Exotic Kingdoms
Thailand & Cambodia
February 5 – 16, 2004
KARMIC ADVENTURE
In Buddhist theology the word “Karma” literally means
“action.” It is therefore highly appropriate that Thailand,
which is predominately Buddhist, presents a dazzling array of adventures
for the active traveller. Hiking, jungle treks, scuba diving, birdwatching,
whitewater rafting, rock climbing, are just some of the ways to discover
the country's huge natural and cultural riches.
On the map Thailand has the shape of an axe
with a long, narrow handle. From the topmost part to the butt end is
a length of more than 1,000 miles, or roughly the distance between New
York and Miami. Thanks to its extraordinary length, the country has
the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia.
Geographically Thailand is divided into four
regions, and the landscape varies from one to the other. The Central
Plains, which include the nation’s capital, Bangkok, are flat
and fertile. The North is marked by forested mountains while the high
plateau of the Northeast is relatively dry. The Southern Peninsula,
flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the East and the Andaman Sea to the
West, has beaches and wetlands on either side of its lush central mountain
range. With nearly 1,700 miles of coastline, Thailand is a prime destination
for beach lovers. Thailand's location at the heart of Southeast Asia
provides a diverse array of plants and wildlife. A large part of the
country's charm is the work of nature; the cultural diversity that exists
here is responsible for the rest. Village life varies from one place
to another, and ethnic tribes of each region have their distinct traditions.
Where else but in Thailand can you cruise on
a converted rice barge, roar upriver in a longtail boat and take a lazy
float through the jungle on a bamboo raft? What fun to stay one night
in a modern hotel and then spend the next night lulled to sleep by the
gentle waves of a river aboard a floating resort! Equally memorable
are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cool waterfalls,
and the simple beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto seemingly
endless beaches of white, soft sand.
Toto’s holiday in Thailand combines the
beauty of eastern province of Kanchanaburi, the pristine beaches of
Phuket, and the dynamic capital, Bangkok, with its futuristic high-rise
buildings
juxtaposed against the exquisite beauty of the gleaming Grand Palace.
Bargain-hunters who love haggling will thrive at street markets everywhere,
which are crammed with all manner of goods.
From the golden spires and soaring roofs of
the country’s fabled Buddhist temples, to the awe-inspiring ruins
of ancient cities, marvel at the majestic wonders of the Kingdom of
Thailand. Ride an elephant through the jungle and relax in the sun on
some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. If one exotic kingdom
isn’t enough, take our optional tour extension to the awesome
ruins of Angkor in Cambodia. Let Toto Tours introduce you to two Exotic
Kingdoms on one of our most magical tours ever!
ITINERARY
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Leave Home / Flight to Thailand
Arrange to leave your home city today on an international flight bound
for Bangkok, Thailand. Flights arrive the next evening.
Friday, February 6, 2004
Arrival in Bangkok
Arrive this evening in Bangkok, known as the City of Angels. We are
met outside customs and transferred to our 4-star hotel in the central
city business district. (One group transfer provided.) Tonight is free
to grab a late night dinner on your own and rest up for the start of
our adventure. (No Meals)
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Touring “The Big Mango”—Bangkok
Sleep in or rise early for breakfast, but leave lots of room for today’s
spectacular Welcome Lunch! At noon we dine on royal Thai cuisine at
Sala Rim Naam in the world’s top hotel—the fabled Oriental.
Enjoy the pinnacle of Thai hospitality sitting by the River of Kings,
along with our local Thai guides, as we receive our orientation to the
Orient. Afterwards, enjoy a longtail boat cruise on the canals in this
“Venice of the East.” Our destination is the Royal Barge
Museum, which houses the gilded celestial ships of the Chakri Dynasty
used for rare, grand religious processions.
Tour the Temple of the Dawn, a stupa entirely
encrusted with pieces of antique porcelain ceramics, which offers a
spectacular view of the city. Next we visit the Grand Palace with its
adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Finally we visit Wat Pho, the
oldest of Bangkok's temples, predating the foundation of the capital
itself. It is considered Thailand's oldest university, and traditional
massage is still taught here. You will marvel at the enormous reclining
Buddha (over 150 feet long). We return to the hotel and the evening
is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Sunday, February 8, 2004
Ayuthaya
This morning embark on a full day journey to the heart of ancient
Siam—Ayutaya. Enjoy viewing such cultural treasures such as the
Victorian-era palace of Bang Pa-In, the enormous sleeping Buddha at
Wat Yai Chai Mongkon, a Russian and Swiss style pavilion, and a wat
in the surprising form of a gothic church. After lunch enjoy a private
boat cruise around Ayuthaya island, viewing the monuments as they were
meant to be seen, from the vantage point of three converging rivers,
in the glowing light of the magic hour. As the sun sets, dine at the
riverside before heading back to Bangkok. The evening is free. (All
Meals)
Monday, February 9, 2004
The River Kwai / Erawan National Park
Rise early for breakfast, as we depart soon after for the eastern
province of Kanchanaburi. Visit the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai
and the museum to the WWII prisoners of war who built the original structure.
After lunch we continue our journey into the countryside to enjoy the
beauty of Erawan National Park. Here we take a 2½ mile hike through
a jungle forest to play in the Park's seven natural pools and waterfalls.
Dinner and overnight at River Kwai Resotel. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Hellfire Pass / River Float
This morning take a short nature hike to visit the mystical Kaeng
Lawa Cave with its impressive stalagmites and stalagtites. Next we visit
Hellfire Pass, the name POWs gave to some of the most difficult stretches
of the Burma-Thailand “Death Railway” (so called because
so many died in its construction). Here we see the recently completed
Memorial and have an opportunity to hike along the abandoned railroad
through some of the most dramatic rock cuttings. After lunch we board
bamboo rafts for a float down the Kwae Noi River. Return to our hotel
for dinner. Later enjoy a performance of dances by the Mon hilltribes
who inhabit the border with Burma. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Elephant Trek / Train Trip on Death Railway
After breakfast, walk to a Mon village for what will surely be a tour
highlight—an hour of jungle trekking aboard majestic elephants.
After lunch, we board an old-fashioned train for an unforgettable ride
on the “Death Railway” from Nam Tok to Kanchanaburi, across
old wooden bridges and dramatic river gorges. Continue by motorcoach
to Bangkok through the lush countryside and past villages and farms.
Upon arrival at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel the remainder of
the day is free. (Breakfast)
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Spectacular Phuket
This morning take a 80-minute flight south to enjoy the spectacular
beaches on the island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Monolithic limestone
karsts tower into the sky like fairytale castles, and lovely tropical
islands dot the horizon, beckoning for adventure. After check-in at
our hotel in Patong near the beach, the day is free to enjoy the surf,
explore the town, sample the fresh local seafood, or indulge in one
of the many adventure options available on this paradise island. (Breakfast)
Friday, February 13, 2004
Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island
After an early breakfast at our hotel, transfer to the northern end
of the island and hop on a boat for a leisurely, full-day excursion
to Phang Nga Bay. Among the more dramatic limestone outcroppings from
the sea are Koh Pannyi and what has become known as James Bond Island,
which was used as the setting for Dr. Scaramanga’s lair in The
Man With the Golden Gun. We will make stops to enjoy a seafood lunch
and take a dip in the sea at a quiet, secluded beach. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Phi Phi Islands
Today, enjoy a full-day boat tour of the lovely Phi Phi Islands. Snorkeling
around the archipelago's coral reefs or climbing to one of the many
karst limestone lookouts is an unforgettable experience. Sheer cliffs
stained with earth colors soar from calm, clear seas. Phi Phi Don, the
larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its southern and
eastern shores. Phi Phi Le, to the south, has great snorkelling and
the Viking Cave to explore. (Breakfast /
Lunch)
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Return to Bangkok
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning at the beach before we head
to the airport for our 80-minute flight back to Bangkok. This evening
Toto Tours hosts a royal Farewell Dinner during a 3-hour river cruise
on a private barge. Our hotel tonight is near the airport for the convenience
of those who are flying out tomorrow. Overnight at the Miracle Grand
Convention Hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Monday, February 16, 2004
Departure
Tour ends officially after breakfast. Arrange your return flight home
for any convenient time today. We will provide one group transfer to
the airport this morning. (Breakfast)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ANGKOR, CAMBODIA
Monday, February 16, 2004
A Lost Empire
Rivaling such marvels as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt or the Citadel
of Machu Picchu in Peru, one simply cannot come this far without visiting
the amazing temple complex at Angkor in Cambodia. Those participating
in this tour extension depart Bangkok this morning on a flight to Siem
Reap, Cambodia. Our guide leads us through the mighty gate of Angkor
Thom into this celestial metropolis, once forgotten and swallowed by
the jungle, with many sculptural stone wonders. One of the world’s
largest monuments, Angkor Wat floats like a mirage in a mile-wide lake.
Carved galleries depict the Ramayana epic and the military conquests
of the Khmer kings who once ruled over an empire that stretched through
Thailand all the way to Burma. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Jungle Wonders
Travel to the Phnom Kulen National Park on a lofty plateau overlooking
Angkor’s distant temple treasures. Hike along a narrow path to
a log bridge above a sacred, mystical stream (whose stone bed has been
sculpted with hundreds of Hindu phallic symbols), that winds downstream
to a magnificent waterfall. Visit Preah Ang Tho, a shrine of a sleeping
Buddha carved from a single, massive stone. Take a vigorous hike deeper
into the jungle. Here the trail ends at a holy shrine where Cambodians
come to worship at Hindu carvings of Vishnu, Shiva, Lakhsmi and Brahma.
Also visit Angkor’s treasure, the pink sandstone palace Banteay
Srei. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Celestial City
We continue our Angkor adventure early to take advantage of the cool
morning. Wander, awestruck, through the jungle-engulfed temples, towers,
palaces, and ritual baths. Explore the Eastern Mebon, a terraced pyramid
that was once an island on a man-made lake larger than all of ancient
Rome. Late flight back to Bangkok. Overnight at the Miracle Grand Convention
Hotel. (Breakfast)
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Departure
Tour extension ends officially after breakfast. Arrange your return
flight home for any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer
to the airport this morning. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bangkok(tour start): Holiday
Inn Silom, situated next to the
river in the heart of the nightlife district, with restaurant, bar and
swimming pool, coffee shop and internet center. Rooms have private bath,
A/C, and TV
Kanchanaburi: River
Kwai Resotel ,
a small jungle retreat located along the River Kwai, with thatched roof
huts and modern bathrooms, gorgeous pool, restaurant and bar.
Bangkok (tour middle & end): Miracle
Grand Convention Hotel is conveniently located
near the airport to facilitate our back-and-forth journeys around the
country. This modern hotel has business, restaurant, bar, gym, and pool,
while each room is beautifully furnished with private bath, cable TV,
minibar, refrigerator, room safe.
Phuket: Banthai
Beach Resort is located in the Heart of Patong
facing the Andaman Sea and only 2 minutes from the beach.
Cambodia Extension: Angkor
Century Hotel a
4-star hotel conveniently located just minutes away from the Angkor
site.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements: Citizens of the U.S. and Canadan
need a valid passport good for up to six months. Visas are given to
visitors upon arrival at Bangkok Airport.
Immunizations: None are required, but it is wise to
update your tetanus booster.
Exit Requirements: A departure tax of approximately
$15 U.S. must be paid at the Bangkok Airport.
WHAT TO BRING
Thailand’s temperatures in February will range from 70 to 94
degrees F. In order to avoid having to lug around several huge pieces
of heavy luggage, try to pack clothing which can be worn repeatedly
or put together in mix-’n’-match fashion. On the trains,
the A/C can be so efficient as to create icy temperatures, so bring
along a light sweater. Please bring conservative clothing for visiting
Temples, and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Suggested Packing List:
____ Proof of citizenship (passport)
____ Sturdy walking shoes for hikes.
____ Polo shirts / T-shirts (6 - 8).
____ Shorts (3 or 4 pairs).
____ Lightweight long pants for dinners.
____ Cool sleepwear.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
____ Windbreaker or light sweater.
____ Mosquito Repellent. A must-have!
____ Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just in case!)
____ Swimsuit.
____ Camera & plenty of film.
____ Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet
items or toiletries).
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The currency unit in Thailand is the Baht (THB), divided into 100 satangs.
Notes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 baht.
Coins include 5, 10, 25, and 50 satangs, and 1, 5, and 10 bahts. Mastercard
and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards, and these may be
used at many ATMs to exchange currency. Credit cards are fine at most
hotels and restaurants, but you will need cash at local shops. As of
September 8, 2003, the rate of exchange was 40.7 Baht to the U.S. $1.00.
Taxes and Tipping: Some restaurant bills automatically
add tips for servers, but you might leave an extra 60 baht/U.S. $2 in
spare change, if service is good. We make a collective tip to our guides
at the end of each group excursion (suggested 250 baht/U.S. $5). Budget
about $35 U.S./1500 baht each day for out-of-pocket expenses.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $1,095 (double) or $1,695 (single) is due 80 days prior to
departure (by November 17, 2003). Tour registration is not complete
until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address
is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause.
All tour participants are required to sign
a standard liability form. The tour operators reserve the right to accept
or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make
whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with 10 tour participants minimum. Toto Tours is
not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred
by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification
that the tour is a confirmed departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists with a sense of humor and positive outlook;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept things as
they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
See all the best of the Exotic Kingdoms of Thailand and Cambodia during
this wonderful winter escape with Toto Tours! If you have any questions,
please call us toll free: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $1,595 double
Private Room: $600 additional (Not required. Toto
Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer
to share a room.)
Cambodia Extension: $500
Private Room in Cambodia: $200 additional
Deposit: $500
Final Payment: $1,095 (double) $1,695 (single)
Final Payment Due: November 17, 2003
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included (Thailand): Ten nights accommodations; breakfast
daily; Welcome Luncheon and Farewell Dinner; round-trip flight from
Bangkok to Phuket; all meals, activities and transfers as listed in
the itinerary; fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to/from Bangkok,
Thailand; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis,
local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically
listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides, gratuities for meals;
alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or
any other expenses of a personal nature.
Angkor Extension Includes: Breakfast daily; services
of local guide; local transfers; fully guided and escorted tour.
Angkor Extension Does Not Include: Round-trip
airfare from Bangkok to Siem Reap and return. We will make these bookings
for the group and invoice you separately so everyone is on the same
flights. Also not included are meals and optional activities not specifically
listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides, gratuities for meals;
alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or
any other expenses of a personal nature.
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