Ayutthaya Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Asia Winter Land
Travel
February 11 - February 23, 2027

Thailand and Laos

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Dora C.Y. Ching *11

About the Study Leader 

Dora C.Y. Ching *11, Executive Director, Tang Center for East Asian Art

Dora C. Y. Ching *11 is a specialist in Chinese art history and executive director of the P.Y. and Kinmay W. Tang Center for East Asian Art at Princeton. Her research interests include portraiture, Buddhist art and Chinese calligraphy. In 2021, she finished a multiyear research project that culminated in the publication of “Visualizing Dunhuang: The Lo Archive Photographs of the Mogao and Yulin Caves,” a nine-volume set on Buddhist caves in northwest China that won the Bei Shan Tang Catalogue Prize in 2023. At the Tang Center for East Asian Art, in addition to leading numerous academic projects, she has also been deeply engaged in book editing and publication, with nearly 20 books to her credit as co-editor or managing editor. She also occasionally teaches at Princeton, most recently last semester when she taught the seminar “Portraiture in China.” She has served as a Princeton Journeys study leader on trips throughout East and Southeast Asia and looks forward to traveling with Princeton Journeys to Thailand and Laos. She has an A.B. from Harvard University and earned her Ph.D. in the Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton. 

About the Journey

Immerse yourself in the colors, artistry, and stunning sacred sites of Thailand and Laos on this custom, Princeton-exclusive journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang.

Begin in Bangkok, known as the “city of temples.” Marvel at the Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and venture to UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya, former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Discover Bangkok’s waterways by longtail boat and during a cruise along the Chao Praya River, and weave through the stalls of a vibrant floating market.

Continue to Chiang Mai set in mountainous northern Thailand and explore its moated Old City and thriving art scene. Spend the morning at an elephant sanctuary observing these culturally significant creatures in a natural environment, and learn about the distinctive flavors of Thai cuisine in an immersive cooking class.

The journey ends in Luang Prabang, where you will step inside the sacred Pak Ou Caves, a centuries-old pilgrimage site, and visit a family home to participate in a traditional Baci ceremony. On your farewell evening, gain exclusive access to the Royal Palace Museum after closing time for a special guided visit.

Leading the academic component of the adventure is Dora Ching *11, executive director of Princeton’s Tang Center for East Asian Art and a Princeton Journeys study leader favorite, with expertise in Buddhist art and sacred sites.

This program has been custom-designed for Princeton Journeys and includes special-access visits, engagement with local community members, and off-the-beaten-path excursions. 

Reserve your place today and experience this unique part of the world in the way only Princeton Journeys can make possible.

Accommodation

The Peninsula Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand
With a wave-shape design inspired by its location on the Chao Phraya River waterfront, all rooms at the Peninsula Bangkok offer panoramic views of the river and city beyond. This urban resort features a luxurious outdoor pool, three restaurants with commanding river views, pool- and riverside bars, spa, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and daily wellness activities.

Chala Number 6 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chala Number 6 is located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, walking distance from many of its temples and historic landmarks. This luxury boutique hotel is inspired by traditional homes, with its buildings lining the perimeter of the property, overlooking a central courtyard featuring a reproduction of a traditional rice barn, exquisitely carved from hardwood by a renowned local crafts master. Amenities include an outdoor pool, restaurant, and spa.

Sofitel Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, Laos
Sofitel Luang Prabang harmoniously combines traditional Lao architecture with modern luxury. Formerly a French governor’s mansion, the property’s buildings surround a lush garden and pool, offering spacious rooms and an atmosphere of tranquility. Amenities include an outdoor pool, two restaurants, fitness center, and spa.

Reservations

Please register online, or contact the Princeton Journeys team at  journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details

  • Dates
    February 11 - February 23, 2027
  • Activity Level
    Moderate
  • Cost
    $9,500 per person, double occupancy; $12,080 single occupancy
  • Deposit
    $2,000 per person
  • Contact
    journeys@princeton.edu