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Journeys Within Mekong Experience

November 2010

Thursday, October 28: Arrival Bangkok

Today is the very latest you should arrive in Bangkok! We highly recommend you plan to fly in earlier in case of flight delays and to allow time to reset your biological clock before we set off.

Whenever you fly in, you will be met by a Journeys Within representative and taken to your hotel. If you have been staying elsewhere we will arrange for you to get to the Silom Serene today.

If you do get in today and arrive late, head for bed; otherwise you might like to relax by the pool, catch up on your sleep and recover from jetlag, or head into Bangkok.
The group will join together for dinner on the river.

Meals Included: Dinner

Overnight at the Silom Serene

Friday, October 29: Bangkok to Jinghong, China

Join Brandon for breakfast before heading off to the airport. Our flight from Bangkok Airport departs at 10:05 arriving Jinghong (via Kunming) at 18:45. On arrival we will be met by our Chinese guide and taken to the hotel. Relax before we meet for dinner at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Overnight at the King Land Hotel.

Saturday, October 30: Around Jinghong

We will start the day at a leisurely pace. In the morning we will explore Jinghong and after lunch in town we will take a short bike ride thru town and on to the Tropical Flower and Plant Garden where we will spend the afternoon. Here we can walk thru the plants that make up the local tropical forests and enjoy the peace and tranquility of these beautiful gardens.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at the King Land Hotel.

Sunday, October  31: Sunday Market

We set off with our guide to visit the Sunday Market in Menghun. Well known because it is a blaze of color due to the amazing variety of head gear, leggings and locally woven materials worn by the visiting ethnic minorities. This market is a wonderful introduction to the local cultures.

We will continue on to visit a pagoda set high above the town giving a commanding view of the area before stopping for lunch. Relax back at the hotel before joining us for dinner at a local traditional hot pot restaurant.

Overnight at the King Land Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Monday, November 1: The Valley of Elephants

This morning we will set out to the Valley of Elephants, 47 kilometers from Jinghong. This tropical rainforest area is a reserve for the protection of wild species including the endangered Asian Elephant. Whilst we may not be lucky enough to spot any of these shy creatures in their natural state, it is a fun experience to slide above the forest we know they inhabit in a cable car over 2000 meters long and to search the forest below for a glimpse of them or some of the other species known to live here - wild oxen, green peacocks and monkeys, plus many exotic birds. There is also an elephant training school, a butterfly breeding centre, and a giant aviary.

Overnight at King Land Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday, November 2: Jinghong to Chiang Rai, Thailand

After an early start we board a local passenger boat and head down the Mekong thru the spectacular gorges with mountain-sides covered in bamboo forests. The river is stunning in the early part of the trip and later winds along the border with Myanmar and, at first, China and then Laos. We will pass Chinese Cargo boats, and rocky out-crops as large as cargo boats, navigate minor rapids and wind and twist to avoid sand banks and shallows.

After lunch on board we will reach the famed Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos come together and arrive at Chiangsaen, Thailand late-afternoon. We transfer to our hotel, the Riverside Resort, just outside Chiangrai where we recommend you have dinner while watching the balloon lighting ceremony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at the Riverside Resort

Wednesday, November 3: Myanmar

Our guide will come with us to Mae Sai where we will walk over the Friendship Bridge to Myanmar. Here we can explore the bustling markets of Ta Chi Lek, find riverside stalls where we can rest, eat, and drink, and observe the trade in jade, rubies, sandalwood, handicrafts, and herbal cosmetics. We will visit the Shan quarter and make a blessing at the Schwedagon replica temple, crossing back into Thailand for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we will visit the award-winning Hall of Opium museum; a fascinating journey through the history and influence of the opium trade. Both educative and emotive, this multi-media museum explores the facts and the myths of the crop, which for decades made the Golden Triangle so infamous.

Take a tuk-tuk into town where there are many restaurants to choose from and a fun night market to wander or relax and experience a Thai massage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at the Riverside Resort

Thursday, November 4: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng, Laos

Pack your day pack for a one night stay so we can leave the big bags onboard tonight; include your reading material for the boat ride. We will be picked up from our hotel and taken to the Mekong where we will check out of Thailand before crossing by boat to the Laos Immigration point at Houeisay. After checking in we will take a short tuk-tuk ride to board our boat the beautiful Luangsay.

Fitted out for comfort this 34 meter boat will provide a little luxury for this stretch of our river travels and enable us to relax and watch the countryside slide past, read a book or get to know our fellow travelers a little better. We may see elephants at work on the river banks and will stop and visit a local village before lunch is served on board. Late afternoon we will arrive at the delightful Luangsay Lodge. Dine on the beautiful terraced dining room over looking the Mekong.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at Luangsay Lodge

Friday, November 5:  Pakbeng to Luang Prabang

After breakfast we will stroll thru nearby Pakbeng Village before joining the Luangsay again to continue downstream. We will stop at a Hmong village before lunch and the famous Pac-Ou Caves – the caves of 1000 Buddhas – and a local village where traditional rice alcohol has been brewed for centuries, before arriving at Luang Prabang. Our boat will pull into the ancient Royal steps where we will be met and taken to our hotel.

From the hotel a quick ferry ride across the river will land you in downtown Luang Prabang which is a delight to walk around. Choose your dinner spot from the many restaurants and visit the evening market. Enjoy a performance of the Laos Royal Ballet at the spectacular Royal Palace Museum if there is one scheduled.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at the Apsara Rive Droite Hotel

Saturday, November 6: Luang Prabang City Tour

Wake up at sunrise to give monks morning alms. We’ll be accompanied by our guide who can demonstrate the proper method of alms giving and explain this daily Buddhist ceremony.  Return to our hotel for breakfast after which our guide will take us on a city tour including the National Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visun. 

We will then leave the city and our guide will take us on a scenic drive to visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way we’ll stop at a Khmu village for a glimpse of local life. Once at the falls, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the beautiful scenery and then wind down with a relaxing afternoon dip in the serene pools.

In the evening we’ll experience a traditional Baci ceremony followed by traditional dancing and a dinner of authentic Laos food with a local family.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at The Apsara Rive Droite Hotel

Sunday, November 7: Elephants and Kayaking

We will be picked up at our hotel and taken to Ban Noun Elephant Camp, which is on the lush bank of the Nam Khan about 15 km out of town. After crossing the river we will be introduced to the protected Asian elephants and take an hour scenic ride on one. Enjoy the view as we make our way through the tropical forest along the river.

Return to the camp for lunch at the Elephant View Restaurant after which we will take a 15 minute boat ride to the Tad Sae Waterfall for an hour swim in the pristine waters. Back at the Elephant Village, we’ll grab a kayak and paddle for a few hours on the Nam Khan River enjoying watching local life unfold as we go by.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at The Apsara Rive Droite Hotel

Monday, November 8: Luang Prabang to Vientiane

This morning is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Relax with a cup of coffee at a sidewalk café, take a walk along the banks of the Mekong, browse the local shops – the morning is yours.

After lunch those who would like to  will visit a Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC) school to help one of the teachers with their English class. JWOC offers a wide variety of free classes to students who have the desire to learn, but lack the financial means to attend private lessons. Our English program for children and adults welcomes the participation of native English speaking volunteers who play an extremely useful role assisting the teachers with speaking activities, providing a model for students who often have limited opportunity to hear and speak English in their everyday lives. No experience is necessary – your ability to speak English is the only qualification you need to help.

We will arrive at least 10 minutes before the class starts to meet the teacher and find out what we will be doing. This will ensure that we help the class rather than disrupt it!
We will transfer to Luang Prabang airport from our hotel in time for our flight - Laos Airlines QV104 departing at 17:50 & arriving Vientiane 18:30 where we will be met at the airport and taken to our hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel 

Tuesday, November 9: Vientiane - City tour

Today our guide will take us on a city tour including Hor Prakeo, Wat Sisaket, That Luange, and Pra Tou Chai. You may choose to be dropped off for lunch in the center of town or to return to the hotel for the afternoon. In the evening you will be picked up for a traditional dinner including a music and dance performance.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel

Wednesday, November 10: Vientiane to Sala Hine Boune  

Taking picnic lunches and our small packs, packed for two nights, we will leave in our van for a drive thru the countryside to a tributary of the Mekong. There we will catch a long tail boat upstream to Sala Hine Boune Eco Lodge.

Along the way we will pass buffalo cooling in the waters of the river, dodge fish traps and sand banks, and pass below many local villages. The lodge is set on the bank of the river and in the afternoon you can swim in the river or just relax on the balcony of your room and watch the sun set.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at Sala Hine Boune Eco Lodge

Thursday, November 11: Kong Lo Cave

Take a snack with you in your day pack as we leave early this morning to continue up river for an hour or so before reaching a village beyond which we need to be in local boats. We transfer across and our new boatmen will take us up to Kong Lo Cave where we have to clamber over rocks to get around the rapids at the entrance to the cave. Our boatmen work the boats thru to calmer water where we enter the 4 km long cave, stopping to see formations midway.

The rocks here are wet and slippery so it is only for the sure footed and don’t forget your flashlight!  At times we may have to clamber out to help the boatman get our boat over shallow sandbars in between which the driver expertly propels us, our way lit only by flashlight, thru this amazing limestone tunnel at times 100 meters wide and nearly as high.

Once more in daylight on the far side we will stop for a drink and a light breakfast on the bank of the river. The villages in this area are dependent on this route through the mountain, or a footpath over the mountain for all their communication with the outside world! Returning through the cave once more we return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at Sala Hine Boune Eco Lodge

Friday, November 12: Sala Hine Boune to Pakse

Leaving early we head off in our boats once more to meet our van and luggage down stream and continue on past Pakse, bypassing the section of the Mekong that can not be navigated. At the end of our drive we take a short boat ride once more on the Mekong to our hotel situated on a large river island.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at La Folie

Saturday, November 13: Pakse to Khong Island

After breakfast we leave Don Deng and cross the Mekong to Champasak where we take a short taxi ride to Wat Phou, an impressive pre-Angkorian Khmer temple ruin. This site represents the easternmost border of the ancient Khmer empire, and the temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. It is situated on a hillside offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains. Before heading downstream we will have lunch at a local restaurant after which we will board our boat for a leisurely 5 hour journey down the Mekong River to Khong Island. Walk a short distance to our hotel
Choose your dinner spot from the many local style restaurants along the river front.

Overnight at Senseothxeune Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Sunday, November 14: Sala Don Khone Island

Setting off from the hotel early, ready for a morning on the river, we take a longtail boat through the 4000 islands for about an hour until we reach the island of Don Det where we will meet up with our river guide. After a safety briefing on the shore of the island we will paddle down to the Old Bridge on Don Khone where we’ll get off the water and travel by land to the southern point of the island to see the Lipphi Falls.

Back in the kayaks again we move on downstream towards the Cambodian border where we visit the Dolphin Pool in Preah Rumkel. From Veun Kham we travel by bus to  see Khon Pha Peng, “the Niagra of the East” before returning to Don Khong in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Arena Hotel

Monday, November 15: Khong Island to Kratie, Cambodia

This morning we leave for the border. After checking out of Laos we cross the river to check into Cambodia before boarding a boat with our new Cambodian guide. Down river we stop at Stung Treng for lunch. Back on board we continue down stream to Kratie possibly seeing the dolphins if we missed them the day before.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at the Santepheap Hotel.

Tuesday, November 16: Kratie to Phnom Penh

Today we continue in our boat to Phnom Penh and check into the comfortable Cambodiana Hotel. There are many good restaurants to choose from in Phnom Penh.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at the Cambodiana Hotel.

Wednesday, November 17: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

After breakfast we will catch an early ferry to Siem Reap. In the five hour journey we’ll pass floating villages, flooded forests and interesting bird and shore life. On arrival we will be met by a member of Journeys Within and taken to Journeys Within B&B for a late lunch.

After checking into our hotel we’ll head downtown and visit Artisans d’Angkor, a local craft village and store before being dropped off  so we can shop at the local market and explore the small shops and restaurants finding our own way home by tuk-tuk. Enjoy dinner in town or at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at Pavillon D'Orient Boutique Hotel

Thursday, November 18: Angkor Wat

For anyone prepared to wake up early our guide will escort you to Angkor Wat to watch the sun rise over this amazing building before enjoying a traditional breakfast of noodle soup like the locals do at local stall. We will then all head out to Angkor Wat in an air conditioned van with our guides to explore this majestic temple throughout the morning while it is still cool and has fewer tourists.

We will head to Journeys Within B&B for lunch. Over lunch we will be joined by Andy or Camilla, JWOC’s Managing Directors, who will then take us to see our current well project village, and explain what JWOC is achieving in the poorest of the poor communities around our Community Center and how they will be using the donation from our tour.

Later in the afternoon we head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city to see the many fascinating temples within its borders, including Bayon temple with its spectacular faces. There are several beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset. Discuss with our guide where you would like to be and then relax and enjoy a memorable end to your day at the temples.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Pavillon D'Orient Boutique Hotel

Friday, November 19: Banteay Srei & Other Temples

After breakfast travel in an air conditioned van with our guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple just 30 km beyond Angkor Wat. On our way back we will stop at the Land Mine Museum, a rather humble look at the land mine problem, past and present, in Cambodia. Lunch downtown or back at the hotel as you choose meeting our guide later in the afternoon to go back to the temples where we will visit Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex.

In the evening Journeys Within will be hosting dinner around the pool with traditional dancing and music.

Overnight at Pavillion d’Orient
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

Saturday, November 20: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh 

We will set off early to catch flight to Phnom Penh - Vietnam Airlines VN9850 departing at 10:10 & arriving at 11:00 where we will be met by an air conditioned van and our guide. We’ll head straight out to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where our guide will explain the history of the Khmer Rouge and walk us through the different museum displays. We will then head out to the Killing Fields, where a memorial stupa and shallow pits remind visitors of the thousands killed under the Pol Pot Regime.

Returning to town we will find it unusually busy as this is the weekend of the Water Festival – a time to celebrate, get together with friends and family while cheering on the river races. Be patient whilst we check into our hotel and freshen up before heading out to join the festivities and find dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Cambodiana Hotel.

Sunday, November 21: Phnom Penh to Chau Doc, Vietnam

In the morning our guide will meet us at our hotel and take us on a tour of the Royal Palace, still the residence of the king. See the amazing royal collection and the beautiful architecture before heading to the National Museum where pre-Angkorean pieces, as well as special pieces from the temples are housed. Take a tour of the museum with a trained museum guide.

Enjoy lunch at Friends, a restaurant benefiting at-risk street children. After lunch our boat will collect us from the hotel and we head down river to the beautiful Victoria Hotel at Chau Doc checking out of Cambodia and into Vietnam along the way. Take a walk along the park like waterfront (out the front door and turn right) and see local people enjoying the river front. Our guide will take us to a local restaurant for dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Victoria Chou Doc

Monday, November 22: Chau Doc to Cantho

We continue on down the river, no longer sleepy but buzzing with commercial vehicles, fishing boats and cargo boats, big and small. Arriving at Cantho we will stay at another beautiful Victoria Hotel. Catch the ferry over to Cantho for lunch and for a walk downtown or enjoy lunch and the afternoon relaxing by the pool. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Victoria Hotel, Cantho
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Tuesday, November 23: To the China Sea!

Today is a long day, but we must make it to the sea and the end of the Mekong! We will set off early after breakfast to visit the floating market. Over the day we will make our way down thru the Mekong Delta to toast our arrival at the South China Sea, before heading back up river to Saigon where we will be met at Bach Dang Wharf and taken to the Majestic. Relax before going to dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight at the Majestic Saigon Hotel

Wednesday, November 24: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Our guides are the experts so we leave you in their hands to decide what you want to see and do today. There are some great markets if you are in the mood to shop or you can visit some of the museums like the History Museum, or some pagodas, like Thien Hau Pagoda and Jade Emperor Pagoda. A more somber attraction is the War Remnants Museum, a very powerful look at the Vietnam War. Chat with your guide and decide what suits you! Have dinner as we cruise the Saigon River.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Majestic Saigon Hotel

Thursday, November 25: Cu Chi Tunnels

We will take a full day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.  On the way to the tunnels we’ll visit Tay Ninh Cao Dai Great Temple, a unique religion worshiping Jesus, Confucius and Buddha! Enjoy lunch at Ngoc Tuyet restaurant in Tay Ninh.

Arrive and descend into the Cu Chi tunnels where the guerilla fighters constructed an amazing underground base and meet a veteran of the Vietnamese/American war who will give us a private tour of the tunnels and recount his experiences as a tunnel rat.

Finally, to end our trip, we will be taken to the private home of Mr. Nam where we will have dinner with him and his family.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Majestic Saigon Hotel

Friday, November 26: HCMC to Bangkok, Thailand

Our guide will take us to the airport to catch our flight - Vietnam Airlines VN851 departing at 11:30 & arriving Bangkok at 13:00 in time to catch your onward flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

If you would like to extend your stay in Vietnam, or to go on to enjoy a few days of relaxation perhaps on the beaches of Phuket, please let us know and we will be happy to help you plan your extra days. We definitely advise you to get to Thailand before the tour starts and will be happy to help you arrange any extra days you have if you would like us to do so.

Tour Includes:

• Western tour leaders from Journeys Within Tour Company
• Accommodation every night as described
• Meals: All breakfasts, lunches and dinner when shown in the itinerary
• Flights: Bangkok to Jinghong; Luang Prabang to Vienienne; Siem Reap to Phnom Penh; Saigon to Bangkok
• English speaking local guides
• Road transport in air conditioned vans
• River transport in a variety of boats
• Tips for local guides and drivers
• Entry fees to attractions in the itinerary

Not Included:

• Visas
• Airport taxes, entry and exit fees
• Alcohol
• Dinners and lunches when not on the itinerary
• Tips for personal services received
• Personal expenses

Cost: (Based on 12 travelers)

$6,995 per person based on sharing a double/twin room

Single supplement: $750 (It may be necessary to share a room on occasions but a single room will be provided whenever possible.)

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