Mellow on the Mekong

Luang Prabang, Laos

CW
Cora Wen
  • Email address verified
Nov 13 - 19, 2017
Group size: 8 - 22
Mellow on the Mekong
Luang Prabang, Laos

Cora Wen
  • Email address verified

Nov 13 - 19, 2017
Group size: 8 - 22

About this trip

There is a saying in Asia : Vietnam plants rice, Cambodia harvests rice, Thailand sell rice, and Laotians listen to the rice grow. 


Laos is the definition of mellow. 

Visit Luang Prabang, the charming and serene spiritual capital of Laos, on this custom 7-day tour. While the rest of Southeast Asia is growing, expanding and modernizing, Laos moves at its own pace, ambling along, taking plenty of time for meditation along the way. Everyone who visits laid-back Laos falls in love with this slow pace of mellow in the Mekong. Since coming in 2009, I fell in love and still have a piece of my hart here!


Join us as and come to this fave spot of mine: immerse yourself in a bit of yoga and meditation, learn about traditional Laotian spirit and beliefs, feed baby elephants at a river sanctuary, ride on a Mekong River cruise, meditate in Buddhist caves, swim in turquoise waterfall lagoons, and walk through this historical UNESCO town, as you soak into the laid-back lifestyle of Laos. This is a place to lose yourself into Buddhist culture, bike along temple gates, or wander into small scenic streets and explore this gem of a town. 


Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, amidst a backdrop of jungle-clad mountains, Luang Prabang is a most sacred and scenic spot. Crowned by verdant mountains and housing over 30 Wats (temples), former royal palaces and scenic ponds, it is the cultural nucleus of Laos.


The former Royal Capital is at its most vibrant after the rainy season (Sept-Nov), when the forests are brilliant emerald and the rivers are in full flow. We will benefit from the full rivers and verdant forests.


Saffron-robed monks collect their daily alms and ornate temples such as Wat Xieng Thong offer spiritual solace.  Luang Prabang is known for its artisanry and culture, with interesting galleries, bookshops and other venues that specialise in traditional arts and crafts. Outside town, the beautiful countryside is rich in ethnic culture.  Out trip includes a leisurely river cruise on the Mekong to bring you to Pak Ou Caves, where the Kings damaged Buddhas were stored. Additional Options include a journey to Kuang Si Waterfall, a succession of falls and crystalline jungle pools, and an Elephant Sanctuary to learn how Laos is heloing to protect their environment.


What’s included

This is a 7 day, 6 night stay in my favourite town of Indochina, Luang Prabang Laos. We will share yoga and meditation every day, and have time to explore the wonders and spiritual solace of this Buddhist town. I have been coming here since 2009, and fell in love with the stillness and beauty. My friend Lisa owns THE Best bar in town - the Icon Club (Lonely Planet rates it a magical hilight!), and Gary is the General Manager of the beautiful new hotel property we are staying in. He and I have been sharing yoga and friendship since 2002 back in our Indonesia island days! 


The tiny and ancient town of Luang Prabang is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Azerai is the elegant new hotel created by Adrian Zecha, visionary and creator of the legendary AmanResorts Hotel brand. It is a handsome and architecturally beautiful hotel, offering contemporary elegance in a prime location, steps from the main street. The hotel is built around a courtyard with a 25-meter pool, covered by an old Banyan tree with a sacred legacy. It exudes simple elegance, refined design, discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest.


Our retreat is created with Korn Srinawan, and the Spa staff and Gary Tyson, the General Manager, who are friends of Cora's. You will have the luxury of getting to know the town with an insiders knowledge. And to explore all the temples and sacred river sites as you practice meditation and yoga along the Mekong delta.


Join us and you will enjoy:


* 6 nights Accommodation in Double/Single room at Azerai, Adrian Zecha's newest property in Laos
* Government tax and service charge
* Transportation with air-condition in private car to/from airport
* 6 Days of Yoga & Meditation 
* Breakfast for all days
* Arrival Beverage at Icon Club
* Welcome Dinner at Cafe Touie
* Private Boat for Mekong Sunset Cruise 
* Pak Ou Cave Tour
* Ethnic Hill Tribe Village Tour
* English speaking guide
* Admission fee to indicated sights
* Private Baci Ceremony with Cultural Commisioner & Monks
* Departure Dinner at Azerai Bistro

The first Azerai Hotels, a ‘new brand of hotels that offers guests simple elegance, refined design, discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest’.


Azerai Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering western and Lao dishes. The bar has a veranda with views of Luang Prabang’s main street and night market. A poolside bar serves smoothies, cocktails and sharing platters, while there is also a lounge, library and event space. There is a gym and ‘Massage Retreat’ with treatment rooms for foot and body massages and a space for yoga classes.

Not included

Transportation to Luang Prabang


All air tickets quoted separately and resposibility of guest


Luang Prabang International Airport is serviced by flights from the international gateways of Bangkok (95 minutes), Chiang Mai (55 minutes), Hanoi (55 minutes), Siem Reap (95 minutes), Jing Hong (60 minutes), Kuala Lumpur (2 hours 55 minutes), Singapore (4 hours 30 minutes via Vientiane) and the capital of Laos, Vientiane (40 minutes).


* Any additional taxes or fees incurred by visa or passport
* Visa stamping fee on arrival
* Travel Insurance in all kinds
* Drinks, laundry and other personal expenses
* Tips and gratuities are not included
* Other foreign language guide
* Single or Upgraded room (quoted separately)


Additional Add Ons:

Kuangsi Waterfalls - take a cool dip in one of the many turquoise pools, wander through the multiple tiers of the falls, and pay a visit to the 23 Asiatic Black Bears who live at the nearby bear sanctuary.


Elephant Santuary -

An Overview of The Elephant Camp, Elephants, Mahouts and Interesting facts.

Move to feeding area for hands on feeding, touching, watching, learning experience.Ride along the Mekong River. Short walk to Mekong River where you have the option to ride on the Elephants neck to the water, Ride Elephant in the water, you can wash and have fun in the river with the Elephants.


Weaving Class - 

Start with an introduction to silks, dyeing and weaving techniques. Each student is assigned a loom and has a guide and a weaver to help them learn the art of weaving. Students will select two colours and create a placemat with Lao motifs, to take pride of place on your table when you get home!


Additional Remarks:

Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability. Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuation.

Before You Go

Know your travel need:


Immigration 

Visas are required to enter, exit or transit through Laos. Visas on arrival are available at the airport and are payable in US dollars with the price based on nationality and subject to change without notice. A passport photo is required and can be arranged at immigration on arrival for an additional fee of US$1. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.


Electricity 

The standard electrical voltage in Luang Prabang is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.


Time Zone 

Luang Prabang is located at GMT +07.00.


Dress 

During the cooler months of December and January, guests should pack warm clothes for early mornings and evenings, with lighter clothing for the rest of the day. During the summer months it is recommended that guests wear light yet conservative attire, especially on temple visits. Guests should, at all times, travel with comfortable walking shoes and a wide brimmed hat for protection from the tropical sun.

Available Packages

TRIPLE Occupancy - Room

This is for a share of 3 participants sharing one Suite.

6 nights double occupancy room - 3 Doubles
Inclusive 10% government tax & 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$1,899
Deposit: $650
Double Occupancy - Room

Azerai Rooms are open-plan style facing south and west. Television, coffee & tea equipment, mini bar $ wireless internet. Courtyard Rooms face pool for additional cost - See option #3

6 nights single occupancy room - 1 King
Inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$2,099
Deposit: $725
Double Occupancy - Courtyard Room

Courtyard Rooms designed in open-plan style with television, coffee/tea equipment, mini bar & wireless internet. Courtyard Rooms face pool courtyard

6 nights single occupancy room - 1 King
Inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$2,299
Deposit: $975
Single Occupancy - Room

Azerai Rooms are open-plan style facing south and west. Television, coffee & tea equipment, mini bar $ wireless internet. Courtyard Rooms face pool for additional cost - See option #5

6 nights single occupancy room - 1 King
Inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$3,199
Deposit: $1,050
Single Occupancy - Courtyard Room

Courtyard Roomsm face pool, and include enclosed washroom, shower and twin vanities. Bedroom area opens through louvered doors onto outdoor balcony with lounges.

6 nights double occupancy room - 2 Double or 1 King
Inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$3,499
Deposit: $1,050
Azerai Suite - Double Occupancy

Azerai Suite is largest room available, featuring spacious private courtyard. 85 square meters with large living area and bedroom terrace. Private and quiet. (Single $3600)

6 nights double occupancy room - 2 Double or 1 King
Inclusive 10% government tax & 10% service charge
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$2,499
Deposit: $850
Non Yoga Participant

6 nights double occupancy room - 2 Double or 1 King
Inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge
One Attendee Must Be Yoga Participant
6 days Yoga
All Breakfast
Drink at Icon Club
2 Dinners - arrival & departure
Private Mekong Sunset Cruise
Pak Ou Cave
Ethnic Hill Tribe
Baci Ceremony

$1,600
Deposit: $650
1/2 Day Excursion - Elephant Sanctuary

A Sanctuary for beautiful Asian Elephant to experience these Magnificent Mammals.
Luang Prabang Elephant Camp is supervised by Mr Tha Thao, and it has become a wonderful sustained envronmentally conscius spot to get personal with these friendly giants.
They create a safe haven for ex-working Elephants and their children, while providing an Experience for visitors

$0
1/2 Day Excursion - Kuangsi Waterfalls

Kuang Si Waterfall is about 30 kilometres south of town. Tiers of waterfall lead to 50-metre drop into spectacular pools below. The bright turquoise water gently tumbles over small limestone ledges. For the adventurous, walk to a steep track where stunning views await at the top. The bear sanctuary Free The Bears Fund has 23 Asiatic Black Bears saved from poaching.

$0

Available options



Itinerary

Mellow on the Mekong
7 Days
Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, amidst a backdrop of jungle-clad mountains, Luang Prabang is the former Royal Capital. At its most vibrant during rainy season, with forests brilliant emerald and rivers in full flow, saffron-robed monks collect daily alms and ornate temples offer spiritual solace. Known for unique artisanry and culture, Luang Prabang has many galleries, bookshops and other venues specialising in traditional arts and crafts. Tthe beautiful countryside is also rich in ethnic culture with Pak Ou caves, where the Kings damaged Buddhas were stored; and Kuang Si Waterfall, a succession of falls and crystalline jungle pools.

Your Organizer


CW
Cora Wen
Cora Wen is an international expert on yoga therapy, a contributor to Yoga Journal and a specialist on South Asian culture. She frequently teaches in Asia as well as the US and Canada. Her therapeutic expertise and deep knowledge has flourished over two decades of teaching and apprenticing with America’s most influential teachers. Contributing as a writer and teacher for Yoga Journal USA, Yoga Journal Thailand and Yoga International allows her to share skills across the globe, training and mentoring teachers and trainees. She is a qualified, talented and experienced teacher who has an infectious enthusiasm and a natural, friendly approach. Cora’s classes are uplifting and fun. Over many years she has evolved a unique, personal style that safely blends Iyengar alignment and therapeutic yoga into artful sequences. Her classes focus on coordinating breath and body movements. More info at www.corawen.com