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Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

Laos In-Depth: January 8-26, 2009

Jan 8 Arrival in Chiang Mai 1130 am, Singapore Air. Met at airport and transfer to hotel Chedi Chiang Mai, deluxe room.
The Chedi is situated on the banks of the Mae Ping river, within walking distance from the famous night markets. The style is elegant colonial with Asian art pieces and floorings of teak and terrazzo. Each room has a private courtyard entrance and balcony with views of the river and mountain range.

Afternoon Doi Suthep & Temples Tour for those who are up for it or just relax after the long flight.
Tour different parts of the city, passing through old city walls, gates and city moat, market, residential areas, foreign Consulates, Government buildings and Tapae Chiang Mai's tourist attraction area. Then, drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). With its location of 3,500 feet above sea-level, we can see a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha, and a challenging flight of over 300 walking steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. Then, visit Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai's Royal Families are interred. The last temple is Wat Jed Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era.

Jan 9 Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle (B, L)
We drive through scenic hillsides and jungles to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Wat Rong Khun, which is also known as the “ White Temple.” Whereas most temples have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand's noted artist Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. We continue to Wat Phra Keo which is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most important Buddha statue which was discovered in 1444. The statue has been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their capitals including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Keo. There is now a green jade replica of the image on display. The temple also houses a 700-year bronze status of Phra Chao Lan Thong which is housed in the Chiang Saen style ubosot. Then we proceed to Golden Triangle area and check into your Hotel Anantara Golden Triangle Resort (deluxe room). Set on top of a hill ridge above the confluence of the Mae Khong and Ruak Rivers, overlooking the hills of Myanmar (Burma) and Laos and with commanding views over the surrounding countryside, the resort is situated in the heart of the intriguing Golden Triangle region.

Jan 10 Boat ride to Pakbeng (B)
Early morning (730 am) transfer to Chiang Khong and take a boat across the Mekong River to Huay Xai (1.5 hr). Board the Northern Jewels Cruise (Luangsay Boat) from Huay Xai to Pakbeng. The Pak Ou boat leaves the pier at 9 am for a leisurely cruise down the Mekong. Lunch on board. Several stops along the way at of the Lao, Hmong, Yao and K’Hmu villages, offer the opportunity to sample rural life first hand and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries.

Arrival in Pakbeng, late afternoon. Pakbeng is home to Hmong and Thai peoples and is perched over the Mekong. Evening and morning views from our simple lodge are sublime.

Jan 11 Pakbeng to the Kamu Lodge (B, L on board boat, D at hotel)
After breakfast, visit the morning market of Pakbeng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods.

Re-board our boat this morning for a 4-5 hour trip along the Mekong, through some of the prettiest scenery in Laos. We enjoy a buffet lunch on board with a brief stop at Ban Bao to observe the distilling of traditional rice alcohol, and the "jar-maker" village Ban Xang Hai. Arrive approx 3 pm at Kamu Lodge, an eco-adventure resort designed to give you an insight into one of Laos's ethnic minorities - the Kamu. In an isolated setting near the Mekong, take part in some 'typical' Kamu activities - rice planting and harvesting, gold panning, or fishing. You might also like to walk to nearby waterfalls or a local minority village. Tonight you will stay in a private tent-style lodging. Each tent is clean and comfortable and has a private bathroom with a toilet and solar-powered hot water shower. Dinner at the lodge.

Jan 12 Kamu Lodge to Luang Prabang (B, L at local restuarant, D at hotel)
This morning visit the Kamu village, or just relax in the peaceful setting. Late morning board Northern Jewels Cruise for the short journey along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang.

On the approach to the capital of the north, visit the Pak Ou Caves: Tham Tinh and Tham Phum, underground sanctuaries that house thousands of old styles and sizes of Buddha images. Here, in a tradition that has lasted for centuries, local people add annually to a repository of Buddha effigies.

We arrive in Luang Prabang in time for lunch at local restuarant. Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang (million elephants) Kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. It is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting. In 1995 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by mountainous forest and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here is well preserved. French architecture and careful street planning blends delightfully with more than thirty gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

Afternoon we begin with a sample of Luang Prabang's exquisite temples:
WAT XIENG THONG: built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.

WAT WISUNALAT (Vat Visoun): built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries.

WAT MAI: constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy). This temple was spared by the Chinese Black Haws in the late nineteenth century, supposedly because of its beauty and stunning design.

Overnight at Les 3 Nagas, a UNESCO World Heritage historic property. The building has been restored with great respect to the original Lao character: wooden floors, traditional torchis walls and clay tile roof all combine to give an authentic and charming look to the rooms. The rooms, studio like and of an average area of 50 sqm (450 sq ft) all include a stylish bathroom, sofa and a private veranda or terrace. The decoration is inspired by Lao traditions, using exotic woods, silk and traditional weavings. Each of them is equipped with all the modern facilities necessary for your comfort: soundproof environment, room service, mini-bar, air conditioning and ceiling fans, phone, working area with desk, mosquito nets, king size beds and wireless broadband internet access.

Jan 13 Luang Prabang-Kuang Si Falls (B, D)
Rise early this morning and see robed Buddhist monks collecting alms, following a centuries-old ritual. After breakfast, travel by boat to visit minorities village of Ban Muang Khai, a Hmong hill tribe village, one of the most significant ethnic minorities in Indochina. Like most minority groups in Laos, the Hmong originally migrated from China. Continue by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.

Return to Luang Prabang for lunch on your own. Afternoon explore the Pho Si market and more of the town's golden temples at leisure. Evening attend Royal Ballet Theater of Phralak Phralam which gives traditional Lao performance, 6 pm. Dinner at local restaruant after perfomance.

Jan 14 Luang Prabang Villages (B)
Relaxed morning. Late morning start for day excursion to nearby villages to experience peaceful Lao village life. Ban Xieng Kong, a nearby village whose inhabitants make 'sa' (mulberry) paper as well as traditional weaving, and the weaving village of Tai Lu Ethnic at Ban Phanom. Before sunset we return to Luang Prabang and climb the short distance to the top of Mount Phou Si for superb views over the town and river.

Jan 15 Luang Prabang- Xieng Khouang (The Plain of Jars) (B)
Today you will travel by road to the Plain of Jars. The journey will take around seven hours and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop en route and admire the wonderful scenery. Pass through beautiful mountain ranges and Hmong hill tribe villages, then arrive in Phonsavan town late afternoon. The Plain of Jars is one of Asia's most unusual sites. The jars you will see are thought to be over 2,000 years old but their origins are still a mystery. Archaeologists speculate that the jars were funerary urns, but discoveries in recent times have uncovered nearby unusual treasures of statues and precious artifacts. The Vansana Plain of Jars hotel is a cozy first class hotel located on a hill in the heart of the city , overlooking the whole town and its beautiful scenery. Each room has a private balcony.

Jan 16 The Plain of Jars (B)
We will visit two of the most interesting sites, Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin) and Site 3 (Hai Hin Lat Kai. Site 3 is possibly the most beautiful jars site and is set atop a small rise, surrounded by pretty but bomb scarred rice paddies. Also this morning we will make the short trip to Mouang Khoun town, once an important trading centre in the Plain of Jars area. The ancient capital that was founded by Chao Noi Muang and was a stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area.

Jan 17 Drive to Vientiane (8 hrs) (B, D)
We’ll stop for lunch enroute, pay directly. On arrival in the capital transfer to your hotel. Located on the Mekong River and with a population of 600,000, Vientiane is Laos's capital and largest city. Despite new developments, Vientiane retains an 'old world' feel quite unlike other Asian cities. After check-in, a short walking tour of some of the key monasteries along Settathilat Road. Tonight, traditional Lao dinner at Salong Ky Restaurant overlooking the Mekong, with a performance of song and dance. Overnight at Green Park Boutiue Hotel, a Lao style decor combined with the finest contemporary architecture of Laos and glorious setting.

Jan 18 Vientiane (B)
The capital city and seat of government sits in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets.

Morning visit:
National Museum, housed in an old French colonial building.

The exquisite Wat Si Saket, Vientiane's oldest original temple (constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong in the early Bangkok style) and the only one to survive the Thai invasion of 1828. Small niches carved in its interior walls contain more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images.

Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple of the Lao Monarchy, built in 1565 by King Setthathirat and now converted into a museum containing some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures found in Laos.

Pha That Luang, (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa): built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, it is the most important national monument in Laos and a symbol of the Buddhist religion as well as the monarchy.

The Grand Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang has a stairway that leads to the top levels of the monument, providing a good view of the city.

Lunch on your own. There are many recommended restaurants nearby.

Afternoon excursion to National Ethnic Cultural Park and Buddha Park
WAT XIENG KHUAN (BUDDHA PARK): a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures along the Mekong River, 24 kilometers south of the center of Vientiane.
NATIONAL ETHNIC CULTURAL PARK: attractions include exhibits and houses of different ethnic minorities.

For those interested: visit Talaat Sao, the Morning Market - actually open all day selling a wide range of fabrics, jewellery and electronic goods.

Jan 19 Drive six hours to Savannakhet, a mid point to Pakse. (B)
Provincial capital, just across the Mekong River from Mukdahan, Thailand, Savannakhet has become a major point of trade and a lumber center. Savannakhet has a number of French colonial and Franco-Chinese buildings mainly in the small business district. Sightseeing points of interest below as time permits.

TALAAT SAVAN XAI: a new market area visited by a fascinating variety of people. WAT SAINYAPHUM: largest and oldest (1896) wat in Savannakhet with a large secondary school for monks on its grounds. WAT LATTANALANGSI: was built in 1951 and today houses the monks primary school. The sim is unique as it has glass windows. There is also a shelter containing a 15m reclining Buddha backed by paintings telling Buddhas life story. DINOSAUR MUSEUM: various exhibits from dinosaurs found in the region around Sepon. THAT ING HANG: built in the mid-16th century, the 25m high stupa is the second holiest religious edifice in southern Laos after Wat Phu Champasak.

Jan 20 Drive to Tad Lo (4-5 hrs). Stop for lunch in local restaurant. (B, L)
Afternoon explore the surrounding area. Tad Lo falls offer good opportunity for a swim. Overnight at the Tad Lo Resort/rustic spacious bungalows, atmospheric rooms with thatch walls, located right on falls. We walk across the river via a bridge to get to the lodge.

Jan 21 Drive to Pakse (2-3 hrs), the major port city on the Mekong in the south of Laos. (B)
Stop enroute at temple complex of Pat Bath Phon San and the town of Thakhet. Journey across the Bolaven Plateau, today an important coffee growing area of both arabica and robusta coffee beans. This area is largely inhabited by the Laven tribe. Enroute, visit Katu & Alak Villages, distinctive for the face tattoos of their women, a custom that is slowly dying out. We’ll stop at markets, wild coffee and cardamom plantations, and fruit groves and local restauarnt for lunch (pay on your own) along the way. We will visit Tad Yuang and Tad Fane Waterfalls two of the highest and most dramatic falls in the province and stop for refreshments at Tad Fane Resort. Upon arrival and check-in, a brief tour of Wat Luang and the old market. Overnight at Champa Residence Hotel, a low rise modern building in a quiet neighborhood next to the Champasak Museum and evening markets. The hotel is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in town.

Jan 22 Drive to Khong Island, approx 3 hrs. Vist Wat Phou. (B)
Journey south in Champasak Province along the east bank of the Mekong River. Champasak, a small riverside village of inauspicious houses and old French mansions, was once the centre of a far-reaching empire. Until the 1860s Champasak was the major town of southern Laos, until replaced by French-built Pakse as the area's commercial hub. The nearby Wat Phou World Heritage temple site is all that remains of one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious and least understood kingdoms.

After lunch at local restauarnt (pay on your own) and a rest, either cycle (optional) the gentle ten kilometres to Wat Phou, or travel by vehicle. The Hindu-influenced Wat Phou ruins are the finest example of Khmer temple ruins outside Cambodia, and have changed little since French explorers first visited them in the late 1800s.

Wat Phou: this Khmer temple site is spread over the lower slopes of Phu Pasak and its name means 'Mountain Temple'. The surviving structures date from as early as the Chenla Kingdom (6th to 8th centuries).

Haw Nang Stupa: south of Wat Phu, a pile of sandstone and laterite rubble that may have served as a hospital for Angkor pilgrims.

Hawng Thaan Tao: south of Wat Phu, another rubble pile referred to as the \'Lord Turtle Room\' and said to have been a Vishnu shrine built under King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century.

Ban That Village: near the village are three Khmer stupas reminiscent of similar tripartite monuments in Thailand's towns of Lopburi and Sukhothai.
Overnight at Villa Muong Khong, bungalow resort type facility with modern design and up to date facilities, centrally located in a tranquil rural area.

Jan 23 Full day Cruising the For Thousand Islands (B)
After breakfast, board a local boat and travel down to the last island, Khone. We visit the main village on Khone and see the remains of the sole railway built by the French during their time as colonial occupiers of Laos as well as other signs of their colonial past (the railway stopped operating 1945). Lunch at local restaurant, pay on your own.

Next we visit Don Det Island & Don Khon Island. Near the Cambodian border south of Don Khong Island, the islands are connected by a former railway bridge. The larger island Don Det is famous throughout Laos for the cultivation of coconut, bamboo and kapok. We visit Ban Khon Village, main village on Don Khon Island with several old French villas and look out for the famous Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Also see Taat Somphamit (Li Phi Falls), a raging set of rapids at the western end of Don Khon Island.

South of Don Khong Island the Mekong River features a 13km stretch of powerful rapids with several sets of cascades. We cross the Mekong and pick up our vehicle for the trip to spectacular Khon Phapheng Falls, the biggest falls in this stretch of the Mekong River. It flows close to the eastern shore of the Mekong River near the village of Ban Thakho. The falls had a profound effect on the planned use of the Mekong River as a French trade conduit connecting Vietnam with China, and resulted in the construction of the bypass railway joining Khone and Det islands. Return to our hotel for sunset and dinner on your own.

Jan 24 Return drive to Pakse, 3 hrs. (B)
Enroute visit Kiet Ngong village, famous for its unique textiles. Lunch on your own at the hotel. Elephant ride, approx 11/2 hr, from Ban Khiat Ngong to Phou Asa to see village life. Overnight in Pakse.

Jan 25 Preah Vihear - Bangkok (B)
Drive to Chong Mek (Lao-Thai Border), 1-2 hrs. Meet our Thai guide and drive to Ubon Ratchathani. Ubon is a population hub in the Isan area of Thailand, an area largely populated by people of Lao descent. This eastern pocket of Thailand is also within striking distance of Cambodia, and is home to some of the great Angkorian-era Khmer temples. We will visit one of the most famous of these temples, magnificent Preah Vihear, two hours from Ubon. It sits right on the Thai - Cambodian border, on a sheer edge of the Dangkrek escarpment. From the top of this ninth-century temple you will be able to gaze down to the plains of Cambodia, and contemplate the link between this site and Wat Phou in Champassak. After climbing down, we visit the Maw I Daeng cliff carvings, from where you will have a great view of Preah Vihear and rugged Cambodia. Drive to Ubon Ratchathani Airport for your departure flight to Bangkok, approx 820 pm, arr 930pm. Accommodation at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (deluxe room).

Jan 26 Fly home or onward destination.

Our Escort: Marc Kupper, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in French, began his illustrious travel career with a circumnavigation on the M/V Yankee Trader in 1976-77 and hasn't stopped wandering the four corners of the world ever since. Marc is fluent in French, Swahili, Lao and Thai and has shared his love of travel with thousands of clients for the past twenty-eight years. His areas of expertise are Asia, Africa and the Middle East - though he has also travelled widely in Central Europe and South America. He has traveled throughout Laos at least 28 times.

Our Thai & Laotian Guides: We will also be accompanied by a professional Thai guide from Chiang Mai to boarding the boat at Huay Xai and again from Chong Meik (Laos/Thai border) to Ratchathani airport. Our Laotian guide accompanies us from Luang Prabang to Chong Meik.

Land Price Per Person: $TBA in May 2008
Plus Domestic air tickets Ubon Ratchathani - Bangkok approx $85 per person, (price subject to change)

Includes:
Accommodation at mentioned hotels or similar
Professional accompanying escort
Baggage handling at hotels and boat transfers
Meals and cultural performances as mentioned in itinerary
Boat ticket(s) according to itinerary
Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towels and drinking water).
Service charge and current government tax

Does Not Include: international flight, insurance, international and domestic airport tax (intl departure airport tax for Thailand current THB 700 p.p.), visa fees, expenditure of a personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs

Hotels
Chiang Mai, The Chedi, 5* deluxe room
Chiang Rai, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, 5* deluxe room
Pakbeng, Luang Say Lodge 3-4*
Kamu Lodge 3*
Luang Prabang, Boutique Hotel Les 3 Nagas 4* Superior
Xieng Khuang, Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel 3* Standard
Vientiane, Green Park Boutique Hotel 4-5* Classic Room
Savannakhet, Rattanasavanh Hotel 2* Super VIP
Tad Lo, Tadlo Lodge 3* Bungalow
Pakse, Champa Residence 3* Standard
Khong Island, Villa Muong Khong 2-3* Standard
Bangkok, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (deluxe room)

Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered. All hotel ratings are according to the local accreditation authority.

We are happy to assist you with booking your international ticket or you are free to book on your own. Supplement cost for arrival transfer if your arrival time differs from Singapore Air schedule.

The itinerary is subject to change due to any number of reasons beyond our control such as road conditions, weather, local activities. Please be assured we are able to implement alternate routings and options and our expert escort and guide will keep members informed should conditions warrant any changes.

A full preparations/confirmation packet will be sent upon booking giving information on visas, packing suggestions, and more. Though visa is available on arrival at the border, we suggest obtaining in advance.

(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941