A MINDFUL JOURNEY TO Northern Vietnam & Angkor Wat March 15 27, 2019 A pilgrimage is different from a vacation even though it looks like one. On a vacation we are likely to take in the scenery, the people, and the culture. We take pictures of each interesting and amazing thing. More is better when you are taking in. After a while though, we become full. And when we are full, we can miss the beauty we have gone half way around the world to see. On a Pilgrimage the focus is different. Instead of looking outside, we are also noticing what is happening inside ourselves. How does the beauty we see affect us? How do different customs and morals make us question our values? How can we allow the difference in human culture to teach us? Even history can remind us life is precious and temporary, no matter how grand or beautiful it may appear. A Pilgrimage includes two journeys, the one we visit and the one inside our hearts and minds. On this trip we immerse ourselves in the scenery, history, and traditions of northern Vietnam and Cambodia. We visit monasteries to meditate at an eclectic collection of temples, learn about Zen and Theravada practices from monks and novices, hike in the outstanding natural environment of the Sapa highlands, and marvel at the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. And at Angkor Wat, we spend time at the abode of ancient gods. If you have a little more time available, consider extending your stay in Luang Prabang replete with timeless architecture, gilded temples, and saffron-clad monks. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:
Buddhist monks in Cambodia A WORD ABOUT Mindful Journeys What is a Mindful Journey? Mindful simply means practicing how we perceive the beauty and depth of the world. We can become more mindful by using meditation to slow down an internal dialogue we often have with ourselves. When travelling, a simple meditation practice once a day for 30 minutes helps us change the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Many evenings we gather together for reflection sharing our insights and experiences. These practices remind us that our technological connections are not a replacement for psychological depth. And we become more open to insight. What s involved? The only prerequisite is to pack an open mind. TOUR LEADER Rev. Wayne Walder is the minister of Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Toronto. For more than 30 years Wayne has practiced meditation from a number of spiritual traditions. He has chanted Dzikr with Sufi Pir s (saints), sung spiritual songs with Hindu priests, and sat in meditation with Buddhist monks. Wayne brings mindful insights and meditations to enhance our experience. He has led more than 30 pilgrimages and retreats in the last 15 years.
SIGNATURE MOMENTS Meditating at beautiful temples and pagodas Learning about Zen and Theravada practices Chanting with monks and novices Hiking in super-scenic Sapa CHINA Sapa Ba Vi N.P. Hanoi Luang Prabang LAOS Halong Bay South China Sea THAILAND Marvelling at the wonders of Angkor Wat Siem Reap CAMBODIA Gulf of Thailand VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City
Detailed Itinerary Please note that this itinerary will be modified during our travels to take advantage of local events and to practice meditation in special locations. We urge you to be flexible and open to each day s adventures. Each day we plan to include a period of meditation and a period of reflection. Friday, March 15: Arrive in Hanoi Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi you will be met by our local representative and escorted to our hotel in the historic city centre. We ll get together later this afternoon for a briefing and then head out to enjoy a water puppet theatre presentation before dinner together this evening. Overnight: Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi Meals: Dinner Hanoi Saturday, March 16: Hanoi Vietnam was and still is a profoundly Buddhist country. This morning we learn about the combination of Zen and Pure Land Buddhism practiced here in a visit to the Sung Phuc Zen Monastery. Meet the Zen masters in a meditation session. Visit nearby Phat Tich Pagoda built between the 7th century and the 10th century; it was the first place Indian Buddhism was introduced in Vietnam. Continue to Dong Lai Pagoda in Sat Dong village to meet with the pagoda s head monk and enjoy a vegetarian meal at the temple. Walk through Hanoi s Old Quarter where the 36 streets are named after the guilds that established themselves each one on a separate street. Overnight: Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Sunday, March 17: Hanoi Visit the fresh vegetable market and the colourful flower market. Walk along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular place for locals to take their early morning exercise and take a break for traditional Vietnamese coffee by the lake. Visit the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Overnight: Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Monday, March 18: Ba Vi National Park Today we head out of the city, travelling west toward the Ba Vi National Park visiting some of oldest and most historically important mountainside pagodas. Meditate at the 8th century Tay Phuong pagoda, famed for the sculpture and art on display including the 1000-eyed, 1000-armed Bodhisattva. Nearby is the Thay pagoda complex dedicated to Sakyamuni where we hope to observe temple rituals and chanting. The end of the day brings us to a lovely resort in the middle of the outstanding natural beauty of the park. Overnight: Melia Ba Vi Resort Tuesday, March 19: Overnight train to Sapa Enjoy a walk through the forest to the temple dedicated to the Tan Vien God with an enthralling bird s-eye view of the surroundings. Meditate at the temple in these tranquil surroundings before starting our journey back to Hanoi to board the overnight train to Sapa on board the Fansipan Express departing Hanoi at 10PM. Overnight: Fansipan Express Train, Superior Carriage 4-berth compartment Wednesday, March 20: Sapa Very early this morning (approx. 6.30AM) the train arrives at Lao Cai train station. Travel onward by coach to the former French hill station of Sapa (about 40 km/approx.1 hour drive) via a panoramic winding road through the terraced mountainsides and check-in at the hotel in Sapa. After breakfast at the hotel enjoy meditation on the roof top terrace. Walk through sculptured rice fields to the Red Dzao village of Ta Phin. Nearby you ll come across an abandoned seminary, a relic of the attempted conversion of the Hmong and other tribes by French colonists; they were largely unsuccessful and the Hmong to this day mostly remain animist with exorcism and spirit worship both widely practiced. Overnight: Amazing Sapa Hotel
Thursday, March 21: Sapa Explore the spectacularly scenic setting in morning and afternoon walks in the Sapa valleys. The area is home to Dao, Giay, and Hmong settlements, each distinguishable by their colorful everyday dress. They practice ancestor worship, although the traditional Vietnamese trinity of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism has also influenced them. Along our route we will meet with practitioners of these various traditions and meditate in places of outstanding natural beauty. Overnight: Amazing Sapa Hotel Friday, March 22: Overnight train to Hanoi After breakfast at the hotel there is time this morning at leisure to take in some light trekking, or further explore Sapa town. Late checkout has been included at the hotel. After dinner at a local restaurant head to Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi. Overnight: Fansipan Express Train, Superior Carriage 4-berth compartment Saturday, March 23: Halong Bay Cruise We re back in Hanoi early this morning and, after breakfast, set off by road to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam s most beautiful sites. Three thousand spectacular chalk and limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches, and coves form a dragon s tail across the bay. Board our Bhaya Cruise boat at midday and set off cruising the emerald green waters of the bay enjoying the magnificent scenery and visiting a selection of islands and caves. Overnight: Bhaya Classic Cruise Deluxe cabin Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Sunday, March 24: Fly to Siem Reap Early this morning meditate on the sundeck while the sun rises over the bay. A buffet breakfast is served as the ship continues cruising through Halong Bay with spectacular views of this unique seascape. After disembarking, transfer to Hanoi Airport for the short flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the wonders of Angkor. Overnight: FCC Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap Monday, March 25: Siem Reap A sunrise start for the temple of Phnom Krom, positioned at the top of a hill with three towers dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, for a period of meditation. Visit the ancient city at Angkor Thom with more than 200 stone faces with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. Marvel at the site of Ta Prohm; surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees. Pause at Wat Thmey, a place of loss and hope. This pagoda was used as a Khmer Rouge prison and is now a memorial stupa where visitors can remember the tragic period of Cambodia s history. Visit epic Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world occupied continuously since its founding by Buddhist monks. Enjoy a magnificent sunset over Angkor Wat this evening. Overnight: FCC Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap Tuesday, March 26: Siem Reap s Remote Temples Outside Siem Reap, visit temples tucked away deep in the Cambodian jungle. Beng Melea was built as a Hindu temple but also contains depictions of Buddhist motifs. Clamber over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary. Tiny, enchanting Banteay Srei, the Women s Citadel is a real jewel; built of red sandstone in the 10th century, it is the most Indian of the temples of Angkor. At Preah Khan, we ll explore the extensive monastic complex built around a Buddhist sanctuary. Return to Siem Reap this afternoon for a celebratory farewell dinner. Overnight: FCC Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap Wednesday, March 27: Depart Siem Reap After breakfast we have time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your homeward bound flight or join the extension to Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this itinerary are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.
Friday, March 29: Luang Prabang Visit a Buddhist temple this morning to learn about the practice of Theravada Buddhism and meditate with the monks and novices of the temple. Travel by boat down river to visit the Pak Ou Caves, carved out of towering limestone cliffs and containing thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues ranging in size from a few centimeters to life size. On the way back to Luang Prabang, visit a workshop to learn about traditional Lao weaving and the preparation of natural dyes. This evening participate in a special traditional Baci ceremony where animism and religion mix. Overnight: Maison Dalabua Hotel OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Luang Prabang Saturday, March 30: Depart Luang Prabang Transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights today. Please ask about further personalized travel arrangements in South East Asia. Meals: Breakfast Wednesday, March 27: Arrive Luang Prabang Transfer to the airport for the flight to Laos capital. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm. The legacy of the European presence here well preserved French architecture and careful street planning has blended beautifully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere. Enjoy an architectural walking tour; visit Wat Xieng Thong, characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive tree of life mosaic and Wat Visoun, a living temple housing a collection of antique wooden Buddha. Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an outstanding view of the area. Wander the colourful Night Market where the area s ethnic minorities gather to sell their handicrafts. Overnight: Maison Dalabua Hotel Thursday, March 28: Luang Prabang Rise at dawn to observe one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang, the Tak Bat. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms. Our guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still part of everyday life in Laos. Later cross the Mekong River by boat to visit a temple in the middle of the tropical forest to meet the monks and novices, discuss the customs of Buddhism, and join the chanting. This afternoon enjoy a cooking class to prepare a traditional Lao meal, cooked over an open fire. Overnight: Maison Dalabua Hotel (cooking class) Extension Cost (per person): US$1150* Taxes and Gratuities (per person): US$50 *Based on a minimum of ten participants. Single supplement: US$195 Includes: Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary; all internal flights; accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels as listed or similar; breakfast daily; lunch or dinner daily; transportation by air conditioned coach; bottled water on the coach; all activities and entrance fees; services of specialized English speaking guide; fully escorted by Joan and Wayne Walder. Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home to join the tour, meals other than those mentioned above; beverages with meals; visa fees (approx US$42 for Canadian passport holders); fuel surcharges, if applicable; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; travel insurance; additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation; any item not mentioned in tour cost includes above.
Terraced rice fields in the north TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): US$3995 Taxes and Gratuities (per person): US$250 Single Supplement: US$995 We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. Group Size: 12 18 participants What s Included: Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary Internal flight: Hanoi to Siem Reap Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels as listed or similar Breakfast daily Lunch or dinner daily Transportation by air conditioned coach Bottled water on the coach All activities and entrance fees Services of specialized English speaking guides Gratuities for escort, local guides, drivers, hotel and group meals (as indicated above) Taxes (as indicated above) Fully escorted by Joan and Wayne Walder Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home to join the tour Meals other than those mentioned above Beverages with meals Visa fees (US$30 (Cambodia) for Canadian passport holders) Fuel surcharges, if applicable Excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature Travel insurance Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Any item not mentioned in tour cost includes above Payment Details: A deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve your space on this tour. A payment of US$1000 is due six months prior to departure. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Call Kerry at Worldwide Quest for more information and to book your spot. 416-633-5666 1-800-387-1483 travel@worldwidequest.com
WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Activity: Moderate A good level of fitness is important for this trip. You must be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and irregular paving and climbing stairs for at least two hours at a stretch. In many places access to sites is only on foot. Shoes must be removed to enter some temples. Accommodation We stay in carefully selected four-star and superior three-star level hotels in central locations. All rooms have private facilities. Some hotels have swimming pools. Please note that not all hotels have elevators. Transportation We will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned coach driven by a professional driver. This tour includes one internal flight. Weather We expect a mix of sun and cloud with average daytime temperatures of about 23 C (73 F) and overnight lows of about 18 C (64 F). Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return home Canadian citizens and most other foreign nationals require a tourist visa for Vietnam and Cambodia. The Vietnam visa may be obtained on arrival by completing documentation prior to departure. The Cambodia visa may be obtained on line prior to arrival. We will provide instructions for visa applications. ADDITIONAL INFO Extend your Stay If you are interested in exploring more of this region, we would be happy to design a personalized extension for you either before or after this tour. Please let us suggest some options, based on your time available, budget and interests. Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and nontransferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY: TICO#: 2667946