18 Days Myanmar and Cambodia Cultural Tour with Koh Rong Island

ITINERARY

Day 1: Yangon | Arrive in Yangon

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Burma! Upon arrival in Yangon, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, enjoy a Myanmar royal style welcome dinner on a floating marble boat.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 2: Yangon | Burmese Capital Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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, etc.

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.

Shwedagon Pagoda – 18 Days Myanmar Cambodia Cultural Tour Koh Rong Island

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 3: Yangon – Inle | Flight to Heho | Continue to Inle Lake

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and continue the transfer you to your resort next to stunning Inle Lake for check-in. Enjoy the leisure time for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 4: 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 5: Heho – Inle | 3th-Century Kakku Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to visit the 3rd-century Kakku Pagoda complex Firstly you’ll stop on the way for a visit at “ Ayetharyar Wine “ where you’ll taste Myanmar’s local wine and view the beautiful landscape of the vise yards and the hills. Then you’ll go on to Taung Gyi, the capital of Shan State and visit Kakku Pagoda. There you’ll see a large white pagoda surrounded by 2548 pagodas set on the square in packed and closely together. You’ll be wandering through marvelous pillars and stupas of Kakku. Each stupa is intricately crafted with delicate images and sculptures that are beautiful and in detailed.

After your exploration, you’ll be escorted to a local restaurant for lunch. After taking a rest, you’ll return back to Heho and visit Pa-O village and you could stop for the photos of the countryside and see the local farm along the way back.

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 6: Heho – Bagan | Flight to Bagan | Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Today you’ll explore Bagan, where you will see its thousands of Buddhist pagodas spread in the valley of the Ancient City of Bagan. These pagodas used to own by individual families during prosperous times. 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.

Bagan’s Valleys of a Thousand Temples – 18 Days Myanmar Cambodia Cultural Tour Koh Rong Island

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 7: Bagan | Hot Air Balloon | Popa Volcano

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. Return back to the hotel for a breakfast.

Your Mount Popa excursion begins after breakfast when your tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel.

We then head east toward Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 meters high. Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times. Its shrine is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits.

Learn about nats and nat worship as you climb the stairs to the top with your local guide. The view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak is impressive. Transfer back to Bagan late this evening.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 8: Bagan – Mandalay | Flight to Mandalay | Explore Mandalay Highlights

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

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 9: Mandalay | Amarapura Ancient Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: 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.

Teak Wood Bridge -18 Days Myanmar Cambodia Cultural Tour Koh Rong Island

Next, you’ll see Kaung Mu Taw Pagoda: a dome-shaped pagoda which rises up 46 meters. At the base of the pagoda, there are 812 stone pillars, each one with a hollow and image of a Nat inside. Continue with a visit to Sagaing Hill. The hill has a number of small pagodas with many meditation centers along with Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda – pagoda painted with gold. You can stop at monasteries and nunneries to speak with monks while enjoying hot green tea.

Lunch at a restaurant.

Then continue to visit with a visit of Amarapura,”City of Immortality”, the old capital of Myanmar. At the end of the day, visit the ancient temple of Pahtodawgyi which was built in 1820.

Return to Mandalay and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay 

Day 10: Mandalay – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, take a flight to Siem Reap with a short stopover in Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dining experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 11: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom Ancient Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

Ta Prohm Ancient University

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures 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 is hidden under canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcome on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

Sunset at the Pyramid-Shaped Temple

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. After sunset, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for the evening.

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 12: Siem Reap | Kompong Phluk Floating Village at Tonle Sap

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, start with an ox-cart ride through Cambodia’s green countryside where you’ll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalo. After that, continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You’ll take a boat ride to Kampong Phlukk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to its history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel to relax for rest of the day.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 13: Siem Reap – Koh Rong Island | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Flight to Sihanoukville | Continue to Koh Rong Island

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Before the light of day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Angkor Wat Temple

In the afternoon, take a flight to Sihanoukville, the gateway to exploring the beautiful beaches of Cambodia. Our guide will greet and meet you at the airport and transfer to the pier. Then join a speedboat to your resort in Koh Rong. Check in your resort and relax on the untouched beaches of Koh Rong Island.

Accommodation: The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 14: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beaches

Meals: Breakfast
Today is your leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches of Koh Rong.

Accommodation: The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 15: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beaches

Meals: Breakfast
Today is also your leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches of Koh Rong.

Accommodation: The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 16: Koh Rong Island | Relax on the Beaches

Meals: Breakfast
Today is also your leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches of Koh Rong.

Accommodation: The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Day 17: Koh Rong Island – Phnom Penh | Transfer to Phnom Penh | Visit Bokor National Park and Organic Peper Farm

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer in the morning to Phnom Penh. On the way, you’ll stop to visit Bokor National Park. Visit the Bokor Hill Station used by the French to stay cool in the tropical heat due to its high altitude. There are several sites including the old Catholic Church and Lok Yeay Mao Monument. Then go to visit an organic pepper farm in Kampot, famous for its savory peppercorns worldwide. When you arrive Phnom Penh, you will check in the hotel and take a rest.

Bokor National Park

In the afternoon, discover the National Museum where you will see the large collection of Khmer history, arts, and architecture. After that, you will also visit the Silver Pagoda, which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor. You’ll finish the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, a large complex of ornate Khmer royal-styled buildings where many of the treasures and relics of Cambodia are housed and where the Khmer royal family lives. At the end of the tour, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.

In the evening, cruise with a unique overview of Phnom Penh, from Wat Phnom to Royal Palace and Mekong crossing. During almost 1.5 hours (2.5 with dinner), you will discover Phnom Penh, Riverside from Tonle Sap river to Mekong river from a unique, quiet and breezy place, while you enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the cruise, overlooking the busy Phnom Penh’s riverside by night. Boat trip included dinner with the set menu.

Accommodation: La Rose Suites

Day 18: Phnom Penh | 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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