Please note: Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, transportation, and other circumstances beyond our control.

December 26/27, 2011
San Francisco
Group departure (subject to change): We will check into the San Francisco International Airport at approximately 9:00 PM on December 26th, depart at 12:25 AM on December 27th, and arrive in Bangkok,
Thailand via Taipei the following morning at 11:00 AM.

December 28, 2011
Bangkok (L, D)
We will arrive in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, on December 28th, check into our hotel, enjoy a local lunch and have some time to relax. We will then visit the Jim Thompson House, the stunning home of the man who brought the silk industry to Thailand. Professor Chung will give a talk on The Land of the King Who Never Smiles.

December 29, 2011
Bangkok (B, D)
After breakfast we will view some of thecity’s history by Sky Train, including the Grand Palace, where Prof.  Chung will lecture on Contemporary Thailand. We will also see the Emerald Buddha and visit Wat Po, home of the Reclining Buddha and blind masseurs in training. If time allows, we will also visit Wat Pra Keo across the
Chao Phraya River, have lunch at the Paragon food court and take a tour of the city’s canals, called klongs.

December 30, 2011
Bangkok - Ayuthaya (B, L, D)
In the early morning, we will take a 2-hour bus ride to Ayuthaya, the old capital, and site of a historical battle between Burma and Thailand. We will then visit the King’s Palace, Reclining Buddha, and Cham Museum. There will be time to explore Ayuthaya on foot or by bicycle on your own before a group dinner. This evening, we board the overnight, sleeper train to Laos.

December 31, 2011
Nong Khai - Vientiane, Laos (B, D)
We will start our day in the town of Nong Khai with breakfast and a short walking tour. Then we will cross the border into Laos, where we will view over 200 massive religious sculptures. This afternoon, we will visit the local market, Dalat Sao, and a local NGO. Celebrate the New Year at a local restaurant near the Mekong.

January 1, 2012
Vientiane (B, D)
After breakfast, Professor Chung will give a lecture on The Land of a Million Elephants, followed by a visit to That Luang Temple, Wat Sisaket, Wat Pra Keo and Patuxay. After lunch, you will have the option to visit other sites on your own, such as the National Museum, and Wat Ong Tue. In the early evening, we will stroll along the Mekong and have dinner accompanied by a traditional Lao dance.

January 2, 2012
Vientiane - Vang Vieng (B, D)
This morning, we will drive to Vang Vieng and stop along way at a Hmong Market. In the afternoon, we will visit Tham Jang Cave and take a cruise on a long tail boat along the Namsong River. Stop at an organic farm for mulberry tea. Professor Chung will give a lecture on The Ethnic Diversity of Laos and the CIA’s Secret War.

January 3, 2012
Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we continue to Luang Prabang, the old capital and UNESCO Heritage site by bus. We will then visit Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Ahamm and climb the steps to Mount Phousi to experience a sunset on the Mekong. Today’s lecture will be on The Mekong River, Issues and Challenges.

January 4, 2012
Luang Prabang - Elephant Reserve (B, L)
Our day will be spent at an elephant reserve. These elephants have lost their natural habitat, and are  protected by the reserve. We will take an elephant ride over the Nam Khan River, and a boat ride to the Tad See Falls with lunch. Tonight we will spend the evening in Luang Prabang, where you will have the  opportunity to see and buy colorful, ethnic crafts.

January 5, 2012
Luang Prabang (B, L)
Today, Professor Chung will talk about Buddhism: The Laotian National Religion. Then we will visit the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene, and also Wat Xiengthong. We will take a boat ride to Pak Ou Caves, with a stop at the village of Ban Xanghai. Return to Luang Prabang in the evening. Time to relax and enjoy a walk up Phousi Hill for sunset.

January 6, 2012
Luang Prabang - Hanoi, Vietnam (B)
Today, we will have the opportunity to visit one of the local NGOs in the morning. In the afternoon, we will fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Later, we will take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake while Prof. Chung gives a lecture on The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, we will watch a water puppet show.

January 7, 2012
Hanoi (B, L, D)
This morning, we will take a city tour by foot and cyclo, and then visit the National Museum with an in-depth explanation by Prof. Chung on The History of Vietnam. In the afternoon, we will take a tour of the Opera House, followed by a group dinner, at a local specialty restaurant.

January 8, 2012
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Early departure for Halong Bay by bus. Today, we will enjoy a 5-hour cruise through this UNESCO World  Heritage Site. We will return to Hanoi in the evening. Today’s lecture onboard the boat will be on  Contemporary Vietnam - US Relations.

January 9, 2012
Hanoi (B, L, D)
Today, we will spend a full day exploring Hanoi and the surrounding area, including the Silk Village, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, and shopping in the old quarter of Hanoi. Special Farewell Dinner with a performance by the faculty of a local music conservatory.

January 10, 2012
Hanoi - USA (B)
After breakfast, we will have some free time to get ready for our departure to the airport for our return to the US. We will arrive back in the US on Jan. 10th or 11th.