Arrival Chiang Mai. Airport transfers to our hotel will be provided according
your flight arrival. Day at leisure to settle in. Meals on your own.
Day 2
Chiang Mai
Afternoon orientation. Chiang Mai means new city and was formerly part of
the Kingdom of Lanna- the kingdom of a million rice fields.
Enjoy a cyclo ride before dinner to visit two important temples in Chiang
Mai: Wat Phra Singh, an example of classic Lanna style architecture
and where Chiang Mai’s most sacred Buddha image is housed. Continue
to Wat Chedi Luang- Temple of the Great Stupa. Both temples date
back to 14th century.
Day 3
Chiang Mai
Visit Patricia Cheesman Naenna Studio to learn about her Weavers for Environment
Project, natural dyeing techniques as well as her beautiful textile designs.
Patricia Cheesman, former UNDP consultant for many years in Laos,
has conducted in depth field research on weaving and ritual use of Lao-Tai
textiles. We will have an introduction to the Lao textiles we will be seeing
and their relationship to the various ethnic Tai textiles.
Afternoon visit up the mountain to beautiful Doi Suthep temple of Chiang Mai.
Lunch and dinner included.
Day 4
Lampang
Spend the day with elephants learning about the work at
the Thai Elehant Conservation Centre and Hospital in Lampang.
We also plan to visit one of Thailand's most beautiful
temples: Wat Phratat Lampang Luang.
Lunch today in Lampang and return to Chiang Mai for dinner this evening on
your own.
Journey
through Sacred Places: Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
Book now!
Southeast Asia is a place of extraordinary
beauty, discovery and spirit.
Our small group journeys are designed to connect people
to people and their projects supporting education, the
arts and sustainable living. To witness and share in
spiritual traditions helps to support a rich cultural
continuity, cultural exchange and understanding, and
hopes for the future- bringing not only joy to us as
travelers, but also to those we meet.
Our Journey to Laos and Cambodia begins
in Chiang Mai, Thailand,
visiting temples, paying respect to elephants and learning
about the cultural connections in the exquisite weaving
of textiles of the region.
Crossing into Laos, a little country
of Theravada Buddhist traditions, we cruise down the
Mekong to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and
now a precious World Heritage Site. A place which still
evokes a feeling of timelessness, enjoy the hospitality
and welcoming charm of the Lao people.
In Cambodia, we explore the magnificent temples of Angkor
and experience a vibrant cultural renaissance in the
performing arts. Meet with dancers and musicians supporting
classical and contemporary art revival in a culture
that nearly became extinct following decades of war.
We require a deposit of 50% to confirm a booking. The balance
is payable 90 days before planned starting date.
Owing to the small size of our trips, payment is non-refundable.
Visas
Thailand: Citizens of USA, Canada and most European and Asian nationalities
will receive a 30-day tourist stamp upon arrival. No need to apply for visa
in advance.
Cambodia and Laos: Please secure visas in advance at their
embassies in Washington, or via a visa service.
Insurance
Cancellation insurance is highly recommended in case of unexpected trip cancellation.
Do make sure that you carry your own medical insurance to cover health and
emergency evacuation.
Morning option - climb of 328 steps will bring you to Mt. Phousi opposite
the palace museum where a gigantic rock supports a 25 meter chedi looking
down on the town of Luang Prabang.
Remainder of morning free and lunch on own before transfer to the airport.
Fly to Siem Reap.
Settle in with orientation to town and Angkor. Dinner and overnight at our
hotel.
This morning orientation to town – which is all easily accessible on
foot.
Luang means great and Pra-bang refers to the golden Buddha image and guardian
spirit of Luang Prabang. This charming town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
is nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers –
full of temples, charming colonial buildings, cafes, shops and galleries.
Morning walk along the Nam Khan river and peninsula of
the old town observing daily life and visit Wat Xieng Thong, Luang
Prabang’s most beautiful temple situated near the meeting of the Mekong
and Nam Khan rivers.
Continue to walk along the main road also known as temple row before lunch
at L’Elephant Café.
Following lunch visit the former Royal Palace, now a museum where the sacred
Phrabang Buddha is housed. A new shrine hall for the Phrabang is under restoration
and will be completed next year.
Today we have the opportunity to visit The Language Project –
a reading and listening library and resource centre founded by American Carol
Kresge who will give us an introductory talk. For those wishing to spend more
time with the students here, you will be most welcome.
Dinner in town.
Day 9
Luang Prabang
Each early morning alms are given to the procession of over 300 monks throughout
the town. This morning we can observe this daily ritual and continue to explore
the morning market.
Then we take a boat across the Mekong and enjoy a walk through the local village
to Wat Long Khun, a temple where former royalty spent time in meditation.
Return to town, opportunity to visit local silversmiths and free for lunch.
Afternoon visit to meet weavers at the village of Ban Xienglek and where we
can also see the process of Mulberry paper making. Late afternoon enjoy sunset
by the Mekong and hear chanting of monks at the temples.
Dinner in town.
Day 10
Luang Prabang
Drive into the countryside to the beautiful Khouang-Si waterfalls.
Those that may wish to do an optional 4 hour scenic hike may start off at
the Hmong village of Long Lao and meet up at the waterfall. Not very steep
but good shape required. Meet up at the waterfalls for lunch.
We can also visit the tiger here who was rescued from poachers when just a
cub.
Bring swim wear if you wish to be refreshed!
Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.
Special Lao dinner this evening with a dance and music performance and blessings
for our onward journey.
This morning depart Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai, a 3 hour scenic drive.
Visit to Wat Pra Keow where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in
1391.
A very interesting hilltribe museum is run by the PDA- Peoples Development
Association, one of Thailand’s largest NGO’s. Here we can also
enjoy lunch at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages, also run by PDA supporting
programs in HIV/Aids awareness education.
Continue to visit the Princess Mothers’ beautiful villa and gardens
and Hill-tribe project at Doi Tung mountain before checking into The Golden
Triangle Resort overlooking Burma and Laos. Dinner at the hotel.
Sabaidee Lao !
Day 6
Laos- Mekong River
Early morning departure to make our way to Chiang Khong, the Thai border crossing
along the Mekong to enter Laos. Cross by small boat to Houisay where our river
boat awaits us to begin our 2 day cruise down the Mekong river.
These next 2 days we spend relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery and
gorges of the Mekong. The crew of our river boat serve lunch and refreshments
are available throughout the day. Dinner and overnight at the Pakbeng Lodge.
Day 7
Mekong River- Luang Prabang
Our full day cruising down the Mekong will bring us to the sacred Pak-Ou caves
of 4,000 buddha images. Late afternoon we arrive at Luang Prabang, the old
royal capital of Laos.
Morning visit to Angkor Wat- the masterpiece of Suryavarman II.
Spend this morning exploring this complex before lunch at Angkor Café.
Following lunch stop at the Killing Fields memorial and return to hotel for
rest.
Afternoon visit to Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple built
by King Jayavarman VII- unique for its 54 towers each with 4 faces of Avolokitesvara.
Our visit will also include the Elephant Terrace, the Royal Enclosure of Phimeanakas
and a shaded walk to Preah Palilay ending at the Terrace of the Elephant Kings.
Continue for sunset at Pre Rup.
Dinner in town.
Day 13
Siem Reap- Angkor Temples
Morning village walk and to see the local market at Pour Krom.
Continue for a visit to the Angkor Hospital for Children, run by Friends without
a Border, a US non profit organization, originally founded by Japanese photographer
Kenro Izu. Meet the staff and learn about their dedication to help save Cambodian
children and to train local doctors.
Following lunch, some time for rest.
Afternoon visit to Preah Khan temple- another Jayavarman VII and
which is under the restoration care of World Monuments Fund.
Dinner and special cultural performance.
Day 14
Siem Reap- Angkor Temples
Optional sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Approx 1 hour drive out of Siem Reap is the jewel of Banteay Srei
temple.
We hike approx 45 minutes up some steps and then into the jungle to Kbal Spean
and the River of Linggas and the birthplace of Angkor!…where Shiva,
Ganesh, and Garuda carvings are found in the river bed.
Lunch.
On our return drive, visit mysterious Ta Phrom temple- also by Jayavarman
VII and dedicated to his mother. This temple has been left untouched and an
example of how the nature of giant banyan trees have taken over the temple.
Free for dinner this evening. Either rest at the hotel, or venture out into
town.
Day 15
Siem Reap
Today we venture out to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater
lake. Approx 45 minute drive to the lake and board a local boat to experience
life of the fishing villages on the lake. Water level permitting, we may be
able to explore a village in a flooded forest.
Following lunch, visit to the silk weaving project of L’Artisans D’Angkor.
Here we can see the entire process of what a silk worm produces.
Nearby at sunset time, visit to the Western Baray.
Those that may wish an afternoon at leisure, may enjoy
some independent exploration of Siem Reap market, or some other temples. Your
own Tuk-Tuk can be arranged if you wish. Exploring more temples this day will
mean an extra day pass of USD 20 at your own expense.
Textile enthusiasts may also visit Mr. Morimoto’s textile workshop at
the Institute of Khmer Traditional Textiles where work continues with natural
dyes.
For those with time permitting, this extension to visit
Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh will allow a greater insight to
the country. Once known as the Pearl of Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh’s
waterfront along the Mekong today is bustling once again alongside the stunning
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. A visit to the Tuol Sleng genocide museum
known as S-21 allows us to pay respects to the millions that lost their lives
during the Khmer Rouge time.
We then have the opportunity to enjoy the revival classical and folk dance
groups and support crafts people in the beautiful work they are doing today.
Day 16: Sun Siem Reap- Phnom Penh
Morning flight to Phnom Penh. Transfer to our hotel and orientation to town.
Following lunch, visit to the stunning Royal Palace built in 1866 by King
Norodom and the adjacent Silver Pagoda.
Sunset and dinner along Phnom Penh’s lively waterfront.
Day 17: Mon Phnom Penh
Morning visit the S-21 genocide museum known as Tuol Sleng – not for
the faint hearted, but a must for those wishing to understand the recent history
of this country. Nearby we can see craft work being done by land mine and
polio victims. Continue to Apsara Arts Association which looks after over
100 underpriveleged children and orphans. Under the guidance of Royal Fine
Arts School Master Mrs. Vong Metri, we are invited to watch their rehearsals
of classical and folk dance and music.
Lunch at Mith Samlanh- a fun restaurant run by Cambodian street youth.
Following lunch, free time to visit The National Museum, or explore for
crafts at the markets. Dinner and overnight.
Day 18: Tue Phnom Penh- homeward
Transfer to the airport for flights homeward or continue with independent
arrangements.
