UPPER MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Transcription

1 Open to alumni UBC and friends UPPER MEKONG RIVER CRUISE PLUS NORTHERN THAILAND FEBRUARY 15 MARCH 1, 2019 The mighty Mekong runs the length of Laos, its course shaping the country s history and culture. In a place where life is lived to the rhythms of Mother River, the Mekong is a valuable spiritual and material resource: a holy waterway lined with temples. A source of water for rice paddies and coffee plantations. A provider of food, in the form of endless varieties of fish. An indispensable thoroughfare for trading goods and transporting people. As Laos develops, an increasingly important yet deeply controversial source of hydroelectric power. Our ten-night, exclusively chartered Upper Mekong River cruise is the perfect way to discover the cultural and ecological richness of life along this fabled river. Our journey combines visits to major cultural and religious sites and traditional villages with ample sailing time to enjoy the panorama of the brilliant green landscape. We are on board the newly built (2016) R/V Champa Pandaw; enjoy all the comforts of handcrafted luxury, superb cuisine, and the intimacy of vessel with just 28 passengers. Our adventure starts in the capital, Vientiane, where traditional Buddhist stupas sit alongside beaux-arts villas, a legacy of decades of French rule over Indochina. Friendly Vientiane offers excellent markets and plenty of cafés serving strong Lao coffee and baguette with local pâté. We then leave urban life behind to immerse ourselves in the northern Lao backcountry, where the lush jungle occasionally gives way to small market villages, elephant camps, and natural treasures such as the Khaung Si waterfall. We ll also make a stop in the city of Luang Prabang, a Unesco World Heritage site full of beautifully preserved temples and boasting a dynamic culinary scene. Our river voyage ends at the Golden Triangle, a corner of Southeast Asia that s had an outsize effect on global geopolitics owing to its role in opium production. Our trip continues with four nights in the beautiful mountains of northern Thailand. Traditional and contemporary meet in Chiang Rai, where we ll visit the workshops of prominent Thai artists and stop at a modern Hindu Buddhist temple/art installation that combines religious and pop culture imagery. In Chiang Mai, historic temples take centre stage. We ll admire the magnificent naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase at Wat Pra That Doi Suthep and have an opportunity to meditate in the peaceful wooded setting of the 12th-century Wat Umong. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY: An optional pre-tour visit to the mystifying Plain of Jars and a post-tour stay in Bangkok round out this exceptional experience.

2 WHY TRAVEL THE UPPER MEKONG WITH US? Watching the diverse tropical scenery of the Mekong unfold Soaking in the multicultural atmosphere of laidback Vientiane Savouring local cuisine on board our lovely brass and teak river cruiser Joining locals in almsgiving to monks in Luang Prabang Marvelling at the hundreds of Buddhas in the Pak Ou caves On-board presentations on Lao culture and history TOUR LEADER Paula Swart is a museum curator and expert on Asian culture and history. Paula has degrees in Sinology, Asian art history, Chinese history, and archaeology and has published several books and numerous articles on the art and architecture of Asian cultures. Paula has been introducing travellers to this part of the world and its relentless charm for more than 20 years.

3 DETAILED ITINERARY Friday, Feb. 15: Meet in Vientiane Arrive in Vientiane where our local representative provides a transfer to our hotel in the heart of the historical capital. The afternoon is at leisure before our briefing and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight: Ansara Boutique Hotel Meals: Dinner Saturday, Feb. 16: Embarkation in Vientiane and a tour of the capital s highlights We embark our exclusively chartered vessel in the late morning. After lunch, set off to explore Vientiane s major national sites, such as the Patuxai Victory Monument and the more than 6,000 Buddha images at Sisaket Temple, with elegant French colonialera villas and Gallic-influenced restaurants. We set sail late afternoon and enjoy a welcome dinner on board. We overnight near Vientiane. Sunday, Feb. 17: Sailing the Mekong and an introduction to Lao culture Today we cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. A morning presentation on the Lao language, one of dozens of languages spoken in the country, gives us a first look at Lao culture. An afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck introduces some of the local flavours we will have the opportunity to taste during the trip. Later we arrive in Ban Xanakham, where we moor overnight. Patuxai Victory Monument Upper Mekong scenery Monday, Feb. 18: Morning river cruise and afternoon exploration of Pak Lai market town As we sail this morning, join our study leaders presentation. We make an afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai, which features many colonial buildings and a bustling local market where you can pick up everything from padaek (Lao fish sauce) to khao nom, a sweet flavoured with coconut. The town also boasts the largest elephant festival in Southeast Asia, usually in February. We return to the ship at Ban Muang, where we overnight. Tuesday, Feb. 19: A morning on the river and afternoon visit to Ban Park Bor tribal village Following a sailing morning relaxing against the backdrop of the lovely Mekong scenery, we make an afternoon visit and walking tour of Ban Park Bor (Kmu tribal) village, a typical village set on the banks of the river amidst lush jungle. The Kmu are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Laos and are primarily an agricultural society, growing rice, corn, sugarcane and other cereal and vegetable crops. Wednesday, Feb. 20: An ambitious power project and Ban Muang Khai village In the morning we pass the newly constructed lock that forms part of the Xanyaburi Hydro-Electric Power Plant, an ambitious and controversial project. The plant is scheduled to begin commercial operation in Our study leader will present on contemporary issues this morning. We continue upstream to the village of Ban Muang Khai.

4 Thursday, Feb. 21: A day of colour with waterfalls, butterflies, and gilded Buddhas Today enjoy some of Laos s most beautiful natural and manmade wonders. In the morning we take a mini-coach to the dramatic Khaung Si waterfall and its series of blue-green pools. We also visit a butterfly garden and an elephant camp. It s then on to the temple city of Luang Prabang. After lunch, we explore by tuk-tuk this unique world heritage site with its many gilded Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Come evening there will be time to pick up some souvenirs in the buzzing night market and enjoy a meal at one of the city s many delightful cafes and high-quality restaurants with French, Lao, Vietnamese, Italian and fusion cuisines, there s something for everyone. Friday, Feb. 22: Almsgiving and a tour of royal Luang Prabang We take an early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for almsgiving. Our tour then takes us to the National Museum, a former royal palace that mixes French and Lao beaux-arts styles. We also make a visit to the morning market. Those feeling adventurous can try the barbecued bamboo rat! The afternoon is free to take in the beauty and atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Back on board, we enjoy traditional Lao dancing on the upper deck in the late afternoon. We moor overnight in Luang Prabang. Saturday Feb. 23: Dramatic Pak Ou Buddhist caves and onward journey to Ban Bo We spend the morning exploring by local boat the unique Pak Ou caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. The caves interiors are crammed full of Buddha images in different poses. Later we sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo. After lunch, enjoy Almsgiving Luang Prabang a cooking demonstration on the upper deck and a presentation by our study leader. Sunday, Feb. 24: In the backcountry touring the Pak Beng market town and traditional Ban Pak Sip We get a taste of north backcountry life on a walking tour of the market town of Pak Beng, which is an important trading post between Thailand and the Lao interior. After lunch, if time permits, we explore Ban Pak Sip, a traditional riverside village full of charm and life. Monday, Feb. 25: Scenic sailing to Chang Khong On our final full day on the river, we enjoy scenic cruising to the border between Laos and Thailand at Huay Say as our study leader concludes the presentation series. We cross into Thailand, where our waiting transport takes us to rejoin the ship at the bustling Thai port town of Chiang Khong. We ll celebrate our Mekong adventure with farewell cocktails and a special dinner. Tuesday, Feb. 26: Disembarkation in Chiang Saen and transfer to Chiang Rai Disembark by 8.30 a.m. in Chiang Saen and explore the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet and the Mekong and Ruak rivers converge. We ll visit the Hall of Opium to learn about the history of opium production in the region and around the world. After the visit, a threehour drive takes us to Chiang Rai. The afternoon is devoted to the vibrant local contemporary arts scene. We ll visit the workshop of master potter Somluk Pantiboon; the Black House, an art museum created by Thailand s national artist, Thawan Duchanee; and the Kuo Silp gallery, which supports local art students. The day ends with a sumptuous dinner and Chiang Rai s famous Clock Tower sound-and-light show. Overnight: The Riverie by Katathani, Chiang Rai Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5 Wednesday, Feb. 27: The famous White Temple and scenic drive to Chiang Mai After breakfast we make the approx. 200-kilometre drive along scenic mountain roads to the city of Chiang Mai. Along the way we ll stop at the White Temple, an unconventional private temple with an all-white exterior that represents the purity of the Buddha. Inside a colourful riot of murals depict samsara, the Buddhist cycle of birth and death caused by karma, by showing modern-day concerns (nuclear war, environmental degradation) mixed with pop culture images of Harry Potter, Superman, and more. Once in Chiang Mai, there s time to relax before setting out on foot and cycle rickshaw to explore this fascinating city of temples. Among those we ll see is Wat Chedi Luang, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined. Enjoy a free evening or attend an optional Thai kickboxing match. Overnight: Tamarind Village Resort, Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Thursday, Feb. 28: A tale of two temples...peaceful Wat Umong and golden Wat Doi Suthep The capital of the Lanna kingdom for nearly five centuries, Chiang Mai is full of cultural landmarks. This morning we ll visit two of the most significant. Wat Umong, the Tunnel Temple, is set in a peaceful wood. Its network of tunnels, dotted with shrines, offered monks in the busy city a quiet place to meditate. High in the hills above Chiang Mai, Wat Pra That Doi Suthep is believed to enshrine a shoulder blade of the historical Buddha inside a five-tier gold umbrella. Devotees reach the site with a final climb up a magnificent naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. On a clear day, there are panoramic views over the city. This evening, bring your journey to a festive close with a farewell dinner and traditional northern Thai performance. Overnight: Tamarind Village Resort, Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Friday, March 1: Depart Chiang Mai After breakfast we have time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your homeward-bound flight. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this tour brochure are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events. Khao Soi Pad Thai Deep fried soft shell crab

6 OUR RIVER CRUISER We have exclusively chartered the 28-passenger RV Champa Pandaw. One of the famed Pandaw fleet, the 44.5-metre ship built in 2015 is handcrafted in brass and teak. The K-class ships have ultrashallow drafts designed to reach remote areas. The 12 main deck and 2 upper deck staterooms are each a spacious 14 square metres (150 sq. ft.) in area. Cabins do not have minibars, telephones, or internet. They do however have panoramic French sliding doors, premium mattresses, plenty of electrical outlets, and A/C with individual controls. There is ample outdoor deck space and a flexible bistro space offering indoor and outdoor dining. The ship has mountain bikes on board for your independent exploration. A local master chef heads an experienced international culinary team; daily lean and light menu options are available as are delicious European-style options. A note on river conditions while on board the Champa Pandaw: The river you will sail on is subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level, in some places as much as 30 metres. Water levels can change dramatically overnight and a sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably and even prevent the ship from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall can result in the ship being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Groundings on sandbars are not infrequent and are part of the excitement of any Pandaw expedition. Published itineraries are indicational only and subject to change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided, and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed, we make up for it with another stop. Passengers are thus forewarned and expected to be flexible and patient. River cruising in Asia can be a dramatic and adventurous experience not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also that we operate in areas with little or no developed infrastructure and subject to the strictures of local officialdom. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

7 OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION VIENTIANE & THE PLAIN OF JARS FEBRUARY 12 15, 2019 Tuesday, Feb. 12: Arrive in Vientiane Arrive in Vientiane, where you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and explore. Overnight: Ansara Boutique Hotel, Vientiane Meals: Dinner Wednesday, Feb. 13: Travel to Plain of Jars Today begins with a tour of the highlights of the capital, including the national symbol Phra That Luang stupa, built in We make a short excursion out of town to one of Laos s more unusual attractions Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Which of the many Buddhas and Hindu gods will be your favourite? After lunch, transfer to the airport for our flight to Xieng Khuang / Plain of Jars. The purpose of this megalithic archeological site remains a mystery. Created by Austro-Asiatic hunter-gatherers, the giant jars may have been mortuary vessels. After checking in at the hotel, we ll make a sunset visit to the Plain of Jars Site 1 for an unforgettable photo opportunity. Enjoyw a Lao-style dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Vansana Hotel, Plain of Jars Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Thursday, Feb. 14: Mysterious megaliths, a city destroyed Our exploration of the captivating Plain of Jars starts with a drive to site 1, the largest and best preserved of all three Jars sites. It is possible to walk the six kilometres from site 2 to site 3, taking in excellent views of the countryside. The last site, possibly the most beautiful, is set atop a small rise surrounded by scenic yet bomb-scarred rice paddies. After lunch we contemplate the ruins of Muang Khun, the original capital of Xieng Khuang, which was destroyed by decades of conflict that concluded in a civil war between the leftist Lao national movement and the U.S.- and French-backed regime in Vientiane. We then take a short walk to a Tai Dam village. The Tai Dam people are well accustomed to Lao life but keep their distinctive cultural customs such as woven headdresses. Our final stop is a visit to Ban Na Pia (War Spoon village). We return to Xieng Khuang in late afternoon and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Vansana Hotel, Plain of Jars Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Friday, Feb. 15: A hands-on experience of Lao textiles; understanding the legacy of a civil war After breakfast, we take a stroll through the colourful morning market displaying local produce. We then get a hands-on experience of a Lao tradition visiting silk weavers to learn the intricacies of Lao weaving and the preparation of natural dyes. Those interested in history will want to pay a visit to the MAG visitors centre, where the displays give an excellent introduction to the war-torn history of this region and illustrate the unprecedented volume of munitions (2.5 million tons) dropped by U.S. forces during the civil war. Our excursion ends with a bit of free time before our brief return to the hotel and airport transfer for the flight to Vientiane. Back in the capital, we meet the full group for our briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight: Ansara Boutique Hotel, Vientiane Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Extension Cost (per person): US$695 (based on a minimum of 2 participants) Single supplement: US$250 Includes: Accommodation based on double occupancy for three nights at hotels as listed or similar, roundtrip flights Vientiane/Xieng Khuang/Vientiane in economy class, meals as specified, services of an English-speaking local guide for all sightseeing and transfers, tours including entry fees, private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that this is an independent extension; you will be accompanied by our local Lao guide. Not included: Gratuities, meals other than those mentioned, beverages with meals, items of a personal nature.

8 OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE EXTENSION BANGKOK MARCH 1 4, 2019 Friday, March 1: Fly to Bangkok Transfer to the airport for the short flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Airport where you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel. This afternoon visit the Grand Palace, an architectural wonder of golden stupas and walls and pillars encrusted with colourful mosaics. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Continue to Wat Po to see the massive reclining Buddha. This evening your guide takes you on an eye-opening night tour of Bangkok s famed sights by tuk-tuk. Along the way, stop for snacks at scrumptious street-side food stalls. Overnight: Riva Surya, Bangkok Meals: Breakfast, Light dinner Saturday, March 2: Excursion to Ayutthaya A capital of the Kingdom of Siam from , now only the ruins of this magnificent city remain. With your guide visit three-spired pagoda at Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch, Wat Mahathat (home to one of Thailand s most photographed relics a lone Buddha head emerging from the roots of a tree), the striking monastery of Wat Chai Watanaram, and Wat Ratchaburana with architecture influenced by the Khmer period. Admire the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace of King Rama V consisting of buildings in a quaint mixture of European, Thai, and Chinese architecture. This is a full day excursion with return to Bangkok in the late afternoon. Overnight: Riva Surya, Bangkok Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Sunday, March 3: Bangkok Markets are endlessly photogenic; this morning visit two of the city s most interesting. The Samut Songkhram Market is a busy country market along the railroad tracks see how local vendors swiftly work their full stalls and umbrellas when the trains come and go. At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, see the bustle of merchants paddling along congested canals selling foodstuffs to shoppers on the canal banks. On the way back to central Bangkok, visit Wat Bang Kung with its rows of Muay Tahi statues and large Buddha statue. The afternoon is at leisure in Bangkok Overnight: Riva Surya, Bangkok Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Extension Cost (per person): US$1195 (based on double occupancy and minimum of 2 participants) Single supplement: US$350 Includes: Flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, accommodation based on double occupancy for three nights at hotel as listed or similar, meals as specified, services of an English-speaking local guide for all sightseeing and transfers, tours including entry fees, private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that this is an independent extension; you will be accompanied by our local Thai guide. Not included: Gratuities, meals other than those mentioned, beverages with meals, items of a personal nature. Monday, March 4: Depart Bangkok The morning is at leisure prior to your transfer to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport for your flight to your onward destination. Meals: Breakfast

9 Buddhas inside the Pak Ou caves TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): US$5995, based on main deck cabin Taxes and Gratuities: US$350 Supplement for Upper Deck Cabin: US$850 per person Supplement for guaranteed single occupancy: 50% We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply. This will be collected at 90 days prior to departure. Group Size: Minimum of 20 Maximum of 26 participants What s Included: Accommodation for 4 nights based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar Accommodation for 10 nights based on double occupancy on board the RV Champa Pandaw Meals as indicated in the itinerary All meals while on board the RV Champa Pandaw Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices while on board Kimonos and slippers in your cabin on board Cultural performances and cooking classes on board Series of on-board presentations by our study leader and local guides Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides All activities and entrance fees Airport transfers for participants arriving and departing per the group itinerary Gratuities as indicated above Taxes as indicated above Fully escorted by your Worldwide Quest tour leader Not Included: Airfare from your home to join the tour Meals other than those indicated Visa fees (if required) Fuel surcharges, if applicable Travel insurance Excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of US$1000 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second deposit of US$2000 is due six months prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact the Worldwide Quest Office. Updated April 13,

10 WHAT TO EXPECT Joining Instructions This tour begins with our briefing and welcome dinner at 6PM on Feb. 15th. Please ensure that you arrive in Vientiane by 3PM to join the group. All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book the designated pre-trip accommodation with Worlwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is included. If you are making your own pre-trip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the hotel to the airport on Mar. 1. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making flight arrangements. Level of Activity: Moderate This tour involves walking over uneven terrain in towns and villages and while visiting outdoor sites. You should be comfortable walking for up to two hours unassisted. Please note that there are no piers for disembarkation for excursions during the cruise and participants will traverse riverbanks which may be steep and slippery with crew assistance. There are also opportunities for cycling during the cruise. Should you have any questions about your ability to take part in this tour, please give us a call. Weather Much of northern Laos has a tropical climate, with dry winters and wet summers. We expect sunny dry days, with some possibility of cloudy skies, and little rainfall. Nights are cool in the north, around 13/15 C (55/59 F) in Luang Prabang and a couple of degrees warmer in Vientiane. Daytime highs are around 27/28 C (81/82 F) but can reach 31 C (88 F). Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return home. You will require a visa for Laos. We will send you detailed instructions for obtaining visas closer to departure. Holders of regular Canadian passports arriving in Thailand for the purposes of tourism may obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival. Before booking, please refer to the Canadian government website to obtain travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting: ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # ). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.