{"id":13141,"date":"2024-07-25T08:39:02","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T13:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/?page_id=13141"},"modified":"2025-11-19T07:44:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:44:52","slug":"2026-thailand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2026-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection><p><!-- begin-migrated-from-panel-builder --><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__image_overlay panel panel-image_overlay site-section__bg--default\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"image-overlay\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Asia Thailand bay boats\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Thailand-bay-boats.jpg');\" loading=\"lazy\"  class=\"site-section__bg-img site-section__bg-img--m-stack\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t@media all and ( min-width: 960px ) {\n\t\t\t#site-panel__image-overlay-69e61fbbc0685 {\n\t\t\t\theight: 850px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n    \n\t<div id=\"site-panel__image-overlay-69e61fbbc0685\" class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-wrap site-panel__img-overlay--no-ribbon horz-left vert-middle\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-content\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content t-content--light\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title bold\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThailand: Imperial Cities Past and Present\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__desc\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">January 6\u201317, 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__micronavbutton panel panel-micronavbutton site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"micronavbutton\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t    <div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--top-padding-none site-section__inner--bottom-padding-none micronavbutton\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters\"\n\t     data-depth=\"0\"\n\t     data-name=\"buttons\"\n\t     data-livetext\n\t>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-cranberry\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/destinations\/\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Find another journey<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRegistration for this tour is now closed.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-teal\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"mailto:quiram@stolaf.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\n\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default site-section site-panel__accordion panel panel-accordion site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"accordion\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-section__inner l-wrapper \">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"is-style-default site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"is-style-default site-section__title h3\" id=\"led-by-michon-weeks-p-13-associate-professor-of-practice-in-art-and-art-history-and-david-weeks-p-13-pastor-st-peters-lutheran-church-of-northfield\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Led by Michon Weeks P \u201913, Associate Professor of Practice in Art and Art History, and David Weeks P \u201913, Pastor, St. Peter\u2019s Lutheran Church of Northfield<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid site-grid__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\n<figure class=\"is-style-default c-caption\">\n\n\t<figure  class=\"is-style-default c-caption__img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"is-style-default \" alt=\"Asia Buddhist Monks\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Buddhist-Monks-600x350.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"is-style-default t-content\" data-name=\"content\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dive into Thailand\u2019s rich past, while experiencing its bustling present. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This itinerary is custom-designed and distinctive to St. Olaf!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the Overview to the right for more information on what we&#8217;ll see, do, and learn.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\n<\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default accordion site-panel__accordion-items\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"accordions\" data-livetext role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\" data-js=\"accordion\">\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-0\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-0\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOverview\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At a time when Europe was struggling through the Dark Ages and America was yet to be visited by Columbus, the cultures of Southeast Asia were thriving. In the north of what is now Thailand, the Lanna kingdom was well established, with Chiang Mai (founded in 1296) as its capital. To the south, the capital of Siam, Ayutthaya (founded in 1350), rivaled European cities in its splendor until the Burmese sacked it in 1767.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bangkok is now a stunning, 21st-century city and an exhilarating attack on the senses. Sukhomvit&#8217;s malls and gleaming skyscrapers are just a veneer of modernity for a city firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist beliefs and traditions. We\u2019ll watch saffron-robed monks on their morning alms rounds, with clouds of incense rising above the Grand Palace\u2019s golden spires, and long-tail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River at dusk, revealing Bangkok\u2019s underlying sense of calm and the spirit of old Siam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll also see impressive palaces and temples of the Chakri dynasty, established by Rama 1 in 1782. A short trip to Ayutthaya will reveal a wide range of temple architecture, from the Khmer, Burmese, and historical Thai styles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, we\u2019ll encounter a distinctive mix of Burmese, Chinese, Tai (Lao) influences that inform the Lanna style. Chiang Rai is a quiet, provincial city of temples nestled in the mountains of the Golden Triangle. During our short stay, we will visit several important and aesthetically varied wats, as well as nearby projects related to the historic cultivation and contemporary eradication of opium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chiang Mai was founded in 1253 as the first capital of the Lanna kingdom and has become a dynamic and modern city. It successfully combines its rich history and traditions with an exploding economy. We\u2019ll experience the city\u2019s cultural riches \u2013 bustling markets, fantastic handicrafts, delicious food \u2013 and its natural treasures, including the stunning mountainside temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-1\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-1\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tItinerary\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tour starts in Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can view \u2013 and print or download if you wish \u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1HAJIWWQxsBKZqOd-ZCBw58EkAQh4pKkS6hC2OpARiD4\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" >most up-to-date itinerary here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/how-to-be-an-independent-group-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Be an Independent Group Traveler<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6938\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6938\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"is-style-default wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6938\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/alumni-family-travel-2\/dhn_8586_edit-l\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2019\/11\/DHN_8586_edit-L.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"800,533\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Dirk Nelson&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D700&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1550275879&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Dirk Nelson Photography&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;300&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DHN_8586_edit-L\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Thailand &amp;#038; Laos 2019&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2019\/11\/DHN_8586_edit-L.jpg\" class=\"is-style-default size-medium wp-image-6938\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2019\/11\/DHN_8586_edit-L-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6938\" class=\"is-style-default wp-caption-text\">Thailand &amp; Laos 2019<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-2\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-2\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Leaders\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"13178\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2026-thailand\/photo-of-david-and-michon\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Photo-of-David-and-Michon.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1828,1828\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 14&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1704733178&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;1.54&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Photo of David and Michon\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Photo-of-David-and-Michon-1024x1024.jpg\" class=\"is-style-default alignleft size-medium wp-image-13178\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Photo-of-David-and-Michon-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Michon and David Weeks are experienced group leaders with a rich background in guiding student and adult study travel programs. Recently, they led twenty St. Olaf students on a January term course in Italy titled &#8220;Italian Art in Context,&#8221; a program they previously facilitated in January 2023. In 2020, they directed a semester-long Environmental Science program for St. Olaf students in New Zealand and Australia. Michon&#8217;s leadership experience also includes serving as the assistant leader for a St. Olaf January interim in Italy and Germany in 2015, focusing on Catholic Rome and Lutheran Wittenberg.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to academic programs, Michon and David have organized numerous church youth and adult travel experiences. These include wilderness canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota, visits to Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, hiking in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, participating in the Cristo Rey Border Immersion in El Paso and Juarez, and engaging with Common Hope in Guatemala.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michon is an Associate Professor of Practice in St. Olaf\u2019s Department of Art and Art History, where she has taught since 2012, focusing on drawing, painting, and mentoring senior art majors on their final projects. Her studio work features paintings inspired by mystical contemplation. David has served as pastor of St. Peter\u2019s Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN, since 2013, where he enjoys leading the \u201cFaith on Tap\u201d ministry, a program that encourages church members to discuss current events in a local bar. He is also an avid bicyclist, often exploring gravel roads with friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both Michon and David graduated from Iowa State University in 1984. Michon later earned her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, while David obtained his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. They are blessed with three grown sons, three daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren (so far!), who bring immense joy and laughter to their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When traveling, Michon and David enjoy exploring the outdoors, indulging in local ice cream, visiting art museums, and learning about local culture, history, architecture, cuisine, and religion. Michon and David are thrilled to connect with participants in the St. Olaf Alumni and Family Travel Program to Thailand, where they look forward to building meaningful relationships, sharing unforgettable experiences, and creating lasting memories together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-3\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-3\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to Expect and Participant Requirements\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect a feast for all your senses!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movement between cities will be by air-conditioned private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural\/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of various types of transportation, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling,of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-4\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-4\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Pricing, Inclusions, and Exclusions\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tour price is $3,011 per person, based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, add $528. Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between nickel-and-diming you once on the tour and allowing you some freedom in your price point (for meals, for example). A variety of modes of transportation tends to be pricier than a single bus throughout the tour. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusions: discussions led by Michon and David Weeks, a full-time guide, accommodations, breakfast daily and group meals as listed on the itinerary, admissions for group activities, ground transportation during the tour (except initial and final airport transfers), internal flight, gratuities to group guides, drivers, and meal servers, and some <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/travel-insurance\/\">limited medical coverage<\/a> while overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exclusions: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airfare to and from Thailand is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare, airport transfers, any passport and visa fees, any recommended immunizations or vaccinations, baggage and trip cancellation insurance, alcoholic beverages, including at group meals, laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature, expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities, lunch and dinner, unless specifically included on tour itinerary.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-5\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-5\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPayment and Refund Schedule\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deposit due:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $500 upon registration<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0$450 until February 28, 2025. If the deposit is made after February 28, 2025 there is no refund.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interim payment due:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0$1,500 on March 1, 2025<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $750 if you cancel before October 31, 2025<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance due:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 November 1, 2025<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancellations must be in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-6\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-6\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAction Items and Documents\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-header-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbbc1ee7-content-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"is-style-default btn\" href=\"https:\/\/host.nxt.blackbaud.com\/donor-form?svcid=tcs&amp;formId=7e23028b-b63d-4abc-a29b-36f89e8c37c2&amp;envid=p--qx_j5pCMUmCUdC7bVaDdg&amp;zone=usa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Make a Payment<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Get some tips<\/strong> on traveling in Thailand with our <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1BUjNgLTuwI6Vx9ZcBx9AQIlPe00sbD7exkBUGi6PgHs\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trip Information Sheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Find something<\/strong> enjoyable and enlightening from the <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1hmvfl2UzWCJBHPHOZUc6hADWuwkOIktg\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Resource List<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Carefully review<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1g7zlPmkpjhqq7UGF7ixlCjd0Sw2cm4oDbaEapK7NH28\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go Letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1_QWOWb3GyYWhl4avvLkvwIYalMbtlhKm2Vi39E38o38\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms &amp; Conditions<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1YZr67vFgc3XKq6Avqh3_ZJQPSlF5kFrxz2mXfDriK1o\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Release &amp; Waiver<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Review <\/strong>the latest information on recommended immunizations from the <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/destinations\/list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check your passport<\/strong>: ensure that it has at least 6 months\u2019 validity past the tour end date (or your return date, if you decide to extend your stay overseas) and at least one blank page. No visa is required for stays of less than 30 days.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Look at<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/international-travel.html\">International Travel<\/a> section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take time<\/strong> to <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/prepare-for-your-adventure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prepare for your adventure<\/a> by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.<\/p>\n<p><b>Book your flights. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the Go Letter linked above for details on dates, and some tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/booking-your-flights\/\">Booking Your Flights<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__imagetext panel panel-imagetext site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"imagetext\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters  site-panel__imgtxt-img-right\">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<figure  class=\"c-image c-image--rect\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" alt=\"Asia Thailand young girl costume\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Thailand-young-girl-costume-820x600.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1260px) 1260px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Thailand-young-girl-costume-520x300.jpg 520w, \nhttps:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Thailand-young-girl-costume-820x600.jpg 820w, \nhttps:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/07\/Asia-Thailand-young-girl-costume-1120x851.jpg 1120w\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col site-grid__col-safari-fix\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__imgtxt-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"c-text\">\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-text__desc t-content\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"content\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p>Registration for this tour is now closed.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t   \tclass=\"cta\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/destinations\/\"\n\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\tFind another journey\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><!-- end-migrated-from-panel-builder --><\/p><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":616,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-panels-beside-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13141","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/616"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13141"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14958,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13141\/revisions\/14958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}