Description

This unforgettable journey awaits aspiring photographers who have a passion for adventure and a desire to explore three Southeast Asian countries in a new and exciting way. Your travels will take you from the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand into the far reaches of Shan State in Eastern Burma and further on downriver to the rolling green hills of rural Laos. Along the way you will document ten different Hill Tribe groups that inhabit these areas and attempt to capture their traditional ways of life through images.

The Golden Triangle
The journey begins in Chiang Rai, home of the famous White Temple and dozens of Hill Tribe groups. This will be your jumping-off point for exploring the region and the perfect training ground for learning how to capture the beauty and diversity of Southeast Asia through your lens. As you travel into villages with your camera in hand you will learn about the history of the Golden Triangle, the area's infamous drug trade, and the region's diverse inhabitants.

The adventure will become even more diverse and adventurous as you cross the border into Burma. You'll hop over at the northern-most point of Thailand and begin your adventure into one of the most untouched areas of the country, Kengtung. The largest city in Shan State, Kengtung is a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and the sights you see here will showcase Burma's diversity and beauty. Witness ox-drawn carts rolling through bustling markets, meet with village elders, and photograph Akha, Shan, Waa, Lisu, and Lahu minority groups. This is a truly stunning part of the world and sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Laos and the Northern Hill Tribes
After coming out of Burma, you will board a long-tail boat and begin a two-day adventure down the Mekong River into Northern Laos. During this epic river journey you will marvel at serene mountain passes and witness the surreal movement of the largest river in Asia. Travelers and locals alike have been using this route for thousands of years, and the trip will offer a rare window into traditional river life in Asia.

The river journey will end in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town that is renowned among travelers for its welcoming people, stunning architecture and peaceful mountain setting. The town also boasts the largest concentration of Buddhist monks in any city in Southeast Asia. The stark contrast of orange-robed monks and French colonial architecture will make for unforgettable photographs and a truly inspiring learning environment. Bright blue waterfalls, dense jungle, and hilltop temples will only add to the city's charm and make your photographs even more diverse.

From Luang Prabang, you'll continue north to seldom-seen villages that lie along the banks of the Mekong. Some of the areas you will pass through have no roads, so you will travel mainly by boat and by foot in order to gain full access to the region. These modes of transportation will also ensure your camera is much closer to the action, and you will have countless opportunities to interact with the people you are photographing.

Great Experiences, Great Leaders
You will work hard to increase your skill level during this workshop-style program. We will get you into truly stunning places and help you create eye-catching photos while providing supportive critiques and edits along the way. Come ready to develop your portfolio and absorb the cultural wealth these countries have to offer. If you're passionate about photography and travel to remote destinations, then join us on this revamped Frontier Photography adventure!

Highlights

MARVEL at untouched Burma as you cross into Kengtung, one of the most fascinating cities in the north, where tourists are extremely rare.

HONE your skills as a photographer, receive in-depth photography instruction, and benefit from portfolio reviews with your fellow students and instructors.

FLOAT down the Mekong River on a two-day journey from Thailand into Laos.

EXPERIENCE the magic of Luang Prabang as you peruse the famous night market, dive into pristine waterfalls, and photograph hundreds of Buddhist monks.

PHOTOGRAPH majestic mountain peaks and historic caves as you explore the solitude of Northern Laos.

Travel Types

• Caving/Spelunking
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Overland Tours
• Photography
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Trekking

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,295 USD + 645 USD Internal Airfare + International Air

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983