Destination: Yangon/Bagan/Mandalay/Amarapura/Mingun/Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai/Pakbeng/Luang Prabang/Pak Ou/Vientiane

Description: This 16-day tour will offer you an opportunity to have real discovery truly Asia, the land of golden pagodas, preserved culture, unspoiled nature, untouched way of local life, delicious tasty local food. And so many things are waiting for your exploration.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Yangon arrival (G)

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport welcome by our local guide and transfer to your Hotel. In the afternoon drive to Mawtin Jetty and take a rickshaws for a short trip along the Yangon River, visit the Strand Hotel built in 1896, once described as the "leading hotel of the East" and proceed to Botataung Pagoda, where sacred hair relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined in it and late in the afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda described by Somerset Maugham: "The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city." 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, and Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the sunset over the Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon/Bagan (B, L, G)

Early morning flight to Bagan. Full day sightseeing tour of Bagan with a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples, such as Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; the Gu Byauk Gyi Temple, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes; the Ananda Temple, with four huge standing Buddha images and numerous seated figures in niches around the galleried interior and the Shwe Gu Gyi Temple, noted for its fine stucco carvings and panoramic views of the area's many monuments. In the afternoon visit Myinkaba, two km south of Bagan. This village is well known for its lacquer ware workshops and has also a number of interesting temples, as Nanphaya Temple, said to have once been the residence of King Manuha and Gu Byauk Gyi Temple, which has very nice frescoes inside. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan/Mandalay/Amarapura/Mandalay (B, L, G)

Morning flight to Mandalay, the city of the last Myanmar Kings, by Air Mandalay or Yangon Airways. Upon arrival drive to Amarapura the "City of Immortals" and visit the 150 year old Mahagandayon monastery, and famous Buddhist learning center. It is home to a thousand monks, who will form a procession as they go to take their noon and final meal of the day. Amarapura was the capital of upper Burma until 1850. As was the custom, most of the important wooden palaces and monasteries were taken down and transported to the new capital in Mandalay. Apart from Pagodas that have survived, the ancient art of silk and cotton weaving, using handlooms, is very much alive and visit U Bein wooden bridge, over 150 years old, which is still in use. In the afternoon visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, originally built by King Bodawpaya in 1784, hosting the revered Mahamuni image, cast in the 1st Century and now covered in thick gold leaves; Shwenandaw monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; Atumashi monastery (Incomparable Monastery); Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world's Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures and finally climb Mandalay Hill for the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay/Mingun/Yangon (B, L, G)

After breakfast drive to Kywezon jetty to watch the busy riverside activity and take a local riverboat to the ancient capital of Mingun (approximately 1 hour per way). Visit the Settawya Pagoda, with a footprint of the Buddha, walk to the huge Mingun Bell, see the nearby unfinished Mingun Pagoda, built to be the world's biggest pagoda and visit the Hsinbyume Pagoda, a reproduction of the mythological Mt. Meru. Back to Mandalay, there is enough time for a visit some of the famous handicraft workshops such as wood carving, marble cutting and gold leaf making! Late afternoon flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 5: Yangon (B, L, G)

After breakfast continue sightseeing of Yangon: Sule Pagoda , dating back over 2000 years, walk around the downtown area and don't miss the sprawling Bogyoke Market! Wide streets, orderly town planning and neglected public buildings revive visions of British rule, while busy streets scenes and shimmering pagodas, bursting through a leafy canopy, hint at the rich local culture. Skyscrapers and glaring neon billboards have yet to overtake the capital. Afternoon free at your own leisure.

Day 6: Yangon/Bangkok (B, L, G)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. You’ll then be free at leisure. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 7: Bangkok (B, L, G)

While in Bangkok we will visit the Grand Palace, cruise the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat, explore Chinatown and wander down Sampeng Lane, once infamous for its seedy collection of opium dens and brothels. There will, of course, be opportunities to savour some of the world's best Thai cuisine and free time to enjoy some of Asia's best shopping.

Day 8: Bangkok/Chiang Mai (B, L, G)

We take our flight to Chiang Mai, jewel of the north. Admire the stunning views from the hilltop Doi Suthep temple, one of the most sacred in all Thailand, and see the city's sights on a fun sample tour.

Day 9: Chiang Mai/Elephant Camp (B, L, G)

Delve into the local culture with visits to a local elephant training camp and orchid farm and learn more about Buddhism when you meet one of the local monks. There will be time to visit the famous night markets, pamper yourself with Thai massages.

Day 10: Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai (B, L, G)

Travel to Chiang Rai, in the heart of the mystical Golden Triangle region.

Day 11: Chiang Rai/Pakbeng (B, L, G)

In the morning, cross the border into Laos, the "Land of a Million Elephants". We travel down the Mekong River, witnessing traditional rural scenes, rustic villages and stunning scenery. Stay overnight in the old trading post of Pakbeng.

Day 12: Pakbeng/Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves (B, L, G)

We board our boat and continue to Luang Prabang. Along the way we visit a remote hilltribe village and witness the hundreds of Buddha effigies at Pak Ou Caves. In beautiful Luang Prabang, gain an insight into the local culture as we enter ornate monasteries, visit the interesting Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, and chat with the local monks.

Day 13: Luang Prabang (cooking class) (B, L, G)

Enjoy a fun Lao cooking class at the riverside Tamarind Restaurant and visit stunning Khuang Si Falls. We will also rise early to witness the ancient ritual of local monks collecting alms at dawn, and soak up the town's relaxed atmosphere with a game of petanque.

Day 14: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (B, L, G)

Fly to Vientiane, which retains an old world charm that is becoming increasingly rare in Asia. Here we visit the golden-spired That Luang, Wat Sisaket and the Patuxai Monument – Laos' own Arc de Triomphe.

Day 15: Vientiane (B, L, G)

Visit the interactive COPE centre and gain a valuable insight into the problems UXO's (unexploded mines, bombs etc) have caused in this peaceful land and what this fantastic organisation is doing to help. Late afternoon is the ideal time to reflect on your journey with a sunset drink by the Mekong.

Day 16: Vientiane (B, L, G)

You’ll be free until the guide and driver come and take you to the airport for your departure flight.

Price in US$ per person:

Price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation in twin or double room.

• All pick up and transfer.

• Boat cruise as program

• One way domestic flight tickets in Myanmar: Yangon – Bagan, Bagan - Mandalay, Mandalay – Yangon, in Thailand: Bangkok – Chiang Mai, in Laos: Luang Prabang – Vientiane, including airport taxes.

• Other one way international flight tickets: Yangon – Bangkok, excluding airport taxes

• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.

• Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned in the programme.

• Lunches as specified.

• VAT and other taxes.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.

• Visas.

• Other meals not mentioned.

• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.  

• Insurance

Hotel list for Five Star standard:

• Yangon: Trader Hotel (***** sits at the centre of the capital, the perfect base for taking in the city's distinctive and fascinating culture) or similar

• Bagan: Tharabar Gate Hotel (***** surrounded by more than 4000 ancient temples and Pagodas) or similar

• Mandalay: Sedona Mandalay Hotel (***** ideally located in the heart of the city and faces the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill) or similar

• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) similar

• Chiang Mai: Holiday Inn Chiang Mai (**** only minutes from some of the cities most famous temples and the renowned night bazaar)

• Chiang Rai: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort (***** located 10 minutes from Chiang Rai International Airport)

• Pakbeng: Pakbeng Lodge (good location)

• Luang Prabang: La Residence Hotel (***** positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views) or similar

• Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (*****located right in the city centre, within walking distance) or similar

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Yangon: Grand Plaza Park Royal (**** in the heart of the city’s prized cultural attractions) or similar

• Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel (**** sits on the edge of the Eastern bank of great Ayeyawaddy river, near one of the sacred stupa, Gawdaw-palin) or similar

• Mandalay: Mandalay Hill Resort (****lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas, face the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace) or similar

• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar

• Chiang Mai      : The Empress Hotel (**** located in central Chiang Mai, a 10-minute walk to the famous Night Bazaar) o similar

• Chiang Rai       : Imperial Golden Triangle (**** located around 1 km to Anantara Golden Triangle, superior room) or similar.

• Pakbeng: Pakbeng Lodge (good location)

• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (*****, established in 1992 by Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence)

• Vientiane: Novotel hotel (**** ideal location for business trips and holidays) or similar

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

•  Yangon: Summit Parkview Hotel (*** short distance from the business district and major sightseeing places) or similar

• Bagan: Thazin Garden Hotel (*** on the high plain surrounded with ancient Pagodas and ruins) or similar

• Mandalay: Mandalay City Hotel (*** an urban resort hotel, the needs of value-orientated business and leisure travelers) or similar

• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar

• Chiang Mai: Lanna Palace Hotel (*** city centre and near by mountain)

• Chiang Rai: Rimkok Resort (*** good location with a very big swimming pool)

• Pakbeng: Pakbeng Lodge (good location)

• Luang Prabang: Manoluck Hotel (*** combine modern international luxury with traditional Lao styles) or similar

• Vientiane: Inter City hotel (*** centrally located, facilitated with basic modern comforts) or similar

If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.