Best of Myanmar and Indochina

Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a tuk-tuk ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm, at sunrise. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back out on a full day temple tour. Starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat – the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture, we proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then set off to the tranquil countryside around Kulen Mountain – the Khmer Empire’s capital in the early 9th century. Here we visit countless ancient temples, the River of 1000 Lingas, a reclining Buddha and cascading waterfall. After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings, followed by Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.

This morning, we travel to Siem Reap by shared bus from Phnom Penh. The journey take around 6 hours with lunch en route by your own expense.

In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market”, where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum an excellent introduction into ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.

Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”.

Then your driver will take you to the airport for flight to Saigon. Arrive in Saigon, pick up and check in hotel. Free and relax.

Today you travel to the Mekong River Delta on a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape. After breakfast, your guide & driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at an ancient house (over 170 years old!) in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around 3:30 PM in Vinh Long. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Saigon.

Depart Hotel early in the morning for Cu Chi to visit the Tunnels. Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels begun in 1948 by the Viet Minh in their struggle against the French. These tunnels were expanded and used by the Viet Cong during the war between Vietnam and America. Americans called this the ‘Iron Triangle’ and was a stronghold of the Vietcong for almost thirty years. Walk underground in the tunnels.
In the afternoon, you will take in the highlights of Ho Chi Minh starting with an exploration of Saigon’s turbulent past with visits to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Next, sample City‘s finest examples of French colonial architecture with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral and Post Office.
In the late afternoon, take a flight to Hanoi. Up on arrival, pick up and check in hotel. Free and relax.

After breakfast, we will depart for Halong Bay – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasting scenery made famous by the French film “Indochine”. Wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We embark on a boat to explore some of the many beautiful islands and grottos. Sailing past the evocatively shaped islets and dramatic caves of Ha Long bay can be a magical experience. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.

Wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie; in summer you can hear birds singing, even that cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Our boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will be served on the way. Check out and arrive at the harbor by 11:30

Your driver will pick up and take you back to Hanoi. Take a walk around the center, visiting some of Hanoi’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Then enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison and the Ethnology Museum).

Then your driver will take you to the airport for flight to Yangon. Up on arrival, pick up and check in hotel. Free and relax.

Today we have an early morning flight Bagan, in fact, the only direct flight. Bagan is Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside. Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions. We continue our tour with a visit to Ananda Temple, stopping along the way on the Bagan plains to admire some of the surrounding temples. In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer ware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made.

After breakfast, start with an exotic horse cart ride to one of the biggest temples in Bagan: Nan Paya Pagoda and many other interesting sites nearby, continue with sightseeing to Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, take note of the architectural difference in MyaZedi Pagoda before heading to Manuha Temple.

Leave Mandalay for Heho. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar is located 900 meters above sea level and is home to the Intha people, famous for their one leg rowing technique.

Upon arrival, board a motorboat for a sightseeing tour to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images and believed to be the holiest pagoda in Inle Lake. Our next stop is Ngaphechaung Monastery, known as “Jumping Cat Pagoda”. As you travel closer to Nam Pan Village, have a look at cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses. These sites will give you a true sense of traditional Intha life.

This morning, you will visit the 5-Day Market, which is held in different villages surrounding the lake. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere.

After lunch, the boat will take you to beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It will certainly be relaxing to walk along the corridor and enjoy the giant columns which have been left nature for centuries.

Depart Inle Lake for Yangon. Spend the full day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon to Chaukhtayi Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake. After lunch, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda. The golden pagoda is really a must see while you are in Myanmar. Finish off the afternoon with some shopping at Scott Market.

Your highlight for this evening is dinner in Karaweik Palace overlooking the Royal Lake and Shwedagon Tower. Fine Burmese food will be served for dinner followed by an amazing cultural show.

Day at leisure until to transfer to the airport to take flight back to your country.