Includes internal flights, twin shared accommodation, English speaking guides, private cars, sightseeing and meals listed. Excludes visa and travel documents, travel insurance, international flights, local tipping, etc.
This itinerary is to give you a flavor of what is possible. We can tailor this trip to suit your specific needs and expectations. You may alter any aspect of the itinerary from excursions to accommodation.
International Flight: Excluded Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the Chao Phraya riverfront, go shopping, or visit a Muay Thai boxing gym on your own.
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental
Day 2: Bangkok | Ayutthaya Kingdom Discovery
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch Start early and transfer North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. First you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to see the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Then go on to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed.
Ayutthaya Ancient Ruins – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Then continue to the Royal Palace at Bang Pa-In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental
Day 3: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat
Meals: Breakfast In the early morning, take a traditional longtail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.
Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built-in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.
Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. In the palace complex, there are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental
Day 4: Bangkok – Luang Prabang | Leisure | Flight to Luang Prabang
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the rest in the city on your own.
In the afternoon, take a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Feel free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang on your own to discover night markets selling local tapestries and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Day 5: Luang Prabang | Buddhist Ancient City and Temples
Meals: Breakfast Your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Day 6: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hill Tribes
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch Transfer in the morning to Ban Long Lao village – a Hmong and Khmu ethnic village who live simple lives off the land in a self-sustained community. After exploring the village and mingling with the locals, you’ll begin the hike to Kuang Si Falls. Along the way are lush green forests and clear streams. Visit a cave along the way that once acted as a bomb shelter. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall – one of the most turquoise waterfalls in the world.
Kuang Si Waterfalls – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
The afternoon can be spent swimming in the waterfall and visiting the Bear Rescue Center where several Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears are being cared for after being rescued from bile farms and wildlife traffickers. Then you’ll return to Luang Prabang and evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pakbeng | Cruise to Pak Ou Caves
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner In the morning, our guide will greet you at the hotel and escort you to the pier for your cruise departure up the Gateway of Laos.
Boat embarks at 7 AM and starts with a continental breakfast served onboard.
Around 8:30 AM arrive at Pak Ou Caves – these small caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues that local boatsmen have placed in prayer for safe passage on the Mighty Mekong River.
At 12:30 PM, lunch is served onboard with a selection of starters and main courses from Laos’ varied cuisine.
At 1:30 PM, stop at the village of Baw where you may see the distillation process of Lao whiskey.
Around 5 PM, arrive at Luang Say Lodge before sunset. Enjoy dinner on the open terrace overlooking the Mekong as the sun makes its exit over the jungled horizon.
Pak Ou Cave – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge
Day 8: Pakbeng – Chiang Rai | Cruise to Thailand | Tai Lue Minorities | Arrive in Chiang Rai
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch At 7 AM, enjoy the stunning sights of the mountains covered in mist while having a sumptuous breakfast on the teak terrace.
Embark at 8 AM for a continued discovery of the nature along the Mekong River.
At 12 PM, lunch is served onboard.
At 1:30 PM, stop at a traditional ethnic minority village of the Tai Lue tribe who came from China over 300 years ago. With a remote lifestyle, these villages are mostly independent and self-reliant. Their main export is natural weavings from cotton and dyes grown within the surrounding lands. The men often obtain tattooes which are believed to protect from spirits and also to attract women.
At 5 PM, arrive in Huay Xai for disembarkation and crossing immigration into Thailand.
Village along the Mekong River – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
Your tour guide will pick you up from the border. Then continue the transfer to Chiang Rai. Check in the hotel and relax.
Chiang Rai is a quiet city nestled between two mountain ranges in the valley along the Mae Kok River. It has a colorful history, is the birthplace of the Lanna Kingdom and was once home to the Emerald Buddha – during a short time when the priceless Buddhist relic was brought for hiding. The friendly town makes a great base camp for visiting the Golden Triangle, Ancient City of Chiang Saen, Mae Salong Mountain, and the “Island on the Clouds” (Phu Chi Fah viewpoint). Aspiring local artists have produced world-acclaimed pieces of architecture and art such as “The White Temple” and “The Black House”.
Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
Day 9: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain: Tea Plantations & Hill Tribes
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch In the morning, transfer to Mae Salong mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First, stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.
Northern Thai Hill Tribes – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
Day 10: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai | Golden Triangle & Chiang Saen Ancient Town | Road Trip to Chiang Mai | The White Temple
Meals: Breakfast In the morning, visit the Golden Triangle, where the RuakRiver and the Mekong river meet forming the borders of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – the area is known for its stunning views. Visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the history of the Opium War. Continue on to the ancient city of Chiang Sean at Wat Chedi Luang – a stone city and the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
Transfer in the afternoon to Chiang Mai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with very contemporary and peculiar art and sculptures. You’ll continue to Chiang Mai to your hotel for check-in.
The old city walls still stand verdantly against the course of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their handmade tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Day 11: Chiang Mai | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Next, enjoy a picnic spread. Then take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff.
Asian Elephants – 24 Days Best Thailand Laos Burma Ngapali Beach
After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Day 12: Chiang Mai – Mandalay | Temples of the Lanna Kingdom
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast In the morning, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.
Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453.
In the afternoon, take a flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Day 13: Mandalay | Explore Mandalay Highlights
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure to relax.
In the afternoon, you’ll go to see the Highlights of Mandalay, you’ll start off your day with an opportunity to learn about the distinct Buddhist culture unique to Burma. You’ll visit the Mahamuni Image where you’ll have an opportunity to watch locals pray and place the gold paper on the statue of Buddha for a blessing. You can participate as well if you like for a small donation to the temple(only men are allowed to place the gold on the statue).
You’ll also visit a gold paper factory to see how golden leaves are made, a staple in Burmese religious practices. Then you’ll visit the 19th-century Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist mythology.
Next, you’ll see the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is a Buddhist stupa that contains the world’s largest book of Buddhism.
At the end of your day, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.
Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay
Day 14: Mandalay – Monywa | Ancient Amarapura | Continue to Monywa
Meals: Breakfast After breakfast, you’ll transfer by private vehicle to Sagiang, the capital of Sagiang Division located on the Irrawaddy River. You’ll cross the Inwa Bridge, which was built by the British in 1934. Then you’ll visit the Maha Ganayon Kyaung Monastery to see hundreds of monks line up for daily meals. Then visit the U Bein Bridge which is 1.2 kilometers long and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Continue to Monywa (approx; 3 hours). Monywa is the second biggest city after Mandalay in central Myanmar. It is the major trade center whose surroundings are filled with fertile fields yielding crops such as rice, beans, vegetables, and tobacco. On the way to town, visit Thanbude Temple with its more than half million Buddha Images inside and outside of the main temple.
Teakwood Bridge in Amarapura
Then drive to the jetty of Chindwin River which is the third longest river to take a ferry to the other side where an American Willy Jeep waits to carry you to Pho Win Taung Cave Pagodas. Walk all the way up the Sandstone Caves built from the 16th to 19th century. Monkey food sellers may try to accompany you as you explore the caves. Then, drive back to Monywa for check-in at your hotel.
Accommodation: Win Unity Resort Hotel
Day 15: Monywa – Bagan | Irrawaddy River Ride to Bagan
Meals: Breakfast In the morning, visit Bodhi Ta Taung Buddhas so named after one-thousand Sitting Buddhas under a thousand Bo Trees. Then visit the second largest Reclining Buddha and the tallest standing Buddha which measures 413 feet in height.
Bodhi Tataung Buddha Status
Depart Monywa to Pakkoku(3 hours), on the way stop at Ma U village to experience village life with home industries such as Bamboo Scales Making, Incense Stick and so on. Take a walk among the 16th to 18th century Pagoda Complex nearby. You can also drop in at one of the pit-stops where you can see Thanaka plantations – a special Burmese wood used in their traditional cosmetics.
Continue driving to Pakkokku, which is known as the Tobacco Trade Center where you embark on a private boat to the ancient city of Bagan(3 hours). You’ll observe local river life along the banks. Arrive in Bagan and check in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel
Day 16: Bagan | Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch Experience the unrivaled majesty of thousands of ancient temples drifting below you in style, comfort, and safety. You’ll rise early in the morning to beat dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the unique Bagan scene aloft in your hot air balloon. The captain will explain the safety procedures, and you can some coffee or tea before departure. Then the balloon will take off and you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the temples across Bagan. It is also great to see the other balloons in flight. After an hour ride, you’ll have a smooth landing.
Then you’ll explore Bagan’s temples. After that, you will visit the Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Then you’ll visit the Shwezigon Pagoda which is the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.
Have a rest in the hotel during the afternoon. Then you’ll enjoy a Horse Cart Ride first to the small village of Taung Phi where rests a worn teak monastery awaiting the rare tourists who are lost. You’ll continue by horse cart around temples and winding roads as the sun makes it’s a way to the sky’s edge casting curious shadows from the temples across the plain. Continue to Shesandaw Pagoda. From your vantage point, you’ll watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia. Then you’ll take a horse cart ride back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel
Day 17: Bagan – Inle | Flight to Heho | Leisure
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast Morning is at your leisure. You may want to relax or explore the rest in the city on your own.
Board an afternoon flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our guide will greet and transfer you to your resort next scenic Inle Lake for check-in.
Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min
Day 18: Heho – Inle | Inle Lake Excursion by Long Tail Boat
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Your Excursion today will be made by private longtail boat to see the life of the In-tha tribe(name of local ethnic people live on the lake), to discover their unique floating farms and life on the water. You will also witness local fisherman who fishes while using only one leg to paddle the boat. Then you’ll visit the Long Neck Ladies who were relocated from the Myanmar and Thailand border.
Rest of the day is at your leisure to relax.
Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min
Day 19: Heho – Thandwe | Flight to Thandwe | Leisure
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast Board a morning flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to the beach for check-in. Then you will be able to relax on the beach of Ngapali.
Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min
Day 20: Thandwe | Relax on the Beach
Meals: Breakfast Today, you can relax on the beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
Ngapali Beaches
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort
Day 21: Thandwe | Relax on the Beach
Meals: Breakfast Today, you can relax on the beach.
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort
Day 22: Thandwe – Yangon | Leisure | Flight to Yangon
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast Morning is at your leisure to relax.
Board an afternoon flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence
Day 23: Yangon | Burma’s Capital City
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ordination Ceremony at Shwedagon Pagoda
After breakfast, visit the downtown area to see the Old City Hall and Maharbandoola Park. Then take a stroll along the old street ending at the old Strand Hotel. Next, drive to Botahtaung Pagoda which features golden decorations inside the pagoda. Continue to Bogyoke Market which sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone carving, wood carving, bronze carving, painting,
In the afternoon, visit Kandawgyi Park for a stroll 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.
In the evening, enjoy a Myanmar royal style dinner on a floating marble boat. Enjoy the fine cuisine as you finished exploring Laos, Thailand, and Burma.
Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence
Day 24: Yangon | Farewell!
Meals: Breakfast Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!
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Mandalay to Bagan through Monywa - Inle Lake - Kalaw Trekking - Yangon Capital - Bangkok City - Golden Triangle -Chiang Mai - Pai Trekking - Phuket Island
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