beautiful sample of ancient Siamese court architecture.  It used to be the residence of the Kings of Siam.  Here, we see the various palaces, which were used for different occasions: the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. 

We then continue to visit the most unusual Buddhist temple in Bangkok - Wat Po.  Wat Po is also the most extensive temple complex in Bangkok and home to a colossal reclining Buddha.  We then return to our hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure for relaxation, shopping or optional sightseeing activities.

Day 11 - Tue, 11 Feb 03: Bangkok at Leisure (B)  Today has been left free for you to pursue your own interests. 

Shopping in Bangkok is great fun and you can pick up great bargains at the many street stalls, but be prepared to barter!  Look for the rich Thai silks, silver, bronze, lacquerware and woodcarvings. 

You may wish to explore the city further and perhaps join one of our optional tours including the Rose Garden & Thai Cultural Village, Damnern Saduak Floating Market, or perhaps a full day tour to the River Kwai.  Your  tour guide will be pleased to assist you.

Day 12 - Wed, 12 Feb 03: Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Sukhothai (BLD)  This morning, we head north to the ancient capital city of Siam - Ayutthaya. 

Although the city was ransacked by the Burmese, evidence of its splendor remains.  Time at leisure to explore the ruins and browse around the numerous stalls selling Thai handicrafts. 

We then drive through the scenic countryside to Lopburi, the former summer capital of Siam, where we visit the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod, and the temple complex of Sarn Prakarn, a former Buddhist sanctuary and now home to hundreds of monkeys! 

On to Phitsanuloke, along the banks of the Nan River, where we view the much-venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, before continuing on to Sukhothai. 

Stay: Pailyn Hotel

Day 13 - Thu, 13 Feb 03: Sukhothai / Chiang Rai (BLD)  This morning, we visit Sukhothai Historical Park, the ancient capital of Thailand in the 13th Century. 

Admire the many beautiful standing Buddha statues as we explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. 

We then continue to Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai's twin city, and stop at the small 11th century town of Phayao, where we enjoy refreshments beside the lake before continuing to Chiang Rai.  

Stay: Wiang Inn (2 nights)

Day 14 - Fri, 14 Feb 03: Golden Triangle Sightseeing (BLD)  After breakfast, we head for the mountains to visit several Hill Tribe villages. 

Enjoy magnificent scenery, learn about the fascinating history of the area, and visit the Akha and Yao Villages, where people continue to wear their colorful traditional costumes and follow a very simple way of life. 

We then head for the border township of Mae Sai, where you can watch Thai and Burmese locals walking across the bridge separating the two countries.  There are excellent opportunities to buy Burmese handicrafts at reasonable prices. 

We then head for the heart of the famous Golden Triangle, where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet.  A hilltop lookout provides excellent views over Burma, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River. 

An optional boat trip is available for those who want to get closer to Laos and Burma.  We then visit the tranquil riverside setting of Chiang Saen before returning to Chiang Rai.

Day 15 - Sat, 15 Feb 03: Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai (BLD)  This morning, we drive through splendid mountain scenery and tropical jungle to the 'Rose of the North', Chiang Mai. 

After lunch, we visit the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area. 

This evening, we are treated to a special evening, complete with the ceremonial northern Thai dinner, known as Kantoke.  Traditional dishes will be served while you watch elegant Thai dancers performing a series of folk stories.  Colorfully dressed Hill Tribes people will perform their own traditional dances after dinner. 

Stay: Amity Green Hills (2 nights)

Day 16 - Sun, 16 Feb 03: Chiang Mai Sightseeing (BL)  This morning, we head for the jungle to visit Mae Sa Elephant Camp, where we learn how elephants work in the jungle and see them relaxing as they bathe in the river. 

An optional elephant ride through the jungle is available.  Chiang Mai is Thailand's main center for quality handicrafts - we visit Sankampaeng District, the heart of the silk and cotton industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. 

We continue to Bor Sang, the umbrella/parasol village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand painted.  Visits to wood carvers, celadon pottery makers, silversmiths and lacquerware makers complete our tour.  Shopping in Chiang Mai is a delight and so much cheaper than in Bangkok!  This evening is at leisure, but we recommend a visit to Chiang Mai's bustling and colorful Night Bazaar.

Day 17 - Mon, 17 Feb 03: Chiang May / Phuket (BD) Today, we fly to Phuket, Thailand's largest island, nestled in balmy Adaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline. 

Thai Airways - TG#129  Depart Chiang Mai  11:15am  Arrive Phuket  1:10pm

Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, palm-fringed beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, superb accommodation and restaurants, numerous leisure opportunities and activities, and a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambiance for a truly memorable visit.

Stay: Kata Beach Resort (3 nights)

Day 18 - Tue, 18 Feb 03: Phang Nga Bay Cruise (BL)  Today, we are taken on an unforgettable journey to one of the most unique settings in the world! 

We start the day with a drive across the island to the mainland where we board our boat for a cruise around the incomparable sheer-sided limestone islands of the famous Phang Nga Bay.  These silent islands jut dramatically out of the sea and are interspersed with mangroves and intriguing, fascinating caves.  En route, we visit the renowned James Bond Island, the location for "The Man with the Golden Gun," and also the "Sea Gypsy Village" of Ko Pannyi, built on stills out in the open sea.

Day 19 - Wed, 19 Feb 03: Phuket Island at Leisure (B)  Enjoy a full day at leisure today on Phuket Island.  Your local guide will help you plan your day. 

There are many popular optional activities and excursions available on Phuket, including an excursion to the Phi Phi Islands, where the movie "The Beach" was shot, or a Siam Safari - an introduction to the island's environment, culture and lifestyle, featuring forest walking, Land Rover touring, river canoeing or rafting, and elephant trekking with visits to rubber plantations, schools and temples. 

Day 20, Thu, 20 Feb 03: Depart (B)  Time has come to bid farewell to Thailand as you are taken back to Phuket Airport for your flight to Bangkok.  On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will connect with your return flight arrangements. 

Thai Airways - TG#200  Depart Phuket  1:55pm  Arrive Bangkok  3:20pm
Cathay Pacific - CX#702  Depart Bangkok  7:00pm  Arrive Hong Kong  10:40pm
Cathay Pacific - CX#880  Depart Hong Kong  11:35pm  Arrive Los Angeles  7:55pm