A Tour through Exotic Southeast Asia

January 16 to 29, 2009

Friday, January 16, 2009: Depart JFK for SIEM RIEP in northern Cambodia. Cross International Dateline.

Sunday, January 18: Arrive SIEM RIEP, our base for visiting the ancient sites of ANGKOR.  Accommodations are at the deluxe RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL for three nights.

Monday, January 19: Exploration of this inscrutable region begins with the intricately carved Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat and the surrounding sites. Constructed by the Khmer civilization between the 9th and 13th centuries, there are still small shrines in use today. Tonight:  Enjoy a festive group dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday, January 20: A visit this morning to ANGKOR THOM or “Great City” is even more spectacular than the colossal Angkor Wat, as Angkor Thom has nearly disappeared into the jungle. 

Wednesday, January 21: Fly from Siem Riep to Chiang Mai via Bangkok. Accommodations for three nights are in the colonial suites of THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL in this northern region of Thailand.

Thursday, January 22:  Early morning rickshaw rides take us to the clamoring market at Chiang Mai Gate. Continue to Wat Srisoda at the foot of Doi Suthep where we’ll see the Buddhist monks in prayer. Then it’s on to the jungle to ride the elephants - promising pure unimaginable fun!

Friday, January 23:  The day begins with a drive to Wat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, built in 1384. Wats dot the region. We’re charmed by their history and lore.

Saturday, January 24:  Late morning transfer to the airport for flight to Bangkok. THE ORIENTAL HOTEL’S superior river wing rooms await our arrival. Five nights here allow us to fully experience the wonders of this capital city, rich in contrasts. From the ornate and ritualistic to the sleek and modern – we are spellbound. 

Sunday, January 25:  Today begins with a visit to the extraordinary teakwood home of Jim Thompson, the “Father of Thai Silk.” Here the legend of Thompson lives, reflecting his impeccable taste and limitless wealth. Later, enjoy a city tour visiting the Golden Buddha Temple, the Marble Temple and the Reclining Buddha Temple – all remarkable relics of the opulence bestowed upon the icons of Buddhism.

Monday, January 26:  Morning visit to The Grand Palace, former residence of the Thai kings.  Afternoon at leisure.

Tuesday, January 27:  A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and the klongs of Bangkok take us to the magnificent mosaic Temple of Dawn, “Wat Arun.”  

Wednesday, January 28:  The day is completely yours to explore independently and to make purchases you’ll treasure for a lifetime.  Shopping could not be more plentiful, from one-of-a-kind silk ties, shawls and accessories, to well-worn antiques:  glittering jewelry and golden trinkets galore! This evening, celebrate in style at our farewell dinner in one of the elegant restaurants of the legendary ORIENTAL HOTEL. 

Thursday, January 29:  Depart Bangkok for return flights to JFK.

Land tour cost: $4,895.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement:  $2,680.00
International Airfare: $1,400.00
Domestic Airfare:  $350.00 (Siem Riep to Chiang Mai to Bangkok)
Deposit:  $1,000.00 payable by check to Circle Travel Service, Inc. to secure your place on tour. 
Final payment due: November 5, 2008. Final payment may be charged to a major credit card.

Please note: Only checks made payable to Circle Travel Service may be accepted as deposit.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
$1,000.00 deposit per person to secure your place on the tour.
Balance due by November 5, 2008.
Land cost rates are based on a minimum of 15 tour members.
Reservations are limited and accepted on a first-come first-served basis

CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES:  All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $500.00 per person plus any additional supplier cancellation charges.  Cancellations are completely non-refundable as of September 15, 2008.  Notification of cancellation must be in writing.  Passport holders require a visa for Cambodia.  Forms will be sent at time of booking, and completion and acquisition of all visas shall be the sole responsibility of the traveler.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY ADVISED. An application for such insurance will be sent upon receipt of deposit.

LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY:  Anne Bockol, Circle Travel Service, Inc. and any sponsor, all of their respective officers, directors, agents, servants and employees shall not be responsible or liable in any way for loss, death, injury or damage to persons or property or incurred by any person or property in connection with this program or any part of it.  They act only as your agents in providing tour arrangements and assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any motor coach, train, vessel, carriage, aircraft or any other transportation or other accommodations used in performance of the tour, or in the event of theft.  Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the passenger.  Should it become necessary or advisable, alterations may be made to scheduling.   Additional expense, if any, shall be borne by the passengers.  All prices quoted here are based on current fares and monetary exchange rates, and are subject to change.  All services are subject to the laws of the state or country in which those services are rendered.  Quoted tour prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are quoted based on the current rate of exchange as of February 15, 2008.  In the event of a significant increase in foreign exchange rates or other unexpected increases, costs are subject to revision.

Print, complete and return the coupon below to:

Anne Bockol, Tour Director
Circle Travel Service, Inc.
341-C Conshohocken State Road
Gladwyne, PA 19035
(610) 896-7795
(610) 832-0309 fax
Travel@Bockol.com

Enclosed please find $1000.00 per person for _____ reservations for:

Name(s) ____________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________________________________

Phone (home)_______________business_______________e-mail:_________________