Living Arts of Thailand
Banana leaves and jasmine offerings are seen in Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies throughout Thailand. Learn the traditional method of making these and other crafts on this hands-on culture tour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Prepare a four-course Thai dinner; visit an extensive private collection of ceramics; and assist traditional Lanna-style textile weavers in the dyeing process. Cultural Crossroads: "Thailand: Unseen Culture and Nature," 12 days; from $2,994.
Celebrate Like a Local
Attend the Ladakh Hemis Festival, a celebration of the birth of guru Padmasambhava—also known as the Second Buddha—who is believed to have fought off demons to protect the local people of this remote mountain region some call "Little Tibet." Colorful ceremonies are set against a backdrop of the towering Himalayas and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Nights are spent camping in an apricot grove at the foot of an ancient palace. Journeys International: "Ladakh Hemis Festival, India," 9 days; $2,495.
Maya Feast
The spicy Maya turkey stew kakik and jocon with green tomato sauce and are just some of the dishes you'll taste in this gastronomical odyssey though Copan, Honduras, and Antigua, Guatemala. Sit down to a private dinner concocted by culinary rising star Jose Luis, visit a shade-grown coffee farm, and—in an Iron Chef-style twist—get behind the counter of a market stall to try your hand at making popular Guatemalan dishes. Culture Xplorers: "Epicurean Mundo Maya—Honduras and Guatemala," 8 days; $2,485.
On the Voodoo Trail
In keeping with its commitment to off-the-beaten-path adventure at value-conscious prices, this Canadian operator offers a peek into the mystical world of voodoo. Journey to villages in Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo to witness elaborate rituals—where dancers fall into trances believed to be the spirit taking possession of their bodies—and meet with local royalty for insight into this widely misunderstood religion. G.A.P Adventures: "The Voodoo Trail—Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo,"
16 days; $2,400. V
Caring in Cambodia
What started four years ago as a cycling trip with friends to raise money for educational projects in Cambodia has blossomed into a unique venture that raised $300,000 last year. The tour company offers short-term travelers a chance to participate in long-term development projects. After spending a few days sightseeing around Phnom Penh, guests move to the countryside to help build a rainwater collection system that will provide clean drinking water to more than 500 students. PEPY Tours: "Rural Experiential Tour," 9 days; $1,200.
All quoted prices are starting rates, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to change, and do not include airfare to the destination. Prices are accurate as of press time.
