37 Days Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia Panorama Tour

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, you will escort to start visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat PhraKaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: B / L

This morning visitDamnoenSaduak Floating Market where you will experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits and products from their boats. Explore the market before continuing on to Kanchanburito learn about the region's storied past and present-day culture. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to get an understanding of the deadly, Herculean task many Thais were faced with decades ago.

Then continue to Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park. . The park is full of examples of the Khmar influenced architecture in this part of Thailand. Take some time to just relax here, before making your way back to Bangkok hotel.

Overnight in Bankok.

Meals: B / L

You will be picked up from your hotel in Bangkok in the morning and depart for northern Thailand. The first stop is at Bang Pa In, the former summer residence of the kings of Ayutthaya, built in the 18th century. Here, you will visit the Royal Palace, the Thai Pavilion, the Chinese-style Palace VihatChamrun with its bushes trimmed in elephant shapes.

Continue to Ayutthaya, which used to be the former royal Siamese capital and visit the most interesting temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proceed to Lopburi, visiting Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with three towers and impressive ornaments as well as the shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali at the SarnPrakarn Temple. Lunch at a local restaurant then continue on to Lopburi city.As you enter the region, notice numerous numbers of monkeys running around freely and even more at the Khmer-inspired landmarks of Prang Sam Yot. Visit nearby San Prakan before heading NaraiRajnivej Palace. The palace designed by french architect therefore there’s noticeable inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, France. The palace was abandoned after King Narai has passed away. Finish and transfer to your hotel for check in . Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Lopburi.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast at the hotel, we will Head toSukhothaiforexploring this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant.

Relax in the tranquil town of Sukhothai, set amid leafy forests, perfumed gardens and fertile rice paddies on a fertile plain. If you’d like, head to the fascinating night market and try a local dish such as Sukhothai noodles, fried rice or even fried insects! Or, enjoy some pampering at Sukhothai's herbal sauna and massage center.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast,take a short drive to Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si RattanaMahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants.

Continue head to Lampang. Upon arrive, we will drive into town and make a one hour horsecart ride through the old streets of Lampang. After this we will visit Wat Pong Sanuk, Wat PhraKaew Don Tao, Ban Sao Nak and the former house of Louis T.Leonowens, the son of Anna Leonowens from the book “Anna and the King of Siam”.

After lunch, we will visit the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum and Factory where the famous “chicken bowl” is being produced. The dragon kiln is the oldest kiln in Lampang Province. You will get a guided tour and will see the production process of ceramics from upclose. Transfer back to hotel and relax.

Overnight in Lampang.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, relax at hotel and meet your guide and driver at hotel for transfer to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will transfer to hotel for check in and rest at the hotel. Continue our visiting to Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang before proceeding to Lamphun. Visit Wat Haripoonchai, a Burmese-style temple. Finally, arrive at Chiang Mai.

After lunch, Start with the crown jewel: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located near the summit of its namesake mountain. Take a drive up the mountain’s winding road, then disembark for the final climb of 306 steps via a staircase designed as a magnificent naga (dragon-headed serpent). Inside the temple you'll find a copper-plated chedi (stupa) topped by a five-tiered gold umbrella, believed to contain partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, enjoy commanding views over Chiang Mai.

After your descent, continue on down a road into town, passing by Warorot Market before visiting two more impressive temples. First is the must-see Wat Chedi Luang, which towers 196 feet (60 meters) high and is the revered home of the Emerald Buddha. Next, visit the 14th-century Wat Phra Singh (Temple of the Lion Lord), which houses a sacred 1,500-year-old Buddha image and served as the principal religious center of the Lanna Kingdom. The complex is composed of several buildings of varying architectural and artistic merit.

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.

Itinerary:

Starting From: 8:00am - 8:30am from your Chiang Mai city hotel or you must be at our office at 7:40am.

Feeding the Elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.          

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Bathe these gentle giants as they splash around. If going into the river is not for you then watch the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the river bank.

Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, you will head to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai, listen as your guide details the full-day itinerary ahead and shares information about this former opium-producing capital.  Make a stop at the Mae Ka Chan hot springs, where you can soak sore muscles in three natural pools. Let tiny fish nibble dead skin from your feet, or purchase quail eggs to cook in the boiling waters. Back in the vehicle, you’re taken to where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. From a viewpoint set high on a hillside, enjoy a panoramic vista over the three countries.Your guide points out the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers; watch the scene unfold below or opt for a boat ride across the mighty Mekong (own expense). Continue on to Mae Sai, the northernmost trading post located near the Thailand-Myanmar border, where a regional lunch is served.  Nearing the lovely city of Chiang Rai, your guide accompanies you to Wat Rong Khun — aka the White Temple — a contemporary complex made of shimmering glass and painted white plaster rebuilt by a local artist who began construction in 1997.  On the return journey to Chiang Mai you’ll visit the hill tribe villages of Akha and Yao before drop-off at your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B

Today, you will enjoy your free morning at your hotel or may walk into the ancient down town by your own. 

In the afternoon, check out and 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 Capital.

Meals: B

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

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.

Meals: B

Transfer to airport for onward flight to Heho where you will be picked up and transfer to Kakku. Located in the heart of Shan state, you find over 2000 stupas at the Kakku Pagoda Complex, which were mostly built in the 16th century. Your guide provides information about the history and legends of the Kakku Pagodas. Afterwards, you head to HtanPhaya, a village where you can explore a cave, hiding numerous images of different sized Shan Buddhas. On the way head to Inle Lake, you pass by Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state. There you get the chance to meet the Pa-Oh people, the second largest ethnic group in the Shan state. Then you will be transferred to Inle Lake for check in. Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Meals: B / L

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.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 / 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.

Finish tour and transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi. Upon arrive, guide will meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel check in.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals:  B / L

07:00 Depart Hanoi by your private car to Sapa.

Around mid-day arrive in Sapa and check into the hotel. At an elevation of 1,500 meters,Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic.
In the afternoon, you will take a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 3 km) to visit Cat Cat Village of the Black H’mong, one of the more well-known ethnic village of Sapa. Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam.

Transfer back to hotel, rest is at your own leisure.

Overnight in Sapa.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, you will start your trekking of the day. 7km of walking down to the south east of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho Village of the Black H’mong to see those sensual patterns of the terraces from above. And then 3km trekking down to Lao Chai Village, 4 km through terraced rice fields to Ta Van Village of the Dzay minority people. Have picnic lunch at a local family, where you can see the local house architecture and witness local daily life styles and exclusive customs. Enjoy the landscapes on the way until transfer to railway station for a overnight train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on Train.

Meals: B / D

After breakfast, you will escort to visit 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.

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 whereVietnam’s  best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

In the evening, you will enjoying with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You'll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

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 Thien Canh 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 airport for your onward flight to Danang, upon arrive, you will escort to Hoi An for hotel.

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 ascentyou'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.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: B / L

This morning start with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop it's shores. Along the river, you'll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations. Continue on visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb. 

In the afternoon, press on to see the Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. View its vast gardens and structural relics. Walk through the outer perimeter of the city to see many of the national treasures and buildings inside. Venture further in to enter the Purple Forbidden City, which was off limits to the general public. Only royalty and the highest officials in the Vietnamese government were allowed to enter. Last stop of the day is theDong Ba Market where you can purchase local fruits and foods.

Overnight in Hue.

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, discover its 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 Ben Thanh market, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas.

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 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 or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small).  Return to Saigon airport for flight to Siem Reap,Upon arrival, guide will meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for checking in.

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 / D

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.

In the evening , you will enjoy an dinner with Cambodia traditional Apasara Dancing Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B

After breakfast, check out and transfer to airport for flight to Phuket. Upon arrive, guide will meet and escort you to check in. Spend the rest of the evening soaking up the sea-breeze or experiencing the area's famed nightlife. Rest of your own leisure.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

Today is your relaxing day on the beach.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

Continue to relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will take a speed boat to Phi Phi Island. Up arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Rest is your own leisure relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in Phi Phi Island.

Meals: B

Continue to relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in Phi Phi Island.

Meals: B

Continue to relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in Phi Phi Island.

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer back to Phuket by speed boat, then escort to airport for your home flight.

Service End