Wonderful Southeast Asia
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap - Bangkok –
Yangon – Mandalay – Bagan – Inle Lake - Bali
18 Days/17 Nights
Yangon – Mandalay – Bagan – Inle Lake - Bali
18 Days/17 Nights
This tour program is one of our suggestions for people who want to see most of Southeast Asia in less than 3 weeks time. Of course, you can’t see each country from the inside out, but we carefully select the best of each for you. You can start from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, visit the UNESCO natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay before flying to Luang Prabang in Laos, a peaceful hill top town nested between mountains and rivers. Continue to Siem Reap in Cambodia to explore the world of misty Angkor kingdom temples. To give you a break after many of the culture and natural heritages, we added the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand. Myanmar, the land of golden pagodas, can’t be missed. You will have a glance at this country with one night stopover at each place: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. To end of the discovery journey, you will stop in Bali of Indonesia, explore its typical architecture of temples, natural beauty of rice terrace, volcano as well as chill out on pristine white sand beaches before flying home. If you have more days, we can extend your time in each country to explore it more deeply and further immerse yourself!
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival (D)
Upon arrival at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi, be welcomed by guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center to check in. Relax after a long-haul flight.
In the evening, your Welcome Dinner will be catered at a nice restaurant in French colonial style with typical Vietnam cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder, to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the house on stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda. Next up, visit the Centre Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi, which was built in the 11th century and was listed as the World Heritage Site list in 2010. Lunch will be at your own expense.
In the afternoon, visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century. And then take a cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about the legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show - a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay by car (B/L/D)
After breakfast at our hotel, you will depart by road to Ha Long Bay, your first World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Travel through the rich farmlands of the Delta of the Red River and the landscape of rice fields, water buffalo, and daily life of the Vietnamese village. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional Junk. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by the many karst rocks and islets in many funny shapes. The cruise may stop for a while to visit Surprise Cave. Later on, the Junk moves to a peaceful bay to dock for overnight. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car – Luang Prabang, Laos by flight (Brunch)
In the morning, your brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the bay before returning to the wharf. The Junk continues cruising toward Ha Long port for disembarking. Our car will be there to pick you up and return to Hanoi. You will drive straight to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in to your hotel and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave (B)
There is a very special dawn ceremony that you must see - monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to the mysteries of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you will stop at Ban Xang Hai village to witness local Lao rice wine distillation. Take a boat downstream back to the town by noon time. Have lunch at your own expense and enjoy the comfort of your hotel room amenities during noon time’s worst heat.
In the afternoon, you visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Next to the museum is the impressive shrine Wat Mai. Continue walking to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong facing the Mekong River and with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples.
Before the sun goes down, climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset over the city and the Mekong River. By the foot of the mountain, explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Siem Reap by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Luang Prabang to visit more ancient temples on foot, or chill out at a coffee shop by Mekong River Bank, or relax with Lao Massage before driving to the airport for an afternoon flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and driven to your hotel for check in. Evening is free to walk around the little town and find a good restaurant to taste your first Cambodian dish. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: Siem Reap - Angkor temples (B/L)
After breakfast, you will drive 45 minutes out of Siem Reap to visit the first of the impressive temples belonging to the Angkor complex:
Banteay Srei: nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving
Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.
Back to the town and have lunch at a local restaurant with Khmer food.
In the afternoon, you continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Pre Rup temple was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II.
The remainder of the day is free time for you to visit the town old market, enjoy a foot massage, do shopping at Angkor Night Market or have a dinner with Apsara Traditional Dance performance.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 8: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom – Bangkok by flight (B)
We start a very special day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourism. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon, you will visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
After the visit, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Landing in Bangkok, you will be picked up by our guide and check in to your hotel. You can choose to enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok, or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 9: Bangkok’s attractions & Siam Niramit Show (B/L)
After breakfast, you will explore Bangkok’s highlights including Wat Trimitr, the temple with the Golden Buddha Image, measuring 3 metres high and with a weight of 5,5 tons of gold, Wat Pho, temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as the school for the traditional Thai-massage, Wat Phra Kaeo, the most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Visit The Grand Palace, an area of 218,400m2 which is surrounded by walls and was built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900m. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha as well as royal residences.
Lunch will be served at a local Thai restaurant near Chaophaya River and continue with Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Back to your hotel after visiting the city’s highlights and be free for refreshment.
At early evening, your guide will meet you again and transfer to the Siam Niramit Show – a world class spectacular performance of Thai Art and Cultural Heritage. This must-see spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness World Records, featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes. On top of this, enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience. This is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one can miss. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 10: Bangkok – Yangon by flight & Sighseeing (B)
Early morning, you will drive to the airport for a short flight to Yangon. Upon landing, you’re picked up by our guide and start your excursion to visit Botataung Pagoda which is enshrined with the sacred hair of the Lord Buddha, Nanthida Jetty – to see the river life and city center, colonial style buildings and Sule Pagoda - a landmark in downtown Yangon.
In the afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market (used to be called Scott Market), the largest market in Yangon with time to browse among the hundreds of stalls for souvenir bargains, arts & crafts souvenir shopping center. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda - this massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, temples, Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 11: Yangon - Mandalay by flight, Amarapura - Mandalay sightseeing (B)
After breakfast, you will take an early morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, travel to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Here we will visit Mahagandayon monastery, which is a school for young monks, and the nearby U Bein bridge. It is more than two centuries old and at 1.2 km is the longest teakwood span in the world.
The afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandalay includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda; a gold leaf hammering craftshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings, Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world's largest book for its 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures, and if time permits, climb up to Mandalay Hill for a view over the city and Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 12: Mandalay - Bagan by flight, Bagan full day tour (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Bagan. Today, we begin our visit to one of Asia’s most stunning archeological destinations with its more than 2,000 pagodas dotting the plains along the legendary Ayerwaddy River:
In the afternoon, visit Nat Hlaung Kyaung and Thatbyinnyu Temple which towers above other monuments of Bagan. As the sun goes down, you will be at one of the ideal temple top viewing sites selected by our guide. Overnight Bagan.
Day 13: Bagan - Heho by flight, Inle full day tour (B)
Today, you will board an early flight to Heho. Arrival at Heho airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and drive to magical Inle Lake. Situated 900 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide, this large shallow lake is in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and is home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. You travel by small private boat on the lake, visiting the famous PaungDawOo pagoda, with its five famous Buddha images (four of which are carried in great ceremony around the lake during the PaungDawOo festival) and also nearby Inpawkhone Village where, in houses on stilts, you see traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms as they are made into beautiful fabric.
After our lunch time break on the lake, visit traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat making. Then enjoy a boat ride through the Kaylar village observing the many houses on stilts and the ways of life. You will see the floating gardens up close, and on to the ‘NgaphaeChaung Monastery’ which is an interesting old traditional monastery on the lake. Go to your hotel and overnight at Inle Lake.
Day 14: Heho - Yangon by flight – Bangkok by flight (B)
Fly to Yangon with morning flight in a good time to connect to a flight to Bangkok. Landing in Bangkok, you will check in an airport hotel and be free at leisure. You can choose to relax, or again enjoy its nightlife, or explore areas you didn’t see earlier, such as Chinatown, or the more modern shopping districts. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 15: Bangkok - Bali by flight, first impression of Bali (B)
Early today, you will board a flight to Bali. Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, your guide will welcome you. Bali is a beautiful island known for having a unique colourful spiritual culture. There are its many rituals and practices which originated thousands years ago, and till today they have survived. Even though it is relatively small, approximately 5,000 km2 in all, Bali boasts a whole range of different environments. This compact landscape centers on a line of active volcanoes; there is tropical rainforest that fringe the mountains, carefully cultivated rice fields, mangrove forests, a number of different rivers and streams
Today you will visit Taman Ayun Templein Menwgi, notable for its majestic gateway and soaring meru towers which are dedicated to the gods who dwell on high. Next, visit Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, one of the most famous sea side temples in Bali. The picturesque temple, suspended on a little rocky islet, is one of the important and respected temples, closely related with the priest Nirartha. After the visit, drive to your hotel for check in and overnight.
Day 16: Bali - Sightseeing (B)
First visit is Kesiman to see a Barong Dance performance then continue to Pura Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave Temple. The cave in the cliff face is filled with thousand of bats. Continue driving to Semarapura town, once the centre of Bali’s most important kingdom and now the capital of Klungkung Regency. The remains of the old royal palace, razed by Dutch troops during an attack in 1908, are within the grounds of Taman Gili. You will see here the Kerta Gosa, the Hall of Justice, which was used as a traditional court. This open-sided pavilion is decorated with exquisite examples of Kamasan paintings and Klungkung architecture. You will see also Bale Kambang, the Floating Pavilion, surrounded by a moat, similarly decorated and was used by the royal family as place to rest and be entertained. Continue the trip to Pura Besakih, Bali’s most important temple. Bali’s Mother Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest Balinese volcano and most revered mountain. The Pura Besakih is extensive complex of different temples, with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. Overnight in Bali.
Day 17: Visit Ubud & Mount Batur (B)
After breakfast, you will visit the sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal where you can observe the long-tailed macaques. The Monkey Forest represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. It is the location of Padangtegal's Pura Dalem. Afterwards, you will see the Royal Palace, located in the centre. Winding roads further up this mountainous region will lead you to Kintamani, spectacular area of Batur. Volcanic area around Mount Batur, because of its geological heritage of international significance, became a member of the Global Geopark Network. Mount Batur itself is a small volcano, but its setting is in the heart of huge crater. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Lake Batur, all surrounded by high walls of the crater rim. Before returning to your hotel you will stop in Tampak Siring and visit Pura TirtaEmpul, one of Bali’s most significant temples and is the site of holy springs that are believed to have magical powers.
Back to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free for chilling out by poolside, on the beach or walking along streets to taste Bali street foods or seafood. Overnight in Bali.
Day 18: Bali – Departure (B)
After breakfast, your time is free for relaxing, swimming or sunbathing. Check out of your hotel by noon time and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You have just experienced 4 countries, and thousands of years of evolving culture of the many regions of Southeast Asia!
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Seats for Siam Niramit Show in Bangkok and Barong Dance in Bali
> Domestic flights from Yangon - Mandalay – Bagan – Heho - Yangon, including airport taxes, economy class, local airlines
> In-tour flights from Hanoi – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Yangon – Bangkok - Bali, including airport taxes
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
Upon arrival at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi, be welcomed by guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center to check in. Relax after a long-haul flight.
In the evening, your Welcome Dinner will be catered at a nice restaurant in French colonial style with typical Vietnam cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder, to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the house on stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda. Next up, visit the Centre Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi, which was built in the 11th century and was listed as the World Heritage Site list in 2010. Lunch will be at your own expense.
In the afternoon, visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century. And then take a cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about the legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show - a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay by car (B/L/D)
After breakfast at our hotel, you will depart by road to Ha Long Bay, your first World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Travel through the rich farmlands of the Delta of the Red River and the landscape of rice fields, water buffalo, and daily life of the Vietnamese village. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional Junk. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by the many karst rocks and islets in many funny shapes. The cruise may stop for a while to visit Surprise Cave. Later on, the Junk moves to a peaceful bay to dock for overnight. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car – Luang Prabang, Laos by flight (Brunch)
In the morning, your brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the bay before returning to the wharf. The Junk continues cruising toward Ha Long port for disembarking. Our car will be there to pick you up and return to Hanoi. You will drive straight to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in to your hotel and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave (B)
There is a very special dawn ceremony that you must see - monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to the mysteries of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you will stop at Ban Xang Hai village to witness local Lao rice wine distillation. Take a boat downstream back to the town by noon time. Have lunch at your own expense and enjoy the comfort of your hotel room amenities during noon time’s worst heat.
In the afternoon, you visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Next to the museum is the impressive shrine Wat Mai. Continue walking to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong facing the Mekong River and with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples.
Before the sun goes down, climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset over the city and the Mekong River. By the foot of the mountain, explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Siem Reap by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Luang Prabang to visit more ancient temples on foot, or chill out at a coffee shop by Mekong River Bank, or relax with Lao Massage before driving to the airport for an afternoon flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and driven to your hotel for check in. Evening is free to walk around the little town and find a good restaurant to taste your first Cambodian dish. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: Siem Reap - Angkor temples (B/L)
After breakfast, you will drive 45 minutes out of Siem Reap to visit the first of the impressive temples belonging to the Angkor complex:
Banteay Srei: nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving
Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.
Back to the town and have lunch at a local restaurant with Khmer food.
In the afternoon, you continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Pre Rup temple was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II.
The remainder of the day is free time for you to visit the town old market, enjoy a foot massage, do shopping at Angkor Night Market or have a dinner with Apsara Traditional Dance performance.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 8: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom – Bangkok by flight (B)
We start a very special day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourism. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon, you will visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
After the visit, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Landing in Bangkok, you will be picked up by our guide and check in to your hotel. You can choose to enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok, or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 9: Bangkok’s attractions & Siam Niramit Show (B/L)
After breakfast, you will explore Bangkok’s highlights including Wat Trimitr, the temple with the Golden Buddha Image, measuring 3 metres high and with a weight of 5,5 tons of gold, Wat Pho, temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as the school for the traditional Thai-massage, Wat Phra Kaeo, the most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Visit The Grand Palace, an area of 218,400m2 which is surrounded by walls and was built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900m. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha as well as royal residences.
Lunch will be served at a local Thai restaurant near Chaophaya River and continue with Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Back to your hotel after visiting the city’s highlights and be free for refreshment.
At early evening, your guide will meet you again and transfer to the Siam Niramit Show – a world class spectacular performance of Thai Art and Cultural Heritage. This must-see spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness World Records, featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes. On top of this, enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience. This is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one can miss. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 10: Bangkok – Yangon by flight & Sighseeing (B)
Early morning, you will drive to the airport for a short flight to Yangon. Upon landing, you’re picked up by our guide and start your excursion to visit Botataung Pagoda which is enshrined with the sacred hair of the Lord Buddha, Nanthida Jetty – to see the river life and city center, colonial style buildings and Sule Pagoda - a landmark in downtown Yangon.
In the afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market (used to be called Scott Market), the largest market in Yangon with time to browse among the hundreds of stalls for souvenir bargains, arts & crafts souvenir shopping center. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda - this massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, temples, Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 11: Yangon - Mandalay by flight, Amarapura - Mandalay sightseeing (B)
After breakfast, you will take an early morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, travel to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Here we will visit Mahagandayon monastery, which is a school for young monks, and the nearby U Bein bridge. It is more than two centuries old and at 1.2 km is the longest teakwood span in the world.
The afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandalay includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda; a gold leaf hammering craftshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings, Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world's largest book for its 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures, and if time permits, climb up to Mandalay Hill for a view over the city and Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 12: Mandalay - Bagan by flight, Bagan full day tour (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Bagan. Today, we begin our visit to one of Asia’s most stunning archeological destinations with its more than 2,000 pagodas dotting the plains along the legendary Ayerwaddy River:
- Bagan’s distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas
- Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a 13th century cave temple with interesting fine frescoes
- Ananda Pagoda, one of the finest, largest and best persevered in Old Bagan
- Next to it, visit Ananda Ok Kyaung, one of the few surviving brick monastery buildings from the Early Bagan period
- And Htilominlo Temple which is known to be the last Myanmar Style temple built in Bagan
In the afternoon, visit Nat Hlaung Kyaung and Thatbyinnyu Temple which towers above other monuments of Bagan. As the sun goes down, you will be at one of the ideal temple top viewing sites selected by our guide. Overnight Bagan.
Day 13: Bagan - Heho by flight, Inle full day tour (B)
Today, you will board an early flight to Heho. Arrival at Heho airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and drive to magical Inle Lake. Situated 900 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide, this large shallow lake is in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and is home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. You travel by small private boat on the lake, visiting the famous PaungDawOo pagoda, with its five famous Buddha images (four of which are carried in great ceremony around the lake during the PaungDawOo festival) and also nearby Inpawkhone Village where, in houses on stilts, you see traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms as they are made into beautiful fabric.
After our lunch time break on the lake, visit traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat making. Then enjoy a boat ride through the Kaylar village observing the many houses on stilts and the ways of life. You will see the floating gardens up close, and on to the ‘NgaphaeChaung Monastery’ which is an interesting old traditional monastery on the lake. Go to your hotel and overnight at Inle Lake.
Day 14: Heho - Yangon by flight – Bangkok by flight (B)
Fly to Yangon with morning flight in a good time to connect to a flight to Bangkok. Landing in Bangkok, you will check in an airport hotel and be free at leisure. You can choose to relax, or again enjoy its nightlife, or explore areas you didn’t see earlier, such as Chinatown, or the more modern shopping districts. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 15: Bangkok - Bali by flight, first impression of Bali (B)
Early today, you will board a flight to Bali. Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, your guide will welcome you. Bali is a beautiful island known for having a unique colourful spiritual culture. There are its many rituals and practices which originated thousands years ago, and till today they have survived. Even though it is relatively small, approximately 5,000 km2 in all, Bali boasts a whole range of different environments. This compact landscape centers on a line of active volcanoes; there is tropical rainforest that fringe the mountains, carefully cultivated rice fields, mangrove forests, a number of different rivers and streams
Today you will visit Taman Ayun Templein Menwgi, notable for its majestic gateway and soaring meru towers which are dedicated to the gods who dwell on high. Next, visit Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, one of the most famous sea side temples in Bali. The picturesque temple, suspended on a little rocky islet, is one of the important and respected temples, closely related with the priest Nirartha. After the visit, drive to your hotel for check in and overnight.
Day 16: Bali - Sightseeing (B)
First visit is Kesiman to see a Barong Dance performance then continue to Pura Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave Temple. The cave in the cliff face is filled with thousand of bats. Continue driving to Semarapura town, once the centre of Bali’s most important kingdom and now the capital of Klungkung Regency. The remains of the old royal palace, razed by Dutch troops during an attack in 1908, are within the grounds of Taman Gili. You will see here the Kerta Gosa, the Hall of Justice, which was used as a traditional court. This open-sided pavilion is decorated with exquisite examples of Kamasan paintings and Klungkung architecture. You will see also Bale Kambang, the Floating Pavilion, surrounded by a moat, similarly decorated and was used by the royal family as place to rest and be entertained. Continue the trip to Pura Besakih, Bali’s most important temple. Bali’s Mother Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest Balinese volcano and most revered mountain. The Pura Besakih is extensive complex of different temples, with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. Overnight in Bali.
Day 17: Visit Ubud & Mount Batur (B)
After breakfast, you will visit the sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal where you can observe the long-tailed macaques. The Monkey Forest represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site. It is the location of Padangtegal's Pura Dalem. Afterwards, you will see the Royal Palace, located in the centre. Winding roads further up this mountainous region will lead you to Kintamani, spectacular area of Batur. Volcanic area around Mount Batur, because of its geological heritage of international significance, became a member of the Global Geopark Network. Mount Batur itself is a small volcano, but its setting is in the heart of huge crater. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Lake Batur, all surrounded by high walls of the crater rim. Before returning to your hotel you will stop in Tampak Siring and visit Pura TirtaEmpul, one of Bali’s most significant temples and is the site of holy springs that are believed to have magical powers.
Back to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free for chilling out by poolside, on the beach or walking along streets to taste Bali street foods or seafood. Overnight in Bali.
Day 18: Bali – Departure (B)
After breakfast, your time is free for relaxing, swimming or sunbathing. Check out of your hotel by noon time and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You have just experienced 4 countries, and thousands of years of evolving culture of the many regions of Southeast Asia!
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Seats for Siam Niramit Show in Bangkok and Barong Dance in Bali
> Domestic flights from Yangon - Mandalay – Bagan – Heho - Yangon, including airport taxes, economy class, local airlines
> In-tour flights from Hanoi – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Yangon – Bangkok - Bali, including airport taxes
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
