While the highlight is cruising on the legendary Mekong River, this Laos and Thailand journey also immerses guests in ancient Buddhist temples and the World Heritage Site city of Luang Prabang.
Rich Pagen
Marine Biologist and Naturalist
Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the tide pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology that has ranged from teaching science and environmental awareness to teenagers from Los Angeles, to traveling the coast and river deltas of Alaska’s North Slope by Zodiac to reach remote wetlands where he monitored loon nests. After such field biology projects as surveys for mammalian carnivores in the mountains of California, bird migration monitoring in Canada, and a study of army-ant-following birds in the Peruvian Amazon, Rich was drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks.
Rich's Blog Posts
All in for Subtropical Asia
Cuba: "Now is the Perfect Time to Visit!"
Like a String of Pearls: Philippines, Taiwan & Japan
Won't You Join Me?
Mudskippers: Who Says Fish Need Water?
What Was Your Favorite Wildlife Experience of 2016?
Rich's Upcoming Expeditions
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Along the Mekong: China, Thailand & Laos
October 23 — November 9, 2020 -
Tanzania with the Great Migration
January 29 — February 9, 2021Enjoy a classic, yet intimate, safari experience with stays at luxurious tented camps situated in remote wilderness areas, including an innovative mobile camp that travels with the herd for fantastic viewing of the Great Migration.
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Tracing the West Coast of Africa
February 8 — February 24, 2021We are thrilled to return to Western Africa on a new and improved itinerary that highlights the very best of this dynamic region. Visit an amazing nine countries and discover the intriguing cultural heritage, storied history, and numerous natural wonders of these lesser-visited African nations.
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Mediterranean Mosaic: Italy, Corsica, Tunisia, Algeria & Morocco
April 19 — May 3, 2021Exquisite Greek and Roman cities once created a mosaic of flourishing cultural centers around the Mediterranean Sea. Today they stand in silent testimony to that epoch as magnificent ruins far better preserved, far more impressive, and far less crowed than most of the archaeological sites of mainland Europe.
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Wild Ireland & Scotland COMBO Voyage
May 29 — June 12, 2021Discover ancient wonders, sublime landscapes, unique geology, prolific birdlife, and charming villages as you journey to Ireland and Scotland. Witness some of Europe's largest seabird colonies—puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, and more, with visits to Giant’s Causeway, Neolithic monuments, and a variety of architectural wonders.
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Wild Ireland
May 29 — June 7, 2021Discover Ireland’s ancient wonders, sublime landscapes, unique geology, prolific birdlife, and charming villages as you journey along the island’s scenic west coast. This voyage may be combined with Wild Scotland for a comprehensive view of the region.
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Wild Scotland
June 4 — June 12, 2021History comes to life as you view important Neolithic monuments—the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and Skara Brae—and other architectural wonders, from Mousa’s Iron Age broch and 12th-century Iona Abbey to the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. This voyage may be combined with Wild Ireland for a comprehensive view of the region.
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Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
July 18 — July 31, 2021Centuries of history and splendid architecture come to life as you discover the countries surrounding the Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. Join our experts to explore busy bazaars, archeological treasures, and stunning landscapes.
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Borneo: Land of the Orangutan
August 6 — August 21, 2021Search for a huge variety of charismatic species, including orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, great argus pheasants, eight species of hornbills, and the bizarre Bornean bristlehead on this classic expedition led by conservation biologist Rich Pagen.
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Crossroads of Empires: Cyprus, Israel, Egypt & Jordan
October 22 — November 4, 2021The art, architecture, and archaeological wonders of the eastern Mediterranean are legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. Over the millennia, a succession of cultures traded, conquered, and settled in these fabled lands, and we follow in their wake, piecing together the pages of the defining chapters of ancient civilization.
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India Safari
November 7 — November 21, 2021Enjoy in-depth explorations of three celebrated national parks—traversing the forested ridges, thick bamboo, and shallow rivers; search for Bengal tiger, wild boar, chital deer, and sambar; and keep an eye out for the varied birdlife.