Jan. 31-Feb. 16, 2009

The neighboring Buddhist countries, 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. 

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 --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 quiet seaside town of Quy Nhon, untouched by tourism. A picturesque seaside drive from the Nha Trang airport takes us to Life Resort Quy Nhon, a wellness hideaway poised on both mountainous land and beach. The tranquility, splendid views, cham-inspired architecture and peaceful surroundings are unmatched in Vietnam. The resort boasts an exciting kitchen, a plethora of body treatments in their elegant spa, water sports, and daily optional excursions to area sites, and lovely suites. It is here, in a room designed for Yoga, that we will feast on our intensive Yoga workshops with Desiree.
  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. We will also have daily Yoga classes at our hotel, in a private conference room.
We conclude out stay in Laos in the capitol of Vientianne, and visit several important site and temples.
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:

“ 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.”
JMorgan Peterson,
Vietnam & Laos Jan. ‘07

“What did I like best about the tour? 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

“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. Cultural Tour of 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 and 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

Itinerary 2008

Sat. Jan. 31: Transit  Arrive at the airport to check in for your midnight flight (officially)

Sun. Feb 1: (All meals) aboard regularly scheduled Eva Airways. Cross International dateline and lose one day, which is made up on your return. 

Mon. Feb. 2: Arrival at Hanoi (D) Arriving at late morning at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey  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, followed by  a ‘Welcome Dinner’ at a restaurant in a restored French colonial building.

Tues. Feb. 3: Hanoi (B)  You’ll have the entire day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Youíll 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 in another restored colonial building, you’ll have a guided tour of the Historical museum. 

Wed. Feb. 4: Hanoi (B) The day begins with a visit to Hanoi’s most prestigious art gallery, then 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 11 th century, and fine piece of architecture itself.
You’ll also explore the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam's 54 distinct ethnic groups. 

Thur. Feb. 5: 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 spectacular Sung Sot cave. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and climb a hill  for an overview of the Bayís remarkable seascape. All your meals will be provided on board.

Fri. Feb. 6: Ha Long/Hanoi/Nha Trang/Quy Nhon Quy Nhon (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  to Hanoi Airport for our  flight to Nha Trang, where we are met by our bus for Quy Nhon, and check into our suites at the beautiful Life Resort.

Sat. Feb. 7 & Sun. Feb. 8: Quy Nhon (B) After breakfast, begin our Yoga intensive with Desiree.

Mon. Feb. 9: Quy Nhon/Luang Prabang (B)  After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Nha Trang airport, where you leave for your 9:20 flight to Hanoi, making connections for  Luang Prabang, Laos, applying for entry visa upon arrival. We meet our Laotian local guide, and are transferred 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 walk down the Mekong riverside, by the local market. Evening meal at one of Luang Prabang's famed restaurants.

Tues. Feb. 10: Luang Prabang (B) Breakfast followed by a visit the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace. The collection of former 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, some downtime, with an afternoon Yoga workshop with Desiree.  Evening performance of classical dance and music at the Royal Palace.

Wed. Feb. 11: 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 alms 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 historically elegant town has been declared a ‘living museum’, including a visit to the Wat Xieng Thong, built by the local king in 1560 and considered the most beautiful in temple in Luang Prabang.  Then 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 Buddha, and Punishments of Hell. In the afternoon, another Yoga workshop with Desiree.

Thur. Feb. 12:  Luang Prabang (B) 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. Another Yoga workshop in the afternoon.

Fri. Feb. 13:  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. Final Yoga workshop. 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.

Sat. Feb. 14:  Luang Prabang/Vientianne (B) Depart Luang Prabang for our flight to Vientianne, the capitol city of Laos. Check into our hotel and downtime. Dinner with local folk dance performance.

Sun. Feb. 15: 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.  

Mon. Feb. 16: USA (B) Depart Vientianne for our connecting flight to the USA. It is also possible to add on a 5 day, four night excursion to neighboring Cambodia to view the splendors of Angkor Wat, and including more Yoga classes.

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: $4650.00 based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room in three & four star hotels. Single supplement available.
 
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.

Yoga Instructor:
Desiree Rumbaugh Desiree is a certified Anusara Yoga Teacher.
She has been a student of Yoga since 1987 and has a strong foundation in Iyengar Yoga.  Since 1993, she has been fortunate to study extensively with John Friend  and was among the first teachers to be certified in Anusara Yoga, a uniquely  integrated approach in which the art of inner body awareness powerfully blends with the science of biomechanics.
Desiree’s dynamic teaching style, playful personality and deep understanding of yoga therapeutics bring clarity and ease to the practice.    It is her joy to share her energy and enthusiasm for life through yoga, encouraging students to express themselves
authentically and to the fullest, making the most of out of the lives we are given.

Trip leaders: Judy Slattum MFA 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. 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  $225.00. 
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 . Contact us for further information.

A four Night, Five Day Add-on Package to Cambodia and Angkor Wat This special package was designed for those who travel with Danu Enterprises to SE Asia, and may be enjoyed at the beginning or end of the tour. It includes the best of what we discovered in the three years that we offered Cambodia as part of our larger trip package.
Unfortunately due to the danger of land mines, extensive touring inside Cambodia is not encouraged.
Angkor Wat, surely one the seven wonders of the world is a “must see” for all travelers to Asia.

Cambodia
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia covers an area of 69,900 SQ. miles, and is bordered  by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a population of about 111 million. During the mid to late 20th century the lush rice fields and hamlets of this beautiful and gentle land were ravaged first by B-52 bombers, and later converted into the Killing Fields of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. Now Cambodians are slowly rebuilding their country and the  ancients monuments of Angkor have been declared safe and open to international tourism. Roads are being resurfaced and upgraded, international hotel facilities operating and international airports functioning, inviting the curious traveler to explore the magnificence of Angkor Wat--the largest temple complex in Asia. Now is time to explore this magnificent site--truly one of the wonders of the world., as the numbers of visitors
continue to swell.

Itinerary
Day 1: Transit/Siem Reap  Arrive in Siem Reap Cambodia, where you are met by your guide and driver and transported to your three-star hotel.

Day 2: Siem Reap-Angkor Wat Depart your hotel for a morning exploration of several ancient temples in the Ancient Angkor complex with your local Cambodian guide and experience the beauty of Angkor Wat at sunset. Lunch in town with down time. Late afternoon yoga with Desiree.
Day 3: Siem Reap Angkor Wat. A morning visit to the second largest temple in Cambodia. Back to town for lunch, a city tour and a visit to a school for arts and crafts.  Late afternoon yoga with Desiree.

Day 4: Siem Reap-Angkor Wat Today is your last day to explore this vast complex of ancient Khmerís temple, followed by a last minute shopping before you depart Cambodia. Visit to the countryside, including a village stone carver and shadow puppet maker. Return to the hotel. Late afternoon yoga with Desiree. Evening buffet dinner and performance of Cambodian dance.

Day 5 Transit Return to the USA or stay and spend more time exploring South East Asia.

Price: $890.00 based on two persons sharing a double room.
Single supplement:$85.00.
A  $100. deposit is required to secure booking. Final payment due 45 days prior to departure.

Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
Contact Danu Enterprises today and escape the ordinary!



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