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Summary of Itinerary

Sat: 6:15am - 9:55am BOS-SFO (2h 45m to get to international flight)
12:40pm - Sun 10:40pm SFO - ICN - REP (1h50m layover in Seoul) (hotel: Terrasses des Elephants)
Mon: Angkor Wat sunrise, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Ta Phrom; Siem Reap lunch at Khmer Restaurant; Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, sunset at Pre Rup
Tue: Landmine museum, Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, Lunch, hotel and night market, Dinner at Chamkar

Wed: Psar Chaa market, 9am Lu massage; 10:45am check out of hotel; 12:20pm - 3:50pm flight to Chiang Mai (hotel: De Chai Colonial Hotel); Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok sunset; night market; dinner Black Elephant
Thu: Elephant Nature Park volunteering all day; night market, dinner
Fri: Rent scooter, Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Doi Suthep park, cafe, drive around east of city, late lunch at Taste of Heaven, night market, dinner same place

Sat: 6:55am-10:50am (1hr layover Bangkok) flight to Krabi, boat to Railay beach (hotel: Sand Sea Resort); 3pm walk to Diamond Cave, 4pm luggage arrive, 6pm Phranang beach sunset, dinner at hotel
Sun: tried to go out but pouring rain, 2pm trip back out with Hilary and Toma for deep water solo climbing, sunset at Koh Poda?, bioluminescent swimming; last bar
Mon: Phranang lookout point, phranang beach, pool, dinner at Mangrove

Tue: 11:50am - 2:40pm flight to Singapore, day in Singapore (Walk through Arab st., Little India, Bugis St. train to Clarke Quay, train from Raffles place to City Hall, back to airport) 
Wed: 1:30am - 9:30am (3hr layover in Manila) red-eye to Puerto Princesa; Argument with taxi tric; Van to El Nido (hotel: Cadlao Resort)
Thu: El Nido island hopping A
Fri: more island hopping C

Sat: 1/2 day beach or tour; 5pm flight to Manila; waiting for iPad; 11:40pm flight 
Seoul (12hr layover); 7am Bukchon; 9am Cultural museum and Gyeongbukgong; 11am Insadong, 12 Myeongdong; 1:30pm go back to airport from Seoul Station (47min ride)
Sun: 4:30pm flight to SFO (5hr layover); 4:15pm flight back to BOS, arrive 1am Monday

CDC's recommended travel immunizations:
- malaria
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Dengue Fever

All electricity 220v (singapore 230)

Siem Reap

1 USD = 3,986.92 KHR
ATMS dispense USD
$20 Visa upon arrival at REP
Exit fee should be incl. in ticket
Easy to use CC and USD- carry about 2000 riel/day for tuk tuks, shopping
Tipping not expected, but goes a long way
$7 taxi to town, or $2 motorbike, 7km away
220 volt



ANGKOR WAT (Tomb Raider)

Virtual Walk

Angkor Wat lies 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) north of the modern town of Siem Reap, and a short distance south and slightly east of the previous capital, which was centred at Baphuon. It is in an area of Cambodia where there is an important group of ancient structures. It is the southernmost of Angkor's main sites.

The initial design and construction of the temple took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1113 – c. 1150). Dedicated to Vishnu, it was built as the king's state temple and capital city. As neither the foundation stela nor any contemporary inscriptions referring to the temple have been found, its original name is unknown, but it may have been known as "Varah Vishnu-lok" ( literally "Holy Vishnu Location", Old Khmer Cl. Sanskrit") after the presiding deity. Work seems to have ended shortly after the king's death, leaving some of the bas-relief decoration unfinished.^[5] In 1177, approximately 27 years after the death of Suryavarman II, Angkor was sacked by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Thereafter the empire was restored by a new king,Jayavarman VII, who established a new capital and state temple (Angkor Thom and the Bayon respectively) a few kilometres to the north.

In the late 13th century, Angkor Wat gradually moved from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day.

$20 1 day pass (enter after 5pm for free sunset, and use the pass the next day)
$40 3 day pass
ticket doesn't include Phnom Kulen or Beng Mealea ($5)
guides cost $10-$15/day

Private Tuk-tuk: http://www.siemreaptransport.net/
$15/1 day private tour of angkor wat, $38/ 2 day private tour.

$2/day bike, www.thewhitebicycles.com proceeds go to community projects

tips: http://globetrottergirls.com/2012/06/how-to-visit-angkor-wat/

Leave hotel at 5:15am to see sunrise (5:40am) from western entrance of Angkor Wat. Then everyone leaves for breakfast, and it's still cooler temp to explore in the morning. Sunset is around 6:15pm

Angkor Thom: Bayon

Nice light early morning/ late afternoon


Angkor Thom: Baphuon

Phnom Bakheng (very crowded at sunset)

Pre Rup (good views at sunset)

Ta Prohm (controlled jungle)

Beng Mealea (uncontrolled jungle)

Banteay Srei

OTHER EXCURSIONS

Grasshopper Adventure Tours - bike trips
http://grasshopperadventures.com/tour-APKC09.php

Khmer ways 1/2 day tour ($25, 4 hours, 8:30am or 2pm)
Tripadvisor, Website

Tonle Sap Floating village and weaving tour ($75pp)
Tripadvisor, Website

In the unique environment of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is host to the highest number of breeding large water birds in South East Asia. Ten years ago, many of these wonderful birds faced a serious danger of extinction as over-harvesting of their eggs threatened to destroy their populations. As part of the response, Osmose was established and immediately initiated a novel approach to environmental protection: advancing conservation objectives through environmental education, community support and alternative income generation from Ecotourism.

Chong Kneas - STAY AWAY from tour scams to sell overpriced supplies for the "orphans"

Terrasse des Elephants $70/night
Tripadvisor, website

Landmine Museum
7:30am-5:30pm, $3
Tripadvisor

After years of fighting Aki Ra returned to the villages in which he planted thousands of mines and began removing them, by hand, and defusing them with homemade tools. While working to make his country safe, Aki Ra saw many children wounded by landmines and living desperately poor lives.  He brought them to his home, where he and his wife raised them as their own, alongside their own children. Today the Facility cares for children who suffer from a variety of physical, emotional, and familial difficulties.

Other day trips: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Guide-g297390-l355-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

Responsible Tourism
concertcambodia.org - organizes voluntourism and ecotours

Angkor Center for Conservation and Biodiversity

Seeing Hands Massage - Blind Masseuses
8am - 9pm, $5/hr
324 Sivatha Street

FOOD
Psar Chaa food stalls - 7am - 9pm, north end of market
Chamkar - 11am-11pm, The Alley, organic; vegetarian

Khmer Kitchen - 11am-10pm, The Alley; vegetarian

Sugar palm - 11am-late, Ta Phul Late; Traditional Khmer, beng (wooden) decor
Butterflies Garden Restaurant - 9am - 10pm, East bank; 1000s butterflies float above
Soup Dragon - 6am-11pm, breakfast; Rooftop bar donates to Children's hospital
Abacus - 11am-late, airport rd; French
Madamme Butterfly - 6pm - 11pm, airport rd; traditional khmer

SHOPPING
Keo Kjay - www.keokjay.org, 11am - 10pm, Alley West; Emplys HIV positive women
Rajana - 9-9pm, Sivatha St; Wooden and metalware made from decomissioned weapons
Krousar Thmey - 8am-5:30pm, Charles de Gaulle Blvd; souvenir proceeds for blind/disadvantaged children
Krama scarves are Cambodian fashion identity

Thailand

1 USD = 29.7580 THB

Temple etiquette - shoulders and knees covered, no shoes
NO PDA, women cannot go near monks
Silly looking when men to wear shorts; women should cover knees/shoulders in temples
Never touch someone's head or the Buddha's
Use knife/fork, not chopsticks
Many ingredients were introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century via Americas (chilies, pumpkin, nuts)
Bow with palms pressed instead of handshake
Tipping not expected, but nice for massages, etc.
Cab from airport to hotel: 150 baht ($5), 10-15min

songthaew

CHIANG MAI
120 baht taxi to hotel from airport
airport map

Elephant Nature Park Rescue and Rehibilitation
8am-5pm
2500 baht ($85)

Elephant Nature Park, a unique conservation project set in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand has been in operation since in the 1990's with a goal to provide a sanctuary and elephant rescue center. We have been involved in dozens of rescues and sustain a natural home for this endangered species. 
The park can facilitate small numbers only. For safety reasons, and to protect our herd, we are not open to casual visitors and all visits to our park must be pre-booked. Please secure your place by booking online. Elephant rides, painting and tricks are not featured at our park.

Wat Chedi Luang, highest point in old Chiang Mai
6am-5pm, free
This is perhaps Chiang Mai’s most striking relic and was once the most important in the Lanna capital. Dating from 1441, the 91-metre high pagoda was felled to half that height in an earthquake in the late 16th century. To this day the partially renovated chedi remains the tallest structure in the old city and the main attraction. There are several Viharn or Ubosots in the compound as well. The much revered Emerald Buddha, found in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, briefly lived here during its remarkable travels.

Wat Phra Singh
6am - 5pm, free
Situated in the middle of the old city, this temple contains Chiang Mai’s most important Buddha statue. The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna-style viharn while the main viharn (c. 15^th century) houses the much venerated Phra Sihing Buddha, which has a murky background yet a unique lion-style originating from Sri Lanka. A distinctive, elevated Hoi Tra (scriptures repository) is also on site. The mural paintings on the walls of Wat Phra Singh depict the scenes of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature. 

Wat Suan Dok

6a, - 5pm, free
Temple built on what were once a 14th-century monarch's gardens. Today, site of a Buddhist university and a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunset. Some of the temple's chedis (spires) contain ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family. Also, one can see half of a holy Buddhist relic brought from Sukothai in 1371, which unfortunately split into two upon arrival in Chiang Mai. The other half is buried at Doi Suthep. A 500-year-old bronze Buddha image, one of the largest in northern Thailand, is also housed here, in the small hall at the back of the compound.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (15km away)

6am-8pm
30 baht ($1) for tram

Located, 30min from Chiang Mai center, the temple base visitors can climb 309 steps for free to reach the pagodas or there is a tram. Entry to the temple on the tram costs 30 Thai baht for foreigners (or 50 baht if you would like a two-way tram ticket included). Once inside the temple grounds; visitors must take off their shoes. Visitors must be appropriately dressed. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple grounds. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells and shrines. Aspects of the Wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Views of Chiang Mai can be seen on the other side of the temple.

Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures
Cave Rock Climbing Intro: 2795 baht ($94)
http://www.thailandclimbing.com/

The morning portion of the course will be spent introducing you to the basics of top-rope climbing. Top-rope climbing (or top-roping) is the easiest, simplest, and safest way to climb. During this course, we won't just take you climbing: we will introduce you to the mechanics of the top-rope system, teach you how to belay, and help you develop the fundamentals you need to be a responsible and knowledgeable climber. You'll get lots of time climbing, and our instructors will coach you on technique and help you have a successful and fun day on the rock! In the afternoon, you will get a chance to learn the basics of rappelling (abseiling). Applying your new skills of top-roping and belaying, you will help build a rappel and then step out over the edge and lower yourself to the ground. Finish the day with an exhilarating rappel into the mouth of a massive cave.

May Kaidee's Thai Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking class

9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm
1200 baht ($40)
http://maykaidee.com/
46/32G Ratchawithi Rd., Sri Phum, Muang



Pun Pun Vegetarian Restaurant - TripAdvisor
6/1 Moo 1, Suthep Road | Suthep, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Anchan Vegetarian
Nimmanhaeminda road, soi Hillside 3 | Opposite Soi 13, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

AUM Vegetarian Food

65 Th Moon Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
0 5327 8315

Hilltribe visit

http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

Visit four different hill tribe villages in Chiang Mai province, namely the Akha, the Palong, the Karen and the Lisu. Every tribe has its own culture, distinct colorful dress and language, which only exists in the spoken form.

The hill tribes people live a nomadic lifestyle and originate from Tibet and China. Traditionally, they are engaged in farming using slash and burn tactics, where the forest is cut down and burnt. When the land is exhausted, the move on to the next area.

Although many hill tribes people have converted to Buddhism and Christianity, originally they are animist, a believe where not only humans, but also animals, plants, mountains, rivers and other natural objects possess a spirit.

New Moda Tailoring or Genesis Tailoring
Custom clothes/suites in 2 days

Night bazaar (5pm-11ish)

There are so many things to buy at the Night Market you'll be spoiled for choice. Thai silk is always good to buy (and its inexpensive), they have a great collection of suitcases and bags, jewelry, wooden carvings, handmade clothing, DVDs and CDs, packets of Thai snack food, handmade notebooks, soaps and perfumes, pretty much anything you can see there is worth buying. 

Chiang Dao Cave (1.25hr north of Chiang Mai)
20 baht entrance, 100 baht lantern + guide



KRABI, RAILAY BEACH, AND KOH PHI PHI
Tide table
Shared minibus from airport to Ao Nang: $150-200 baht pp each way, or 600 baht taxi

Railay Beach

Tonsai Beach (bars, rastas)

Phra Nang Cave princess shrine and Beach

Diamond Cave, Railay East

Princess Lagoon

Railay Rock climbing

http://www.railay.com/railay/climbing/climbing_courses.shtml

1-day course: 1800 baht ($60)

http://www.railayrockclimbingshop.com/climbing-courses/

1/2 day course: 1000 baht?

9-12:30/ 2-5:30

Phranang Full Moon Kayaking
Moo 5 | Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000, Thailand
phranangfullmoonkayaking@gmail.com

Island hopping tour and snorkelling, Koh Poda/ Koh Tub, etc

Koh Phi Phi ("The Beach")

Cave with drawings of viking ships on Koh Phi Phi

Tiger Temple (Wat Tham Sua) near Krabi

Blue Lagoon (Morakot Emerald Pool and Hot Springs)

Food
Utopia International Delights
The Last Bar
Mangrove Restaurant

Phi Phi
http://www.phiphi-ferry.com/
Railay (in front of Sunrise Tropical) - Phi Phi (Tonsai bay) 9am-11am
Phi Phi - Railay 3:30pm - 4:45pm
500 baht each way ($17)

Example Itinerary for tour to Phi Phi

The Dive Ao Nang - snorkel trip to Phi Phi - 1900 baht ($63)

Railay Dive Center
Half day snorkeling* Day trip 08.00- 13.30 Longtail boat/ Big boat 950 thb ($32)
Sunset snorkeling* The trip starts 15.30, 2-3hours Longtail boat/ Big boat 950 thb ($32)
Local Islands Snorkeling* Day trip 08.00- 13.30 Longtail boat/ Big boat 950 thb ($32)
Phi Phi Snorkeling* Whole day Longtail boat/ Big boat 1950 thb ($65)