Greater LA Zoo Association's Thailand Vacation Explores Wildlife and Country's Remote Corners November 10, 2012

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) presents a breathtaking "Hidden Thailand Wildlife Eco-Tour" from November 10 to 20, 2012. Escorted by Zoo Director John Lewis, the unique vacation explores the country's remote corners with views of authentic wildlife by foot, jeep, long-tail boat and silent kayak. Among the animals that travelers might see are gibbons, langurs, macaques, slow loris, guar, wild elephant, Malayan sun bear, flying fox, barking deer, civet cats, Javan mongoose, monitor lizards, hornbills, and the elusive clouded leopard and majestic tiger. The itinerary inclues Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest and least visited park with the largest wildlife volume; Pa La-U , famed for its 11-tiered waterfall and one of the best chances in Thailand to spot wild elephants; Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary, a remote and stunning lakeside wildlife sanctuary with 3,000 ft. limestone karst and a unique floating aqua-lodge; Doi Inthanon Cloud Forest, a paradise for birds and Asian orchids; an award-winning elephant camp to interact with elephants, including feeding and bathing them in a river; and the Chiang Mai Buddhist temple.

An optional pre-trip extension (November 5 to 11) for the truly adventurous provides the opportunity to explore six spectacular, rustic tree houses accessible only by zip-lines deep in Laos' Bokeo Nature Preserve. The zip-lines allow for low-impact travel deep into the preserve, while the tree houses afford unparalleled wildlife observation during dawn, dusk, and night, which are peak hours of wildlife activity. During the day, travelers hike and zip to the other tree houses for the chance to see gibbons. The comfortable, well-designed tree house accommodations have water, toilets and showers.

An optional post-trip extension (November 20 to 24) concludes the vacation on the brilliant white beaches of the remote Ko Tarutao Archipelago, featuring snorkeling on the coral reef of Ko Lipe among abundant, colorful tropical fish as well as restaurants, nightlife and extravagant Thai massage.

The trip fee is $4,298 per person, double occupancy, not including domestic and international airfares. Additional charges apply for the extensions.

"Hidden Thailand Wildlife Eco-Tour" is operated by Wild Planet Adventures, which specializes in up-close encounters for wildlife and nature lovers with exotic wildlife in natural habitats, carefully crafted itineraries, “off the beaten path” destinations, and expert local naturalist guides.

The vacation program is among many programs presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), founded in 1963. For nearly five decades, GLAZA has funded exhibits, plant and animal species conservation, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs at the Los Angeles Zoo, an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. GLAZA also builds and invests endowment funds and operates five essential departments on behalf of the Zoo, including development, publications, membership, volunteers and oversight of the Zoo's food/retail concessions. There are currently 73,000 GLAZA member households representing more than 300,000 adults and children, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and a volunteer corps of over 700.

Early reservations are essential, as space is limited. Itineraries subject to change. For more information, call the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association at (323) 644-4792.

Official Website: http://www.lazoo.org