CAMBODIA JANUARY 2009 - Provisional Schedule

Day 1 Wednesday 14^th January. Arrive at Bangkok, Take a taxi from the Airport to the hotel (approx. 350 Baht). 1 night stay at the five-star Sofitel Silom Bangkok. There will be a 7.00 pm group meeting.

On the arrival evening in Bangkok we offer an optional group meal at Silom Village, an outdoor restaurant in traditional Thai style with a wonderful display of Thai dancing (500 Baht). After this we will lead a guided walk to the Night Market, and for the more adventurous, to Pat Pong, the heart of Thai nightlife. Alternatively we can recommend a traditional Thai massage near to the hotel.

Day 2 (Thu 15): Am Travel to Khao Yai National Park for three nights in the Jungle House hotel. Pm Dinner and Community Meeting.

Day 3 (Fri 16): Demos. Khao Yai National Park has within its boundaries many thick, flourishing forests, and a plentiful supply of wildlife, such as families of elephants, gibbons, deer, and rare birds. There are also tigers, which some people are lucky enough to see. This park is the source of five important waterways: the Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri , Lamtacong , Lamtaplung, and Hui Muak Lek Rivers. Night Safari.

The park was used for locations for the film of the Alex Garland novel The Beach, including the long drop waterfall that featured prominently. There will be an early morning jungle walk and afternoon courses.

Day 4 (Sat 17): Demos. Spend more time in the National Park, Elephant Trekking and Bird Watching are both possible, or visit one of the fantastic waterfalls. Afternoon courses.

Day 5 (Sun 18): Am. Travel to Poipet, the border town between Thailand and Cambodia. After getting the Entry Visa at the border with our assistance, depart by a private air-conditioned transport to Siem Reap. Arrive at Siem Reap in the late afternoon. 4 nights stay in Siem Reap at five-star Sofitel Royal Angkor.

Day 6 (Mon 19): Wake up in the early morning to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Return to hotel for breakfast and Demos. Return to Angkor Wat for a more detailed tour. Back to hotel for a break. Early evening visit to the fabulous Ta Prohm temple (the Jungle Temple), embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Evening Meditation amongst the ruins.

Day 7 (Tues 20): Demos. Visit Angkor Thom (comprises of Bayon temple, Baphuon , Elephant Terrace , Leper Terrace and Phimeanakas temple). Afternoon free time and courses/optional further temple excursion.

Day 8 (Wed 21): Demos. Am 37 km drive to the rural Banteay Srei, a small temple with impressive carvings. On the way back visit Banteay Samre. Return to hotel for break. Afternoon Tonle Sap lake and boat trip around the Floating Village. On the way back visit the Fine Art school (Artisan Angkor) where visitors can observe the making of high-quality traditional wood and stone carvings and lacquerwares following traditional techniques. Visit to Old Market called Phsar Chas.

Day 9 (Thu 22):Am. return overland to Bangkok. A stop is made en route to visit the killing field in Svaysisophon. (Alternatively take a Bangkok Airways from Siem Reap to Bangkok at own cost approx. 6000 Baht). Stay 1 night at the Sofitel Silom. Farewell Gathering

Day 10 (Fri 23): Morning free in Bangkok. Take a taxi to the airport for return flight.