MYANMAR, LAOS AND CAMBODIA ADVENTURE TOUR 24 DAYS

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

Day 1: Yangon arrival (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, 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 color mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan/Pakokku/Mindat by Jeep (B, L, G)

After breakfast, our jeep drive us to Pakokku crossing the river Ayeyarwaddy by ferry at Kyun Chaung and continuing to Mindat about 7hrs drive from Bagan. We will be taking the direct route from Pauk to Mindat, initially crossing the rain shadow plains of Ayeyarwaddy and through teak forested hills towards Mindat. Arrive Mindat and check in at a simple guest house available with very basic accommodation. Overnight at Mindat.

Day 4: Mindat (B, L, G)

Today we plan to relax in Mindat and meet some of the local identities. Chin culture is renowned for its strong ethnic identity with a similar tattoo culture to that of Polynesian people. What to see there are Chin ladies with tattoo faces, a primitive Chin playing a bamboo flute with his nose, a charming local market. Overnight at the guest house.

Day 5: Mindat/Kya Do/Aye Village (Jeep + Trek) (B, L, D, G)

There is no rush today, our jeep will drive us to Che Chaung and continue our journey by trek towards Ayesakhan village about 5 hrs trek through Kya Do village with its strong Chin culture. Along the way there are colourful villages and great views towards. Mt Victoria. At Aye village our crew will set us up in simple communal accommodation. Overnight at Aye in simple village accommodation.

Day 6: Ayesakan/Mt. Victoria Summit/Kanpalette by Trek + Jeep (B, L, G)

Our route takes you up the forest around the contour of the mountain valley. Jeep will drop you off and then trek up on a relatively steep way for about 2hrs follow by the decent climbing up. Don’t worry! The beauty of Rhododendron forest and the sound of silence will drive away your exhaustion. There you are on the summit of Mt. Victoria. It is originally known as Na Ma Taung and named Mt. Victoria after the memorial present to England Queen Victoria in the British time. In local language, it is called Khaw Nou Toung (The Great Mountain or The Mountain of Spirit or The Mountain of Female). It has an area of 432 acres well-preserved by the forestry department. Lunch on the summit. Trek down to the meeting point where your jeeps wait. Continue drive down the hill and arrive you resort, Mt. Oasis, beautifully perched on the hill. Overnight in the resort with very simple accommodation.

Day 7: Kanpalette sightseeing (B, L, G)

Today we start sightseeing on a light trek down the hill around Kanpalette. Visit some villages – Oak Pho, Ma Kyauk Ah & Saut Larn etc. Life there is simple…..in fact the simplest! Animism is an on-going practice. Agriculture & livestock are the life-blood. Ritual is omnipresent. Pretence is unknown. Anxiety & worry can’t be found in their dialects. What you are to eye is simplicity beautified with hospitality. Lunch-box on one of the village and end the day when you arrive in Kanpalette. The jeep will transfer you up to the hotel. Overnight in the resort with very simple accommodation.

Day 8: Kanpalette/Chauk/Bagan by Jeep (B, L, G)

Morning after breakfast, say good-bye to all the staff in the resort and the beautiful Chin Hill. Drive down the hill leading to central Myanmar. Lunch on the way in a local restaurant. View and landscape are completely changed. Getting warmer with sparse forest. Around Chauk & near Bagan, you see many oil mines in the semi-desert flat plain dotted with acacia, cactus and low bushes. Arrive Bagan – the pulsating vein of Myanmar culture and civilization. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 9: Bagan sightseeing (B, L, G)

Another day in Bagan. Your morning’s sightseeing starts with Lawkananda Pagoda on the river side; continue on to East and West Phet Leik with its clay plaques depicting Jataka scenes; then Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest in Bagan; Shwegugyi Temple; the Palace site and Tharaba Gate. In the afternoon your tour includes Apeyadana Temple with its paintings of Mahayana; Nagayon Temple; the Archaeological Museum; Dhamayangyi Temple, a massive Temple with some of the finest brickwork. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 10: Bagan/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, we plan to visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 11: Yangon/Bangkok (B, G)

After breakfast, the car will pick up and take you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, you will meet our driver and transfer to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day will be your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Bangkok/Luang Prabang (B, 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 colorful Night Market where you can find a selection of traditional textiles, gifts and souvenirs made by the local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 13: 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 14: 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 15: Luang Prabang/Siem Reap (B, L, 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 24: Phnom Penh departure (B, G)

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