Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos Tour 20 Days

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

Day 1: Yangon (G)

Arrive Yangon International airport, welcomed by local guide and transfer to the hotel. Evening sightseeing of down town Yangon and one wonder of the world, ‘Shwedagon’ pagoda. Dinner with traditional show at ‘Lonmalay’ restaurant.

Day 2: Yangon/Bago/Kyaiktiyo (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel. 80 km road to Bago, former Mon & Myanmar capital of 14th to 16th century as well as the second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayinnaung. Visit the four giant sitting Buddha images of Kyaikpun pagoda, Shwetharlyaung Buddha which is the largest and most life-like of all reclining images, legendary Shwemawdaw pagoda and then lunch at ‘Panda ‘ restaurant. Proceed to Kyaiktiyo and transfer to the hotel on the range. Dinner & overnight in Hotel.

Day 3: Kyaiktiyo/Yangon (B, L, G)

Breakfast at the hotel, visit famous ‘Golden Rock’ pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar and environs, lunch at a local restaurant and return to Yangon, on the way a brief stop at Htaukkyan war cemetery with the graves of 27,00 Allied soldiers who died in Burma and Assam campaigns of WW II. Dinner at ‘ Oriental House ‘ restaurant and overnight in Yangon.

Day 4: Yangon/Bangkok (B, D, G)

Your time will be your own until our driver will come and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. After your arrival in Bangkok, you will be met by our representative and we will transfer you to Pattaya in an air conditioned coach, upon arrival check in at the hotel and the remaining day is reserved for leisure activities, one can enjoy water sports(optional) and in the evening one can explore the night life of Pattaya or go for Alazar or Tiffny show(optional) or similar. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5: Pattaya (B, G)

After breakfast, we take you to Coral islands where one can watch corals and marine life from glass bottom boats in crystalline blue waters, one can also opt for various aquatic sports at coral island (own cost), later in the day return back to Pattaya for lunch. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Pattaya/Bangkok (B, G)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel.Transfer to Bangkok in SIC Coach, timings are 0830 hrs, 1230 hrs, 1630 hrs. 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Lunch at restaurant.

Visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 10: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

An early bird special:

Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah Srang

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 11: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel.

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.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Visit to “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: 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 13: Ho Chi Minh City/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 14: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi (B, G)

You’ll take the domestic flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 15: 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 16: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G)

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

Day 17: Hanoi city/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly 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. 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: Luang Prabang departure (B, G)

Your time will be your own until your 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
• 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.
• Domestic flight ticket: Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi and airport tax
• 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 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.
• VAT and other taxes

Our price does not include:

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

Hotel list for Five Stars 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
• Kyaiktiyo: Kyaiktiyo Hotel (closely situated to Mt. Kyaikhtiyo, and just 15 minutes walk away from the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda at the top of the mountain)
• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) similar
• Pattaya: Hilton Pattaya (***** set in the heart of the city overlooking Pattaya Beach) or similar
• Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort (***** first Cambodian-owned premier luxury five-star resort accommodation) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Renaissance Riverside hotel (*****the city’s finest location) 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) or similar
• Luang Prabang: La Residence Hotel (***** positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views) or similar

Hotel list for Four Stars standard:

• Yangon: Grand Plaza Park Royal (**** in the heart of the city’s prized cultural attractions) or similar
• Kyaiktiyo: Kyaiktiyo Hotel (closely situated to Mt. Kyaikhtiyo, and just 15 minutes walk away from the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda at the top of the mountain)
• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Pattaya: Hard Rock Hotel (**** on the beach overlooking the eastern shores of the Gulf of Thailand, a tropical rock & roll sanctuary) or similar
• Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (**** 5km to Angkor, short ride to the centre of town) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Grand Hotel (****located in the city centre, walking distance to major commercial and entertainments places) or similar
• Hanoi: Sunway Hotel (**** comfortable boutique hotel 15 minutes walk from the city centre) or similar
• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (**** established in 1992 by Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence) or similar

Hotel list for Three Stars standard:

• Yangon: Summit Parkview Hotel (*** short distance from the business district and major sightseeing places) or similar
• Kyaiktiyo: Kyaiktiyo Hotel (closely situated to Mt. Kyaikhtiyo, and just 15 minutes walk away from the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda at the top of the mountain)
• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Pattaya: Vista Pattaya (***close proximity to the beach) or similar.
• Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel (*** conveniently location, 10 minutes drive to the world famous Angkor Temples) or similar.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Elios Hotel (*** ideally located in the city centre) or similar
• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre) or similar
• Luang Prabang: Manoluck Hotel (*** combine modern international luxury with traditional Lao styles) 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.