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Winding 4,148 km from the highlands of Tibet to the Pacific Ocean,
the Mekong River is a continuous thread, connecting each Indo-Chinese
country with the next. From the virgin forests of Xishuangbanna
in southern China, the Mekong flows on to Burma, Laos and Thailand,
before proceeding on through Cambodia and southern Vietnam, ultimately
disgorging into the South China Sea.
Throughout the ages, the majestic Mekong has shaped the history
of Indochina. Forming natural borders between territories, the river’s
nourishing waters drew farms and settlements to its banks. For thousands
of years, great civilizations have grown beside the stately river,
yet despite their geographical proximity they have developed their
own distinct cultures, lifestyles and architecture.
Now, like the mighty Mekong, the Bangkok Airways flight network
flows between the key UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Indochina,
connecting four historic kingdoms. The Mekong World Heritage Tour
has been conceived to enable these areas of significant historical
intrigue to become accessible in comfort and style. This classic
tour will take approximately eight days and seven nights and tailor-made
tours can be developed in accordance with individual schedules.
From the City of Angels, the Mekong World Heritage Tour flies directly
to the first of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Sukhothai the
first capital of Thailand. Sukhothai, the Dawn of Happiness, was
established as the capital of the first real Thai state some 700
years ago in the 13th century. Under the caring reign of King Ramkhamhaeng,
the development of political philosophy and the arts was encouraged.
He is remembered for creating the Thai alphabet and establishing
trade, law and regulations. The Sukhothai period is hence regarded
as the cradle of Thai culture. It was also during this glorious
time of invention and discovery that the distinct style of Thai
architecture was born.
Sukhothai went on to extend its influence over an area stretching
from Laos in the north, to the Andaman Sea in the west and south
to the Malay Peninsula. Eventually, Sukhothai fell to the Kingdom
of Ayutthaya and the capital city was abandoned in the early 16th
century. In 1978, the largest and most complex restoration effort
in Thai history was undertaken and today the ancient city is a visual
feast of evocative ruins situated among rolling green hills and
tranquil lotus-filled ponds. The tour strolls around the Sri Satchanalai
Historical Park, the Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Mahadhat and
Wat Srichum.
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Overnight in the Pailyn Hotel will give travellers a luxurious
rest before boarding the next flight to Luang Prabang, “Land
of A Million Elephants”. Located on the banks of the Mekong
River, Luang Prabang was the ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom
from 1354 AD until the capital was transferred to Vientiane in 1560
AD.
Luang Prabang’s location is stunning. Cradled among the high
forested mountains of northern Laos, the city stands in marked contrast
not only to the present-day capital, Vientiane, but also to just
about anywhere else you can imagine. In 1995, UNESCO designated
the town as a “World Heritage” site worthy of protection
and development. The numerous temples, many of them hundreds of
years old, provided the primary impetus for the designation. However,
they are only part of what makes Luang Prabang so attractive. The
examples of French colonial architecture, the different ethnic groups
strolling the streets in traditional garb, the green of the surrounding
mountains and the general absence of the hectic pace of modern life
all add to the general appeal. World Heritage status by UNESCO ensures
that the glorious temples, royal architecture, culture and traditions
will remain pristine for residents and visitors alike.
The tour navigates through peaceful temples, Wat Sene, Wat Xieng
Thong and climbs Phousi hill for a panoramic view of the city and
sunset over the Mekong River. The following day’s excursion
includes a visit to the National Museum and a river boat cruise
stopping off at the pottery village of Ban Chan, the Pak-Ou Caves
with thousands of Buddha statues and the local rice alcohol distilleries.
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The flight to Danang takes approximately two hours and an overland
transfer brings the group to Hoi An for leisurely sightseeing and
shopping in local handicraft shops. The following day, the tour
rolls overland along the spectacular tropical coastline to Hu?,
home of fascinating Imperial ruins, citadels, palaces, royal tombs,
pagodas and temples. Four hundred years ago, Hu? (pronounced ‘way’)
was the capital of Vietnam and court of the Nguyen Dynasty. For
20 years labourers worked day and night to construct the six miles
of walls that contain the palaces, religious sites and many pavilions
for official mandarins and dignitaries.
This ancient capital, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located
on the banks of the Huong (Perfume) River is surrounded by a lush
valley and guarded by the Tu Duc Monarch, the tombs of the 13 kings
. This area can easily be explored by bicycle and boat. A dragon
boat moored on the east bank of the ‘Perfume’ River, will
coast three miles upstream to the tombs, temples and pagodas. From
Hu? you can also explore the local beaches and the best kept secret
of central Vietnam, the Bach Ma Hai Van National Parks.
After one night staying in the Hoi An Hotel the trip heads back
up to Danang by road in order to board a flight to Siem Reap. A
sleepy town in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the gateway to
Angkor, one of the seven wonders of the world. Founded in the 9th
century, the temples of Angkor are awesome. Powerfully beautiful
and intertwined within the tropical jungle, they are lasting monuments
to the greatness of the ancient Khmer Empire. The site covers almost
200 square kilometres and attracts visitors from around the globe.
Tourism is increasing rapidly and it is not only foreign tourists
who are eager to see Angkor. The Khmer people themselves also come
flocking for they are intensely proud of the achievements of their
ancient forebears. The lotus towers of Angkor Wat dominate Cambodia’s
flat landscape. In fact, no matter where one treads on Khmer soil,
the shadow of Angkor seems omnipresent. Khmers of all political
persuasions respect these monuments as the very symbols of their
nation. This reverence spared Angkor all but a few stray bullets
and mortar shells during the long wars that swirled over and past
it many times.
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The final two days of the Mekong World Heritage Tour delve into
the historical significance of Angkor and a magical sunset over
the ancient ruins is firmly on the itinerary.
The tour completes the circuit with a short flight back to Bangkok
where, sadly it comes to an end. This unique cultural tour of the
fabled Indochina peninsula is offered by Bangkok Airways and Siem
Reap Airways International in cooperation with Diethelm Travel,
Indochina Services and Pinkrose Holidays. The tour package includes
all air tickets, accommodation, meals, services charges, room tax
and baggage handling.
For further information contact Pinkrose Holidays
Tel/Fax: +66(0)2 255 8966,
Fax: +66(0)2 255 8969,
Website: www.pinkroseholidays.com
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