TRAVERSING THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS OF INDOCHINA

Transcription

1 TRAVERSING THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS OF INDOCHINA Visit us at

2 ITINERARY OVERVIEW When you traverse the Northern highlands of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam you re not only crossing borders but traveling through a diverse collection of natural landscapes and a variety of cultures. Meet the Hmong people in Vietnam, cycle through the ancient Lanna capital of Thailand, and reverently observe the daily giving of alms in the early morning light of Luang Prabang. Ride a traditional Lao slow boat down the mighty Mekong River from Thailand to Laos and spend the night being rocked to sleep on a luxury overnight train into the mountains of Vietnam. The scenery is unrivaled, the people kind and welcoming and the experience unforgettable. You ll experience real Vietnamese hospitality when you trade your 5 star hotel for 5,000 stars above you in the Nam Cang Valley. Let this journey be your experience. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 BANGKOK Riva Surya Arrival into Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. 2 BANGKOK Riva Surya BL Bangkok city tour, visit the Jim Thompson House 3 CHIANG MAI Tamarind Village BD Fly to Chiang Mai, Wat Doi Suthep, cooking class 4 CHIANG RAI The Legend Chiang Rai BLD Cycling tour of countryside 5 MEKONG Pak Beng Lodge BLD Slow boat down the Mekong 6 LUANG PRABANG Le Sen Boutique Hotel BL Mekong slow boat, stop at Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hai, free evening in Luang Prabang 7 LUANG PRABANG Le Sen Boutique Hotel B Giving of the alms, morning market, walking tour of Luang Prabang, sunset from Phousi Mountain 8 LUANG PRABANG Le Sen Boutique Hotel BL Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, village visits, Kuang Si waterfall, sunbear refuge 9 HANOI Maison D Orient B Arrive in Vietnam, Old Quarter tour, traditional water puppet show 10 LAO CAI Orient Express B Biking through Hanoi and the countryside 11 SAPA Nam Cang Riverside Lodge BLD Hoang Lien National Park, walking to local villages 12 SAPA Nam Cang Riverside Lodge BLD Trek through the valley and cardamom fields, visit the Red Dao tribe 13 SAPA Orient Express BL Lunch at ecolodge, walk along mountain paths 14 DEPARTURE Transfer to airport for international flight -2-

3 ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BANGKOK Arrive at the Bangkok Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The Riva Surya is an elegant boutique hotel situated along the banks of the enchanting Chao Phraya River. This bustling section of Bangkok was once dubbed Venice of the East and is bounded by cultural treasures including The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. You re also within walking distance of the lively district of Khao San Road. Overnight at Riva Surya. DAY 2: EXPLORING BANGKOK Embark on a full day exploration of Bangkok. Travel by public river-taxi on the River of Kings for a visit to the Grand Palace where the highlight is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom. Located next to the Grand Palace, pay a visit to Wat Po, one of Bangkok s oldest and largest temples. The temple houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha. After a break for lunch visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This is one of the best known temples in Bangkok and dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. The tall, elongated central Khmer-style tower is surrounded by four minor towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the earthly representation of the thirty-three heavens. Here you'll find pavilions containing statues of the Buddha at the most important stages of life. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship mark Wat Arun as one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand. In the afternoon, head to the Jim Thompson House, a classic Thai-style teak villa surrounded by stunning gardens. It houses Thailand s largest private art collection. Overnight Riva Surya [BL] DAY 3: BANGKOK CHIANG MAI- FAMILY COOKING CLASS Fly to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai. Drive a wandering mountain road to the base of 300 serpent lined steps, at the top of which you ll find the shimmering golden temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Return to Chiang Mai in time for a cooking class with the Raunkaew-Yanon family. Learn more about their way of living and the architecture of a traditional Thai house and rice barn. The family orchard has many types of fruit such as banana, mango, and coconut and the garden is filled with herbs for cooking. Cook traditional home-cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors, selecting fresh ingredients from the garden to cook with. Best of all is the opportunity to get to know a real Thai family, be their houseguest for the day and enjoy a delicious dinner with them! Overnight at Tamarind Village [BD] DAY 4: CYCLING CHIANG MAI CHIANG RAI Enter the streets of Chiang Mai on bicycle as you begin this half day cycling tour! Following the Ping River and cycling over small country roads will allow you to discover Thailand outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Cycle past various fruit orchards and encounter the Thai way of life as you meander around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before cycling back to Chiang Mai. -3-

4 Drive to Chiang Rai and transfer to your hotel, which we think is one of the most romantic hotels in all of Indochina! Have the afternoon free to explore and return to the hotel for a world class Thai fusion dinner. Overnight at The Legend Chiang Rai [BLD] DAY 5: SLOW BOAT DOWN THE MEKONG Today you head to Laos! Transfer to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and proceed with immigration. After entering Laos, transfer by tuk tuk to the slow boat pier and get ready for the slow boat down the Mekong. The mighty Mekong is the lifeblood of Indochina and the slow boat gives you the opportunity to really see the people that have lived on it shores for generations, the flora and fauna that rely on its muddy waters, and to simply relax as the world slips lazily by. Stop and stretch your legs at the Kamu Village of Ban Houay Hao before continuing the trip and arriving at the city of Pakbeng, halfway between Luang Prabang and Huay Xi, in the evening. Overnight at Pak Beng Lodge [BLD] DAY 6: SLOW BOAT TO LUANG PRABANG Sail onward down the Mekong towards Luang Prabang. Visit the Pak Ou Caves, sacred grottos cut into a sheer limestone cliff beside the river. A steep staircase takes you to the upper cave where the serene faces and figures of more than 3,000 Buddha images emerge from the darkness. Travel along this economic lifeline stopping at two riverside villages along the way. In Ban Xang Khong, wander the narrow village streets between women weaving on wooden looms, stacks of colorful fabrics, and stalls selling all types of Lao Lao, a very potent rice whisky. Arrive at Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Le Sen Boutique Hotel [BL] DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR NATIONAL MUSEUM The bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn and golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Arise early to respectfully witness this sacred ritual of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their morning alms rounds. Visit the morning market and see an array of meats, vegetables and spices. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Explore the historic and charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for harmoniously blending traditional Buddhist temples with French colonial architecture. Begin at WatXieng Thong, a 500 year old temple that is -4-

5 considered the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Zig zag down small side streets, along back alleys and through temples allowing you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Walk up the peninsula, stopping at temples and other sites as you wish. Discover relics from the Kmer Empire at the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps of Phousi Mountain have not really experienced the city. Venture up this mountain and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding jungles. Overnight at Le Sen Boutique Hotel [B] DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG ARTS CENTER, KUANG SI WATERFALL & SUNBEARS Start the day with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a museum dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Laos. Drive into the peaceful countryside, stopping to explore several villages along the way. In Ban Pano and Ban Long Lao, local guides from these villages will show you around. You will have the chance to see the insides of their houses and learn more about craft production. This community-based tourism initiative offers these villages economic empowerment and a chance to interact with people from all areas of the world. Travel south to the Kuang Si Waterfall where tiers of cascades splash into idyllic turquoise pools. Bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim and be sure to try the rope swing! Visit the nearby Sunbear Refuge to learn more about the conservation of these endangered creatures. Overnight at Le Sen Boutique Hotel [BL] DAY 9: LUANG PRABANG HANOI OLD QUARTER Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vietnam. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel before heading out to explore Hanoi s historic Old Quarter, a maze of streets dating back to the 13 th century. The Old Quarter is the vibrant hub of Hanoi, home to buzzing motorbikes, bicycles, and hawkers. Its chaos is integral to its charm. This bustling area of narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Walk to Hang Gai Street where you can find the best Vietnamese silk. As the sun goes down get ready for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance! Overnight at Maison D Orient Hotel [B] DAY 10: HANOI RED RIVER BIKING LAO CAI As you travel through Hanoi s 1,000 year old streets by bicycle you encounter Hanoi in a completely different way than from a car. Smell the incense burning in temples, listen to chickens squawking, and gaze at modern architecture rising next to ancient buildings hidden in back alleyways. All these places have a story to tell: legends from the past, headlines of today and promises for the future. On your bike you instantly become part of a fascinating, colorful and quickly transforming urban landscape. Skillful and knowledgeable guides will give you insight while you cycle along at a leisurely pace. Transfer back to the hotel to get ready for your overnight train ride to Lao Cai. These aren t your standard trains but rather private carriages with air conditioning, wood paneled walls, and picture windows to watch the scenery roll by. Overnight on Orient Express [B] -5-

6 DAY 11: LAO CAI SAPA NAM CANG RIVERSIDE LODGE Arrive early in the morning to Lao Cai and stretch your legs on a nice walk to breakfast at a local restaurant. Head off into the beautiful Hoang Lien National Park by car, watching rice terraces and mountain ranges outside your window. Your guide will take you on a trek to introduce you to the biggest ethnic group in this area, the colorful Black Hmong people, famous for their indo colored cloths and silver necklaces. Continue deeper into the valley and cross the beautiful Muong Bo River before reaching the small village of My Son, home to the Xa Pho people. In the afternoon arrive at the remote and quiet Red Dao village of Nam Cang. Walk along small roads before crossing a private bridge where you will check into your room at the comfortable Nam Cang Riverside lodge. Explore the village or relax in the river or at the riverside veranda. Overnight at Nam Cang Riverside Lodge [BLD] DAY 12: NAM CANG Walk to a beautiful hidden valley where you can visit cardamom fields and the farmers living in the mountains. The Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all of Vietnam s ethnic groups. Accompanied by your guide, explore the village and learn how the local villagers make writing paper, jewelry and embroidery. Overnight at Nam Cang Riverside Lodge [BLD] DAY 13: NAM CANG - SAPA Awake to the sound of the birds that live in the jungle around you and have breakfast just a few feet above the river. Saying goodbye to the friendly villagers, transfer to Topas Ecolodge, where you will have lunch with amazing view of the mountains and endless rice terraces. Take a walk after lunch, visiting the nearby Lech village. Transfer to Sapa town and then on to Lao Cai to board your train back to Hanoi. Overnight on Orient Express [BL] DAY 14: DEPARTURE Arrive back in Hanoi in the morning. After disembarking the train have breakfast before transferring to the airport to catch your departure flight home. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -6-

7 PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here For scheduled departure dates please click here INCLUDED SERVICES 13 nights accommodation as indicated All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] Internal flights Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang to Hanoi (listed separately) All transfers and transportation per the itinerary Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees per the itinerary Local on site guides in cities Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Vietnam Visa (payable upon arrival) Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -7-

8 ACCOMMODATIONS RIVA SURYA, BANGKOK Situated along the Chao Phraya River, Riva Surya offers an urban getaway in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. The boutique hotel features 68 rooms, delicious dining options, and plenty of leisure activities including a riverside swimming pool and a fitness center. Rooms feature flat-screen TV, an ipod docking station, a safe, minibar, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a 5 minute walk from Khao San Road, and a 10 minute walk from the Bangkok National Museum. TAMARIND VILLAGE, CHIANG MAI Tamarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property nestled in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from the magnificent 200 year old tamarind tree that shades the hotel. Set around a series of garden courtyards, the 42 guest rooms and 3 suites reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand by using fabrics and patterns drawn from various tribes of the region. The hotel features a spa and restaurant as well as free wifi and a safe in every room. THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI Nestled on the banks of the Mai Kok River, the Legend Chiang Rai blends authentic Lanna atmosphere with northern Thai architecture and local artwork. The 78 studio rooms and villas are adorned with teakwood furnishings, outdoor natural stone showers, and spacious open-air seating. There is an infinity pool and spa. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant Suan Chainum, which is located directly on the river. PAK BENG LODGE Sitting on the banks of the Mekong, the Pakbeng Lodge is midway between the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang, and Huay Xai. It offers a peaceful base from which to stretch your legs and explore the city of Pakbeng while sailing the Mekong. Every room overlooks the Mekong below and offers panoramic views of the countryside. The lodge has a restaurant and A/C. -8-

9 LE SEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL, LUANG PRABANG This stylish boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Luang Prabang within walking distance of Mount Phousi and the markets. Rooms are well-appointed with flat-screen TVs and free wifi and all face the inviting central swimming pool. Extra touches include a well-equipped gym and free use of bicycles. MAISON D ORIENT, HANOI Tucked into a tiny cul-de-sac off another tiny alley just south of Hanoi's Old Quarter, this gorgeous architectdesigned hotel is filled with handcrafted furniture, and beautiful propaganda-style prints. The rooms have bamboo furniture, inviting corners with French colonial armchairs, free wifi, and safes. As soon as you walk out the door, you're surrounded by some of Hanoi's best restaurants. ORIENT EXPRESS TRAIN The Orient Express is an experience in itself; offering all the comforts of a hotel while spectacular vistas glide past your window. It s a great option for those who seek to reach the striking highlands of Sapa without sacrificing comfort. All the carriages are stylishly designed and decorated with comfortable, wood accented furniture, modern facilities and lighting systems. Air-conditioning and TVs are provided in each cabin. Relax and simply let the beautiful scenery glide past the spacious windows. Luxury, inspiration and refreshment characterize these carriages. NAM CANG RIVERSIDE LODGE Located deep in the remote Sapa Valley with a beautiful river running in front of the lodge and green forest just behind, you can t find a better location for staying overnight in a traditional village nestled in the heart of the Vietnamese mountains. The lodge was built by the Red Dao community in 2013 and is currently managed by a Red Dao family. There are 9 rooms in this stylish wooden home. Don t expect any wifi but rather look forward to relaxed seclusion, stunning scenery, and hospitable hosts and community members. -9-

10 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -10-