SOUTHEAST ASIA
SOUTHEAST ASIA EXPLORER
Craft Capitals & World Heritage
February 8 - 20, 2009
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. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are just one hour flights from one another, making this 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. Our stay is enhanced by wonderful hotels – luxurious by international standards, but each chosen for a combination of factors in addition to creature comforts – history, cultural awareness, integration of the arts of a country into the hotel’s architecture and decorative ambiance. A unique cultural and adventurous travel experience! Rooms double occupancy, private baths • 13 day
Register by May 15 • Save $100! • Accommodations, Meals (as noted in GENERAL INFORMATION), Excursions & Private Guides, Ground Transportation: $3395 • (optional international air package from U.S. available, plus intra-Asia flights
VIETNAM, LAOS, & ANGKOR WAT
VIETNAM In the past 3 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, delectable cuisine and, most of all, the gracious friendliness of the Vietnamese people make this trip most memorable. Our trip embraces both city and country – from romantic Hanoi to the idyllic town of Hoi An perched on the South China Sea and a World Heritage site, to the gorgeous city of Hue studded with gardens and monumental historic architecture which has been lovingly restored by the UN. Our grand finale is an amazing overnight train trip to the spectacular Northern Highlands and the city of Sapa – rightly called the crafts capital of Vietnam, high in the mountains near the border of China!
LAOS The serene and exquisite town of Luang Prabang can only be described in superlatives. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, amidst picture-book mountains and studded with remarkable Buddhist temples. Our Laos stay focuses on this gem — one of the few Southeast Asian cities that has yet to succumb to commercialism, with great care taken to preserve its historic and ecological treasures. Monks in colorful robes stroll the streets and the Hmong night market stretches along the main thoroughfare — a marvelous low-key craft extravaganza.
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
- Visit gorgeous Hue, Vietnam, with an Imperial City inspired by China’s and a fantastic open air market
- Enjoy a half-day cooking class in Vietnam – a culinary AND cultural experience!
- Introduction to one of Laos’ most prominent textile designers whose silks are internationally famous
- Take a lovely Mekong morning boat trip to an off-the-beaten track pottery village near Luang Prabang!
- Experience Cambodia’s stunning Angkor Wat accompanied by one of the country’s most distinguished guides.
- Enjoy a private tour or Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and the oldest university in Vietnam.
- Unique trip to Sapa in the Vietnamese Highlands, with its breath-taking scenery and crafts, only now beginning to be known to tourists – accompanied by our very special guide, Nguyen Van Quoc, a long-time friend of Horizons
WANT A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY? Please e-mail us! or call 413-367-9200