Royal Rainbow - Highlights of Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Geoffrey Longfellow

Geoffrey Longfellow –
"We welcome our friends from Hong Kong to Thailand, and hope that you will have an exciting and informative trip. Most visitors know of our country's wonderful beaches, food, and hospitality, but we will attempt to give you an inside look at the unique history and culture that differentiates Thailand from its neighbours. Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is a vibrant international city, but you will also get a glimpse of rural life, and the way in which most Thai people have lived for generations. You will have the opportunity to meet people of various backgrounds, and have the chance to explore some special places unknown to most visitors."

Through the kind introduction of our member Arunee Chan, the host for this trip will be Geoffrey Longfellow, an adviser on foreign affairs to the Queen of Thailand and a volunteer to Her Majesty's SUPPORT Foundation. A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University, he is adjunct professor at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities. He has acted as Country Representative for organizations like Sotheby's, Galileo Asset Management, and Cap Gemini Consulting. Being a dual Thai-American national, he speaks fluent Thai and has been active in the educational, financial, social, and community work in Thailand since 1977.

Highlights of Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Central Anniversary Flower Extravaganza, local colour stone jewelry
• Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace, visit the inner court and state apartments as guests of The Bureau of the Royal Household
• Tour of Queen Sirikit's Textile Museum with the Museum Director
• Vimanmek Palace and gardens, Throne Hall, and view works from Queen Sirikit's SUPPORT Foundation
• Tour of Vordis Palace private residence with its present owner
• Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace and gardens
• Old capital Ayudhaya
• Buddhist complexes in Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep mountain monastery
• Tour of Bhuping Palace and gardens with the Palace Director
• Temples of Wat Pra Singh and Chedi Luang
• Mae Rim and Samoeng districts, elephant ride, Hill Tribe Village
• Private home/artist studio visit, morning walk by the river with monks receiving alms from the faithful, night bazaar, souvenir shopping