23 Days Vietnam Cambodia Laos and Myanmar Highlight Tour with Beach Relaxing

Meals: B

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 Hoan Kiem 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 where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

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 on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

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

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. 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 check in.

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.

Enjoy lunch at a family-owned garden restaurant at the royal residence. The imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue’s traditional food which was enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave you with a lasting memory.

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 the Dong Ba Market where you can purchase local fruits and foods.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will transfer to Hoi An, upon arrive, check in hotel and rest for your own relaxing on the Beach. The beach in Hoi An is famous for emerald water and less estuaries. One days in Hoi An beach will help you relax and make you full of energy continue your trip in Vietnam.

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

Today, fly to Saigon on the morning , upon arrive, guide will meet and escort 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 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 in the orchard.

After lunch you'll visit An Khanh, 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 / D

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 airport for onward flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide there and transfer to hotel for checking in and rest of the time at your leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: B

Start the day with a TUK TUK ride to visit the Silver Pagoda which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor and a visit to the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. You will also visit the National Museum where you will see the large collection of Khmer history, arts and architecture.

In the afternoon, head straight to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to delve into the disturbing past of the country. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, browse poignant exhibitions then head to the verdant environs of the city to see the impressive Choueng Ek Memorial, a pagoda constructed out of 8,000 human skulls excavated from the Killing Fields.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: B / D

After breakfast, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrive, guide will meet at airport and escort you to hotel for check in and have a rest.

In the evening, you will enjoy a buffet dinner with Khmer traditional Apsara Dancing Show at Angkor Village Resort.

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

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

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 Kompong Phluk, 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 arrival, guide will meet and escort you to check in. Rest of your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. See the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later this afternoon return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Finally visit the famous Night Market, where you’ll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoples living in the surroundings.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

This morning, embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where Laos rice wine and rice whiskey is produced. . You'll be able to try some and learn about the process used to make it. Then on to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Lunch will be served near the caves. You'll have the opportunity to try a local dish called "Orlam" which is a soup with vegetables and features a spicy wood that is partially edible. On return, disembark to visit the traditional weaving village of Ban Phanom, famous for its hand woven textiles. Continue to explore the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

This morning, you’ll experience the process of making rice at a Living Land Farm, a community enterprise just outside of Luang Prabang, which promotes professional organic farming right next to village rice paddies. Join the interactive rice farming experience which actively benefits the local community, who showcase and maintain their traditional ways. Learn about bamboo weaving, tool and trap making, gardening and even blacksmithing. A Laos specialty lunch will be served as well.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane airport, your private local guide from IndochinaTour.com will welcome you at the airport then escorts you to your hotel in Vientiane City. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax, you can have a relaxing walk around the hotel to discover the city or stroll along the river bank to enjoy sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos with rich heritage of Buddhist culture, is waiting for you to discover.

You full day city tour will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. Your will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the National Museum, then visit the temple Wat Sisaket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. The temple Wat Prakeo which housing the famous Emerald Buddha image really amazed the Indochina tour makers. Your full day Vientiane city tour will also visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

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.

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.

Meals: B / L

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 Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Continue on to the Shwezigon Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Then enjoy a Horse Cart Ride to 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 riding back to your hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement

Meals: B

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home.

End of Service.