ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Full Day Trip to Ruin of Ayutthaya

Duration: 08:00 � 17:00 hrs
Costs: US $60.00/person

Depart Bangkok on an air-conditioned coach to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand.  Ayutthaya was founded in the 14^th Century by the Thais of the lower Chao Phraya River plain, and it soon became the dominant city-state.  Its kings annexed Sukhothai in the 15^th Century, and made Ayutthaya the largest city in South East Asia, deeply impressing the Europeans who began to trade with them in the 16^th Century.  The city was sacked and burnt by the Burmese in 1767, leading to the foundation of a new capital, Bangkok, after the Burmese had been driven out. 

Visit the summer palace of the present modern day Chakri Dynasty, Bang Pa-In.   Continue on to the principal sights in Ayutthaya � the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Monkol Borpith, the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Srisanpetch, and Wat Chai Wattanaram which was burnt by the Burmese over 200 years ago.  Explore the surviving monuments on foot.

(Optional) 15-minute elephant ride (2 persons / elephant), US $20.00 per person 
Dress: Modestly- No Shorts, no open toe shoes, and shoulders must be covered.

Thursday, September 24, 2008

Half Day Excursion to Damnern Saduak Floating Market

Duration:08:00 � 13:00 hrs
Costs: US   $33.00/person 

Enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive through the countryside.  Along the way, see salt farmers working in the salt field.  A stop is made at a local farmhouse to see the preparation of coconut sugar.

Visit the Damnern Saduak floating market in the Ratchaburi province. Observe the timeless lifestyle of the native Thai people as you explore Damnern Saduak in a speedboat as it winds its way through busy canals, passing boats with vendors selling fruits, food and other commercial wares.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Half Day Tour of Jim Thompson �s Museum and Silk Store

Visit the Jim Thompson�s House, a museum filled with Asian antiques and historical memorabilia.  The extensive collection is housed in six old teak houses, all built along ancient Thai architectural styles and by Jim Thompson himself.  You'll get an excellent feel for Thai architecture and design in this well preserved home. Shop or browse a wide range of lovely designed Thai silk products from renowned Jim Thompson.

Mr. Thompson came to Thailand at the end of World War II and revitalized the Thai Silk industry.  His disappearance into the Malaysian jungle in 1967, remains a mystery to this day.

Saturday, September  27, 2008

Half Day Tour to Temples of Old Bangkok

Duration: 10:00 � 13:00 hrs
Costs: US   $20.00/person

Visit three different temples in the City. Wat Saket�s major feature is the Golden Mount, at one point Bangkok�s highest point and offers a panaroamic city view from the top. We also visit Ban Bat, a small community well known for making monk�s alms bowls (bat) in the traditional way. Wat Suthat is noted for it�s large bronze Buddah image, its murals, and the giant Swing at the front of it�s temple. At Wat Ratchanatdaram we visit one of Bangkok�s most unusual structures the Loha Prasart (the Metal Palace).

Dress: Modestly- No Shorts, no open toe shoes, and shoulders must be covered.

Sunday, September  28-30, 2008

POST CONFERENCE TOURS

The below post conference tours will be handled by our on-site Tour Operator - Pacific World Thailand.  Airfares are not included in package price.  Airfares and transfer are based on availability and ticket fare at time of reservation.

If you are interested in either of these two options contact our conference office at: [email protected].  Upon receipt of your correspondence, we will submit your request to Pacific World Thailand for information on availability, tour pricing and information regarding payment of tour fees.

Option 1

Phuket, Thailand  3 Day Vacation Package

Spend some quality time on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand.  Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea awaits you at Asia�s most popular beach destination. This island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and one of the finest resort hotels in Thailand, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.

Download vacation package details>> Phuket Itinerary and Terms

Rates include two nights accommodations and one day tour
   *$290/ Sharing Twin Room    *$415/ Single Room
   *Room fees are based on a cost per person

Airfares are not included in package price
Airfares and transfer are based on availability and ticket fare at time of reservation.  Tour operator will provide cost of airfares and transfers when making your reservations