EXPLORING LAO CULTURE AND BUDDHIST PRACTICE A 16-Day Trip to the Tranquility of Laos
January 15 - 31, 2011 16 nights
Contact Danu Enterprises for further information Danu Enterprise, (831)-476-0543 danu@earthlink.net www.danutours.com
Laos is a country permeated by the ancient spirit of Buddhism. This manifests in the gentle, peaceful demeanor of the populace, the large monastic community and the beautiful temples. Most Laotians consider themselves Buddhist and every man is expected to spend at least part of his life as a novice in a Wat (temple). Many stay for longer periods, and reenter several times during their lives. Temples also educate, feed and house any poor boys and young men who wish to enter as a novice, and are therefore popular and populated.
Every morning at 6:00 monks and novices begin a walk around town from their respective temples, alms bowls swinging open to receive sticky rice, money, and whatever the local people have cooked for them. The completely silent procession of saffron robes, with locals on the sidewalk giving alms is breathtaking. We will join in this ancient sacred ritual that dates back to the time of the Buddha. We will also participate in morning meditation and afternoon chanting at various temples.
Laos is a landlocked country a quarter of the size of its neighbor, Vietnam, but sharing much of its history. It has a beautiful lush landscape, with numerous mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Sparsely populated and heavily forested, the northern, mountainous area hosts farming communities of indigenous hill tribes, who also maintain homes along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Laos is also known for its delicious and fresh food and unique arts and crafts, including woven goods,paper making and silver jewelry. A developing country who only recently opened to tourism, it has the dubious distinction of being the most heavily bombed country in the world from the Vietnam war.
Our first stop will be to the sleepy capitol city of Vientiane, with wide, pleasant boulevards dotted with decaying French colonial mansions. It is the home of many wats including Wat Sok Pa Luang which offers Vipassana instruction, herbal steam baths and massage. We will also visit the lively marketplace and view performances of traditional dance and music.
Our next stop, just a short flight from Vientiane, is the smaller town of Luang Prabang. Arguably the most beautiful town in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang has such an abundance of architectural treasures that the entire town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is where we will spend the majority of our journey. Luang Prabang sits in the mountains in the north, is framed by two rivers, and hosts thirty-two temples and a correspondingly large monastic population. During our stay in this unique locale, we will explore the stunning architecture with local guides, visit the old palace and museums, meet local artists and craftspeople, and tour the vast array of tranquil temples.
We will also explore the countryside, enjoying a beautiful short trek to the gorgeous Kuangsi waterfall, visit local villages, and take an idyllic excursion by boat up the Mekong river to the Pak Ou Cave, housing thousands of Buddha's brought by devotees. We will kayak to the nearby Elephant Rehabilitation Camp and take a ride, enjoy a class in making traditional food, and visit some local Hill tribes.
Throughout this trip Vipassana teacher Carla Brennan will offer meditation instruction, lead meditation sessions, and discuss Buddhist philosophy. We will also hear teaching from local senior monks or nuns. We will learn to integrate Buddhist approaches and perspectives to bring greater depth, ease and openness while traveling together as a community. The last 2 1/2 days will be dedicated to a silent meditation retreat. This retreat will be an opportunity to end our visit to Laos with quiet, relaxation, and reflection and to deepen our experience of the Buddha-dharma in a country that has been Buddhist for a thousand years. Experienced meditators as well as beginners are welcomed to join this journey.
Whenever possible, we will either meditate at a local wat or Carla will lead an early morning session of silent meditation with short teachings and discussion. We will also join the monks and novices in their chanting practice in the afternoons and have opportunities to meet novice monks who enjoy practicing their English with Westerners. Many of our visits will be to support local NGO’s and service projects, like our visit and donation to the Cooperative Orthonic and Prosthetic Visitors Center (a programs for prosthetic limbs for Laotians with missing limbs, many due to explosives leftover from Vietnam War). This will allow us to practice “dana”, the Pali word for generosity, by giving something back to the Laotian people.
Comments from previous trip participants: “I thought the balance of activities was excellent--also the accommodations and meals. My fondest memories are kayaking down the river--exquisite! Also visiting inside the Hmong House--unforgettable. You two are wonderful tour guides. I love your humor, and Surya is an incredible source of great information. Thank you both for making this possible for us.” Matthew Grad, Portland OR.
“I will remember the beauty of Luang Prabang and the openness of the Lao people. Thanks for providing the structure and flexibility that made our group experience so smooth and joyful, and the individual attention you showed to all of us, no one forgotten, everyone skillfully cared for. Many thanks and hope to see you in the future.” Dan Landry, Santa Cruz CA
“I loved the feeling of a small neighborhood community where everything was within walking distance. I loved talking with the monks and---hearing about their lives certainly broke the mystique of my picture of their lifestyle.” Nancy Rubin, Berkeley CA
“I loved the chanting and meditation in the Wat, the waterfalls, river excursions, seeing how locals live, Buddhism in daily life. Our guest house was wonderful. I’ll remember the sweetness of sharing the experience with such wonderful, like minded people, including Judy & Surya and our local guides. This has been the wonderful trip to Laos I had hoped for. The Lao people are welcoming and my understanding of Buddhist practice as daily life has deepened as I hoped it would. Thank you so much.” Ruby Grad, Portland OR
“I must say it was time well spent and trip I will remember fondly forever.” Loree Vial, Santa Cruz CA
ITINERARY: JANUARY 15-31, 2011 Day 1: Sat. Jan. 15: Arrive at airport to check in 1 1/2 to 2 hours prior to departure.
Day 2: Sun. Jan. 16: Depart after midnight aboard Eva Airways for Tai Pei.
Day 3: Mon. Jan 17: Tai Pei/Bangkok/Vientiane (B,L,D) You arrive in Tai Pei and make a transfer for your flight to Vientiane, Laos. You apply for entry visa upon arrival and meet your Laotian local guide, and are transferred to Novotel Hotel. In the evening we visit a famed local restaurant that features Laotian specialties and a folk dance performance.
Day 4: Tues. Jan. 18: Vientiane (B) Breakfast, morning meditation and discussion at hotel. After breakfast begin our day in our private bus with a guided tour of the National Museum for an overview of Laotian history. Then we visit Wat Sisaket--the house of thousands of graceful Buddha images, and Wat Pakeo, the original home of the revered Emerald Buddha. In the afternoon we visit Wat Sok Pa Luang temple, famed for instruction in Vipassana meditation. A forest temple, well-known for its herb garden, and their herbal steam bath, perfumed by thirty two medicinal herbs that soak the skin as they waft through the wooden floor. Afterward we will enjoy a cup of herbal tea and lay down for a traditional massage in the simple, open-air pavilion. Afterward, a talk with a resident monk who will lead us in a walking meditation through the garden.
Day 5: Wed. Jan. 19: Vientiane (B) Breakfast, morning meditation and short discussion at hotel. Today we visit the Pra Thatluang stupa, where the the relic of Lord Buddha is kept, and then on to the colorful market with a wide array of woven silk textiles. Continue to the Les Artisans Laos center and school in Vientiane to see the trainees learning and working, and invite you to support them by purchasing their crafts. Our final visit is to the Cooperative Orthonic and Prosthetic Visitors Center to review their programs creating prosthetic limbs for Laotians with missing limbs, mainly due to US cluster bombs from the Vietnam war. Group dinner at the Makphet training restaurant for street children.
Day 6:Thur. Jan. 20: Vientiane/ Luang Prabang (B) Morning meditation at hotel. Depart for a flight to Luang Prabang, A beautiful French- Colonial style World Heritage town registered by UNESCO. Check into our Guest House in the ancient capital of the Lao Kingdom, beautifully situated between two rivers, and surrounded by forest enshrined hills. Here time appears to have stood still, giving the visitor an vision of the old Asia. After checking into your guest house, we will take a walking tour through the historic neighborhood in which you will be spending your next 8 nights. Finally we conclude on the Mekong River, visiting the Wat Xieng Thong, built by the local king in 1560 and considered the most beautiful and important in Luang Prabang. Join the local monks and novices in their late afternoon chanting in the Wat. Evening meal of local specialties.
Day 7: Fri. Jan. 21: Luang Prabang (B) At dawn we will offer food to the many monks who file down our street each day, outside our guesthouse with their begging bowls in the daily sacred ceremony of alms-giving. You are invited to offers alms to the monks on other mornings as well. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning meditation at Wat Nong, which will become our regular “meditation hall” during our visit. Then we have our own gathering to discuss our impressions. Tour of several important local temples: Wat Visoun, a temple for the Vietnamese migrants, and Wat Ahman, where giant puppets representing the ancestors of the local people (Grandmother and Grandfather) are stored. In the afternoon we enjoy a meeting with the Abbot of Wat Nong and hear about its history, and then begin our regular afternoon chanting at Wat Nong.
Day 8: Sat. Jan. 22: Luang Prabang (B) Breakfast followed by meditation at Wat Nong and short discussion at guest house. Then a visit to the morning market to view the local produce and other exotic items, followed by a visit to the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace. The collection of former sovereign artifacts and treasures reflect the richness of the Lao throne from the early Kings to last sovereign. Across from the palace, we scale the holy Phousi mountain, climbing 238 steps, and providing an overview of Luang Prabang town and visiting the stupa at the top. After wards we will have lunch at a charming cafe overlooking the Nam Khan River. Afternoon free to explore Luang Prabang or have a spa treatment, and then back to our local Wat to participate in afternoon chants. In the evening, visit the night market with a chance to sample local cuisine.
Day 9 Sun. Jan. 23: Luang Prabang (B,L) Breakfast followed by morning meditation at Wat Nong and short discussion at guest house. Then, a fun, educational and supportive visit to the local Elephant Camp, established as an NGO in 2003 to offer a retirement community for retired elephants from the logging industry. We take a leisurely kayak ride down the river, viewing stunning scenery, and concluding at the Camp, where we take an elephant trail ride to the Tad Sae waterfall and have a picnic lunch, and meet with a Camp official to hear about their work. Arrive back in Luang Prabang in the afternoon in time to chat with some of the neighboring novices about their lives inside a monastery. Adjourn to Vat Nong for chanting.
Day 10 Mon. Jan. 24: Luang Prabang (B) Breakfast followed by morning meditation at Wat Nong andshort discussion at guest house. Excursion to visit the Akha Hill tribe people and an ethnic Hunan village of weavers, and then a local pottery village. Afternoon return to Luang Prabang for lunch, free time, and further meetings with novices to hear about their lives. Evening performance of traditional dance and music at the Palace.
Day 11 Tues. Jan. 25: Luang Prabang (B, L) Breakfast followed by morning meditation at Wat Nong and short discussion at guest house. This morning we gather at for a fun and fascinating cooking workshop in the history of local delicacies with fresh ingredients, while learning to prepare local delicacies. We work our way through several courses, culminating with a group lunch. Free time or time for meetings with novices to hear about their lives. Afternoon chanting at our local Wat.
Day 12 Wed. Jan. 26: Luang Prabang (B) Breakfast followed by morning meditation and short discussion at guest house. Excursion by boat up the Mekong up to its juntion with the Nam Ou river where we’ll visit the Pak Ou holy cave, housing thousands of Buddha's brought by devotees. Following this, we continue on to Ban Shanghai distillation village, where they produce alcohol from sticky rice. Return to Luang Prabang for lunch by the Mekong River. Free time or futher meetings with novices to hear about their lives. Late afternoon we join the monks and novices for their late afternoon chants at the Wat Nong temple.
Day 13 Thur. Jan. 27: Luang Prabang (B,D) Breakfast, followed by morning meditation and short discussion at guest house. Then an excursion overland to a beautiful short trek to the stunning Kuangsi waterfall, and perhaps the falls. In the late afternoon, our final chanting meditation with our friends at Vat Nong. Evening meal of Laotian food and a traditional Baci (blessing) ceremony to wish you luck and happiness in the coming year.
Day 14: Fri. Jan. 28: Luang Prabang (B) Morning Free. After lunch, our new accommodations at the Thongbay Guest House, set on the Nam Khan River just outside of Luang Prabang. Late afternoon we will start a 2-day silent meditation retreat. Carla will give additional meditation instruction and Buddhist teachings during this retreat. Meals will be available a the guest house.
Day 15: Sat. Jan. 29: Luang Prabang (B) Silent meditation sessions at our guesthouse and at a lovely hilltop Wat nearby. We will walk through the local neighborhood to get to the Wat and may receive some instructions and teachings from a nun or monk there. We will be practicing sitting and walking meditation throughout the day. This retreat will be an opportunity to end our visit to Laos with quiet, relaxation, and reflection and to deepen our experience of the Buddha-dharma in a country that has been Buddhist for hundreds of years.
Day 16: Sun. Jan. 30: Luang Prabang (B): Same as 2/5.
Day 17: Mon. Jan. 31: (BLD) Transit: Return to the USA or book our optional 4 day, five night package to Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia.
Included: - 3 nights at the Novotel Hotel in Vientiane - 8 nights at a lovely Guest House in heart of Old Luang Prabang - 3 nights at a tranquil Guest House in a local village (silent retreat) - Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, and all transfers from hotel to airport. - Breakfast each day, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. - Excursion to Kuangsi waterfall, Ban Sangkong paper-making village - Traditional Baci (blessing) ceremony - Excursion by boat to the Tamting holy cave & to Ban Shanghai distillation village. - 3 performances of traditional dance. - Cooking class of local cuisine - Visit to traditional Hill tribe and weaving villages - Visit to the local Elephant Camp including a trail ride to the Tad Sae waterfall and kayak trip. - Visit to the Royal Palace, the holy Phousi mountain, Wat Visoun, Wat Ahman, Wat Xieng Thong, and an orientation walking tour of Luang Prabang. - Guided tour of the National Historical Museum, City tour of Vientiane, Watt Pakeo, Anousavari monument, Wat Sisaket - Visit the Wat Sok Pa Luang temple including a meditation walk, herbal steam bath, a gentle massage. - Visit to the Makphet training restaurant and Les Artisans Laos center, and the Cooperative Orthonic and Prosthetic Visitors Center. - Donation to the Orthonic and Prosthetic Center and Vat Nong temple and monastery. - Pre-trip Information. Services of tour organizer/leader Made Surya as well as local guide in Laos.
Not Included - Tips and dana for meditation Instructor - Meals where not indicated - Laundry •Visa fees and airport taxes - Insurance
Cost: $3785.00 (With China Air, $4195.00 with Eva Air. based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room. Single supplement available ($240.00). Minimum 10, maximum 16 participants. Please note that price of airfare may rise due to fuel costs. Deposits/ Penalties: A $350.00 refundable deposit reserves trip space. A penalty fee of $75.00 will be charged for all cancellations received in writing. After tickets have been issued airline penalties will occur. No refunds will be made after departure. Final payments are due 60 days prior to departure.
Meditation Instructor: Carla Brennan has been practicing Buddhism for over 30 years in the Theravada, Zen and Tibetan traditions. She is a Vipassana teacher in Santa Cruz and with other Bay area groups in California. She regularly offers dharma talks, classes, and retreats. Carla is also conducts wilderness retreats, teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and is a former psychotherapist. In accordance with the tradition of freely offering the teachings of the Buddha, Carla is not receiving payment for her teaching. At the end of the trip, there will be an opportunity to make an offering of “dana” to Carla.
Tour Organizer/Leader: Madé Surya BS. While a graduate student in Economics at Udayana University in Bali, founded the Mountain Climbing Club, now boasting about 200 members. He has been organizing and leading study tours for 21 years and has assisted scholars and film crews in Exploring Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Greece and Italy. He has previously led many active tours, and remains a favorite guide and friend to former clients. Surya has published essays in Hinduism Today, and is currently researching traditional Balinese Healing techniques. This is Surya’s second trip with Carla.
Airline Options: Participants may depart and return at any time. Participants are urged to sign up early and make plans regarding dates, as we are traveling during High Season. You may wish to opt for an upgrade to Eva Evergreen Class. The cabin is small and quiet, situated in the nose of the plane. The seats have a long pitch and recline with footrest and private armrests. These seats are limited and should be reserved ASAP. Current price for upgrade (which may change) is $333.00. Contact our travel agent, Wendy Simon at Pacific Harbor Travel, Santa Cruz (local calls: 427-5002, or 1-800 435-9463) for further details.
Terms and Conditions: In case of unexpected situations, the tour leader reserves the right to cancel or postpone any event. Festivals and special events will be incorporated into the itinerary as optional excursions. Anyone who leaves the tour at any time FOR ANY REASON is on their own. There will be no refunds for missed tour activities and no substitutions. Accommodations: Are based on double occupancy. We stay in clean, comfortable locally-owned hotels with private baths. In Vientiane we are at the 3 star Novotel Hotel. In Luang Prabang we stay in an attractive, new Guest House, located in the heart of the Old Town.
Medical: This trip is not extremely rigorous, but neither ourselves nor our organization assumes liability regarding provisions of medical care. Participants are urged to check their insurance coverage to be sure it is adequate. You must be in good general health; it is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify any member from the group at any time if considered medically necessary or to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Trip members should have a personal supply of medications which they may need. At this time no inoculations are required to enter Laos or Cambodia, so it is up to you and your doctor.
Responsibility of Trip Members: Luggage must be kept to 44 lbs each, the maximum allowed by domestic flights. Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip. Trip members are responsible for preparing for the trip by studying the itinerary and pre-departure information packets sent by Danu Enterprise and for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as advised.
Additional Options: We are also offering a four night visit to Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia which can be enjoyed at the beginning or ending of this trip, or a Trekking and Hill Tribe tour to Northern Laos. Trip members may also join us for our tour, immediately preceding this in Vietnam.
Contact Danu Enterprises for further information Danu Enterprise, (831)-476-0543 danu@earthlink.net www.danutours.com
