CONICAL HATS & SAFFRON ROBES - High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

Two Incredibly Diverse Destinations – One Awesome Photo Adventure
Your Journey starts in Thailand – one of the most photofriendly countries in the world. Here you’ll wander through Bangkok’s buzzing markets and view the splendor and towering golden pagodas at The King’s Palace. Journey up the mountain trails to rustic hill tribe villages in far northern Thailand and step into a beautifully simple way of life. Capture sunsets glimmering across a thousand rice paddies, take pictures of novice monks as they chant and study their daily lessons, and shoot the excitement and energy at bustling Asian markets. The trip is both a living workshop in photography and an exciting Asian travel adventure. You’ll explore the ancient ruins of Khmer temples, where the rich history of Thailand and its mighty kingdoms hang in the air. Photograph beautiful Doi Suthep which local folklore says stands on the site where a white elephant carrying a relic of The Buddha from India finally came to rest. The history and legends behind many of the places we’ll visit are intriguing, and you’ll be taking amazing pictures and sharpening your photographic skills throughout the journey. During the trip you’ll enjoy the benefits of Rustic Pathways’ extensive local connections which bring each destination to life and ensure that you are welcomed as a known friend and not a tourist. Students are consistently captivated by Amazing Thailand – the beautiful, wondrous landscapes, friendly villages, and especially its gentle, welcoming people.

Vibrant Vietnam
The contrasts between Thailand and Vietnam are striking. Explore the rambling streets of Hanoi, while sampling cuisine like Pho, a delectable noodle dish and local favorite! Hanoi is a magical collision of history and culture, new and old, classical and modern and your adventure and your photographs will reflect this. Expect to be swept into the bustle and beauty of this northern city before escaping to the jungle covered mountains of Sa Pa. From here, explore quaint Hmong hill tribe villages that offer spectacular photo opportunities. Trade smiles with curious children adorned in elaborate, traditional dress whose laughter will make your heart melt. Mountain life and the Vietnamese hill tribe culture is a different world from what you will see in Hanoi. Then it’s off to the coast and a destination that most people feel is one of the most beautiful in all of Asia. At Ha Long Bay, feel the warm ocean breeze as you savor the view of the dramatic limestone cliffs that surge from the emerald sea. Your days on the ocean are luxurious as you travel on a privately chartered boat that cruises beneath the glimmering stars of the spectacular Ha Long Bay.

Great Countries, Great Adventures, and Great Leaders Too
Thailand and Vietnam are two of the most colorful, exotic countries in the world for photographers, and you are sure to deepen your portfolio with amazing images. Typical of Rustic Pathways, this program is more than just photography – it’s also an exciting adventure. The trip is open and suitable for all levels of photographer from eager beginners to those who already have a background and experience in photography. The leader of your trip is Sean McGann, a professional photographer who has traveled and photographed extensively in Asia. Sean is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, and he has spent extensive time in Southeast Asia, including extended stays and photo trips into Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Along with Sean your trip will have two local staff members from Rustic Pathways and one additional photo instructor to work alongside students throughout the program. This mix of western and local staff will give you the assistance you need to delve into photography in both of these incredible countries.

What are you waiting for?
Our Photography programs always fill up very quickly so we encourage interested tudents to apply early. As with all of our photo programs, Thailand and Vietnam is not suitable for students who prefer to watch from the sidelines. This adventure is for those with a genuine love for travel and photography, and who like to get in the mix and explore exotic places. In addition to your expert guides, other knowledgeable American staff will assist and shoot alongside you throughout the trip. Grab your cameras, clean your lenses and get ready for an adventure through two of Asia’s most beautiful countries! If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Sean McGann at sean@rusticpathways.com or Scott Poniewaz at scott@rusticpathways.com

Conical Hats Packing List
Again, a friendly reminder: To avoid delays and expensive fees on internal flights within most of SE Asia, you will want to keep your checked luggage under 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) in weight. Stick to the necessities and remember that the lighter your bags, the easier the trip.

Clothing
*Please bring at least a few items appropriate for temple visits, (knees and shoulders covered)

1 long pants or skirt
Underwear (5 to 7)
Socks (7 to 8) If you are bringing shoes, lightweight quick dry athletic socks work best.
T-Shirts (10) 3-5 cotton, 3-5 quick dry shirts made of capilene or polypropylene
1 light sweater/sweatshirt
Rainproof Jacket
Shorts (3-5 pairs)
Swim Suit (1 or 2) Girls please be considerate of our more conservative hosts, thanks!
Athletic Shoes. Shoes you can hike short distances in that protect your feet are best. Shoes should be quick drying as they will get muddy and dirty so don’t get too attached to your footwear.
Sandals and/or Flip-Flops. YOU WILL LIVE IN THESE SHOES IN SE ASIA. It is recommended to have a pair of strap on sandals that will not fall off in water Tevas or Chacos brand sandals work great!
Hat
Towel (NOT white) Large travel towels are great!
One nice casual outfit for Final Dinner (not too fancy or bulky)

Toiletries/Personal Items
As a note on toiletries, bring those items from home that you must have. Basic items can generally easily be purchased along the way. This would include; soap, toothpaste, shampoo, …
Here is a list of items that should be considered things to bring from home:

Shampoo and Soap (preferably with little or no fragrance because of bugs) you can find non-fragrance and biodegradable soap at natural food stores and outdoor adventure stores. Dr. Brauner’s and Mountain Suds soaps are both good.
Non-Fragrant Deodorant
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Medications (must tell staff about)
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant (2 bottles 35% DEET)
Anti-itch Cream (1 Benedryl Anti-itch Gel works great)
Hand Sanitizer (1 or 2 small bottles per week)
Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia
Tampons are harder to find than you may think.
Small Personal First Aid Kit (our guides will have comprehensive first aid kits on hand, but having a small personal kit is always helpful)

Band aids
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Medical Tape
Moleskin or preferred blister care
Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
2 Gauze dressing
5-8 After Cuts and Scrapes Wipes

Additional Items

Passport and Wallet. Travel Wallet that can be hidden under clothing is a good idea.
Photo Copy of Passport. 2 additional photocopies should be carried.
4-6 extra passport photos
Watch or Clock with an Alarm
Small headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Heavy Duty Garbage Bags (2) *for packing wet and dirty clothes/shoes
Large (one gallon) Ziplock© Freezer Bags (4)

OPTIONALITEMS:

Vietnamese and / or Thai/English dictionary
Deck of Cards
Small photo albums from home are a great way to make friends.
Frisbee, Aerobee, Hackysack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball

Photo Equipment, Thoughts & Ideas
• Any type of camera is fine, just plan on getting better!
·For those of you who really don't know much about photography: WELCOME! You are in the majority and you won't feel out of place here.

· For those of you who are more advanced in your study not to worry. Our staff our professional photographers and educators, you will improve!

· Our staff carry computers and portable hard drives to edit and back up your photos. Film can also be purchased in larger cities such as Bangkok. However you may have to wait to get home to process it.

· Southeast Asia is a wet environment so please have a good case that keeps your camera safe from elements like rain and dirt.

• Film can also be purchased in larger cities. However you may have to wait to get    home to process it. Please keep in mind that heat sensitive film may not make it, as there is no refrigeration as we travel.

· We do a good deal of exploring on foot. So however much or equipment you choose to bring make sure you have a comfortable way of carrying it around

· If you are traveling with expensive equipment, I’d strongly suggest you have it insured. We do our best to stay in safe areas, but theft is always a possibility. Weather and accidental damage also pose a threat. Ask your parents for help! If equipment isn’t already covered by an existing policy, Personal Articles Policies are a great inexpensive way to protect your gear against just about anything.

            Remember, YOUR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT
In your camera bag:
·Extra batteries, memory cards and film.   If you are shooting with a digital camera, consider the size of the file you shoot, ie. Jpeg or Raw, and plan accordingly, we’d suggest at least 4 gigabytes. Film shooters should estimate their daily usage.

·Lenses – only those that your will use and want to carry!
·A small cleaning kit.
· Portable hard drive – if you will be shooting with a digital camera, I’d recommend a 100 gig drive. Rustic used to burn DVD’s as backup but have found that they are too easily damaged and cumbersome.

·Your camera’s manual.
· A couple of small plastic bags and a small roll of duct tape - good for everything!
· Skylight filters for each lense – every lense should have one of these as extra    protection against dirt.

·A small notepad and pens.
· Small, lightweight tripod – if you are interested in long exposure shots.
· Power adapter.
· A tripod and flash if you would like to work with them.
· Extension rings are a great, lightweight substitute for carrying extra lenses.

1 - How long is the flight to this country?
Flights to Thailand generally depart from Los Angeles International Airport via Singapore. The total flight time LAX-Singapore-Bangkok is about 21 hours. From Bangkok there is an additional 2-hour flight to Vietnam.

2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
Yes. All flights between the USA and Bangkok, and the return, will have a flight leader.

3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
Students from the United States will be issued tourist visas upon arrival to Thailand.

***Students are responsible for their own visas to Vietnam.
- Please use the program dates as your arrival and departure dates.
- Apply for a single entry visa.
- Please use this address for question #10

            Golden Key Hotel
            65 Quan Su St.
            Hanoi, Vietnam

- http://www.vietnamembassy.us/consular_services/visa_info/
- Students from other countries should check with their consulate.

4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Please contact your family physician or see the CDC or WHO websites.

5 – What countries will we be visiting on this program?
Thailand and Vietnam.

6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
Students will begin and end this program in Bangkok International Airport. Staff members from their next trip will meet any student transferring to another program in Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, at the Bangkok international Airport. Students transferring to China, Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand will transfer out from BIA. Their flights leaders for the trip home will meet students returning to the United States.

9 - What costs are not included on this trip?
Everything is included in the cost of the trip excluding airfare and spending money.

10 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
Typically we will be eating Thai and Vietnamese food. This often consists of rice, noodles, meats, and seafood. We may eat meals at guesthouses or restraints. There may be the occasional chance to have a break with western food. Arrangements can be made for vegetarians.

11 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
Yes.

12 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
We will be staying in small guesthouses with western style accommodations. This program also includes two nights in a sleeper train and a night on a large Junk in Ha Long Bay.

13 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
There will be a maximum number of 15 students on this program. Demographics tend to vary.

14 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Most guesthouses offer laundry services for a couple of dollars per kilo.

15 - What do I need to do for a visa to Vietnam?
Students traveling to Vietnam must apply for a visa prior to their arrival. Here is some info you may need when applying for the visa:

Dates: The Vietnam visa asks for specific dates of entry / exit. Always use the entire program dates for the dates, just to be safe.

Multiple Entry: If a student is doing 1 program that will enter Vietnam, they only need a single entry visa. If they are doing 2 different trips to Vietnam (Faces and Places, Wonders and Riches, The Overland Trip, Conical Hats and Safron Robes), please apply for a multiple entry visa.

Price: The price of the visa is the more expensive of the 2 options. For Vietnam, its the $65 option.

Contacts: You can put this hotel down for your place of stay or contact:

Golden Key Hotel
Quan Su Street
Hanoi, Vietnam