Thailand Village Academy | Ban Bang Phlap Community

Situated on the river plains of Samut Songkram with fertile sand rich in nutrients for plants, it is no surprise that Bang Phalp community makes an ideal area for growing orchards, especially tropical fruits like coconuts, mangos, rose apples, lychee and Kao Yai pomelo, which has firm flesh unlike the other kinds.

The long list of fruits grown here has catalyzed the local fresh produce industry, with many villagers inspired to make a living by growing and harvesting fruits. In addition to the income from delivering fresh fruits directly to tourists, this also helps to spread local agricultural wisdom to the neighboring provinces.

The community masters of Bang Phlap are all friendly farmers who never get tired of sharing their wisdom about home-grown toxic-free pomelo fruit, and are willing to share their techniques with budding farmers (perhaps like you) to apply at home. The remaining fruits are converted into fruit coal or preserved in syrup for future consumption. Apart from chemical-free fresh fruits from the community orchards, you can try tasty, sweet and savory dishes made using seasonal fruits. Examples include sour banana stalk soup with pork ribs, soft coconut shell and prawn soup and “Ray Rai” – steamed dough topped with coconut milk and sugar. These are all incredibly delicious dishes hard to find anywhere else in Thailand.

Pick up the techniques of using local material to create variety of products, and experience the local way of life through activities which can be adapted in daily life.

Palm sugar production, being preserved for over 200 years
Fruit preservation process, being preserved for 160 years.
Traditional Thai foods and desserts cooking

Take a train ride through the famous Maeklong Railway Market.
Make coconut sugar and Kaeng Kala Krub (crunchy coconut curry).
Make fruit charcoal and preserved fruits.
Learn how to make Thai Kite.
Organic pomelo farming.
Cooking Rang Rai (Rice dumplings with sugar and sesame).
Feed the monkeys and help with planting a mangrove forest.

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Day 1: Bangkok – Mae Klong Market – Ban Bang Phlap Community
6.30 am	Assemble at the meeting point.
7.00 am	Head to Mae Klong Market.
10.00 am	Arrive at Hoop Rom Market (which translates to the ‘Folding Umbrella Market’) and also known as Mae Klong Market. The market is close to Mae Klong Railway Station and it is a part of the Municipal Market of Samut Songkhram. This railway market has been in operation since 1984 and is located by the Mae Klong – Ban Laem railway where visitors walk and do their shopping.
10.45 am	Travel to Ban Bang Phlap Community.
11.00 am	Arrive at Ban Bang Phlap Community, Samut Songkhram. Check in at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan
11.30 am	Assemble at the meeting room. Learn about the history of Ban Bang Phlap Community from Somsong Saengtawan, the president of Ban Bang Phlap Community.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Take part in some learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, including: Learning how to cook Thai dessert (Rang Rai). Crafting wicker works from coconut leaves.
5.00 pm	Another learning activities at the center as you join a traditional Thai cooking class.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 2: Ban Bang Phlap Community – Wat Bang Kung – Wat Bang Khae Noi – Wat Phummarin – Amphawa Floating Market
Morning	Make early morning offering to the procession of monks.
	Breakfast.
	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, including: Learning how to make coconut sugar. Discovering the technique to preserving fruits. Making fruit charcoal and wood vinegar.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, which include: Learning how to make bio-extract laundry detergent, dish soap and bathroom cleaner – all from natural ingredients. Craft traditional Thai kites.
3.00 pm	Take a boat trip to 3 temples, namely: Wat Bang Kung (Prok Pho Ubosot) Wat Bang Khae Noi (Teak Wood Ubosot) Wat Phummarin (Kudi Thong)
3.00 pm	Enjoy shopping Amphawa Floating Market and then take a firefly night cruise after dark.
Evening	Dinner and leisure time.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 3: Ban Bang Phlap Community – King Rama II Memorial Park – Bangkok
Morning	Breakfast.
Morning	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center where you’ll learn about organic pomelo farming and enjoy tasting pomelo and coconut, freshly picked from the trees.
11.00 am	Head to King Rama II Memorial Park.
11.15 am	Arrive at King Rama II Memorial Park, where you can experience the beauty of traditional Thai houses throughout the complex. The highlight of this park is the King Rama II Museum, which comprises 4 Thai-style buildings separated into different sections. The ‘Central Hall’ houses the statue of King Rama II and artifacts from the early Rattanakosin era, such as Bencharong porcelains and Khon masks. The ‘Male Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai men in the past, including a bed which is believed to have belonged to King Rama II. The ‘Female Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai women in the past. The last section, the ‘Kitchen and Restroom’, displays a Thai-style kitchen and restroom typical of the middle-class.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Head back to Bangkok.
4.00 pm	Arrive back in Bangkok to end the trip.

The program is subject to change without prior notice, depending on weather conditions and pick-up points, as your safety is our first priority

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

No. of visitors	2 persons	4 persons	6 persons	8 persons
Rate/Person (THB)	14,600	8,400	6,600	5,200

The price is inclusive of:

2-night stay at homestay-style accommodation, 2-4 persons/ room
All meals as mentioned in the program
Transportation
Cruises as mentioned in the program
Activities in the community
Admission fees for places in the program
Local guides for service
Travel insurance with 1,000,000 baht coverage or in accordance with the terms and conditions

The price is exclusive of:

Personal expenses such as food, beverage, phone charges, not specified in the program
Tips for guides and drivers
7% VAT

Remarks:

15-day advance booking prior to the trip
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights, available Friday-Sunday
Style : Culinary tourism- Community-Based tourism with van and transportation
To prepare: Sun Protection such as sunglasses, hat, umbrella, sunscreen and medication (if any)

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

Day 1: Bangkok – Mae Klong Market – Ban Bang Phlap Community
11.45 am	Assemble at Wongwian Yai Railway Station (lunch isn’t provided).
12.15 pm	Travel by train to Mahachai Railway Station.
1.10 pm	Arrive at Mahachai Railway Station. Walk to Tha Chalom Pier and then take a ferry across the Mae Klong River to Ban Laem Railway Station.
1.30 pm	Travel by train from Ban Laem Railway Station to Mae Klong Railway Station (Rom Hoop Market).
2.30 pm	Arrive at Rom Hoop Market (which translates to the ‘Folding Umbrella Market’) and is also known as Mae Klong Market. The market is close to Mae Klong Railway Station and it is a part of the Municipal Market of Samut Songkhram. This railway market has been in operation since 1984 and is located by the Mae Klong – Ban Laem railway where visitors walk and do their shopping.
2.30 pm	Enjoy tasty wonton noodles at Gong Meng Chan.
3.30 pm	Witness the spectacle as all of the vendors rush to close their parasols, canvases and gather their goods next to the rail tracks to let the train pass. That’s why the market is locally known as ‘Rom Hoop Market’ – or ‘folding umbrella’.
4.00 pm	Arrive at Ban Bang Phlap Community, Samut Songkhram, and check in at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 2: Ban Bang Phlap Community
Morning	Make offering to monks before enjoying breakfast.
Morning	Assemble at the meeting room of Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center. Here, you’ll learn all about the history of Ban Bang Phlap Community from Somsong Saengtawan, the president of Ban Bang Phlap Community.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, which include: Learning how to make a local dish of Kaeng Kala Krub (crunchy coconut curry). Learning how to make coconut sugar.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 3: Ban Bang Phlap Community
8.00 am	Prepare to go head out to Tha Kha Floating Market.
9.00 am	Enjoy your freshly cooked breakfast at Tha Kha Floating Market. Shop for fresh produce from local farms and enjoy the taste of organic desserts and rare traditional Thai snacks.
11.00 am	Learn about the community while riding a bike through the pomelo and coconut orchards.
11.00 am	At the pomelo orchard, learn about organic pomelo farming and enjoy tasting the fruit freshly picked from the trees.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, such as: Learning how to cook Thai dessert (Rang Rai). Crafting wicker works from coconut leaves.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 4: Ban Bang Phlap Community – Wat Bang Kung – Wat Bang Khae Noi – Wat Phummarin – Amphawa Floating Marke
Morning	Breakfast.
Morning	Learn about the community while riding a bike through the nearby pomelo and coconut orchards. You’ll also: Learn how to make preserved fruits. Learn how to make fruit charcoals.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Creative activity at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, where you’ll learn how to craft traditional Thai kites.
3.00 pm	Take a boat trip to 3 temples, namely: Wat Bang Kung (Prok Pho Ubosot) Wat Bang Khae Noi (Teak Wood Ubosot) Wat Phummarin (Kudi Thong) Spend time shopping and eating your way around Amphawa Floating Market for dinner. After dark, take to the water to see the fireflies on a night cruise.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 5: Ban Bang Phlap Community – Khlong Khon
Morning	Breakfast.
9.00 am	Head to Khlong Khon Community
9.00 am	Ride a long-tail boat to explore the mangrove forest and join in with some ecotourism activities, including: Feeding the monkeys. Helping to preserve the mangrove forest with planting.
12.00 pm	Lunch at the cockle farm of Baan Mai Chai Lane Resort.
Afternoon	Enjoy water skiing, board sliding and clam digging on mud banks.
Afternoon	Take a shower before heading back to the community.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 6: Ban Bang Phlap Community – King Rama II Memorial Park – Bangkok
Morning	Prepare to check out with breakfast served at the accommodation.
9.00 am	Head to King Rama II Memorial Park.
9.15 am	Arrive at King Rama II Memorial Park, where you can experience the beauty of traditional Thai houses throughout the complex. The highlight of this park is the King Rama II Museum, which comprises 4 Thai-style buildings separated into different sections. The ‘Central Hall’ houses the statue of King Rama II and artifacts from the early Rattanakosin era, such as Bencharong porcelains and Khon masks. The ‘Male Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai men in the past, including a bed which is believed to have belonged to King Rama II. The ‘Female Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai women in the past. The last section, the ‘Kitchen and Restroom’, displays a Thai-style kitchen and restroom typical of the middle-class.
10.30 am	Head to Salt Lake De Maeklong, a coffee shop close to a nearby salt farm.
11.00 am	Enjoy lunch with a scenic salt farm view at Salt Lake De Maeklong.
12.30 pm	Head back to Bangkok via highway.
3.30 pm	Arrive back in Bangkok to end the trip.

The program is subject to change without prior notice, depending on weather conditions and pick-up points, as your safety is our first priority

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

No. of Visitors	2 persons	4 persons	6 persons	8 persons	20 persons
Rate/Person (THB)	32,500	18,500	13,200	12,600	10,000

The price is inclusive of:

5-night stay at a homestay-style accommodation, 2-4 persons/ room
All meals as mentioned in the program
Transportation
Cruises as mentioned in the program
Activities in the community
Admission fees for places in the program
Local guides for service
Travel insurance with 1,000,000 baht coverage or in accordance with the terms and conditions

The price is exclusive of:

Personal expenses such as food, beverage, phone charges, not specified in the program
Tips for guides and drivers
7% VAT

Remarks:

15-day advance booking prior to the trip

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Day 1: Bangkok – Mae Klong Market – Ban Bang Phlap Community
11.45 am	Assemble at Wongwian Yai Railway Station (lunch isn’t provided).
12.15 pm	Travel by train to Mahachai Railway Station.
1.10 pm	Arrive at Mahachai Railway Station. Walk to Tha Chalom Pier and take a ferry across the Mae Klong River to Ban Laem Railway Station.
1.30 pm	Travel by train from Ban Laem Railway Station to Mae Klong Railway Station (Hoop Rom Market).
2.30 pm	Arrive at Hoop Rom Market (which translates to the ‘Folding Umbrella Market’) and is also known as Mae Klong Market. The market is close to Mae Klong Railway Station and it is a part of the Municipal Market of Samut Songkhram. This railway market has been in operation since 1984 and is located by the Mae Klong – Ban Laem railway where visitors walk and do their shopping.
2.30 pm	Enjoy tasty wonton noodles at Gong Meng Chan.
3.30 pm	Witness the spectacle as all of the vendors rush to close their parasols, canvases and gather their goods next to the rail tracks to let the train pass. That’s why the market is locally known as ‘Hoop Rom Market’ – or ‘folding umbrella’.
4.00 pm	Arrive at Ban Bang Phlap Community, Samut Songkhram. Check in at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 2: Ban Bang Phlap Community
Morning	Make offering to monks in the early morning.
	Breakfast.
	Assemble at the meeting room of Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, where you’ll learn about the history of Ban Bang Phlap Community from Somsong Saengtawan, the president of Ban Bang Phlap Community.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center include: Learning how to make the local dish Kaeng Kala Krub (crunchy coconut curry). Learning how to make coconut sugar.
Evening	Dinner at the accommodation.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 3 (Sat): Ban Bang Phlap Community
8.00 am	Prepare to go to Tha Kha Floating Market.
9.00 am	Enjoy your freshly cooked breakfast at Tha Kha Floating Market. Shop for fresh produce from local farms and enjoy tasting organic desserts and rare traditional Thai snacks.
11.00 am	Learn about the community while riding a bike through pomelo and coconut orchards. At the pomelo orchard, you’ll learn all about organic pomelo farming and enjoy tasting the fruit picked fresh from the trees.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, including: Learning how to cook Thai dessert (Rang Rai). Crafting wicker works from coconut leaves.
Evening	Dinner.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 4 (Sun): Ban Bang Phlap Community – Wat Bang Kung – Wat Bang Khae Noi – Wat Phummarin – Amphawa Floating Market – Firefly Night Cruise
Morning	Breakfast.
Morning	Learn about the community while riding a bike through pomelo and coconut orchards. Learn how to make preserved fruits. Learn how to make fruit charcoals.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
1.00 pm	Learning activities at Mahawichalai Local Knowledge Center, where you’ll learn how to craft traditional Thai kites.
3.00 pm	Take a boat trip to 3 temples, namely: Wat Bang Kung (Prok Pho Ubosot) Wat Bang Khae Noi (Teak Wood Ubosot) Wat Phummarin (Kudi Thong) Enjoy shopping and dinner at Amphawa Floating Market with a firefly night cruise after.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 5: Ban Bang Phlap Community – Salt Farm Learning Center
Morning	Breakfast.
9.00 am	Travel to Salt Farm Learning Center.
9.30 am	Arrive at Salt Farm Learning Center, the conservation agriculture tourist destination that provides everything you need to know about sea salt farming. Here, you’ll: Learn how to make fertilizer from salt pan sediments. Learn how to make ice cream boran.
12.00 pm	Lunch.
Afternoon	Learning activities, including: Learning about salt spa therapy. Learning how to make salt soaps.
Evening	Dinner at the accommodation.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 6: Ban Bang Phlap Community – Khlong Khon
Morning	Breakfast.
9.00 am	Head to Khlong Khon Community.
9.00 am	Ride a long-tail boat to explore the mangrove forest and join in with some ecotourism activities, such as: Feeding the monkeys. Helping to preserve the mangrove forest through planting.
12.00 pm	Lunch at the cockle farm of Baan Mai Chai Lane Resort.
1.00 pm	Enjoy water skiing, board sliding and clam digging on the mud banks.
1.00 pm	Take a shower before heading back to the community.
Evening	Dinner at the accommodation.
Evening	Stay at Ban Suan Saeng Tawan or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 7: Ban Bang Phlap Community – King Rama II Memorial Park – Bangkok
Morning	Prepare to check out and have breakfast at the accommodation.
9.00 am	Head to King Rama II Memorial Park.
9.15 am	Arrive at King Rama II Memorial Park, where you can experience the beauty of traditional Thai houses throughout the complex. The highlight of this park is the King Rama II Museum, which comprises 4 Thai-style buildings separated into different sections. The ‘Central Hall’ houses the statue of King Rama II and artifacts from the early Rattanakosin era, such as Bencharong porcelains and Khon masks. The ‘Male Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai men in the past, including a bed which is believed to have belonged to King Rama II. The ‘Female Room’ displays the typical living quarters of Thai women in the past. The last section, the ‘Kitchen and Restroom’, displays a Thai-style kitchen and restroom typical of the middle-class.
10.30 am	Head to Salt Lake De Maeklong, a coffee shop close to the salt farm.
11.00 am	Enjoy lunch with a scenic salt farm view at Salt Lake De Maeklong.
12.30 pm	Head back to Bangkok via highway.
3.30 pm	Arrive back in Bangkok to end the trip.

For safety reasons, all activities are subject to weather conditions and changeable without prior notice.

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

No. of visitors	2 persons	4 persons	6 persons	8 persons	20 persons
Rate/Person (THB)	39,000	23,500	17,000	14,900	12,000

The price is inclusive of:

6-night stay at homestay-style accommodation, 2-4 persons/ room
All meals as mentioned in the program
Transportation
Cruises as mentioned in the program
Activities in the community
Admission fees for places in the program
Local guides for service
Travel insurance with 1,000,000 baht coverage or in accordance with the terms and conditions

The price is exclusive:

Personal expenses such as food, beverage, phone charges, not specified in the program
Tips for guides and drivers
7% VAT

Remarks:

15-day advance booking prior to the trip
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights, available every day
Style: Culinary tourism- Community-Based tourism with van and transportation
To prepare: Sun Protection such as sunglasses, hat, umbrella, sunscreen and medication (if any)

Seasons/ Periods of Visit: All-year-round

Palm sugar
Local food – Beef Curry with coconut meat
Preserved fruits
Fruit charcoal making
Organic grapefruits planting
Thai Kite making

Authentic ice cream
Therapeutic salt making
Salt soap bar
Feeding monkeys
Mangrove planting

Making fertilizer
Water Skiing

Tamarind soup with spare ribs and banana stalk
Beef curry with coconut meat and river prawns

Khao Yai grapefruits
Palm sugar
Preserved fruits
Thai kite
Fruit charcoal

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ ผู้ใหญ่สมพร เกตุแก้ว ปราชญ์ทำซอ (1 of 1)

Mr. Somporn Ketkeaw

Local master for Thai coconut-shell fiddle carving and Southern shadow play

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับนายอุดม มีคง ปราขญ์ทำว่าว (1 of 1)-3

Mr. Udom Meekong

Local master for Thai Kite such as Chula kite, Pak Pao Kite, Horapa Chula

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นางสาวจันทร์เพ็ญ หัตถกรรม ปราชญ์ทำอาหาร (1 of 1)-2

Miss Chanpen Hattakum

Local master for Thai traditional foods and desserts especially food recipe from the reign of King Rama II

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นางอรนุช แม้นเขียน ปราชญ์การสานทางมะพร้าว (1 of 1)-3

Mrs. Oranuch Mankien

Local master for banana leaf weaving such as hats and fruit baskets

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นายสมทรง แสงตะวัน ปราชญ์ด้านการปลูกส้มโอ (1 of 1)-3

Mr. Somsong Saengtawan

Local master for agriculture and organic grapefruits

ชุมชนบ้างบางพลับ นางฉวัล แสงตะวัน ปราชญ์การทำน้ำตาลมะพร้าว__

Mr. Chawan Saengtawan

Local master for palm sugar

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นางสาวฉวีวรรณ หัตถกรรม ปราชญ์ด้าน

Mrs. Chaweewan Hattakum

Local master for fruit procession and preservation

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นางสาวสถาพร ตะวันขึ้น ปราชญ์ด้านการเผ่าถ่านผลไม้ (1

Miss Sathaporn Tawankeun

Local master for fruit charcoal

ชุมชนบ้านบางพลับ นางสาวอาภัสสร เพชรมีศรี นักสื่อความหมาย (1 of 1)-3

Mrs. Apassaporn Petchmeesri

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Mee Pawa Resort

Guestroom with private rooftop, 450 meters away from Samut Songkram Local Wisdom Learning Institute

Market on the railway track, King Rama II Memorial Park
Wat Bang Kung
Tha Ka Floating Market
Amphawa Floating Market
Bang Noi Floating Market

Car take Rama II road (Thonburi-Pak Tor) and head to Samut Songkram City Centre to King Rama II Memorial Park (Bang Plub Village is 3 km away from King Rama II Memorial Park) turn right after approximately 300 metres
Bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal Route 996 (Bangkok-Samut Songkram- Amphawa- Dumnoen Saduak)
Van from Victory Monument (Bangkok-Mae Klong)
Train from Wong Wian Yai station to Baan Laem station and then take ferry to Tha Chalom Pier. Board a train at Mahachai station to Mae Klong station. Take local transportation to the community

Community’s Contact Information

Community-based tourism coordinator: Songyos Saengtawan
Phone: 08-1274-4433, 0-3476-1985
Social media: Welcome to Baan Bang Plub
Address: 9/4 Moo 4 Bangprom subdistrict, Bangkontee district, Samutsongkram 75120

Tour Agent Contact Information

Tour operator’s name: Friday Co.Ltd.
E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: 02-3738008 / 088-0082906-7
Social media: www.fridaytrip.com, www.facebook.com/fridaytrip.page

Ban Bang Phlap Community

Samut Songkhram

About the Community

What will you learn?

Cultural and Local Wisdom Heritage

Activities

Programs

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

The price is inclusive of:

The price is exclusive of:

Remarks:

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

Program 6 Days 5 Nights

The price is inclusive of:

The price is exclusive of:

Remarks:

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

The price is inclusive of:

The price is exclusive:

Remarks:

Seasons/ Periods of Visit: All-year-round

All-year-round activities

Activities not recommended in rainy season

Local Foods

Local Products

Home stay

Baan Suan Saeng Tawan Homestay

Baan Nuan Chan Resort and Homestay

Hosts/Local Masters

Local Master

Local Interpretors

Photo/VDO Gallery

Nearby Accommodation

Mee Pawa Resort

Nearby attractions

How to get there

Community’s Contact Information

Tour Agent Contact Information

Funded by

Supported by

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