Myanmar, Laos & Vietnam - 16 days

day 1 Yangon

Arrival in Yangon Transfer - Overnight in Yangon

day 2 Yangon (Breakfast )

Sightseeing in Yangon Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay\'s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Start the day at the SULE PAGODA, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centerpoint of the city. Afterwards, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM to gain an insight into Myanmar. See the eight meter high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artifacts from Burmese history and culture. Enjoy a break at BOGYOKE (SCOTT) MARKET, a pleasant covered market containing crafts from all corners of Myanmar, gems, fabrics and more. (The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays). In the afternoon, visit some of the more well known pagodas, including BOTATAUNG PAGODA, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from Inda over 2000 years ago, and NGADATKYI PAYA, with a giant seated Buddha image. Finally, continue to the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colors of twilight. Overnight in Yangon

day 3 Yangon - Bagan (Breakfast )

Transfer Flight from Yangon to Bagan. Transfer Sightseeing in Bagan Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Ayeyarwaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. SHWEZIGON PAYA: King Anawrahta started the construction of the Schwezigon Pagoda to enshrine some relicts of Buddha. The construction was finished by his successor, King Kyansittha between 1086 and1090. Originally the Shwezigon Pagoda marked the northern end of the city of Bagan. The stupa\'s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi-Inn: This Temple was built in the early 13th Century and repaired in 1468. The great colorful painting about the previous life of Buddha and the distinguished architecture make this temple an interesting site for a visit. This temple is not to be confounded with the Gubyaukgyi Temple in Myinkabe. ANANDA PAHTO: one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba: Built in 1113 by Kyanzittha son Rajakumar, this temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls. The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan. MANUHA TEMPLE: The Manuha Temple was built in 1059 by King Manuha, the King of Thaton, who was brought captive to Bagan by King Anawrahta. It enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. It is said that this temple was built by Manuha to express his displeasure about his captivity in Bagan. SHWESANDAW PAYA: In 1057 King Anawrahta built this Pagoda following his conquest of Thaton. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan\'s magnificent sunsets. LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP: the villages around Bagan are known for producing the finest lacquerware in Myanmar. Stop by one of the workshops and learn about the painstaking process of laquerware making and decoration. Overnight in Bagan

day 4 Bagan (Breakfast )

Sightseeing in Bagan MAHABODHI TEMPLE: Inspired by the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India, this temple was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1211 to 1234). Temples of this nature only appeared during the Late Bagan period and the Mahabodhi is the only one of this style in Bagan. DHAMAYANGYI TEMPLE: The brickwork of this temple is said to rank one of the finest in Bagan. Built in the 12th century, it is not exactly clear by which King actually started the construction. Some sources say it was King Narathu, others say it was constructed a little earlier, during the reign of King Alaungsithu. SULAMANI TEMPLE: Built in 1181 by King Narapatisithu this temple is one of the best examples of the later, more sophisticated temple styles. Carved stucco on mouldings, pediments and pilasters represents some of Bagan finest ornamental work and is in fairly good condition. NANDAMANNYA TEMPLE: This small, single chambered temple is dating from the 13th century. The mural paintings in the interior tell the story of the temptation of Mara. THATBYINNYU TEMPLE: This temple rises up to 61 meters and is one of Bagan tallest monuments. It is also called the Omniscient temple and its enormous size makes it a classic example of Bagan middle period. King Alaungsithu built the Thatbyinnyu Temple in the 12th century. Overnight in Bagan

day 5 Bagan - Mandalay (Breakfast )

Transfer Flight from Bagan to Mandalay. Transfer Sightseeing in Mandalay The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual center. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country\'s monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar. In the morning, head to MAHAMUNI PAYA. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. Enroute to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of GOLD-LEAF BEATING, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Before breaking for lunch, visit a CRAFT WORKSHOP specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, wood-carving, or puppetry. The afternoon\'s tour includes some of the city\'s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at SHWENANDAW KYAUNG, or the Golden Teak Monastery. Built entirely of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen. Continue to KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA. Finally, visit KUTHODAW PAYA, known also as the world s biggest book. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, each housing a slab of marble. Numbering altogether 729, these slabs are inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, or Buddhist scriptures. Overnight in Mandalay

day 6 Mandalay - Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo (Breakfast )

Transfer Flight from Mandalay to Yangon. By vehicle from Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo Visit Kyaikhtiyo (the Golden Rock) KYAIKHTIYO: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, the shrine at the top of Mt. Kyaikto seems to defy gravity. Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff is a giant golden boulder topped with a gleaming stupa. Particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise, when a magical atmosphere suffuses the shrine. - Overnight in Kyaikhtiyo

day 7 Kyaikhtiyo - Yangon (Breakfast )

By vehicle from Kyaikhtiyo to Yangon with sightseeing in Bago Journey west around the Gulf of Mottama and via Bago on Highway 8. Bago was founded in 573 AD by Thamala and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth, as an outpost of the Mon Thaton Kingdom. The site, which was then on the Gulf of Martaban, had already been earmarked as the location of a great city by Gautama, the historic Buddha. SHWEMAWDAW PAYA: this is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. The temple has a 1000-year history and was originally built by 2 merchants, Taphussa and Bhalita, to house some hair relics of the Buddha. HINTHA GON PAYA: this shrine has good views over Bago from the roofed platform on the hilltop. According to legend, this was the one point rising from the sea when the mythical bird (the hintha) landed here. SHWETHALYAUNG BUDDHA: huge reclining Buddha with a sign on the platform in front of the image giving the measurements of each body part. It is reputed to be one of the most lifelike of all reclining Buddhas. The Burmese say the image represents Buddha in a \'relaxing\' mode. MAHAZEDI PAYA: Originally constructed in 1560 AD by King Bayinnaung, it was destroyed during the 1757 sacking of Bago and the reconstruction was only completed in 1982. Stairways lead up the outside of the stupa, and from the top there are fine views over the surrounding area. KYAIK PUN PAYA: built in 1476 by King Dhammazedi, it consists of four 30m-high sitting Buddhas placed back-to-back around a huge, square pillar. KYAT KHAT WINE MONASTERY: Depending on the time of day, thousands of monks gather here to accept food offered by the devout. Overnight in Yangon

day 8 Yangon - Bangkok - Luang Prabang (Breakfast )

Transfer Flight from Yangon to Bangkok. Flight From Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Arrival in Luang Prabang Transfer - Overnight in Luang Prabang

day 9 Luang Prabang (Breakfast )

Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI. Overnight in Luang Prabang

day 10 Luang Prabang (Breakfast )

Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves Travel down the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong Visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. - Overnight in Luang Prabang

day 11 Luang Prabang (Breakfast )

Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by vehicle to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. - Overnight in Luang Prabang

day 12 Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Hanoi (Breakfast )

Transfer Flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi. Transfer Arrival in Hanoi Transfer - Overnight in Hanoi

day 13 Hanoi (Breakfast )

Sightseeing in Hanoi with a visit by cyclo to the Old Quarter Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam\'s first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh\'s final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH\'S STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Afterwards head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent OPERA HOUSE (may be seen from the outside only) and ST JOSEPH\'S CATHEDRAL. From the lake, begin exploring the OLD QUARTER by CYCLO This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as \'The 36 Streets,\' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover\'s paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The cyclo ride lasts approximately one hour. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi\'s famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d\'Extreme Orient, the HISTORY MUSEUM is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d\'Extreme Orient; and include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam\'s history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The alternative visit for History Museum is The MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (close on Monday & Vietnamese New Year), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.eteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Overnight in Hanoi

day 14 Hanoi - Halong - cabin / onboard (Vietnam)

(Breakfast / Lunch: Bai Tho Junk 1 / Dinner: Bai Tho Junk 1) By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise aboard a traditional junk through Halong Bay, Day 1 of 2 These traditionally built junks have facilities, which include private cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a spacious dining room serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The first day\'s itinerary passes Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island, Sung Sot cave, before stopping at Ti Top beach for a swim. Dinner is served on the boat as the sun sets. - Overnight in cabin / onboard (Vietnam)

day 15 cabin / onboard (Vietnam) - Halong - Hanoi

(Breakfast / Lunch: Bai Tho Junk 1 ) Cruise aboard a traditional junk through Halong Bay, Day 2 of 2 Enjoy breakfast on board, while continuing to cruise around the waters of the bays, visiting MAN\'S HEAD ISLAND, TORTOISE ISLAND, and LUON CAVE. Return to the pier just before noon and disembark. By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi Visit a Water Puppet Show WATER PUPPET SHOW: a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. - Overnight in Hanoi

day 16 Hanoi (Breakfast )

Transfer  to airport for departure.