Category: Uncategorized

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Itinerary: While some people visit the Botanical Gardens, others may drive to the Saraphi district for a bicycle tour on the Ping River.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we will have the opportunity to learn about and prepare tasty Thai food at a cooking school. Overnight in Chiang Mai at the Plaza Hotel.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand

Itinerary: Today, we explore Chiang Saen, the official center of the “Golden Triangle”, where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet, at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. Historically, the “Golden Triangle” refers to a large geographic area, stretching thousands of square kilometers, within which the opium trade is prevalent.

In the afternoon, on our way to Chiang Mai we will visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp and enjoy a ride before checking into our hotel for the evening. Overnight at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel.
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The White Temple is the most fabulous place. Neither words or photos can do it justice.

Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary unconventional Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1996 and is expected to be completed 60 – 90 years after the death of the artist and designer. (Wikipedia)

Right: Entrance to the temple. No photos allowed inside. As well as the usual statue of Buddha, there are images of Batman, Superman, and Neo from The Matrix. Kositpipat, the artist, believes they represent Buddha’s message.

Yes–these are the toilets!

Chiang Saen, Thailand

Itinerary: Embrace the sunrise over the Mekong River as we start our day towards Chiang Khong. Our journey continues through remote regions of northern Laos. We will make one stop en route in a rural village to observe local daily life. After completing the immigration formalities we cross the
Laos/Thailand border and make our way for a relaxing evening in Thailand. Overnight in Chiang Saen at the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort.
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Pakbeng, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Itinerary: Early this morning, embark for our two-day voyage on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. We will make a short stop at a H’mong Village before our buffet lunch on board. We continue to Pakou village situated at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where we will visit Tam Ting – “Caves of a
Thousand Buddhas”. We will also have the opportunity to observe the traditional making of rice alcohol.

Upon arrival in Pakbeng we walk to the market, where people come from surrounding villages to exchange their goods. Overnight at the Pakbeng Lodge.
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Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Itinerary: Luang Prabang is known as a Mecca for Theravada Buddhism and has about 80 monasteries with approximately 1200 monks. For those who would like to experience the monks going on a 6 AM alms-round, your tour leader will be more then happy to organize this with offerings of rice for you to give to the monks as they walk by in a straight line.

Our day trip to the Kuang Sy Waterfall takes us to the tribal villages of the Hmong and Khmu. We will visit the Museum of Ethnology. Here we have the opportunity to learn about the customs and daily lives of the people who live in this region. We enjoy a picnic lunch next to the swirling green pools of the waterfall before making our way back to Luang Prabang.

Later we will attend a Baci ceremony in a village outside of town. Unique to Laos culture, a Baci involves transferring good luck onto a person or event through blessed strings tied to one wrist. Overnight at Le Palais Juliana.
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Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Itinerary: This morning we fly to Luang Prabang.

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most romantic cities in Southeast Asia. We have a walking tour of this beautiful old capital city which includes a visit to the National Museum, formerly a Royal Palace. We see a number of historic temples including Wat Sen, Wat Xieng Thang and Wat Mak Mo. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful French Mansions that grace the city are a historical reminder of its colonial past.

Overnight at Le Palais Juliana.
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Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Itinerary: Today we fly to Vientiane, where we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Vientiane is an intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, US and Soviet influences. Tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an atmosphere of exotic timelessness. On our afternoon city tour, we will see That Luang, the Great Sacred Stupa which is a symbol of
both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.

We will also see the oldest temple in Vientiane, the Wat Si Sasket and Patuxai, a large monument which commemorates the Lao who died in pre-Revolutionary wars. Overnight at the Beau Rivage Mekong Hotel.
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Wat Si Saket: along the walls of the courtyard, a total of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small niches or on shelves.

Discovered sticky rice! This is the most delicious and chewy rice. Very, very more-ish–could have made a whole meal out of it.

We didn’t purchase a bird to release, here, but in Burma our tour director, Roger, did. We joked that the birds are trained to return.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Itinerary: Today is a full day of exploring. Starting with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, the one-pillar pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Fine Arts Museum, Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Museum of Ethnology.

We will tour the old quarter by “cyclo” (a three wheeled bicycle rickshaw). This area has been the manufacturing and trading center for silk, rice, paper, fish and jewelry since the 15th century. Today, the area houses a number of small shops. The afternoon is free to explore Hanoi’s tree-lined streets and wide boulevards. Overnight Boss Hotel.
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Hanoi, Vietnam

Itinerary: This morning we will continue to explore Halong Bay by boat. For early risers, the sunrise from the upper deck is a lovely way to greet the day from the water. We may see the fishing boats returning after the night fish.

Disembark at noon and journey back to Hanoi for lunch and a few more sites including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Hanoi Opera House. Tonight, we have dinner at a local restaurant and take in a performance of the famous water-puppets. Overnight at Boss Hotel.
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Halong Bay, Vietnam

Itinerary: We will have a morning flight to Hanoi and upon arrival, we drive to Halong Bay. Halong Bay has thousands of weathered limestone islands that rise from the warm turquoise waters of the bay. We board our boat in time for lunch.
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