Day 01: Arrival Yangon ()
Arrive at Yangon International Airport and welcome by our tour guide. Transfer to hotel for check in. The tour sightseeing includes visit the old colonial-style city center with the gilded SULE PAGODA, strand road and Yangon Jetty by Car. And visit Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market, is the most popular market (close on every Monday & Public holiday) and where you can buy luxury item, handicrafts, food stuff, clothing, jewelry, fashion and consumer goods.
At afternoon, continue to Chaukhtatgyi (Reclining Buddha) Pagoda a colossal reclining Buddha, Karaweik Hall Royal barge on the Royal lake for photo stop and world famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the golden dome light up sunshine at the sunset.
Overnight at Yangon.
Day 02: Yangon-Bagan (By Flight-0630:0750 hr) (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel, early morning transfer to the airport to take domestic flight to Bagan. Arrive at Bagan and transfer to the hotel. Morning sightseeing to the one of Asia’s most popular archeological destination. We will visit colorful Naung U Market and visit some of Bagan most famous pagodas,including Shwezigon Pagoda,a prototype of later Myanmar stupas: Gupaukgyi ,a 13th century cave temple with interesting fine frescoes of scences from the jatakas,and Anada Pagoda,one of the visit to a Lacquerware factory.We will also visit Dhammayangyi Patho, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan.As the sun goes down we will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide.
Overnight at Bagan Hotel.
Day 03: Balloon over Bagan and Sunset Boat (B,L)
Early morning, the tour start for surprise discover day to see the ancient city of Bagan form above. Client’s enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of thousand year-old pagodas, temples and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River with ” BALLOONS OVER BAGAN ” . It is a very exiting experience and clients will never forget. The Balloon is guided by gentle wind and chance to see slowly the sun rising. The balloon is guided by gentle winds and operates form 20 Oct 2013 till 20 Mar 2014 only. After that, return to hotel for free and leisure time for afternoon time.
At evening, excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River for sunset with cocktail and some snack.
Overnight in Bagan
Day 04: Bagan-Nathtaung Kyaung-Bagan (B,L)
After breakfast, visit the site of TAYOKEPYAY TEMPLE in Min Nan Thu Village, PHAYA THONE ZU and NANDAMANYA TEMPLES noted for exquisite murals of 13th century and KYAT KAN CAVE monastery, a famous meditation center in Bagan. Visit farming villages around Bagan. Sightseeing continues with an excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River to the nostalgic NAT HTAUNG KYAUNG, a wooden monastery built in 1781 by a group of monks, famous for woodcarvings, a collection of ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 05:Bagan-Salay-Mount.Popa-Bagan (B,L)
After breakfast, drive to Salay, it is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formerly the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquer wares, wooden relieves and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.
At afternoon, proceed on a scenic overland journey to Mount.Popa, an extinct volcano which 1518 meters (4981 feet) above sea level, and a day trip from Bagan, set mid lovely hill and forest scenery. The Popa Taungkalat Shrine is home to 37 Mahagiri Nats, or spirits, Satues depicting the Nats are at the base of the shrine. From the top of Taung Kalat, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Bagan. Late afternoon, return to Bagan and overnight at Bagan.
Day 06: Bagan-Yangon (By Flight-0755:1035 hr)-Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung U airport for domestic flight back to Yangon. Arrival at Yangon, if time permit, visit to Lawka Chanthar Arbayar Laba Muni Buddha Image (Kyauktawgyi) and Royal White Elephant camp and Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave before transfer to Yangon international airport for flight to Hanoi – Vietnam.
VN956 19:10//21:30
Pick up on arrival at airport, transfer to hotel for overnight. Overnight in Authentic hotel.
Day 07: Hanoi city tour (B,L)
Breakfast, start your city tour from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda,founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi . Lunch.
PM : After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum, continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam. Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful waters, and for the end of the tour journey visit by cyclo trip along the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Overnight in Authentic hotel.
Day 8: Hanoi – Halong (B,L,D)
Am: Be picked up at your hotel from 8h00 for 3.5 hour bus ride through the country side of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Upon arrival, aboardHalong Phoenix Cruiser, fresh seafood lunch (vegetable menu available) would be served while the boat is gliding out.
Pm: A short tender ride from the middle of the bay to an island for the famousSung Sot Cave, followed by visiting Ti Tov island, relax on its beach or walk up to the top for the panoramic view of the anchorage area. As the sun sets over the bay, just relax on sundeck with your favorite drink. Dinner is served with typically local seafood. Overnight on board
Overnight in Phoenix Cruise, deluxe cabin.
Day 9: Halong – Hanoi – Quang Binh (B,L))
Am: Rise up for a breathtaking on sundeck then be ready with fun kayaking around the area for a stunning vista in the serene bay. Back to boat, you learn recipes and techniques that go into the most popular dish of the Vietnamese food just before lunch time. Lunch would be served when cruising back to the harbor.
Pm: Our bus is waiting on the harbor to take you back to Hanoi. Trip ends at your hotel around 16h00. Transfer to airport for late afternoon flight/train to Quang Binh.
Overnight in Dong Hoi hotel.
Day 10: Quang Binh caving (B)
7:30: – Pick up from local hotels in Dong Hoi city, transfer to our office in Phong Nha district.
09:00 – Depart for Tan Hoa Village and drive 70kms through the spectacular Da Deo Mountain Pass.
10:30 – Arrive in Tan Hoa Village and trek across peanut and buffalo fields to the Rao Nan River (2.5km)
11:00 – Cross-river and climb rocky hill before descending into Hung Ton Valley (1km).
11:30 – Arrive at Hung Ton Cave and explore its depths before swimming through the cave to To Mo Valley (200m).
12:00 – Lunch in To Mo Valley at the impressive waterfall campsite.
13:00 – Swim through Kim Cave to enjoy underground waterfalls and where you can try and spot climbing fish (500m).
14:00 – Arrive at Tu Lan Campsite in front of Hang Ken Cave.
15:30 – Visit Tu Lan Valley and Tu Lan Wet and Dry Caves (1.5km).
17:00 – Arrive back at campsite. Swimming at Hang Ken Waterfall.
18:00 – Enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner. Overnight in hammocks.
Day 11: Quang Binh caving – flight to Ho Chi Minh (B)
07:00 – Breakfast
08:00 – Explore the impressive Ken Cave and swim in the underground river (200m).
09:30 – Trek over the limestone-mountains to Hung Ton Valley, where you will cross the scrub back to the river (4km).
12:30 – Cross the Rao Nan River and trek back across the peanut fields to Tan Hoa (2.5km).
13:00 – Lunch at local homestay in Tan Hoa Village.
14:30 – Pick-up in Tan Hoa and Transfer to Phong Nha.
16:00 – Arrive back in Phong Nha and transfer to local hotels
Transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Queen An hotel.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi tunnels (B,L)
Morning: pick you at hotel, transfer to Hocmon, visit Cu Chi tunnels which underground network now considered a heroic district for its role in the anti-American war in Vietnam. It is legendary for its tunnels system fo over 220km and is a popular spot for both Vietnamese and foreign visitors. And have lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon: turn back Take a short city tour, visiting Reunification Palace (Ex-Presidential Palace) that was built in 1963 and is well-known as an outstanding example of 1960′s architecture, obtaining the mark of France in the hustling city through sites of Notre Dame Cathedral, Post office, Opera house,the building of City People’s Committee, shopping at Benthanh Market .
Overnight in Queen An hotel.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap city tour (B,L)
Breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Flight VN3825 11:55//12:55
Our car and guide will pick you up in Siem Reap before transferring you to hotel in Siem Reap.
Afternoon visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Koerected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Dinner at local restaurant.
O/N in Royal Empire HOTEL.
Day 14: Angkor Zipline – Quad Adventure (B,L)
Pick up at your hotel. Transfer to the Zipline site to receive a safety briefing from our Sky Ranger guides and then, before you know it you are up in the treetops, flying between towering teak trees on a low impact zipline adventure with views the surrounding park, valleys and mountains. As you look down into the lush forests below you will see wildlife, butterflies and much more.
Break with a lunch before turning to Quad All terrain adventure
Receive a safety briefing and equipment, and then you are off on your all terrain vehicle tour of the Siem Reap countryside. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert rider or have never been on a quad before, you will see Siem Reap as never before! This activity lasts around two hours, so by the time we finish, the shadows will be lengthening and it might be that time of the day to relax by the pool with a drink (on your account).
Overnight in Angkor Empire hotel.
Day 15: Angkor historical park, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom. (B,L)
AM: We will start the day with the infamous and treasured legacy of Angkor Wat. The masterpiece and holy grail of the temples of Angkor, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building and an insurmountable legacy left by Suryavarman II. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, there is almost one kilometer of exquisitely detailed carvings which depict the intricacies of the Khmer empire through dramatic and humorous stories of love, life, war, religion and mythology, before accessing the inner complex to experience the powerful energy that this sublime temple inspires. Marvel at the quincunx of towers, admire the carvings and architectural detail of the complex as a whole, as it seemingly defies with its beauty and symmetry the fact that it’s a man-made creation almost 1000 years old.
We shall continue our visit Ta Prohm. Of Tomb raider fame, Ta Prohm is an Angkorian treasure, and it’s going to stay that way. One of the most fascinating things about Ta Prohm (except for its size, beauty and pleasantly eerie atmosphere) is that today it can be appreciated perfectly as it would have been in its day, a mere 900 years ago, as it has been ‘left as it was found’ by the French explorers who discovered it in the 19th century. Ta Prohm is a sight to behold, a veritable maze with gigantic golden trees strangling the stone foundations at every juncture, fine carvings, prominent galleries and a layout that will bring out the explorer in you.
Lunch at local restaurant.
PM: After lunch we commence our exploration of Angkor Thom. Known as the ‘Great City’, Angkor Thom was Jayavarman VII’s ultimate creation, his true expression of design excellence. Angkor Thom was an entire city built in the 12th century which at one point was believed to house up to 150,000 people across an area of nine square kilometers and which thrived upon a complex system of agriculture and waterways. 5 magnificent gates which stand 23 metres high and are spiritually guarded by faces reminiscent of the Bayon, and we will enter through the Victory Gate, complete with a causeway with two emanating rows of Devas and Asuras, both of which are wrestling a powerful Naga. From here we will converge upon the centre of this extraordinary city, and begin to explore its elements, starting with the Elephant Terrace, a royal platform used as a viewing gallery for grandiose royal spectacles, decorated wonderfully with statues of elephants and perfect carvings. Adjacently sits the Terrace of the Leper King, decorated in much the same way but unique for possessing the statue of Yama (the Leper King), god of Death. From here we will proceed through the forest to Preah Palilay. Guarded by a large Buddha this is a small but beautiful temple from the 13th century. Afterwards we will proceed toPhimeanakas, a 10th century largely uncarved but beautifully constructed pyramid temple affording terrific views, before Baphuon, an imposing 50 metre tall temple dedicated to Shiva which houses one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas. And finally to Bayon, arguably the most stunning of all the Temples of Angkor, adorned with 37 towers decorated with wonderful giant stone faces and beautifully decorated carvings throughout.
Overnight in Angkor Empire hotel.
Day 16: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast, Visit the Old Market and Siem town before transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Flight VN930 17:00//18:55
Arrive in Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to our hotel for check-in.
Le Bel Air boutique hotel
Day 17: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – City tour (B,L)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. You can also visit the morning Phosi Market where you can see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
After breakfast, we then enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
We visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Day 18: Elephant Riding – Khouang Si Waterfall (B,L)
08:30-09:00 am we transfer from your hotel to The Elephant Camp.
10:00 Enjoy your elephant trek through the rain forest down to the Nam Khan River and feed it bananas to “Thanks” them. We then drive your Elephant down to the Namkhan River for bathing
12:00 we depart from our elephant camp for Khuang si waterfall
13:00 we arrive at Khuang si and enjoy a Lao- Style lunch. We visit the beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountain side. You can take your time to go swimming and enjoy Monkey jumping. Also have a great photo opportunity with a family of sun bear!
15:30 we return to Luang Prabang by Van which include a brief visit to Ban Na Ouan, a Hmong Ethnic village. We arrive at Luang Prabang about 17:00 and enjoy your free explore the city
Day 19: Luang Prabang departure (B)
Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight.
Indochina Grand Tour Corporation
Address: # 20 - Thai Thinh II Str - Dong Da Dist - Hanoi - Vietnam
Tel: +84 466 805 749
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iGrandtour
Websites: http://indochinagrandtour.com/