Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos – Myanmar.
Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos – Myanmar
(B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Day 1: Arrive Yangon
Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Start exploring Yangon’s colonial city style, Mahabandoola Park and Town Hall near Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years ago. Then visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping (which is closed on Monday) and to Chaukhtutgyi, a huge reclining Buddha image.
In the afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires. After a photo stop at the Karaweik Hall, a hamsa-bird-shaped floating barge on Kandawgyi Lake is waiting for your embark. Over the lake, shadow of the grand Shwedagon Pagoda reflects its majesty in a quite different yet amazing way. We will drive back to hotel with a lovely sunset.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan (B)
After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport for your flight to Bagan(flight not included).
Upon your arrival start your Bagan tour with a visit to the vibrant Nyaung Market, unveil the glory of Bagan’s history by visits to archeological treasures such as the Shwezigon Pagoda for its impressive bell-shaped stupa, graceful Htilominlo Temple with its delicate plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
Continue to discover the ancient and most treasured handicrafts of lacquering by a demonstration from skilled artisan. Explore the amazing mural paintings under the protection of UNESCO at Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple, and enjoy your soothing sunset at Shwesandaw Pagoda.
Overnight in Bagan
Day 3: Bagan (B)
Breakfast at hotel
Proceed to the Nanpaya Temple. The masonry work is outstanding, as well as its interior design. It reflects the strong Brahman influence that affected the Teravadin Mon kings. Also, do take note of the relief of the god Brahma. There are three faces that can be discerned, all of which have the typical facial features of Mon. These are said to be representations of King Manuha. It is sometimes called the Ganesh or Mahapeine Temple, named after the elephant-headed Hindu god whose image once stood at the corners of its five successively diminishing rectangular terrace.
In the afternoon, sightseeing start with many of the old murals and friezes can still be discerned, as can several old horoscopes, painted to protect the building from damage. After that proceed to Ananda Temple constructed in 1091, and is considered the masterpiece of Mon architecture. Board a local sunset boat for a slow cruise down in the Irrawaddy River. As you cruise the waters, observe the lifestyle of the fishermen and riverside villagers as well as enjoying the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples.
Overnight in Bagan
Day 4: Bagan – Mandalay by flight(flight not included) (B)
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay.
Mandalay is the last capital of Myanmar Kingdom before the annexation of Britishin 1885. The period of kingdom was very short, but the named Mandalay becomes well known by “Rudyard Kipling”. The royal palace wall surrounded by the moat is one of the great things to see and it has been re-created after 1945, by 2nd War World.
Upon arrival at Mandalay Airport, drive straight to the city for an hour where we can pass through the country side area with different vegetations. First stop at Mahamuni Buddha, it has covered with thick layer of gold leaves and continue to a craftsman’s workshop to see puppet, tapestries and gold leaves making. Then, drive to hotel for check in.
After a short break in the afternoon, comprehensive sightseeing in Mandalay includes ShweNanDawKyaung (Golden Palace monastery), a special wooden building built by Royal family and Kuthodaw Pagoda (known as the world’s largest book), the golden stupa surrounded by 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures.
Overnight Mandalay
Day 5: Mandalay –Ava – Amarapura – Sagaing (B)
Breakfast at hotel and depart for trip to Ava.
We’ll drive former capitals of Amarapura, visit Mahagandayon Monastery where more than a thousand monks live and study the Buddha scripture. If time allow, you will have the opportunity to observe the monks having their last meal of the day in total silence. Proceed to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries and visit by horse and carriage the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and fort, and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan and Htihlaing Shin Paya. Back to Mandalay and put a perfect end to today’s trip with a sunset boat excursion around the world’s longest teak bridge at U Bein Bridge.
Overnight Mandalay.
Day 6: Mandalay – Heho – Kalaw by flight(not included flight) & car (B)
After early breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Heho on the Shan plateau(flight not included).
Upon arrival, transfer by road to Kalaw (39 km) about an hour drive. Make an excursion to the popular hill station in the British days; Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali. THEIN TAUNG PAYA: temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road. AUNG CHANG THA ZEDI: glittering stupa (Buddhist religious monument) covered in gold-coloured mosaics. NEE PAYA: located west of the town, it features a gold lacquered bamboo Buddha.
Overnight at the hotel in Kalaw
Day 7: Kalaw – Inle Lake by car & boat (B)
After breakfast at hotel, we are transferring by road to Inle Lake. We have a leisurely morning to make our way down into the Inle basin and by “long-tail” boat out across the lake to our Hotel right on the Inle Lake.
In the afternoon, we plan to spend the day visiting villages and sampling the spectacular array of traditional handicrafts. You will see the unique method locals use to row their boats, fishermen with their own style of fishing, floating farms and gardens and a handloom weaving cottage with its own showroom. You will visit Phaungdawoo Pagoda which houses the five most revered Buddha Images in the southern Shan State.
Overnight at the hotel in Inle Lake
Day 8: Inle Lake – Indein (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit to floating market which is a 5day rotation market most fascinating to watch the daily life of the minorities and their activities. Continue our excursion by motorized boat to Indein pagoda complex, in the south-west of the lake. The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow canal with a beautiful natural environment to continue to a small Pa O tribe village. From the village, follow an old covered path to a 13thcentury monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the lake in the far distance.
Overnight at the hotel in Inle Lake
Day 9: Lake – Yangon (B)
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to airport for domestic flight to Yangon.
Visit Botahtaung Pagoda, located on the bank of the Yangon River, Botahtaung is a typical gilded dome that tapers gradually to the top and is capped by a symbolic fan-shape spire. Unlike many pagodas (known as zedi in Myanmar), Botahtaung is hollow inside allowing visitors to walk through to admire what is considered the highlight of any pilgrimage – a glass case containing a sacred hair relic of the Buddha. Then finish the day with a walk in colorful Chinatown and visit Yangon’s oldest Chinese temple: the Kheng Hock Keong.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: Yangok – Bangkok – Flight to Arrival Siem Reap (B)
Then you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for a 4 hour flight to Siem Reap(flight not included).
Welcome to Siem Reap, the entrance to the Angkor Temple complex and the legacy of Khmer Empire. Upon arrival, the local Cambodian English speaking tour guide will greet you and help you transfer to your hotel for check in. On the way your guide will deliver a very interesting briefing about the history of Cambodia, its culture, people and lifestyle.
This afternoon you will enjoy with half day on quad bike through the countryside and explore Chreav Village where will see many local farmer growing vegetable while riding on quad bike , you will experience with the open zoo where are many cow and water buffalo are at the field when you catch up the sunset. You will continue to drive along Siem Reap River bank to see the floating village at Tonle Sap Lake, where could see floating school, store, restaurant, police station and son. Drive back to town via visiting Wat Advea and the fresh market Phsar Kroum.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 11: Siem Reap – Treasure hunting in Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat (B)
The morning after breakfast at our hotel, we begin another magical day at the mystical Ta Prohm temple, where ancient stones and massive tree roots engulf the ruins. These trees and stones provide a stunning temple experience while also enjoying with sound of birds and nature; this is a wonderful place to start the temple tour. The exploration will take approximately one hour, walking through this jungle temple after weaving our way through the beautiful Ta Prohm we journey into the ancient city of Angkor Thom.
After exploring the treasures of this ancient walled city, we continue with a visit to the mystical Bayon temple adorned with its smiling faces. The journey through the jungle to the famous Bayon which stands in the middle of the city of Angkor Thom is now everyone’s favorite site, surrounded by hundreds of smiling faces engraved on the pieces of gigantic sand stone; the temple is definitely one of the most stunning and mysterious. We head further into the temple complex and visit Baphoun, a hill top pyramid-temple, consecrated to the God Shiva that just opened to the public recently after renovation. We also visit the Elephant and leper king terraces, the royal enclosure temple of Phimean Akas and the serene Preah Pithu groups of smaller temples. We will enjoy a walk along the ancient walls of this city and relax with a hot Cambodian style picnic lunch in a shaded area or alternatively we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
Following Angkor Thom we head to the jewel of the Khmer Empire and visit the amazing Angkor Wat. The amazing temples of Angkor were constructed to express the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire at the time. Many stone inscriptions describing the foundations of the temple have been found but Khmers left no word to tell how this great empire collapsed. Come and dig out some secrets of Angkor with our experienced guide, reveal the stories and legends behind the sandstone carved bas-reliefs, gables and lintels. Stroll around this massive monument to admire the Khmer architectural masterpiece and engineering.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 12: Siem Reap – Walking in the jungle & Departure (B)
Optional: Starting early we enter the Angkor Archeological Park to experience the sunrise behind the temple of Angkor Wat with soft light against the towers reflecting in a large lily pond, one of the best views of the temple you will get.
Next we return to our hotel for breakfast before continuing to explore Preah Khan Temple. It’s located 2 kilometers northeast of Angkor Thom on the Grand Circuit and was built in the second half of the 12th century in AD 1191 by King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his father Dharanindravarman. The inscriptions indicate that Preah Khan was built on the battle site where King Jayavarman VII finally defeated the Chams. In those days it was known as Nagarajayacri, which means the City of Sacred Sword.
Leaving from the rear exit of Preah Khan temple, we then walk through the dense tropical jungle for approximately 3.5KM to enjoy nature along the tree-lined paths, taking a rest at the French dam, which was constructed in 1960, and enjoy a water break. We continue with a visit to Prasat Tanai; this temple seems lost in the jungle and gets very few visitors; it’s a 12th century temple and was constructed by King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to his ancestors. If time permits will visit the pyramid temple of Ta Keo.
In the afternoon you will transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or to the next destination.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by the local guide and transferred (30 minutes) to the hotel to check in. Evening is yours to relax and chill out.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 13: Luang Prabang City tour – Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves (B, L)
In the morning we tour the sacred city of temples by visiting the National Museum and the former Royal Palace. The latter houses a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. The tour continues to the Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit for which it is named. We also visit the Wat Aham where we will find the alter of Luang Prabang and finish with a visit to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept.
After lunch we will embark on a long-tailed boat on the Mekong River, visitin the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. We visit Ban Xanghai, well-known for its Laotian traditional rice
Our return to Luang Prabang we visit Ban Xangkhong, a village known for its wood paper making and naturally dyed silk weavings.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall (B, L)
An option to visit a local market followed by breakfast at the hotel.
At mid-morning we leave the Old Town behind and drive to the outskirt to visit the Kuangsi Waterfall, a three tier waterfall about 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang. These waterfalls are a must-see for Luang Prabang. After touring the site you can swim in the falls as well, which is the coolest part. Please make sure you’ve some swim gear if you want to go for a swim.
After a picnic lunch near the fall, we wind our way back to town. Stop en route to visit Ban Na Oune, a small village where the Hmong people live, and Tha Pane village where the Khmu people www.
Late afternoon we will climb the Mount Phousi to enjoy the stunning view below and the sunset. The rest of the day is yours to relax and chill out.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 15: Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast is included and check out at mid-day.
The whole day is free until a private driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you (30 minutes) back to the Luang Prabang airport for your departure flight.
Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. You will have a welcome dinner followed by a water puppet performance and an overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 16: Hanoi City Tour (B)
You will begin in charming Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. You will explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. You can also shop for impressive modern art in the city’s numerous galleries. Also, you’ll visit Hanoi’s main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. You will have an overnight stay.
Day 17: Hanoi – Halong Bay Excursion – Hanoi (B/L)
Upon meeting you at your hotel at 7:00 am, we will drive to Halong City, an approximately 4 hours drive. Once in Halong City, you will board your boat for a four hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the most beautiful limestone caves in the area. As you are cruising, the boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch. Then, you will cruise back to the harbor and return to your hotel in Hanoi for an overnight stay.
Day 18: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
You will go to HCMC in the morning and in the afternoon have a private tour of the country’s commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. You will visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville. You should also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum. You’ll stroll through the city’s main shopping boulevard with fashionable boutiques and hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house-wares. You will have an overnight stay in HCMC.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Excursion – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)
The Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam and is often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam as it produces three crops of rice per year. The fertile Mekong Delta is also famous for its tropical fruits and flowers.
You will leave HCMC to lush My Tho, where you will board a private boat to go through the green vegetation of the canals to an orchard, where guests are treated to a delicious lunch in a local restaurant in the heart of the Mekong, complete with succulent tropical fruits. You also visit the snake farm, Dong Tam, that breeds snakes for, among other things, snake wine. Then you will head back to HCMC for an overnight stay.
Day 20: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh (B)
In the morning you will enjoy a half-day private excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life was like during the U.S.-Vietnam War. The afternoon is and you will stay overnight in HCMC.
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)
There is no activity planned for today so you are free to go for souvenir shopping until transfer to the HCMC airport for your departing flight.
*** End of Service ***
The cost of the trip £2090 Per person, Minimum 2 passenger travelling together.
Please contact us for more departure dates.
Notes:
- Surcharge at Sarai Resot & Spa: GB£ 20.00 per room per night.
- Surcharges may apply for holiday periods like Christmas, New Year, Water Festival & Inle Lake festival…etc
Cost Includes:
- 20 night accommodation on half-twin room basis with daily breakfast
- English speaking station guide. Different guides at each site.
- Porter fees at the airport
- All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles with drivers
- Sunset boat in Bagan
- Horse cart in Ava
- All the sightseeing in Vietnam, Cambodia and loas with guide and driver with entrance fee.
- Private motorized boat in Inle Lake excursions
- Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program
- Private door to door pickup
Cost does not includes:
- Domestic & International tickets
- Meals not mentioned (L = Lunch , D = Dinner)
- Internal and inter-country flight: Yangon / Bagan / Mandalay / Heho / Yangon/ Siem Reap-Lo pabang-Hanoi and return
- Visa arrangements for Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar & Cambodia
- Visits not mentioned in the program
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and porters at the hotels
- Any other items not mentioned
- International departure Airport Tax Yangon (USD 10/pax at present)
Please click here for detailed T&Cs.
