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Hidden treasues of Southeast Asia

An illustrated itinerary of one of our many gay travel adventures. This information supplements our
shorter Overview of Treasures of Southeast Asia.

Thailand, Laos and Myanmar offer untold pleasures for those interested in the East. We offer a pre-trip tour to Cambodia and the temples of Angkor Wat or you can join us as we begin in Bangkok with a tour of that magnificent city. Then we are off to Laos and the environs of Luang Prabang, a quiet and charming city with much natural beauty. We'll venture into the Laotian countryside, see the simple lives of the locals and visit the famous Pac Ou Caves filled with Buddhas. Then we are off to Myanmar for an eight day discovery of this romantic and historic land.

Southeast Asia is a treasure box of culture, history, and natural wonders. There is so much to see and experience that it is a challenge to choose the most interesting and beautiful places in this land of many splendors. To complement our Splendors of Southeast Asia tour which highlights Vietnam and Cambodia, our Treasures of Southeast Asia tour moves the spotlight to Laos and Myanmar, beginning with Thailand, long hailed as the Land of Smiles and noted for its hospitality.

For those who would like to experience Angkor Wat, truly one of the most mystical and mesmerizing historical sites in the world, we offer a three-day pre-tour excursion to Angkor Wat.

In two weeks, you will see an incredible variety of cities, countrysides, temples, ruins and other memorable places. You will meet friendly locals in Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside, as well as have a chance to see the Burmese people of Myanmar, who have had little contact with outsiders for the past several decades. You will go home with a better understanding of the diverse cultures of the region and perhaps a lingering desire to return to this special part of the world.

1: Arrival Day

Most North American and European travelers will depart one day before the arrival day, and arrive in Bangkok in the late evening. Our hotel is conveniently located near the heart of Bangkok so that you can choose whether to rest up or sample Bangkok's famous nightlife. (If you're tired, don't worry; you will have more chances to explore Bangkok later in the trip.) Some of the group may have opted for the pre-trip tour to Cambodia and the temples of Angkor Wat and will be joining us at this point. Most important is to be rested and ready for the great adventure ahead.

2: Bangkok City Tour

Today we set out for the main sights of Bangkok on our first full day in Thailand. We'll visit the Grand Palace, the former home to Thai Royalty. Inside the Grand Palace grounds we see the exquisite Emerald Buddha, stunning architecture and statues. Near the Palace is the majestic Reclining Buddha, measuring over 110 feet! Lunch will be served at The Sala Rim Naam Restaurant across the Chao Phraya River, after which we will visit the Jim Thompson House, an authentic Thai-style house built by the “father” of the Thai silk industry. Those who have the energy may want to venture out on the town with our tour director tonight.

3: Bangkok to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the Bangkok airport for our flight to Laos. Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom, "the land of a million elephants." For much of its history, Laos has been under the influence of its neighbors – at various times the Cambodians, Burmese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Siamese (Thais). Its location on the banks of the Mekong River puts it at a crossroad of Southeast Asia. But it also physically stunning with a natural beauty that distinguishes it from its neighbors. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1995, and retains an ancient charm like a city that time has forgotten.

4-6: Luang Prabang and the Laotian Countryside

We'll start today with a visit to the Wat Thong Temple, a Buddhist monastery known for it elegant structure and graceful sloping roof. We'll take a boat trip up the Mekong River to visit the Pac Ou caves, which house hundreds of Buddhas brought by devout followers. There is much natural beauty to see along the way and we will enjoy a picnic lunch.

The following day we'll take an all-day excursion to visit the Kuangsi waterfall, a beautiful spot with a series of wide, multi-tiered waterfalls tumbling over limestone formations into cool, green pools. Then we'll visit the weaving village of Ban Phanom, a Thai Lu village well known for its cotton and silk hand weaving.

The next day we'll visit the Hmong village of Ban Long Lao situated on the slope of a mountain. Hmong means "free" and the Hmong people are a hardy group who live in the mountains, historically as farmers. They are also famous for their crafts, particularly greatly detailed quilts and fabrics. We will visit with the people, enjoy lunch and take a walk in the countryside before returning to our hotel in Luang Prabang for our final night in Laos.

7-8: Bangkok Interlude

Today we fly back to Bangkok for a two-day rest to recharge our batteries and prepare for the upcoming week in Myanmar. We return to the lovely Sofitel Silom Hotel. There will be time to relax, shop or visit some of Bangkok's other temples, museums or other attractions. This evening we will have an optional tour of the gay Patpong area.

9: To Yangon, Myanmar

Today we fly to Myanmar and begin a week of exploration in this exciting and historic land. Yangon is the main gateway and capital of Myanmar, and although the population is near five million, it feels much smaller. It is full of trees, including many old growth teak trees, and neighborhoods have a rather provincial feel to them.

We'll begin our day with a city tour showing the highlights of cultural and historical importance. After lunch we'll visit the Chuakhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, said to be one of the largest of its kind at 75 meters. Then as the sun begins to set, we visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. Early evening is the best time to view the historic pagoda towers nearly 98 meters (326 feet) high. Schwedagon is covered with hundreds of golden plates, and the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds. The largest is a single 76 carat stunner!

10-11: Bagan

Covering approximately sixteen square miles in central Myanmar, containing more than 2000 temples and pagodas, Bagan is truly one of the world's architectural and cultural treasures. Bagan, or Pagan as it was sometimes known, stood as the capital of Myanmar from 1044 to 1287 A.D. Founded as a kingdom by Anawrahta in 1044, it was the center of cultural and religious influence for the entire area once known as Burma. The area is so vast and the structures so plentiful that visitors often feel as if they have the whole place to themselves.

The first temples were begun shortly after Anawrahta became the area's ruler. Legend says Anawrahta, who had slain his half brother in a duel, was visited in a dream by Thagyamin, the king of spirits. Thagyamin told Anawrahta that he could assuage his sense of sorrow and guilt by building numerous pagodas and temples. Anawrahta heeded the advice, and commissioned the construction of the Shwezigon pagoda, beginning the area's grand collection of religious monuments. Over the next few centuries, succeeding rulers added their own temples and pagodas, the results of which stand today as an incredible display of history, architecture and religious faith.

During our stay we will also visit the small villages surrounding Bagan. We will stop at the Nyang Oo market with its vast array of fresh fish and exotic fruits and vegetables. We will see at first hand the life of rural Burmese people. We will take an early evening cruise along the Irrawaddy river and watch sunset over the city. Dinner will be in a typical Burmese restaurant tonight.

12: Mandalay

After a short flight we arrive in Mandalay. With the remains of its old Royal City and its many monasteries, Mandalay is a showcase of art and architecture. Upon arrival we will visit Amarapura including the U Bein Bridge made entirely out of teak wood. We will see the Mahagandayone Monastery, home to over 1,000 monks. After lunch, we visit Mahumuni Pagoda, home to the second most sacred image in Myanmar, the Maha Muni. It is said to have been cast during Gautama Buddha's lifetime and he embraced it seven times, thus bringing it to life. We'll also visit the Sahwe Kyaung, famous for its intricate woodcarvings. We'll continue to the Kuthadow Pagoda, famous for housing the world's largest book, a buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs.

13-14: Inle Lake

Today we take a short flight to beautiful Inle Lake, near the town of Heho. At 900 meters (almost 3000 feet) high in a remote corner of Myanmar, Inle Lake is prized for its beauty and unusual setting. Surrounded by hazy blue mountains, this picturesque lake is home to the native Inthas who are known for the distinctive way of rowing their boats with one leg! We'll visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda situated in the center of the lake. We'll also see the Ngaphechaung Monastery, where the monks have trained cats to jump through hoops; it is now better known as the jumping cat monastery.

Surrounding the lake are many interesting villages. We'll see the ethnic Shan tribesmen trading goods in their market. We'll visit Nampan Village where locals make cigars and boats; then continue to the silk weaving village on Inn Paw Khone to see the design and manufacture of intricate silk products. We will see temples from the Khmer Empire and take a relaxing canoe ride to a floating village.

15: Inle Lake to Yangon

In the morning, we will see Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery before our flight back to Yangon. After transfering to our hotel to freshen up, we'll see the Burmese craft market, take a walk through China town and have dinner.

16: Bangkok

Today we fly back to Bangkok to rest before our journey home. There will be time for last minute shopping, and maybe some late night entertainment if you choose. Dinner is on your own but our guide will be happy to assist you.

17: Departure Day

Our tour ends today, but if you have not seen enough exotica, you can join our group in Delhi for two weeks of discovery of the jewels of India. Sawasdee.

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Copyright © 2003 by Hanns Ebensten Travel, Inc.