26 Days Vietnam Myanmar and Laos Tour

Meals: B

This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a Bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day - The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight on Board

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Danang, upon arrive , you will escort to Hoi An for hotel check in.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China's influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: B / L

Your guide will assist with check out. Then take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam (4 hours). Start by riding along the beaches of Danang where you'll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. As you approach the steep and narrow ascent you'll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook photo. Continue your climb to a summit where the clouds meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. Onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines you'll find numerous breathtaking scenes, great places to stop for photos. As you enter Hue, you'll be impressed by the many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings. Check in to your hotel in Hue.

In the afternoon, meet a private guide and cyclo driver for the trip to your first stop of the day, Tinh Tam Lake, which was formed from a bend in the Kim Long River. Keep your camera ready to snap unobstructed photos from the front of the cyclo as you head into the Imperial Center, and learn about Hue’s royal history as you trace a route to a series of landmarks. You’ll see the Flag Tower, the Ngo Mon Gate, and the Nine Dynastic Urns, cast-bronze urns that each represent a onetime Emperor. Learn the story behind the “Nine Holy Cannons,” one for each season and each of the five elements, cast by the Emperor Gia Long in 1803. Throughout the afternoon, your guide will share stories from Hue’s history, and offer a local perspective on life in the city.

Overnight in Hue

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

Hue is the old capital of Vietnam with many beautiful sites; especially Hue street food often attracts a lot of travelers in Vietnam as well as in the world. This tour will give travelers a change to taste a lot of street food at different famous street restaurants. This will take you around 4 hours for exploring the city and the local food. Your guider will pick you up from the hotel to relax on the cyclo to go around the city, and stop at many local restaurants to taste the street food; you will eat like a local.

During the tour, you also come to the local market Dong Ba to explore daily business of the locals and get chance to take pictures. We will taste many local different dishes: Banh Khoai – Hue pancake; Bun Bo Hue – Hue beef vermicelli soup; Banh Loc – Filtered tapioca dumplings; Banh Beo – Steamed rice discs topped with shrimp; Ram It – Sticky rice dumplings on a fried dumpling; Banh Nam – Steamed flat rice dumplings; Banh Uot – Hue wet rice paper; Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled prork vermicelli; Nem Lui – Grilled chopped meat and much more. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in. Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals: B / L

Begin with pickup at your hotel, then spend the morning exploring downtown. Hear stories about Vietnamese history in between stops at a series of key monuments and landmarks. See the elegant Colonial-era architecture of the General Post Office, then cross the street to the brick red Notre Dame Cathedral. Pass the Reunification Palace, then take in exhibits about wartime atrocities and fallout at the War Remnants Museum, which also has a fascinating collection of vintage tanks and airplanes.

Pause for lunch at the pho restaurant where President Bill Clinton dined during a surprise visit to Ho Chi Minh City in the year 2000. After lunch, drive into the countryside to see the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of excavations that were created during the French colonial era, then expanded by the Viet Cong during the war with the United States. Watch a video about the tunnels, then walk through them and see demonstrations of the traps and weapons used against American GIs. Transfer back to hotel and rest on your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals: B / L

Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life. This morning, transfer to remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small). Return to Saigon hotel and rest of the day on your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy the free morning until transfer to airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in. In the afternoon, you’ll be greeted at your hotel by your guide in Yangon at 3pm in the afternoon. Set off on a half day exploring the diverse sites and fascinating culture of Yangon. Starting downtown, a walking tour will include sights such as colonial-era buildings, colorful religious buildings and the glittering Sule Pagoda. A walk along the lively streets will reveal scenes of daily life with stalls selling a variety of snacks, fruits and dry goods and local residents gathering for cups of tea or rushing off to catch a bus to work. As the day comes to a close, travel to Shwedagon Pagoda. The 100-metre, gold covered stupa is the most holy site in Myanmar and a ‘must see’ for any visitor. Walk up the stairs, passing stalls filled with religious items such as offerings, incense and Buddhist statues, or take the lift to the elevated platform where Shwedagon stands. The glittering pagoda is a stunning site in the early evening, with the gentle sound of bells ringing and local pilgrims meditating or praying. Our driver will transfer you back to your hotel safely after a wonderful tour.

Overnight in Yangon

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

This morning, transfer by flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel check in.

This afternoon, explore Bagan. See its thousands of Buddhist pagodas spread in the valley of the Ancient City of Bagan. These pagodas were once owned by individual families during prosperous times. Visit the Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Continue on to the Shwezigon Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Then enjoy a Horse Cart Ride to the small village of Taung Phi for a view of a teak monastery Continue by horse cart around temples and winding roads as the sun makes it's way to the sky's edge casting curious shadows from the temples across the plain. Continue to Shesandaw Pagoda. Watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia before riding back to your hotel.

Overnight in Bagan

Meals: B / L

This morning start your scenic drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with its golden shrines. Situated 50 km southeast of Bagan, this solitary peak showcases the Popa Taungkalat shrine, the favored home of Myanmar’s most powerful “Nats” (local spirits), statues of which can be found at its base. These spirits were once so important to the country's early Kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign. The shrine is located at the top of the mountain, and if you have the energy, take off your shoes and socks to climb to the top (well worth the climb!) Along the way are a multitude of monkeys expecting treat!

Along the way, stop by a local village to learn about local culture and lifestyle. Then enjoy lunch at a hill resort. On the way back visit a palm sugar workshop, where the harvested nectar from local trees is cooked into the sugar cubes we see in teashops today.

Overnight in Bagan

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Transfer to airport for onward flight to Heho where you will be picked up and transfer you to your hotel by the lake side of Inle Lake. Inle Lake locates in the highland of Myanmar in an altitude of around 3,000 feet above sea level. Here you will enjoy different atmosphere and ambience from middle part of Myanmar. After check in hotel, enjoy your day at leisure to relax.

Overnight in Inle Lake

Meals: B / L

After your breakfast around 8am and take a boat trip to Inle Lake (second largest lake in Myanmar). The Intha’s lives are centered on the lake — they live in stilted houses, grow produce such as tomatoes, melons, and papayas in a unique floating gardens, and eat fish as a staple.

You will visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most highly revered monastery in the Inle Lake area. Discover the traditional handicrafts silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop.

Then, continue our boat ride to Nga Phe Chaung monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake. The Buddha statues are more than 200 years old. On the lake, you can see traditional fishing methods by using the leg rowing technique. We proceed to the floating garden - Kyun-Hmyaw, which was built-up from strips of water hyacinth and mud, dredged from the lake bed, which breaks down into a rich humus; it take 50 years to produce a layer of 1m thick. Relax and enjoy spectacular sunset views over Inle Lake before returning to hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy the morning free on your own to be relax, until transfer to airport for onward flight to Mandalay. Upon arrive, your guide will pick you up from airport and escort you to hotel for check in.

After a rest in hotel, you will visit the Mahamuni Image where you can to watch locals pray and place gold paper on the statue of Buddha for blessing. If you like, for a small donation you can also participate (only men are allowed to place the gold on the statue).

Then visit a gold paper factory to see how golden leafs are made, a staple in Burmese religious practices. On to visit the 19th century Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist mythology. Next, see the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is a Buddhist stupa that contains the world's largest book of Buddhism. Towards end of your day, enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay

Meals: B / L

Morning: Transfer to Sagiang, the capital of Sagiang Division located on the Irrawady River. Cross the Inwa Bridge, which was built by the British in 1934. Then visit the Maha Ganayon Kyaung Monastery to see hundreds of monks line up for daily meals. On to visit the U Bein Bridge which is 1.2 kilometers long and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Next visit Kaung Mu Taw Pagoda: a dome shaped pagoda which rises up 46 meters. At the base of the pagoda there are 812 stone pillars, each one with a hollow and image of a Nat inside. Continue with a visit to Sagaing Hill. The hill has a number of small pagodas with many meditation centers along with Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda – a pagoda painted in gold. You may want to stop at monasteries and nunneries to speak with monks while enjoying hot green tea. Then continue with a visit of Amarapura,"City of Immortality", the old capital of Myanmar. At the end of the day, visit the ancient temple of Pahtodawgyi which was built in 1820.

Overnight in Mandalay

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement

Welcome to Laos! The land of unique culture and stunning natural view. Upon your arrival, your local tour guide will welcome you at the airport then escort you to hotel with private car. Check in hotel and relax.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

Luang Prabang, the city surrounded by Mekong River and well known for its golden city is well known for its beautiful decorated Buddhist temples, it is a place that you will keep appearing in your mind for long time after visiting. Your memorable trip will starts from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accepts the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then start the half day excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax. Drive back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Wat Xiengthong which is symbolic temple of the classic Laotian architecture, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Then visit the Wat Aham Temple which means “Monastery of the Opened Heart” and the Stupa of Wat Visoun. Rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore the city, you can enjoy some drinks in one of the cafés or strolling along the beautiful riverside.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Today you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. Along the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see daily life of local people in riverside fishing village.

Visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River and you will discover numbers of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in the cave. After visiting, take the boat back to Luang Prabang, rest of day on your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

8:30 am – 9:00 am:  Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang

Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants

Bareback Elephant Ride: Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 km bareback elephant ride!  1 person per elephant

Mahout Training: Receive your basic mahout training on how to control an elephant just like a mahout!

Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant.  Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options available)

Bathe Your Elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating and once in a lifetime bathing experience!

Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax, dip your feet or take a swim in the clear, cool water (water levels vary with seasonal conditions)

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy your breakfast and free morning until transfer you to airport for onward flight to Vientiane. Upon your arrival your private guide and driver will welcome you at the airport then escort you to hotel for check in. Rest of day on your own leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B / L

Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos with rich heritage of Buddhist culture, is waiting for you to discover. You full day city tour will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. Your will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the temple Wat Sisaket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. The temple Wat Prakeo which housing the famous Emerald Buddha image really amazed the Indochina tour makers. Your full day Vientiane city tour will also visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. In the afternoon Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos shaman. The concrete sculptures are unique and intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park. After Buddha Park start driving back to Vientiane. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

Enjoy some relaxing time then head to airport for onward flight to the next destination of your Indochina tour in Laos—Pakes. Upon arrival in Pakes, we will drive to Tad Fan Waterfall which is the largest and most amazing waterfall in Laos. Lunch will be arranged in local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will continue your tour to visit Bolavan Plateau to discover the Alak, Nge and Katu villages. The trip to the Bolaven Plateau will bring you away from the heats and allows you to observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, etc. Drive back to hotel in Pakes before dark.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meals: B / L / D

After 7 days interesting sightseeing for your Indochina tour in Laos, you might be tired and needs relaxing time. Embarking on the Vat Phou Cruise for a 3 days Mekong River Cruise tour will offer you unique experience in the rural Laos. The cruise boat will starts at 10:30am and heading south to Champassak. Lunch will be served onboard. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a shore excursion to Vat Phou Ruins which is a temple complex built in Pre-Angkorian 10thcentury. You will have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the largest temple and stroll around. Transfer to Vat Phou Boat, dinner will be served on board while you are enjoying a beautiful tropical sunset.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meals: B / L / D

Breakfast is on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo. This is a small village a few minutes’ walk away from the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. Afterwards we rejoin the boat to continue our cruise southwards. Lunch is on the deck, while leisurely sailing closer to the wild paradise of the "4,000 Islands" Late afternoon we disembark from the boat to walk through Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Our day's cruise finishes at the most northern tip of Don Khong, the largest inhabited island in the river archipelego. After dinner, the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meals: B / L

While you breakfast on the deck, the Vat Phou boat cruises the Mekong to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander among the 4,000 Islands to Khone Island. You will visit the old French railway and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. We continue on the boat back to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant in a small fishing village, Xieng Di, on the banks of the Mekong. A bus transfers you to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfall, "the Niagara of the East", close to the Cambodian border. We then bring you back to Pakse for the end of the cruise experience, arriving around 5.00-5.30 pm

Upon disembark, you will be picked up by your local guide in Pakse and escorts you to airport for onward flight to your sweet home.

End of service.