Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand
We went to South East Asia several times and put together wonderful itineraries. We spent 3 weeks in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia where we met with our wonderful partners to develop custom trips featuring the top guides in Asia. Our journey took us to charming Luang Prabang in Cambodia where we humbly offered monks in saffron robes pre-dawn alms. We were honored to be invited to a fabulous Baci ceremony welcome with the village elders.
Next it was off to the lively street markets of Hanoi where we feasted on delicious treats and bargained for superb silk scarves. Then we spent 2 nights on a gorgeous wooden yacht in Ha Long Bay sailing through thousands of lush green limestone islands rising from the turquoise waters. We sea kayaked by floating villages and into caves which led to hidden caldera lakes, simply amazing. Other highlights include the night markets and floating lanterns of Hoi An viewed by row boat and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) where we visited the powerful war museum.
Our trip ended with a grand finale at the world class temple complex of Angkor Wat which is one of the 7 wonders of the world. The carvings are mind blowing and we worked with our guides to figure out some great tricks to beat the crowds and enjoy entire temples to ourselves. We are buzzing with excitement about these destinations and will also offer Myanmar (Burma - Perry went in 1985!) and Thailand.
Contact Jale if you are interested! We have several different itineraries which can be perfect for active travelers, foodies, history buffs, shoppers and more.. Don't forget to add couple days relaxing on a beautiful beach town at the end.. Happy trails..
Vietnam
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Visit Ha Long Bay with 1,600 limestone towers rising from its turquoise water
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Visit coconut farms
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Light a lantern in Hoi An
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Cruise the Mekong Delta
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Savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine
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Shop for silk scarves
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Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi
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Get a History Lesson at the Cu Chi Tunnels
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Learn to make rice crepes from local chefs
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Trek among the rice fields in Sapa
Thailand
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Visit the Golden Triangle Golden Triangle: the point at which Burma/Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet.
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Visit Hill Tribe Villages: Akha, Hmong and Karen
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Visit during a festival: Loi Krathong in November, Songkran/Thai New Year water festival in April, and the Naga Fireballs in October
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Explore the floating markets
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Take several cooking classes (one is not enough)
Myanmar (Burma)
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Take a Hot-air Balloon over hundreds of 13th century temples
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Visit Mandalay Palace the last royal palace
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Admire the Taj Mahal of Myanmar - Hsinbyume Pagoda
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Take a walk on U-Bein Bridge
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Visit the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda
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Admire the magnificent architecture of Sule Pagoda
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See the beautiful stilt houses on Inle Lake and watch the traditional fisherman
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Take a cooking class and learn to make fermented tea salad, shan noodles, mohinga, nasi briyani..
Laos
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Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is amazing. Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall.
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Visit Pha That LuangSvelte and golden Pha That Luang which is the most important national monument in Laos; a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty
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Visit handicraft night market
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Sample street food
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Take a scenic boat tour on Mekong and visit Pak Ou caves where hundreds of Buddha statues are on display.