” Light dispels darkness. Wisdom dispels Ignorance”
Theravada Buddhist quote
The Kingdom of Thailand reminds us that life is meant to be laughed at and enjoyed with family and friends. This Southeast Asia nation is known as the “Land of Smiles” which embraces its rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its devout deviation to Theravada Buddhism, proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never ending source of fascination and the perfect setting for a retreat filled with introspection on cultivating wisdom. Don’t be fooled thought this tour of Thailand also leaves plenty of space for one to enjoy Thai Food and a country unlike any other place in the world. You to practice daily Qi Qong with Lori Furbush and awaken to the mystical world within your own Being.
Modified Daily Itinerary
We arrive in Bangkok, Thailand (Krung Thep, meaning “City of Angels”) and transfer to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. The hotel rises 28 floors above the eastern bank of the Chao Phaya River, the fabled “River of Kings”. Every room and suite commands panoramic views of the magnificent river. The Royal Orchid Sheraton is the perfect place from which to discover this magical city of sumptuous sights and magnificent temples. We will have the afternoon to relax by the hotel pool next to the river, or schedule a massage at the hotel. Welcome dinner with the group.
Daily Qigong and meditation meeting is followed by a visit to the Grand Palace, a magnificent display of history and artifacts of legendary Siam. . The buildings are adorned with ornate carvings and mystical figures elaborately decorated or covered with a brilliant gold. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha houses a beautiful statue of Buddha that is the object of national veneration. A short distance from the Grand Palace is Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha which contains a gigantic 148 foot long 50 foot high gold plated. Lord Buddha resting on his side, representing his entry into Nirvana.
Daily Qigong and meditation meeting and then we fly to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city, centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.
After our daily Qigong and meditation we will visit the Elephant rescue national park which is an ethical and sustainable eco -tourism project located in Doi Inthanon National Park. The incoming visit, volunteers and donations is used for elephant rescue , food veterinary care. We will have the afternoon to feed, interact and play with the elephants in a natural environment and learn their behavior and history. We can take photos with the elephants, but no riding.
After our daily Qigong and meditation meeting, we will venture to Doi Suthep, a mountain about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy temple. There is a large golden pagoda in the center of the temple containing relics of Lord Buddha. It is holy spot visited throughout the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D. From here, you have a clear view of the winding Ping River and the surrounding mountains. We will return to the hotel and the afternoon is free to visit other temples in Chiang Mai, to explore on your own, or relax by the hotel pool. That evening we will have a farewell dinner at the hotel.
After our daily Qigong, we will fly non stop 1 1/2 hours to Koh Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand. This is and island of natural beauty and charm, with white sand beaches and clean clear warm water; lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes. If you love the beach, this is the place for you! For the purists the month of February in Thailand is the ideal tropical island weather experience.
After daily Qigong we will have time to visit the spa or relax on the beach. At the west end of Bophut is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, Fisherman’s Village.The nostalgic wooden houses and small local shops here remind one of days gone by in Samui. The “main street” along the beach is rich in style and variety of shops, from the oldest local shop selling anything and nothing, to the most elegant restaurant
We will offer an optional day long snorkel trip 8:30am to 4:30pm to Koh Tao island. One hour and a half by high speed catamaran through the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is ideal for diving and snorkeling this island the “Must-Go” island . Koh Tao translates as “Turtle Island”, as sea turtles are abundant on its shores. The island has excellent coral reefs for snorkeling or divng right off the beach.Others may prefer to enjoy the beautiful hotel and beach, catch up on some shopping or spa treatments and explore Koh Samui on your own. Massage has a long history of therapeutic healing in Thailand. It has been practiced for centuries as it still is today. We will have our farewell dinner together on the beach.
Daily Qigong and mediation. This is our final day in Thailand. We will have the morning to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Bo Phut beach, catch up on last minute shopping at Fisherman’s Village or enjoy spa treatments. We will check out of the hotel after lunch and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok and then on to SFO.