SOUTHEAST ASIA EXPLORER
Craft Capitals & World Heritage Sites
October 20 – 29 • ANGKOR WAT ADD-ON • October 29 –31
A trip with great depth and breadth embracing a number of Southeast Asia's most notable world heritage sites and historic cities and including the heartland of crafts in each of the countries we visit. Burma, Laos and Cambodia all offer distinct contrasts, yet are just one hour flights from one another, making this richly diverse trip a seamless experience. The tradition of friendliness and hospitality in each of the countries we visit is palpable and a significant part of this special experience. Stay in unique luxury hotels chosen for their history, location and ambiance. Rooms double occupancy, private baths.
• Maximum Group Size 8 people • 10 days • Accommodations, Meals (as noted in General Information), Excursions & Private Guides, Ground Transportation: $3365 • (optional international air package from U.S. available, plus intra-Asia flights) • ANGKOR WAT ADD-ON: $745
BURMA • VIETNAM • CAMBODIA
BURMA One of the most exotic countries in Asia, Burma – today called Myanmar – is still largely untouched by tourism and, in many respects, by the 21st century. It is a land of dazzling Buddhist pagodas, colonial buildings of enormous charm and unkempt grandeur, vibrant hill-tribe cultures, and stunning natural beauty. Our trip takes us from Yangon – the colonial era capital whose majestic Shwedagon Pagoda is unforgettable – to breathtaking Inle Lake, studded with villages on stilts, surrounded by floating gardens, floating temples, and an abundance of craftspeople – weavers, silversmiths, papermakers.... Our grand finale will be majestic Bagan where the remains of over 2000 temples cover the stunning Irawaddy plains. Bagan's apex was the 11th century and, in grandeur, is on a par with Angkor Wat – it awed Marco Polo and still awes the visitor today.
VIETNAM In the last 5 years a myriad of publications have featured Vietnam. (“Asia’s New Culinary Star” reads the headline of the Dining section of the NEW YORK TIMES.) Its compelling culture (3 World Heritage Sites are in the country), spectacular scenery, its vast array of crafts and memorable food are just the beginning! Our trip embraces both city and country – from romantic Hanoi to the idyllic town of Hue, the imperial city, built on the banks of the Perfume River and home to generations of the country’s most powerful emperors. The whole gorgeous city is, in fact, a World Heritage Site and rightly so! All this with our very special guide, Nguyen Van Quoc, a long-time friend of Horizons.
CAMBODIA Cambodia and, particularly the extraordinary temples at Angkor Wat, has been reborn. At peace after 3 decades of civil war, this beautiful country and the wonderful Cambodian people are open to the world. Angkor Wat is truly a World Heritage Site – here the remnants of the Khmer Empire stand, a city of spectacular stone temples rising out of a lush green landscape which we'll visit with an eminent private guide. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor and Cambodia's spiritual and cultural heart!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Savor Hanoi – one of the world’s most interesting cities – the first capital of Vietnam in 1010 – its Old Quarter, National Art Museum, Temple of Literature and Water Puppet Show are not to be missed!
- Enjoy a ride in a lovely dragon boat down Hue’s idyllic Perfume River to the Nugyen dynasty retreats, festooned with gardens and stunning architecture – a must for any historical tour of the country and another UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Experience a breath-taking sunrise balloon ride over the golden temples of Bagan – unforgettable!
- Burmese lacquer-work is considered the most technically demanding in all of Asia. Private talk & demonstration with an eminent lacquer artist
- Experience Angkor Wat at sunset with one of Cambodia's most distinguished guides.
WANT A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY? Please e-mail us! or call 413-367-9200