Lost Kingdoms Rediscovered:
Art & Culture of Laos and Vietnam
The neighboring Buddhist countries, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia
The neighboring Buddhist countries, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia 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 artand 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 our local guide. Each street in this area is named after the products they produce and
sell. : towels, fragrant herbs and flowers, lanterns, Buddhist statues and alters, and more. You will see a performance of the famed water puppets,and visit all the most important sites and museums. 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 a night 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 nights inlagoons completely ringed by sheer mountains with trees eking out a living on hanker chief-sized ledges and explore wondrous caves. Magical!.
Our next visit is the Imperial City of Hue, halfway 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 visit an imperial tomb from the 19th century–a huge complexe with lakes, bridges, temples, sepulchres, theatresand 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 Danang, 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 landlocked 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 farmingcommunities 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 Vientiane, 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. The town is framed by two rivers, and hosts thirty two temples. The number corresponds to the rather large monastic population. Every morning at 5:00 they begin a walk around town fromtheir 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 local architecture, visit the oldpalace and museums, tour the vast array of tranquil temples, visitartists 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, housingthousands 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 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 and bags, as well as neighborhood associations and workshops.
Itinerary: Jan. 8-24, 2025
Day 1 Mon. Jan. 8: (All meals) Depart the USA from LA or San Francisco . Cross International dateline and lose one day, which is made up on your return.
Day 2 Tues. Jan. 9: Arrival at Hanoi (D) Arriving at midday 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 tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry, an art form unique to northern Vietnam, and a good, lighthearted introduction to its rural culture, followed by an included Welcome Dinner. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 3 Wed. Jan. 10: 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
Day 4 Thur.Jan.11: Hanoi (B) The day begins with a visit to the Hanoi’s Fine Arts Museum. Then stroll through the gardens of the Temple of Literature before lunch. After lunch we a ride by cyclo’s around the Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the small museum there. Afternoon is free to shop, wander, treat yourself to bodywork, of visit more of Hanoi’s sites, like the notorious Hanoi Hilton (prison) or the Women Museum.
Day 5: Fri. Jan. 12 Hanoi/ Ha Long Bay (BLD) 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, 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.
Day 6 Sat. Jan. 13: 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. On our return, we stop in a small, un-touristed village for a visit and also a pottery factory before going to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Hue, where we are met by our local guide for central Vietnam, and check into our grand old hotel for the evening.
Day 7 Sun. Jan.14: 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 Ming Mang’s elaborate Tomb (1841). Our final stop is a visit to the monastery of Vietnams most famous icon, the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Han. He died on Jan. 22, 2022. We’ll visit an alter dedicated to him in a meditation hall built in his honor.
Day 8 Mon. Jan. 15: Hoi An (B, L) After breakfast, you’ll be met by our guide and driven to Hoi An via the Hai Van tunnel. In Danang we stop for lunch, and also tour the Champa museum there, where statues from My Song are housed.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.
Day 9 Tues. Jan. 16 Hoi An (B, L) Depart for a half-day gourmet cooking class, including a short tour of the local market, culminating in a 5 course lunch. The remainder of the day will on your own to wander
this lovely town, festooning the streets, balconies, rivers, boats as though an on-going celebration is in the works.
Day 10 Wed. Jan. 17: Hoi An (B) An early morning opportunity to visit the Ancient House, at the rear of our hotel, and the noodle production kitchen that supplies most of Hoi An. Otherwise this is a free day, and your visitor ticket enables you to visit traditional houses, small museums and community centers within the town. Optional evening performance of Bamboo Acrobats.
Day 11 Thur. Jan. 18: 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. Onsite performance by Champa ethnic dancers. Return late afternoon. Farewell Hoi An and Vietnam dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Day 12 Fri. Jan. 19: Hoi An/ Danang/Hanoi/Luang Prabang (B) Check out and proceed to the airport for our connecting flight to Luang Prabang, Laos, 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. Evening meal at one of Luang Prabang’s famed restaurant
Day 13 Sat. Jan. 20: (B) Luang Prabang Breakfast and then we scale the Phousi mountain, climbing 238 steps, and providing an overview of Luang Prabang town. On our descent, visit the the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace next door. The collection of sovereign artifacts and treasures reflect the richness of the Lao throne from the early Kings to last sovereign. After lunch, we visit the family of the Palace silversmith. Afternoon free. Evening performance of dance and music at the Royal Palace.
Day 14 Sun. Jan. 21: 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, followed by a visit to the morning market to discover what the locals are buying. Then a tour of the architectural delights of the Old Town with our guide to discover why this charming town has been declared a “living museum.” Then a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, built by the local king in 1560, and considered the most beautiful in Laos. Our tour concludes with lunch at “Big Tree,” overlooking the Mekong River. Afternoon free to explore Luang Prabang.
Day 15 Mon. Jan. 22: 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, and a paper-making village. Village lunch.
Day 16 Tues. Jan. 23: 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 local cooking, and a traditional Baci ceremony to wish you luck and happiness in the coming year.
Day 17 Wed. Jan. 24: Transit (B) Depart Luang Prabang for our connecting flight to Bangkok and your home It is also possible to add on a 5 day, four night excursion to neighboring Cambodia to view the splendors of Angkor Wat. Siem Reape.
Our Hotels:
Hanoi: Silk Queen Hotel (Grand Luxury Room)
Hue: Saigon Morin
Hoi An: Ancient House Resort
Luang Prabang: Apsara Hotel
Included:
RT Air from LAX or SFO on Eva Air. Ground Only deduct $1200.00.
One way domestic flight tickets in Vietnam: Hanoi/ /Hue/Danang/
Hanoi and OW International Air Hanoi/Luang Prabang/ Bangkok
1 night upscale Boat cruise on Ha Long Bay.
Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
Private transportation by mini bus, long boat, taxis.
Accommodation in twin share room, with full buffet breakfast at all 3,4 & 5 star hotels.
5 performances of music, dance and puppetry.
All programs mentioned in the itineraries, and all entrance fees and village donations.
Local English speaking guide in both Laos and Vietnam, with Made Surya and Judy Slattum supplementing
Breakfast and other meals where mentioned.
Pre-departure information
Cooking class
Not Included:
Visa Fees for Vietnam and Laos
Meals except as specified above.
Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
Insurance.
Cost: $5429.00 based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room in three, four, & five star hotels. Single supplement $679. Final payments are due 60 days prior to departure.
Deposits/ Penalties: A $500.00 refundable deposit reserves trip space. A penalty fee of $300.00 will be charged for all cancellations received in writing before Dec. 1. 2024. After tickets have been issued airline penalties will occur. 50% cancellation fee 60 days prior to departure. No refunds will be made for cancellations received one month before departure. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Trip leaders:
Made Surya has organized and lead tours to Laos and Vietnam for over a decade, and is an expert on the history or SE Asia. 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 was reprinted by Periplus Editions.
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.
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 which can be enjoyed at the beginning or ending of this trip. Contact us for further information.
Comments from previous travelers:
“The best part of the trip was the people. Any time I interacted with Vietnamese or Lao citizens was the best experience. Interactions include the procession of monks, cooking class, creating art on parchment as well as in country guides, hotel/restaurant/shopkeepers/artists. But my absolute favorite part of the trip was you, Surya and our little group. The harmony and friendship among our little group made the trip. We became fast friends, looked out for each other and genuinely cared about how each person was doing while sharing a lot of laughs
I’m still catching up with friends and family and each time I share stories about Vietnam and Laos, I get to relive this wonderful experience! Thank you and Surya for organizing such a fantastic tour!”
“I removed all but one of the souvenir strands (from the final ceremony) I like having them/it on because it makes me think of our fabulous trip and all of you. I can’t overstate how much I enjoyed being with all of you.
It seems to have been worlds away, and at the same time, just like yesterday. That was a great experience - from the energy of the place, all the school kids, the military presence, Uncle Ho Himself, and our group. ”
“This trip was a highlight of my travel life — and I so appreciate what you put together to create a two-week experience I will never forget. I just loved the people we were with — and you and Surya — were such grand travel-mates. And, as I think Gary said, not a whack-a-doodle in the bunch! Thank you for your attentiveness and for sharing your love and knowledge for that part of the world!”
“It was an amazing adventure. Packed with so many rich and varied activities and moments of insight, wonder, appreciation and even participation in a culture so different than our own.”
“Worlds away …. as I think back!”
“The pre-trip information was very helpful!
I loved so much about the trip, The people, our guides, cuisine, learning their customs, the water puppet show, seeing the temples & museums, feeding the monks & the final night was so memorable & the food was fantastic! I would not change a thing. The time spent in each location was perfect
I have no complaints about the hotels & nice they included a good breakfast.
“I’ll remember most about the trip is our group & the organzers really made the trip fantastic!
You made us all feel extremely comfortable & I never worried or was concerned. Loved the food! Thank you for taking such great care of us! I hope our paths cross again!! “”
“I do love the way you set up plenty of key sights and sprinkled in stops for great food! Liked the hotels, and the different locations, and really felt I saw enough with the variety of settings. Bustling Hanoi, beautiful Ha Long Bay, Hue with the amazing tombs, Hoi An with my favorite room and fabulous lanterns and riverboats, and sweet Luang Prabang with the monks everywhere.
I loved the town and the river boats at sunset and tours of authentic old houses. I forgot one of my favorite highlights!Kuangsi waterfall!Prettiest I’ve seen. So glad I added Cambodia Excursion to Angkor Wat!! ”
“A Trillion Thanks(a million just doesn’t seem like enough) for again, a great trip.
I loved it all over gain and just seeing the gals that went on the trips smiling faces and intense interest in the information given said it all. Loved all the places we stayed.”
“I loved finding the coffee place recommended by our Hanoi guide, as it felt like we discovered a local treasure. Visiting the Ethnologic Museum in Hanoi. Having the boat in Halong Bay to ourselves! The morning market in Hot An. The cooking class in Hot An. Everything in Luang Prabang, including seeing how silk/cotton was loomed, paper was made, rice whiskey was made, riding the boat on the Mekong River, walking the streets of Luang Prabang, giving alms to the monks, getting the chance to speak with the monks.
The hotels were wonderful and appreciated that breakfast was included. Loved all of the included meals”
“What a fantastic trip we had!! Thank you so much for organizing it.”
Additional Options:
We are also offering a four night visit to Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia which can be enjoyed at the beginning or ending of this trip. Contact us for further information.