Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Myanmar

Let’s start this Indochina tour itinerary from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Upon landing at Hanoi airport, you’ll meet your private guide and the driver outside the customs and then be escorted to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Let the highly rated Vietnamese Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant, located in a small alley, satisfy your taste buds. Steamed fish on banana leaves, fried spring rolls and Vietnamese curry chicken are all highly recommended. If you have a sweet tooth, savor the classic egg coffee, a unique beverage created in Hanoi during wartime when egg yolk was used as a substitute for milk. The magical blend of mellow coffee concentrate and creamy yolk will leave you with long-lasting relief.
Average Cost per Person: VND 300,000-400,000 (USD 12-16)
Address: 60 Ng. Phat Loc, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

► Insider Tips:
1. Etiquette Culture: As Buddhism influences most countries you’ll visit, clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are appropriate when visiting temples. Besides, if you want to greet a monk politely, raise your palms together in front of your chest and bow your head slightly.
2. Weather & Temperature: Since the Indochina Peninsula features a tropical climate, don’t underestimate the hot weather, with the highest temperature sometimes reaching above 40℃ (104°F), mosquito infestation and heavy rains in the rainy season (Jun.-Oct.), and pack sunblock, mosquito spray and rain gear.
3. Power: Myanmar frequently experiences power cuts, so packing a power bank is a must.

Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, follow your private guide to take in the essential attractions of Hanoi. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, offers a deep dive into the life of the country’s founding father, President Ho. Please note that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from August to October for annual maintenance, when we’ll admire it from the exterior.

Then peek at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. As the legend goes, one night, an emperor dreamed that Guanyin Bodhisattva was holding a baby, standing on the lotus pedestal in a pool. Not long after, the emperor truly had a son, and with great rejoicing, he ordered the construction of the pagoda. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and Vietnamese sages and scholars. Stroll around the Imperial Academy, the first university of Vietnam, in the temple’s fifth yard. Then, proceed to the Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam to admire Vietnamese art, ranging from ancient sculptures to modern paintings like lacquer paintings.

After a lunch break, we’ll hang out in the Old Quarter, each of whose streets deals in its primary goods like kitchenware, silk and needlework. With a history of more than 400 years, it features a unique charm amid the chaos, with throngs of motorbikes navigating narrow streets crammed with stores, delis, street eateries, cafes and bars. Enjoy being a part of it to explore the soul of Hanoi and feel the authentic lively atmosphere. Then, stop by Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy a stroll or interact with locals who love to practice Tai Chi nearby. Later, we specially arrange you a fantastic local performance!

★ Enjoy a Water Puppet Show - the Quintessence of Vietnam

Vietnamese water puppetry, which derives from rice farmer’s daily life, offers an authentic insight into Vietnamese culture. The stage is actually a pool, with the puppeteers manipulating puppets behind the curtain, standing waist-deep in the water, and the voice actors as well as national instrumental players working in concert with the puppeteers on both sides of the pool. The plays depict traditional life, myths and legends, such as rice planting and boat racing. Please note that it’s hard to see the small puppets from the back row. If you are interested, please book your tour as soon as possible so that we can reserve a front seat for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

The UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay awaits! This morning, you’ll enjoy a scenic private drive for around 2.5 hours to Ha Long cruise port. Upon boarding the handpicked 4-star cruise, enjoy a hearty lunch before setting sail to the untouched Bai Tu Long Bay, an extension of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, feel refreshed by the countless limestone islands and islets rising sheer out of the emerald sea. Then, drop by the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, famous for pearl farming, and have an authentic insight into the fishermen’s daily life either by kayak or traditional rowing boat as you like. After the tour, return to the cruise ship and take in the essence of Vietnamese culinary skills at a traditional cooking demonstration class before dinner. Moreover, activities including squid fishing and card games will spice up your night onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, feel free to attend a Tai Chi class on the deck. After a morning tea or coffee, continue our excursion to Bai Tu Long Bay. Upon arrival at Hon Co Island, go ashore and hike up to the Thien Canh Son Cave, sitting on a mountain slope, to admire its majestic stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a panoramic view of the bay. Then, linger to enjoy a languid walk on the white sand beach under the cave. After that, return to the cruise ship for brunch before it berths at Ha Long Port around noon. Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Hanoi airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang. You’ll meet your local guide at the airport and take a private drive for around 1 hour to Hoi An and check in at the hotel. Later, you can freely spend your own time in the beautiful and quaint town.

► Recommended Activity in Hoi An
Hoi An deserves a languid stroll at night, when it’s ablaze with countless colorful lanterns, making it a veritable “Lantern Town”. Wander along the riverbank until you find the lively Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street. Browse the craft shops and stalls selling exquisite bamboo-weaving products, lacquerware, silk, etc. Sample street food like Vietnamese rice rolls and cao lau noodles. It costs only about USD 5 to get your stomach full.

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

We’ll devote the whole morning to exploring Hoi An Ancient Town. Your guide will accompany you to see some iconic buildings combining Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese styles, as Hoi An was once a major Southeast Asian trading port. Kick off our tour in the Chua Ong Pagoda, a Chinese temple featuring red walls and green brick roofs carved with dragon images. Then, walk west several minutes to admire the Chinese Assembly Hall, the oldest Chinese community center in the town. Continue to the Tan Ky Old House to gain an insight into a wealthy merchant’s daily life more than 200 years ago, and glimpse the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, which connected the then Chinatown and the Japanese community.

This afternoon, an eco-tour of Hoi An’s outskirts awaits! Cycle freely on the country road, humming "Country roads, take me home...” and passing by farmers and buffalo toiling in the vast fields. What a relaxing moment! A private car ride is also available if you cannot ride a bike. Then, drop by an organic vegetable village to learn more about local herbs and their traditional planting ways. Besides, don’t miss your chance for a buffalo ride! After that, experience the iconic basket boat, a round-shaped bamboo boat capable of bearing 2-3 people, and explore the lush water coconut groves. Zealous boatmen will show their exciting boat-spinning tricks. Give a clap for them and get your camera prepared for Instagrammable pictures! Then, try your hand at fishing with traditional fishing tools. At last, your private driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, follow your guide to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture to take in the distinctive ethnic culture of the Champa Kingdom (2nd-19th century). Built in 1915, the museum houses more than 300 relics, such as sandstone-carved deities and altars. The dancing Lord Shiva and Linga altar sculptures all show the influence of Indian culture. With most of the exhibits uncovered, you can admire them clearly at a very close distance.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang airport to catch the 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you.

► Recommended Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Treat yourself to palatable dishes at Hoang Yen Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant on Ngo Duc Ke Street. Try Vietnamese specialties, the banh xeo pancakes and spring rolls. In addition, lotus root salad and shrimp fried rice also look appetizing, and a glass of fresh fruit juice is a perfect match. It costs around VND 400,000-500,000 (USD 16-20) per person on average. After the meal, consider taking a 5-minute walk south to the Bitexco Financial Tower’s observation deck to have a bird’s-eye view of the city. The entrance fee is VND 240,000 (USD 9) per person.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll sightsee some landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Begin with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which offers the severe and brutal realities of the Vietnam War (1955-1975), displaying battlefield photos, weapons, and the consequences caused by Agent Orange, a deadly defoliant. Then head to the Independence Palace, aka the Reunification Palace, which was once the French colonialists’ residence to strengthen their rule in Vietnam, and later witnessed the independence and reunification of the North and the South.

Afterward, continue to admire some iconic buildings of the French colonial period, including the Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Opera Theater and the City Hall.

After that, a private transfer will take you to the airport to extend your tour to Siem Reap by a 1.5-hour flight. Your local guide will hold a welcome board waiting for you at the airport and escort you to check into a downtown hotel.

► Siem Reap Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
In the evening, you can enjoy delicious Khmer cuisine at the Mahob Khmer Restaurant. Specialties here are stir-fried beef lok lak with Siem Reap sauce, amok fish, which is Cambodia's national dish, and Khmer Red Curry. The highly rated beef with red ants is a challenge, but you won’t regret savoring it!
Average Cost per Person: KHR 80,000-100,000 (USD 20-25)
Address: #137, Traing Village, Group 3 Slorkram, Siem Reap

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

The whole day will be devoted to exploring Angkorian relics in downtown Siem Reap. Let’s start with Cambodia's national treasure, Angkor Wat, also the largest religious site in the world. Unlike other temples that face east, Angkor Wat’s west-facing location endows it with a splendid sunrise over its five stupas, reflected on the lotus pond in the front.
► Tip: We’ll flexibly arrange the optimum date for you to enjoy the sunrise according to the weather.

Then your guide will show you around Angkor Thom, the capital of the Angkor Dynasty built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Head to the center to appreciate the vivid carvings and sculptures at Bayon Temple. Marvel at the 54 huge stupas, each carved with four serenely smiling faces, which are believed to represent Jayavarman VII, and are known widely as the “Khmer Smile”. Then follow the Terrace of Elephants, where the Angkor kings used to receive foreign guests and review their military troops, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which is said to be the royal crematorium. Once getting out, continue to Ta Prohm Temple to witness the roots of towering old trees cascading down like waterfalls and tightly wrapping the temples.

★ A Quintessential Angkor Experience - Watch an Apsara Dinner Show!

During the visit to Angkor temples, you may notice the exquisite bas-reliefs of Apsara, a kind of fairy goddess, and the icon of Khmer art. Tonight, we especially arrange for you an Apsara Dinner Show, recreating the prosperous Khmer civilization, at a fancy restaurant. Be smitten by the elegant dancing with graceful hand gestures while savoring authentic Khmer cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today, keep discovering more about Angkor relics. First, explore the Preah Khan Temple, which literally means “Sacred Sword Temple”, to admire the distinguishing Grecian-style architecture. Then, drive for around 30 minutes to the suburban area to visit Banteay Srei Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This exquisite sandstone temple is known as the "Jewel of Khmer Art" for its vivid sculptures and magnificent red colors. Take a peek at the sculptures of two monkey kings vying for a throne, and their lifelike astonishment countenance.

Then take an excursion to the jungle-clad Beng Mealea Temple, which is second only to Angkor Wat in size. Although seriously destroyed, it isn’t under extensive reconstruction, making it a pure ruin maintained in coexistence with the tropical rain forest. Please note that there are still mines left over from the war, so follow your guide closely and walk along the repaired wooden walkway. At last, you’ll be driven back to the hotel.

► Recommended Activity (at your own expense)
After two consecutive days of temple exploration, let an authentic Cambodian massage help you unwind. BODIA SPA on Pub Street is a nice choice. You can ask your driver to drop you off on your way back from the temple. It offers a variety of massage packages. For example, a 90-minute massage costs around USD 50, with 44 kinds of essential oils to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

After checking out of the hotel, you’ll be accompanied to visit a Khmer village to catch a glimpse of the indigenous life. Then, take a boat on Tonle Sap Lake to visit one of its floating villages. Some of the people here are indigenous, while some are refugees from war. They built colorful stilt houses, hospitals, and schools on the water, and have made a living mainly from fishing and crocodile farming.

Then your Cambodia tour will end here and a private transfer will take you to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Luang Prabang. You’ll meet your local guide upon landing and then take a comfortable private vehicle to the hotel.

► Luang Prabang Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Pa Lai Restaurant is an authentic Laotian restaurant beloved by the locals. Sample the crispy Lao spring rolls, which are made of pork, vegetables and rice vermicelli with a special sauce, and Lao khao soi, Laotian-style noodles topped with spicy minced meat. And the crispy garlic chicken is also worth a try.
Average Cost per Person: KHR 20,000 (USD 5)
Address: V4WR+JQ8, Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll take a boat down the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Caves, where the kings once prayed for rain. In the midway, disembark at Ban Xang Hai Village to taste the local rice wine, Lao Lao, and learn about its distillation process. Upon arrival at the caves, disembark to explore the two grottos. Believing in the river god living here, the locals have kept bringing Buddha statues here for 400 years and it houses thousands of Buddha statues in various sizes now.

Then, have a blast at the Kuangsi Waterfall. Immerse yourself in the supreme verdant landscape, jump into the turquoise pool, and enjoy a fish spa on the shore. Besides, don’t miss the swing on the top of the waterfall. Dressing rooms are available here, and we recommend that you bring a towel, and swimsuit and wear non-slip shoes. What’s more, there is also a bear sanctuary in the scenic area, where you may encounter adorable moon bears.

At the end of the day, head to Ban Xang Khong, a village hidden deep in the mountains, to admire its ancient art of papermaking. When the tour is finished, we’ll drive back to Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

★ Witness a Morning Alms-giving: A Gateway to the Laotian Buddhist Culture

Morning alms-giving, a tradition of Laotian Buddhist culture since the 14th century, is a daily ritual in Luang Prabang. At around 06:00, monks, dressed in orange robes and carrying bowls, walk quietly barefoot and receive alms from locals and visitors, showing their support and respect for the monks. Our handpicked hotel is located right on the route of the ritual, making it so convenient for you to witness or even mingle with the locals.

After the ritual, go back to the hotel for breakfast and the check-out procedure, and then visit the Royal Palace Museum, once the royal family’s residence, to appreciate the imperial objects, including the royal attire, kings’ swords, and gifts given by other countries, and worship the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue. Please note that photography is not allowed inside.

After that, iconic Buddhist temples will be visited if time permits. In Wat Xiengthong, marvel at the mosaic “Tree of Life”, which was inlaid with colorful agate and glass, depicting the afterlife of Buddha Sakyamuni and stories about his friendship and family. Besides, the sculpted reliefs telling about religious stories are also worth a careful look. Wat That Luang is regarded as a national treasure dedicated to Buddha Sakyamuni, and it is also the place where one of Laos’ grand Buddhist festivals, the That Luang Festival, is celebrated.

Then, you’ll be transferred to the airport and catch your 1.5-hour flight at noon to Bangkok. Your local guide will pick you up from the airport and escort you to the hotel. If you are not tired yet, you can head to the city center and visit the efficacious Erawan Shrine by yourself.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you’ll get up early to explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by rowboat! After a 1.5-hour hassle-free private drive, arrive at the bustling market in Bangkok’s western suburb. On the tranquil waterways, wooden stilt houses stand along the banks, and local vendors on colorful boats wearing bamboo hats are peddling fresh fruits, boat noodles, and coconut ice cream, as well as souvenirs including wooden carvings and handwoven clothes. Please avoid putting your hands on the edge of the boat in case of accidental injuries from other crowded boats.

★ What Makes Us Different

Both hand-rowing boats and motor boats are available here, and we choose the former to let you fully immerse yourself in this bustling water bazaar. Rowboats have a smaller size and a lower speed than motorboats, offering a slower pace to explore the narrow waterways. You can approach and talk to local vendors anytime you wish, without the ear-splitting noise of engines.

After around 2 hours of visiting, we’ll return to Bangkok to sightsee its landmark, the Grand Palace, and admire the main buildings from the exterior. Then, explore the Wat Phra Kaew in its northeast, occupying nearly a quarter of the palace, where you can stand in awe of the 66cm-tall (26 inches) Emerald Buddha statue. It was carved from a single piece of emerald, considered not only Thailand’s national treasure but also a coveted gem for other countries in the Indochina Peninsula. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Thai food is relatively more sour and spicier than the food of other Indochina countries. This evening, you can dine at the Michelin-starred Thai restaurant The Local. Start with an appetizer platter, which features five traditional and local appetizers from different parts of Thailand, followed by a northern Thai pork salad larb muang moo, and yellow-curry crab. And feel free to tell the staff your preferred spiciness.
Average Cost per Person: THB 700-1000 (USD 20-30)
Address: 32 32/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we will transfer you to Bangkok airport, and a 1-hour morning flight will take you to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private local guide, and then a comfortable ride will escort you to the hotel. After a short rest, start today's tour to Mountain Doi Suthep to admire the grandiose Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the hillside. You can choose to take a cable car or walk the stairs flanked by two huge statues of Naga, a mythical semi-divine serpent, and inside the temple stands a splendid golden pagoda dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni. Mingle with the locals and walk around the shrine three times for good fortune before going to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. Then, continue to the nearby Meo Hilltribe Village to get a glimpse into the traditional tribal life of the Meo people. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Activity Recommendation
If you are still energetic, you can ask your driver to drop you off at the back of Chiang Mai University to explore the Lang Mor Night Market by yourself. Try the tom yum squid noodles, the stir-fried pork rice pad krapow moo, and the avocado milkshake. For less than USD 10, you’ll be stuffed.
Tip: Cash is widely used in Thailand, so we recommend you exchange some small-denomination Thai Baht.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

★ Meet Gentle Giants in Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Elephants are a national icon of Thailand and today we’ll head to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary to enjoy precious moments with these gentle giants. They are living a leisurely life here and have never been forced to interact with humans. Upon arrival after a 1.5-hour drive, the staff there will introduce you to the elephants’ living habits and characteristics. Then, wear the Karen tribe outfit, and load up your basket with bananas and sugar cane to feed them! It’ll be very interesting to observe them slowly chewing their food. After a delectable lunch, you’ll walk with them along the river bank, and give them a mud bath. Please avoid screaming or running suddenly, which may easily panic the elephants. After the visit, you’ll be escorted to the downtown hotel.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
We encourage you to drop by the CHUM Northern Kitchen to savor the culinary delights of Thai. Try signature dishes like curry fried rice, pork stuffed with chili and Thai salad. And some coconut ice cream can’t be missed. The small portions, with reasonable prices, enable you to try more different dishes.
Average Cost per Person: THB 200-300 (USD 6-9)
Address: 24 Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

Chiang Mai is a laid-back old city full of backpackers, and we’ll leave you some free time this morning to experience leisure by yourself. You can visit Wat Phra Singh to admire its early Lanna bronze Buddha statue and exquisite murals, and drop by Wat Chedi Luang to appreciate its Lanna-style architecture. Besides, laneways teeming with various cafes, massage shops and boutiques are also worth exploring.

Around noon, you’ll be escorted to the airport to catch your 1.5-hour flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Upon landing, your guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

► Thanaka: Burmese Skin Care Secret
When wandering along the streets of Yangon, you may wonder about the yellowish pastes on the locals’ faces. They are named Thanaka, which is a distinctive Myanmar skin care culture. As Myanmar is hot all year round, people grind the bark of the neem tree into a paste, which is effective against mosquito bites and ultraviolet rays, and apply it on the face. Some people dab it randomly, and some carefully paint patterns on their faces. If you are interested, you can apply for some from vendors on the roadside.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon (4 stars) or similar

Yangon is the largest city and former capital of Myanmar, and the morning tour covers a few renowned Buddhist sites. Begin with a visit to Myanmar’s national treasure, the most sacred Shwedagon Pagoda. Marvel at the 112-meter (367-foot) high main pagoda, which is covered with more than 7 tons of pure gold leaf. Then, proceed to the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses Myanmar’s largest indoor reclining Buddha statue, 65 meters (213 feet) long and 16 meters (53 feet) high, carved from a single 800-ton block of green marble. The Buddha’s feet are carved with 108 Buddhist symbols, representing 108 cycles of reincarnation. After that, admire the 2,000-year-old Sule Pagoda with an octagonal-shaped base, surrounded by Burmese zodiac sculptures. You can pray as a local, offering flowers to your corresponding zodiac statue among the 8 zodiac signs in Myanmar for good fortune.
► Tips: Remove your shoes before entering the temple, and we suggest that you bring a bag for your shoes as some of the temples may charge for storage.

After enjoying today's lunch in a famous local restaurant, your guide will lead you to explore the prosperous Chinatown and Yangon’s major bazaar, Bogyoke Aung San Market, which is named after General Aung San, the father of the nation. The market is teeming with stalls selling more than jade, food, clothes, and handicrafts including lacquerware, wood carvings and fabrics. You can also find the traditional dress, the Longyi, a piece of garment wrapped around the waist, similar to a sarong in Thailand.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Bagan, once the capital of the Bagan Dynasty (11th to 13th century) and known as "the Land of Ten Thousand Temples". Upon landing, you’ll meet your local guide and then take a private vehicle to the hotel.

After settling down, you’ll be accompanied by your guide to hang out in the busy Mani Sithu Market to savor an authentic daily atmosphere. Then, some distinctive temples will be visited. First, admire the sacred Shwezigon Paya, which is the prototype of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Then, visit the Htilominlo Temple, which was named after the king who was chosen by an umbrella. In the past, the old king chose his heir in an odd way: the princes stood around an umbrella stuck in the ground, and the person the umbrella tilted to would be the king. After that, proceed to the Nat Taung Kyaung Monastery to appreciate its elaborate and intricate wood carvings. And you’ll also get a glimpse of Bagan’s tallest pagoda, the Shwesandaw Pagoda, around 100 meters (328 feet) in height. End the day with a private boat cruising down Myanmar’s largest river, the Irrawaddy River, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

► Tips:
1. In Bagan, there are few streetlights at night, and we suggest resting at the hotel then.
2. If you encounter children asking you for money, refuse them politely to avoid being pestered.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (4 stars) or similar

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll continue to explore the Buddhist sites on Bagan Plain. Kick off our tour in the 61-meter (200-foot) high Thatbyinnyu Temple, the highest temple in Bagan. Then admire the most exquisitely constructed Ananda Temple and stand in awe of its four 9-meter-high Buddha statues separately standing in four directions.

After that, drop by the Nanpaya Temple, where Manuha, the last king of southern Myanmar, was imprisoned in 1057 after being captured by Anawrahta, king of Bagan. And then, visit the Manuha Temple, which was built by the prisoner king in 1067 to fully express his depression during his imprisonment. The three seated Buddhas in the main hall are placed in a narrow space, leaving people with a sense of suppression. In addition, its rear hall with a reclining Buddha statue is even narrower, and we need to turn sideways to pass through.

Then, appreciate Bagan’s oldest murals in Gubyaukgyi Temple, where you need to walk barefoot and be cautious about the gravel roads. Afterward, explore the rustic Myinkaba Village and visit some lacquer workshops. At last, admire the unique double-cave pagoda in Pyatthat Gyi Temple before returning to the hotel by a comfortable transfer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you’ll take a 1.5-hour flight to Heho. Upon arrival, your private local guide will pick you up from the airport and escort you to the hotel by the Inle Lake. After a short rest, you’ll be accompanied on a motorboat to explore Inle Lake, where the Intha people have lived for thousands of years. They’ve built stilt houses on the lake and made a living by fishing and growing vegetables on the water in their unique way.

En route, drop by the lakeside Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda to admire the five small sacred statues, about 40-50 centimeters (16-20 inches) tall, which were made in the 12th century. In September and October, a grand Dragon Boat Festival will be held to worship the statues. It’s said that one year, a strong wind suddenly occurred, the golden phoenix boat carrying five statues capsized and the statues got lost. People searched for it with great effort but only four statues were found. When everyone returned desperately, they were so surprised to find the fifth Buddha statue sitting right in the pagoda! Since then, people have been even more respectful of the Buddha statues.

After that, visit the Ngaphechaung Monastery, which was once famous for the kittens jumping through hoops. Although there are no cat jumping shows now, you’ll find cats lounging, dozing or wandering around the temple.

Afterward, visit a local village and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration of the town or to enjoy the marvelous sunset over the sparkling lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Aureum Inle Resort (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we’ll take a boat to enjoy the natural scenes of Inle Lake. Marvel at the Intha people’s unique floating gardens created by duckweed and water grass covered with fertilizer and soil, forming 1-3 feet thick floating fields, which are anchored by bamboo poles. Besides, you’ll also be awestruck by the Intha fishermen, who stand on one leg on the stern and row the boat with the other leg, freeing their hands to cast the net. Capture the stunning moment for Instagrammable pictures against the backdrop of a wide stretch of serene lake and morning sunlight. We recommend that you wear sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid sunburn.

During the journey, we’ll have a short stay at Indein Village, the most important religious area where over 1,000 ancient pagodas are densely packed, and drop by the spectacular Shwe Indein Pagoda. After that, the rest of the day will be free for your own arrangement.

► Kayan People: Long Neck Girls by Lake Inle
Near Inle Lake lives the Long Neck tribe, a village where women begin to wear rings on their necks when they are 5 years old. Brass rings were originally worn around the neck to protect women from being kidnapped by rival tribes. Later, local people saw it as a symbol of beauty and wealth. Over the years, their necks have been pulled long.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Aureum Inle Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll drive to Heho to catch your 1-hour morning flight to Yangon. Upon landing, your local driver will pick you up at the airport and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you.

You can walk to Kun Chan Road to enjoy the unique experience of traveling by a circular train ride at the Yangon Central Railway Station. The train moves so slowly and the whole loop takes around 3 hours. It will pass through residential areas, where many bungalows are close together, and through slums, where you’ll see grass huts used as houses. The train usually leaves its doors open, allowing locals to hop off at any stop. You’ll also see many hawkers selling food inside the carriages.

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense)
At night, treat yourself to some delectable Myanmar cuisine at the Shan Kitchen_Nawaday Restaurant. Try authentic Shan noodles, steamed lemon fish and fried tofu, and enjoy a cup of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, watermelon juice or iced coffee.
Average Cost per Person: MMK 5,000-10,000 (USD 2.5-5)
Address: Nawaday Street, Yangon

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon (4 stars) or similar

Your Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Myanmar tour comes to an end today. Your driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby on time and escort you to the airport. Wish you a nice journey home! Whenever an interesting idea pops into your head, feel free to contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary!

Meal: Breakfast