Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam tour 22 days

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

Day 1: Yangon arrival (D, G)

Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. If you arrived by mid day flight, we may proceed for lunch. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre.

Late 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 and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 2: Yangon/Bagan by flight (B, L, G)

This morning we head for the airport to get the early morning flight to Bagan. Check into the hotel and depart for a sightseeing excursion around the Bagan Archaeological Zone World Heritage Area. A comprehensive exploration of Bagan includes Nyaung Oo market; Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype of later Myanmar stupas; Kyansittha Umin; Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple with exquisite mural painting of 13th century and Htilominlo Temple.
In the afternoon, after a visit to lacquer ware workshops; continue to Manuha Temple built by exile King Manuha; Nanphaya, said to have been the residence of King Manuha; Ananda Temple, architectural masterpiece and Oak-Kyaung monastery decorated with multi colour mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan/Mandalay by flight (B, L, G)

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nyaun U airport for flight to Mandalay. When you arrive at Mandalay airport, drive to ancient capital of Amarapura, the city of Immortality for a visit to Bagaya Monastery with a famous collection of Buddha images; weaving industries, two-century old U-Bein teak bridge on the Taungtaman Lake and observe the lunch process of thousand of monks who take their last meal of the day at 10:00 am in total silence. Proceed to Mandalay and check in at the hotel.
After refreshment, you will take a sightseeing tour of Mandalay which includes Mahanumi, a life like Buddha image. Mandalay is the last capital of Myanmar and that make her to be the best place to see all the traditional arts and crafts. Start visiting gold leaf making work-place and see how the gold leaf is being made by hand in a traditional way. Continue visit the Old Palace grounds; Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s largest book for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Buddha’s Doctrine; Golden Palace Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from Mandalay Hill. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay/Heho/Inle Lake (B, L, G)

After breakfast, depart the hotel for flight to Heho on the Shan plateau. Transfer by road to Inle Lake and transfer to our hotel by long tail boat across the lake. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. 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 on Inle Lake.

Day 5: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon by flight (B, L, G)

We are heading back down country today to return to the airport at Heho for our flight to Yangon. Our route takes us back to Heho and down the escarpment to Nyaung-Shwe for a busy local market. Check in at airport and fly back to Yangon. Upon arrival, check in at hotel.
In the afternoon, we plan to visit by car to Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Schwedagon Pagoda and visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 6: Yangon/Bangkok (B, D, G)

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 met to transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Bangkok City Tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour of Bangkok with a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life. Along the way you will stop over at Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace which dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremonies. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex, you will drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. You will spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 8: Bangkok/Chiang Rai/Chiang Saen (B, L, G)

Depart Bangkok to Chiang Rai by TG 132 for Chiang Rai Arrive Chiang Rai Airport. Lunch at the Yunnan restaurant Transfer to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom, situated directly on the Mekong river at the border between Thailand and Laos. On the way, visit to Vat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing up 383 steps to the top of the hill. Also visit Vat Jedi Luang and the small museum nearby. Continue by long tail speedboat up river on the Mekong river towards the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos convene. On arrival in Chiang Saen, transfer to check in at the Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel.
Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 9: Chiang Saen/Chiang Khouang/Houeisay/Pakbeng (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from the Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel to Chiang Khong on the border for custom and immigration clearance.Cross the river by ferry boat to Ban Houeisay in Laos.Arrive Houeisay border & meet cruise’s staff to transfer to pier.Board the Pak Ou boat which leaves Houeisay pier at 09.00 and cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng – en route two stops are made, one for picnic lunch on the river bank and other one to discover a village of minorities (Yao or Lu). Observe real life along the Mekong river. Arrive Pakbeng before sunset and check in at the Luangsay Lodge. Dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong river.
Overnight in Pakbeng

Day 10: Pakbeng/Luang Prabang (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at the lodge (Optional: walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding villages of minorities exchange their goods) Board the Pak-Ou boat for the second leg of the cruise. Picnic lunch and short stop to discover a Hmong village. Continue to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou river , visit Tam Ting or caves of Pak Ou, located at the side of the stiff cliff on the bank of the Mekong river, housing hundreds of Buddha statues. On the way to Luang Prabang, a brief stop is made to observe traditional process to obtain local rice alcohol. Arrive Luang Prabang before sunset & transfer to Villa Santi Hotel or similar.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 11: Luang Prabang (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast. Visit the main pagodas. One of the most outstanding is Wat Xieng Thong, overlooking the Mekong, Wat Visoune or Wat Sisunalat, Wat Mai and Wat That Luang are also well worth visiting. Lunch Le Elephant Restaurant. Excursion by car to visit the most famous waterfalls of Kuangsi. On the way to visit Ban Xom(traditional village of Lao Loum) and Ban Thapene near waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast. Visit National museum (the former King’s palace) and local market .Transfer to the airport Depart Luang Prabang by QV102 for Vientiane Arrive in Vientiane & transfer to the Novotel Hotel Lunch at the hotel.Visit Vat Sisaket, That Luang Stupa, Vat Hoprakeo and Patousay. Dinner at the Tamnak Lao restaurant
Overnight in Vientiane

Day 13: Vientiane/Siem Reap (B, G)

Breakfast, your time will be your own until your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you’ll transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as “The Royal Baths” was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 14: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Lunch at restaurant.

Visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 15: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

An early bird special:

Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah Srang

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), 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. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 16: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Visit to “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be picked up to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be picked up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh city tour 1 day (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC “Oc Eo” civilisation), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the “American War”: not for the squeamish), the huge Ben Thanh market (one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City), the Jade Emperor Temple (superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries) and a lacquer workshop. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh/Tay Ninh/Cu Chi (B, L, G)

Drive to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See (in time to watch the mid-day ceremony), Cu Chi (intricate network of underground passages and bunkers that became legendary during the 1960′s for their role in the war of liberation). Farewell dinner and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai is a “new” religion unique to Viet Nam with around a million followers. Both its creed and its architecture are remarkable and exotic.

Day 19: Vinh Long 1 day (B, L, G)

Drive to Vinh Long, cruise on Mekong River, Cai Be floating market, fruit orchards, traditional family-run brick kilns, wide range of varied cottage industries, e.g. manufacture of fish sauce, (distinctive feature of Vietnamese cuisine), construction of massive coffins (unique to Mekong). Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh/Dalat (B, G)

Morning drive to Dalat – a highland city. Afternoon visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda – an interesting architecture with dragon statue made off La Rue beer bottles, and the embroidery workshop in a lovely garden setting. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 21: Dalat (B, L, G)

In the morning, you’ll have a ride in cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake and visit the Flower Garden. After lunch, visit to King Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, the Crazy House, and Da Lat market. Overnight in Da Lat.

Day 22: Dalat/Ho Chi Minh city (B, G)

Escorted departure from Lien Khuong airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city where you will connect with your international departure flight.