Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons' “Life Along the Mekong” semester program.  Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, itineraries are subject to change.  Please keep an eye on the course's Yak board for additional itinerary-related postings and updates. 

Weeks One-Two:

Fly from Los Angeles to Kunming, Yunnan Province: Orientation and quick introduction to this laid-back, contemporary Chinese capital.  Overnight bus to Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Yunnan: Visit prominent Gelukpa lineage monasteries, learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and wander through Tibetan villages beneath snow-clad mountains; witness the impacts of Chinese development and tourism programs; sit along the edge of the Upper Mekong and marvel at the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Three Rivers Region.  Begin challenging, high-mountain trek along sacred pilgrimage routes beneath the 6,740m Mt. Kawa Karpo, one of the holiest mountains in Tibetan Buddhism.  Travel south along rough roads through the Mekong gorge towards Weixi, a remote town along the Yunnan/Tibet border.

Weeks Three-Five:

Student-directed portion of the itinerary.  Working under the advice of course instructors, students choose from a variety of travel options as we make our way towards the base of our program in Laos.  Option 1: Travel along the China/Burma border to stay within rural villages of the Tibeto-Burman ethnicity; learn about the Burmese political situation, border issues and drug trade, and the unique cultural ecology of this subtropical region.  Option 2: Travel into Sipsongpanna, the land of "12,000 rice fields": Learn about the ancient kingdom of the Tai minority; visit the botanical gardens of Meng Lun and study the remarkable biodiversity of the region; visit tea plantations producing some of the most highly regarded Pu'er tea in China.  Option 3: Travel directly to the China/Laos border and head into the Lao provinces of Luang Nam Tha, Bokeo, and Udomxai: Explore rugged hills inhabited by the largest variety of hill tribes in Laos; visit the site of the Nam Tha dam; dig into the tiny outpost town of Xieng Kok at the heart of the notorious Golden Triangle, along the edge of the Mekong between Laos and Burma. 

Weeks Six-Nine:

Settle into an extended community-stay outside of Luang Prabang, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Live in rural villages on the outskirts of town, learn about traditional agriculture and subsistence farming, local customs, and local communities' relationship with the nearby Mekong River.  Gather in town for classes in Lao language, learn from development workers and historians, and engage in discussions regarding the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism in the region.  Learn about sustainable development and collaborate with local organizations on service efforts.  Marvel at Luang Prabang's royal architecture and golden temples, and explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside by foot and by bicycle.  Gather for afternoon soccer matches or swimming along the banks of the slow-moving Mekong.

Weeks Ten-Twelve:

Travel from Luang Prabang through Southern Laos, into Cambodia.  Learn about the region known as Isan, a conglomeration of Thai provinces that are of historical Lao origin; discuss the permeation of culture across natural and political boundaries, and consider a visit across the river to witness Thailand's most impoverished region, which benefits little from Thailand's booming tourism industry.  Continue along the river through southern Laos: Explore famous Buddhist temples and Hindu ruins, learn about coffee and banana cultivation, and navigate a beautiful stretch of the Mekong called the 4,000 Islands.  Follow the river into Cambodia: Volunteer with the Cambodia Rural Development organization in Kratie, learn about Cambodian water issues by visiting "floating" communities on the great Tonlé Sap lake, and partake in Cambodian village life—living with Khmer families along a tributary of the Mekong just north of Phnom Penh.

Week Thirteen:

Vietnam's Mekong Delta: Visit floating markets; explore the country's primary source of fish, rice, fruit, and other agricultural products; learn from local farmers and fishermen regarding the noticeable impacts of upstream development.  Conclude the course with a reflective couple of days recounting our journey and contributing ideas to lesson plans which will support the academic studies of future student groups.  Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare for the flight home.