| Day by Day Itinerary
January 10 YANGON
Tuesday
Welcome to Myanmar! Our tour guide will be awaiting our arrival. We’ll be assisted with our luggage as we go directly to the hotel and check-in. There’s some free time to relax before lunch at Inya One Restaurant.
In the afternoon, our sightseeing takes us through one of the most exotic cities in SE Asia. We will explore the capital, meandering amongst colonial style buildings downtown, the bustling markets of Chinatown and the Indian quarter. Visit the Sule Pagoda with its golden chedi, which makes a useful landmark in the center of downtown Yangon, dating back over 2000 years.
At sunset we will arrive at the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, famous world wide for its golden stupa, which is considered the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar. It sits high atop the sacred shrine of Singuttara Hill, housing relics of The Buddha, encased in gold and in jewels. The beauty of the architecture and design will take your breath away…a spectacular place filled with history and legend. The Pagoda, believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa, is surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues and is always filled with Myanmar people and saffron robed monks praying and making offerings. It’s a fascinating place to spend time watching the world go by. Dinner and accommodation at Savoy Hotel, Yangon. (L-D)
****Savoy Hotel (Deluxe Room)
January 11 YANGON
Wednesday DALA
After breakfast on the hotel’s garden terrace, we will transfer to the picturesque waterfront of Yangon to cross Yangon-River by local ferry (10 min.) to Dala. Upon arrival on the other side, Trishaw drivers are waiting to drive us, over dusty and bumpy roads, through local villages and plantations. We will stop at an Orphanage where we will have the opportunity to meet the children and talk to the teachers (with help of your translating guide). For any who wish to make a voluntary donation, much needed schoolbooks, blankets, clothing etc can be purchased for us beforehand to bring to the orphanage with us. Enjoy the scenery on the way back. We will be witness to real local rural life, a contrast to the busy streets of urban Yangon. Cross the Yangon River to return to Yangon. Continue to Botathaung Pagoda, located close to Yangon River with walls of glass mosaics, mazes of mediation alcoves and showcases filled with treasures of the old pagoda. Lunch at Monsoon Restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll meander through Bogyoke (Scott) Market, a sprawling 75-year old complex noted for its wealth of interesting arts and handicraft: antiques, lacquer ware, marionettes, kalagas…and more. Then, stop alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to photograph the lake towards Shwedagon. We will continue to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see a huge reclining Buddha image. Dinner and accommodation at Savoy Hotel, Yangon. (B-L-D)
****Savoy Hotel (Deluxe Room)
January 12 YANGON
Thursday BAGAN
We have an early direct flight from Yangon to Bagan (6:00 AM to 7:20 AM). With her 3000 temples, Bagan presents an incredible sight and is among the richest archeological sites in Asia. Upon our arrival, we’ll visit a busy local market and continue with visits to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples such as Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century, Gu Byauk Gyi, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes and Ananda Temple, one of the finest, best preserved and most beautiful of the Bagan temples with its four huge standing-Buddha images and numerous seated figures arranged around the interior gallery. Check-in at your hotel in the late morning. Lunch will be at The Beach Restaurant.
Bagan is noted for its fine laquerware and we’ll have the opportunity to visit a lacquer craftsman’s workshop in nearby Myinkaba village. Sightseeing continues with visits to Manuha Temple, built in Mon style in 1059, Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument that is said to have been the palace of King Manuha, and Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple (under the protection of UNESCO), noted for its ancient mural paintings. We’ll watch the sun set atop one of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Dinner will be accompanied with a Marionette show at Nanda Restaurant. (B-L-D)
****Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
(Deluxe Garden View Room)
January 13 BAGAN
Friday
If taking the balloons over Bagan option (see page 9 for details), we head back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we visit Tayokepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village, Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples (noted for exquisite 13th century murals) and Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation center in Bagan. Then, we’re off for further exploration of traditional farming villages around Bagan…by horse cart if you wish! Lunch will be at Riverview Restaurant.
In the afternoon, sightseeing continues with an excursion by boat on the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwaddy) River to the nostalgic Nat Htaung Kyaung, a monastery famous for its collection of woodcarvings, ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes, built in 1781 by a group of monks.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
(B-L-D)
**** Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
(Deluxe Garden View Room)
January 14 BAGAN - MANDALAY
Saturday AVA • SAGAING
AMARAPURA
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Bagan Airport for our short domestic flight (8:05 AM-8:35 AM) from Bagan to Mandalay—the country’s cultural center.
Upon arrival, drive to take the local ferry to visit Innwa (Ava), located on an island between the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge Rivers. We will tour Innwa by horse cart for a revealing glimpse of village life and pass through the ancient city walls to visit a brick and stucco monastery, Maha Aungmye Bonzan (also known as Ok Kyaung). Continue to Nanmyin Watch Tower – the climb to the top offers lovely views over the river. See also the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung. Time permitting; visit some village homes to see local handicrafts, such as silk weaving, cane mats and alms bowls. Lunch at Sagaing Hill Restaurant.
In the afternoon visit picturesque Sagaing Hill, the living center of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. Hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Return to Amarapura via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers. Walk over U-Bein Bridge, which is over a kilometer long and made entirely of teak—one of the most photographed sites in Myanmar. Return to Mandalay to check into and have dinner at our well-located hotel. (B-L-D)
****Mandalay Hill Resort (Deluxe Room)
January 15 MANDALAY
Sunday MINGUN
Morning breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to Jade Market. Following, embark on a scenic boat cruise on the Irrawaddy River. We’ll set off to Mingun, about 6.5 miles (one hour each way), upriver from Mandalay. The boat trip is fascinating because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Visit the Mingun Bell, weighing 87 tons and being the world’s largest intact bronze bell, the beautiful Hsinbyume Paya and the unfinished Mingun Paya (built with the intention of being the world’s biggest pagoda). Return to Mandalay by boat for lunch at Myananda Restaurant.
Our afternoon of comprehensive sightseeing in Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda with its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaf, and interesting shop stalls at its entrance. Visit various craftsman’s workshops to see stone carving, gold leaf making, and Kalaga tapestries being created, Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (or Golden Palace Monastery), a superb example of a traditional wooden building, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the “world’s largest book” because it consists of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. At sunset visit Shwe Kyin Monastery and observe the evening prayers. Enjoy dinner with a cultural show “Dances from Dynasties” at Mandalay Hill Resort, which takes you through Myanmar’s dynasties with its typical costumes, headdresses and dances. (B-L-D)
****Mandalay Hill Resort (Deluxe Room)
January 16 MANDALAY
Monday HEHO • PINDAYA
INLE LAKE
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. This morning, transfer to Mandalay Airport and take a short domestic flight from Mandalay to Heho (10:05 AM to 10:35 AM). You will be greeted and assisted with your transfer from Heho airport to Pindaya. It’s an interesting drive up into the hills and across the Shan Plateau, through fields of mountain rice. Later we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Green Tea Restaurant.
After lunch, visit magnificent Pindaya Caves which are set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake, where thousands of different types of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers. Visit some local houses where families produce Shan paper and parasols. Afterwards, a beautifully scenic drive takes you to Inle Lake (56 miles - 2 1/2 hours). Following our arrival we will transfer by boat to the hotel at the lake. (B-L-D)
***Inle Lake View Resort (Deluxe Room)
January 17 INLE LAKE
Tuesday INDAING
Breakfast will be at our lovely lake-side hotel. We will explore one of the 5-day markets (on market days only). When visiting 5-day markets, you will gain insight first hand into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha inhabitants who rely on these markets to sell their goods. We then will enjoy a boat tour to Indaing at the western end of the Lake, maneuvering through a long channel where we can watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Lunch will be served at Nampan Restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy another boat trip on Inle Lake – a photographer’s dream. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect backdrop. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. You will also see the floating gardens growing vegetables and flowers. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake with its ancient Buddha statues, now more than 200 years old. We finish off the day with a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. We will dine at the resort tonight. (B-L-D)
***Inle Lake View Resort (Deluxe Room)
January 18 INLE LAKE
Wednesday
Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure or take our optional Sagar excursion (see page 9 for details). Dinner at the resort. (B-D)
***Inle Lake View Resort (Deluxe Room)
January 19 INLE LAKE
Thursday HEHO • YANGON
Start the day off right with an elegant breakfast at our fantastic resort. This morning we’ll leave by boat and drive to Heho Airport for our short domestic flight from Heho to Yangon (10:10 AM to 11:05 AM). We’ll arrive at Yangon airport, assisted with luggage as we transfer to our hotel. Lunch today will on your own account, so take advantage and broaden your palette! The rest of the day is free at your leisure to pursue individual interests. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Garden City on a stroll through one of the numerous beautiful gardens and parks, visit the National Museum, the Gems Museum, the numerous art galleries or the synagogue. Or do some last minute shopping. Our exquisite gourmet farewell dinner is at Le Planteur Restaurant, the finest French Indochina restaurant in town! (B-D)
****Savoy Hotel (Deluxe Room)
January 20 YANGON
Friday
This morning, after breakfast, transfer to Yangon Airport for your departure flight. (B)
Note: Flight schedules always subject to change.
Better yet, joining our Stunning Highlights of Southeast Asia extension. See page 6.
Stunning Highlights of Southeast Asia
VIETNAM – LAOS – CAMBODIA
JANUARY 20 – 27, 2012 • 8 Days
As an extension to Myanmar
Very carefully designed tour, so you can accomplish all this comfortably in 7 days, as an extension to our Myanmar trip,
Day by Day Itinerary
January 20 ARRIVE HANOI
Friday
Allow us to arrange flights from Bangkok to Hanoi International Airport. Our tour begins as we are greeted on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon, visit of Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple and Old Quarters. This evening enjoy a water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art.
Accommodation at Movenpick Hanoi hotel (Superior Deluxe room)
January 21 HANOI – BAT TRANG
Saturday HALONG BAY
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Bat Trang pottery village. Watch the artisans forming, painting and glazing their products, which are then baked for several days in huge kilns. Then embark on boat at Bai Chay Tourist Pier and check in to your cabin. Have lunch (set menu) with fresh seafood onboard while the boat is plying on the emerald water of the bay passing by the islets of Dinh Huong (Incense Urn), Chó á (the Dog), Halong fishing village and the fighting roosters. In the afternoon visit Sung Sot (Cave of Surprise) – one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. You can climb up Titop mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay, swim at Titop beach, or even kayaking (with surcharge). Return to the boat for dinner with fresh seafood. There’s time for a movie on board or catching squid (on request). (B-L-D)
Accommodation on Bai Tho Junk
(Private Junk)
January 22 HALONG BAY - HANOI
Sunday
You may like to start your morning with a Tai Chi session (to be requested in advance). Breakfast onboard before we Visit Luon Cave by small boat. Cruise back to the pier passing by the Man’s Head Islet and the Turtle Islet. After checking out there’s time to watch a fruit carving demonstration. Finally lunch onboard followed by pick up and transfer to the hotel in Hanoi.
Optional kayak exploration at surcharge: Paddle from Titop Beach to Luon Cave, then toward islets in shape of Man’s head island, Tortoise Island, Virgin cave. Optional night paddle. (B-L)
Accommodation at Movenpick Hanoi Hotel (Superior Deluxe room)
January 23 HANOI
Monday LUANG PRABANG
This morning transfer to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for flight VN 869 (09:00 – 09:55) to Luang Prabang, Laos. This flight segment is included in the price of the land tour.
Meet our local Lao guide upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.
Lunch at Un Petit Nid Restaurant. Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River. Dinner at the hotel. (B-L-D)
Accommodation at Villa Santi Resort
(Deluxe room)
January 24 LUANG PRABANG
Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Board a traditional riverboat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha, and then, visit the winery village along the river.
Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong River. Afterwards, walk around Ban Pak Ou Village, a small Laotian fishermen’s village on the Mekong, and continue to Ban Muang Keo village, where you will see the production of colored fabric, which is woven on simple weaving looms. Return to Luang Prabang by boat. Dinner at 3Nagas restaurant. (B-L-D)
Accommodation at Villa Santi Resort
(Deluxe room)
January 25 LUANG PRABANG
Wednesday SIEM REAP
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries. Transfer to the airport for departure by flight QV513 (10:50 AM - 2:20 PM) to Siem Reap. Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel. This flight segment is included in the price of the land tour. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel to freshen up.
In the afternoon drive to Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. Continue your visits to Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon temples. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B-D)
Accommodation at Royal Angkor Resort (Superior Room)
January 26 SIEM REAP
Thursday
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.
Lunch at hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), until sunset. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.
Dinner with Apsara Dance Show at Apsara Theater of Angkor Village. (B-L-D)
Accommodation at Royal Angkor Resort (Superior Room)
January 27 SIEM REAP
Friday DEPARTURE
Visit a floating village, take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.
Lunch at hotel. Visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure. (B-L)
Flight schedules always subject to change.
North Thailand Golden Triangle and Laos
January 20-February 3, 2012
15 Days
Preliminary Day by Day Itinerary
January 20 BANGKOK
Friday
Arrival BKK airport, transfer from BKK airport to hotel in Bangkok. Overnight in BKK. (D)
January 21 Bangkok – Ayutthya – Sukhothai
Saturday
Depart from Bangkok to Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand. The principal sights are Wat Chaiwattanaram, the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Srisanpetch and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol. Drive to Chainat for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue Khampheng Phet and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Kampheng Phet & Aranyik area). Continue to Sukhothai for dinner and overnight at LE CHARME SUKHOTHAI. (B/L/D)
Overnight at LE CHARME SUKHOTHAI
January 22 SUKOTHAI – LAMPANG
Sunday
After breakfast, tour the Sukhothai Historical Park (Wat Mahathad, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sa Si) and Wat Sri Chum with the gigantic Buddha statue. Then continue to Sri Satchanalai, where we make a brief visit to Wat Phra Si Mahathad Chaliang. Cross the Yom River on the nearby footbridge for a walk through the village, then proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. We then drive to Lampang and visit Wat Don Tao, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now installed in Bangkok), Wat Pa Fang and Wat Si Rong Muang, two Burmese-style temples with exquisite wood carvings.
Optional tour: Lampang is the only town in Thailand, where horse carriages are still used as a means of transportation. Take a leisurely ride on the colorful horse-drawn carriages along the river. Price per person: 300 BAHT (minimum 2 persons)
Dinner at overnight at LAMPANG RIVERLODGE. (B/L/D)
Overnight at LAMPANG RIVERLODGE
January 23 LAMPANG – LAMPHUN – CHIANG MAI
Monday
After breakfast, depart for Ko Kah to see Wat Phra Thad Lampang Luang housing the only Emerald Buddha besides the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. Short stop at the colorful Tung Kwian Market, where handicrafts, fruit, vegetables, live animals and the famous Lampang Ceramics are on sale, then proceed to Lamphun for a visit to the famous Wat Haripoonchai, one of the most sacred monuments in the north. Continue to Chiang Mai and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the handicraft manufactures in San Kampheng district, where the process of making lacquer-ware, spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and painting of paper umbrellas can be observed. Also visit a famous Thai wood carving factory with the possibility to buy Burmese antiques. Check-in at THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI HOTEL. Tonight you will savor a traditional Northern Thai style dinner at the “Just Khao Soy” Restaurant. After dinner, take a walk to the famous Chiang Mai Night Market or transfer back to the hotel. (B/L/D)
Overnight at THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI HOTEL
January 24 CHIANG MAI
Tuesday
Visit the most interesting places in Chiang Mai such as Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, Wat Bupparam and Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 meters above sea level. Lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a typical Thai dinner with a presentation of traditional dances from Northern Thailand. Accommodation at THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI HOTEL. (B/L/D)
Overnight at THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI HOTEL
Janaury 25 CHIANG MAI – HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE
Wednesday
After breakfast, depart Chiang Mai to Mae Sa Valley. Visit the elephant camp to watch the elephants at work. Their strength and clever teamwork will amaze you. Optional: Take a one-hour elephant ride into the jungle surroundings. Cost per person: If pre-booked & prepaid: 600. – Baht, if paid on spot, 800 Baht per person. Continue to an Orchid Farm for lunch. Proceed on a winding mountain road to picturesque Hmong Lodge (for group sizes of 7 or more persons, transportation to the Hill tribe village is on pick up trucks / Landrovers). Located at 820 meters (2700 feet) above sea-level, daytime temperatures are moderate year-round, while evenings can become quite chilly, especially during the cool season between November and January. Check in at The Hmong Hilltribe Lodge. The afternoon is at leisure, hike to the nearby hill tribe village or simply relax around the pool or during a traditional Thai massage at the lodge (payable on spot). BBQ dinner at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge followed by presentation of tribal dances and songs. Accommodation at HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE. (B/L/D)
Overnight at HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE
January 26 HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE – THATORN – CHIANG RAI
Thursday
After breakfast, depart for Fang and Thatorn. En route, visit to Huay Luek, a Hmong hill-tribe village. After arrival in Thatorn, a small village just a few kilometers away from the Burmese border, lunch is served at Maekok River Village Resort. Depart by long tailed motor boats from Ban Phatai for a three hour journey down the Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages consisting of simple bamboo huts among lush vegetation. A stop will be made to visit a Lahu hill tribe village along the way. Arrival in Chiang Rai in the early evening. Check-in at THE LEGEND RESORT. Dinner and accommodation. (B/L/D)
Overnight at THE LEGEND RESORT
Janaury 27 CHIANG RAI – CHIANG SAEN
Friday
Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos convene. Boat trip on the Mekong River to Chiang Saen. Lunch and overnight at Imperial Golden Triangle Resort. The day at leisure in the afternoon. (B/L/D)
Overnight at Imperial Golden Triangle Resort
January 28 CHIANG SAEN – CHIANG KHONG – HOUEIXAY
Saturday
Breakfast at hotel. Late in the morning, depart from Imperial Golden Triangle Resort to visit the town of Chiang Khong on the Thailand / Laos borders. Upon arrival at the International boarder crossing, proceed through Thai customs and immigration formalities. Then board a local ferryboat for the crossing of the Mekong River to Laos and proceed through Lao customs and immigration formalities. Meet upon arrival at the Houei Xay immigration checkpoint and transfer to the hotel for check-in, with the remainder of he day free at leisure. Dinner a local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Overnight in HOUEIXAY
January 29 HOUEIXAY
Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursions to visit the small town of Houei Xay and surroundings. First stop is to visit the Lanten village of Ban Nam Chang. The Lanten tribes are sometimes called “Lao Houay“ (stream Lao) because they choose to live near permanent streams. The dark indigo clothing worn by men and women immediately recognizes the Lanten. The women also pluck or shave their eyebrows upon reaching puberty and wear their hair in a traditional style; swept up and held in place with beautiful silver jewelry. Continue to visit a nearby Khmu village.Lunch at local restaurant.In the afternoon, visit Vat Chomkhao Manilath, the most beautiful temple in Houei Xay and the local market where the villager’s from the ethnic minorities gather every day. Dinner at local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Overnight in HOUEIXAY
Janaury 30 HOUEIXAY – PAKBENG
Monday
Breakfast at the hotel or local restaurant. Transfer to the boat pier and embark on a traditional wooden riverboat for a cruise down the Mekong River, “Mother of Waters”. The mighty river has maintained its untamed character with rapids and pristine forests along each bank. En route, visit the Hmong minority village of Ban Houeilampen, which is home to 50 families. Hmong women are renowned for their beautiful embroidered costumes and their impressive silver jewelry.Lunch on board.Arrival in Pakbeng in the afternoon. This rustic town-village sits on a steep hillside and offers spectacular views over the Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Overnight in HOUEIXAY
January 31 PAKBENG – PAK OU CAVE – LUANG PRABANG
Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the cruise towards Luang Prabang. Lunch on board. En route, stop at Pak Ou and visit the sacred caves, which house over a thousand of statues representing Lord Buddha. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Accommodation at Villa Santi Resort (Deluxe room)
February 1 LUANG PRABANG
Wednesday
Lunch at Un Petit Nid Restaurant. Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Accommodation at Villa Santi Resort (Deluxe room)
February 2 LUANG PRABANG
Thursday
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Board a traditional riverboat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha, and then, visit the winery village along the river.
Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong River. Afterwards, walk around Ban Pak Ou Village, a small Laotian fishermen’s village on the Mekong, and continue to Ban Muang Keo village, where you will see the production of colored fabric, which is woven on simple weaving looms. Return to Luang Prabang by boat. Dinner at 3Nagas restaurant. (B-L-D)
Accommodation at Villa Santi Resort (Deluxe room)
February 3 LUANG PRABANG BANGKOK
Friday
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries. Transfer to the airport for departure by flight. (B/L)
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