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.
Upon arrival, the airport shuttle will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Phaphoom Boutique Residence
Day 2: Bangkok – Luang Prabang | Flight to Luang Prabang | Tree House Dinner over Mekong River
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Today, take a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
A location so often ignored by travelers, but truly a must-see spot. Luang Prabang has been listed since 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage for its unique architecture, cultural and religious significance. The historic town is at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers.
Day 3: Luang Prabang | Hiking to Villages and Kuang Si Waterfalls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village.
This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Indigo House Hotel
Day 4: Luang Prabang | Alms Giving, and Luang Prabang Highlights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the early morning, you can join in the alms giving ceremony where a procession of monks pass the hotel as participants solemnly give sticky rice and other objects into their bowls. Then start your full-day tour with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. 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. You’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.
Following lunch, we visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before we head out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. We then return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. 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.
Accommodation: Indigo House Hotel
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pakbeng | Mekong Discovery: Gateway to Laos – Pak Ou Caves
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Heading out of the town, we take a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful 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 then continue our boat trip to the atmospheric riverside town of Pakbeng. The Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, Pakbeng, being the halfway point on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang and Houay Xai, developed as an overnight stop for many traders traveling along the river. This scenic and authentic river cruise has been described as a once in a lifetime experience.
Accommodation: Le Grand Pakbeng
Day 6: Pakbeng – Chiang Rai | Mekong Discovery: Gateway to Laos – Hill Tribes | Transfer to Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch After breakfast, we re-embark on our boat for the second leg of our journey toward Houay Xai, which is close to the famous Golden Triangle. Upon leaving Pakbeng, The cruise is long, but the unequaled, tranquil river scenery will make this an interesting day. On the way, we will visit the local market where many hill tribe people converge from the outlying valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provisions.
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and assist you to the border. After going through Thai immigration, our guide from Chiang Rai will be waiting to greet you with a signboard. 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: De Hug Hotel & Residence
Day 7: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain and 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.
Accommodation: De Hug Hotel & Residence
Day 8: Chiang Rai – Kengtung | Roadtrip to Tachileik Border Crossing | Continue to Kengtung
Meals: Breakfast Today, you will transfer to the Myanmar/Thailand border at Tachileik, then continue to Kengtung. On the way, you will stop for a visit of the Doi Tung Royal Gardens Development Project, started by the late queen of Thailand to ween the hill tribes off of opium crops many decades ago. Drive up to admire the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Tung, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Temple is a special place for all the people of Chiang Rai. The royal family helped introduce produce and other crops with this project. At the border, you’ll need to present your Myanmar Visa(our rate includes the visa and processing). When you exit immigration, our Myanmar guide will be waiting for you with a signboard showing your name. Continue to Kengtung for check-in and overnight.
Accommodation: Amazing Keng Tong Resort
Day 9: Kengtung | Akha and Lahu People
Meals: Breakfast
You’ll travel to the Hokyin area and wind uphill to an Akha Village. Women in silver headdresses will welcome you, their shimmering decoration complemented by intricately woven dresses. These unknown people are spread across the hills of Myanmar and Thailand, disparate villages survive and stoically protect their traditions. Enter the village and meet the locals to enjoy tea and lunch with a group of people filled with infectious enthusiasm.
Return to Kengtung and stop at a Lahu Village, where silver ornaments adorn the neck of many women. There are many tales to hear, from shamans that predict luck using a chicken bone to blacksmith skills passed down over many generations. Then onward, stop to meet a Wa tribe, a people that will entertain with stories of spirits, buffalos, and rice wine. Throughout this itinerary, you will be accompanied by specialist guides who hail from a minority tribe to offer insight and perspective. On many days, you will visit the village of the guide for a personal look at life in the hills. While most villagers do not speak English, they are always eager to share stories, and the guide will translate. The people are open, and it’s possible to speak openly about Myanmar’s past, present, and future.
Accommodation: Amazing Keng Tong Resort
Day 10: Kengtung | Ancient Loi Village
Meals: Breakfast
Tribal villages dot the serene mountains around Mong La, an area that has rarely been visited by tourists. You must travel on foot to reach the villages, and your journey winds past beautiful wooden monasteries filled with paintings that depict Jakarta scenes. Ancient Buddha images line the trail and share the space with ox carts which are led by tobacco-chewing men. Spend two hours walking and stop at two Loi villages where people live in long wooden houses and are very keen to welcome visitors. Sit cross-legged on the floor and share a round of steaming tea, the essential introduction for all parties. A small crowd of locals will guide you to the villages’ monasteries, impressive wooden structures that radiate surreal tranquility. Then it’s back to Kengtung, a border town packed with influence from across Asia.
Accommodation: Amazing Keng Tong Resort
Day 11: Kengtung – Kalaw | Flight to Heho | Kalaw Hiking
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, you’ll transfer by flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Kalaw. On the way, stop at Aung Ban – a local Market selling local cuisine, wine, and traditional handicrafts. Try the local specialty of Shan Noodles at a Burmese traditional tea house. A small street market sells flowers such as Burmese Orchids, local necessities, and colorful fruit. The Shan Dried Tea is one of the best in Myanmar.
Continue to Kalaw, a British Hill Station and small towns with ethnic minorities, such as Pa-O, Palaung, and the Shan. The town has a colonial atmosphere with houses and buildings influenced by the British. Take a deep breath of fresh highland air – as it is located 1,300 meters above sea level.
After check-in at the hotel and a short rest, drive West to start your half-day hike to a Palaung village. Visit a household in the village and be introduced to the tribe. The Palaung are reputed for their traditional longhouses. Many generations of a family may share their abode under one roof. Then continue on foot to another meeting point where you will take the car back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Kalaw Heritage Hotel
Day 12: Kalaw – Inle | Shan Countryside | Continue to Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast After breakfast, drive to Pindaya (approx. 2 hours). It is a small peaceful town situated at the base of Shan Mountains and the end of the fertile plains. On the way to Pindaya from Aung Ban is quite picturesque. Make several stops for photos and visiting the farmers while they work in the fields. The area is a boon for a variety of crops such as Sesame, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Mustard Oil, Wheat, and perennial orchards like Mandarin Oranges and Tea. Upon arrival visit a Paper Umbrella workshop where you can see the Shan-style Parasol produced by hand.
Then, drive up to Pindaya Limestone Natural Caves with more than 8,000 Buddha Images. In the afternoon, drive to Nyaung Shwe (approx. 2 hours). It is another Shan town bordering the North edge of Inle Lake. On the way, you can visit Shwe Yan Pyay monastery built mainly of teak wood in 1882 and it’s a pagoda with colorful mosaics decorated on the interior walls. Then continue to Nyaung Shwe where you will embark on a longboat to the resort for check-in.
Inle Lake is home to the Intha tribes – a local tribe with water gardens and who row their oars with their feet, requiring great dexterity. The Shan Hills surround the lake for great views. Long-Necked Karens come down from the hills to sell their handicrafts in markets and along the roads around the lake.
Fishing at Inle Lake – 26 Days Laos Thailand Myanmar Nepal Culture In-dept
Accommodation: Inle Resort
Day 13: Heho – Inle | Kakku Pagodas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the 3rd-century Kakku Pagodas complex, a lesser-known wonder which has been featured on National Geographic. Stop on the way for a visit to the Ayetharyar Vineyard where you’ll taste Myanmar’s local wine and view a beautiful landscape of the surrounding hills and countryside. Then visit Taung Gyi, the capital of the Shan State. Next, stop is the Kakku Pagodas. 2,548 large white pagodas are set on a square – packed in 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 in beautiful detail.
Enjoy lunch. Then visit a Pa-O village on the way. Continue to Inle Lake for check-in and overnight.
Accommodation: Inle Resort
Day 14: Heho – Bagan | Life of the In Tha Tribes | Flight to Bagan
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Your excursion today will be made by a private longtail boat to see the life of the Intha tribe(the name of locals who live on the lake), to discover their unique floating farms and life on the water. Witness local fishermen who catch their prey while using only one leg to paddle the boat. Then you’ll visit the Long Neck Karen Women who come down from their homes in the Shan Highlands to sell their handicrafts to visitors.
Check out from the resort and transfer by flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
The largest city in Myanmar and the former capital, Yangon is home to over 2,000 years of history. Much of the architecture is Burmese or English colonial left behind during the reign of the British Empire. Take a stroll along the famous Strand Road or in Bogyoke Park and Royal Gardens. The Golden Shwedagon Pagoda shines high above the city on it’s resting place in the center for all to see. Accommodation: Bagan Landmark Hotel
Day 15: Bagan | Bagan Highlight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Today, visit the Nyaung U morning market which is known as Market on the Floor with a variety of local vegetables and products such as typical snacks, food, Handicrafts, Thanakha – the most adorned Burmese make-up, and so on. Then, visit the most sacred stupa Shwe Zi Gon built-in 11 Century by the most outstanding Buddhist King, Anawrahta, Gu Byauk Gyi Temple to see the mural from 12 Century, the massive red-colored Htilominlo Temple, and lastly before check-in at the hotel, visit the most beautiful Ananda Temple built in late 11 Century housing giant Standing Buddhas which give the viewers the illusion of “Smiling-or-Serious” facial expression of the “Enlightened One”.
In the afternoon, visit by horse-cart to a small village of Taung Phi. A dilapidated teak-wood monastery awaits the visit of few lost tourists. The horse-cart will wind around more temples when the sun is sinking on the western horizon providing the century-old temples with its shade; the unforgettable memory of a visit to Ancient Bagan. Make some stops on the way to take your private National Geographic shots. Finally, the horse will make an end at Shwe San Daw Pagoda for sunset. Enjoy peace and tranquility on the vast scope of temples scattered among the tropical palm trees and white-bark acacias. After the exploration, return to the hotel for leisure time.
Valley of a Thousand Temples – 26 Days Laos Thailand Myanmar Nepal Culture In-dept
Accommodation: Bagan Landmark Hotel
Day 16: Bagan – Yangon | Flight to Yangon
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will transfer by flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
The largest city in Myanmar and the former capital, Yangon is home to over 2,000 years of history. Much of the architecture is Burmese or English colonial left behind during the reign of the British Empire. Take a stroll along the famous Strand Road or in Bogyoke Park and Royal Gardens. The Golden Shwedagon Pagoda shines high above the city on it’s resting place in the center for all to see. Accommodation: Winner Inn
Day 17: Yangon | Sunrise at Shwedagon | Yangon Highlights
Meals: Breakfast
Rise early in the morning, then transfer with our guide to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, for a stunning sunrise. This temple has been described as one of the wonders of the world. Shwedagon plays an important role in Old Burmese History and is also an important Buddhist icon. Then 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. Then, return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Winner Inn
Day 18: Yangon – Kathmandu | Flight to Kathmandu
Internal Flight:Included Meals: Breakfast Today, you will transfer by flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel
Day 19: Kathmandu – Nagarkot | Tamang Villages and Terraces Under Mount Everest (Overnight at Nagarkot)
Meals: Breakfast Check out from the hotel and transfer to Changunarayan to begin your hike. Start at an old Hindu temple and proceed through peaceful trails with deciduous trees and views of the Himalayas. The end of your hike will reward you with a climb up through terraced fields and through Tamang Village – homes of hand-hewn stone and wood which interconnect up the hillside. Small gardens and farm animals are kept nearby. It’s quite common that locals will be brewing wine.
Continue up to Nagarkot – a hill station with spectacular views of the Himalayas on a clear day. Enjoy the sun setting on the Himalayan mountains in the distance.
Accommodation: Everest Manla Resort
Day 20: Nagarkot – Kathmandu | Bhaktapur Heritage | Return to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, transfer to the ancient city capital of Bhaktapur to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square – a square which sets in front of the old royal palace of the Bhaktapur Kingdom. It is one of the best-preserved palace courtyards and distinguishes the old architecture and styles. Finish the day with a visit to the oldest temple in Nepal, the Changu Narayan Temple. The original pillar dates back to 464 AD. Return to Kathmandu for overnight.
Day 21: Kathmandu – Chitwan | Transfer to Chitwan | Chitwan Jungle Walk and Wildlife Observation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through a scenic mountain highway to Chitwan National Park (approx. 5 hours). Transfer to your hotel/resort.
Chitwan National Park is proud to be home to over 50 species of mammals, 55 amphibians and reptiles, and 525 species of birds. It’s common to see the great one-horned Asian Rhinoceros, Gaur, wild Bison, Sloth Bear, four different species of Deer, the Rhesus Monkey, the black-faced Langur, the spotted Leopard, the fish-eating Gharial, the marsh crocodile, and the Gangetic dolphin. It is also one of the last refuges of the Royal Bengal tiger.
Have lunch at the hotel in Chitwan.
Afternoon, commence on foot with our guide to explore the jungle and see various wildlife Return back in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Chitwan.
Accommodation: Jungle Safari Lodge
Day 22: Chitwan | Chitwan Tribes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning jungle walk allows you to explore different habitats, from the flood plain grasslands to the dense Sal forests. You can expect the opportunity to spot several animals with our guide. During the walk, you will also get to learn about various plants and herbs in the national park.
Take a dugout canoe down the river to discover the habitat of crocodiles on the banks of the river. It’s a relaxing way to spot aquatic birds and wildlife coming to the banks for a drink.
Lunch at the hotel.
Continue to the nearby Tharu village. Tharu are indigenous people of the Terai. They have a distinct architectural style, building solely from the natural materials found in the area; straw, wood, and mud. The villages are often peaceful havens, with the inhabitants engaged in a yearly agricultural cycle.
(Jungle activities may be changed or altered depending on the requirement and situations).
During the evening, enjoy a folk dance performance by the local tribe. People of the nearby villages (Tharu) will show some of their traditional skills and melodious tribal dances.
Dinner and overnight at Chitwan.
Accommodation: Jungle Safari Lodge
Day 23: Chitwan – Kathmandu | Return to Kathmandu | Tihar Festival (On Your Own)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning drive back to Kathmandu retracing the same highway. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel
Day 24: Kathmandu | Tihar Festival (On Your Own)
Meals: Breakfast Today is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or to explore on your own.
Accommodation: Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel
Day 25: Kathmandu | Tihar Festival (On Your Own)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel
Day 26: Kathmandu | Farewell!
Meals: Breakfast Today, our guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!
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Mandalay - Old Capital of Amarapura - Bagan's Vallay of a Thousand Temples - Saigon - Mekong Delta - Hoi An - Danang Beaches - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
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