MYANMAR, VIETNAM AND LAOS TOUR 21 DAYS

Destination: Yangon/Bagan/Mandalay/Heho/Hanoi/Bat Trang/Van Phuc/Ha Long/Sapa/Luang Prabang/Xiengkhoung/Vientiane/Pakse/Don Khone

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

Day 1: Yangon arrival (G)

Arriving 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 colour mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan/Mandalay by flight (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 in Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay/Heho/Inle Lake by flight (B, G)

After breakfast, depart the hotel for flight 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. 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 5: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon by flight (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, the car will take you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be your own for strolling the city. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 6: Yangon/Bangkok/Hanoi (B, G)

In the morning, you will free for relaxing until transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok where transit to Hanoi. Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 7: 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 8: Hanoi/Bat Trang/Van Phuc (B, L, G)

You’ll arrive in Ha Noi in very early morning. You’ll be picked up to your hotel. After breakfast, visit to Van Phuc village which is famous for making silk and to Bat Trang ceramics village. Free afternoon and overnight stay 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/Lao Cai (B, L, G)

Morning stroll to the town busy market and then easy trek to ethnic villages of H”mong in a scenic valley. After stream-side picnic lunch, you”ll be picked up to visit other ethnic villages of the H’mong, Day and Red Dao people. Return to Sa Pa and then back to Lao Cai station for an overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi/Luang Prabang (B, G)

Arrive in Hanoi, the car will take you to the local hotel for refreshment. You’ll be free until transfer to airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 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 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 14: Luang Prabang/Pakou/Khouangsi 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 15: Luang Prabang/Pakou/Xiengkhouang (Road) (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 16: Xiengkhouang/Vientiane (Flight) (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 17: 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 18: Vientiane/Pakse/Don Khone Island (Flight) (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we catch an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive south to Champassak and tvisit 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. We continue our journey by long tail boat to Don Khone, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight on Don Khone Island

Day 19: Don Khone Island Surrounding (Boat) (B, L, G)

After an early morning breakfast, we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past at Ban Khone, where some old colonial houses still stand and glimpse the first Lao railway with its own locomotive. We continue our exploration of the area of the 4000 islands leisurely by boat and visit the most beautiful Liphi waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. If we have luck, we may catch a glimpse of the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng – the largest waterfall in South East Asia, also known as the ‘Niagara of the east’. Overnight on Don Khone Island

Day 20: Don Khone Island/Tadlo/Pakse (B, L, G)

Upon leaving Done Khone Island, we journey towards Tadlo, through the Boloven plateau. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups. We return to Pakse by late evening. Overnight in Pakse

Day 21: Pakse departure (B, G)

After breakfast; there will be free time for your own exploration of Pakse Town before catching a flight to Siem Reap-Cambodia or exiting Laos overland from the Chongmek International checkpoint to Ubon Ratchathani Thailand.

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned car as specified in the itinerary above
• Travel by private, air-conditioned car with an experienced, safe driver.
• Boat cruise as mentioned. For Ha Long Bay, you’ll join other passengers on a high quality wooden boat with comfortable accommodation, good facilities and an experienced crew.
• Return train tickets: Hanoi -Lai Cai-Hanoi, air-conditioned soft four-berth cabin, good local standard four-berth cabin.
• Domestic flight tickets in Myanmar: Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Heho-Yangon with airport tax
• Domestic flight tickets in Laos: Xiengkhoang-Vientiane-Pakse with airport tax
• The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary except leisure time
• Lunches and dinners, as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available and full board on the boat in Ha Long Bay.
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Government tax & service charge

Our price does not include:

• One way international flight ticket: Yangon-Bangkok-Hanoi, Hanoi-Luang Prabang and airport taxes
• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas
• Other meals not mentioned.
• Drinks, gratuities, tips and personal expenses.
• Insurance.

Hotel list for Five Star standard:

• Yangon: Trader Hotel (***** sits at the centre of the capital, the perfect base for taking in the city’s distinctive and fascinating culture) or similar
• Bagan: Tharabar Gate Hotel (***** surrounded by more than 4000 ancient temples and Pagodas) or similar
• Mandalay: Sedona Mandalay Hotel (***** ideally located in the heart of the city and faces the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill) or similar
• Inle Lake: Inle Resort (***** perfectly situated in the Inlay Lake, one of the finest resorts) or similar
• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) or similar
• Hanoi: Melia Hotel (***** modern high-rise building in one of Hanoi’s leafy boulevards in the city centre) or similar
• Ha Long: Indochina Sails (***** one of luxury cruises in in Ha Long Bay) or similar
• Sapa: Victoria Hotel (***** the best hotel in Sapa with separate building) or similar
• Luang Prabang: La Residence Hotel (***** positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views) or similar
• Xiengkhouang: Vansana Hotel (***** conveniently located, set beautifully atop a hill, all rooms offers private balconies) or similar
• Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (***** located right in the city centre, within walking distance) or similar
• Khone Islands: Sala Phae Float (***** two atmospheres: Boutique Floating Raftel & Deluxe Bungalows) or similar
• Pakse: Champasak Palace Hotel (***** located in the heart of Pakse District on a main street close to transport links) or similar

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Yangon: Grand Plaza Park Royal (**** in the heart of the city’s prized cultural attractions) or similar
• Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel (**** sits on the edge of the Eastern bank of great Ayeyawaddy river, near one of the sacred stupa, Gawdaw-palin) or similar
• Mandalay: Mandalay Hill Resort (**** lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas, face the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace) or similar
• Inle Lake: Paradise Inle Resort (**** still on the stilts over the lake, wooden walkways connect the rooms with the main reception building, restaurant and jetty) or similar
• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (**** modern boutique hotel in the old quarter) or similar
• Ha Long: Ha Long Sails (**** very good quality wooden boats) or similar
• Sapa: Chau Long Hotel (**** overlooking Muong Hoa valley & Mount Fansipan) or similar
• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (**** established in 1992 by Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence) or similar
• Xiengkhouang: Vansana Hotel (**** conveniently located, set beautifully atop a hill, all rooms offers private balconies) or similar
• Vientiane: Novotel hotel (**** ideal location for business trips and holidays) or similar
• Khone Islands: Sala Phae Float (**** two atmospheres: Boutique Floating Raftel & Deluxe Bungalows) or similar
• Pakse: Champa Residence Hotel (*** located in the centre of town near the New Mekong Lao – Nippon Bridge) or similar

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

• Yangon: Summit Parkview Hotel (*** short distance from the business district and major sightseeing places) or similar
• Bagan: Thazin Garden Hotel (*** on the high plain surrounded with ancient Pagodas and ruins) or similar
• Mandalay: Mandalay City Hotel (*** an urban resort hotel, the needs of value-orientated business and leisure travelers) or similar
• Inle Lake: Paramout Inle Lake (*** built on stilts and stands majestically in the heart of Inle Lake) or similar
• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake) or similar
• Ha Long: Ha Long Sails (**** very good quality wooden boats) or similar
• Sapa: Holiday Sapa (*** city centre, overlook the beautiful valley) or similar.
• Luang Prabang: Manoluck Hotel (*** combine modern international luxury with traditional Lao styles) or similar
• Xiengkhouang: Auburge Hotel (*** lies in the center of the the town) or similar
• Vientiane: Inter City hotel (*** centrally located, facilitated with basic modern comforts) or similar
• Khone Islands: Sala Done Khone Hotel (*** typical Lao traditional houses built entirely with rosewood) or similar
• Pakse: Pakse Hotel (*** located in the heart of the historic center, within walkin distance to the Mekong) or similar

If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.