Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar tour 28 days

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

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (G)

After arriving in Bangkok, check in at the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure, one has the option of exploring the night life of Bangkok. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour of Bangkok with a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life. Along the way you will stop over at Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace which dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremonies. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex, you will drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. You will spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok/Siem Reap (B, G)

After breakfast, one will be picked up from the hotel at a scheduled time and leave for Bangkok airport for your international flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you’ll be picked up to the hotel.

In the afternoon, continue your temple tour. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as “The Royal Baths” was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 4: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel.The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 6: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel, Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. And shopping at CTM souvenir shop and old market. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel and take a short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh City, you’ll visit to Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Toul Sleng museum (S-21) and Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 8: Phnom Penh/Chau Doc (B, G)

There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and strolling around the shopping areas. Later on, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and transfer to the boat pier for boarding the boat to Chau Doc. Arrive at Chau Doc around 3.30pm. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 9: Chau Doc/Long Xuyen/Can Tho (B, L, G)

Breakfast at your hotel. Take a motor boat trip to see the floating fish farm and the floating village. Visit the local Cham minority village in their traditional weaving village. Depart for Long Xuyen, visit the Bird Sanctuary in Thot Not and the incense stick making village. Check in on arrival. Free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. You can also visit a village, meet the local people, have dinner with them and enjoy their music Overnight at your hotel in Can Tho.

Day 10: Can Tho/Ho Chi Minh city (B, L, G)

After breakfast, take a leisurely boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, which are the liveliest in the region. You will probably have tried Vietnamese vermicelli soup so now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the local people. Learn how to cross a “Monkey Bridge” which is built from a single bamboo. Return to Can Tho for lunch at a local restaurant. Depart for Ho Chi Minh City with stopovers at Vinh Long and My Tho town. You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City/Danang/Hoi An (B, G)

Morning drive to Danang (excellent views from high mountain pass). On arrival in Danang, you’ll have a brief visit to Cham Museum, then continue to travel to Hoi An. After lunch, a guided visit to the Ancient Town. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

The town is an ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina and a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings.

Day 12: Hoi An free/Hanoi (B)

A whole free in Hoi An for relaxation and shopping. In the late afternoon, you’ll take the flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Hoi An is a good place for shopping silk. You can have your clothes tailor-made within a day or two with reasonable costs.

Day 13: Ha Long 1 day on boat (B, L, G)

At about 8:00 you’ll be driven to Ha Long Bay (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine “karst” landscape). Then you’ll board a traditional-style boat for 5 hour cruise on the bay and visit some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming and hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews. Your seafood lunch will be on the boat. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi city (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. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi/Luang Prabang (B, G)

Later on, you’ll take the international flight to Luang Prabang. Arriving in Luang Prabang, you’ll be picked up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 16: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou cave (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. Cruise  upstream on the Mekong River, as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced.

Short stop at Ban Phanom, which is well known for its hand weaving.

Day 17: Luang Prabang/Khouangsi Waterfall (B, L, G)

Watch or participate in the daily morning rituals of monks collecting offerings of Alms. Visit the morning Phosi Market. Visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village,  Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, and then to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off. Continue to Ban Xangkhong, known for its silk weavings and papermaking. Enjoy the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Day 18: Luang Prabang/Chiang Mai (B, G)

Your time will be your own until your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Chiang Mai.

Day 19: Chiang Mai City Tour (B, L, G)

The great way to see the colorful, ancient history of Chiang Mai, Start your trip in the old city area at Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center, then walking along beautiful road to Tha Pae Gate, continue to eastern side of old city; there are old, solid timber built houses many of which are well over 100 years old. You’ll then visit Chiang Mai most sacred temples, drive around the Old City to see city’s moats and ruined city’s walls. Start the temple tours with Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai. Continue this tour with visit Wat Phra Singh; the temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art including a Lanna style viharn.

In the afternoon, you’ll be driven on to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, This temple was built in 1383. It is located 15 kms from the city and 3,500 feet above sea level. See the marvelous golden pagoda, which is containing the holy relics of Lord Buddha. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping valley from the summit of Doi Suthep. You will spend the night in Chiang Mai.

Day 20: Chiang Mai/Elephant Ride/Bamboo rafting (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel, you’ll travel north of Chiang Mai route to Mae Taman Elephant Camp, which is 56 km northwards of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. The idea of this trip is to see the demonstration of how trained elephants are used as working animals in teak forests includes elephant bathing in the river, working in the jungle, dragging and pushing logs, and responding commands. Then take a special time to riding on elephant for 1 hour through the jungle, made a stop at Lisu Hill tribe Village. For the truly adventurous! Continue an ox-cart riding back to the camp. Lunch served at the Camp. Take Bamboo Rafting along Mae Taeng River for 45 minutes. Then, visit Orchid Nursery to see a large collection of more than 50 different types of colorful exotic year-round-bloom orchids. After taking great pleasure at the Orchid Nursery, continue to visit the handicraft center at San Kampaeng district. The highlight is to see the local people making the handicraft including Silverware, Hand-woven Textiles by silk and hand-painted cotton and Umbrellas or paper parasols which are hand-painted in a variety designs. Return to your hotel at Chiang Mai for overnight stay.

Day 21: Chiang Mai/Chiang Saen/Golden Triangle (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Mae Chan to visit Akha hill tribe villages; explore the villages that are very simple, unique costumes, their own tradition and dialect. The trip continues to visit archeological remains at Chiang Saen city, the first capital city of the northern Thailand.

In the afternoon, you will visit the world famous Golden Triangle where the borders of three countries (Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar) are met. Enjoy the panoramic view of Mekong River and Hall of Opium and Boat Trip along the Mae Khong River, made a stop at Don Sao Village, Laos. Then continue to Mae Sai town, the Thailand-Myanmar border and the northernmost point of Thailand. Enjoy shopping the Myanmar products at the local market. Check in to the hotel and free on your own.

You’ll spend the night in Chiang Rai.

Day 22: Mae Sai/Tachileik/Heho (B, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at Mae sai border area walk to the immigration; after that proceed to Thakhilek airport and you arrived in the evening to Heho. Upon arrival, drive to Inle Lake hotel and free at leisure. You’ll spend the night in Heho.

Day 23: Inle Lake boat excursions (B, L, G)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit floating market which is a 5day 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 24: Inle Lake/Heho/Mandalay (B, G)

After breakfast, we are heading back down country today to return to the airport at Heho for our flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, proceed to Mandalay and check in at hotel. Afternoon, 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 25: 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 26: Mandalay/Bagan Full day Sightseeing (B, L, G)

After breakfast at hotel; transfer to airport and fly to Bagan. For sightseeing includes visit to the colorful Nyaung U Market, Shwezigon Pagoda and its magnificent golden stupa, Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sand stone decoration, Gubyaukgyi Temple, with superb mural paintings of jataka scenes. Visit to Myinkaba Village and observe the process of Traditional Lacquer ware Industry one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images. Thabinnyu Temple, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy the breath taking sunset from Shwesandaw Pagoda. Overnight at hotel in Bagan.

Day 27: Bagan/Yangon (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you will free time to explore the city on your own. Transfer to the airport for flight return to Yangon. After checking to the hotel, sightseeing starts with Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda (a huge reclining Buddha), Karaweik Hall, a Royal floating barge on the Royal Lake for a photo stop and late in the afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda described by Somerset Maugham: “The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city.” This massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, Temples, and Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the sunset over the Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 28: Yangon departure (B, G)

After breakfast, you will be free to explore the city on your own until transfer to the airport for flight