Champa Pandaw Credit Pandaw River Expeditions

Upper Mekong River Thailand and Laos ● rv Champa Pandaw

November 1 - 21, 2018 20 Days ● 44 Meals ● All Excursions

Escorted by Mark Aitchison

Much has been said about river cruising in Asia, whether on the lower Mekong, in Myanmar or in India, but the Upper Mekong has for the most part gone unexplored. In 2016, we led one of the first groups over this route. For 2018, we are offering a slightly different program, one that features all the excitement of the Upper Mekong, its historic centres plus the charms of northern Thailand. The Champa Pandaw, purpose-built to navigate these waters and to sail on the mighty Upper Mekong, will take us from the legendary Golden Triangle all the way to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, which for decades was definitely off the beaten track. En route, we shall discover charming villages, stunning scenery, pristine jungle, and the rapids that run through the hills of remote Laos. Our journey also includes stays of 1 or 2 nights in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Hong Kong. Pandaw’s founder, Paul Strachan, said: “it has been a long held dream to sail the length of the navigable sections of the Mekong River; now we can. There is much to explore in this undiscovered region; travellers need to be up for a real adventure as the daily itinerary might change, but with a flexible attitude we will have the adventure of a lifetime.” Space on this cruise is extremely limited with only fourteen cabins available - book early.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy airfare with Cathay Pacific from the cities listed including all current taxes, fuel surcharges and fees plus the internal flights (back cover for details)

3 nights deluxe hotel stays in Bangkok and Chiang Mai 2 nights deluxe hotel in Hong Kong All outside staterooms with private facilities All cruise meals in comfortable casual setting Complimentary local beer and spirits, mineral water,

soft drinks, coffee and tea throughout the cruise Welcome and Farewell Receptions on the cruise Local guides and local experts during the cruise Excursions in each village visited on the cruise 44 meals (plus in flight meals, not shown) as shown (B -18 breakfasts, L - 13 lunches, D - 13 dinners) Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship All sightseeing and entrance fees on tours Bottled water on board and at hotels Baggage handling at the hotels and shipside Services of our tour escort and Cruise Director Gratuities for all included services Visa fees for Canadian passport holders All taxes and fees including departure and port taxes Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with

purchase of group airfare

OUR RIVERBOAT rv Champa Pandaw

The brand new Champa Pandaw was built in 2016 and specially designed to sail on the Upper Mekong with a very shallow draft and exceptionally powerful engines. It carries a maximum of 28 passengers in 12 main deck staterooms and 2 upper deck cabins. Sailing on with Pandaw is an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are roomy, air conditioned and comfortable, most passengers will spend much of their time on the covered deck relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. With such a low draught (1.2 m) she can reach remote parts of the Mekong. Life on board is like being a guest on a private motor yacht. Cabins will not feature the distractions of satellite TV or phones allowing us the opportunity to become fully involved with the destination. Wifi is available in major centres but limited elsewhere. Finished in teak, cabins are about 150 square feet (14 sqm) with doors and windows facing the open deck. Where we go and what we see is intrepid in extreme. What we return to is a floating base of discreet comfort, caring service, and excellent local cuisine. Amenities include fruits and flowers on arrival, free drinks on demand, kimonos and slippers in the cabin, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, mini safe, ample closet space and storage, hair dryer, laundry service, and complimentary evening canapés. During the cruise there will at least one cultural performance, plus educational talks and cooking demonstrations.

Champa Pandaw - Credit Pandaw River Expeditions

CRUISE ESCORTS Mark Aitchison and his life partner, Pattie, have escorted groups to Israel, Peru, South Africa, Egypt, Norway, the Dalmatian Coast and Greece and explored many parts of the world. Mark served for 40 years as a pastoral minister in the United Church of Canada, serving in Ontario and Saskatchewan. He also served in interim postings in Edinburgh, Scotland and Australia. Most recently he was the Senior Minister at Islington United Church, Toronto, where he retired in December 2016. Mark enjoys skiing in Austria and Pattie is an avid bridge player. The Aitchisons are very excited about this journey through Thailand and Laos and look forward to sharing this experience with you.

Visit Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and orchid farm, a massive 560 acre project. The garden was started in 1992 to gather, conserve and strengthen the study and research of Thai plants and herbs. More than 700 species of plants are grown here. BL

November 9, Friday Chiang Rai / Golden Triangle Today we travel overland through the heart of northern Thailand, with visits to the hot springs at Mae Kajan and the border village of Mae Sai, facing Myanmar. Continue into the fabled Golden Triangle, once the centre of the opium industry, it is today a thriving farming region. Our highlight visit will be to the Opium Museum which provides fascinating insights into this region and the drug that once dominated the economy. This afternoon we arrive at the Mekong where our riverboat awaits us. After settling in, we sail upstream to the borders with Myanmar and Laos. rv Champa Pandaw (10 nights) BLD

November 10, Saturday Into Laos After clearing immigration procedures to enter Laos, we begin sailing downstream on the mighty Mekong. While portions of the river in this area are well developed (watch for the Chinese Casino), we are soon surrounded by lush forest, steep hills and fast moving water. Visits en route will depend on water levels and schedules but we are likely to visit a Laotian jungle village this afternoon. BLD

November 11, Sunday Pak Ou Caves Relax on board we cruise the river, passing rapids and jungle clad hills. Visit the trading village of Pakbeng and the outpost of Pak Ou, just across from the Buddhist caves with over a thousand sacred images. By small boat we visit the caves and then cruise into the mouth of the Nam Ou River with its spectacular cliff faces. BLD

November 12, Monday Luang Prabang Docked at the foot of the former royal city, we explore this well-preserved and unique UNESCO World Heritage Site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and Royal Palace. There is a buzzing night market and many delightful cafes and some excellent restaurants ashore. BLD

November 13, Tuesday Luang Prabang Observe the morning alms round with a thousand monks collecting their daily meal in the streets. Rising early, we join the locals in providing the monks with their daily rice. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore this exceptionally safe city and then back on board a traditional welcome ceremony and dances on our riverboat. The evening is at leisure to explore the city further and visit many of the craft studios and workshops. BLD

November 14, Wednesday Muang Khay Village A morning excursion brings through rich farming lands and past Hmong villages to experience the deep jungle pools and refreshing river at the Kuang Si waterfall. Enjoy a walk along forest trails, visit a butterfly farm and, if time permits, an elephant camp. After lunch onboard, enjoy scenic cruising and a cooking demonstration. BLD

November 15, Thursday Xayaburi Dam As we continue our cruise, we come to and pass through the huge Xayaburi Hydro Dam, providing much needed power to Laos and nearby Thailand as well as a way to control water levels along the river. Later today we will stop to visit Pha Leap, a small village that has little contact with the outside world. Most villages along the river have no road access and many lack any of the conveniences that we normally assume. BLD

November 1/2, Thursday/Friday Depart Canada Group members from across Canada gather in Toronto or Vancouver on Thursday and fly overnight to Hong Kong.

November 3, Saturday Hong Kong / Bangkok, Thailand Connect in Hong Kong to Bangkok, where we are met and transferred directly to our hotel in the city centre. The balance of day is free until we gather for our welcome dinner. Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit (3 nights) D

November 4, Sunday Bangkok Our morning excursion will introduce us to three amazing temples plus the Iconic Grand Palace. Wat Traimit contains a 700-year-old golden Buddha, the world’s largest solid gold statue. Wat Pho features the world’s largest reclining Buddha, 46 metres in length and covered in gold leaf. Finally Wat Phra Kaew is the home of the Emerald Buddha and surrounded by the Royal Palace and a host of smaller temples that leave visitors in awe. Following a free afternoon, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Loy Nava, a restored rice barge. Relax on board as we cruise slowly on the Chao Phraya River past the iconic sites of Bangkok. BD

November 5, Monday Cooking Class / Khlong Bang Luang Starting early, we visit a local produce market. At the cooking school we learn about and then try our hand at Thai cooking. Be sure to pay attention, as the food that we prepare will be our lunch. Later we travel by Sky Train and water taxi to begin our exploration of the inner city, including Chinatown (Chinese temple and busy shopping district), the Indian quarter and the busy Phahurat Market. Enjoy a snack at carefully selected local stalls before returning to your hotel by tuk tuk and the train. BL

November 6, Tuesday Bangkok / Chiang Mai Today we fly to Chiang Mai, the heart of northern Thailand. This afternoon visit Wat Phra Singh (1345AD) followed by a trishaw ride through the city to Wat Chedi Luang, the original home of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Phan Tao with its wonderful wood carvings. Continue to Doi Suthep, a small mountain on which a golden temple is located. The view from the top is worth the climb. Enjoy a traditional Khantoke Dinner, northern Thai food specially prepared for us and served in small bowls while we are entertained by classical Thai dancers. RatiLanna Riverside Spa (3 nights) BD

November 7, Wednesday Chiang Mai Known for its traditional crafts, San Kamphaeng is the heart of the handicraft industry. On this morning excursion we will see and learn about lacquer-ware, Thai silk, hand-woven and ethnic textiles, silverworks, woodcarving and more. Paper umbrellas and fans come in all sizes, are made of delicate "Sa" paper and are hand-painted. After a busy morning, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our beautiful resort. B

November 8, Thursday Hmong Nong Hoi / Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens Visit the Mae Rim Valley to experience the life of domesticated elephants as they work and play. Enjoy a trek through the forest on the back of an elephant. After lunch, continue to the Hmong hill tribe village of Nong Hoi located 1,200 meters above sea level. Learn about life of the Hill Tribes as they cultivate herbs, fruits and trees. Learn about traditional herbal medicine, needlework, the making of farm tools, and maize liquor.

CT RATING 3.5 - Challenging: This will be an expedition, a journey on a river on which few tourists have travelled. Visits ashore may involve difficult walking conditions over very rough surfaces without safety features etc. Members should expect difficult conditions in a region known for a hot and humid climate - daytime temperatures will exceed 30C. The river boat does not have an elevator. Members must be fully mobile and physically active to fully enjoy this adventure.

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November 16, Friday Ban Pak Huong / Pak Sao Leaving the rugged highlands where the river flows fast and wild with amazing rock formations, we come to a more tranquil part of the river. Today we are likely to visit Ban Pak Huong, a village on the Thai/Lao border and Pak Sao, a rural farming community where we will visit a local plantation and meet some of the population with the help of interpreters. BLD

November 17, Saturday Vientiane Our final day of cruising sees us once again cruising through dramatic and fast moving channels before entering the cultivated plains surrounding Vientiane. This afternoon and evening are free so that we can explore on our own and perhaps enjoy an evening in town. BLD

November 18, Sunday Vientiane This morning we will explore this fascinating city with its French heritage and long royal history. Highlights of the city include Patuxai, a Victory Gate styled after the Arc de Triomphe, Wat Si Saket, the oldest original temple in the city built in the Siamese style, the Presidential Palace and the Wat Prakeo Temple. Free time this afternoon may provide an opportunity for shopping while this evening we will gather for our Farewell reception and dinner. BLD

November 19, Monday Bangkok / Hong Kong After breakfast we shall disembark and fly via Bangkok to Hong Kong. On arrival in Hong Kong we will be met and transferred to our central hotel with the evening at leisure. Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel (2 nights) B

November 20, Tuesday Hong Kong This morning we cross over to Hong King Island, the former British colony. Drive through Central District to Stanley Market, known for its bargains. Pass through Repulse Bay, with its fine beach en route to the former fishing village of Aberdeen. Take a sampan ride through the harbour before continuing up to the heights of Victoria Peak, enjoy the sights of the city as we dine at the Wildfire Restaurant. Ride the Peak Tram, which dates back to 1888, taking passengers between Central and the top of the Peak. The balance of the afternoon and evening are free to discover the charms of Hong Kong. BL

November 21, Wednesday Hong Kong / Canada Enjoy a free morning in Hong Kong. This afternoon we transfer to the airport in ample time to catch our direct flights back to Canada. B

Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars per person

Cruise / Tour Only* (See note below) ........................ $8,495 Vancouver .................................................................. $9,825 Victoria ....................................................................... $9,885 Calgary / Edmonton ................................................... $9,945 Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon ............................... $10,085 Toronto ...................................................................... $9,985 Montreal / Ottawa .................................................... $10,095 Halifax / St John’s .................................................... $10,265 Single supplement (land and cruise) ......................... $4,395 Cabin Upgrade - Upper Deck ....................................... $795

*Land / Cruise Only price includes the flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai plus Vientiane to Bangkok and excludes the flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong. Rates are per person based on sharing twin cabin on the lower deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes, and fees effective July 2017 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Single accommodation is on request basis only and subject to confirmation. See Deck Plan for details of ship layout and cabin locations.

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $415 to $621 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $216 to $464pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due July 26, 2018

Deposit is $1,500 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrolment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

IMPORTANT NOTE This is an expedition voyage and the cruise itinerary as shown is an indication of what we hope to achieve. Group members must be prepared for an adventure and for changes required by local conditions. The cruise may be affected by delays at border crossing points, by water levels and other factors beyond our control. The Captain, the Cruise Director and cruise staff will do their best to ensure that we cover as much of the itinerary as possible. We can assure you that we will see and do as much as we can, hopefully more than indicated in the itinerary.

Enjoy a delightful cruise on the Mekong River - Credit Pandaw River Expeditions

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 | Fax: 416-484-8143

tours@craigtravel.com | www.craigtravel.com

Book and Deposit by May 31, 2018

and save $200 per person