DOCSLIB.ORG

The Hidden World

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Hidden World The Hidden World During this 7-day adventure, discover Laos’ hidden beauty in the capital of Vietnianne and Luang Prabang with stunning stupas, mysterious pagodas and glorious temples. Moreover, you will visit the Plain of Jars tribal villages in Xieng Khouang and learn the traditions and customs of the local people.... Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Destination: Laos: Luang Prabang, Vientiane Price USD: $455 Itinerary Day 1 - Vientiane Arrival Arrive in Vientiane. Meet your guide at the airport, transfer to your hotel for check in. Start city tour in the afternoon. Visit That Luang Stupa, Pratuxai, Ho Prakeo, Wat Sisaket. Enjoy the welcome dinner in the local restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane. Meal: N/A Day 2 - Vientiane - Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars After breakfast in the hotel, we leave the capital city of Laos for the flight to Phonsavan. Spend the rest of the day exploring the mysterious archeological wonderland: the Plain of Jars. Start the day with a trip to Phonsavan’s bustling central market. Visit the MAG exhibition then head out to the Plain of Jars. Explore Site 1 of the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars: an enchanting archeological site, where hundreds of large stone jars lie scattered about the plateau. In the afternoon, we discover sites 2 and 3 and get a glimpse of some typical local villages along the way. Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khouang. Meal: Breakfast Day 3 - Thajok Tribal Village - Tham Piou We’ll drive 64 km to Muong Kham, the natural hot springs, on the way stopping at minority village, Thajok, to see their everyday life and Tham Piou Cave. Return to Phonsavanh in the afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khouang. Meal: Breakfast Day 4 - Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang Visit the local market of Phonsavanh and then drive north to Luang Prabang. Enjoy the view and scenes of local life along the way before we break for the lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel, visit to Phousy Mountain and discover the hustle and bustle of the night market. Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang Meal: Breakfast Day 5 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Ban Xang Hai - Ban Phanom Transfer to the local pier on the Mekong River to embark on a traditional boat ride to Pak Ou Caves. En route, stop over to visit Ban Xang Hai where a distillery of sticky rice wine can be seen. Visit the sacred Buddha Cave where thousands of Buddha images can be seen and return to Luang Prabang to continue visiting Ban Phanom, nearby Henri Mouhot’s Tomb, the weaving villages of Lao Lu textiles. Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang Meal: Breakfast Day 6 - Luang Prabang City Tour The morning is spent visiting the main highlights of Luang Prabang: Vat Visoune, Vat Aham, Phousi Hill (for a stunning view overlooking the city), Vat Mai Souvannaphoumaram, Vat Xieng Thong - the most beautiful temples of Luang Prabang and the National Museum known as former Royal King’s Palace. Also visit Ban Xang Khong, a weaving and handmade mulberry paper village. Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang Meal: Breakfast Day 7 – Luang Prabang Departure Enjoy your last morning in Luang Prabang before we transfer you to the airport for the departure flight. WHAT'S INCLUDED? • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels • Private vehicles and drivers • Transport from Hanoi to Halong and return by mini van • Private English speaking guides (Other languages if available, upon request) • Half-board as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited • Vietnam visa authorization letter • Drinking water available on the vehicles • Service charge & Government Taxes WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED? • International flights and domestic flights • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.) • Any bank fees or charges at your end • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary • Personal travel insurance • Tips for tour guide and driver in each region • Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any • Compulsory gala dinner on Christmas or New Year’s Eve if any • Vietnam visa stamp fee • Other services not mentioned above .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Research at Megalithic Jar Site 52 and the Discovery of New Jar Sites in Xiang Khouang Province, Laos
    Research at Megalithic Jar Site 52 and the Discovery of New Jar Sites in Xiang Khouang Province, Laos Dougald O’Reilly1✝, Louise Shewan2✝, Mailo Khamphouvong3, and Amphai Butphachit3 1School of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia. [email protected], +61261250622 2School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. 3Department of Heritage, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao P.D.R. Government ✝ These authors equally contributed to this work. Abstract: Ban Phakeo is a village in central Laos near which 415 megalithic jars and other associated lithic objects were discovered. There are over 80 such sites known in central Laos and this site was assigned the number 52 in the Lao National Inventory. Site 52 was excavated in eight discrete locations. Prospection was undertaken in the surrounds of Site 52 leading to the discovery of several previously undocumented sites which appear to be quarries or transport sites. The present paper focuses on the archaeological excavations undertaken at Site 52 and the newly discovered sites presenting the results of this research. Keywords: Laos; megaliths; archaeology; Plain of Jars Running Title Research at Megalithic Jar Sites in Laos 1.1 Introduction Site 52, located in Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, near the village of Ban Phakeo, was first recorded in 2005 by the Department of Heritage of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MoICT) (Figure 1). The site comprises a collection of 415 megalithic stone jars, 219 discs, lids, and hundreds of boulders in six discrete groups located in elevated terrain (Figures 2 & 3).
    [Show full text]
  • Widening the Geographical Reach of the Plain of Jars, Laos
    Widening the Geographical Reach of the Plain of Jars, Laos Lia Genovese Abstract This research report summarises ongoing fieldwork at the Plain of Jars in Laos and details megalithic artefacts in newly-discovered sites populated with jars fashioned from a variety of rocks. With two exceptions, the jars at these remote sites are in single digits and are not accompanied by plain or decorated stone discs, used as burial markers or for commemorative purposes. The sites’ isolated location bears implications for the geographical reach of the Plain of Jars by widening our understanding of this megalithic tradition in Mainland Southeast Asia. Introduction The Plain of Jars is spread over the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Luang Prabang (Map 1). All the sites are located at latitude 19°N, while the longitude starts at 102°E for sites in Luang Prabang and progresses to 103°E for locations in Xieng Khouang. As the leader of the first large-scale survey in 1931- 1933, the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani (1866-1943) documented 26 sites (Genovese 2015a: 58-59). Sites can include a group of jars, a quarry, a stone outcrop like a rock formation protruding through the soil level, or a manufacturing site, and can hold from one single jar to several hundred units.1 Dozens of new sites have since been discovered, Map 1. Contoured in red: Xieng Khouang province. The contour taking the total to just over in dark green delineates Phou Khoun district in Luang Prabang 100, with the quantity of province (adapted from d-maps). documented stone artefacts now exceeding 2,100 jars and The Journal of Lao Studies, Volume 7, Issue 1, pps 55-74.
    [Show full text]
  • Along the Mythical Mekong Facts & Highlights Departure Dates & Price
    Laos Detailed Itinerary Along the Mythical Mekong May 30/20 Wat-Phou, a pre-Angkor temple site. The culture and traditions of Laos are the least changed among Southeast Asian countries and Facts & Highlights make it a mecca for those searching for a truly • 21 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start & finish in Bangkok • All meals included • Includes 4 internal exotic adventure. Here, you will find ancient flights • Enjoy a 3-day/2-night Mekong River journey temples, exquisite scenery, an eventful history and aboard a traditional and elegant Mekong teak barge exotic cuisine, all within the warm embrace of a • Explore the ancient Plain of Jars (UNESCO) • See the majestic temples and sites of Luang Prabang (UNESCO) welcoming people. • Visit the cave city of Viengxay • Encounters with We begin in Bangkok, Thailand, then fly north to Hilltribe villages • Explore 10th century Khmer Ruins of Wat Phou Chiang Rai and continue to the Golden Triangle before entering Laos. A 2-day Mekong River Departure Dates & Price Feb 08 - Feb 28, 2021 - $5295 USD journey takes us to remote Hilltribe villages and Jan 30 - Feb 19, 2022 - $5295 USD mountainous jungles. We arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the Activity Level: 2 most beautiful and exotic temples in Asia. Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Our northern circuit continues to Pak Ou Cave (Buddha Cave) enroute to Nong Khiew. Enjoy a day Accommodations trip to a beautiful, ‘weaving’ Hilltribe village before Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. we traverse the remote mountains to Sam Nua.
    [Show full text]
  • Indochina War Refugee Movements in Laos, 1954-1975
    Indochina War Refugee Movements in Laos, 1954–1975: A Chronological Overview Citing New Primary Sources Frederic C. Benson1 Abstract This paper outlines the history of the relief and resettlement assistance program established by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist civilians displaced during the Second Indochina War in Laos. Many of the primary source materials cited in this paper can be found in a digitized collection of reports and documents that was recently made available in the University of Wisconsin’s Southeast Asian Images & Texts (SEAiT) digital collection. A fundamentally humanitarian undertaking, the USAID refugee program ultimately became a significant part of a larger, integrated political-military engagement, in which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a significant role. The objective of this paper is to summarize the complexities of the USAID refugee program as it developed from January 1955, when the American embassy was opened in Vientiane, until the Second Indochina War came to an end and USAID was evicted from Laos in June 1975, the year in which the Lao Democratic People’s Republic (Lao PDR) was established. Viewed in historical and geographical contexts, population shifts within the hinterlands of Laos, which peaked during the war, continue into the present post-conflict period. This has been due in part to more recent interactions and struggles prompted by “political memories” of the Second Indochina War alignments, which have led, to an extent, to post-1975, anti-Lao PDR insurgencies and land (re)allocations that address security concerns and accommodate both foreign land-based investments and cross- border migrations.
    [Show full text]
  • Hmong Monuments and Social Memory in Laos and America 45 Heroes of the Plain of Jars: Introduction “War Creates Heroes” Is a Famous Thai Saying
    Heroes of the Plain of Jars: Hmong Monuments and Social Memory in Laos and America 45 Heroes of the Plain of Jars: Introduction “War creates heroes” is a famous Thai saying. Among the Hmong Hmong Monuments and Social Memory in leaders in Laos, two decades of fighting between the Pathet Lao and the Laos and America Royal Lao Government (RLG) from the late 1950s to 1975 involved Hmong “heroes” on both sides. Although after 1975 Hmong leaders on Prasit Leepreecha the two sides ended up living in different countries, Laos and the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences United States of America and eventually passed away, in the early 2010s, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand monuments honoring Hmong heroes were erected in both countries. Email: [email protected] For the Hmong ethnic group in Southeast Asia and western countries, Received: September 3, 2020 building a monument is an entirely new symbol through which Revised: October 28, 2020 younger generations learn about and memorialize their former leaders. Accepted: December 1, 2020 To me, monument building for former Hmong leaders in Laos and America is an effective means of reproducing social memory and Abstract creating ethnic space in the two countries. Political conflict in Laos during the Cold War or Vietnam War, from the late Hmong people originally migrated from southwestern China to 1950s to 1975, involved two opposite political sides, the communist Pathet Lao and the Royal Lao government. As a major ethnic group inhabiting the battle upper mainland Southeast Asia between the late eighteenth and early area, leaders of ethnic Hmong in Laos were divided and joined both sides.
    [Show full text]
  • “Mystery and Diversity at the Plain of Jars, Laos”. a Talk and Presentation by Lia Genovese 1.1
    Informal Northern Thai Group Bulletin March 31, 2013 Note: This version is without pictures 1. MINUTES of the 358th Meeting, March 12, 2013 : “Mystery and Diversity at the Plain of Jars, Laos”. A Talk and Presentation by Lia Genovese 1.1. Attendance list. 1.2. The text of the talk. 1.3. Presentation of a Basic List of Sources on the Plain of Jars in three academic libraries in Chiang Mai. 2. NEXT INTG MEETING : 359th Meeting : 9 April 2013 : “Tai Khuen culture, Burmanization and the 600th Anniversary of Songkran in Keng Tung”. A Talk by Klemens Karlsson, Head of the Department of Publication Infrastructure at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm Sweden. 3. FUTURE INTG MEETINGS. 4. ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GATE THEATER GROUP 5. INTG CONTACTS. 1. MINUTES of the 358th Meeting, March 12, 2013 : “Mystery and Diversity at the Plain of Jars, Laos”. A Talk and Presentation by Lia Genovese 1.1. PRESENT : Hans Bänziger, Saengdao Bänziger, Dianne Barber-Riley, Mark Barber-Riley, Daniel Bellamy, John W. Butt, John Cadet, Roy Clark, Pat Corey, Kathie Culhane ???, Bernard Davis, Peter Dawson, Harry Deelman, Margaret Deelman, Robert Dubiel, Dorothy Engmann, Eric Eustache, Rudolph Ganz, Deborah Greenaway, Oliver Hargreave, John Henderson, Joachim Hincke, Penamyai (?) Hincke, Celeste Holland, Janet Illeni, Jacques ???, Peter K. Pollak, Ping Pong, Judy Reid, Lindy Santitharangul, Somchai Santitharangul, Sukanya Muenphomphrai, Thipsuda Jindaplook, Willem van Gogh, Edward van Tuyll, Vijaya Makeaw, Renee Vines, Rebecca Weldon. A total of 38 at least. 1.2. The 358th Talk, March 12, 2013 : “Mystery and Diversity at the Plain of Jars, Laos”. A Talk and Presentation by Lia Genovese.
    [Show full text]
  • Laos Plain of Jars in the Wake of American Bombing
    Volume 7 | Issue 24 | Number 3 | Article ID 3171 | Jun 15, 2009 The Asia-Pacific Journal | Japan Focus Laos Plain of Jars in the Wake of American Bombing Russell Ciochon Laos Plain of Jars in the Wake of American Bombing Geoffrey Gunn, Russell Ciochon and Jamie James At Lat Sen, sandstone jars are arrayed on the top of a steep hill. Network Aspen Introduction Caught up in the vortex of the American war in Vietnam, Laos (known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic since 1975) is reputed to be the most heavily bombed country, per capita, in the world. U.S. Department of Defense records reveal that 520,000 bomb runs were made over Laos, dropping more than 2 million tons of ordnance. Major targets were the Plain of Jars area in northern Xieng Khouang province and the “Ho Chi Minh Trail” coursing through the southern panhandle with routes connecting North to South Vietnam. These were not uninhabited zones but the ancestral homeland of many ethic minorities. Compared with U.S. bombing in Vietnam and Cambodia, what were the effects on Laos? A Lao soldier peers into a mammoth jar at And, decades after the end of the war, how do Ban Ang, the principal jar site. Jeffrey the peoples of Laos live with the consequences Aaronson of the bombing? 1 7 | 24 | 3 APJ | JF management.” Bombing in the Plain of Jars Obviously, the clearance of UXO is not a task for an international cultural organization but Map of Laos showing Xieng Khouang involves time, money, and considerable risk.
    [Show full text]
  • A Short History of Laos, the Land in Between
    Laos—PAGES 12/4/02 2:10 PM Page i Laos—PAGES 12/4/02 2:10 PM Page ii Short History of Asia Series Series Editor: Milton Osborne Milton Osborne has had an association with the Asian region for over 40 years as an academic, public servant and independent writer. He is the author of eight books on Asian topics, including Southeast Asia: An introductory history, first published in 1979 and now in its eighth edition, and, most recently, The Mekong: Turbulent past, uncertain future, published in 2000. Laos—PAGES 12/4/02 2:10 PM Page iii Laos—PAGES 12/4/02 2:10 PM Page iv First published in 2002 Copyright © Grant Evans 2002 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) under the Act. Allen & Unwin 83 Alexander Street Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia Phone: (61 2) 8425 0100 Fax: (61 2) 9906 2218 Email: [email protected] Web: www.allenandunwin.com National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry: Evans, Grant, 1948– . A short history of Laos : the land in between.
    [Show full text]
  • April 24, 1961 Transcript of Talks During Chairman Mao's Reception of Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong
    Digital Archive digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org International History Declassified April 24, 1961 Transcript of Talks during Chairman Mao’s reception of Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong Citation: “Transcript of Talks during Chairman Mao’s reception of Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong,” April 24, 1961, History and Public Policy Program Digital Archive, PRC FMA 204- 01438-01, 24-29. Obtained by Yiming Feng and translated by Marian Rosenberg. http://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/120883 Summary: Credits: This document was made possible with support from the MacArthur Foundation. Original Language: Chinese Contents: English Translation Confidentiality Level: Secret Transcript of Talks during Chairman's [Mao Zedong's] reception of Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong Talks on the situation in Laos Not reviewed Date: April 24th, 1961 Hangzhou: The Hangzhou Hotel, Hangzhou [Souvanna] Phouma: We’ve requested [for] Premier Zhou [Enlai] to arrange this visit to the Chairman [so we may both] salute you and [so we may] represent Laos in showing our appreciation for all the support we’ve received from China. Chairman [Mao Zedong]: Very happy to receive [our] Laotian friend Prince Phouma on his visit to our country. [Souvanna] Phouma: I hope after appeals from the co-chairs of the Geneva Conference that the method of cease fire leads to a unanimous agreement on Vientiane. A cease fire depends on the people of Laos. The international council’s purpose is to oversee the enactment of the cease fire agreement reached by the people of Laos. Chairman [Mao Zedong]: The issue is currently being discussed by several political factions within Laos.
    [Show full text]
  • Laos – the Jewel of the Mekong
    Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos LAOS – ThE JEWEL OF THE MEKONG A landlocked country nestled between Thai- land, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar; Laos is often overlooked on the generic tour- ist trip to South East asia. This said, in the last few years more and more people are choosing Laos as their magical new destination, one of the few countries in the region that remains unspoilt by modern development, political tensions and pollution. a country where bud- dhist beliefs and traditions are still genuinely practiced where more than 48 ethnic minori- ties with diverse dress and traditions can be seen authentically going about their daily rou- tines and the last place that still truly feels like the romantic former Indochina. Luang Prabang is by far the most popular and fastest growing destination in Laos usu- ally stealing the travelers’ heart upon arrival. Encircled by mountains and located between the Mekong and nam Kham rivers the former royal capital and unESCO world Heritage site features a majestic blend of gilded temples, decadent French colonial architecture and breathtaking natural scenery. It is resplendent of early 20th century Indochina and attracts a number of high end tourists due to its natu- ral beauty, the many fine French restaurants, wine bars and deluxe boutique hotels. Luang stunning temples and peaceful scenery is by for tubing, bars and caves and set amongst a Prabang is also a popular destination for those environmentally friendly Electrical bicycle. striking mountainous panorama. Phonsavan is seeking nature and soft adventure with many Tourists choosing to travel by land from Luang home to the mysterious Plain of jars, a huge activities such as kayaking, elephant riding, Prabang to the Laos capital of Vientiane usually archaeological complex covered by plenty trekking and biking located nearby the town, opt to do so stopping overnight at either Vang 2000 year old stone jars sized from 70 cm up not to forget the beautiful waterfalls and his- Vieng or Phonsavan.
    [Show full text]
  • THE PLAIN of JARS: MYSTERIOUS and IMPERILLED by Lia Genovese 1
    THE PLAIN OF JARS: MYSTERIOUS AND IMPERILLED by Lia Genovese 1 1.0 ABSTRACT Xieng Khouang province is home to the Plain of Jars, a series of archaeological sites containing from one single jar to several hundred urns carved mainly from sandstone, granite or limestone. The jars were part of the ancient inhabitants’ funerary customs, whose occupation of the area spanned “from the fifth century BCE to the beginning of the Christian era”.2 The French archaeologist Madeleine Colani (1866-1943) remains the only scholar to have enjoyed unfettered access to the Plain of Jars and to have published a systematic documentation of some of the sites. At the same time as international efforts and tourism rise, new and very different local challenges are emerging, as communities and ethnic minorities employ the jars in a variety of ways, infusing new meaning into the notions of value and heritage and hampering conservation efforts. This paper will explore the competing notions of heritage and the implications for conservation. Through personal accounts, it will become apparent that the lives of the people at the Plain of Jars have been, and are, closely associated with the jars, which have often acted as custodians for their most treasured possessions. This paper will advocate that the important work of documentation should be extended to the newly-discovered sites and that exploring diversity at the Plain of Jars is crucial towards an understanding of its complexity as an under-researched area of significant archaeological interest. Town and village names have changed since Colani’s times. For the sake of clarity, in this essay, jar sites will be identified by their numerical appellation rather than by the village name, which can give rise to confusion.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cultural and Natural Heritage of Caves in the Lao PDR: Prospects and Challenges Related to Their Use, Management and Conservation
    The Cultural and Natural Heritage of Caves in the Lao PDR: Prospects and Challenges Related to Their Use, Management and Conservation Nicholas Roberts1 Abstract This paper introduces the human uses for and values placed on caves and karst environments in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), and discusses some of the prospects and challenges related to their use, management, and conservation based on their value as cultural and natural heritage. In the Lao PDR, caves and karst have a broad range of uses and meanings, formed over long time periods that include prehistoric, historic, and contemporary phases. These uses have generated distinct values and meanings for diverse groups, including the Lao government, local communities, international researchers, and tourists. Caves are unique in that they fulfill, at least to some extent, all of the criteria for natural, tangible, intangible and historical heritage protection, making management of them difficult. The past, present and future importance of caves and karst and their multiple users and meanings has not been consistently taken into account in measures to protect or manage them. The increasing pressure from economic development practices, including logging, mining, and tourism, also compounds management and conservation. In order to sustainably manage and conserve caves and karst in the Lao PDR, they must be viewed as ‘living places.’ This will require the acknowledgment of their unique and crosscutting significance, their natural and cultural heritage and their current and historic uses and meanings. These characteristics should be identified and valued as part of any future conservation, social and economic development planning. Key Words: Lao PDR; caves and karst; natural and cultural heritage management Introduction Karst, with its constituent of caves, makes up approximately 30,000 km2 in the Lao PDR and is found in all of its provinces, making it a common and extensive feature in the national landscape.
    [Show full text]