Destination: Vientiane/Luang Prabang/Pak Ou/Bangkok/Yangon/Bago (or Twante)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide
Day 1: Vientiane arrival (G)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiene is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to Laos. After a short rest, an orientation walk of Lao Capital is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We observe the sunset by the Mekong Riverside until the late evening and experience the city lifestyle of the local Lao people. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)
AM: After breakfast, we start to visit 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. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.
PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (close Tuesday) former name Revolutionary Museum, which exhibits artifacts, photos and legends of Laos’s history fighters and leaders from the ancient times to the new revolution period. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which 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 Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel. After a short rest, we stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves (B, L ,G)
After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents 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 of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to a royal family patronage near by Sackarine Caves. We cross to city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang/Bangkok (B, G)
After breakfast, free until transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival at the airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. The bustling metropolis of Bangkok in the midst of dynamic modern growth, still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 5: Bangkok City tour (B, L, G)
Today we commence our exploration of Bangkok with a longtail boat trip navigating along the Chao Phraya River and venturing into the many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stop over at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace. This masterpiece is dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world’s largest building entirely made of golden teak . We visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to the Wat Pho, one of the most significant temples in Bangkok. This sacred edifice houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on many funny shopping areas. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 6: Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)
Your time will be your own until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Yangon.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. This afternoon, your sightseeing begins with a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 70-meter reclining Buddha. Continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The central stupa is over 90 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf- a breathtaking and colorful sight which dominates the city skyline. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 7: Yangon (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you will transfer to Yangon Railway station to take local circular train journey to the outskirts of town (45 minutes ride). The slowly traveling train gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people. Disembark to visit Insein market where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares. Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals before returning by road to Yangon. This afternoon enjoy a city tour by car or rickshaw around the colonial area which is filled various historical buildings. Stop for a drink at a local teashop, a great place to soak in the local culture and lifestyle, before traveling along the famous Strand Road to the riverside. Continue to Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where you can browse through the wide selection of Myanmar handicrafts and other goods (Note: closed on Mondays and public holidays). As today comes to a close, take a stroll around colorful Chinatown and visit one of Yangon’s Chinese temples. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 8: Yangon/Bago or Twante (B, L, G)
Today you have the choice of visiting two nearby townships to Yangon.
Option 1: After breakfast at the hotel, depart Yangon for the scenic road journey to Bago. Located 80km northwest of Yangon, Bago was the capital of the 6th century Mon kingdom and is filled with historic temples. Your visit in Bago includes ShwethalyaungTemple which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha. You will also visit the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated in Myanmar and its 114 meter spire is taller than the one at Shwedagon Pagoda. Before departing Bago, visit the well-restored former palace, Kambozathadi, which was the marvel of Asia when it was originally built in the 16th century. On the way back to Yangon, stop at the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan. This beautiful, peaceful cemetery is the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers.
Option 2: After breakfast, your excursion begins with scenic drive to Thwante through Hlaing Thar yar Township, offering a glimpse of life in the countryside outside the capital. Arrive at Thwante, a small village specialized in traditional pottery. Enjoy the scenery as you take a horse cart ride through the small villages and past sights such as the local market. Stop at a ceramics making area where more then twenty family workshops produce ceramic pots using centuries old methods. Visit Shwesandaw Pagoda and the local jetty before returning to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon
Day 9: Yangon departure (B, G)
This morning is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Your car and guide are at disposal until it is time to transfer to the Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.