Name: Angkor Wat and many other riches of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia (not a tour)
Start: 2024-11-17T19:00:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-17T20:00:00-08:00

**If you are interested in this trip, please contact me through Meetup as soon as possible.** If you know someone who would be interested in this vacation, please let them know. This is an informational message, not a meeting, so please disregard date/time/place.

This is an exceptional opportunity: one of the most culturally rich and visually magnificent journeys you can do in Southeast Asia (or elsewhere on the globe), on a comfortable trip, replete with lovely dining experiences and flavorful food. Suitable for a first time visit or a return trip, this vacation can be done wholly or in part. It is also a wonderful way to experience a period of mood-lifting sunshine and warmth in the middle of our gray and damp winter. Travel experiences include:

* majestic ruins, including the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, plus two more ancient cities in historical parks in Thailand;
* beautiful architecture, sculpture, and paintings in temples, palaces, and museums;
* exquisite traditional dance performances;
* the outdoors in the form of lush green settings, gardens, a hike to a waterfall, and a river cruise;
* flavorful healthy cuisine, French, Thai, and international;
* plus opportunities to buy attractive handicrafts and silk (this is a silk producing region) at lower prices than in the U.S. as gifts for others or yourself.

The first half of the trip is in the charming town of Luang Prabang in Laos, and then Siem Reap in Cambodia, which is the location of Angkor Wat and similar monuments. The colonial town of Luang Prabang, at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by verdant hills, may be the most atmospheric town in Southeast Asia, where one can experience the rare charm of old Southeast Asia. Sightseeing includes royal palace and temple, a light hike to an attractive waterfall, and a cruise on the Mekong River. Both Laos and Cambodia are former French colonies and offer dining experiences in pretty settings, with delicious French food and pastries.

Siem Reap features the famous Angkor Wat, perhaps the largest temple complex in the world, along with other such monuments. An evening dance performance by richly attired dancers brings to life the "damsels of heaven," sculpted on the walls of 12th century temples and palaces, when this was the seat of one of Southeast Asia's grandest empires. This is a good year to visit Angkor Wat, because the number of visitors is rapidly climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, and it's nicer to be there with fewer people. (I should add that although Angkor Wat is the most famous attraction on this trip, other attractions surpass it for atmosphere, charm, and beauty.)

The second half of the trip in popular Thailand includes both the major ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with their atmospheric ruins (those of Sukhothai being lit up at night), and the treasures of the capital city, Bangkok. These include well-known ones, such as the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple, as well as five lesser known but equally wonderful attractions that include elegant house museums and exceptional temples. Some temples have exquisite Thai mural painting embellished with gold leaf. Thai mural painting is virtually unknown outside the country, but it is among the most intricate and beautiful painting traditions in the world. There will be a eye-catching traditional Thai dance performance interpreting the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic popular in Southeast Asia, plus dining at the Oriental Hotel, among the most beautiful and storied colonial hotels in Southeast Asia. Thailand's healthful cuisine is considered perhaps the most flavorful and sophisticated in Southeast Asia. Also, it will be possible to spend a day at the beach.

The trip can be joined wholly or in part—Laos and Cambodia (Dec 3, 4, or 5 to 12), Cambodia and Thailand (Dec 9 to 21), or Thailand only (Dec 12 to 21). I am looking for travel companion(s). These are countries that I have visited recently or have lived in, and can provide guidance on all aspects of the trip. Organizing this three-country trip takes some knowledge, experience, and contacts; it is not something that can be done easily by the average tourist.

Lodging is in small hotels or guest houses throughout. Travel between countries is by airline, and travel within locations is by air-conditioned car and driver. The trip is more comfortable than being on a tour—we leave the lodging at 9:30 or 10 am; sightseeing is at a comfortable pace, and there is no set time to leave a site; you are not being bused around with a lot of other people.

This is the very best time of the year to visit this region, when both the temperatures and humidity are at their lowest for several weeks. It is still sunny and warm, and spending two or three weeks in glorious tropical sunshine is a great mood lifter during our cold and gray winter.

Cost is moderate—please contact me for more information. I have been organized successful trips to 20 countries worldwide. See below for some images from the trip locations:

Dining out together, 40 plus — Food Wine Travel

Dining Out

Ethnic Food

Wine

Travel

International Travel

Travel Companions

Foodie

Ethnic Dining & Cooking

Wine Tasting

Dessert

LGBT Friendly

Seniors

Farmers Market

Exploring New Restaurants

Pastries Cake & Dessert Lovers

Angkor Wat and many other riches of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia (not a tour)

Southeast Asia

Art Museums

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Angkor Wat and many other riches of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia (not a tour)

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