Experiential adventure from InsideAsia Tours

Refresh mind, body and soul with the new Soulful Pursuits –

A new trip from InsideAsia Tours provides enlightening insight into the spiritual and holistic heart of two of south-east Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Laos and Cambodia.

The 14-night, fully-tailored Soulful Pursuits trip is a peaceful adventure that encompasses immersive elements and exclusive experiences with a focus on wellbeing, spirituality and relaxation, whilst learning about the local culture and communities.

Highlights include each of the following fascinating experiences as you travel around Laos and Cambodia:

Learn about Buddhist traditions:

Step away from the tourists visiting the monks in Luang Prabang for a special ‘Insider Experience’ just across the Mekong River, in a small village where traditional Buddhist customs are practiced daily. Join with locals in preparing early morning alms and meet with the monks to present the khan dok mai (a traditional donation made from marigolds and palm leaves). Back in the city, visit a hillside temple to speak with a local monk about spirituality and be led on a guided meditation session, allowing for a deeper understanding of Laos’ Buddhist traditions.

Undertake exclusive yoga and meditation experiences:

Michelle Luehman has studied and practised meditation, yoga and Reiki with many world-renowned practitioners, including four years with The Mother (a meditation and healing guru from India). Travel by boat with Michelle to Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden where, with exclusive access, there is the opportunity to take an early morning yoga and meditation class, followed by a herbal breakfast alongside the lotus pond. In Cambodia’s Siem Reap, experience sunrise meditation at the serene Wat Svay Romeat, where the head monk will perform a traditional water blessing ceremony.

Explore traditional spa and wellness practices:

The trip combines a variety of traditional techniques and indulgent treatments, including a visit to the Champasak Spa and Wellness Centre, and to the Belmond La Residence Phou Vao, one of the best spas in Luang Prabang. This spa encapsulates the country’s holistic spirit and offers treatments that draw on a diverse range of deep cultural practices and a firm understanding of natural healing. One such is the Sip Sen Lao Massage, a sublime treatment previously reserved for royalty, based on Buddhist philosophy, that relaxes, detoxifies and balances by freeing the body’s energy channels. Once in Cambodia, stay at the Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat and enjoy a special Sound Bath, a technique that uses vibrational sound from crystal and Tibetan bowls to help reduce stress, uplift consciousness and bring a deeper sense of peace.

Gain an understanding of local community and culture:

On the rural island of Don Daeng, gain a deeper understanding of Lao traditions by taking part in a Barci ceremony within the local community. The ceremony is a means of expressing goodwill to others. Participate in village activities such as fishing, basket weaving, rice planting or handicrafts, and join a local family to cook a traditional Lao dish. From Siem Reap in Cambodia, head into the countryside to indulge in an authentic Khmer fine dining experience at a beautiful traditional villa, surrounded by rice paddies.

Stay in a heavenly island paradise:

Round off this blissful adventure on the pristine beaches of Koh Rong Samloem, an idyllic island paradise off the coast of Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia. Relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and snorkel or dive close to the large coral reefs.

Also featuring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Luang Prabang and the jungle-clad temples of Angkor Wat, plus a stay in an eco-friendly retreat, and a gondola champagne cruise at sunset, this 14-night trip is priced from £3,190 pp (two sharing). This includes 14 nights’ B&B, airport transfers and internal flights, five lunches, two dinners, guided transfers and excursions as outlined in the itinerary. International flights extra.

For more information, call InsideAsia Tours on 0117 370 9758 or visit www.insideasiatours.com.