For those ready for an adventure, be sure to add the extension to Cambodia and experience Angkor Wat. Travelers have been compiling lists ever since Antipater of Sidon came up with his Seven Wonders of the World, in the second century B.C. On my own list of wonders, no place would have a more secure claim than Angkor, the capital of the ancient Khmer kingdom. What makes Angkor Wat unique is that since its construction, unlike other temples, Angkor Wat has remained a “working temple” since it was built in the 15th century and thus has never fallen into disrepair. UNESCO named the Angkor Archaeological Park, situated just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, a World Heritage Site for good reason.
The Perfect Winter Getaway This Christmas Season
By popular demand, we’ve added a second departure of our Legends of Siam tour for 2026! Join Larry Gelwix on this incredible journey through Thailand that sells out early every year — and it’s easy to see why. It’s the BEST itinerary to fully experience the beauty, culture, and warmth of this vibrant country.
For those ready for an adventure, be sure to add the extension to Cambodia and experience Angkor Wat. Travelers have been compiling lists ever since Antipater of Sidon came up with his Seven Wonders of the World, in the second century B.C. On my own list of wonders, no place would have a more secure claim than Angkor, the capital of the ancient Khmer kingdom. What makes Angkor Wat unique is that since its construction, unlike other temples, Angkor Wat has remained a “working temple” since it was built in the 15th century and thus has never fallen into disrepair. UNESCO named the Angkor Archaeological Park, situated just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, a World Heritage Site for good reason.
*While the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, the days are full of touring from breakfast to dinner time with “downtime” only in the evening.
Highlights
- First-class hotel accommodations/best available
- Admissions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Services of expert local guides
Evening departure and fly west over the Pacific Ocean, crossing the International Date Line and “lose” a day
Meals : In-flight
Airport welcome by local hosts. Transfer to our hotel, perfectly situated in downtown Bangkok in close proximity to city attractions, nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. Balance of the morning and afternoon free. This evening after a restful afternoon we enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River to witness the temples and monuments illuminated at night. This is an exciting and memorable introduction to Bangkok.
Meals : Dinner, In-flight
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to see the highlights of the city, passing through the narrow streets of Chinatown and past Pak Klong Talad, the colorful fresh flower market, to the historical roots of Bangkok. We continue on to one of the great Wonders of the World, the magnificent Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, a Royal Temple within the palace grounds, dating back to 1782 AD and the Chakri Dynasty. (In Thailand, wat is a Hindu or Buddhist temple and a source of spiritual enlightenment.) The main chapel houses the most revered religious icon in Thailand, the magnificent Emerald Buddha, cloaked in seasonal costumes of woven gold and jewels. We continue on a guided tour of the grounds, including the house occupied temporarily by Anna Leonowens, the English school teacher depicted in the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical, “The King and I,” starring Yul Brynner, and more recently by Jodie Foster in “Anna & The King.” One of the most impressive monuments along the river is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. We will enjoy lunch at one of Larry’s favorite Bangkok restaurants, the Supatra River House located right on the Chao Phraya riverfront. This is just a great meal!
After lunch we depart in traditional Thai “long tail” boats and explore the city by water. Bangkok is the “Venice of the East” with more than 300 canals. We go where most tourists never go. We explore the residential canals (“klongs”) of the city where the common people live and work. It a sensory experience never to be forgotten.
Today is a free day to explore the many exciting areas of the city. It is easy to get around town, especially via Bangkok’s water and land taxis, Sky Train – the elevated rail system, and modern subway systems. It is a perfect day for relaxing, shopping, and mixing with the locals. Optional tours are available to Ayutthaya and the Summer Palace of the Royal Family, jungle bicycling, cooking classes, Weekend Market, and more for you to enjoy.
Morning flight to Chiang Rai. Our tour includes a visit to the famous Wat Rong Khun, better known to visitors as the “White Temple”. The temple is a contemporary, unconventional art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. The main building of the temple is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge are outreaching hands symbolizing unrestrained desire. The bridge proclaims the way to happiness is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire. After crossing the bridge, we arrive at the “Gate of Heaven,” guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu, who decides the fate of the dead. After visiting this temple, we continue on to additional sites of Chiang Rai.
After breakfast, we depart for the ancient Lanna capitol of Chiangsaen on the Mekong River. Lunch at an exciting local restaurant tucked away in the jungle (you will never forget today’s jungle journey and lunch!) We then continue onward to Doi Tung Mountain, the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, and the Royal Villa. A walking tour of the interior is possible if members of the Royal Family are not in residence. The gardens remind visitors of the Buchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Chiang Rai has its own very popular night market just a block away from our hotel.
We head northward through the increasingly hilly terrain. The surrounding mountains are actually the foothills of the Himalayas. Others drive to Chiang Mai but not us! We board long-tail boats for an exciting 2-½ hour ride up the scenic Kok River en route to Chiang Mai, stopping at a remote hill tribe village along the way. We continue by motorcoach into the lush Chiang Dao Valley for lunch at a resort hidden and tucked away in the middle of the jungle. After lunch, we continue on through the jungle and mountains to Chiang Mai.
Once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, the city of Chiang Mai is more than 700 years old and you can see it everywhere with massive walls surrounding the city, five gates, and a moat. You will find the northern province distinctively different from Bangkok and central plains with unique cuisine, art and architecture, and a charming and friendly “laid back” lifestyle. Outside the city, rugged mountains covered with dense forests and jungle provide ample habitat for elephants, wild orchids, and remote hill tribe villages. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we transfer to our hotel located adjacent to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Today we explore the nearby national parks and forests and make our way to Wat Doi Suthep, a spectacular temple perched on the side of a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai and the Ping River Valley. (Wat Doi Suthep is the famous “gold temple.”) Our guide will relate the fascinating tale of how the temple site was selected and the superhuman effort that was involved in building the road leading up to it. You can climb the impressive 300-step naga staircase or use the funicular tram. This is a lively, working temple and a resident monk will give you a personal blessing if you like, then ring the temple bells three times for good luck. (Note from Larry: “Doi Suthep is my favorite wat [temple] in all of Thailand. It is a site not to be missed in your travels. It is also known as the “Gold Temple.” Words cannot describe it!”) We descend from the mountain, through the valleys, and back into Chiang Mai for a tour including major landmarks, temples, and shopping within the old city walls.
Chiang Mai is the handicraft capital of the Kingdom. This afternoon we visit Sankampaeng Road, home of traditional handicraft workshops and factories. Silk, cotton, hard-carved wood in all shapes and sizes, lacquerware, silversmiths, handmade paper, and umbrellas to name just a few of the shopping opportunities. For lunch, we visit a famous local restaurant for their Thai buffet featuring a delicious northern Thai specialty – khao soy – a savory chicken curry noodle soup, plus a wide variety of Thai and Western delicacies. The balance of the day is at leisure with plenty of shopping time. You will find “anything and everything” from inexpensive Thai souvenirs to silks, to food to jewelry to fine examples of traditional Thai workmanship and handicrafts. This will “blow you away!” Our hotel is perfectly located in the center of everything.
Following breakfast, we venture into the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. Our first stop is the Elephant Camp for an “up close and personal” demonstration of the strength, agility, and intelligence of these massive pachyderms, followed by an unforgettable elephant safari through the forest and along the river. We continue to venture deeper into the Chiang Dao Valley…literally in the middle of nowhere! We next visit the famous orchid and butterfly plantation. We return to Chiang Mai late afternoon with plenty of time for shopping.
Late morning flight from Chiang Mai to the island of Phuket. We transfer from the airport to our resort. Phuket, the “Pearl of the South,” is widely known as the most beautiful of all the Thai islands. Phuket has a culture all of its own with a rich mixture of Thai and other Southeast Asia ethnicities. The island features the Andaman Sea and offers a varied terrain including powdery white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, forests, and tropical vegetation including microclimates throughout the island. Phuket is a bit of the Garden of Eden, South Pacific dreams, and Jurassic Park (without the dinosaurs). It really is a paradise never to be forgotten.
Early this afternoon we head north to the Phang Nga Bay. A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. A leisurely afternoon cruise takes us through the dramatic limestone islands. The interior of these islands are hollow and this is where the fun begins. Our large cruising boat will stop at several islands. In pairs, we will board a kayak paddled by a local guide that will take us through a short exterior tunnel to the interior of the island which is hallowed and open to the sky. Tropical birds and monkeys inhabit many of these islands. (Larry’s note, “The Phang Nga Bay sea kayak is absolutely, positively my favorite excursion in all of Thailand. The guide does the paddling, you just sit back and take in the experience. It is sensory overload.”) This excursion is perfect for people of all ages. We return to Phuket in our large boat at sunset with a light dinner served onboard. This is an experience not to be missed and will be talked about forever! (Actual tour times will be set according to the tides.)
Today is a free day to enjoy the white sand beaches, blue ocean waters, gentle trade winds, rainforests, jungle, shopping, and wonderful dining. The food…oh my gosh, the food! You may want to just relax or visit Patong City with its many restaurants, shopping areas, and nightlife.
Morning at leisure to enjoy resort. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight back to Bangkok. Overnight at Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport terminal for overseas flight back home. Crossing the International Date Line, we “gain” a day and arrive home this same day.
We hope you will join us and continue on to Cambodia and experience Siem Reap!
Meals : Breakfast
February 12, 2026: Phuket – Siem Reap, Cambodia
February 13, 2026:: Angkor Wat
February 14, 2026: Angkor Wat, Great Tonle Sap Lake, & Siem Reap
February 15, 2026: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
February 16, 2026: Phnom Penh – USA
Post-Tour Price: $1,195 per person (based on double occupancy) | Single Occupancy: TBD
- First-class hotel accommodations/best available
- Thailand airfare Bangkok to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai to Bangkok
- Services of expert local guides
- Admissions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Meals as listed
- Bottled water is provided with included lunches and dinners
- Airport and hotel luggage porterage
- Airport to hotel transfers when NOT arriving or departing at the same time as the group.
- All group transfers and ground transportation as per the itinerary
- All current & applicable Thailand hotel taxes and fees
- International air from your home city to Bangkok, Round Trip (Group air TBD)
- Airport to hotel transfers when NOT arriving or departing at the same time as the group.
- OPTIONAL Cambodia: international air Bangkok-Siem Reap & Phnom Penh-Bangkok ($1195.00)
- Prepaid tipping for Thailand Tour $110 per person
- Anything not specifically listed as included
- Tips and gratuities to local tour guides
- Note: Your Morris Columbus Travel Professional agent can assist you with international airfare
About Larry Gelwix
I am probably best known as the “Getaway Guru®” and host of the “Travel Show” radio broadcast on several radio stations. The weekly two-hour radio show highlights the best travel deals, lowest airline and cruise fares, and takes call-in questions from listeners. I also provide a travel segment that is broadcast on several TV stations. All across the country and overseas, I address groups on the dynamics of the travel industry as a motivational speaker.
My professional travel career includes CEO of an airline, member of car rental, airline, and cruise line national advisory boards, co-owner and Executive Vice President of Morris Travel, and published travel writer of books and travel-related articles.
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Communications. My wife Cathy and I have five children and reside in Salt Lake City.
Pricing Information
Pricing Options:
- Double Occupancy – $3,459 per person
- Single Occupancy – $4,713 for private room
- Triple Occupancy – $3,459 per person
Pricing Options:
- $500.00 deposit due at the time of booking
- Full payment due October 2, 2025
- $75 CASH DISCOUNT per person (Credit card allowed on initial deposit only, all other payments by check or ACH to qualify)
Please see our cancellation policy:
If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.
Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.
Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.
Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.
Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.
Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.
Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.
In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.
Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.
The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.
Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.
For tours in the United States:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
- Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
- Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
For all other tours including international tours and cruises:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
- Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
Will I receive a refund?
The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.
Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22″+ 14″+ 9″) of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.
Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.
Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.
**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information
