CAMBODIA, THAILAND AND MYANMAR TOUR 22 DAYS

Destination: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap/Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai/Yangon/Bagan/Mandalay/Mingun/Inle Lake/Indein

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

Day 1: Phnom Penh arrival (G)

Transfer from Phnom Penh International Airport to the hotel.

Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within 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 Phnom Penh during sunset.

Day 2: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport and departure by Siem Reap Airways International or similar to Siem Reap. Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon).

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.

In the afternoon, continue your temple tour to the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang (“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.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, drive to the typical Khmer countryside and visit Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of “anastylosis”. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple.

In the afternoon, you will 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. Continue to Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), and Ta Som. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

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 enclosing wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

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. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning, drive to the remote Beng Mealea temple through the typical Khmer countryside (60Kms from Siem Reap). There is a lot to see in the approximately 2 hours drive as it takes you through many lively villages and along kilometers of rice paddies. Explore the long abandoned temple (11th C), strangled by the jungle.

Lunch box will be provided at the site.

A further 1 hr drive brings you to Koh Ker, situated in the northeast of Siem Reap. Discover the long abandoned temples in the forests of northern Cambodia. Also known as Chok Gargyar, it served as the capital of Jayavarman IV (reigned 928-42). His son and successor Harshavarman I moved the capital back to Angkor in 944. There are a remarkable number of religious buildings in the Koh Ker region, considering the short space of time that it was the capital of the empire. There are more than 30 major structures and experts believe there may have been as many as 100 minor sacred buildings in the region. It was also a prolific period for gigantic sculpture and several of the most impressive pieces in the National Museum in Phnom Penh come from Koh Ker, including a huge garuda (half-man, half-bird creature). Return to Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning, 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 wonders of Asia.

Afternoon, continue the temples tour: Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area, as it has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.

Day 7: Siem Reap/Bangkok (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, drive from Siem Reap to the district of Puok. Visit the Silk Farm of Puok. Learn the different stages of the complex process of producing handmade silk. Before returning to Siem Reap, visit the nearby Western Baray and the temple of Western Mebon.

Afternoon at leisure before transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Bangkok. You’ll spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 8: Bangkok tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast at the hotel, tour visit city highlight of Bangkok includes; Wat Phra Keo, Wat Trimit, the Golden Buddha Image. Proceed to Wat Pho or the Temple of Reclining Buddha and take a ferry to Wat Arun. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch visit to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Return to hotel for leisure and overnight stay.

Day 9: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok (B, L, G)

Drive to Ayutthaya. Visit to Summer Palace and Historical park sightseeing. Visit at Monkey Temple in Lopburi. Overnight in Phitsanulok.

Day 10: Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Chiang Mai (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Drive to Sukhothai for historical park of the first independent Siamese kingdom. As option, bike rental. Continue to Chiang Mai. Accommodation at hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 11: Chiang Mai Sightseeing (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for witness Thailand most popular Buddhist pilgrim center. Drive to Doi Pui for Meo Hilltribe village for beautiful garden and handicrafts. Visit to local handicrafts center. Accommodation in Chiang Mai.

Day 12: Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Orchid plantation Tour to Elephants cam for an elephant show in Chiang Dao. After the tour proceed to orchid farm. Continue to Chiang Rai to check into hotel and free at own leisure.

Day 13: Chiang Rai/Bangkok (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Tour visit to Mae Sai market near Myanmar border. Exploring market before continue to Golden Triangle to visit to Opium House and take a boat along Mekong River to visit Don Sao (Laos Island). Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Bangkok. You will spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 14: Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

Enjoy a free morning to explore Bangkok before transferring to the airport to catch your flight to Myanmar’s former colonial capital, Yangon (Rangoon). Our local tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in.  Start your tour of Yangon with a visit to the grandiose gold pagoda complex: Shwedagon Paya. Explore the pagoda, walking among crowds of colorful robed monks and nuns then savor the sunset from the highest spire. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Burmese cuisine at Karaweik Palace. Overnight in Yangon

Day 15: Yangon/Bagan (B, L, G)

Today we fly to Bagan, Myanmar’s archeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside.  Have an early breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your short, in-country flight to Bagan. Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold-leaf Shwezigon pagoda and learn about the Burmese Buddhist tradition. We continue our tour with a visit to Ananda temple, stopping along the way in the Bagan plain to admire some of the surrounding temples. In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer wear workshop and learn about this traditional craft. In the evening drive to Shwe San Daw pagoda and climb to the top to enjoy a sunset over the surrounding plain and winding Ayeyarwaddy River.

Day 16: Bagan Sightseeing (B, L, G)

Enjoy an entire day devoted to exploring Bagan’s magical temples. Begin your tour with a visit to Myinkaba temple, then head to the peaceful village, Manuha to get a taste for local life and culture and discover the unique 11th century, Nanphay A temple. In the afternoon you are invited to take a horse cart ride to some of Bagan’s grandest temples then head to Tayokepyay pagoda to watch the sunset.

Day 17: Bagan/Mandalay (B, L, G)

Have an early breakfast at the hotel then head to the airport to catch your morning flight to Mandalay. Our driver and guide will meet you outside the arrival gate and take you to the city to begin your tour. Start the day with a visit to Mahagandaryone Monastery and watch the monks in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony.  Then take a stroll along the nearby U Bein Bridge to visit Kyautawgyi, returning by boat to enjoy cool breeze and spectacular landscape of Taungthaman Lake. After lunch, drive to Sagaing hill to learn about the different Buddhist education systems for monks and nuns and visit the local university. Climb the steps to reach the hill-top Buddhist sites, exploring Sagaing Hill on foot to see the Buddha caves and Buddha image. Conclude your tour at Son U Pon Nya Shin Pagoda, drinking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Mandalay plain, Ayeyarwaddy River, Inwa Bridge and Mandalay City.

Day 18: Mandalay/Mingun/Mandalay Hill (B, L, G)

After breakfast, board a private boat and motor down the Ayeyarwaddy to Mingun, home to several unique pagodas, including the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi—the remains of a massive unfinished Buddhist stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. Visit the 90-ton bell before heading to the distinctive architectural pagoda, Myatheindan. Return to Mandalay in the afternoon and enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant over views of the nearby floating villages. In the afternoon, take a tour of Mandalay palace—the royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy, constructed between 1857 and 1859 by king Mindon. Then head to Kuthodaw pagoda, famed as “the world’s biggest book” composed of 729 stupas, each representing a page in the “book” indicating the Buddha’s life. Conclude the day with a tuk-tuk ride up the zigzagging road to Mandalay Hill. Climb to the top of the hill and watch the sunset around the surrounding plain, river and mountains.

Day 19: Mandalay/Inle Lake (B, L, G)

Today we travel from Mandalay to the enchantingly beautiful Inle Lake. Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your in-country flight to Heho. Our driver and guide will greet you at the arrival gate and take you for a scenic drive to Inle Lake. The second largest lake in Myanmar, Inle Lake is located 900 meters above sea level and is home to the unique leg-rowing, Intha people. Upon arrival board a motorboat for a sightseeing trip to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famous for its richly gilded, five, small Buddha images and believed to be the holiest place in Inle Lake. Next visit the Ngapechaung monastery, also known as the “jumping cat pagoda.” Continue your tour with a trip to Nam Pan Village, visiting a cotton and lotus weaving factory and cigar making house to get a sense of life on the lake.

Day 20: Inle Lake/Indein/Yangon (B, L, G)

Spend the morning exploring the calm waters of Inle Lake. Start the day with a visit to the 5-day market and learn about the local life of the Pa-O tribe. Later get a taste of the traditional life of the Intha people, taking a boat trip to visit the floating gardens, a black smiths and local boat making factory. Drive to Heho in the afternoon to catch your departure flight back to Yangon. Our driver and guide will meet you in Yangon and take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 21: Yangon city tour (B, L, G)

Enjoy a day touring Myanmar’s former capital – an eclectic mix of aging British colonial buildings and shimmering golden stupas. After breakfast, our tour guide will introduce you the exotic streets of Yangon, starting with a visit to Sule pagoda, before exploring China town and India streets. After lunch, head to Chautakhyi pagoda to visit Myanmar’s largest reclining Buddha, then enjoy a stroll through the Royal Lake Garden and visit Scott Market – the biggest market in Myanmar – for some last minute souvenir shopping.

Day 22: Yangon departure (B, G)

Have breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a free morning at your leisure before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.