Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam tour 31 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 (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 3: Bagan/Mt. Popa/Bagan (B, 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 offer 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 4: 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 5: Mandalay/Mingun/Inwa(Ava)/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 6: Mandalay/Heho/Pindaya (B, G)

After breakfast, depart the hotel for flight to Heho on the Shan plateau. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Pindaya (60km) about 90 minutes drive. After check in at hotel, make an excursion to the caves which houses over 8,000 Buddha Images of various sizes, made from teak, lacquer, marble, alabaster and cement. In the afternoon, explore the district for it’s famous traditional paper & umbrella making home base cottage industry. Overnight at the hotel in Pindaya.

Day 7: Pindaya/Inle Lake (B, L, G)

After breakfast at hotel, we are transferring by road to Inle Lake. We have a leisurely morning to make our way down into the Inle basin and by “long-tail” boat out across the lake to our Hotel right on the Inle Lake. In the afternoon, 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 8: Inle Lake boat excursions (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. Continue our excursion by motorized boat to Indein pagoda complex, in the south-west of the lake. The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow canal with a beautiful natural environment to continue to a small Pa O tribe village. From the village, follow an old covered path to a 13th century monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the lake in the far distance. Return to your hotel and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Inle/Heho/Thandwe (B, G)

We are heading back down country today to return to the airport at Heho for our flight to Thandwe. 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 to Thandwe. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel at Ngapali Beach. Enjoy and day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel at Ngapali Beach.

Day 10 ~ 12: Leisure at Beach (B)

Day 13: Ngapali beach/Yangon (B, G)

In the afternoon, transfer to Thandwe airport for flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Yangon.

Day 14: Yangon/Bangkok (B, G)

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for your international flight to Bangkok. On arrival, the car will take you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 15: Bangkok/Pattaya Beach (B)

Today we depart Bangkok and drive 150 km on very good roads linking to Pattaya. This beach resort was only a sleepy fishing village in the mid last century and has been rapidly developed to become one of most popular and lively resorts in Southeast Asia. The wide range of restaurants as well as shopping centers lining along Pattaya and Jomtien beaches and the very lively nightlife make for major attractions in place. On arrival you check in hotel and spend the remainder of day for a well earned rest on beach and stroll along the bustling coastline. Overnight in Pattaya Beach.

Day 16 – 17: Pattaya Beach (B)

The relaxing and swimming are not only activities in Pattaya. This beach resort also offers numerous options to choose from, some of which are playing a round of golf at nearby golf courses, exploring the clear water and coral beds in Koh Larn Island on a boat trip out, diving, windsurfing, go-kiting, exploring the botanic Nong Nooch garden or Bang Saray fishing village. These optional activities are not included; however you are advised to contact the hotel receptionist for valuable information. Overnight in Pattaya Beach.

Day 18: Pattaya Beach/Bangkok (B)

In the morning, you are free for relaxing on beach. Then, the car will take you to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 19: Bangkok/Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast, your time will be your own before catching the flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, the car will pick up and transfer to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day will be free. You will stay at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 20: Luang Prabang (B, G)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, 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 panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 21: Luang Prabang/Kuangsi Water fall (B, 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 (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning 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. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 22: Luang Prabang/Pakse (B, G)

After breakfast, we catch an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive on the National Road No. 13th south to Champasak and to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 10th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Day 23-24: La Folie Lodge free (B)

Your time will be your own. You will stay at La Folie Lodge.

Day 25: Pakse/Kon Tum (B, G)

After breakfast, the car will take you to Chongmek border. Pick up at the border, depart for Kontum (Vietnam) via Bo Y border gate. We have lunch enroute. On arrival at Kontum transfer to hotel. We are free for leisure at night. Overnight in Kontum.

Day 26: Kontum/Dalat (B, L, G)

Today we spend a full day on the road and view the amazing landscape of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Check out the hotel and leave for Dalat. We have lunch in Buon Me Thuot. In the afternoon, on arrival in Dalat transfer to hotel. After dinner we will have a walk around the beautiful Xuan Huong Lake, one of the symbols of Dalat. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 27: Dalat/Nha Trang (B, G)

Check out the hotel and we spend this morning to visit Dalat. The first site is Summer Palace of Bao Dai Emperor and the second is a charming Water Fall – Datanla. We leave Dalat for Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 28: Nha Trang (B, L, G)

A whole day boat cruise to the Mun Island for snorkeling. Seafood lunch on boat, wine and fruit party at the Mot Island. Rowing bamboo-basket at a fishing village on the Mieu Island. Overnight in Nha Trang.

The boat trip is a “fun” event. You’ll join a boat party of tourists, with a Vietnamese crew who act as guides, cooks, and musicians. Plenty of wine is included (Vietnamese – very good after the first few glasses), and you’ll be offered the local delicacy of “sea-urchin soup” – definitely an acquired taste. The coral around Mun Island is good, provided you swim away from the area where the boats tie up.

You should get back to the land in time for a visit to the hot spring spa near the Cham tower in the town – you can wallow in mud, shower in spring water, and bathe in a large hot mineral water swimming pool set in beautiful gardens for just over $3 – amazing value! Please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send a quotation for this arrangement.

Day 29-30: Nha Trang free (B)

Free day in Nha Trang for a beach break.

Nha Trang offers a sufficient variety of activities for a short break in the beach resort. You can have a boat trip to the islands for snorkeling, swimming, “water bar” with Vietnamese wine, water sport. Diving facilities and service here is supposed to be the best in Vietnam. There are many restaurants along the beach offering good Vietnamese and international food. A ten minutes drive takes you to the hot spring spa – you can wallow in mud, shower in spring water, and bathe in a large hot mineral water swimming pool set in beautiful gardens for just over $3 – cheap at ten times the price!

Day 31: Nha Trang departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel and free until time transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City where transits for your departure flight.