Departure February
Join international photographer David English on an Indochina adventure of picture taking and discovery in Laos and Cambodia. Learn to shoot temples, colonial buildings and World Heritage Sites. Create your own professional photo album from your world travels filled with breathtaking and stunning pictures and lifelong memories. If you’ve been bitten by the photography bug and love to explore new places this tour is for you!
Explore Laos, heralded by travelers for its relaxed style of living and for retaining elements of “original Asia” lost today in other countries. Understand why its official tourism slogan is “Simply Beautiful”. This is a rare chance for you to embark on a photo journey of Buddhist culture and colonial architecture. Learn to photograph ancient temples and discover the history of The Plain of Jars. You have the opportunity to photograph colorful hill tribes and magical waterfalls.
Continue onward to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. Photograph this magnificent Khmer temple architecture which includes temple mountain and galleried temple based on Dravidian architecture. Photo Tour to Laos/Cambodia with David English is your chance to gain personalized photography knowledge while visiting two of the most fascinating destinations of Indochina.
Day 1 – Luang Prabang (D)
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport and then escort you to the hotel for check-in.
Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at the Roots & Leaves Restaurant, includes dinner and traditional Lao dance with a music performance. Overnight in Luang Prabang – Sala Prabang
Day 2 – Luang Prabang (B/L)
Today enjoy a full day tour of architectural insight, which your guide will point out to you the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO.
The first is the traditional Laos house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French Colonial buildings that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.
The first start of program mentioned above will take you to the Heritage House, a wonderful example of traditional Lao architecture. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief then continue to Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. On the way you will pass by a noodle soup shop run by the chef of the former Royal family. Observe the beautifully restored French Colonial building which is now the UNESCO office before visiting to the most revered temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xienthong. Continue to a house styled in a mix of French and Traditional Lao located near the library.
Lunch at Tamarind. Run by an Australian woman and her Lao husband, they have created a fresh menu of Lao dishes and are dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the local cuisine.
Following lunch, continue your tour of enchanting Luang Prabang. Visit The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insight in to the Lao people.
Continue to Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s, and on to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa. Then to the main street where you will see examples of old Chinese shop fronts and visit Ma Te Sai which is dedicated to promoting crafts and delicacies’ that are made in many remote provinces of Laos.
As today comes to a close, climb the 328 stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills. Visit the hill tribe evening market for some shopping. This colorful market takes place every evening around 5pm along the main streets of town and is a great place to look for souvenirs. Overnight in Luang Prabang – Sala Prabang
Day 3 – Luang Prabang/Pak Ou/Kamu Lodge (B/L/D)
After breakfast depart from Wat Xieng pier to embark on a cruise up the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to the Kamu Lodge.
Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation and they continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover the life along the rivers. As you cruise along, observe the daily activities of fishermen, how they throw their nets in an elegant arm gestures, and rely on the water for their livelihood. For the villages settled along the Mekong, the River plays an important role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce.
Along the way stop at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages.
Continue upriver for another hour to reach the Kamu Lodge for lunch time. The Kamu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents, each one of which is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. The tents are also decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture allowing the Lodges’ grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.
This afternoon, you may choose to participate in a variety of different local activities: rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields, gold panning in the Mekong, traditional fishing techniques in the Mekong and local village visit. Dinner and overnight at the Kamu Lodge
Day 4 – Kamu Lodge/ Luang Prabang/Kuang Si Waterfalls (B)
This morning is at your leisure to enjoy breakfast and relaxing surroundings of the Kamu Lodge. Travel by boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, arriving in time for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, venture through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls (32km southwest of the city). Along the way, you will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River.
Stop en-route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top.
Then transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang – Sala Prabang
Day 5 – Luang Prabang/Xieng Khouang (B/L)
An early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. This is a real highlight of this charming city.
After breakfast your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel for a drive to Xieng Khouang (about 6-7 hours). Stop en route for your lunch at local restaurant in Phou Khoun.
Upon the arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
After checking into your hotel, enjoy a city tour and if you like visit the MAG Center in the town. MAG is a humanitarian organization clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of local communities worldwide. Lao PDR is the most heavily bombed nation in the world (per capita). Overnight in Xieng Khuang – Vansana
Day 6 – Plain of Jars (B/L)
Today you will explore the different size and view for all 3 sites of Mystery Plain of Jars.
Suggested to be soon be labeled as “World Heritage Patrimony”, the Plain of Jars is a huge archaeological complex covered by scores of mysterious, 2000 years old stone jars sized between 70cm to 3 to 4 meters. No one knows for sure about their origin, but it is thought that they were carved from boulders. Extensive research, lead by the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 1930’s, suggested the site could be old grave, but presently it stays an enigma.
The Plain of Jars has been divided in to three main sites. Your trip will enable you to visit all of these sites and, along the way, discover some local villages where you may enjoy observing the local daily life. The Site 1, closest to the town, is settled at Thong Hai Hin and is the biggest of the three sites. You will see the biggest one height up to 3.25m, average weighting of the jars about 600kg to 1ton, heaviest one weighs as much as 6 tons. All the jars are scattered on plateau. Then, you will visit the Site 2 at Hai Hin on Phou Salator. (“Phou” in Lao means “Mountain”) the hills with some trees, and visit local Village where People making alcohol.
After lunch at local restaurant, keep your way to see Site 3 at Hai Hin Lad Kai where the most beautiful site jar setting up on top of small hill surrounded by rice paddies. All the jars estimated to be 3,000 years old. Close by, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery with Buddhas images. On the way back, you will see an area which was an important battlefield during the American bombing, and you can still see a bombs craters and trench line on display.
Attention: The Plain of Jars was bombed extensively during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines. Overnight in Xieng Khuang – Vansana
Day 7 – Xieng Khouang/Vientiane (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred by overland heading to Vientiane which takes around 8 hours.
Lunch at local restaurant
Reaching Vientiane in evening, proceed to the hotel for check-in.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with a cultural show at Patoke Restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane – Sabaidee Lao
Day 8 – Vientiane/Siem Reap (B/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, free at leisure until your transfer with guide to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
Upon your arrival Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.
Free at leisure or relax before dinner.
Tonight you will enjoy creative Khmer dishes in an airy, contemporary atmosphere at Viroth restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap – Royal Crown Hotel
Day 9 – Siem Reap (B/D)
After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom by local Tuk Tuk. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Here, in a small contemporary pagoda, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a very special experience! Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat.
After a short relaxing break, you will visit the famous Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Return to your hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.
Dinner is at Nest Angkor Restaurant, the sister venue of Nest Bangkok, offering a creative fusion menu in a trendy and relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Siem Reap – Royal Crown Hotel
Day 10 – Depart Siem Reap (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Cost is from $2260.00 per person, land only
Price is based on a 6 person minimum, twin share
Single supplement applies: $475.00
Note: Additional internal flight from Vientiane to Siem Reap is estimated at $225.00
Payment terms
Deposit of $600.00 to be paid by check payment only — this deposit is nonrefundable Unless tour does not meet minimum people
Note: If the minimum number of travelers is not met you have the choice of paying an additional cost due for numbers of travelers to continue on this tour or receiving this deposit back.
CALL NOW for more details 415-331-3791
Includes:
***Daily instruction on photography with David English***
• Accommodation at selected hotels based on Double Room/TWIN Room with breakfast.
• Meals as indicated in itinerary. B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner.
• English Speaking Local Guide (one place/ one guide)
• All activities and boat trips indicated in the itinerary
• Land transportation with driver by air-conditioned vehicles
• Bottled water and cold towels during tours and transfers
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• All permissions and local taxes
Does not include:
• International Air
• internal flights with airport and departure taxes
• Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits
• Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry…)
• Visa stamping fee for Laos (visa on arrival, valid 30 days: 30 to 42US$ upon client’s nationality + 1 photo. Passport has to be valid at least 6 months after departure date of the country). Subject to change without prior notice
• Extension visa 2 USD/day/Pax. Subject to change without prior notice
ATTENTION: Visa on arrival pay more 1 USD/Pax every Saturday and Sunday
• Personal travel insurance (should include helicopter evacuation for Laos & repatriation)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels’ porters
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• Other services not clearly indicated in the Inclusion above
• Early check-in/ Late check out
