AMAZING VIETNAM, MYANMAR & THAILAND

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  ARRIVAL HANOI - Start of tour Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar

   You arrive in Hanoi Capital, a city of over a thousand years. Met and greeted by our local tour guide upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport. The guide will give you very first introduction about the destination and escort you to your hotel in the city centre for check-in.

   
  Note: Hotel check-in time is 14:00. Early check-in is not included
   
  Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 2

  A DAY LIFE OF HANOI (B/L)

   For early risers: wake up time 05.00am!

  
  
  If you have seen how busy & chaotic Ha Noi old quarter during the day time, let get up early for different looks of Ha Noi in the very early morning when most of the things are still asleep.
  
  
  See empty streets gradually wake up with dog, cat, cleaners, morning food shops, and people doing morning exercise. Meanwhile, at the other side of the city, at Long Bien night market and morning dye flower market, you will see life is very busy even before dawn.
  
  
  Around the Hoan Kiem Lake, you will see locals enjoy doing all kinds of morning exercise; you may wish to join in. Later on, you will have a traditional breakfast with famed beef/chicken noodle (Pho), and a cup of coffee at local shops. No doubt, this tour is fascinating for early bird photographers and local food lovers. Back to your hotel for full buffet breakfast
  After breakfast, stroll down to a fresh and wet market where a huge variety of fresh products are bought and sold every day- a fundamental part of Vietnamese culture. Next, we visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which successfully presents the recognition of Vietnam as a multi-ethnic country and promotes socio-cultural diversity. Continue to the Temple of Literature back to the center. It was constructed in 1070 under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty, first to honor Confucius and now to celebrate the doctorates and high ranking scholars of Vietnam. Lunch at KOTO (refers to Know One Teach One) to support street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam

   

  In the afternoon, take a walk on the historic Long Bien Bridge while our guide explains why it is considered with such pride by Hanoians and is a symbol of our courageous capital after the many years of war. Then it is time for a cold beer (a cup of local draught beer) or fruit juice at the sidewalk shop) and to take a street food tasting tour. Exploring some more markets to get an overview of Vietnamese food, talk with food artisans, street vendors and eat tasty local food and drink. This tour is a great way to see the parts of Hanoi that most tourists don’t.

   

  Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 3

  HANOI – PU LUONG NATURAL RESERVE & MINORITIES (B/L/D)

  Pu Luong Retreat is located in Pu Luong region which offers tourists a new, unique and off the beaten track adventure. Pu Luong Region is unknown among most tourists and contains all the highlights of Northern Vietnam such as: stunning rice terrace fields, scenic rivers and Mai Chau’s remote traditional villages of ethnic minorities who still retain their unique cultural heritage and way of living.

   
  Following your good breakfast at hotel, we drive 4.5hours to Pu Luong. After 3 first hour drive, the breathtaking mountain road starts appear giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You arrive at Pu Luong retreat in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.
   
  Water wheels walk and rafting | 2.5 km easy walk – 1.5 hours | 2 km rafting – 1.5 hours

   

  The afternoon, you will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.

   

  Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the rafting adventure with Dinh and his team. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap Bridge, disembark and drive back to Pu Luong Retreat for dinner.

   

  Overnight in Pu Luong Retreat.
• Day 4

  PU LUONG – HA NOI (B/L)

   Enthralling trekking routes | 4 km easy walking – almost 3 hours

   
   
  Get up early to hear the sound of nature and breathe the fresh air. After breakfast at the Lodge, we continue to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you’ll walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still!
   
  Continuing to the base of the valley, weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savoir the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot and numerous chances to interact with the locals. Then you will be transferred back to Puluong Retreat for lunch
   
  Afternoon, we drive 4 hours to back to Ha Noi. Overnight in Ha Noi.
• Day 5

  HA NOI– HALONG BAY WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE (B/L/D)

   After your breakfast at hotel, depart for another three hour and a half transfer to Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Natural Heritage – where thousands of spectacular limestone islets and grottoes rising from the clear emerald Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, welcome drink on board prior to your check-in. Lunch with fresh sea food will be served while boat is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages, small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village, talk and meet with local villagers prior to your swimming or free time at your own on the sundeck. Dinner would be ready at the time the boat anchors off at a quiet designated overnight area. Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

   
  
  
  Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. 
• Day 6

  HALONG –HAI PHONG AIRPORT – FLIGHT TO SAIGON (B/Brunch)

   Breakfast is served while the junk cruises around Ha Long Bay, passes by many islets named by their shapes such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger, etc. Stop for a while to explore Surprise Cave- one of the most beautiful ones of the bay. The junk then continues cruising towards the wharf. Ready to disembark at about 11.00AM, our driver is ready to bring you straightly to Hai Phong airport for flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)   

   
  Be picked up by your local tour guide and go to your hotel for check in.
   
  Overnight in Saigon.
   
• Day 7

  SAIGON CITY- CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

   After breakfast make the 70km journey north of the city to visit the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnels network, constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle against the French and then the Americans for independence and eventual reunification. The Cu Chi tunnels are a highlight of any visit to Southern Vietnam and they give a fascinating insight into the lives of soldiers during this difficult period of Vietnamese history. Drive back to HCMC city at noon time. Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant specializing in southern food.

   
   
  Afternoon, visit the Chinatown, Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest and most bustling neighborhood. Explore the back alleys and market roads on foot. Continue to city downtown and take a stroll around the impressive old French-built post office and Notre Dame Cathedral before continuing to the City Hall area, another grand old colonial-era relic. We then leave guests free to explore the famous Dong Khoi area, home to the legendary Continental Hotel, made famous by Graham Greene in the Quiet American, and lots of popular restaurants, bars and boutiques.
   
  Overnight in Saigon City
• Day 8

  SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA (B/L)

   Today is a very interesting day with local touch and seeing many of highlight of Mekong delta.  This delta is Vietnam's biggest rice bowls with all three rice crops per yearand is the major contributor to Vietnam and other countries' food basket.

   
  Arrive at Ben Tre and board our private boat. Here we get a tour around the small islands of lush orchards, running on small channels and watching daily life pass slowly. Off the boat and walk along the river bank, chance to enjoy the local people's peaceful life. Stop by one of the many family businesses that produce most of what is possible to get from coconut as candy, juice, oil and souvenirs, mostly made by hands and in simple methods. Next, we take a local tuk-tuk (or bicycle) ride around the remote village, learn about local rural life and stop to sample tropical fruits. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous Elephant Ear fish. Afterwards, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past water coconut trees along the Mekong and then board back our boat to cruise in the delta’s major waterways to Ben Tre pier. End cruises and return to hotel after a memorable day merging in Mekong Delta local living.
   
  Overnight in Saigon City
• Day 9

  SAIGON – YANGON (B)

   You will be free today in Saigon until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

   
  On arrival, you are picked up and transfer to your hotel in Yangon.
   
  In the afternoon, the city tour commences with visits to the old colonial-style city center with the gilded SULE PAGODA, dating back over 2,000 years, BOGYOKE (SCOTT'S) MARKET with hundreds of stores (closed on Monday) and a visit of a gems shop. The tour continues to CHAUK HTAT GYI, a huge reclining Buddha image followed by a photo stop made at KARAWEIK HALL, a royal floating barge. An extended visit to SHWEDAGON PAGODA, one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments, will conclude the tour of this picturesque Garden City. The golden dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda rises 98 meters above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold.
   
  Stay overnight at your hotel in Yangon.
  
  
  Note: Itinerary is subject to change according to arrival flight time.
• Day 10

  YANGON- BAGAN BY FLIGHT (B)

   Wake up early and transfer to Yangon airport for flight to Bagan at 6.00am, one of the Asia’s most popular archaeological destinations and one out of two most pre-eminent religious old cities in South East Asia. The sightseeing starts with a visit to Nyaung Oo market – a typical local market; followed by visits to most distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon Pagoda – the holiest one believed to be enshrined with Buddha tooth and hair; Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyiinn village) – the 13th century ‘cave temple’ with fine frescoes of scenes from Jakatas; Anada Temple – one of the masterpieces surviving and remaining in Bagan and considered to be in the Mon architecture style.

   
  A visit to the lacquer ware factory followed by a visit to local village. We will then take horse cart along off the beaten track of Bagan Pagodas to reach one of the temples from the top of it we would view the sunset.
   
  Stay overnight at your hotel in Bagan
   
  Note: breakfast box can be prepared in case you leave the hotel before breakfast time.
• Day 11

  BAGAN FULL DAY VISIT (B)

   Get up early and enjoy sunrise balloon (30 ~ 45 minutes, sharing 12 ~ 16 pax/ a balloon)

   
  Balloons Over Bagan: Classic / Standard Service  
   
  Important Notice:
   
  Ballooning will depend on the weather condition and in case of cancel the balloon, we will charge USD 10 for administration fees
  
  
  Please kindly advise to the clients in advance and kindly confirm back to me with their Body Weight. Any passenger in excess of 125kg/ 280pound or any passenger who requires the space in the basket for 2 passengers, will be required to book the additional extra space at the time of booking.
   
  Then go back to hotel and have breakfast. The second day sightseeing at Asia’s best kept archaeological destination includes a visit to Dhamayangyi Temple – the most massive, significant monument in Bagan with finest mortar-less brickwork; Sulamani Temple – close to the Dhamayangyi temple with more sophisticated style of later Bagan temple; another Gubyaukgyi Temple at Myinkaba village – believed to be built for Rajakumar on the death of his father, King Kyansitta, and famous nowadays for its well preserved wall paintings; Manuha Temple – built by detained Mon King Manuha; Ngagayon Temple – similar to the plan of Anada Temple and the main attraction is that the twice life size Buddha Image shelters under the hood of the naga or serpent inside the temple. Sunset viewing from the top of one of the permitted temples
   
  Stay overnight at your hotel in Bagan
• Day 12

  BAGAN – Mt. POPA – MANDALAY BY ROAD (B)

   Breakfast at the hotel. At 8.00am, we drive to Mt. Popa - an extinct volcano at 65km south east of Bagan in the plain region of middle Myanmar and as the one of National parks in Myanmar with preserved forest. It serves as a small oasis in the hot, dry plain of Myanmar. The popularity of Mt. Popa today lies in the interest of religious and mystical beliefs as an abode of spirits, “Nats”. Climb the Taungkalat – believed to be the part of the main volcano blown apart and plugged at the current location. Proceed to Mandalay. Upon arrival Mandalay, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

   
  Stay overnight at your hotel in Mandalay
  
  
  Bagan to Mandalay: 130km, it takes about 3 hours by car
• Day 13

  MANDALAY – BANGKOK (B)

   Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok.

   
  Upon arrival, our car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
• Day 14

  BANGKOK – GRAND PALACE – CANALS TOURS – CITY & TEMPLES

   After breakfast, we begin our tour of Bangkok with a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life. Along the way we will stop over at Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace which dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremonies. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we will drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimitis well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. Visit the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. Stay overnight in Bangkok 

  
  
  
  
   Note:
  
  
  You need to dress properly and polite to visit the Grand Palace
  
  
  The Grand Palace is closed during special royal ceremonies and during visiting heads of state
• Day 15

  BANGKOK – KANCHANABURI (B, L)

   Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town.
  

   
  Early breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast check out at hotel and meet English speaking guide private transfer to visit Taweechai Elephant Camp in Kanchanaburi province, followed by a 30 minutes of elephant riding and 30 minutes on bamboo rafting along the Kwai River. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kanchanaburi.
• Day 16

  KANCHANABURI – RIVERKWAI – BANGKOK (B)

   After breakfast, we check out the hotel. Meet the guide and transfer to visit War Cemetery of the allied prisoners of World War II, PBRC-Death Railway Museum and Research Centre (the museum of World War II) and the world famous bridge on the River Kwai, Later on, we transfer to Bangkok for flight to Phuket for beach vacation.

• Day 17

  BEACH VACATION IN PHUKET (B)

  Enjoy your free time at beach resort.

• Day 18

  BEACH VACATION IN PHUKET (B)

   Enjoy your free time at beach resort.

• Day 19

  PHUKET – DEPARTURE (B) - End of tour to Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar

   Enjoy your very last minute at beach resort before taking flight out of Thailand and finish your holiday. 

• More than 45 days before departure: No cancellation charge
• Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 10% of total tour cost 
• Between 30 days and 15 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
• Between 15 days and 7 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
• Less than 7 days before departure: 90% of total tour cost
• No-show at the airport on the day of arrival/departure: 100% of total tour cost

• Child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing bed with parents 
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate