VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, THAILAND AND MYANMAR TOUR 22 DAYS

Destination: Hanoi/Sapa/Ha Long Bay/Hue/Danang/Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City/Cu Chi/Mekong Delta/Siem Reap/Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Yangon/Bagan

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 Ha Noi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour – night train to Sapa (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 Ha Noi, 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 late afternoon, take a refreshment at a 2-star hotel and then have a dinner by yourself. Free at leisure until the driver and guide come and take you to the station for the night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.

Day 3: Lao Cai/market/Sapa (B, L, G)

You’ll be met at the Lao Cai station and taken by a Jeep or a Land Cruiser to visit an ethnic market. After a picnic lunch, you’ll return to Lao Cai and continue your journey into the mountains to Sa Pa, a small town perched on the mountainside opposite Mt. Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak.

The trips to ethnic markets are a fascinating experience but must be on Tuesday (Coc Ly Market), Saturday (Can Cau) or Sunday (Bac Ha or Muong Hum Markets). Picnic lunch will be prepared in the morning from Sa Pa. You’ll arrive in Sa Pa in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner.

Day 4: Sapa/villages/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Morning stroll to the town busy market and then easy trek to ethnic villages of H’mong in a scenic valley. After stream-side picnic lunch, you’ll be picked up to visit other ethnic villages of the H’mong, Day and Red Dao people. Return to Sa Pa and then back to Lao Cai station for an overnight train to Ha Noi.

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

Arrive Hanoi in the early morning. Picked up and transferred to a 2-star hotel for your refreshment. After breakfast, 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 Ha Noi.

Day 6: Hanoi/Hue city tour (B, G)

Have breakfast at your hotel, then get the 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 7: Hue/Hoi An (B, G)

Morning drive to Da Nang (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 free (B)

A day of leisure in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An/Danang/Ho Chi Minh (B, G)

Transfer to airport for the flight to Saigon. On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh city tour/Cu Chi tunnels (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 11: Ho Chi Minh City/My Tho (B, L, G)

At 8:00 you’ll be picked up at our hotel to travel to My Tho. On arrival, boat cruise on Mekong river to the Thoi Son island: rowing through small canals and walking along small village road to visit fruit gardens, elementary school, spirits distilling house, and see the daily life of villagers. On your visit you’ll have chance to enjoy some of tropical fruits and traditional music show. After lunch at a local restaurant on island, you’ll continue to cruise to visit a coconut candy workshop. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh for overnight

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh/Siem Reap (B, G)

Your time will be your own until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Then, you will visit 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 columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel. Your overnight stay will be in Siem Reap.

Day 13: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

This afternoon, you will visit 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 columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.

Day 14: Siem Reap/Bangkok (B, G)

Breakfast at your hotel, then, you’ll be free until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. You’ll spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 15: Bangkok city tour (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 16: Bangkok/Chiang Mai (B, L, G)

Breakfast at your hotel, then, you’ll be free until transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Then, you’ll be free. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 17: Chiang Mai city tour (B, L, G)

Spend the morning exploring Chiang Mai’s old city, which is still surrounded by a moat and crumbling walls. Next, ascend winding mountain roads up to Doi Suthep, where you’ll enjoy splendid panoramic views from one of the most sacred stupas in the country. In the afternoon, cruise on long-tail boats down the Ping River, disembarking at an old trading community whose buildings reflect Portuguese, Indian and Chinese influences.
Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 18: Chiang Mai/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to airport for your flight to Bangkok to connect with your flight to Yangon. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 19: Yangon/Bagan (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Bagan. On arrival, visit Nyaung Oo colorful local market, Shwezigon – proto type of Myanmar stupa, Gubyauk Gyi – 13th century finest mural paintings, and Htilominlo – the finest stucco carving. Afternoon visit the Saraba gate – 9th century masonry city gate, Ananda – most beautiful temple in Bagan, Ananda Okkyaung – 17th century mural painting, Mingaba Gubyaukgyi – early 12th century mural paintings, Manuha and Nan Phayar – one of the two sand stone temples in Bagan, sunset from a temple’s terrace or optional horse cart ride among the temples during sunset. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 20: Bagan (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Optional sunrise view from a temple terrace. Morning walk along the temples avenue: from Mimalaung Kyaung to Pahtotharmyar, Nat Hlaung Kyaung, Ngekywe Nadaung, and Thetbinnyu temple – the highest temple in Bagan, and Shwegugyi temple – famous for Bagan style Buddha Statue. Then continue to visit Nagayon temple – late 11th century standing Buddha Image protecting by Dragons, proceed to New Bagan to visit a lacquer ware workshop. Afternoon visit Dammayangi – the most massive temple, Dhamayarzaka – one of the few stupas with 5 entrances in Bagan, Minanthu village and its temples – Phayar Thonezu and Nandamanya temple – 13th century finest mural paintings, sunset view from a temple terrace. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 21: Bagan/Yangon (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Yangon. On arrival Yangon transfer to your hotel after a visit of Naga Glass factory where all the glass wares are made by hands. Afternoon visit famous Bogyoke Aung San Market where one can find all kinds of everything from Myanmar exotic snack to precious Mogok Rubies, enjoy among the city people’s shopping. Continue visit the spice market in Indian town, inter-connecting with the shop keepers who are eager to show you their numerous kinds of goods. From there walk ten minutes to bustling China town to see the oldest Chinese temple in town, stroll around the China town’s famous food streets. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 22: Yangon departure (B, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure 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.
• Return train tickets: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi, air-conditioned soft four-berth cabin, good local standard four-berth cabin.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Vietnam: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho Chi Minh City, in Thailand: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok, in Myanmar: Yangon – Bagan – Yangon including domestic airport taxes.
• Other one way international flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap, Siem Reap – Bangkok, Bangkok – Yangon excluding airport taxes.
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• 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.
• 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:

• 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)
• Sapa: Victoria Hotel (***** the best hotel in Sapa with separate building, Superior Room)
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho Boat – Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Imperial Hotel (***** in the heart of city centre) 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)
• Ho Chi Minh City: Renaissance Riverside hotel (*****the city’s finest location) or similar
• Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort (***** first Cambodian-owned premier luxury five-star resort accommodation) or similar
• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) similar
• Chiang Mai: Holiday Inn Chiang Mai (**** only minutes from some of the cities most famous temples and the renowned night bazaar)
• 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

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (**** modern boutique hotel in the old quarter) or similar
• Sapa: Chau Long Hotel (**** overlooking Muong Hoa valley & Mount Fansipan) or similar
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat – Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Huong Giang Hotel (**** on the bank of the Perfume River) or similar
• Hoi An: Hoi An Trails Resort and Spa (**** beside Cua Dai beach) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Grand Hotel (****located in the city centre, walking distance to major commercial and entertainments places) or similar
• Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (**** 5km to Angkor, short ride to the centre of town) or similar
• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Chiang Mai      : The Empress Hotel (**** located in central Chiang Mai, a 10-minute walk to the famous Night Bazaar) 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

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake) or similar
• Sapa: Holiday Sapa (***, city centre, overlook the beautiful valley, Superior Room) or similar.
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat- Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Mondial Hotel (*** city centre with outdoor swimming pool) or similar
• Hoi An: Lotus Hotel (*** with swimming pool, 2km from town centre) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Elios Hotel (*** ideally located in the city centre) or similar
• Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel (*** conveniently location, 10 minutes drive to the world famous Angkor Temples) or similar.
• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Chiang Mai: Lanna Palace Hotel (*** city centre and near by mountain)
• 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

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.