33 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Thailand and Myanmar Panorama of Indochina Tour

Meals: B / L

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 HoanKiem 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.

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 cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. We start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islets…) of Bai Tu Long Bay.Visit and explore the ThienCanh Son Cave and Kayaking.

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 in Halong Bay.

Meals: B / L

Starting your day with Tai Chi while complimentary tea & coffee are served. Exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural are grown. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi. Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B

Today, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for onward flight to Danang. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel in Hoi An for check in. Rest is your own leisure to relaxing on the beach. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B / L

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, 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

Today you will start agreat trip with a short boat trip crossing the river to Cam Kim island from Hoi An. Saddle up for a scenic guided bike ride, following an easy 15km route around the rice paddies, farmlands and waterways.

You will visit a number of families who make local specialities delicious My Quang noodles, homemade rice wine, and experience their customs and way of life. You will have plenty of time to chat and come away with a real,understanding of their history. You will also enjoy lunch cooked by the family to experience the real taste of Hoi An. 

During the tour, we will learn about the traditional farming methods, see water buffaloes and witness the fishermen setting and harvesting their nets.. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

Hoian is also famous for its beautiful sandy beach. Today you will relax to just enjoy sun shine and the beach.

If you want some fun activities today, we highly recommend you to join a fishing tour to experience being a local fishman, or go diving in Cham Island..

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B / L

Today, transfer to airport for flight to Saigon, upon arrive, you will start to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks.

You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discoverits significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war. Then stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.  Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest. 

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B / L

Today you will discover the Mekong River and villages at the Mekong Delta region, essential to Vietnamese life

Your private guide and car will take you to the 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 you'll Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you'll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. You'll stop at the Tortoise Island where you'll enjoy lunch (own expense) in the orchard.

After lunch you'll visit AnKhanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals.When the tour is finished, you'll transfer to Can Tho.

Upon arrive in Can Tho, you will check in hotel and have a rest.

In the evening, you may wander around the night market in the centre of the small town, or enjoy some drinks at the riverside bars.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: B / L

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motor boat and captain will greet you and help you on board. You'll be taken to the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk produce for sale. The trip there will see the banks with various flowers scattered throughout.

When you arrive at the market, you'll see boats with colorful fruits and vegetables local to the region being traded in bulk. After this, you'll venture up narrow canals to find a local fruit farm hidden in the natural landscape of the creek. You'll have the chance to see local fruits such as mango, limes, jack fruit, durian and more being grown. Then you'll have the chance to sit and enjoy fresh cut fruit before returning to town by boat.

After the tour, relax at hotel for short time and check out, then you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City Check in and rest of the time at your leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B / D

Today, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for onward flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in. Rest is your own leisure.

In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner with a traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B

After breakfast, begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Angkor Wat as you pass by. However, we’ll save the best for last as you continue today to see some other equally impressive ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure hidden under a canopy will leave you feeling as if you’d stepped into an adventure movie set.

Then visit Banteay Kdei ("Citadel of Chambers”). Continue on to the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon offers many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, enjoy a sunset view from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. Return to the hotel for some time to relax..

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B / L

Be prepared today for one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat.

Enter Angkor Wat and to view its amazing architecture and history. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carving. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning exploring through the many passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the ancient world.

Continue on to the remote temple of Banteay Srei: set deep in the jungle. The Citadel of Women, Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale in comparison to the other colossal temples around Siem Reap, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. This temple is considered the jewel of Khmer art..

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B / L

In the morning, a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake—Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a fun ox cart ride through the countryside, continue on a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Spend rest of the morning at KompongPhluk, the largest village on the lak , to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang. upon arrive , guide will meet and escort you to check in. Rest of your own leisure. 

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 your Indochina tour.

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 Musem to learn some history of Laos. Then visit the Wat AhamTemplewhich 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 / L / D

Luang Say boat leaves Auberge Calao pier at 07h00am (please be at pier not later than 6.45 am) for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng and the Luang Say Lodge. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village.

Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.

Lunch is served on board, buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes

A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.

The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature.
A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

Overnight in Luang Say Lodge.

Meals: B / L

Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrowded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.

The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with one stop planned along the way to Luang Prabang.

Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights and a choice of fish and meat dishes.

After lunch, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.

Within the Mekong region, the capital of the Lao province of Bokèo, HuayXai is an important border crossing point with neighboring Chiang Khong, Thailand and was thus chosen as the ideal arrival port for the cruise.

Upon arrive in HuayXai pier, you will transfer to Chiang Rai for hotel check in.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B / L

Today, your half-day tour begins with a visit to Wat PhraKaew, said to have been the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha. From here, continue to the peaceful Wat Phra Singha, a beautiful example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. Then make a stop at Oub Kham Museumand Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre. You will view an incredible collection of artifacts from the Lanna kingdom, including ritual objects and royal treasures. Time permitting, you may take a tour of the remarkable Wat Rong Khun. (also known as the White Temple) is an impressive modern temple. Its construction began in 1998, and its expected to take several generations. Marvel at this amazing and ornate white temple, originally conceived by renowned artist ChalermchaiKositpipat. After Wat Rong Khun, head back into the city to visit Chiang Rai's busiest market before being delivered back to your hotel.

Meals: B / L

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.

Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fightingnear the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunchwill be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden.  Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain.  Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure. 

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, we will drive toward Chiang Mai to continueyour Indochina tour in northern Thailand. After around 3 hours drive, you will stop enjoy a cooking lesson to learn how to cook local Thai Food, lunch will be the food you cook and enjoy it there.

After lunch (own expense), visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temple Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B / L

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.

Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.

Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary.

Your visit helps support their regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B

In the morning, start your cultural tour of Chiang Mai. Firststop at Kad Ton Payom Market, renowned for its fresh fruits and flowers, aromatic spices and northern Thai cuisine. You can participate in the local tradition of almsgiving — offering food to Buddhist monks. Continue to the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds in English and Thai before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue. You’ll also visit the 14th-century Wat SuanDok, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel, then enjoy an opportunity to chat with a monk about Buddhism and temple life.

In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay, upon arrive , guide meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in .

Overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: B / L

This morning, you will start to see the Highlights of Mandalay. Start off with a 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.

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 MahaGanayonKyaung 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.

Meals: B

This morning, transfer by flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the Aureum Palace Hotel for 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 NyaungOo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Continue on to the ShwezigonPagoda , the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Then enjoy a Horse Cart Rideto 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 ridingback 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 (own expense) 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.

Meals: B

Transfer to airport for onward flight to Heho where you will be picked up and transfer you to your hotel by the lakeside 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

Your Excursion today will be made by long tail boat to see life of In-tha (name of local ethnic people live on the lake), to discover their unique floating farms and life on floating village. You will also see how the local fisher to fish with only one leg paddling the boat and the Long Neck Ladies who were relocated from the Myanmar and Thailand border.

Rest of the day is at leisure to relax. 

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Meals: B

Todaywill be your own arrangement in Inle Lake.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Meals: B / D                                                                                                     

In the morning, transfer by flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel,  The Strand Yangon for check in.

In the evening, enjoy a Cultural Dinner Showon the Karaweik Palace, which is a floating marble boat. The show features the traditional instruments, attire, and dances of Burma conveying the ten national arts. After the show, return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, visit the downtown area to see the Old City Hall, and Maharbandoola Park. Then stroll along the old street ending at the old Strand Hotel. Next, drive to Botahtaung Pagoda which features golden decorations inside. Continue to Bogyoke Market which sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone, wood and bronze carvings, and much more. .In the afternoon, visit Kandawgyi Park near Chaukhtetgyi Reclining Buddha Image – one of the largest in Yangon. Continue to the highlight of Yangon: the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, which has been described as one of the wonders of the world. Shwedagon plays a very important role in the Old Burmese History and also is an important Buddhist icon. Enjoy the sunset over the pagoda.

Overnight in Yangon.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home.