Lost Kingdoms Rediscovered:
Laos and Vietnam

January 12-31 2009
The neighboring Buddhist countries, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, also share a wealth of ancient sites, lush locales abounding with tropical flora and fauna, national parks sheltering endangered species, stunning traditional and French Colonial architecture all packaged with Asian graciousness. In this unique blend of temples, touring, arts and crafts, you will have an experience few travelers have encountered. 

Art and Cultural tour to Laos, Vietnam and Northern Thailand
Vietnam, a fascinating sliver of a nation enjoys a rich and varied history, stunning art and architecture, a justly famed cuisine and a wide-range of high-quality fabrics and crafts. Our trip is designed to expose you to the best of these elements in the comfort of elegantly designed boutique hotels and with a pace that is never harried.
Begin your trip in the bustling city of Hanoi--a hodgepodge of wide tree-lined boulevards, expansive lakes, remodeled French colonial palaces and villas, tranquil Buddhist temples and traditional Chinese-inspired architecture. We will explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi with local architectural experts. Each street in this area is named after the crafts that were practiced there, and to this day, still are. You will visit streets where the artisans both sell and make shoes, silk, lacquer, headstones, tin products, towels, fragrant herbs, lanterns, Buddhist statues and alters, and more. You will see a performance of the famed water puppets, visit all the most important sites and museums, and be informed about what you are seeing by esteemed local scholars. You will also experience the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine in lovely settings.
From Hanoi we travel to tranquil and placid HaLong Bay, and take off for 24 hours on the gorgeous bay of granite outcrops. We travel with one of the best quality boats on the Bay, a wooden vessel modeled on the old Vietnamese court sailing vessels. Your cozy cabin is equipped with private shower, twin beds, fans and air conditioning (which will not be needed). All our meals, usually based on fresh sea food are provided. You will motor around unbelievable land and seascapes, and hop into motor boats to see it up close. You dock for the night in a lagoon completely ringed by sheer  mountains with trees eking out a living on hankerchief-sized ledges. Magical!
  Our next visit is the Imperial City of Hue, half-way down the country. Here we will visit the lavish Forbidden City of the last Emperor, visit the museum where the treasures from his palace are stored, and take a slow boat down the Perfume River to see two imperial tombs from the 19th century--huge complexes with lakes, bridges, temples, sepulchers, theaters and living quarters. During our stay in Hue we will also visit some important Buddhist temples, including the monastery of the famed monk Tich Nach Han.
Our final destination is an easy drive made overland via Danag, to Hoi An in Central Vietnam,designated a World Heritage Site primarily because it somehow managed to preserve its charming old town, reminiscent of 100 years ago. A river trading post only 4 kilometers from the ocean, Hoi An was once a thriving port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. Their influences on the architecture are stunning. Most of the buildings are two-story, with wooden balconies on the second. The interiors are made with dark wood, Chinese inspired furniture, Japanese inspired interior architecture, and Vietnamese floor-plans. The latter usually means a courtyard in the center and rooms opening off, for the maximum indoor-outdoor living.
There is an elegant Japanese bridge spanning a little tributary, but the Buddhist temples are the true hearts of the community and still look as they did when they were built. We will make this charming town our base for five nights, while we enjoy performances, take a cooking class, learn about local arts and crafts, and see all the most important sites in the outlying areas, with plenty of time to wander the old town, exploring the many houses, community centers and temples that are open to the public.
  Laos, the sleepy little sister of Vietnam, is a land-locked country a quarter of the size of its neighbor, but sharing much of its history. Sparsely populated and heavily forested, the northern, mountainous area hosts farming communities of hill tribes, who also maintain homes along the Mekong and Nam Than rivers. The south is flat and more industrial. A poor country who only recently opened to tourism, it has the dubious distinction of being the most heavily bombed country in the world, thanks to the US government policies during the Vietnam war. The capitol city of Vientianne, and the smaller town of Luang Prabang, host numerous beautiful old French colonial mansions and monuments, in the process of being restored. Luang Prabang, arguably the most beautiful town in SE Asia, has such an abundance of architectural treasures the entire town has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. A fitting locale in which to end our journey.
Luang Prabang sits in the mountains in the north, just a short fight from Vientianne. The town is framed by two rivers, and hosts thirty two temples. The number corresponds to the rather large monastic population. Every morning at 6:00 they begin a walk around town from their respective temples, alms bowls swinging open to receive sticky rice, money, and whatever the local women have cooked for them. The completely silent procession of saffron robes and women sitting on the sidewalk giving merit is breathtaking.
During our five-night stay in this unique locale, we will explore the stunning architecture with local experts, visit the old palace and museums, tour the vast array of tranquil temples, visit artists and crafts people, and view performances of traditional dance and music. You will  explore the countryside, enjoying a beautiful short trek  to the gorgeous Kuangsi waterfall, visit local villages, and take an excursion by boat up the Nam Ou river to the Tamting cave, housing thousands of Buddha's brought by devotees.
If shopping is your cup of tea, all our destinations are shoppers paradises, and in SE Asia, your money goes a long way. Hanoi is teeming with artists and galleries--an astonishing number of painters, as well as artisans and crafts people. Our time there will give you an overview of quality and what is available. While visiting HaLong Bay you will have an opportunity to purchase and array of beautiful pearls farmed by the locals. Hoi An is known for its speedy tailors, with uncanny ability to copy photographs of the clothes you want and also produce some pretty amazing silk. There are also some cobblers who hand-make made-to-order shoes in a variety of styles. Hue has a little bit of everything, and is a good place for last minute gifts. Laos produces the most beautiful and reasonably priced textile weaving and needlework in Asia, and is also noted for wonderful silver work: jewelry, statues and platewear.

"Comments from previous trip members:

“You have done an excellent job in finding good hotels, and our meals were generally excellent, and your recommendations very good. I loved having five days in Luang Prabang (Laos). Loved the place. Hotel very good and the food was nice. I  had time to wander around, and the cooking class in Hoi An was exceptional.”
Susan DuCoeur, Carmel CA Laos/Vietnam Arts 2008

“I will remember the people, gentle and gracious. Our group was interesting, fun and congenial too, The scenery, especially Ha Long Bay and Laos was outstanding.”
Elaine Rankin, Carmel Valley CA Laos/Vietnam Arts 2008

“My brain is a jumble of interesting, curious, fun experiences--the  last night dinner in the Laotian family home, walking tours through the Cham ruins with Surya, and recent interesting conversations with Judy. The trip was especially blessed for me by an interesting and compatible group of people. I have learned so much from spending time with them and particularly from getting to know the two of you better.”
Joanna Coppola, Bristol RI.  Laos & Vietnam, Jan. 2006

“ I loved the seminars, especially the historian--he was amazing, and it helped me understand Ho Chi Minh much better. I learned interesting things about myself and I am so glad to have had personal meetings with the people of Laos and Vietnam.”
Connie Pearson, San Jose CA Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Jan. 2006

“ I liked the long stays in cities, the mix of activities with not too much time spent  traveling from place to place.”
Vic Levi, Larkspur CA  Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Jan. 2006

“It was a wonderful experience being in countries where tourism is still so new. I will recommend this travel destination to all our friends.”
Linda Levi, Larkspur CA Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Jan. 2006

“You two are accessible, knowledgeable and you, Judy, Like communicating/ sharing your enthusiasm for what you have discovered. You’ve previewed and prepped the trip well. You are authorities, and its valuable & worth a higher price.”
Royce Fincher, Santa Cruz CA Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Dec. 2005

“ I will remember the people most, beginning with being greeted warmly by you both, lots and lots of activities, the activities of all the people I saw and interacted with, stories I heard from them, their talents and gifts (dancers, guides, lantern makers, blessing givers, service people) the wonderful history professor. Such stimulating sites and sounds.  And especially you both.”
Jan Fincher Santa Cruz CA Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Dec. 2005

“I loved all of our guides: experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.I don't know where they get their energy to talk and walk the talk...friendly and open to questions/ politics, etc...no "holding back'
Norvid Roos Santa Cruz CA, Cultural Tour of Laos & Vietnam Dec. 2005

“ I  felt so very fortunate to have you both with us and leading us through  these beautiful countries.  We have nothing but thanks for your attention to detail, choices of activities and guides, and especially your expert and sensitive presence, there always to make the trip memorable.”
Jan Fincher Santa Cruz CA  Laos & Vietnam Dec. 2005

“What did I like best ? The wide range of wonderful experiences that were planned and organized for us. Visiting an ancient Vietnamese family home whether in the heart of Hanoi or behind the delightful hotel in Hoi An was a special treat. The walk to the lantern workshop was wonderful. So was the brief visit to the village that Quyen took us to. The cooking class and market tour were, without doubt, the true highlight of the various art and cultural experiences. The visit to Simon's studio/home and then to Art Vietnam with him was great. The lecture by the first professor about Vietnamese history was very informative, engaging and entertaining. The entire Ha Long Bay experience was almost indescribable. So serene, so beautiful.”
Jonna Ramey, Slat Lake City UT. Laos/Vietnam Jan., 2007

“We had a great group of people to travel with.  Overall, very well  organized considering all the logistics of the numerous flights and accommodations.  Most memorable to me was the Citadel we   visited in Hue, the crazy wild petticab ride in Hanoi, HaLong Bay,  the cooking class, the lantern festival, the saffron robed monks, the waterfall in Laos.  Loved the Saigon Morin and Apsara hotels.Thought you two did a superb job of  organizing the trip and really appreciated your flexibility when it came to changing the days' itinerary due to causes beyond your control.”
Morgan Peterson,
Vietnam & Laos Jan. ‘07

Itinerary 2009

Sun. Jan. 11: Transit  Arrive at the airport to check in for your midnight flight.

Mon. Jan. 12: (All meals) Depart the USA from New York, LA or San Francisco aboard regularly scheduled Eva Airways. Cross International dateline and lose one day, which is made up on your return. 

Tues. Jan. 13: Arrival at Hanoi (D) Arriving at mid-day at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a ‘Welcome Dinner” at a restaurant in a restored French colonial building. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry, an art form unique to northern Vietnam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Wed. Jan. 14: Hanoi (B)  You’ll have the entire day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. You’ll begin our day with the visit to Ho Chi Minh’s impressive Mausoleum and the creative and adventurous museum next door which documents his life. After lunch  you’ll also explore the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam's 54 distinct ethnic groups. Later in the day we meet with a noted professor and author at his office where he lays the foundation for our understanding of Vietnam, its history and culture.
 
Thur. Jan. 15 : Hanoi (B) The day begins with a visit to the  Hanoi’s  Fine Arts Museum. After lunch we tour the Old Town, visiting some traditional houses and cyclo’s through the old town to the Big Market. You’ll also visit the Temple of Literature, dating to the 11th century, and fine piece of architecture itself. 
 
Fri. Jan. 16: Hanoi/Ha Long (B, L, D)  After an early breakfast, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you’ll board your boat, a wooden junk built from the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure, that will take you first to the busy World Heritage area and then to some of the less well-known grottoes and a spectaular Sung Sot cave. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, climb a hill (not a mountain!) for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood, and you’ll sleep in a twin cabin with an private toilet and shower.
 
Sat. Jan. 17: Ha Long/Hanoi/Hue (B, L)
You’ll spend the morning cruising Ha Long Bay, and venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan. Enjoy lunch just before docking around noon. Back in Hanoi we have free time before going to Hanoi Airport for our 5:45 PM flight to Hue, where we are met by our local guide for central Vietnam, and check into our hotel for the evening.

Sun. Jan. 18: Hue (B)  After breakfast, an all day tour of Hue. First you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, where we will enjoy a performance of dance, music and theatre followed by a visit to the nearby Antiquity Museum. In the afternoon we visit Thien Mu, a tranquil pagoda in the banks of the Perfume River Pagoda, and then visit Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb and one of Hue’s “Garden houses” to meet a professor of History, and member of the past royal family to discuss local concepts of Feng Shue. Our final stop is a visit to the monastery of Vietnams most famous living icon, the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Han.

Mon. Jan. 19: Hue/Hoi An (B)  After breakfast, you’ll be met by our guide and driven to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. The views from the top are excellent, you’ll be able to see Lang Co beach and the lagoon far below, and Danang spread out before you to the south. In Danang we stop for lunch, and also tour the Champa museum there, where statues from My Song are housed. After a stop at a local coffee shop for a taste of “Weasel Coffee,” travel on to Hoi An, a world Heritage site and An ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina. Hoi An was a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings.

The original traditional street pattern still exists, as does the quay that once welcomed ships from all over East Asia and beyond. Many remained there for months at a time, waiting for favorable trade winds to carry them home. You’ll have a guided walking tour of Old Hoi An, including homes, temples, market, neighborhood associations and workshops.

Tues. Jan. 20: Hoi An (B, L)  This morning you will enjoy a half-day gourmet cooking class with an exceptional woman who has created 3 of the most sucessful restaurants in Hoi An. She escorts you through the local market, & culminating in a 5 course lunch. After lunch you have a class in making traditional silk lanterns. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Hoi An dance & music.  

Wed. Jan. 21: Hoi An (B) Early morning visit to the Ancient House for which our hotel is named, and the noodle production kitchen that supplies most of the towns kitchens.  After breakfast,  our day begins with a concert by  the local dance and music company  in Hoi An, followed by a chance to experiment with Hoian's traditional music on the mono chord, two-string and 4-sting instruments, six string zither, drums and flutes. Afternoon  free to shop or continue to explore the ancient pagodas, temples and houses of Hoi An.

Thur. Jan. 22: Hoi An/My Son/Hoi An (B)  Early morning departure to visit the World Heritage My Son Sanctuary, once the  spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom that dominated SE Asia for nearly a thousand years. Its remarkable brick towers were badly bombed, but are still impressive, as is its remote valley setting in a quiet, richly forested area, bisected by a clear stream. On-site performance by Champa ethnic dancers. You’ll be free in the afternoon. In the evening you’ll have ticket for another performance of dance.

Fri. Jan. 23:  Hoi An/Danang/Hanoi/Vientiane (B) After breakfast, transfer to  Danang, where you leave for your noon flight to Hanoi, making connections for  Vientiane, the capitol of Laos. We meet our Laotian local guide, and are transferred to Novotel hotel. Dinner with folk dancing at a local restaurant.

Sat. Jan. 24: Vientianne (B) Begin our day with a guided tour of the National Museum for an overview of Laotian history. Then  we embark on a city tour of Watt Pakeo, the original home of the Emerald Buddha, Anousavari (known as the “Vientianne arc de Triumph”) Wat Sisaket--the house of thousand graceful Buddha images, and the Pra Thatluang stupa, where the the relic of Lord Buddha is kept. Our last stop is the colorful market with a wide array of woven silk textiles. Be sure to bring your cameras. In the evening we visit another restaurant that features dance performance. 

Sun. Jan. 25:  Luang Prabang (B) Check out and proceed to the airport for our flight to  Luang Prabang, Laos, to A beautiful French-Colonial style World Heritage town registered by UNESCO. Check into our hotel in the ancient capital of the Lao Kingdom, beautifully situated between two rivers, and surrounded by forest enshrined hills. Here time appears to have stood still, giving the visitor an vision of the old Asia. After checking into our hotel, a walking tour down the Mekong riverside, by the local market, and finally visiting the Wat Xieng Thong, built by the local king in 1560 and considered the most beautiful in Luang Prabang. Evening meal at one of Luang Prabangs famed restaurants.

Mon. Jan. 26:  Luang Prabang (B) Breakfast followed by a visit the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace. The collection of  sovereign artifacts and treasures reflect the richness of the Lao throne from the early Kings to last sovereign. Afterward we scale the Phousi mountain, climbing 238 steps, and providing an overview of Luang Prabang town.  After lunch we visit a silversmith, then travel a short distance to a ethnic Hunan village of weavers. Evening performance of dance and music at the Royal Palace.

Tues. Jan. 27: Luang Prabang  (B) Morning we start early--a predawn walk in the temple district to participate in the daily ceremony to earn merit by giving rice to  the monks who file down the street with their begging bowls.Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning walking tour of the architectural charms of the  Old Town with our guide to discover why this charming town has been declared a “living museum.” In the afternoon we visit several  important local temples: Wat Visoun, a temple for the Vietnamese migrants, and Wat  Ahman, where giant puppets representing the ancestors of the local people (Grandmother and Grandfather) are stored, and with interesting wall paintings of the Life of the Buddah, and Punishments of Hell.

Wed. Jan. 28: Luang Prabang Morning excursion by boat up the Nam Ou river, one of the most beautiful in Laos. At its juncture at the Mekong river we’ll visit the Tamting holy cave, housing thousands of Buddha's brought by devotees. Following this, we continue on to Ban Shanghai distillation village, where they produce alcohol from sticky rice. Return to Luang Prabang for lunch by the Mekong River. Proceed back to the Palace grounds for another venue of traditional dance.

Thur. Jan. 29:  Luang Prabang  (B,D) Breakfast, followed by an excursion overland to a beautiful short trek  to the stunning Kuangsi waterfall. We have lunch there, then perhaps enjoy swimming in the falls. On return we stop at Ban Sangkong, a village making paper from mulberry trees. Evening meal in the home of a local family, noted for their excellent cooking, and a traditional Baci ceremony to wish you luck and happiness in the coming year.

Fri. Jan. 30:  USA (B) Depart Vientiane for our connecting flight to the USA. It is also possible to add on a 5 day, four night excursion to nieghboring Cambodia to view the splendors of Angkor Wat.

Guide to symbols:
B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
 In all cases every effort will be made to fulfill all items listed on itinerary, although some substitutions may be needed. No one is required to attend each activity, but anyone who leaves the itinerary at any time, for any reason, is on their own.

Cost: $4,300.00 based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room. Single supplement available. Limit 16 participants. Please be aware the prices may fluctuate due to a rise in fuel costs or a change in the rate of exchange.
 
Deposits/ Penalties: A $350.00 refundable deposit reserves trip space. A penalty fee of $75.00 will be charged for all cancellations received in writing. After tickets have been issued airline penalties will occur.  No refunds will be made after departure. Final payments are due 60 days prior  to departure.

Trip leaders: Judy Slattum MFA  (Art & Cultural Tour) has been organizing and leading study tours to Bali, SE Asia,  Italy and Greece for 3 decades. She has written extensively on Balinese culture. Her book, Masks of Bali:Spirits of an Ancient Drama, is the definitive work on this topic, was featured in Time  magazine, and has sold over 17,000 copies and has recently been reprinted by Periplus Editions. Madé Surya BS. (Trekking/Hill Tribes tour) While a graduate student in Economics at Udayana University in Bali, founded the Mountain Climbing Club, now boasting about 200 members. He has been organizing and leading study tours for 19 years and has assisted scholars and film crews in Exploring Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Greece and Italy. He has previously led many active tours, and remains a favorite guide and friend to former clients.
Airline Options:Participants may depart and return at any time. Participants are urged to sign up early and make plans regarding dates, as we are traveling during High Season. You  may wish to opt. for an upgrade to Eva “Evergreen Class.” The cabin is small and quiet, situated in the nose of the plane. The seats have a long pitch and recline with  footrest and private armrests. These seats are limited and should be reserved ASAP. Current price for upgrade (which may change) is  $275.00.  Contact our travel agent, Wendy Simon at Pacific Harbor Travel, Santa Cruz (local calls: 427-5002, or 1-800  435-9463) for further details.

Terms and Conditions: In case of unexpected situations, the tour leader reserves the right to cancel or postpone any event. Festivals and special events will be incorporated into the itinerary as optional excursions. Any one who leaves the tour at any time FOR ANY REASON is on their own. There will be no refunds for missed tour activities and no substitutions.

Accommodations: are based on double occupancy. We stay in  the best 3 and 4 star clean, comfortable locally-owned hotels with private baths, cable T-V, mini fridge, and large buffet breakfasts, some with swimming pools, .

Additional Options: We are also offering a four night visit to Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia as well as  5 night Cultural and  Trekking tour packages in Northern Thailand which can be enjoyed at the beginning or ending of this trip. Contact us for further information.

Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
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