Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar 28 days tour

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

Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (G)

On arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our driver and guide. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we begin sightseeing by visiting the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple with its low sweeping roofs; representing classical architecture of Luang Prabang. We ascent to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there we experience the hustle and bustle of the colourful Night Market where you can find a selection of traditional textiles, gifts and souvenirs made by the local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang/Trekking/Muang Khai/Khouangsi (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we cross the Mekong River for an easy trek to the ancient royal temple of Wat Long Khoune and to Ban Chan to visit the traditional pottery kiln. Afterwards we take a long-tail boat to Muang Khai to continue our trek towards Ban Nong Haew, located high over the mountain where we will also visit the hill tribe villages such as Khmou and H’mong and arrive at the paradise setting of the Khouangsi Waterfall. At this waterfall, water tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into cool and crystal clear turquoise pools, surrounded by lush forests, ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape when the heat becomes unbearable. You can take a refreshing dip or stroll around the unspoiled natural forests. We also visit the villages of Ban Thaphen and Ban Ouay. Overnight at Ban Thapen at Villa Vanvisa.

Day 3: Khouangsi waterfall/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast this morning, we drive back to Luang Prabang to visit The National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We continue to explore the city and visit the Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang/Siem Reap (B, G)

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, the car will take you and transfer into town and lunch for a short briefing. After this briefing you will immediately hop on the bikes and start to explore Angkor Wat area. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat and located 7km south of Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap/Kampong Phluk/Rolous (17km) (B, L, D, G)

After our breakfast we depart for a cycling on the back road along Siem Reap river toward Tonle Sap lake. Board the boat to visit the floating village and Kampong Phluk mangrove forest. After the boat trip, cycling to Rolous. Rolous is a temple group that was constructed in the 8th and 9th century. The three main temples are Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. Transfer to Phnom Bok where we camp. Our camp is set up for you already and you have some time to catch a breath before we take off for a climb up 640 steps to the ruin of Phnom Bok. On top of Phnom Bok we will enjoy sunset and a magnificent view over the plains below. Overnight in camping.

Day 6: Phnom Bok/Beng Mealea/Kulen (27km) (B, L, D, G)

After a nice breakfast in the open air, we transfer to Beng Mealea. The route is through quiet inland roads and countryside. The Kulen Mountains function as a backdrop of this trip. Beng Mealea is a relatively unexplored temple. It’s a huge complex that can be truly explored as most of the temple is covered in jungle and the crowds are nowhere to be seen. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves nature, religion and history. After the visit, we begin to walk from the foot of the Phnom Kulen Hills.

It’s only a short transfer and what you saw yesterday as a magnificent backdrop, you will now explore on foot. The 27km trail leads you pass many local villages and attractions. One of the main attractions is the waterfall on top of the mountain where you can take a refreshing bath after your hike up. Phnom Kulen is a sacred place where many Khmers like to hang out in the weekends. However, the attractions are deserted during the weekdays and it is a great treat to discover the “river of a 1000 lingas” and the several Pagoda’s on top of the mountain. Enjoy your picnic on your way and set off for camp once more. Overnight in camp.

Day 7: Phnom Kulen/Banteay Srey/Siem Reap (20km) (B, L, D, G)

After a local breakfast at camp we depart for Banteay Srey. Banteay Srey remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia and offers stunning bass relief and other stone carvings. The temple is only small in size but of huge significance in understanding the Angkorian Era. On the way to Siem Reap we pass Banteay Samre, a miniature Angkor Wat, which is relatively unexplored. The road to these temples passes pretty countryside and it’s a true relaxing experience. From there we cycle through the Angkor Complex back to Siem Reap. Along the way you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of some of the most impressive temples of the  Angkor Complex. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap/Angkor/Siem Reap (25km) (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore Angkor complex on foot, begin the walking on the back road toward West Gate of Angkor Thom as this is the most relaxing way to appreciate this wonder of the world. All together we walk 25km from temple to temple. It’s a very special and relaxing day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the former capital Angkor Thom (Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and terrace of Leper King) and Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is famous for its massive overgrown trees. It was used as set for the movie Tomb Raider. Late afternoon we visit Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest remaining religious structure in the world and the name Angkor Wat is a combination of hundreds of temples scattered around this area. Explore this massive complex and enjoy sunset before we cycle back to Siem Reap for refreshing ourselves and dinner.

Day 9: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, D, G)

After breakfast, the car will take you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at the Phnom Penh International Airport, we will get transferred to the hotel. Then we have a city tour: visiting the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom, and to the Independent Monument. After the lunch break at a restaurant, we visit Royal Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of Khmer palace, which allows us to visit the precious Throne Hall, Prasat Khemarin, Prasat Samren Phirum, Hor Preah Khan, Chan Chhaya, and Silver Pagoda where the king regularly does the warship. Then we move to the nearby National Museum where is collective of post-Ankorian antiques. Then we go through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting before experiencing the exciting boat cruise along the Mekong River bank to see the lovely Phnom Penh city at night with breathtaking view along the river. At the end of the day, we will have dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 10: Phnom Pnenh/Rattanakiri (B, L, D, G)

After the breakfast at the hotel, we get transferred to the airport for departure to Rattanakiri province where forests, wild lives, and waterfalls are all available. It is a real natural tourism in short. Arriving at the airport of Barn Lung Town around lunch time, we will be accommodated to the hotel for lunch. Next, it is time to take the elephant trek in the jungle to view the real environmental sight. Then we visit many waterfalls like Cha-Oong, Katieng, especially Yak Laom Lake, which is a historical, magical, and mysterious lake perfect for swimming due to its clear water with visibility of up to 5m (Yak Laom Lake is believed to have been formed 700,000 years ago) Next, we are going to experience the beautiful sunset at Phnom Svay Pagoda and back to town for dinner.

Day 11: BanLung/Voensai (B, L, D, G)

After the Breakfast, we depart to Voen Sai District, taking the boat across Sesan River to visit Chinese and Lao settlements, and some villages of Kreung people (Minority people), Chinese and Lao Village and Cemetery of Tom Puon people (Minority people). There we will have a walk to witness the real uncommon natural resources, with stunning scenery, shaped by landscapes of dense forests. We then continue to learn the lifestyle of hilly tribal people until the evening and then back to Barn Lung for dinner. Overnight in Rattanakiri.

Day 12: Rattanakiri/Phnom Penh (B, L, D, G)

After shopping at Banlung market and visiting the reclining Buddha statue, we then get transferred to the airport for flight back to Phnom Penh. On arrival at Phnom Penh, we have a city tour to witness the city view at night time before the dinner. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Phnom Penh/Bangkok (B, G)

In the morning, you’ll be free until transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, the car will take you and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be your own for strolling the city. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 14: Bangkok/Khao Yai (B, L, D, G)

06:30: Depart Bangkok for the 2 hour drive to Khao Yai. Meet your naturalist guide head into the national park on a nature walk for the rest of the day through the lush evergreen forest that dominates the central regions of Khao Yai national park. Porters are on-hand to carry food and other essentials, and a cook prepares a traditional Thai lunch for you in the forest. Having freshened up after your walk, you will visit mineral licks which is often visited by large mammals. Go on the crocodile trail for a short trek. Drive to Khao Kheaw view point to watch some bird species. In the evening reach the park headquarter for a night safari spotlighting, finding wildlife of all sizes, possible sighting includes : Civets, elephants, deers, porcupine, wild dogs etc. Exit the forest around 20:30 pm for the transfer back to your hotel. Have dinner in a Thai restaurant.

Day 15: Khao Yai (B, L, D, G)

An early morning walk to a wildlife watchtower on the look-out for birds such as the great hornbill, and to witness dawn activities at a nearby mineral lick. Back for breakfast, then set out on a full day nature trek with your naturalist leader. Again, porters will be carrying essentials for breakfast and another delicious lunch in the forest. After finishing the walk drive back to your hotel for a short rest before heading out to Elephant mountain to see millions of Bats flying out of the cave. Have dinner en route in a Traditional Thai restaurant. Reach the resort around 7.30 pm, spend your time relaxing, swimming or reading books at the hotel.

Day 16: Khao Yai/Bangkok (B, L, G)

08:30: After breakfast, a morning nature trek that focuses on the lives of the parks gibbon population. You will set off early in an attempt to view these amazing forest acrobats at close range. Have lunch in a restaurant close to Haewsuwat waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Khao Yai. Also visit Hawe Narok waterfall before heading out of the forest. Exit the forest at approximately 4 pm. and transfer back to your Bangkok hotel.

Day 17: Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be free until transfer to the airport for your 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. 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 18: Yangon/Bagan (B, 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 19: Bagan/Mt. Popa/Bagan (B, L, G)

This morning, we will be watching sunrise over Bagan (optional) and back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at hotel, we head to Mt. Popa about 48 km south east of Bagan. Mt. Popa, known as the abode of Nats (spirits) – a collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honoured by some Myanmar people and the nat museum, which houses 37 life-size nat statues sculpted from teak. It’s time to climb for 777 steps to the summit. Proceed to Popa Mountain Resort (1hr drive) for our lunch. The restaurant offers a great view to the Popa summit that stands straight from the central plain. After lunch, return drive back to Bagan. On the way back, enroute stop at village cottage industry to learn the regional product as well as to watch the collection of juice from the palm trees, and its conversion to brown sugar. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 20: Bagan/Mandalay (B, 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.

Day 21: Mandalay/Mingun/Mandalay (B, G)

After breakfast, you will be transferred for Jetty for a private boat across the river Ayeywarwaddy to visit Mingun. The dedications of King Bodawpaya such as the unfinished Pathodawgyi Pagoda a brick counterpart of pyramid in Egypt and the Mingun Bell, the second largest bell in the world are the most prominent religious heritages. Then visiting the Myatheintan Pagoda, the best representation of the Universe, will refresh your tiredness and fatigue. Return to Mandalay. After lunch, drive to Ava, 30-minute to the south of Mandalay, was known in the west as the Kingdom of Ava. Stop by a tributary and cross it with a ferry. Travel by pony-cart around Ava to Nanmyint leaning tower which gives a birds’ eye view of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River; Bagaya wooden monastery; Aungmyaybonza Monastery made of brick and stucco. Though the Royal Palace has gone, the Pagodas, Temples and Monasteries still remain. Return drive to Mandalay and see the silversmith work place on our way back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay

Day 22: Mandalay/Kyaing Tong (B, L, G)

This morning, you will be transfer to Mandalay airport for your flight to Kyaing Tong. Before checking in at the airport, you might have a light lunch at the airport coffee shop as our flight to Kyaing Tong will be mid-day flight. Arrive Kyaing Tong airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit Wan-Pauk village to see the red clothed Palaung still dressing traditional style with silver and lacquered waist-bands. Overnight at the hotel in Kyaing Tong.

Day 23: Kyaing Tong (B, L, G)

After simple breakfast at hotel, start the day with a visit to Pin Tauk village about 2 hr drive from Kyaing Tong. Hike up to the villages on the higher slopes to visit Akha and Ann Tribes where they possess distinctively different costumes and beliefs from the other tribes particularly interest with their black teeth. The Picnic lunch will be served at Pin-Tauk water fall. After lunch return drive back to Kyaing Tong. En route, visit Wan Kan village to study the traditional process of making Rice wine and Wan Lau village to see the hand made Shan paper works. Arrive Kyaing Tong and check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Kyaing Tong.

Day 24: Kyaing Tong (B, L, G)

This morning, we will be visiting Hokyin mountain area approximately an hour drive from Kyaing Tong. After drop of from the bus, hike up about 1 and half hour to visit Akha villages where Lahu and Akha tribes living together with different beliefs. An ideal picnic lunch will be provided. (included service) After visiting Hokyin village, return drive back to Kyaing Tong. Overnight at the hotel in Kyaing Tong.

Day 25: Kyaing Tong/Heho/Inle Lake (B, G)

After breakfast, check out from hotel and visit some of the Akhe’s Wan Sai village and Ann’s Ho Lung village on the route to airport. After lunch, fly 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. Overnight at the hotel in Inle Lake.

Day 26: Boat excursion on Inle Lake (B, L, G)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit floating market which is a 5-day rotation market most fascinating to watch the daily life of the minorities and their activities. 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 27: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon (B, 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 28: Yangon departure (B, G)

We enjoy the leisure time in the morning until the flight departure.