“Discover Thailand & Laos” – Luxury Mekong Journey
Another UNIQUE Cooking Passions “Small-Group” Cuisine & Culture Journey
11 Days / 10 Nights of All Inclusive Thai & Laotian Luxury
Date : Wednesday 03 February 2016 to Saturday 13 February 2016
2016 PRICING*
$US3820 (Double/Twin Occupancy)
$US4920 (Single Occupancy – Own Room) – additional $US100 per day
– BOOKED OUT –
Expressions of Interest currently being accepted for our February 2017 tour to Thailand & Laos. Please contact us via email at nico@urbanprovider.com.au or 08 9228 0507 to be places on our Pre-Notice List. We will advise you of dates and itineraries when they are available, prior to the release of the tour.
*Due to the limited rooms available at our selected Luxury Boutique hotels and Mekong River cruise/lodge, bookings must be secured by Monday June 15th 2015 so that we can confirm them with our accommodation providers. We trust this meets with your understanding.
We have crafted our newest tailor-made tour to discover two of Southeast Asia’s most unique ancient royal capitals – the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Laos’ Luang Prabang – as well as a journey down the Mekong River, one of the world’s greatest waterways. Join us on this off-the-beaten-path journey as we share with your our “hand picked” Northern Thai & Laos experiences, cuisine & culture adventures and stunning luxury boutique accommodations for 11 exciting days from February 3rd 2016 to February 13th 2016.
Our Cooking Passions “Luxury Mekong Journey” will have you stepping back centuries in time to when these two cities led the region as centres of art, culture and rich traditions. Highlights include :
- Chic and cosmopolitan CHIANG MAI (Northern Thailand)
- the French/Asian allure of LUANG PRABANG (Laos)
- Thai Elephant Experience – visit one of Northern Thailand’s most important Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation centres to learn how they are reversing the dramatic decline in elephant populations in Thailand.
- Overnight Luxury Mekong River cruise to experience life on one of the world’s most majestic & important waterways.
- Hands-on Cooking Classes that explore the fresh and unique tastes & flavours of Northern Thai and Laotian cuisine.
- Luang Prabang Alms Offering Ceremony – witness a tradition that has been taking place in Luang Prabang every sunrise for centuries.
- Plenty of free time for you to pursue your own Thai and Lao cultural/cuisine/shopping/relaxing activities.
Nico & Belinda Moretti have “hand-picked” all of the delicious Cuisine & Cultural experiences; all 5-star luxury boutique accommodations; all local transfers; and all included meals. All you need to do is pack a bag and a sense of adventure and join us on a delicious journey through these fascinating imperial cities.
Cooking Passions “Small Group” Cuisine & Culture Journeys
Cooking Passions Cuisine & Culture Journeys have been designed so that you can make the most of your precious time, as we have done all of the “behind the scenes” research to scope out the finest hotels, local transfers, sights, restaurants, spas & excursions, so you don’t have too.
Each of our tours are designed so you can do as much or as little as you like, while allowing you plenty of free time to explore and immerse yourselves in the sights, shopping, relaxation and eating that YOU want to experience (we’ll be happy to provide suggestions and tips on some of our favourites from our previous trips). So all you have to do is book your preferred flight, pack a bag & a sense of adventure, and join us for an unforgettable and unique Southeast Asian experience!!
CHIANG MAI (NORTH THAILAND) – The Destination
Chiang Mai, once the venerable walled & moated city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and founded in 1296, is nestled amongst the foothills of northern Thailand. As Thailand’s second-largest city, its UNESCO World Heritage moated historic centres is a sanctuary for travellers, filled with sacred Burmese-style temples; carved teak architecture; artisanal hill tribe handicrafts, sumptuous spas and a delicious culinary fusion of Lanna (Northern Thai), Burmese and Shan cuisine.
CHIANG MAI – The Food
The food of the North (Lanna) is characterised by its location near China and Burma. As a trading centre and crossroads for cultures and people like the Tai, Burmese, Chinese and many various hill tribes, they all brought their own foods and cooking styles. Its historical isolation, due to its mountainous terrain, allowed its cuisine to develop uniquely from that of Bangkok and the rest of Thailand. One of the most notable characteristics of Lanna food is that it is not as spicy, but somewhat “sweeter” in flavour. One of Chiang Mai’s most famous dish is Khao Soi, a noodle-and-curry soup which may have originated with the Burmese Shan or the Chinese Muslim Yunnan. Khao Soi blends a thick curry base with fresh Chinese noodles, dried spices and coconut milk, made from coconuts sourced from the south of Thailand.
LUANG PRABANG (LAOS) – The Destination
Laos (also known as “The Land of a Million Elephants”) is a country of complexity. As one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia (and the most bombed country, per capita, in history), due to its blissful isolation amongst mist-shrouded mountains, it has also been able to retain its former royal grandeur which existed long before the bombs and politics arrived. The mighty Mekong River (known in Laos as “Mother of Rivers”), is the lifeblood of this land-locked country. Its nearly 5,000 km length flows through six countries China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Luang Prabang (pop. 40,000), Laos’ former imperial capital, is its centuries-old cultural and religious capital. Situated on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, it is surrounded by blue-green jungle, spectacular turquoise waterfalls and ancient caves. It is one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved ancient royal capitals dating back over 620 years, and was also the Royal capital until 1975 when the Communist-led Pathet Lao forced King Vatthana to abdicate. Only opened to travellers since 1989, its UNESCO World Heritage designation has preserved its historic centre and over 30 precious ancient gleaming Buddhist temples; classic French provincial architecture; teak Lao wooden houses; and a beautifully preserved former royal palace. Luang Prabang is now the only city in Laos where ethnic Lao people make up the majority rather than Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai. Its peninsular location, carved out by where the Mekong and Nam Khan River meet, make it small enough to explore by foot or bicycle, with no need for maps or public transportation. Its boutique and cafe-lined main street makes it one of the most charming & tranquil towns in Southeast Asia where you can happily spend a few days of calm & quiet reflection, while witnessing the ancient ritual of the dawn alms ceremony by processions of saffron-robed monks & novices, following their ancient rhythm of monastic life around you.
LAOS – The Food
Lao cuisine is very similar to its Thai and Vietnamese neighbour’s culinary offerings. Sticky rice, fresh vegetables, mountains of fresh herbs, fish and meat, fish sauce, chilli, spices, fruit and more sticky rice, one of the wonderful features of the Lao diet is the almost complete absence of processed foods. Ironically, it is the poor economic status of this small, landlocked Southeast Asian country that has kept its cuisines fresh, vibrant and healthy for hundreds of years.
With no trading port to the outside world, and until recently with a relatively small emigrant population, Lao cuisine hasn’t spread its culture globally like Thailand and Vietnam and the nature of the food and eating style has remained undiscovered. The balance of flavours in dishes is different from that of the West and even neighbouring Thailand. Lao food has often been regarded as essentially the same as Thai food, however as the north-east of Thailand was once Lao territory, its food has retained some similar characteristics and dishes such as grilled chicken, papaya salad & sticky rice. Where it does differ from Thai food is in its use of sticky rice as the staple rice dish. Eaten with the fingers, most traditional Lao dishes were designed to accompany it.
NORTHERN THAILAND & LAOS – The Weather
We have arranged to visit Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang in February as the weather is nice and cool (by local standards) between December and February. March through May can be unbearably hot, with a high incidence of smoke and smog caused by the local hill tribes burning off their harvested rice fields in preparation for planting during the wet season commencing in June & July.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Wednesday 03 February 2016 – CHIANG MAI, NORTH THAILAND
– Upon arrival into Chiang Mai Airport, we have arranged for your Private Airport Transfer to Chiang Mai’s finest 5-Star boutique hotels – Rachamankha – the only luxury boutique hotel located within Chiang Mai’s ancient “golden mile” walled city. When arranging for your preferred international flights, direct flights into Chiang Mai are available via Singapore or Bangkok.
The hotel – Rachamankha The 24 room, five-star boutique hotel is a member property of “Secret Retreats” the keynote of which is uniqueness. Rachamankha was opened in 2004. It was designed and built by one of Thailand’s renowned architects and with the interiors and gardens designed by an equally renowned designer: it is still owned and managed by this same team today. Set in 2 acres of manicured courtyards, the hotel’s buildings reflect their Lanna heritage (the golden age of Chiang Mai, c.15th century), and the courtyard layout was influenced by ancient Chinese residences.
- 19:00pm – Group Welcome Dinner. Tonight we will enjoy an alfresco dinner in Rachamankha’s beautiful tree-lined patio where Rachamankha’s chef will prepare for us a selection of regional Northern Thai dishes. Served in the local style to share, we will sample dishes from Tai-Yai, Myanmar, Lanna and Thai cuisines for a delicious introduction to the tastes of this northern region of Thailand.
Should you wish to arrive earlier than today’s start to our tour, we can arrange for any additional nights at our hotel. ACCOMMODATION – Rachamankha
Meals (D)
Day 2 – Thursday 04 February 2016 – CHIANG MAI, NORTH THAILAND
- am – Breakfast at your leisure.
- 9am – Pick up and transfer to Pantawan Cooking School. This morning we will enjoy a very relaxed & informative hands-on cooking experience (only for those that would like to) with the young chefs at Pantawan Cooking School. On our way to Pantawan’s purpose-built cooking school, set within a teak pavilion, we will visit one of Chiang Mai’s local markets to learn about the ingredients that are used in Thai cooking.
- 14:00pm – Return to hotel and afternoon at your leisure. Enjoy some relaxing time in Rachamankha’s beautiful pool courtyard.
- pm – Evening at your leisure. Visit Chiang Mai’s famous Night Markets; enjoy a drink at one of Chiang Mai’s unique street side bars or vibrant live music venues; or experience a night at one of the local Muay Thai boxing events.
ACCOMMODATION – Rachamankha Meals (B,L)
Day 3 – Friday 05 February 2016 – CHIANG MAI, NORTH THAILAND
- am – Breakfast at your leisure
- 9am – For those that are interested, Nico & Belinda will arrange for a visit to one of Chiang Mai’s most famous landmarks, the wonderfully situated holy temple of Wat Phra That, built in 1383. Located about 10km from the centre of Chiang Mai, at the top of Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra That has stunning views over Chiang Mai. For those keen on a little exercise, walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved Naga Serpent Staircase, or for those that aren’t keen for the climb, there is a shuttle that will take you to the top for $US1.
- Noon – For lunch, Nico will escort the group to sample two of Chiang Mai’s “must try” dishes – Khao Soi, a delicious northern Thai/Lao/Burmese-inspired curried beef soup (sometimes known as Chiang Mai Yellow Curry), and a wonderful lemongrass infused charcoal rotisserie chicken dish found only in Chiang Mai.
- Evening at your leisure – Nico & Belinda will share with you some tips on restaurants and sights to visit.
ACCOMMODATION – Rachamankha Meals (B,L)
Day 4 – Saturday 06 February 2016 – CHIANG MAI, NORTH THAILAND
- am – Breakfast at your leisure. The remainder of the morning is at your leisure. Take a visit to one of the most renowned and important temples in Chiang Mai – Wat Phra Singh – which is located a short 100m from our hotel. Alternatively, Chiang Mai is a shopper’s paradise. Visit Warorot Market to see where the locals go to purchase their day-to-day supplies or visit one of the many modern centres located outside of Chiang Mai’s historic walls.
- 13:00pm – Patara Elephant Experience OR Luxury Thai Spa Experience – This afternoon you will have the choice of visiting one of Chiang Mai’s most socially-responsible Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation centres OR spend a few hours being pampered at one of Chiang Mai’s finest spas.
- Patara Elephant Experience – This unique, specialised and meaningful elephant experience will let you work side-by-side with a happy elephant and their traditional owner (mahout) who will show you their daily routine to keep these majestic animals healthy & happy. Unlike other elephant camps that cater to tourists to the detriment of the animals (no soccer playing; dancing; or painting elephants here), Patara Elephant Farm’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate elephants back to good health, whose populations have been in steep decline in Thailand over the past few decades. Truly an amazing and memorable experience.
- Luxury Thai Spa Experience – Alternatively, if you would like to be pampered yourself, Belinda has scoped out some of Chiang Mai’s finest spas for you to enjoy a luxurious Thai spa treatment.
- 19:00pm – Final group dinner. Final Chiang Mai dinner at one of its finest restaurants.
ACCOMMODATION – Rachamankha Meals (B,D)
Day 5 – Sunday 07 February 2016 – CHIANG RAI, NORTH THAILAND
- am – Breakfast at your leisure. – 9am – Checkout from our hotel then a group transfer to the town of Chiang Ria, the gateway to the “Golden Triangle” where Thailand, Burma, and Laos all meet at their borders. Enroute, we will visit one of Northern Thailand’s most unique attractions, the famous Wat Rong Khun (“The White Temple”) situated just south of Chiang Rai.
- 12 noon – Check into our Chiang Rai hotel – the 5-star riverside Le Meridien Chiang Rai. Settle into your Grand Deluxe Suite before a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.
- 19:00pm – Group Dinner
ACCOMMODATION – Le Meridien Chiang Rai
Meals (B,D)
Day 6 – Monday 08 February 2016 – LAOS
- am – Early morning breakfast at the hotel
- 7:00am – Group transfer to Chiang Khong/Huay Xai on the Thailand/Laos border at the Mekong River for our overnight Mekong journey to Luang Prabang.
- 9:00am – Arrival at the Thai/Laos border where we will clear customs & immigration and arrange for our Lao “Visa on Arrival” before being transferred to the pier at Huay Xai, to board the Luang Say cruise and commence our cruise downstream to Luang Prabang.
Luang Say Mekong River Cruise
This unique overnight cultural journey is an opportunity to understand more about life and nature along one of the world’s legendary rivers. We will witness life on the Mekong River, and in its traditional hill tribes, in this rich, colourful and historic region, largely untouched by the modern world.
The Luang Say is a custom built 34m luxury river boat that travels on the Mekong in Laos, between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. As part of our 2 day cruise, we will spend the night at Luang Say Lodge, where you can experience the fiery and spectacular Laos sunset from your luxury teak and rosewood bungalow along the Mekong River.
- 10:30am – Visit to a traditional Lao hill tribe village for an opportunity to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.
- 12:30pm – Buffet lunch is served on board with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ main culinary delights.
- 16:00pm – Arrival at Luang Say Lodge before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh and enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding scenery. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
ACCOMMODATION – Luang Say Lodge, Mekong River, Laos Meals (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Tuesday 09 February 2016 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
- am – Early morning breakfast at the hotel
- 7:00am – Wake up with stunning views of the peaceful neighbouring mountains, before a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
- 8:00am – Cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary Mekong River.
- 10:30am – After enjoying he sights o granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the Luang Say makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where the traditional process of making Lao whiskey will be seen as well as life within the village.
- 12:30pm – Buffet lunch is served on board, with a different choice of dishes from the first day for a greater culinary experience.
- 15:30pm – Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, we will stop to visit the Tam Thing Cave, famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes an for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
- 17:00pm – Following another day along the Mekong River, witnessing beautiful scenery of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, the former imperial capital of Laos.
- 17:30pm – Transfer to our hotel – Heritage Burasari – situated within the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre of town, and your Deluxe Riverview Room overlooking the Nam Khan River.
- 19:00pm – Group Dinner at The Terrace Restaurant, overlooking the nam Khan River.
ACCOMMODATION – Heritage Burasari, Luang Prabang
Meals (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Wednesday 10 February 2016 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
- am – Rise early to witness one of the Buddhist Lao rituals that has been taking place every sunrise in Luang Prabang for centuries. It has outlasted every dark political chapter in Laos’ history, surviving French colonisation, civil war, and the current Communist regime. Take the short 100m walk from our hotel where you will see lines of saffron-robed monks collecting their morning alms from the townspeople in a charitable display, so beautiful to watch.
- Before returning back to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, visit one of the many French colonial influenced cafes for a pain au chocolate and cafe.
- 9:00am – Following breakfast, we have arranged for a short-guided tour of the town’s oldest temple, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong (Temple of the Golden City, c.1559) with its classical Laotian architecture, and other important landmarks within the town’s World Heritage precinct. Following our guided tour, we will visit Luang Prabang’s former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which displays a collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings through to the last sovereign.
- 11:30am – Return to our hotel for a relax on your balcony, or visit one of Luang Prabang’s traditional spas for a massage.
- 14:00pm – Visit to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall cascading several hundred feet down the mountainside. You might like to either have a short dip in the turquoise pools; go for a leisurely walk along the forward trails surrounding the park; or visit the amazing work that Perth woman, Mary Hutton, has created with her “Save the Bears” rehabilitation centre within the falls park.
- 18:00pm – There are a couple of options to view Luang Prabang’s incredible sunsets over the surrounding mountains. Either visit one of the riverside cafes or ascend Luang Prabang’s highest point, the 100m Phou Si Hill in the middle of town, with its breathtaking views of the stupa-studded province.
- 19:00pm – Group Dinner at one of Nico & Belinda’s favourite Luang Prabang restaurants.
- pm – Following dinner, take a wander through Luang Prabang’s famous Night Market which sets up after sunset along the town’s main street. Every night, artists and merchants, mostly from Laos Hmong minority hill villages, set up shop. This market is like no other in Southeast Asia as there is a distinct lack in hassling by vendors as the Lao people conduct their business in a quiet and reserved manner, making it an altogether pleasant shopping experience.
ACCOMMODATION – Heritage Burasari, Luang Prabang
Meals (B,D)
Day 9 – Thursday 11 February 2016 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
- am – Breakfast at your leisure – on The Terrace as the sun rise over the Nam Khan River.
- 9:00am – This morning we will learn about one of Southeast Asia’s lesser known cuisines at the Tamarind Cooking School. The class will commence with a visit to Luang Prabang’s main traditional market where we will learn about the fresh ingredients used to prepare Lao food.
- We will then travel to Tamarind’s picturesque lakeside cooking pavilions where we will learn about the habits and customs at the heart of Lao cuisine and some intriguing and unfamiliar flavours.
- 15:00pm – Following our cooking school lunch and the completion of our class, we will return to our hotel.
- pm – Remainder of the evening at your leisure to take in the quiet and relaxed charms of Luang Prabang by night.
ACCOMMODATION – Heritage Burasari, Luang Prabang
Meals (B,L)
Day 10 – Friday 12 February 2016 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
- am – Breakfast at your leisure
- Free Day – Our final day of our Mekong Journey is an opportunity for you to simply relax and do as little, or as much, as you like. Visit one of Luang Prabang’s many spas for a traditional massage, or enjoy the serene ambiance of this quiet town with a walk or cycle amongst the gleaming temples around the town.
- 18:00pm – Final Group Dinner
ACCOMMODATION – Heritage Burasari, Luang Prabang
Meals (B,L)
Day 11 – Saturday 13 February 2016 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
- am – Breakfast at your leisure prior to check out from our hotel.
- 10:00am – Check out from hotel and we say our farewells to the group before departure from Luang Prabang for home, or you next chosen Southeast Asian destination. We have arranged for a Hotel Airport Transfer to suit your flight departure time.
If you are able to join us on this special “Discover Northern Thailand & Laos” Luxury Mekong Journey, please contact us on 08 9228 0507 or email nico@urbanprovider.com.au to secure your places and request a Booking Form. Also, please don’t hesitate in contacting us should you have any questions on our tour.
PRICING & INCLUSIONS :
$US3820 (Double/Twin Occupancy)
$US4920 (Single Occupancy – Own Room) – additional $US100 per day
The following is INCLUDED in the price:
- 4 Nights 5-Star Luxury Boutique Accommodation** – Chiang Mai – Including Airport Arrival Transfer
- 1 Night 5-Star Luxury Accommodation** – Chiang Rai
- 4 Nights 4-Star Luxury Riverview Deluxe Accomodation – Luang Prabang – Including Airport Transfer
- 2 Day / 1 Night Luxury Mekong River Cruise** – Luang Say Lodge
- All domestic transfers within Chiang Mai; Chiang Rai; and Laos
- Two Hands-On Cooking Classes – Thai Cooking Class & Laos Cooking Class;
- Included Cuisine & Culture excursions
- Full Breakfast Daily
- Included Meals as per itinerary
- Group Escorts
- Lao Visa on Arrival Cost
- Pre-Trip Briefing (Perth)
BOOKING DEADLINE* : 15 June 2016
*Due to the limited rooms available at our selected Luxury Boutique hotels and Mekong River cruise/lodge, bookings must be secured by Monday June 15th 2015 so that we can confirm them with our accommodation providers. We trust this meets with your understanding.
The following is NOT INCLUDED in the price:
- International Airfares (Return Airfares ex-Perth to Thailand start from around $AUD1200pp. Please contact your preferred carrier or travel agent to arrange your most convenient flights to Vietnam. Nico & Belinda can advise of the flights that they will travel on, if you prefer)
- International Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Non-included meals & beverages for cooking classes and included meals.
- Optional “Suggested” tours & activities.
- Local taxi fares.
BOOKINGS & BOOKING DEADLINE
To secure your places, please contact Nico Moretti at nico@urbanprovider.com.au or 08 9228 0507, and we will forward you a Cooking Passions Booking Form, or Download a BOOKING FORM below:
Booking Deadline: 15 June 2015 (or until places remain available)
Booking Deposit: A $AUD600 non-refundable BOOKING DEPOSIT is required to hold a booking for the tour, at the time of your reservation.
Final Payment: Payment in full is required at least 90 days prior to departure (Payment Due : 03 November 2015)
We look forward to hosting you on this very special Vietnam experience! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Bon voyage,
Nico & Belinda Moretti
Cooking Passions Cooking School
267 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
AUSTRALIA
www.urbanprovider.com.au