Sacred Gifts of the Earth in Indochina
With Rosemary Gladstar & Robert Chartier
Early Registration Special
Register before March 31st 2008 & save $200
Land-only Program Cost: $3078
Single Room Supplement: $550
After February 1st 2008
Land-only Program Cost: $3278
Single Room Supplement: $550
(Air travel to Southeast Asia is supplemental)
Air from East Coast/Midwest: Starting from $1518
Air from Los Angeles: Starting from $1203
Phone: 1-866-359-5966 or email: programinfo@lyontravel.com
Sacred Gifts of the Earth, a Plant Lover's Journey to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia promises to be the trip of a lifetime. South East Asia is a region of tremendous natural beauty, diverse cultures, ancient religions and magnificent temples. Though we'll be visiting some of the more renowned sites such as Angkor Watt (the ancient Khmer capitol), the Mekong River, Chiang Mai (Thailand's principal northern City), and Laung Prabang (a World Heritage Site), we'll be spending most of our time in small villages meeting with the local people, immersing ourselves in village life, and learning directly from the local people about their culture and traditions. The area is renowned for its traditional healers, healing practices and natural therapies. We'll have the opportunity to experience these first hand; the trip will include Thai massage and spa treatments, meditation and yoga, Thai natural food cooking classes, herb classes and herb walks into the surrounding countryside with local herbalists. We'll also bathe ourselves in the biological richness of South East Asia and experience the world as a group of caring loving nature/plant lovers walking gently upon the earth.
- Program Itinerary:
- Arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 3 nights. We will journey to the lovely mountain village of Ban Thaton for 2 nights, and continue to the Golden Triangle for 1 night. Cross the border into Laos and enjoy a 2-day cruise along the Mekong River, staying in a riverside village along the way. Arrive in Luang Prabang, where we will lodge for 3 nights. Finally, we will continue to Siem Reap for the remaining 4 nights, where we will experience the magnificent Angkor temples. Departure from Siem Reap to US.
- Included in tour price are
- Accommodation: 14 nights in comfortable, quaint inns and hotels
- Meals: 36 meals are included
- Transportation: All transfers by air-conditioned minibus or coach
- Boat cruise: Cruise by traditional boat down the Mekong River from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos.
- Guiding: Professional English speaking guides and hosts
- Gratuities: All tips for guides, drivers and porters
- Regional Air: Internal air ticket from Laos to Cambodia
- Programming: All lecturers, classes and program activities
- Entry fees: All entrance fees for sightseeing and visits
- Emergency Insurance Plan: For each participant ($10,000 medical expense, $100,000 emergency medical transportation)
- Not included in program price are:
- Laos and Cambodia visas (offered separately by Lyon Travel)
- International and internal airport taxes (currently $10 in Laos, $25 in Cambodia)
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance (offered separately by Lyon Travel)
- Laundry, snacks and meals or beverage not listed
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, located in a fertile valley 1,000 feet above sea level and 350 miles north of Bangkok, is Thailand’s second largest city. Founded in 1296, the city is rich in history and religion, with more than 300 exquisite temples has a cosmopolitan air that has become a magnet for foreign visitors. The old quarter, surrounded by a moat, retains its traditional wooden houses and tranquil tropical gardens. Our journey begins with a day of relaxation in Chiang Mai Province in the breathtakingly beautiful of Mae-Sa Valley. Here we learn traditional herbal cooking techniquesat Mae-Sa Thai Cookery School and make some traditional handicrafts process at the Craft Village. In Chiang Mai City, we explore the Queen Botanical Gardensof Chiang Mai and experience an elephant ride.
- Ban Thaton / Chiang Rai, Thailand
Thaton is a small township on the Mekong River, noted for its mountainous surrounding and trekking opportunities. This township, unspoiled by excessive tourism, is filled with friendly locals. We walk through the Fang National Park and trek through a bamboo forest, visit an organic farm school, and visit a local hill tribe village. We also visit Chiang Rai City, known for its crisp mountain scenery, and many hill tribe communities. Chiang Rai Province falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.
Pakbeng Lodge, Laos
This area is famous for its authentic lifestyle of local people, colorful markets and relaxing jungle walks. From Thailand, we travel down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. We begin our relaxing cruise to Pakbeng Lodge on a traditional boat, making stops along the way to enjoy the sights and sounds of rural life on the river. We also visit Buddhist caves and speak with locals about daily life for villagers along the Mekong.
- Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is located at the junction of the Mekong and the Khan River. Surrounded by mountains, this ancient royal city in northern Laos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Lectures focus on Lao people and history, religious traditions and daily village life. A full-day field trip by boat along the Mekong River is a special highlight. We have excursions to the National Museum, Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang’s most stunning temple, built in 1560; a local market; and a chance to witness monks receiving alms. Activities include a Lao welcome/farewell ceremony, walking tour of the city, and a Lao cooking class.
- Siem Reap/Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- The Khmer empire flourished until the 15th-century. Its capital Angkor Wat, located around the town of Siem Reap is the world’s largest religious temple. Here explore some of the more than 100 Khmer temples, spread over 300 square miles. While visiting the Angkor Temples, we learn about the temple use, the history, the rediscovery, the restoration and the Hindu architectural influences. In Siem Reap, we examine traditional Cambodian herbal remedies. We also experience the floating village while cruising on the Tonle Sap -- the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. We attend a Cambodian music performance, visit an artisan’s workshop, and experience sunrise at Angkor.
Your Facilitators
Rosemary Gladstar
~Author of nine herb books including the best seller Herbal Healing for Women and The Family Herbal, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and President of United Plant Savers. Rosemary has been a practicing herbalist for over two decades and brings a deep passion and joy to her work.
Robert Chartier
~Robert is the earth steward and land manager at Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, a dedicated traveler and professional photographer. Bring your camera along for tips on great photography.
We also have many wonderful local guides and friends who are extremely knowledgeable about the local customs, history, plants and culture of Indochina.
Your Facilitators
Contact Lyon Travel for further information.
Mail your deposit along with your address, phone number and email if applicable to:
Lyon Travel
P.O.Box6179
Brattleboro, VT 05302-6179
Telephone: 1-866-359-5966
Email: programinfo@lyontravel.com
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