The Trip

Join Chi Omega for an unforgettable adventure to off-the-path destinations Southeast Asia where life is still being led in the peaceful and contemplative way that was once the envy of the entire world.

Your host for this exciting journey is Rick Montgomery, an international travel writer, expedition leader and philanthropist who has been leading trips across the Far East for more than 20 years. Rick now breaks up his time between Italy (Rick is married to the Italian countess who lead our 2011 trip  to Central Italy) and the Far East.

Highlights of this exotic journey include a river boat adventure on the Mekong and Ou Rivers in mysterious Laos (the greatest secret in Southeast Asian tourism today), an unforgettable Thai spa treatment and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ancient village of Luang Prabang (the entire village is protected!) in Laos and the mysterious Khmer kingdom of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The trip ends with a visit to Southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea and exotic Phi Phi Island – regarded by many as the world’s most beautiful white-sand beach destination.

Itinerary

Day 1 – November 3 – Fly to Bangkok

Bangkok, Southeast Asia’s most vibrant metropolis, remains the paramount hub for all travel to Southeast Asia. The Thai people are world famous for their hospitality. All educated Thais understand how important tourism is to their economy and are very friendly to western tourists, especially Americans.

Day 2 – November 4 - Meet in Bangkok.
We will meet you the minute you come out of immigration and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of town. Your local guide will be on hand to take you for a short stroll around the local neighbourhood. Did you know that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized?  You will learn why when your guide teaches you about Thai customs and gives you insights into what it means to be Thai.  Sleep in Bangkok, Thailand

Day 3 November 5 – Bangkok sights and relaxation
This morning you will tour the suddenly modern metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand’s fascinating capital.  If you opt to head out with us (you can turn today in a full day spa experience if you want) we will show you the opulent Grand Palace which was built in 1782 by the forward-thinking Thai King, Rama I. We will also visit an unforgettable market where you will learn photographic tips from your guide. During our tour we will also stop to behold a massive solid gold statue of the Buddha that was thought to be made of worthless plaster for nearly 200 years. We will return to the hotel in time for you to relax with a wonderful spa treatment before we cruise the Chao Praya River and enjoy a lavish Thai BBQ at a beautiful riverside restaurant. Sleep in Bangkok Thailand

Day 4 – November 6 - Fly to Luang Prabang
Today we will fly to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos that is now protected by UNESCO. After we check into our hotel, we will visit the most important temples of the city and its lively street market before we sit down to an unforgettable local feast and cultural presentation. Laos is a tapestry of different hill tribes whose members occasionally come into the country’s few big cities to sell their wares or seek work. You will be fascinated by the authenticity of these tribal people and their commitment to tribal customs. Sleep in Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 5 – November 7 – Muanggoi and the Karst formations of the Ou River
We will leave early this morning for a beautiful cruise up the Mekong River to a lesser known tributary called the Nam Ou and the unspoiled village of Muanggoi. We believe that this river valley is one of the best kept secrets in Southeast Asia! It boasts the same beautiful limestone mountains as Guilin (China) but very few tourists come here. The river is healthy and full of giant catfish. The Nam Ou is one of Southeast Asia’s last unspoiled and undammed rivers. Today we will learn about the basic tenants of Buddhism from a senior monk and visit a famous local restaurant to learn how to make “laap” – the most famous dish in Lao cuisine that is a spicy mixture of succulent, marinated meat or fish with lime juice, garlic, chilli pepper, onion and mint Sleep in Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 6 – November 8 – Fly from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
We will make our way this morning from Laos to Cambodia where we will check into a deluxe resort in Siem Reap – the Cambodian town closest to the world-famous temple complex of Angkor Wat. Sleep near Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Day 7 – November 9 – Angkor Wat exploration
We will spend the entire day exploring Angkor Wat. This will include a learning session with a world-famous archaeologist at the site. We will take a photo of you standing alone or with your travelling companion next to a Banyan Tree that is growing out of the ancient walls of Angkor – an absolute must for your travelling collection! Sleep near Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Day 8 – November 10 – Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and environs
We will rise before dawn to watch the sun rise above the main temple of Angkor Wat. Sitting inside these ancient structures waiting for the sun to rise is a peak experience for most travelers! We will then return to our hotel to freshen up, enjoy another fantastic local meal and then choose from an afternoon of optional activities. In the late afternoon you will have time to explore the colourful local silk production, take a guided stroll into the countryside, enjoy an optional massage or simply relax by the pool.  Sleep near Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Day 9 – November 11 - Siem Reap to Bangkok/Phuket
We will return to Bangkok today and prepare for a “vacation inside a vacation” – a visit to the white sand beaches of Southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea. It is just a short flight from Bangkok to the resort town of Phuket where we will check into a lavish resort built high on the granite rocks overlooking the sea. Sleep in Bangkok, Thailand

Day 10 – November 12 – Phuket – island sights and cooking class.
We will explore the island of Phuket today, visiting tropical plantations including rubber (one of the main reasons why Japan tried to conquer Southeast Asia) and cashew nut. Later today you can join us to learn how to make Pad Thai, Thailand’s most famous dish (pan fried rice noodles with sugar, fish sauce, chopped peanuts, lime juice, seafood, egg and chicken or tofu). In the process we will gain an understanding about how Thai chefs have called on nam pla, shrimp paste, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, Thai basil, eggplants, coconut sugars and lime juice to create one of the world’s most famous cuisines. Sleep in Phuket, Thailand

Day 11 – November 13 – Day cruise to Koh Phi Phi.
We will take a day cruise from Phuket to visit a collection islands in the Andaman Sea that were made famous by James Bond movies, the television show “Survivor” and Leonardo De Caprio’s “The Beach.” The island of Koh Phi Phi and the smaller ones nearby are consistently ranked as the most beautiful islands on the planet. We will take you to your own private slice of white sand heaven! Sleep in Phuket, Thailand

Day 12 – November 14 - Fly to Bankok – connect to USA-bound flight.

What’s included in your trip:

• Five flights – no long bus rides! (Bangkok/Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang/Siem Reap, Siem Reap/Bangkok, Bangkok/Phuket, Phuket/Bangkok)
• All breakfasts, dinners and most lunches
• Deluxe accommodation
• Tour leader from start to finish
• Relaxing Thai spa experience. Nobody does it like the Thais!
• Temple cruise and Thai BBQ dinner on the Chao Phraya River
• Boat cruise up the Ou River in Laos

• Full day sightseeing at Angkor Wat
• Andaman Sea ocean cruise
• Koh Phi Phi white sand beach experience
• Walking tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage village
• A Thai cooking class

What is not included:

• International airfare from and to the US
• Tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides
• Personal expenses
• Visa costs

12 days, 11 nights
$3,875 per person in double room

Itinerary details:
1 night en route (international flight not included)
3 nights in Bangkok, Thailand
2 nights in Luang Prabang, Laos
3 nights in Siam Reap/ANgkor Wat
2 nights in Phuket, Southern Thailand

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