Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar tour 20 days

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

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival (D, G)

On arrival at Siem Reap airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap is the nearest town to the temple complex of Angkor. From the 9th to 13th century, Angkor was the heart of a rich and sophisticated civilization. You will see massive stone monuments, wide majestic causeways, imposing gateways and towers, all in a wonderful jungle setting. The same afternoon, you will visit with your professional guide, the “Great City” of Angkor Thom, visits include the famous Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants.

You’ll spend the night in Siem Reap.

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

In the morning, you’ll 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, you’ll visit the most famous & magnificent Angkor Wat temple. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. With many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water, carved low-reliefs about Ramayana Story and day-to-day life at the time of Angkor’s construction. At the end of afternoon, following the season, since the Mountain Bakend, the sunset on all the temples, with spectacular views over Angkor Wat.

You’ll spend the night in Siem Reap.

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

Heading out of the town we drive on a newly paved road past the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. After seeing this beautiful landmark we make our way through the rugged mountain scenery to Kbal Spean, known as the River of 1000 Lingas. This place offers at first sight no particular attractions except the natural environment, but a careful looking will enable us to discover the impressive riverbed covered by many lingars. They are carved in stone in the past to sanctify the water and thank the gods for their gifts. The next stop of our trip is the Banteay Samre Temple which is adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. The temple of Ta Prohm with enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embracing themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature is an incredible sight.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Note: From Feb-July, the visit to the Tonle Sap lake is not recommended because of the low water level. The below visits will be provided instead:

Visit to the Dance school of Aspeca where you can watch young children learn the ancient traditional Khmer dances. Visit Wat Inkosei built on the site of an ancient temple, which still remains. Continue to Wat Bo pagoda to view its well-preserved paintings. You will also observe monks making the various moldings, which adorn the pagodas. Visit a workshop where traditional shadow play puppets are made.

You’ll spend the night in Siem Reap.

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

An early morning transfer to the boat landing for hydrofoil journey down the Tonle Sap River to Phnom Penh. The cruise is long; however the picturesque scenery changing along the way makes for an interesting journey. Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A half day city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We visit both structures as well as the legendary temple of Wat Phnom which recites the history of the city’s name.

You’ll spend the night in Phnom Penh.

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

The sightseeing tour continues with the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. The next stop of our trip is the National Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as the 4th century. Heading out of town we visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek, which will give us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. We have time this afternoon, exploring Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales.

You’ll spend the night in Phnom Penh

Day 6: Phnom Penh/Sihanoukville (B, L, G)

The lovely beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most unspoiled in all of Southeast Asia although the fast growing of tourism. There are some 10 km of beach along the mainland and dozens of small islands a short boat ride away, which make for a perfect tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. Upon leaving the town we depart for Sihanoukville. After checking into hotel we take a short guided trip to catch a glimpse of the town and spend the remainder of the day on the turquoise water or lazing on a beach.

You’ll spend the night in Sihanoukville

Day 7: Sihanoukville/Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

Today we have a free morning to relax on a beach. There is also possibility to rent a boat to explore the nearby coastal islands or the Ream national park which is well known for the mangrove forest and the eco-system. These optional activities are not included; however our guide will be on hand to advise you with valuable information. The return journey begins as we depart Sihanoukville and pass through the spectacular rural landscape. An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront.

You’ll spend the night in Phnom Penh

Day 8: Phnom Penh/Chau Doc (B, G)

There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and strolling around the shopping areas. Later on, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and transfer to the boat pier for boarding the boat to Chau Doc. Arrive at Chau Doc around 3.30pm. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 9: Chau Doc/Long Xuyen/Can Tho (B, L, G)

Breakfast at your hotel. Take a motor boat trip to see the floating fish farm and the floating village. Visit the local Cham minority village in their traditional weaving village. Depart for Long Xuyen, visit the Bird Sanctuary in Thot Not and the incense stick making village. Check in on arrival. Free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. You can also visit a village, meet the local people, have dinner with them and enjoy their music Overnight at your hotel in Can Tho.

Day 10: Can Tho/Ho Chi Minh city (B, L, G)

After breakfast, take a leisurely boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, which are the liveliest in the region. You will probably have tried Vietnamese vermicelli soup so now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the local people. Learn how to cross a “Monkey Bridge” which is built from a single bamboo. Return to Can Tho for lunch at a local restaurant. Depart for Ho Chi Minh City with stop overs at Vinh Vong and My Tho town.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi (B, G)

You’ll take the domestic flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 12: 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 13: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Hanoi city/Luang Prabang (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 Hanoi, 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. Later on, you’ll take the international flight to Luang Prabang. Arriving in Luang Prabang, you’ll be picked up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 15: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou cave (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. Cruise upstream on the Mekong River, as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced.

Short stop at Ban Phanom, which is well known for its hand weaving.

Day 16: Luang Prabang/Khouangsi Waterfall (B, L, G)

Watch or participate in the daily morning rituals of monks collecting offerings of Alms. Visit the morning Phosi Market. Visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village,  Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, and then to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off. Continue to Ban Xangkhong, known for its silk weavings and papermaking. Enjoy the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Day 17: Luang Prabang/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

You will take the international flight to Bangkok where you will connect with your flight to Yangon. Arrive Yangon International airport, welcomed by local guide and transfer to the hotel. Evening sightseeing of down town Yangon and one wonder of the world, ‘Shwedagon’ pagoda. Dinner with traditional show at ‘Lonmalay’ restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 18: Yangon/Bago/Kyaiktiyo (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel. 80 km road to Bago, former Mon & Myanmar capital of 14th to 16th century as well as the second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayinnaung. Visit the four giant sitting Buddha images of Kyaikpun pagoda, Shwetharlyaung Buddha which is the largest and most life-like of all reclining images, legendary Shwemawdaw pagoda and then lunch at ‘Panda ‘ restaurant. Proceed to Kyaiktiyo and transfer to the hotel on the range. Dinner & overnight in Hotel.

Day 19: Kyaiktiyo/Yangon (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel, visit famous ‘Golden Rock’ pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar and environs, lunch at a local restaurant and return to Yangon, on the way a brief stop at Htaukkyan war cemetery with the graves of 27,00 Allied soldiers who died in Burma and Assam campaigns of WW II. Dinner at ‘ Oriental House ‘ restaurant and overnight in Yangon.

Day 20: Yangon departure (B, G)

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for your return international departure flight.