Mellow on the Mekong - Culture & Yoga in Laos

December 29, 2018 - January 4, 2019

7 days in Luang Prabang Laos. Yoga, meditation with time to explore the wonders and spiritual solace of this Buddhist town.
The luxury of getting to know the town with an insiders knowledge.

Luang Prabang LAOS

Laos is the definition of mellow

There is a saying in Asia : Vietnam plants rice, Cambodia harvests rice, Thailand sell rice, and Laotians listen to the rice grow. 

While the rest of Southeast Asia is growing, expanding and modernizing, Laos moves at its own pace, ambling along, taking plenty of time for meditation along the way. Everyone who visits laid-back Laos falls in love with this slow pace of mellow in the Mekong. Since coming in 2009, I fell in love and still have a piece of my heart here!

Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, amidst a backdrop of jungle-clad mountains, Luang Prabang is the former Royal Capital. At its most vibrant during rainy season, with forests brilliant emerald and rivers in full flow, saffron-robed monks collect daily alms and ornate temples offer spiritual solace. Known for unique artisanry and culture, Luang Prabang has many galleries, bookshops and other venues specialising in traditional arts and crafts. Tthe beautiful countryside is also rich in ethnic culture with Pak Ou caves, where the Kings damaged Buddhas were stored; and Kuang Si Waterfall, a succession of falls and crystalline jungle pools.

Daily Schedule

Visit Luang Prabang, the charming and serene spiritual capital of Laos, on this custom 7-day tour.

Amidst a backdrop of jungle-clad mountains, Luang Prabang is a most sacred and scenic spot. Crowned by verdant mountains and housing over 30 Wats (temples), former royal palaces and scenic ponds, it is the cultural nucleus of Laos.

Join us as and come to this fave spot of mine: immerse yourself in a bit of yoga and meditation, learn about traditional Laotian spirit and beliefs, feed baby elephants at a river sanctuary, ride on a Mekong River cruise, meditate in Buddhist caves, swim in turquoise waterfall lagoons, and walk through this historical UNESCO town, as you soak into the laid-back lifestyle of Laos. This is a place to lose yourself into Buddhist culture, bike along temple gates, or wander into small scenic streets and explore this gem of a town.

The former Royal Capital is at its most vibrant after the rainy season (Nov-Dec), when the forests are brilliant emerald and the rivers are in full flow. We will benefit from the full rivers and verdant forests.

Saffron-robed monks collect their daily alms and ornate temples such as Wat Xieng Thong offer spiritual solace.  Luang Prabang is known for its artisanry and culture, with interesting galleries, bookshops and other venues that specialise in traditional arts and crafts. Outside town, the beautiful countryside is rich in ethnic culture.  Out trip includes a leisurely river cruise on the Mekong to bring you to Pak Ou Caves, where the Kings damaged Buddhas were stored. Additional Options include a journey to Kuang Si Waterfall, a succession of falls and crystalline jungle pools, and an Elephant Sanctuary to learn how Laos is heloing to protect their environment.

RETREAT INCLUDES

Double Occupancy Rooms starting at $2099 for 6 nights. More info and rates are HERE Join us and you will enjoy:

* 6 nights Accommodation in Double/Single room at Azerai, Adrian Zecha’s newest property in Laos
* Government tax and service charge
* Transportation with air-condition in private car to/from airport
* 6 Days of Yoga & Meditation
* Breakfast for all days
* Arrival Beverage at Icon Club
* Welcome Dinner at Azerai Bistro
* Private Boat for Mekong Sunset Cruise
* Pak Ou Cave Tour
* Ethnic Hill Tribe Village Tour
* Admission fee to indicated sights
* Private Baci Ceremony with Elders
* Departure Dinner at Azerai Bistro

The first Azerai Hotels, a ‘new brand of hotels that offers guests simple elegance, refined design, discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest’.

Azerai Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering western and Lao dishes. The bar has a veranda with views of Luang Prabang’s main street and night market. A poolside bar serves smoothies, cocktails and sharing platters, while there is also a lounge, library and event space. There is a gym and treatment rooms for foot and body massages.

I have been coming to Luang Prabang since 2009, and fell in love with the stillness and beauty. My friend Lisa owns THE Best bar in town – the Icon Club (Lonely Planet rates it a magical hilight!), and Gary is the General Manager of the beautiful new hotel property we are staying in. He and I have been sharing yoga and friendship since 2002 back in our Indonesia island days!

Our retreat is created with Korn Srinawan, and the Spa staff and Gary Tyson, the General Manager, who are friends of Cora’s. You will have the luxury of getting to know the town with an insiders knowledge. And to explore all the temples and sacred river sites as you practice meditation and yoga along the Mekong delta.

Not included

Transportation to Luang PrabangAll air tickets quoted separately and responsibility of guest

Luang Prabang International Airport is serviced by flights from the international gateways of Bangkok (95 minutes), Chiang Mai (55 minutes), Hanoi (55 minutes), Siem Reap (95 minutes), Jing Hong (60 minutes), Kuala Lumpur (2 hours 55 minutes), Singapore (4 hours 30 minutes via Vientiane) and the capital of Laos, Vientiane (40 minutes).

Any additional taxes or fees incurred by visa or passport * Visa stamping fee on arrival * Travel Insurance in all kinds * Drinks, laundry and other personal expenses * Tips and gratuities are not included * Other foreign language guide * Single or Upgraded room (quoted separately)
Additional Add Ons:
Kuangsi Waterfalls – take a cool dip in one of the many turquoise pools, wander through the multiple tiers of the falls, and pay a visit to the 23 Asiatic Black Bears who live at the nearby bear sanctuary.
Elephant Santuary –
An Overview of The Elephant Camp, Elephants, Mahouts and Interesting facts.
Move to feeding area for hands on feeding, touching, watching, learning experience.Ride along the Mekong River. Short walk to Mekong River where you have the option to ride on the Elephants neck to the water, Ride Elephant in the water, you can wash and have fun in the river with the Elephants.
Weaving Class – 
Start with an introduction to silks, dyeing and weaving techniques. Each student is assigned a loom and has a guide and a weaver to help them learn the art of weaving. Students will select two colours and create a placemat with Lao motifs, to take pride of place on your table when you get home!
Additional Remarks:
Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability. Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuation.