Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar tour 26 days

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, G = Guide

Day 1: Siem Reap arrival (G)

On arrival in Siem Reap, you will be picked up to transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Morning arrive at Siem Reap airport and transfer to the hotel, visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to pier to for local speedboat trip at 07:00 am to Phnom Penh. Arrival around noon time. At the end of dry season speed boat operation is limited due to the low water level. In this case the journey to Phnom Penh is flight. Afternoon Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh/Kratie (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Kratie via Kompong Cham. Lunch at local restaurant. Arrival in Kratie and check in at hotel. In the afternoon, city tour of this small provincial town with its good examples of sumptuous colonial architecture. This tiny town on the Mekong is an unexpected delight, with a relaxing, indolent atmosphere. Further north stop at the best riverside vantage point from which to view the rare freshwater Irrawady dolphins which can be best seen late afternoon. Then, drive back to Kratie. Overnight in Kratie.

Day 6: Kratie/Stung Treng (B, L, G)

Breakfast in hotel then transfer by vehicle from Kratie to Stung Treng, a very laid back town located on the banks of the Mekong. Journey along the Mekong River basin through the villages of Sambok, Sre Sbov and Phumi Prek Preah. The Mekong River, which rises in Tibet, flows 315 km through Cambodia before continuing on through Vietnam to the sea. Overnight in Stung Treng.

Day 7: Stung Treng/Dongkralor/Khong Island (B, L, G)

Today you will cross into Laos by a local speed boat to the Cambodian-Lao border. A stunning boat trip of about an hour and a half over a deserted part of the Mekong river will bring you to Dongkralor the border. You must have Lao visa beforehand ! On completion of immigration formalities. The guide in the Laotian side who will pick up you and transfer to Khong Island. Khong Island is part of Siphandone, Laotian for ’4000 islands’. During the dry season thousands of shoals and small islands appear due to the descending water level, giving the impression of a vast area of islets. Overnight in Khong Island

Day 8: Khong Island (B, L, G)

Morning, cruise along the backwaters to explore Siphandone. Visit the surrounding islands of Done Ket and Done Som for a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen. Continue to Done Khone Island. Lunch at local restaurant in Ban Khone. Then visit Done Khone Island and hike along its ancient railway built by the French in 1897 in order to bypass the powerful rapids when transporting goods from Cambodia. Continue to Sumphamith Waterfall. In the dry season, the Irrawaddy Dolphins, one of the world’s rarest large mammal species, congregate at the base of the rapids to hunt the fish that survive in the deep pools. Spend a relaxing hour watching these extremely shy and endangered freshwater dolphins. Return by boat to Khong Island. Overnight in Khong Island.

Day 9: Khong Island/Wat Phou/Pakse (B, L, G)

This morning, departure for Pakse. Along the way you will visit Wat Phou. This Khmer temple was built in the 5th century thus predating Angkor Wat in Cambodia. In 2002 Wat Phou was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The walk to the upper part of the temple is steep, but the view over the surrounding countryside is rewarding indeed. Arrival in Pakse, check in hotel. Overnight in Pakse

Day 10: Pakse/Vientiane (B, L, G)

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane. In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, to visit religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 11: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, transfer to hotel. Today’s city tour of the former Royal capital, Luang Prabang, include a visit to Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa and Phou Si hill which stands right in the centre of the small city, where you can climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views over the Mekong. Wat Phu Si sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns. Then we continue, visiting Wat Mai (1796) with its five-tiered roof, and Wat Xieng Thong which is considered to characterize the uniqueness of Luang Prabang’s local style, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. We see also the impressive “tree of life” mosaic here. After that we visit the National Museum, which was once the king’s palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former royal family. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 12: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Cave (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we board a cruise heading upstream on the Mekong River, giving a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Our first stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo where we start a short trek (45 mins) to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. On the way, we also visit Ban Xangkhong, Ban Xienglek and Ban Nong Xai, small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking. Return and overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 13: Luang Prabang/Hanoi (B, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be free to do what you wish and then transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Hanoi. Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a welcome dinner at a colonial building. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Viet Nam dating back to the 11th C), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ethnology Museum and the centre of Ha Noi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter with a complex of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings and the colonial houses. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Vietnam). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi/Ha Long (B, L, D, G)

A morning drive to Ha Long Bay, (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine “karst” landscape). Travel by traditional-style boat to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming, fishing, hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews, exploring sea level caves in a small sampan, etc. All meals will be provided on board and your accommodation will be on the boat in a twin room with en suite toilet and shower.

Day 16: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for your overnight train to Lao Cai. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 17: Lao Cai/Sapa (B, L, G)

You’ll be met at the Lao Cai station and taken by a Jeep or a Land Cruiser to visit an ethnic market. After a picnic lunch, you’ll return to Lao Cai and continue your journey into the mountains to Sapa, a small town perched on the mountainside opposite Mt. Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak.

The trips to ethnic markets are a fascinating experience but must be on Tuesday (Coc Ly Market), Saturday (Can Cau) or Sunday (Bac Ha or Muong Hum Markets). Picnic lunch will be prepared in the morning from Sapa. You’ll arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner.

Day 18: Sapa/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Morning stroll to the town busy market and then easy trek to ethnic villages of H’mong in a scenic valley. After stream-side picnic lunch, you’ll be picked up to visit other ethnic villages of the H’mong, Day and Red Dao people. Return to Sapa and then back to Lao Cai station for an overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 19: Hanoi/Bangkok (B, D, G)

Arriving in Hanoi, you will be picked up to your hotel. Your time will be your own until our driver will come and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. After your arrival in Bangkok, you will be driven to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 20: Half day Bangkok city Temple Tour (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel and then sightseeing tour to visit: At first visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image, and then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. After that, visit to Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha. After this place we back to the hotel and free at leisure in the afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 21: Bangkok/Half Day Phuket City Tour (B, G)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight departure to Phuket. Arrive at Phuket airport, meet and greet with our local guide and then transfer to hotel for check in, have a short rest. After that, sightseeing visit to Phuket City take in the islands natural beauty as we drive along the beach roads through Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai. Visit to View Point where you can witness the beautiful bays of Kata Noi, Kata, Karon and Kho Poo Island, one of the island’s best scenic spot. This tour gives an insight into the highlights of the “Pearl of the Andaman”. Leisurely drive around Phuket town to view the Sino-Portuguese style buildings. Other attractions visited are Wang Thalang Lapidary gem factory, Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most beautiful and renowned monastery, the Gypsy Village at Rawai Beach, a Cashew Nut Factory where you may sample the culinary delights on offer and the famous sunset viewpoint at Phromthep Cape one of the most beautiful panoramas on the island. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Phuket.

Day 22: Full Day Phi Phi Island Tour (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel, and then transfer to the pier to take a boat trip to Phi Phi Island. Take a boat visit to Phi Phi Ley Island, exploring scenic beauty, next visit to Long Beach, Phi Phi Don Island. Change to a small boat to go for snorkeling activity near Long Beach. Enjoy crystal clear water and rich marine life. Return to Long Beach. Enjoy a buffet lunch at on Phi Phi Don Island. After lunch, free at leisure for snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the beach, till time transfer back to hotel in Phuket. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Phuket.

Day 23: Phuket/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel, then free at leisure till the time has come for your transfer to Phuket airport for your flight to Bangkok where you will transit to your international flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 24: Yangon/Bago/Yangon (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. After Breakfast Drive to north of Yangon , the Ancient Mon Dynasty Called ” Bago ” ( 80 km , 2 hrs drive ). On the way visit Kyeik Pon Pagoda -28 meter high huge Buddha Image and proceed to Bago and continue visit to Kya Khat Wai Monastery is one of the three largest Monasteries in the country. Watching the long line of Monks and Novices taking their last meal of the day in silence is quite an impressive sight.

Visit Shwemawdaw Pagoda – One of the most venerated pagoda in Myanmar and a great statue (55 feet long) of a reclining Buddha, believed to have been built in 944. Afternoon visit of Kanbawzadi Palace, Shwetharlaung – Huge reclining Buddha, Maha Zedi, walking around Mon Village to see the hand made weaving and daily life of the Mon People, cheroot making factory. Drive Back to Yangon, on the way visit Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery , a regal memorial to the 27,000 Allied soldiers who died in World War II. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Yangon/Thanlyin/Yangon (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. First visit to Thanlyin (Syriam), The colonial town of Thanlyin (Syrian) was a major port and important trading centre from the 14th through the 18th centuries until it was displaced by Yangon in 1755. Arrive Thanlyin. As a first visit, Kyaik- Khauk Pagoda (Most likely the first stupa on this hillock was erected by the Mon AD- 600-800), able to enjoy panoramic Bago River View and Skyline of City Yangon. Proceed to Kyauk Tan and visit to the Pagoda with the local boat. Its approximately named since the complex is perched on a tiny Island in the middle of the river.

After visit , drive back to Yangon and afternoon sightseeing Kaba Aye – World Peace Pagoda, Mahapasana Cave (where sixth Buddhist synod took place ) Chaukhtat Gyi -A huge reclining Buddha Image , and sunset at the Great Shwedagon Pagoda ( The World Famous Stupa). Overnight at Hotel.

Day 26: Yangon Departure (B, G)

Escorted to the airport for departure flight