Please see attachment or visit us online at www.vegvoyages.com for a current list of dates and prices for this adventure.;`

Bangkok

Vientiane

Savannakhet

Thakek

Pakse

Champassak

Ban Nam Song

The Plain of Jars

Luang Prabang

Phou Hin Poun

LAOS

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

CHINA

THAILAND

Southeast Asias best-kept secret is the strikingly beautiful and exceptionally friendly country of Laos. Surrounded by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma and China, Laos is truly the heart of Indochina. Even with its turbulent history of invasion and civil war, the Lao people show a remarkable kindness and ability to adapt. Now peaceful, Laos is beginning to attract the more adventurous travelers who seek a look into the past of how Southeast Asia used to be.

Discover the hidden treasures of this ancient land and one time French colony with VegVoyages while we explore lush jungles and forests, cruise the mighty Mekong River and learn about the fascinating but often overlooked culture and heritage of one of Asias best kept secrets. Sultry tropical jungles, rugged limestone mountains and caves, rural villages and rushing rivers make this journey an adventure lovers delight.

A picturesque country full of spectacular views, winding jungle roads and tranquil Buddhist temples; well visit

remote jungle villages, old-French colonial outposts, epic waterfalls, the UNESCO rated town of Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars and protected national parks along with the lively yet charming capital of Vientiane. Well traverse along the mighty Mekong River, boat through limestone caves and canyons and relax in the Mekong trading outpost of Savannakhet as well as explore the centuries old ruins of an ancient Khmer civilization that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join VegVoyages for our Laos adventure and make new friends with the welcoming people of this fascinating country while you put on a few extra pounds feasting on delicious Lao vegan cuisine. Feel the thrill of boating down ancient rivers; experience the serenity of nature on remote jungle hikes and the timeless ways of village life. Learn to cook tasty Lao vegan food, swim in clear springs, enjoy a rejuvenating 2-hour traditional Lao massage and take home cherished memories from this ancient and peaceful land on our VegVoyages Mekong Moments: in the Land of a Million Elephants adventure!

WHATS IT ALL ABOUT

LAOS: Mekong Moments In the Land of a Million Elephants 43

ItineraryDAY 1 Arrival in BangkokSawasdee! Welcome to !ailand! Legendary Bangkok with its temples, klongs (canals), skyscrapers and excellent cuisine is a truly unique and cosmopolitan city. Built in the 1780s by King Rama I, Bangkok (or Krung !ep as it is called locally) is a colorful mixture of the old and new. On arrival, well pick you up at the airport. In the a"ernoon, well meet for our orientation meeting where youll have the chance to meet your fellow travelers while we discuss the adventure ahead. !en well set out on a leisurely walk through the old city as well as cruise the Chao Phraya River, which much of the countrys history is based around, before stopping at our longtime friends eatery for a delicious spicy !ai vegan dinner. (Snacks, Dinner)

DAY 2 BangkokOvernight Train to LaosToday well explore by foot, klong boat and van, Bangkoks back alleys, bustling bazaars, and cool canals where Bangkok life can be seen as it has been for centuries. Arriving back at our hotel just

before sunset, youll have time to freshen up before we meet for a tasty vegan dinner and then board our overnight train for the Laotian frontier! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 ChampassakSabaidee! Welcome to the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic! Arriving at the border, well cross the Mekong River where well join a local family for lunch. A"er lunch, we hop on our boat and head down the mighty Mekong to the one-bu#alo town of Champassak. With its laid back pace, quiet temples and decaying colonial-era buildings, its hard to believe that at one time this was the royal capital of an in$uential kingdom. Its also hard to believe that just a short distance away are the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins of Wat Phouan ancient Khmer temple complex built by a powerful civilization that ruled centuries ago. As the sun sets over Champassak, well learn the art of making Lao noodles before enjoying a feast of tasty local dishes for dinner. (Brunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 ChampassakFi"een minutes outside the sleepy old capital lies Wat Phoua striking ancient pre-Angkor Khmer Hindu temple complex and one of the oldest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Wat Phou, which means mountain temple or monastery, was built using the Hindu philosophy of harmony between man and nature. Many of the structures youll see today were built by Suryavarman II, the Khmer Emperor responsible for Angkor Wat. In the morning, well explore

these incredible ruins, then set out further down the Mekong River to the 9th century remains of Wat Tomo. Returning to our villas, youll have time to freshen up before we meet for a fusion dinner, complete with, yes, vegan pizza. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 SavannakhetA"er breakfast, we depart for Savannakhet. Savan, as the locals call it, with its worn colonial shop houses, an almost deserted town square anchored by an aging Catholic church, numerous templesboth Taoist and Buddhist alike, and a %ve-centuries-old wat, is a laid-back old Mekong trading outpost that has a relaxing charm to it ringing of a bygone-era. Upon arrival, well take a stroll through the old town learning about its glorious past history ending our walk with sundowners on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. As the colors of the day turn to night, well join our friends family at their home for local folk music, dance and a yummy home-cooked vegan dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 ThakekA"er breakfast, well visit a traditional wet market where well learn about the local bazaar scene as well as the fresh herbs and veggies

used in traditional Lao dishes. From the market, well be guests of a local childrens home before saying goodbye to Savan and heading north to the Mekong town of !akek. On the way, well stop at an auspicious Buddha Cave that sits amongst stunning limestone cli#s containing 229 bronze Buddhas said to be over 300 years old. Arriving in the early evening, well join students for class where well learn about local youth culture and practice our Lao (and they of course, will practice their English). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 Phou Hin PounIn the morning, we get back on the road less traveled for a breathtakingly scenic journey to our home for the next two days in the National Biodiversity Conservation Area of Phou Hin Pouna protected semi-evergreen forest area studded with limestone karsts and incredible caves. Here, well be staying just outside the small village of Ban Phou Ngeng in traditional wooden chalets near the Hinboun River. On arrival, well hike into the countryside exploring the surrounding villages and dense jungle learning about the local way of life and $ora including the medicinal plants the forest has o#ered people for centuries before returning to our riverside chalets for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8 Phou Hin PounWell be on the river most of the day, as we set out upstream to visit the spectacular Kong Lor Cave. Spectacular is putting it lightly, as the Kong Lor Cave is seven and half kilometers long. Hopping aboard local boats, well navigate the Hinboun River where thick

44 LAOS: Mekong Moments In the Land of a Million Elephants

jungles meet limestone cli!s and small villages. Our journey up river doesnt end at the mouth of the cave, as well actually travel through the cave not by footbut by boat. In the evening, well join in a local game while enjoying cold beers and fresh lime juice before learning how to make the vegan version of one of the most famous dishes in Laos: spicy tum maak houng (papaya salad). A"er mixing up a good batch of tum maak houng, well sit down for dinner on the banks of the Nam Hinboun. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9 VientianeVientianethe most laid back and charming capitol in all of Southeast Asia! Viang Chan, as it is properly called, is the biggest and most bustling city in Laoswhich, with its welcoming relaxed pace, pleasantly says something. #e history of this sleepy capital dates back well over 1,000 years and is full of golden years, conquests, takeovers and desertions. Arriving in the a"ernoon, well visit Tat Luang Stupa, the countrys most prominent landmark and a symbol of national identity. #en, well have time to freshen up for our rejuvenating traditional 2-hour Lao massages. As the sun sets over the capital, well settle down for a tasty vegan fusion dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 10 VientianeLaos has the distinction of being the most bombed country per capita in the world where thousands of tons of bombs were dropped by the US during their secret war. With that in mind, well spend the morning at the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise, or COPE, which helps to rehabilitate victims of these weapons of past wars that still claim limbs (and lives) every year by providing them with arti$cial limbs and training. #is visit will help you understand a problem facing not just Laos, but many countries in the world. For lunch well dine at Makphet, a unique caf that helps scores of ex-street kids start a new life, and they also cook up some darn good food too! A"er lunch, well climb to the top of Patuxai (Victory Gate), dedicated to those who fought for independence, before being guests of the Lao Disabled Womens Development Center where women with disabilities are taught skills to become self-su%cient. At sunset, well visit Buddha Park then settle down

for a local vegan dinner and traditional Hmong music and dance. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11 VientianeA"er yoga, well spend the morning exploring the colonial-era boulevards, striking temples, and colorful bazaars of old Vientiane. During our heritage walk through the capitals historical lanes, well visit the vibrant Talat Kua Din where locals shop for everything from fresh produce and textiles to gold jewelry. Before exploring the market, well enjoy lunch at a popular local veggie eatery that happens to be one of Vientianes $rst vegetarian restaurants. #en, well jump into the market where well put together a gi" basket for the kids at the Childrens Cultural Center well be guests of later in our journey. A"er the market, youll have the rest of the day free to explore on your own, whether its visiting a temple, checking out the citys hip cafes or simply relaxing at a food stall along the Mekong River. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12 Ban Nam SongBidding adieu to the city, we set out on the road to Ban Nam Song. Nestled on the edge of the Song River, well be staying in bungalows overlooking the water and limestone cli!s that $ll the horizon. A"er lunch, well board kayaks and explore the surrounding countryside set amongst some truly stunning scenery. As the sun sets over the jagged peaks, well gather around the camp$re for our introduction to Hmong culture. #e Hmong, a separate ethnic group, have their own culture, heritage, food, language and traditions. Primarily farmers from the hills, the Hmong trace their origins to China and have settled throughout Vietnam, #ailand and Laos. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 13 The Plain of JarsOur journey north today takes us on one of the most scenic roads in the country as we make our way through central Laos with stunning views of lush peaks, verdant valleys and ethnic hill tribe villages. Arriving in Xieng Khouang, well be staying just outside of the provincial capitol in hillside cabins. Its hard to believe that this tranquil valley was completely ravaged by bombs just over

LAOS: Mekong Moments In the Land of a Million Elephants 45

thirty years ago with the majority of the villages being destroyed. A!er freshening up, well sit down around the "re for snacks and a delicious vegan dinner of local delicacies while learning about the rich, and at times tragic, history of Xieng Khouang and the mysterious Plain of Jars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 14 The Plain of JarsA!er a traditional breakfast overlooking the valley, were o# to visit the mysterious Plain of Jars where youll also see huge craters still remaining from the US bombing raids decades ago. What make the Plain of Jars interesting are the thousands of large stone-carved jars that dot the countryside. No one knows for sure, but most scientists agree that the mysterious jars were used by a now unknown Mon-Khmer race around 2,000 or more years ago. Today, well also be guests of a local Hmong family, where, as their guestswell learn about their local customs, traditions and way of life. Returning to our cabins, well have time to freshen up before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 15 Luang PrabangToday we set out for the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. $e former seat of the Laotian royal family before the revolution, Luang Prabang is a delightful, storybook-like town of winding lanes, old French architecture, cozy cafs, ornate temples and local markets. Our home for the next three days will be at a lovely inn designed in classic Lao-French fusion architecture in the heart of the old town. A!er arriving in this historical city, youll have the evening free to explore on your own and take in city at your own pacewhether it is exploring the towns narrow-winding lanes or visiting its colorful night bazaar, or simply relaxing in one of the citys cozy caf. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 16 Luang PrabangA!er yoga, well explore enchanting Luang Prabang by foot. Our "rst stop will be at the old palace where well learn about the towns rich past. $en were o# to the Childrens Cultural Center, a grassroots organization that teaches local children Lao arts, music and dance to help deter them from drugs and alcohol, where well be special guests of the children for a unique cultural program. In the late a!ernoon, its time for our cooking class where well be introduced at the towns wet market to ingredients used for dishes indigenous to the area and under the guidance of one of Luang Prabangs best chefs, learnt how to make a delicious vegan dinner of local delicacies! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 17 Luang PrabangIn the morning, well head just outside of town to the very special Free the Bears Rescue Center. De"nitely one of the highlights of our visit to Luang Prabang, at the sanctuary well learn about the center and their very lovely guestsrescued Asiatic Black Bears. $ese beautiful bears once roamed the jungles of Laos and most of Southeast Asia, however due to exploitation and deforestation their populations in the wild are now seriously threatened. A!er helping out at the center, well take a short walk through the forest to the Kuang Si Falls where well have a delicious vegan picnic and time to cool o# in the crystal clear turquoise pools at their base. Upon returning to town, youll have time to freshen up before we meet for our farewell party! (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 18 Luang PrabangBangkokA!er our morning yoga and breakfast, youll have the day free to get in any last minute souvenir shopping or just kickback and relax until we meet up in the early a!ernoon to catch our %ight back to Bangkok. Our adventure ends upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok. Khawp chai lai-lai (thank you very much)! (Breakfast)

Our hearts are still bursting with gratitude for all that you did for us and shared with us. As someone who writes for a living, Ive been having trouble finding the right words to do Laos and all of our experiences justice. When people ask about our trip, I find myself rambling on and on, because I want to convey to them how much we did and how special it was, but the words seem to fall short. You are exceptional, compassionate, thoughtful human beings and we sing your praises every chance we get. Amy Leventhal, San Francisco, USA

46 LAOS: Mekong Moments In the Land of a Million Elephants