|
Trip Overview Trek, bike, hike, spelunk and explore Laos and Thailand |
|
An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
|
|
|
|
|
1: Arrival in Bangkok
Plan your flight to arrive in Bangkok on the starting day of the trip. Most North American and European travelers will depart from home the day before, and arrive in Bangkok just before midnight. Transfer on your own to our hotel near the airport. If you arrive before the rest of the group, you may want to explore this fascinating and friendly city on your own. Bangkok is relatively safe and fairly easy to navigate. It isn’t hard to find someone who speaks English. So feel free to head to one of the many shopping districts. You may stumble on an unexpected treasure. Charming Buddhist temples are often hidden around an unsuspecting corner and you never know what bargain may come your way. 
|
|
|
2: Luang Prabang - Temples and Glory
Greet your tour director and other travelers at breakfast, then prepare for a morning flight to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom, which reached its peak in the 14th century. Time seems to have started and stopped again as aging French architecture blends with traditional Lao buildings and homes. In recognition of the city’s vast array of Lao monuments, and its historic and culturally significant setting, UNESCO declared Luang Prabang a World Heritage site in 1995. Upon our arrival we will take a city tour to orient ourselves to this lovely and laid back city of 30,000 residents. At the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, the city is dramatically framed by mountains. It is dominated by the Phu Si Hill from which many wats (temples) overlook the city. Luang Prabang has more temples than any other city in Laos. Many are working temples and are extremely well maintained.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3: He Ain't Heavy He's My Buddha
This morning we’ll take a 20 mile bike ride past Mekong valley villages including a paper-making village. We’ll also stop at Ban Xang Hai, a one time jar-making village where hundreds of giant stone urns still sit. The friendly residents of this charming village produce a local rice wine. It is an ideal place to witness rice wine processing as well as to taste their creation. Those who dare can also try some homemade rice whiskey, which is said to pack quite a punch. Our destination today is the Pac Ou Caves, which contain thousands of Buddhas of every imaginable size and shape. We’ll hike into one of the caves to see this overwhelming display of Buddha images. Our more adventurous tour members can spelunk into a narrower cave to see even more drawings, icons and statues of Buddha. After visiting the caves, we board a boat for the trip back to Luang Prabang, where we will spend another night before starting our trek. Along the river we’ll see stunning views of the cliffs that seem to rise out of the water straight up to the sky.
|
|
|
4-6: Laotian Countryside
We start our trek with a drive out of town, then for the next three days we will hike through the Laotian countryside. Expect dramatic changes in the landscape as we pass rice fields and vegetable gardens, but soon we begin our ascent through re-growth forests. Our overnight stays will be in small villages of different ethnic groups. The Khammu were the first ethnic group to arrive in Laos several thousand years ago, and they have maintained their distinct culture and lifestyle. The Hmong have historically crossed freely between the mountains of Vietnam and Laos. On the first day of our trek, we will hike from the village of Ban Houaykhang to Ban Longkoay, a hike of 5 to 6 hours. On the second day, we trek another 5 to 6 hours to the Hmong and Khammu village of Ban Long Lao where the two culturally different minority groups live harmoniously together. We spend the night in a villager's house, with an opportunity to gain insight into the traditions of these upland communities. The cultural interaction with local people is the highlight of each fascinating day. In the fresh morning air on our third day, we trek from Ban Long Lao towards the famous Kuang Si waterfall. The scenery is always changing as we pass rugged limestone outcrops surrounded by dense forests, with tropical birdsongs echoing through the trees. We descend to the Kuang Si spring where the crystal clear water emerges from deep underground. The adventurous can explore a small cave nearby, where bats can be seen clinging to the ceiling. We arrive at Kuang Si waterfall in time for a Lao style lunch. The afternoon is for relaxation, so perhaps you’d like to freshen up with a dip in the cool water, then take a walk around this lovely setting. An orphaned tiger living here is always happy to receive visitors! The drive back to Luang Prabang at the end of the afternoon gives another chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, and to share our thoughts about our new friends who welcomed us into their homes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
7: Christmas in Luang Prabang
After our trek, today is a free day to explore temples and old palaces, visit an art school, shop or just relax in Luang Prabang.
|
|
|
8-10: Wondrous Waterfalls
Today we fly from Luang Prabang back to Bangkok, then drive directly to the Khao Yai National Park, famous for its myriad of waterfalls. We will spend three nights at the Juldis Resort, near Pak Chong, on the edge of the park. On the first full day, we will take a ranger-escorted hike within the park, with options for those wanting shorter and longer hikes. The next day we will drive to the nearby provincial center of Korat to explore the town and visit the nearby Phanom Wan temple, and the temple of Phimai, which stems from the Khmer Empire when Angkor Wat was at its peak.
|
|
|
|
|
|
11-12: Country Lake
As our final destination before returning to the big city, we visit the Uthai Thani National Park, visiting waterfalls and temples, as well as enjoying a boat ride enroute from Khao Yai National Park. Our home for the next two nights is the Country Lake Resort, beautifully situated on a long lake. The next day we see a variety of sights such as prehistoric cliff paintings at Pla Re, several narrow valleys, and the Khao Wong monastery. We will also stop at a Karen hilltribe weaving village, where we can compare the architecture and customs of the Karen people with those of our Laotian village hosts.
|
|
|
13-14: New Years Eve in Bangkok
After our journey through the Laotian and Thai countryside, we return to Bangkok for two nights. On our return journey to the capital, we will pass by a water buffalo market (if it is open), and the ancient Thai capital of Ayuthaya. We will arrive at our Bangkok hotel by mid-afternoon to allow time to freshen up and enjoy New Years Eve festivities in the capital. New Years morning is free to sleep in or wander over to nearby Lumpini Park. In the afternoon enjoy a half day tour of Bangkok's highlights, including the Royal Palace, with its stunning Emerald Buddha, and the massive Wat Po reclining Buddha.
|
|
|
|
|
|
15: Farewell, or Head for the Beach!
Our main trip ends today as we leave Bangkok for our flights home, most of which depart in the early morning. You may wish to join our three-day extension, which includes two nights near Jomtian Beach in the famous resort of Pattaya, and one night back at a hotel near the airport in Bangkok. The extension includes the transfers to and from Pattaya, about a two hour drive from Bangkok. In Pattaya, we will stay at the friendly Rabbit Resort, known for its traditional architecture. It's always a bit sad when it comes time to leave new friends, but one thing we've learned is that the shared activities of a trip such as this will create lasting friendships. Many of us will see one another again. Perhaps on our next Alyson Adventure!
|
|
|
Trip calendar | HOME | Reserve a trip
|
