LAOS, VIETNAM AND MYANMAR TOUR 18 DAYS

Destination: Luang Prabang/Pakou/Khoungsi waterfalls/Xiengkhouang/Vientiane/Hanoi/Ha Long/Sapa/Yangon

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

Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (G)

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang/Pakou/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to 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 speciality of rice wine is produced. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. We also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang/Pakou/Khoungsi waterfalls (B, L, G)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. You can also visit the morning Phosi Market where you can see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. Time permitting you may also wish to drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known weaving village, and then return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang/Xiengkhouang (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today, we drive 306km uphill a mountain surrounded by wonderful natural scenery to Xiengkhouang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. If time permits, we see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Day 5: Xiengkhouang/Vientiane (B, L, G)

Following breakfast, we visit the Central Market. After you will have free time to explore the town further before catching our flight back to Vientiane. After checking into the hotel, time permitting we continue our sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas of Vientiane; we visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 6: Vientiane (B, L, G)

AM: After breakfast, we continue to explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

PM: We continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods, souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. We return to the Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon for observing the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane/Hanoi (B, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be free until transfer to airport for your 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. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi City tour (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Vietnam 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. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Vietnam). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9: 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 10: Ha Long/Hanoi/Lao Cai (B, L, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for refreshment at a local hotel before board a overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

Day 11: Lao Cai/Sapa (B, L, G)

Overnight train from the previous night and arrive in the early morning. You’ll be picked at the station to travel to a remote ethnic market. Afternoon return to Sa Pa town for overnight stay.

The trips to ethnic markets are a fascinating experience but must be on Tuesday (Coc Ly Market), Saturday (Can Cau Market) or Sunday (Muong Hum and Bac Ha Markets).

Day 12: Sapa trekking (B, L, D, G)

Trekking down to visit H’mong ethnic village. After a streamside lunch, you’ll continue to trek to Day ethnic village for an overnight stay.

Trekking is quite arduous over rough tracks, along terraces and through the villages. Stout walking shoes and good sun protection essential. About 10 km the first day.

Day 13: Sapa trekking (B, L, D, G)

Trekking to Red Dao ethic village. Lunch en route and in the afternoon trek to Ban Ho Valley for an overnight stay of Tay stilt house.

Day 14: Sapa/Lao Cai (B, L, D, G)

Trekking to Thanh Phu village. After streamside lunch, you’ll be pick up to travel to Sa Pa by Jeep. In late afternoon you’ll be picked up to travel to the station for an overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi free (B)

A car will pick you up at the train station and take you to hotel for check in. Your time will be your own. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

In the morning you’ll be free until the car takes you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Bangkok, where transits to Myanmar. Arriving in Yangon, meet and greet at airport and welcomed by our experienced English Speaking guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 17: Yangon full day Sightseeing (B, L, G)

Breakfast at Hotel. Start Yangon City tour with Experienced English speaking guide by Air-con Coach. Morning visit The Great Shwe Dagon Pagoda – The world famous stupa, its golden stupa is the ‘heart ‘ of Myanmar. The pagoda is believed 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offering at Pagoda. Chaukhtat Gyi – A huge reclining Buddha Image, Karaweik Royal Barge – A royal floating Barge on a lake for the fantastic photo view, Mahapasana Cave (if open), Kaba Aye Pagoda – World Peace Pagoda. Afternoon sightseeing to Bogyoke Market – used to call Scott Market for shopping , continue visit Sule Pagoda � landmark in the heart of city, Nanthida Jetty to see river life on the Yangon river , and evening stroll along the China Town & Fruit Market . Drive back to hotel and leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Yangon departure (B, G)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Free and leisure at the hotel until departure for next destination or your international flight.