Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar tour 20 days

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

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D, G)

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a welcome dinner at a colonial building. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Viet Nam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture). Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi (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 3: 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 4: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G)

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

Day 5: Hanoi/Hue (B, L, G)

Noon flight to Hue, check-in, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda (beside the Perfume River – very tranquil), boat cruise 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 6: Hue 1 day (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 7: Hue/Hoi An (B, L) 

Morning drive to Danang (excellent views from high mountain pass). On arrival in Da Nang, 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 8: Hoi An/Danang/Ho Chi Minh city (B, G)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh city tour 1 day (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC “Oc Eo” civilisation), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the “American War”: not for the squeamish), the huge Ben Thanh market (one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City), the Jade Emperor Temple (superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries) and a lacquer workshop. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Vinh Long 1 day (B, L, G)

Drive to Vinh Long, cruise on Mekong River, Cai Be floating market, fruit orchards, traditional family-run brick kilns, wide range of varied cottage industries, e.g. manufacture of fish sauce, (distinctive feature of Vietnamese cuisine), construction of massive coffins (unique to Mekong). Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh city/Bangkok (B, G)

Escorted departure from Tan Son Nhat airport to Bangkok. On arrival at Suvanphumi Airport, you’ll be driven to your hotel. Rest of the day, you’ll be free to stroll around the city as you wish. You’ll spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 12: 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 13: Bangkok/half day Phuket City Tour (B, G)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight departure to Phuket. Arrive at Phuket airport meet and greet with our local guide and then transfer to hotel for check in, have a short rest. After that, sightseeing visit to Phuket City take in the islands natural beauty as we drive along the beach roads through Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai. Visit to View Point where you can witness the beautiful bays of Kata Noi, Kata, Karon and Kho Poo Island, one of the island’s best scenic spot. This tour gives an insight into the highlights of the ” Pearl of the Andaman”. Leisurely drove around Phuket town to view the Sino-Portuguese style buildings. Other attractions visited are Wang Thalang Lapidary gem factory, Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most beautiful and renowned monastery, the Gypsy Village at Rawai Beach, a Cashew Nut Factory where you may sample the culinary delights on offer and the famous sunset viewpoint at Phromthep Cape one of the most beautiful panoramas on the island.

Overnight in Phuket

Day 14: Full Day Join Phi Phi Island Tour (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel, and then transfer to the pier for take a boat trip to Phi Phi Island. Take a boat visit to Phi Phi Ley Island, exploring scenic beauty, next visit to Long Beach, Phi Phi Don Island. Change to small boat to go for snorkeling activity near Long Beach. Enjoy crystal clear water and rich marine life. Return to Long Beach. Enjoy a buffet lunch at on Phi Phi Don Island. After lunch, free at leisure for snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the beach, till time transfer back to hotel in Phuket

Overnight in Phuket

Day 15: Phuket/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel, then free at leisure till the time has come for your transfer to Phuket airport for your flight to Bangkok where you will transit to your international flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 16: Yangon/Bagan by flight (B, L, 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 17: Bagan/Mandalay by flight (B, L, 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 18: Mandalay/Heho/Inle Lake by flight+car+boat (B, L, 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 19: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon by flight (B, L, 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, check in at hotel.

In the afternoon, we plan to visit by car to Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Schwedagon Pagoda and visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 20: Yangon departure (B, G)

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for your international departure flight.

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 vehicle as specified in the itinerary above
• One way domestic flight tickets in Myanmar: Yangon – Bagan, Bagan – Mandalay, Mandalay – Heho, Heho – Yangon, including domestic airport taxes.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Thailand: Bangkok – Phuket- Bangkok, including domestic airport taxes.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Vietnam: Hanoi-Hue, Danang- Ho Chi Minh City, including airport taxes.
• Boats cruise as programme.
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available.
• VAT and other taxes

Our price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas
• Dinners
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Insurance.

Hotel list for Five Stars standard:

• 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, Deluxe room)
• Hue: Imperial Hotel (***** in the city centre) or similar
• Hoi An: Palm Garden Beach Resort (**** new villa and bungalow style resort on a 5ha site on the northern section of Cua Dai Beach)
• Ho Chi Minh City: Majestic Hotel (***** in the city centre) or similar
• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) or similar
• Phuket: The Village Coconut Island (***** near peaceful beach, spacious suites and in-villa private pools) or similar
• 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

Hotel list for Four Stars standard:

• Hanoi: Sunway Hotel (**** comfortable boutique hotel 15 minutes walk from the city centre) or similar
• Hue: Huong Giang Hotel (**** on the bank of the Perfume River, Riverview room)
• Hoi An: Hoi An Trails Resort (**** near Cua Dai Beach) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Rex Hotel (**** in the heart of the city) or similar
• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Phuket: Centara Villas Phuket (**** Set on an incline surrounded by a luxurious natural tropical backdrop) o similar
• 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

Hotel list for Three Stars standard:

• Hanoi: Thang Long hotel (*** city centre) or similar
• Hue: Mondial Hotel (*** city centre with swimming pool) or similar
• Hoi An: Lotus Hotel (*** with swimming pool, 2km from town centre) or similar standard hotel in the Old Town.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Elios Hotel (*** city centre) or similar
• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Phuket: Patong Lodge Hotel (*** nestled on a perfect location, just a few minutes walk to the beach) o similar
• 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

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.