By TAT – ASEAN MEDIA FAM TRIP 2017
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
is hosting international media for a five-day fam trip to promote ASEAN Connectivity and travel between Myanmar, Thailand, and Lao PDR. The trip links Bangkok with Mandalay, then Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang.
Scheduled from 22 to 26 September, the multi-destination trip intends to strengthen Thailand’s position as the gateway of ASEAN Connectivity by showcasing some of the best travel itineraries that combine the country’s prime tourism assets.
Myatheindan Pagoda
The first day started with a direct flight from Bangkok to Mandalay, followed by a day of action-packed itinerary including a visit of Mingun Pagoda, an incomplete monument stupa that was intended to become the world’s largest pagoda.
Mingun Pagoda
The day after
We woke up at 3 am on a Saturday, and it was worth it. To witness how the local respectfully care for the Buddha in Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay.
Mahamuni Pagoda
Face washing ceremony
After the incredible Face washing ceremony at Mahamuni Pagoda, we went to witness the disciplined way of life of Buddhist monks.
Listening to our Burmese tour guide
Up to 1,500 monks receiving their daily meals from the local area’s residents.
The next day
We took a flight back to Thailand (Chiang Mai).
Hua Tung Community,
The community Forest, this village has a great success in protecting the environment. The village locals welcomed us with a Welcome ceremony and we got to explore their community forest, we got to go through the Bamboo baskets making process.
Bamboo baskets making.
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
The Bunnag-Beurdeley family to found the MAIIAM Museum of Contemporary Art (MAIIAM) in Chiang Mai. Jean Michel Beurdeley and his late wife Patsri Bunnag, wanted to share the private collection they built together over the last 30 years.
We took off back to the hotel after discovering MAIIAM Museum, and here is the next day!
Wat Srisupan
This temple set among silversmith community and there is a unique chapel made with intrigue silver decors. (The monk and locals welcomed us with a welcome ceremony (Klong Sabat Chai or Victory drum performance and northern Lanna Traditional dance.) 
And jump on to our last but not least destination
Luang Prabang/Laos
As soon as we got to Luang Prabang, we took a long walk up the Mount Phousi. It is a 100-meter high hill in the center of the old town of Luang Prabang.
Viewpoint at Mount Phousi
And down the hill, there is a unique night-market along the street.
Night Market
Joining Alms giving ceremony and visit morning market
Early morning in the next day, we joint the Buddhist alms-giving ceremony. Despite being a highly revered ritual for locals. (The ceremony held every morning at 5.30am.)
Mekong River/Ting Cave
We Cruised along Mekong river and stopped by Ting Cave (The cave with Thousands of various sizes of Buddha images and most of them was made by locals with wood.)
Xieng Thong Temple
Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple, located on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Phrabang.
And… we flew back to Bangkok.
At last, I want to thank the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT), who managed this AMAZING Media family trip. I had a lot of fun and met so many beautiful people.
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