What to Expect

CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai is an historically significant city on the Mae Ping River surrounded by lush green mountains. Its wealth was derived from its strategic location on an ancient trade route in Northern Thailand. The arts flourished for centuries and pious kings constructed over 300 elaborate temples or wats in the area, 33 of them within the old city walls. The city’s museums present the 700 year history of the city as it changed hands from Lanna to Burmese, and eventually to Siamese. Chiang Mai University’s Arts & Cultural Center introduces sophisticated etiquette, Lanna music, dance and arts, while the famous Night Bazaar provides an opportunity to experience the bustle of everyday life.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE The Golden Triangle, where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet, is far from the beaten path. Sheltered from the march of time, many people live as they have for centuries. Distinctly different hill tribes, each have there own language, customs and often elaborately embroidered hand woven traditional dress. Visit villages of thatched houses built on stilts and meet the Headman and the school teacher. Meet the leaders of Doi Tung Royal Development Project, working to eradicate the opium supply through alternative economic options. Explore Mae Fah Luang Arboretum, once a large opium field, now ablaze with hydrangeas, begonias, azaleas, rhododendrons, fuchsias, geraniums, wild orchids and rare native trees. There are spectacular views of three countries from the garden.

THE MEKONG RIVER The Mekong River is the life line of landlocked Laos. For thousands of years, armies, merchants, pilgrims and fishermen have depended on this artery. Both commerce and ideas have traveled its length. The river is still the best mode of transport. Embark an exclusively chartered boat as far upstream as the river is navigable. Lush mountains rising from the river’s banks are terraced with rice paddies in scenes out of Shangri La. Visit Tai Lue village of unique houses with long sloping roofs, and meet the friendly people wearing traditional head scarves and brightly colored blouses. Enjoy a two-day journey aboard the comfortable Sofimek, as boats of every description ply the Mekong in an endlessly fascinating spectacle of bustling. Explore the famous Pak Ou Caves pilgrimage site with thousands of golden Buddhas.

LAO CITIES Luang Prabang, the “land of a million elephants,” is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time seems to stand still in this ancient royal city of temples and palaces, beautifully set in the Mekong Valley. In an early morning ritual, hundreds of saffron robed monks walk the streets as the gentle citizens greet them with offerings. A wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao houses with graceful sweeping roofs stands side-by-side 19th-century French colonial villas. The golden-roofed spires of dozens of wats punctuate the skyline. Vientiane, “Asia's biggest village,” is perhaps the most laid back of all world capitals. As all cities in Laos, it is set on the Mekong River, which links it to the rest of the country. In addition to its fine collection of temples, its monuments include a huge golden Buddha and, as a throw back to its French colonial days, the Patuxai Victory Monument, resembling the Arc de Triomphe.