The Wonders of Amazing Thailand
Bangkok is a fusion of modernization and classical Thai culture. Your senses will come alive as you tour this exotic and intriguing city. Watch the sun gleam off the golden ‘stupas’ at the majestic Grand Palace. Contemplate the splendor of the enormous Reclining Buddha, and cruise along The River of Kings. Immerse yourself in the bustling bazaars and night markets, finding incredible bargains along the way. Travel to the ancient Khmer temple of Khao Phra Wihan in neighboring Cambodia. Here, amongst the crumbling ruins and saffron-robed statues, watch monks quietly go about their business, as rural rice farmers take an afternoon rest beneath a bamboo shack. On the shores of the Mekong, watch as water buffalo wade the day away as fruit-filled longtail boats skim around the bend. Hop across the border to Laos and witness life in the past – battered pick-up trucks dodge scrambling chickens as they rumble down the bumpy dirt roads. Journey across the elephant-dotted, rainforest mountains of northern Thailand, and visit a bustling Burmese marketplace. Expect to get up close to Buddhist monks and babbling monkeys, take pictures of kaleidoscopic tuk-tuks, golden temples, magic men, and mist-covered mountains. This trip has it all – wonderful people and places in Thailand, practical and fun photo instruction, and day trips to some of Thailand’s warm and welcoming neighbors.
Trains, Planes, Tuk-Tuks and Elephants!
Experience the thrill of traveling by every means possible. From private luxury vans to overnight sleep trains, ancient elephants to modern airplanes, and singing song-taews to skimming long tails. Rustic Pathways believes that the journey is the destination, and getting there is half the fun. Come see Thailand not only through your camera lens, but also through a whole new light of understanding.
The World’s Most Beautiful Classroom
While venturing through Thailand and its neighbors – one of the most photographically rich regions in the world – we not only get the opportunity to learn to use our cameras and develop our body of work, but also learn about the intriguing history of this region and its diverse peoples. Wander through rustic Hill Tribe villages perched on magnificent mountain tops. Capture priceless images of giggling school children sporting their brilliant traditional clothes. Like all of our photo programs, our daily itinerary embodies flexibility and spontaneity, and we adjust our route from time to time in order to accommodate special ceremonies or events that may come up. This allows us to take advantage of some awesome photo opportunities as we venture across The Land of Smiles.
Images for a Lifetime…
You can expect to return home from this program with more than just a greater knowledge of photography and a cornucopia of wonderful photographs. You will also leave Thailand with a wonderful love and understanding of the kind people, the rich culture, and the amazing treasures of this beautiful land. While the trip is a real photo adventure, it is also a wonderful snapshot of one of the world’s most interesting and welcoming cultures. Rustic Pathways’ photography programs are always among our most popular trips, so interested students are encouraged to apply early.
So What are You Waiting for?
This trip is suitable for brand new photographers, as well as experienced shutterbugs wanting to deepen their portfolios in Amazing Thailand. Questions? Contact Scott Poniewaz at: scott@rusticpathways.com if you have any questions.
Day 1 USA to Asia If you are travelling from LA, you will spend a night in Singapore. If you are traveling from JFK you will not have an overnight stay.
Day 2 Ghost Day This day is lost in transit, you will reclaim this day when you return home.
Day 3 Arrival in Bangkok
-Thai Massage
-Get settled at hotel
-Buffet Welcome Dinner
-Good night of sleep
Day 4 Bangkok
-Guided Tour of King’s Palace
-Boat Tour of Canals and River
-Lunch by the River
-Visit Wat Pho
-Dinner at Night Market
-Night Market Visit
Day 5 Depart for Chiang Mai
-Flight to Chiang Mai (approx 1 hour)
-Settle in at base house
-Trip to Doi Sutep
-Traditional Thai dance show
Day 6 Chiang Mai
-Elephant camp visit
-Boat ride at elephant camp
-Visit night market
Day 7 Depart for Mae Sot
-Travel in vans to Burma border, stopping to check out hill tribe villages along the way
Day 8 Mae Sot
-Visit Burma Border
-Visit NGO’s
Day 9 Mae Sot to Mae Sariang
-This is one of the most interesting areas of the country; we will stop along the way to photograph villages, ceremonies and meet local people
Day 10 Mae Sariang
-Visit Hill tribe Orphanage
-Visit Anon’s Village
Day 11 Mae Sariang
-Boat Ride along Burma border
-Possible visit to refugee camp
Day 12 Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Song
-Visit Long Neck Village
-Visit temple
-Elephant Ride
-Opportunity for Massages
Day 13 Mae Hong Song to Pai
-Homestay in Lisu Village
Day 14 Pai
-Homestay in Lisu Village
Day 15 Pai to Chiang Mai
- Along the way we will visit Wat Ron Khun
Day 16
- Visit the Horse temple
- Visit the Golden Triangle
Day 17
- Early morning flight back to Bangkok to return home or connect to other programs
In addition to the items suggested on the main Thailand packing list, students travelling on Kingdom in Focus should bring:
A digital and/or 35mm film camera. The choice is yours. If you are in doubt, bring both. Just remember that you have to carry and be responsible for whatever you bring. Instruction will be offered for both digital and 35mm. Some students favor digital because when we have time for critique, we can look at pictures on a laptop. We cannot always guarantee that we will have time to stop and develop film in our various cities. Make sure that before you leave home that your camera is INSURED and that you have recorded the serial numbers of the body of the camera (the part that has the shutter and the numbers) and the lenses. Check to see if your camera is INSURED under your home owner’s policy, credit card or traveler’s insurance. If not, get a rider on your insurance.
Another note about cameras. BRING YOUR OWNER”S MANUAL. We are smart photographers but we cannot figure out every little bell and whistle on the new fangled deely bob digital 3000 mega wiz camera that comes out every five seconds without some material to go on now and then. Save us and yourself a lot of pain and BRING THE OWNER’s MANUAL.
Bring a camera you can use. I love the new Hasselblad with the panoramic digital back. It costs 40 grand and I have no idea how to use it. It’s not a good choice to bring into the Thai jungle. Pick something lightweight, that’s a little above your skill level and takes shots that look great to you. See if the camera feels right in your hands. If it does, then go with it.
FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS: make sure to bring extra batteries or your charger. Nothing is sadder than a digital camera with no charge. Bring extra memory cards. You will use them. Bring a really good lens cloth.
FOR 35mm CAMERAS: Bring a variety of film. Try Black and White and Color. Good films include Kodak Professional films: TRI-X 400 and Portra 400 NC, Portra 160 NC, You can also try Black and White films that can be processed as color. NEVER EVER pack film in your checked baggage. Don’t bother using one of those lead bags either. Take your film out of the plastic containers and put it in Ziploc bags and place in it in your carry on. Ideally, you should ask for a hand inspection at the security check point but if you aren’t willing to fuss just send it on through unless you are getting on the plane somewhere from other than the United States. Also, bring extra camera batteries and a lens cloth.
A CAMERA BAG: Take all of your camera gear, lenses, memory cards, charger, take it to the store and see what camera bag it all fits into. You will probably also carry a backpack on the trip so you want a bag that might fit into your backpack or that you can carry in addition to your backpack. One feature that many manufacturers are adding that is helpful in Thailand—a zip rain cover.
Other Things to make sure to Bring:
Rain gear
Chacos or Tevas
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
A Sleep Sack—This can just be two sheets sewn together like a sleeping bag. You DO NOT need a sleeping bag, just a sleep sack.
Sunblock
Insect Repellent with DEET, Ben’s with 30% DEET works well
Biodegradable Shampoo/Soap like Burt’s Bees –otherwise can contaminate village water
Bathing Suit
Small towel
Where will we stay?
We will stay at a variety of places, including Western style hotels, guest houses, Rustic Pathways Base houses and a possible Hilltribe Village homestay
What are the accommodations like?
With the exception of the Village homestay, all accommodations have showers with hot water. Our base houses are shared facilities where we sleep Thai style, on mats or mattresses on the floor. In the village, we have flush toilets. Expect simple, but clean places to rest your head.
How often can I do laundry?
We try to do laundry about every three days. Remember to bring allowance money to cover your laundry costs. The longest we have gone without doing laundry is five days.
Are the mosquitoes a problem?
There are mosquitoes. They generally do not bother you if you cover up and wear a good repellent. Ben’s 30% DEET is recommended, as well as a good sunblock. The Thai sun can be fierce. You may also want to bring some sunglasses. We always sleep indoors with the windows shut.
What will I need to spend my allowance money on?
You will send you money on local crafts, phone calls home, internet access, extra snacks and drinks—like if you drink six Red Bulls a day, and gifts to bring home. We include a massage or two, but if you find you want more, that is also something you might spend your money on.
What is the weather like?
It’s hot, and humid in the day and a little cooler in the mountains at night. Daily downpours are short and give way to sunny skies. Be prepared for heat and dampness. Synthetic fiber clothes are great because they dry fast and don’t get as mildewy as cotton can.
How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones will be available nearly every day and Internet access will be frequent. You are not allowed to use cell phones on this trip. If we find you using a cell phone or black or blueberry thing, we will take it and give it back to you when you head home. We don’t do this to be mean, just to help everyone on the trip really get into the experience. Certainly feel free to carry a cell phone, just don’t turn it on abroad please.
Will I be able to develop film on this trip?
We will most likely not be stopping in one place long enough to obtain great quality film processing. This should not discourage you from bringing film however. Getting back your film when you are at home is a wonderful experience and very different than shooting digital images.
How many staff members will be on this trip?
We never have fewer than one staff member for every five students.
VENTURE across the magical country of Thailand with our expert staff as we discover the wonders and hidden beauties of the ‘Land of Smiles’
TRAVEL with Scott Poniewaz, one of Rustic Pathways’ great photographic leaders, as you crisscross the country, stopping by exotic Cambodia, Burma, and Laos along the way
IMPROVE your skills as a photographer, receive in-depth instruction, and enjoy the benefits of sharing portfolios and ideas with your fellow students and instructors in the evenings
LIVE like a photojournalist, embracing the spontaneity and flexibility that will have you dropping everything at a moment’s notice – it’s Rustic Pathways’ style!
TREASURE amazing experiences and lessons about photography and the exotic cultures you encounter – memories to last a lifetime
»Ages :14 and up »Length :17 days from the USA
14 days when following another Rustic Pathways program »Cost : $ 2695 plus $ 180 internal airfare »Departures :Escorted flights from Los Angeles »Airfare :Airfare is not included in the above cost
Departs Tuesday
Returns Thursday
June 10
June 26
July 8
July 24
Most Rustic Pathways trips interconnect,
allowing you to design your own perfect
summer program.
Trains, Planes, Tuk-Tuks and Elephants!
rich regions in the world – we not only get the opportunity to learn to use our cameras and develop our body of work, but also learn about the intriguing history of this region and its diverse peoples. Wander through rustic Hill Tribe villages perched on magnificent mountain tops. Capture priceless images of giggling school children sporting their brilliant traditional clothes. Like all of our photo programs, our daily itinerary embodies flexibility and spontaneity, and we adjust our route from time to time in order to accommodate special ceremonies or events that may come up. This allows us to take advantage of some awesome photo opportunities as we venture across The Land of Smiles.
Images for a Lifetime…
