Unique opportunity for a beautiful vacation in Laos & Cambodia in December

This trip combines many amazing travel experiences: a historic opportunity to experience the famed Angkor Wat with fewer people; ability to experience the charm of old Southeast Asia in Luang Prabang and visit beautiful Buddhist temples; two UNESCO World Heritage sites; world-class sculpture, mural painting, and dance performances; healthful and flavorful Southeast Asian and French food in atmospheric dining experiences; opportunities to buy beautiful handicrafts or spa treatments at a fraction of the cost in the US; a low-to-moderate cost vacation; and two weeks of summer sunshine during the middle of six months of gray and rain in the Pacific Northwest. (There are more photos to look at below.)

Please note: If you are seriously interested but unable to make this meeting, please message me through Meetup.

When the famed Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia reopened last year after the pandemic, it got only 10% of the over 2.5 million annual visitors of the past. This year will be the second best year to see it. The Angkor area contains several such monuments, including a smaller, finely carved temple made of pink limestone. People I know who have been there use one word: "Amazing." (The far away photos don't show all the architectural details and carving that you see when you are there.)

The other major location, Luang Prabang in Laos, at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by hills, preserves the charm of old Southeast Asia, very rare to find now. It has over 30 beautiful temples in the northern Thai/Lao style, with different interiors, including mural paintings, which would be considered among the most beautiful in the world. Other attractions include waterfalls, an elephant sanctuary, and tours of traditional craft making. Lonely Planet calls Luang Prabang the stuff of travel legends.

The third location will be the capital of Cambodia, where the National Museum houses a large collection of Cambodian sculpture, considered one of the most beautiful sculptural traditions in the world. Other highlights include the Grand Palace and an emerald Buddha temple.

Both Laos and Cambodia are former French colonies, and the French influence includes French fusion food, French cuisine, and cafes. The trip will showcase flavorful and healthy Southeast Asian food from many countries, with some atmospheric dining experiences--garden restaurants, riverside restaurants, and restaurants in colonial houses. This is a good region for those who don't eat or avoid beef, pork, or cow milk. In Angkor, there will be a few buffet dinners with dance performances featuring the lovely traditional dancing of Cambodia, also considered among the most beautiful in the world.

The dollar goes far: spa treatments at a fraction of the price in the US, and beautiful handicrafts (textiles, lacquerware, silver), also at a fraction of the cost in the US, that can make unique Christmas/New Year gifts for yourself or others. This is silk producing and weaving region with the opportunity to get tailored silk clothing. Beautiful gems are also mined in this region.

December is the optimum time of year to visit, as it is the cool and dry season. It will still be warm and sunny, and the 2.5 weeks of glorious tropical sunshine are sure to counter the darkness of our Pacific Northwest winters. Trip dates are December 3 to 21.

I am looking for a highly responsible, friendship-only travel companion, say 40 through 60s, who can use an air-conditioned room that was reserved in the hotels/guesthouses for friends (a couple) who cannot go for medical reasons, and share transport to sightseeing and restaurants. A western breakfast is included in the lodging. Transport to sightseeing and restaurants is by air-conditioned car and driver. Others can join as well, and I can help with making their own travel arrangements.

Vacationing in Southeast Asia is less costly than going to Europe, for example, and additionally, I got a discount on the lodging. So the trip costs would rate as low to moderate. Also, independent travel like this provides more flexibility and convenience than a commercial tour.

I have been a Meetup Organizer and Event Organizer in various groups for over 10 years and have designed beautiful trips to 16 countries across the globe. This will be my 5th trip to Southeast Asia and 9th to Asia. I lived in Southeast Asia for several years. I have an academic background in Asian art and religions, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, the two religions that inform the art and architecture in this trip. I can provide travel guidance on culture, food, etc.

Please be respectful that the restaurant is providing us the space to meet and purchase some food/drink. I scheduled this meeting early, so that you can have an appetizer and go elsewhere for dinner or stay for dinner. The restaurant is in the northern U Dist, in a quiet stretch of the Ave, and there should be easy street parking.