Pureland travels

DESCRIPTION:

The area of Thailand we will journey to remember. This is different than a general package tour for a few reasons:

1.) We will survey your travel desires before the trip and meet your travel needs- because we cap our groups at 10 and pay attention to our customers enjoying their vacations.

2.) We are a Buddhist travel company and will be treating this like a pilgrimage—not a sport shopping! We will not take you into any stores!!

3.) You will have free time to discover and explore Thailand on your own with our support. 1 day out of the 7 days will be on your own!

4.) We will eat and explore the places we go like locals, we will try street food, enjoy a cooking class and even so, you will never be forced to eat fish!

5.) We are traveling to benefit ourselves and others, Our company is eco conscious and will be taking you to places that benefit locals and don’t trash the earth.

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

Domestic airfare and overland travel, 3 meals a day (mostly vegetarian) and accommodations for 2 people per room. Soft drinks and extra snacks not included. 

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*Additional personal expenses: RT Airfare to/from Chengdu, China (CTU))

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Air Travel: Depart Chengdu, China (CTU) on January 15th to Bangkok

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Deadlines: A deposit of ½ the tour cost will be due to Pureland travels by December 15th to hold your spot. Final payments of the second half will be due on January 1st. This trip is limited to 10 participants.

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Requirements:All participants must obtain their own passports.

 

THE TRIP TO THAILAND:

Detailed Itinerary:

January 15th meet in Chengdu and travel to Bangkok

We will pick you up from Ari Restaurant #1 in Wuhousi to bring you to the Chengdu Airport. We will land in Bangkok and stay at a hotel in the city center. We will setltle into the hotel and rest for the evening after a welcome orientation with our Thai guide.

 

January 16th-Bangkok

We will take the day to explore Bangkok and experience the different temples there. 

7:00 ~What Mahathat Read more at: http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-mahatat.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

attend a thai meditation class at Wat Mahathat

The headquarter of Thailand's largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centre, Wat Mahathat is an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation). Classes are held daily from 07:00 - 10:00, 13:00 - 16:00, and 18:00 - 20:00. Time needed for practice will vary with each individual English-speaking monks assisting. About meditation in Thailand and their traditions- learn more before going!!! https://www.dhamma.com
 

 

10 ~Grand Palace Tour http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-prakaeo.htm ~500THB

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom
Inside of the Grand Palace we will visit the famous Wat Phra Kaew “Emerald Buddha”

Wat Phra Kaew “Temple of the Emerald Buddha” (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.
 

11:30 ~Wat Pho100THB

Walk to Wat Pho “Temple of the Reclining Buddha”, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. It’s an easy ten minute walk between here and the Grand Palace, and we recommend coming to Wat Pho second, because even though the golden Buddha here is just as popular many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex so the experience tends to be far more relaxing. This is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage

 

13:00- traditional Thai Lunch ~100THB

Walk to restaurant between the Wats-

 

 14:00 Wat Arun,”Temple of Dawn” 100THB http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-arun.htm

 locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun (or temple of the dawn) is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water. Wat Arun is almost directly opposite Wat Pho, so it is very easy to get to. From Sapphan Taksin boat pier you can take a river boat that stops at pier 8. From here a small shuttle boat takes you from one side of the river to the other for only 3 baht. 

 

16:00Wat Suthat “Giant Swing”

is perhaps more famous for the Giant Swing than its impressive interior architecture, which is a must-see after the splendour of nearby Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The cloistered courtyard, surrounding the main chapel, boasts 156 Buddha images along the outer walls and four entry gates individually hand-carved with intricate details. The wall frescoes inside the main chapel, detailing the previous 24 incarnations of the Buddha, employed the Western painting technique with perspective science, which is unique to this temple. Lining the outer walls are Chinese stone sculptures and eight-tier hexagonal pagodas, believed to have been shipped as ballast with the Chinese trade junks.

18:00 Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount 0THB http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-saket.htm

walk up the mountain of Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount or ‘Phu Khao Thong’, is a low hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi. Within, the 58-metre chedi houses a Buddha relic and welcomes worshippers all year round. The temple also hosts an annual temple fair in November, which lasts a week during Loy Krathong. The temple grounds feature mature trees and typical Buddhist structures such as the main chapel, ordination hall and library. Its origins can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period (1350- 1767 AD) and it underwent major renovations during King Rama I’s reign (1782-1809). Gain a beautiful overview of the city.

 

 

20:00 Asiatique The Riverfront for dinner take the boat to Asiatique. It is a large night market with entertainment, retail shops and restaurants. Vietnamese restaurant.

 

January 17h- Bangkok

7:00 – drive 100 km to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Take an unfor gettable boat tour on a peaceful canal that weaves through Thailand's picturesque countryside. Experience the lifestyle of locals who live and work on these interconnected waterways, and take in the daily bustle at Damnoen Saduak, popular floating market selling colorful handicrafts and fresh produce.
11:30 lunch in the market

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14::00 Wat Benjamabhopit http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/10-temples.htm0THB

Do morning meditation in Wat Benjamabhopit, most commonly called Wat Benja was built in by King Rama V in 1900 and is renowned for more than one reasons. Nickednamed 'The Marble Temple' for all the external walls of the main temple are covered with marble imported from Italy, but also for being the temple embossed on the back of 5 baht coins! Located near the many governement offices and palaces, this wat is highly revered and is often visited by high ranked officials.

 

 

16:00 Wat Prayoon http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-prayoon.htm0THB

Wat Prayoon, or Wat Rua Lek, sits on the western side of the Chao Praya river bank. Built during King Rama III’s reign, the temple’s outstanding features include a large inverted bell shaped chedi (pagoda), turtle ‘mountain’ housing spirit houses and a pond where visitors can feed the turtles. The temple is located on the Thonburi side, at the foot of Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut). This area is on the southern edge of the old Portuguese community (Kuthi Jeen), an area designated to Portuguese merchants and government officials during the Early Rattanakosin Period (after Ayutthaya was destroyed and King Rama I founded a new capital in Thonburi). Contains Buddha’s Relics!!

 

January 18th- Day trip to an ethical wildlife/ elephant rehabilitation center

https://www.wfft.org/about-wfft/1,600THB 

8:00 2.5 hour drive fromBKK 

10:00We will spend the day with Thai wildlife being rehabilitated from captivity. This is an ethical choice- instead of further abusing these majestic creatures by riding them and using them, we will celebrate them and walk alongside them in their natural environment nearby a beautiful national park of Thailand. The day tour includes an educational tour, a walk and shower with the elephants, and lunch. The volunteer program includes accommodation, food, and many opportunities to interact with the elephants. 

16:30 travel back to Bangkok

18:30 dinner at local Thai resaturant

 

January 19th- Travel to Pataya Beach by air 

8:00-1 hour flight from BKK to Pataya

10:00After settling into our hotel we will Take a longtail boat to freedom beach. You have options to buy into a snorkeling or diving trip for the flowing day, or spend the following day on the beach or shopping and getting massages. 

12:00 Lunch at Freedom Beach

18:00-Travel to Patong Beach for sunset viewing.

20:00-Thai Dinner on the beach

 

January 20th- Pataya Beach optional trip to Phi Phi Islands

9:00- This will be your free day!!!

Take the day how you prefer- snorkeling, scuba diving or just laying around on the beach. This will be your free day on the trip. We will be together for lunch and for Dinner.

18:00Return flight to Bangkok

21:00 dinner in Bangkok

 

January 21stBangkok
9:00 Chatuchak Weekend Market  http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-market/popular-markets.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’. The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

15:00 return to Bangkok rest at hotel

17:00 Maykaidees cooking class/ dinner https://www.maykaidee.com/cooking-school1,000THB take a cooking class in an authentic Thai Restaurant learn how to make and enjoy 4 of thailands main dishes: Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, Peanut Sauce, Masaman Curry

19:00 walk through the night market in Thailands backpacker area khaosan road and purchase any of the suveniers that you might want to bring back.

 

January 22ndBangkok to Chengdu 
-return flight to Chengdu

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TRIP LEADERS:

Margaret “Meg” Ferrigno PhD CEO of  Pureland Travel Consulting Co. and Jamyang Gyamtso, Managing Partner, Pureland Travel Consulting Co.Meg voluntarily organizes the tours to raise funds for Garchen Rinpoche’s village school projects which she manages. Meg speaks Nangchen kay and spent several years in Yushu. Jamyng is the co-founder of Pureland Travel Consulting Co. He is an experienced tour guide and project manager and will be assisting with all logistics and translation for the tour.