Discovering Deaf Worlds - Journey to Thailand and Cambodia ! ! ! ! ! ! ! August 7 - 17, 2011! !! ! ! ! !

Trip Highlights

• Begin your journey in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and visit The Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

• Learn aboutThai and Cambodian Sign Languages• Travel to Kampot and connect with a non-profit working with people of all abilities &

disabilities • Explore the famous Temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia• Meet with two deaf organizations working to improve the lives of deaf people in Thailand• Stroll the markets of Khaosan road and connect with Deaf street market vendors • Visit Bangkok’s famous Royal Grand Palace and other temples

Tour Cost: $1995 USD ~ Single Supplement: $215 USD

ITINERARY

The Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

Sunday Aug. 7 : Arrive Phnom Penh (Own tickets/ flight information to be advised)

Upon arrival, when you leave the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard saying “Discovering Deaf Worlds”. Transfer to your hotel.The regular check-in time for all hotels is 2.00pm. Early check-in is subject to availability.

Meals:! ! NoneAccommodation:! Pacific Hotel/ROH Room http://www.pacifichotel.com.kh/

! Learning Cambodian Sign Language at the Deaf Development Programme

Monday Aug. 8: Phnom Penh half day City Tour & Deaf Development Programme

The Royal Palace - Phnom Penh

In the morning, with ochre-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, trendy cafés, and frangipani-lined boulevards, Phnom Penh has the atmosphere of a provincial French town. Visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom and home to the Silver Pagoda, so-named because its floor is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Come back to your hotel for own lunch.

In the afternoon, we will meet with the Deaf Development Programme (DDP) for a crash course in   Cambodia Sign Language   and to learn more about their education and vocational training programs in Cambodia. Dinner is at local restaurant tonight. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Meals:! ! Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation:! Pacific Hotel/ROH Room

Tuesday Aug 9: Phnom Penh City Tour

Set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. In 1975, the radical Khmer Rouge party, under its leader Pol Pot, seized power and declared ‘year zero’. In the next 3 years, an estimated two million Cambodians died, many from starvation and exhaustion, while others were tortured and executed for being ‘enemies of the state’. Learn more about these terrible years through a visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum (Genocide Museum) and visit Cheung Ek, better known

as the Killing Fields, where large numbers of people were killed and buried in mass graves.

Later in the day you will have time to do some shopping at the Russian Market. Dinner is on your own.

Meals:! ! BreakfastAccommodation:! Pacific Hotel/ROH Room

!Photos - Genocide Museum and one of the few survivors

Wednesday Aug 10: Phnom Penh - Kampot/ Kep by land/ Optional Tours

This morning after breakfast, we will drive to Kep. The afternoon is at your leisure or choose an optional tour listed below.

OPTIONAL LIMESTONE CAVES TOURLimestone mountains (‘phnom’) dot the landscape between Kampot and Kep. Many contain limestone caves- some adorned with exotic rock formations, and almost all containing Buddhist shrines. Make sure to bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for climbing on rocks. Start the tour with a visit to 2 of the 3 most beautiful caves there (Phnom Chhnork Cave; Phnom K’Chnor; White Elephant Cave). The caves of Phnom ChhnorkCave #1 is a Pre-Angkorian ruin set in a limestone cave amongst stalagmites and stalactites that are slowly growing back into the ruin. It is a small, 4th-5th century AD brick structure associated with the ancient state of Funan. A bit of carving is still visible. Look for the limestone formations near the entrance of the cave in the shapes of elephants.

Cave #2 is about 300 meters from Cave #1 in the same limestone outcropping. There is very little in the way of formations, but the cave is quite deep, requiring climbing over piles of rock and through small openings. There is also a small shrine.

Cave #3, at Phnom Sla Ta'aun, is plain by comparison to other caves, but still an interesting climb. Look for the huge rock balanced in a hole in the ceiling. There is also a small shrine.

The cave at Phnom Sasear, also known as the ‘White Elephant Cave’ is located next to a colorful pagoda. The stairs up the side of the outcropping provide a beautiful view of the countryside, especially during the wet season. The cave contains a shrine at the base of a limestone formation resembling a white elephant. 

OPTIONAL TOUR: BOKOR HILLBokor Hill Station, at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters’ overlooks the scenic southern coast of Cambodia. Built by the French in the early 1920's as a retreat from the oppressive heat of the lowlands, Bokor has been abandoned since World War II. The hill station consists of a once elegant hotel and casino, a Catholic Church, former royal residences and other buildings. Political instability and warfare in Cambodia have caused the buildings to be left in a perpetual state of neglect. Due to its elevation and strategic location, Bokor was fiercely fought over by the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese. Enshrouded by clouds and fog, the moss covered buildings provide an eerie atmosphere and exploring them is a sometimes a spooky and exhilarating experience.

The entire mountain area around Bokor has recently been placed under protective status as a National Park by the Cambodian government. This will ensure that the beauty of Bokor, such as the magnificent view of the coastline and pristine jungle which serves as the habitat for wild elephants, monkeys and other jungle animals will not be encroached upon by future development.

Meals:! ! BreakfastAccommodation:! The Beach House Hotel/ROH Room www.thebeachhousekep.com

Thursday Aug. 11: Epic Arts Program / Kampot – Phnom Penh by land/ Phnom Penh – Siem Reap on VN9855@1400/1450 (Economy class)

This morning after breakfast, meet with  Epic Arts  – a non-profit  organization that works with people of all abilities and   disabilities. Learn about the opportunities Epic Arts is providing   throughout Cambodia and attend a performance by students in   their Vocational Training Program. Our visit will end at the Epic Arts Café with lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer back to Phnom Penh airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in. Quickly settle in and join your guide to see Angkor Wat at sunset – it remains enigmatic in twilight.

Meals:! ! Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation:! Central Boutique Angkor Hotelhttp://www.centralboutiqueangkorhotel.com/

Friday Aug 12: Siem Reap Angkor Temples

Angkor Wat ! ! ! Angkor Thom ! ! Ta PhromThis morning visit the picturesque Ta Phrom. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Return downtown to have lunch at local restaurant.

Continue your cultural tour by exploring the stunning temples by tuk-tuk. Start with a visit to one of the wonders of the modern world, the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat. The temple still displays hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and Hindu mythology in its bas relief. Stroll around the massive hallways and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Transfer back to your hotel.

Meals:! ! Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation:! Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/ ROH Room

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Angkor Thom

Saturday Aug 13: Siem Reap Angkor Temples

Start your day with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its center piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. If time permits, continue to visit other temples in the area. Return to the hotel and the rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Meals:! ! BreakfastAccommodation:! Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/ ROH Room ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Sunday Aug 14: Siem Reap – Bangkok on PG903@0800/0900 (Economy class)

! ! ! The Royal Palace Bangkok! ! ! ! The Reclining Buddha! ! !This morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, meet your guide and depart for the most important of all Thai monuments; The Royal Grand Palace. (During the weekend, guests are welcome to visit Royal Decoration and Coin Pavilion in the compound of Grand Palace). The palace is a must-see destination on your agenda when coming to Bangkok. The Palace is regarded as one of the most intriguing palaces in Southeast Asia. Construction of the palace started in 1782 by King Rama I, after he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. From the 18th century onwards it has served as the residence of the early Chakri Dynasty Kings. The complex houses not only the Royal residence and throne halls, but also government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, containing the Emerald Buddha,

considered being the symbol of the country. Enjoy a visit with your guide and dazzle yourself in the details of its magnificent architecture. (Ladies should wear short-sleeves top covering shoulders with full length trousers or knee length skirts. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts. Any good pair of walking shoes are accepted but must be removed before entering any of the temples on the grounds of the Royal Palace).

Continue to visit Wat Po, which features the largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand, and the Chedi of the kings, it is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple.

Then explore daily life in the busiest part of Bangkok by taking a walking tour along Kaosan Road, Silom and Nai Lert Street Markets where you will meet many Deaf street market vendors.

Dinner is at local restaurant.

Meals:! ! Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation:! Glow Trinity Silom Hotel/ Superior Room www.glowhotels.com

Monday Aug 15: Visit the Foundation for the Promotion and Development of Thai Deaf Persons & National Association of the Deaf

After breakfast, local deaf guide Jay Bunnag, will lead us to The Foundation for the Promotion and Development of Thai Deaf Persons. Here we will learn more about Thai Sign Language and how this organization is promoting deaf education throughout Thailand.

After lunch, we will stop by the National Association of the Deaf –Thailand (NADT) which successfully petitioned the government to recognize Thai Sign Language in 1988. NADT’s current goal is to utilize government funding to establish a deaf club in each of the 76 providences of Thailand. Come meet the people behind this project and learn how you can support their efforts!

In the evening, relax back at the hotel, or explore the city. Dinner is on your own.

Meals:! ! BreakfastAccommodation:! Glow Trinity Silom Hotel/ Superior Room

Tuesday Aug 16: Bangkok - Free at Leisure for Optional Tours

Feel free to shop sightsee and explore the streets of Bangkok, or choose one of the following optional activities.

OPTIONAL TOURS:

Floating Market

FLOATING MARKET OF THAILANDDepart for a 1.5 hour drive in the morning to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, which opens at sunrise and close at noon. This vibrant market features numerous small boats laden with colourful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats. Almost always crowded with hundreds of vendors, purchasers and tourists, the best way to experience the atmosphere of the market is to board a rowing boat yourself and make your way through the small canals to buy fresh produce from the vendors. This is the only place to see the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand. Drive back to Bangkok Duration: approximately 5-6 hours

CANALS TOUR TO WAT ARUN / TEMPLE OF DAWNCruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tailed speedboat to observe the daily life and activities of local Thai people living along the river. Pay a visit to the Temple of Dawn, one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. It consists of a massive elongated prang (Khmer-style tower), and is surrounded by four smaller prangs. The prang is described by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as 104m high, while most other sources quote figures around 80-85m. It is decorated by bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China, a hallmark of the reign of King Rama III.Duration: approximately 4 hours

Meals:! ! Breakfast, Farewell DinnerAccommodation:! Glow Trinity Silom Hotel/ Superior Room

Wednesday Aug 17: Depart Bangkok (Own tickets/ flight information to be advised)

Free at leisure.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.

The regular check-out time for all hotels is 12.00pm. Late check out is subject to availability.

Meals: ! ! BreakfastEnd of services!

Inclusive of: Non-inclusive of:

•Accommodation with daily breakfast•Sightseeing with LOCAL English speaking

guide in each city •Local Deaf Guide and DDW representative

in each city•Private transfers and transportation on tour•Air-ticket (economy class): PNH-REP/ REP-

BKK (without airport tax)•Departure airport tax in Thailand •Entrance fees and private boat ride•Meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners as

specified each day (drinks not included)•Water & tissue on sightseeing days•Gratuity for drivers and guides for tour

activities

TOURS:•City Highlight Tour to Grand Palace & Wat Po

in Bangkok•Visits to The Foundation for the Promotion

and Development of Thai Deaf Persons Association of the Deaf in Bangkok

•Epic Arts tour in Kampot•Deaf Development Programme in Phnom

Penh•Killing Fields and Genocide Museum•Angkor Wat and Temple Tours

•International Flights

•OPTIONAL TOURS - Prices vary depending on the number of participants

Kampot:•Limestone Caves ~ $20 •Bokor Hill ~ $40 - $65

Bangkok:•Floating Market ~ $40 - $65 •Canals Tour ~ $40 - $65

Airport taxes in Cambodia:•$6USD local airport tax from Phnom Penh to

Siem Reap•$25USD international airport tax from Siem

Reap to Bangkok•$20 Cambodia visa

•Thailand visa if required upon arrival•Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room

service, porter service, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)

•Meals: 7 lunches and 6 dinners as specified in the daily itinerary. (avg $5-8 per meal for total cost of $65-$100)

•Drinks/water at included lunches & dinners•Any incidentals or out of pocket medical

expenses. * Please ensure you carry appropriate insurance, which covers all the activities in this itinerary, inherited risks, luggage protection. and holiday cancellation.

•Hotel early check in/late check out •Excess luggage on any flight where airlines

have a luggage restriction of 25 pounds per person

•Personal expenses•Travel & Trip insurance•Other services not listed in inclusive column