Itinerary

Day 1

Chiang Mai

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.

Day 5

Golden Triangle

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.
Dinner and overnight.

Day 8

Luang Prabang

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.

Day 11

Luang Prabang - Siem Reap, Cambodia

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.

Day 12

Siem Reap- Angkor Temples

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. Farewell dinner.

Day 16

Siem Reap- homeward

Transfer to the airport for flights homeward or continue with independent arrangements.

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