Path for HOPE journey to Vietnam and Cambodia Jan/Feb 2011
31st January to 16th February 2011
The two south-eastern Asian countries of Vietnam and Cambodia are renowned for their beauty, cultural richness and friendliness of their people. Yet, in the 20th century, it was the experiences of war and genocide that made these two nations known throughout the world.
Going back much further, the histories of both are turbulent and only in the last 25 years in Vietnam and even more recently in Cambodia have reforms enabled a more stable and hopeful future to begin to unfold.
The predominantly Buddhist spirituality of their peoples may have been key in releasing at least some of the trauma of the past, but the still fragile state of recovery and the remaining restrictions and abuses of human rights attests to the fear-based patterns and pain that still remains.
During our journey to Vietnam and Cambodia in late January 2011 we will explore and experience these amazing places in all their diversity and abundance, from the timeless beauty of the land and ancient monuments such as the world famous Angkor Wat to modern bustling cities and the ongoing steps towards peace and restoration. And throughout we will meet local people to hear their stories and how they live their lives.
And as we explore, learn and understand, throughout our Path for HOPE journey to these incredibly resilient nations that embodies the hope inherent in humanity we will be in service to the healing of people and places.
Dr Jude Currivan PhD is a healer, cosmologist and international award winning author of The Wave, The 8th Chakra, The 13th Step and CosMos, co-authored with Dr Ervin Laszlo.
With a lifetime's study of metaphysics and consciousness, Jude has a PhD in Archaeology researching ancient cosmologies and a Masters Degree in Physics. Her worldwide work aims to empower others, raise consciousness and facilitate practical and sustainable harmony and wholeness on personal and collective levels.
www.judecurrivan.com.
Co-Creative Travel
Justina Pettifer founder of Co-creative Travel, first journey with Jude 8 years ago and found it inspirational. She has been working with Jude and other facilitators ever since running tours to sacred sites around the world. Justina is also a Hypno-psychotherapist and the co-owner of a Health Food store, gallery and therapy centre based in Devizes Wiltshire.
http://www.thehealthylife.co.uk/
Itinerary
Day 1: Mon 31st Jan 2011 Arrive Siem Reap & Angkor tours Royal Bay Inn [-/L/D]
Arrive at Siem Reap airport by flight from Bangkok. Lunch at Café Indochine local restaurant. After lunch we head off for our first afternoon of temples. We travel through the traditional village of Preah Dak to visit Banteay Srei, regarded as one of the most charming and intricate of the temples. The name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women', considered too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back to Siem Reap, and if we are not too tired we could stop off at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness and education. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder, was a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner. Tonight dinner will be at the Hotel
Day 2: Tues 1st Feb 2011 Kampong Khleang & Rolous group of temples Royal Bay Inn [B/L/D]
Today we travel south to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Khleang, which has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry. We explore the canals streets of this incredible town and then travel by boat on the great lake. We visit one of the pagodas here, built on the site of an ancient temple, and see the wall paintings. Picnic lunch at a local house. After lunch, we travel back in time to one of the earliest capitals in the Angkor area, Hariharilaya, now known as Roluos. We continue to Preah Ko (sacred cow), named in honour of Shiva's mount, Nandin. Finally, we encounter Bakong, a giant pyramid, its cardinal points marked by giant elephants. We climb to the summit for views over the surrounding countryside. Tonight's dinner will be at Les Orientalists.
Day 3: Wed 2rd Feb 2011 Full day Angkor tours Royal Bay Inn [B/L/-]
We rise early to travel to Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements left as it was ‘discovered' by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860. We continue to the giant pyramid of Takeo, one of the highest temples in the Angkor area. Lunch today is at Sala Bai Restaurant School which support and trains youngsters. After lunch, we travel to the mighty temple of Preah Khan or 'Sacred Sword'. Sister temple to Ta Prohm, the cruciform corridors here are impressive and there are some wonderful carvings on the walls, including the spectacular hall of dancers. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism. We then continue on to the elegance of Neak Poan and finally this day we journey to the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng to see the sunset over Angkor Wat. Tonight you are free to eat in one of the many restaurants Siem Reap has to offer.
Day 4: Thurs 3rd Feb 2011 Full days Angkor tours Royal Bay Inn [B/L/D]
In the morning, we visit the walled city of Angkor Thom. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. We begin our visit at the Terrace of the Leper King. This intricately carved platform was the royal crematorium and the statue that was originally thought to be the leper king is now believed to be Yama, the god of death. We continue along the Terrace of Elephants, originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances and traditional sports. At the southern end lies the Baphuon, once of the most beautiful temples at Angko.. Finally we visit the enchanting temple of the Bayon. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. Lunch at Viroth restaurant. Afterwards we head to a village where Animistic (Pagan) beliefs are still practiced and have some time with a village elder. Dinner tonight will be at Madame Butterfly local restaurant.
Day 5: Fri 4th Feb 2011 Angkor Wat sunrise & visit - drive to Phnom Penh Sunway Hotel [B/L/D]
Rising at dawn, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Breakfast at Angkor Café. In the grounds of Angkor Wat, we will have a blessing from one of the monks. We then venture into Angkor Wat and also accompanied by a monk who can speak English walking around this temple to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet. Following in the footsteps of the devout and the destructive before us, we then continue to the upper levels of the inner sanctuary. The final steps to the upper terrace of Angkor are where the pilgrimage came to pay homage to Gods. Lunch at Champey restaurant. This afternoon, we travel overland to Phnom Penh. En route, there is the chance to pause at Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried tarantula. Dinner tonight will be at our Hotel
Optional: Hot-air tethered Balloon Ride (10mn) over the temples and the surroundings jungle approx 100 -200 mts.
Day 6: Sat 5th Feb 2011 Toul Sleng S21 and The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Sunway Hotel [B/L/D]
In the morning, we come face to face with the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng (S21) was a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a centre for interrogation, torture and death. Today it is a museum of torture and serves to remind visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. 17,000 people passed through the gates of this prison and only seven lived to tell the tale. The role of the prison was not to prove innocence but to confirm guilt. Tuol Sleng is a profoundly moving experience and. Lunch at Lotus Blanc restaurant. In the afternoon, we travel out of town to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. The remains of 8985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial stupa here. Dinner tonight will be at Bopha.
Day 7: Sun 6th Feb 2011 Morning free Phnom Penh and pm Flight to Saigon Duxton Hotel [B/D]
This morning is free to wander around the markets, visit the Royal Palace or visit the shops. Tuk Tuks are available on every street corner at a very reasonable price. There are many places for lunch all over Phnom Penh including ‘Friends'. Transfer with guide to Phnom Penh international Airport for flight Phnom Penh to Saigon via VN9871 @ (1620-1710). On the route, we visit PSE (Pour un Sourire d'Enfant) near the Stung Meanchey area of Phnom Penh to see the project there. Check-in to Hotel (check-in time 14:00) Free afternoon. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 8 Mon 7th Feb 2011 Saigon - Cu Chi tunnels / Tay Ninh - Hue Mercure Hue Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast we depart to the Cu Chi tunnels. You will have a short film on the history of Cu Chi before walking into the forest where the tunnels are located. There are several choices of tunnel in which you can crawl (shortest is 30 mts, longest 100 mts). In total measuring 250 km, connecting several villages together. We then drive to the Wildlife at risk centre (WAR) where they protect the rare animals of this region and rescued animals. We visit the Tay Ninh Holy See or cathedral, famous for its unique Cao Dai religion with lunch en route. Later we transfer to Saigon airport for the flight to Hue. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel
Day 9: Tues 8th Feb 2011 Hue tours/ Boat Trip Perfume River Mercure Hue Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast, we take a boat trip on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and continue to visit the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang. After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive to visit Tu Duc tomb - the resting place of the former Emperor and famous poet of the 19th century; Emperor Khai Dinh & Vong Canh Hill. This evening, dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Wed 9th Feb 2011 Hue tours/ Local Life/ Markets / Cookery School Mercure Hue Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast, we begin by visiting a local market in Hue to buy the ingredients and enjoy our cooking class at Tinh Gia Vien, preparing a classic local meal with our teacher Ms. Ton Nu Ha - ‘Golden Hands, this will be our lunch! Afternoon, we go to Vi Da Xua Garden café shop before we board a local ferry to Con Hen Island, where we have a chance to discover the local way of life. Visit to Hue's Dong Ba Market and lesser known Bao Vinh, the older commercial area of Hue. We also visit Thuy Xuan Hat an incense making village. This evening, dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Thur 10th Feb 2011 Hue - Hoi An Hoian Beach resort [B/L/D]
This morning we transfer from Hue to Hoian via Danang with a stopover at Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach. After lunch and check in at our hotel we take a boat trip to Kim Bong village, Cam An island and to Cua Dai estuary to see local fishing activities. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Fri 11th Feb 2011 Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An Hoian Beach resort [B/L/D]
Transfer from your hotel in Hoi An for a half day trip to the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom. My Son, 40km southwest of Hoi An, sits in a lush green valley with dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from the seventh through the thirteenth centuries. We visit the museum and the holiest of sites before continuing to Hoi An for lunch. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Sat 12th Feb 2011 Hoi An - at leisure Hoian Beach resort [B/-/-]
Breakfast at hotel and day at leisure to relax. Alternatively we can arrange various tours for you including a photographic tour and a bicycle tour. Please note no meals other than breakfast are provided on this day.
Day 14: Sun 13th Feb 2011 Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi Maison D'Hanoi Hotel [B/L/D]
Early morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and embark on the city tour. Our first stop will be Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to visit the Temple Of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. Our day will also include the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam), Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty) and Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy a stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as "36 streets". Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Day 15: Mon 14th Feb 2011 Hanoi - Halong Jasmine Cruise Jasmine Cruise Junk[B/L/D]
Leaving early we journey to Halong Bay via the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. You observe everyday life as we see villagers work the local rice fields, and plough the fields with their large water buffaloes. We board The Jasmine Cruise and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. We sail into the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons' teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with Halong Ginger golden sails, depending on weather we may go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. In the afternoon, visit an interesting fishing village. At sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board, enjoy cocktails while watching sunset and later unwind at luxury restaurant.
Day 16: Tues 15th Feb 2011 Halong Jasmine Cruise Jasmine Cruise Junk [B/L/D]
After breakfast, transfer to your day boat with private crew and cruise the bay's most untouched areas. Enjoy swimming on quiet beaches, visiting water tunnels, fishing villages or kayaking. Lunch served on board by your private chef. Return to the mother boat for the night.
Day 17: Wed 16th Feb 2011 Halong Jasmine Cruise - Hanoi [B/L/-]
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi class and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Upon disembarkation you will be met and taken to the Royal Park restaurant for lunch before transferring back to Hanoi airport for the departure flight Overnight flight to London (to be confirmed). Dinner on flight.
Cost £2999 excluding International flights.
Cost £3999 approx with international flights from UK subject to availability and price fluctuation.
Includes:
Selected Internal Flights from Phnom Penh to Saigon/ Saigon to Hue / Danang to Hanoi (prices may fluctuate)
All Ground Transport
All Portage Fees and Drivers (we do take a collection for the main guides)
All Meals including Breakfast, Light Lunch and Dinner, unless specified. Meals are a mixture of Hotels and Local Restaurants.
1 beverage with most meals.
All teaching and facilitation with Dr Jude Currivan
The costs are based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room. A single room is available on this tour at an additional cost.
Please note fluctuations in the exchange rate to the dollar may have an impact on the cost of this tour
Excludes:
International Flights to Bangkok return although these can be arranged via Justina with Farewise Travel
Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap / Hanoi to Bangkok
Visas $25 entry to Cambodia, $25 exit fee
Visa to Vietnam (awaiting price)
Tip for Main Tour Guide
Beverages (unless specified)
Personal expenses
Private healing sessions with Jude. To arrange, please contact her directly at jude@judecurrivan.com. Cost of a session is £100 ($150)
Terms and Conditions available at time of booking.
Single Supplement £575
Registration Form Cambodia and Vietnam
Name...........................................................................................................
Address........................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
County.........................................................................................................
Post/ Zip code..............................Country.........................................................
Tel:.............................................................................................................
email:..........................................................................................................
Dietary Requirements (i.e Vegetarian)
Emergency Contact name and tel no:
Medical Conditions:
Please send with your application a copy of your passport (page with photo
There is a single room supplement of £575 Please tick box if you would like a single room □
The following prices are excluding International flights
I enclose a deposit of £700 for the Cambodia and Vietnam Tour
a 2nd payment of £766 is due no later than 1st September 2010
a 3rd payment of £766 is due no later than 1st October 2010.
a final payment of £767 is due no later than 20th November 2010.
All cheques made payable to: Fare Wise Travel and send to Justina Pettifer, 4 Little Brittox, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1AR
Co-Creative Travel
Working with Farewise Travel
Justina Pettifer
4 Little Brittox
DEVIZES
Wiltshire
SN10 1 AR
Phone: +44(0) 1380 725558 Fax: +44(0) 1380 720438 Mobile: 07812835459 E-mail: justina@thehealthylife.co.uk
www.thehealthylife.co.uk
Dr Jude Currivan E-Mail: jude@judecurrivan.com
www.judecurrivan.com
Terms and Conditions available at time of booking.
Price (per person)
Deposit:
£700 (payable on booking)
Installment 2:
£1532 (due 1st September 2010)
Installment 3:
£767 (due 20th November 2010)
Total cost:
£2999.00
If you make a booking today, the initial payment will be £2232.00.
More information
To receive further information
or to make a booking, please contact:
Co-creative Travel working with Farewise Travel
Justina Pettifer
4 Little Brittox
Devizes
Wiltshire
SN10 1AR
UK
justina@thehealthylife.co.uk
www.thehealthylife.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1380 725558
Fax: +44 (0)1380 720438