MYANMAR, THAILAND, CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM TOUR 21 DAYS

Destination: Yangon/Heho/Inle Lake/Indein/Bangkok/Siem Reap/Phnom Penh/Chau Doc/Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City/Cu Chi/Danang/Hoi An/Hue/Hanoi/Ha Long Bay

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

Day 1: Yangon arrival (G)

On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel. After check in, you’ll have a city tour includes the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. The highlight of any visit to Yangon, this pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha and its bell-shaped superstructure is covered in about 60 tonnes of gold leaf. The National Museum holds several interesting exhibits, including the mammoth Sihasana Lion Throne as well as many treasures and memorabilia of Burmese royalty. The Sule Pagoda has a 48 m/52 yard high golden dome used, when it was rebuilt in the 1880’s, by the British as the nucleus of their grid pattern for the city.
Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon (B, L, G)

An interesting experience today includes mingling in the Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott Market, and its over 2000 little shops. The Kyaukhtatkyi Pagoda contains a gaudy, modern, 70m/76 yard-long reclining Buddha built in 1966 and housed in a formidable iron pavilion. The temple doubles as a monastery as well as a center for the study of Buddhist manuscripts. Mailamu Pagoda has a series of interesting images of the Buddha in his previous incarnations, as well as a lovely reclining Buddha image. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 3: Yangon/Heho/Inle Lake (B, L, G)

After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. Board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens. Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’. Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. Overnight on Inle Lake

Day 4: Inle Lake/In Dein/Inle Lake (B, L, G)

Visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares.  From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village, visiting a local school, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. After enjoying your visit to In Dein, return to your boat. Continue along the lake for additional sightseeing before returning to your hotel this afternoon. Overnight Inle Lake

Day 5: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon/Bangkok (B, G)

Breakfast at your hotel, then, you’ll be free until the guide and driver come and take you to the airport for your flight to Yangon, connecting with your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Then, you’ll be free. Overnight stay will be in Bangkok.

Day 6: Bangkok (B, L, G)

Set out to The Royal Grand Palace, a majestic complex of palaces, temples, and halls. Remember to dress appropriately, because today you’ll be visiting two of the most important Buddhist images in Thailand: the mysterious Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Later, cross the Chao Phraya River to Koh Kret, an historic Mon settlement, where you will have the chance to visit a local temple and admire Mon pottery.
Overnight in Bangkok

Day 7: Bangkok/Siem Reap (B, G)

You’ll be free until transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. (the room might not be ready). Start your tours to 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 8: Siem Reap (B, L, 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 9: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, L, 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. This afternon, Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Phnom Penh. Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 10: Phnom Penh/Chau Doc (B, G)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will start your visit to the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.

You’ll then take a hydrofoil to Chau Doc. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 11: Chau Doc/Can Tho (B, L, G)

After breakfast, guests will take a small sailling boat to visit floating house, Cham minorities villages and a mosque. Then guests will take a drive to the Sam Mountain. At the foot of the mountain, a visit to the Temple of Lady Chua Su can be arranged (At the end of fourth lunar month, around the middle of May, this temple holds an annual festival and is extremely packed with thousands Vietnamese tourists). Then guests will continue to head for the the summit of the mountain where they can enjoy a view over Cambodia.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Can Tho for your overnight stay.

Day 12: Can Tho/Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

Boat cruise to Cai Rang floating markets on the Mekong Delta (views of rural lifestyle). Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh city for overnight.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City tour/Cu Chi (B, L, G)

In the morning, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC ‘Oc Eo’ civilization), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the ‘American War’: not for the squeamish).

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Cu Chi Tunnels (intricate network of underground passages and bunkers that became legendary during the 1960’s for their role in the war of liberation). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City/Danang/Hoi An (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be free until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival, you’ll find the driver and guide waiting for you to take you to Hoi An. On the way, 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 15: Hoi An/My Son (B, L, G)

Morning drive to My Son Sanctuary – World Heritage Area. Free afternoon and overnight in Hoi An.

Once the My Son Sanctuary was the spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom that dominated SE Asia for nearly a thousand years. Its remarkable brick towers were badly bombed by the Americans, but are still impressive as is its remote valley setting

Day 16: Hoi An/Hue (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Hue. On arrival, you’ll have a boat cruise to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (beside the Perfume River – very tranquil). Then, having a visit to King Minh Mang’s Tomb (the most majestic of the Royal Tombs) and drive to visit the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue

Day 17: Hue (B, L, G)

Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Antiquity Museum. Afternoon drive to visit King Tu Duc’s Tomb (the poet King, the simplest Royal tomb set in a beautiful garden) and visit to Garden Houses – (a cultural characteristic in Hue). In the evening you’ll be picked up to enjoy a Hue musical show on a boat in the Perfume River for about one hour. Overnight in Hue

Day 18: Hue/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Having a breakfast at your hotel, then, you will get the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll have a city tour including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam). Overnight in Hanoi

Day 19: Hanoi/Halong (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 20: Halong/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 21: Hanoi departure (B, G)

Your time will be your own until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Price in US$ per person:

Price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation in twin or double room.
• All pick up and transfer.
• Boats cruise as programme. For Ha Long Bay, you’ll join other passengers on a high quality wooden boat with comfortable accommodation, good facilities and an experienced crew. The boat will be fully licensed and comply with current safety regulations.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Myanmar: Yangon – Heho – Yangon, in Cambodia: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh, in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang, Hue – Hanoi including domestic airport taxes.
• Other one way international flight tickets: Yangon – Bangkok, Bangkok – Siem Reap, excluding airport taxes.
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• Hydrofoil ticket: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide as indicated in the itinerary.
• Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches and dinners, as specified
• VAT and other taxes.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Drinks, gratuities 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
• 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) similar
• Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort (***** first Cambodian-owned premier luxury five-star resort accommodation) or similar
• Phnom Penh: Intercontinental Hotel (***** the centerpiece of a secure integrated commercial and retail complex overlooking a lush Khmer inspired garden, highly recognized levels of service) or similar
• Chau Doc: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (**** French Colonial architecture, on the banks of the Bassac River)
• Can Tho: Victoria Hotel (***** on the bank of Mekong River, Superior Room) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Renaissance Riverside hotel (*****the city’s finest location) or similar
• Hoi An: Palm Garden Beach Resort (***** beautiful villa and bungalow style resort on a 5ha site on the northern section of Cua Dai Beach)
• Hue: Imperial Hotel (***** in the heart of city centre) or similar
• Hanoi: Melia Hotel (***** modern high-rise building in one of Hanoi’s leafy boulevards in the city centre, uninspiring bland architecture, but high-quality facilities, restaurants, and service, ten-minute stroll from the city centre)
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho Boat – Ha Long Sails

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Yangon: Grand Plaza Park Royal (**** in the heart of the city’s prized cultural attractions) 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
• Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (**** 5km to Angkor, short ride to the centre of town) or similar
• Phnom Penh: Sunway Hotel (**** surrounded by prestigious locations and avenues) or similar
• Chau Doc: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (**** French Colonial architecture, on the banks of the Bassac River)
• Can Tho: Golf Hotel (**** city centre, Deluxe Riverview Room) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Grand Hotel (****located in the city centre, walking distance to major commercial and entertainments places) or similar
• Hoi An: Hoi An Trails Resort and Spa (**** beside Cua Dai beach) or similar
• Hue: Huong Giang Hotel (**** on the bank of the Perfume River) or similar
• Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (**** modern boutique hotel in the old quarter) or similar
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat – Ha Long Sails

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

• Yangon: Summit Parkview Hotel (*** short distance from the business district and major sightseeing places) 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
• Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel (*** conveniently location, 10 minutes drive to the world famous Angkor Temples) or similar.
• Phnom Penh: Lux Riverside (*** ideally located in the heart of the vibrant and most touristic street) or similar.
• Chau Doc: Chau Pho Hotel (** good location)
• Can Tho: Kim Tho Hotel (*** overlooking the Mekong River, Superior Room) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Elios Hotel (*** ideally located in the city centre) or similar
• Hoi An: Lotus Hotel (*** with swimming pool, 2km from town centre) or similar
• Hue: Mondial Hotel (*** city centre with outdoor swimming pool) or similar
• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake) or similar
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat- Ha Long Sails

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.