Greater Mekong Subregion Unique Experience (#2305)

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok (no meals)

Arrival at Bangkok airport, meet your driver (no guide) at the meeting point’s airport.
Transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 2: Bangkok city tour (B)

After breakfast your English speaking guide will pick you up to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09.00 Hrs ) After this uplifting and often private experience visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre reclining Buddha. Wat Po is the oldest and largest Wat in Bangkok originated in the 16th
century and houses the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand as well as the greatest number of Buddha images. Wat Po is also the center for traditional Thai medicine and a learning center for Thai massage.
Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majestic of the building and its throne halls; marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Take speed boat whisks you down the Chao Praya River and canals (Klongs) of Thonburi. You will drift past “floating kitchens” mobile shops and all kinds of colorful river scenery before stopping at the enchanting temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Your sightseeing day will end at the Royal Barge Museum.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Bangkok – Yagoon (B)

Fly from Bangkok to Yagoon on Airasia.
Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport welcome by our local guide and transfer to your Hotel. In the afternoon drive to Mawtin Jetty and take a rickshaw for a short trip along the Yangon River. Then, visit Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda (a huge reclining Buddha), Karaweik Hall, a Royal floating barge on the Royal Lake for a photo stop. Late in the afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda described by Somerset Maugham: “The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city.” This massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, Temples, and Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the sunset over the Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 4: Yangoon – Bagan (B)

Early morning flight to Bagan. Today enjoy the whole day at the most extensive archeological site in Asia. Bagan has over 2,000 temples and pagodas of various sizes in varying states of repair and spread across the plain. Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; Gubyaukgyi, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes and Ananda Temple with four huge standing Buddha images and numerous seated figures and niches around the galleried interior. In the afternoon visit lacquer ware home industry; Manuha Temple built in Mon style from 1059 and Nanphaya Temple, said to have once been the residence of King Manuha; Gu Byauk Gyi Temple (Wet Kyi Inn), which has very nice frescoes inside. Enjoy sunset over terraces of the Shwesandaw Pagoda. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 5: Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura – Mandalay (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. On arrival, proceed to Amarapura the “City of Immortals”. Amarapura was the capital of upper Burma until 1850. As was the custom, most of the important wooden palaces and monasteries were taken down and transported to the new capital in Mandalay. Visit to a house of hand weaving looms, where, they produce silk and cotton textiles. Amarapura’s silk has a very unique pattern, sometimes; some patterns even take 3 months to finish a longyi. Then have a leisure walk at U Bein teak wood bridge, which is over 150 years old. In the afternoon continue to Mahamuni Pagoda, with its spectacular Buddha image covered in thick layers of gold leaf. Then visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings, Atumashi Monastery, the “Incomparable Monastery”, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures. Finally drive up to Mandalay Hill, a vantage-point for panoramic view of the city. One famous song in Myanmar said “if you want to live long, you have to go Mandalay Hill”. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 6: Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake (B)

Take a morning flight to Heho. On arrival drive to Nyaung Shwe, a town at the north of Inle Lake. From there take Inthar Style outboard to have excursion in Inle Lake (25 km) famous for its unique one-leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing and village life and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda housing five sacred and almost shapeless Buddha images, contorted because of the quantity of applied gold leaf, gifts from the believers. The Buddha images are reported to have come here in the 12th Century. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the silk weaving village of In Phaw Khon and visit Nga Phe Chaung (the biggest and oldest monastery around Inle Lake). Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho – Yangoon (B)

In the morning, visit one of the colorful markets in Inle Lake Area. Here at Inle Lake, the markets are not held on a daily basis but do rotate on 5 days basics. Proceed by boat to Indein (appr. 1 ½ hour drive) to see the ancient Bagan + Shan style pagodas, built during Bagan Period, passing the beautiful scenery with tall grasses and little water steps. The ruin pagodas, hidden in the bushes will give you an impression being back to the 12th century. Then take a flight back to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 8: Yangoon – Flight to Bangkok – Flight to Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast transfer to the Yangon International Airport for the departure flight.Transfer to the International Airport, for the flight to Bangkok on Airasia then connect flight to Luang Prabang by PG flight.
Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast, we 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 represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. Visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, We then board 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, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the potent local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand made of Jute Sar paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfalls – Vientiane (B)

Breakfast; this morning you may want to rise early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. From there you will visit the morning Phosi 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 village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city to transfer to airport for your late afternoon flight to Vientiane by flight. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 11: Vientiane- Siem Reap (B)

Breakfast at hotel, take city tour to see the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, and shopping at Morning Market to buy souvenir from Laos before transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Transfer to check in at hotel and overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Day 12: Siem Reap – Bantey Srei temple (B)

Visit Bantey Srei temple, Banteay Srei is built largely of redsandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”, or the “jewel of Khmer art. Continue to visit big cercle of Preak Khan, Neak Poan, Pre Up and Sara Srang
Overnight at hotel

Day 13: Angkor History Park (B)

AM: After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous old palace, Angkor Thom (this last capital was indeed a ‘Great City’ as its name implies and it served as the religious and administrative center of the vast and powerful Khmer Empire. It was grander than any city in Europe at that time and have supported a considerable population as high as one million) within Angkor Thom are Bayon (the giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most but not all sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points), Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Phemean Akas, Terrace of Leper King. Back to Siem Reap Town.
PM: Visit Ta Prom Temple then afterwards visit Angor Wat (Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus like towers rising 65 meters from the ground level. Angkor Wat is the center piece of any visitor to the temples of Angkor). Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Siem Reap – Phnompenh (B)

AM: Visit the Great Lake (Tonle Sap Lake) in Indochina with a 100km, in 1-2 hours cruise you will experience visiting the Fishing Villa where fisherman are living on the water, you will see how different their lives with other Fishing Villa around the world. Back to Siem Reap Town, visit Chantier Ecole-Artisan d’angkor, the place is in the Ministry of Education that was constructed in 1992, this place renowned woodworking, stone carving and polychrome training center and workshops. Free tour of different classes and workshops offer a glimpse into the unique skills training program, teaching young artists about the techniques and styles of classic Cambodian Artistry
PM: transfer to the bus station for departure to Phnom Penh 1230-1830 (Mekong Express Bus)
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Phnompenh city tour (B)

Visit Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the mosts conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (the Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha statues that were decorate and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will processd to visit Independent Monument which was constructed in 1945 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, countinuing visit Wat Phnom.
In the after noon, traveler will be show back for Khmer rusin at Killing field and Toul Sleng museum (S21 prison). Over 2million Cambodian was killied on Khmer rusin.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Phnompenh – Chau Doc of Vietnam (B)

AM: After breakfast, you will shopping at the Centre market (call Psa Thmey) and Toul Tompong market, you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their house, their face, Palaces and building of Khmer and Colonial style architectures.Transfer to the boat pier for speedboat to Chau Doc of Vietnam. Boat departs at 1300. Arrive Chau Doc at 1700, own arrangement transfer to Trung Nguyen hotel for check in. You can call a taxi from Chau Doc ferry to hotel in Chau Doc
Overnight at hotel

Day 17: Chau Doc – Can Tho (B)

Visit the Sam mountain to enjoy the a breath-taking view on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border with flat rice fields and nice canals, visit caved pagoda
Depart Chau Doc for Can Tho with visit of Thot Not stork sanctuary or Crocodile Farm
Arrive Can Tho, short visit of Can Tho city. We visit An Binh local market and enjoy the daily activity of local people in the Mekong delta before checking in at hotel
Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Can Tho – Cai Rang floating market – Saigon (B)

Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat, we will see the Cai Rang – Phong Dien floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who lives along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Drive back Saigon
Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels – Tay Ninh – Saigon (B)

Cao Daism is an mixture of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. In this religious, Buddha and the Christian God are believed to both exist as deities, but Cao Dai is the third, highest deity. First found by Ngo Van Chieu in 1923, by 1930 there were half a million followers and over 2 million now.
In the morning, we are drive forward Tay Ninh, to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. After lunch, we drive back, with stopover Cu Chi Tunnels. The trip ends after arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Saigon – night train to Danang (B)

Today, we will visit the bustling Saigon including Thien Hau pagoda, Notre Dame cathedral, former post office, former Presidential Palace, War Museum, China town with Ben Thanh market
In this, the largest of Vietnam’s cities, you will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere, and there is something invigorating about it all. Constrasting images of the exotic and mundane abound. There are the street markets, where bargains are struck and deals are done; the pavement cafes, where stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with a melodious thumping beat; and the sleek new cafes and pubs, where tourists chat over beer, pretzels, coffee and croissants. A young office worker manoeuvres her Honda Dream through rush-hour traffic, long hair flowing, high heel working the break pedal. The sweating Chinese businessman chats on his cellular phone, cursing his necktie in the tropical heat.
Late check out not included, you can leave lugguage at hotel, walk somewhere for dinner till 18.00 PM
Transfer to train station for night train to Danang, soft sleeper 4 berth comparment sharing (SE2, 1930-1231+1)
Overnight on train

Day 21: Danang train station – Hoian (B)

Pick up at train station at 1231 hrs, transfer to Hoian
Check in at hotel
Explore Hoian charming town on foot. . Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
Overnight at hotel

Day 22: Hoian – Danang – Hue (B)

Pick up at hotel then transfer to Hue. On the way , stop to visit Marble Mountains and Cham Museum.
Tradditionally, Hue has been one of Vietnam’s main cultural, religious and educational centres. Today, its main attraction are the splendid tombs of the Nguyen emperors, several notable pagodas and the remains of the Citadel. Also, the local will nodoubt tell you repeatedly, the women of Hue are renowned for their beauty.
You will visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, King Tu Duc’s tomb (Tu Duc is a king but also a poet, so his mausoleum is a poet garden).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 23: Hue – train to Hanoi (B)

Boat trip on Perfume river to visit Thien Mu pagoda, King Minh Mang tomb (typical formal oriental style designed).
Transfer to train station for overnight train to Hanoi on 4 person compartment soft sleeper sharing (SE2, 1531/0450+1)
Overnight trip

Day 24: Hanoi – Halong Bay with Glory cruise (B,L,D), no escort guide to Halong Bay, guide on junk

4.50 AM: Pick up early in the morning at train station , transfer to hotel 2* for refresh, bring you back to shape! and breakfast
7.30 – 12.00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
12.00 – 13.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Glory Legend Private Lounge
13.00 – 15.30: Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy set menu lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.
15.30 – 17.30:Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
17.30 – 19.30: Back to the boat and free time for relaxing

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make spring rolls. Then enjoy spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.
19.30 – 23.00: Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served
Evening activities include: Leisure time for chatting around the bar, watching many sorts of Vietnam cultural films. Relaxing and spending a romantic night on Glory Legend Cruises’ music. Reading magazines in room and dining room. Passengers may also try their luck with squid fishing on the boat.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu).
Overnight on board

Day 25: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B,L), no guide escort back Hanoi, guide on junk

06.00 – 09.00: Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries… for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
09.00 – 11.30: Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a set menu brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.
11.30: Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye to the crew
12.00 – 16.30: Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop
16.30: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip.

Day 26: Full day Hanoi visits – overnight Train to Lao Cai (B)

Start at your hotel at 9.00 AM, transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his former residence, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature
In the afternoon, visit Ethnology Museum & Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son temple, attend the famous performance of water puppetry (daily use room till 20.00 PM)
20.00 in the evening pick up at your hotel in Hanoi, transfer to Hanoi train station for train to Laocai (Tourist Carriage, first class, 4person compartment with air-conditioning). The train departs approximate 2115 hours.
Overnight on train

Day 27: Lao Cai – Sapa – Ham Rong Mountain – Cat Cat village (B)

Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 05.30. Take a transfer by private car to Sapa.
Having breakfast and relax before explore Sapa Town. At a elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa is a delightful old French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnams’ northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minorities groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire.
We will have a short walk to Ham Rong Mountain. On the way, stop at local market, ethnic minority people of different groups wearing their traditional costumes made by themselves comes every day selling local products includes vegetable, bamboo shoot, mushroom, medicinal herbs and souvenirs…there are chances for making acquaintance and taking photos. In the afternoon, drive to the direction to the South West of Sapa ( around 4 kms ) to get to Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong minority, a waterfall and a hydroelectric power station built by the French in the past. Continue to trek another village, Sin Chai before going back Sapa (this trek depends much on your health, pls freely discuss with your local tour guide if you prefer to trek more/less).
Overnight at hotel

Day 28: Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai/Ta Van – Silver waterfall – Tram Ton – night train back Hanoi (B)

Hike down to Lao Chai village to visit the Tay and Day tribes. Continue along the bottom of the Sapa valley to get to Ta Van village, which is supposed to be the most beautiful one in the area. Today you will spend abt 4 hours hiking. It depends on you if you want to hike more or less. At least you can see one village – it is a must (!), once in this region! Return to Sapa by car for having lunch at local restaurant on your account
In the afternoon, drive up hill to see the famous Silver Waterfall and then onto Tram Ton, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 1,800 m above sea level for enjoying the magnificence of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range as well as over viewing spectacular landscapes of the whole area, stretching endlessly..
Then transfer back to Lao Cai station for the night train back to Hanoi by soft sleeper, 4-berth sharing compartment on tourist train.
Overnight train trip

Day 29: Hanoi Arrival – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (B)

You will arrive early in the morning then take your group to local restaurant for having breakfast & short break. Then, drive to Ninh Binh and take boat trip on the scenic Ngo Dong river to visit Tam Coc which is known as Halong Bay on land. Boating in a sampan on the winging river watching the local life is an excellent idea you should not miss. Visit as well the ancient dynasty temples of Dinh and Le.
Back Hanoi, drop off at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Day 30: Hanoi Departure (B)

Free time at leisure then transfer to airport for flight back to your country (late check out at hotel excluded)
End of services

Prices until 31.12.2024

Price is nett per person in US$, twin shared basis, tax, service charge included in the party of

**Interested in other class of hotels or customizing this tour as per your wish? Please email us for details

Price inclusive

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a double room.
• All airport transfers
• Air-conditioned ground transportation
• All boat, ferry and train transportation as noted
• Admissions to all noted attractions (Angkor Wat 2 day visitor´s pass)
• Halong Bay overnight junk fee
• Kayak fee Halong Bay (2 people per kayak)
• Shuttle bus Hanoi – Ha Long – Hanoi
• Bus ticket Siem Reap – Phnom Penh without local guide escort on bus (Mekong bus)
• Speed Boat Phnompenh – Chau Doc (Hang Chau Express)
• Train tickets Saigon – Da Nang, Hue – Hanoi, A/C Soft Sleeper 4 berth sharing compartment
• Train tickets Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi, A/C Soft Sleeper 4 berth sharing compartment
• Intra Laos: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (airport tax included)
• Intra Myanmar: Yangoon – Bagan – Heho – Yangon (airport tax included)
• Service of an English speaking local stationed guide
• Inter-country flight Bangkok – Yangoon – Bangkok (airport tax included)
• Inter-country flight Bangkok – Luang Prabang (airport tax included)
• Inter-country flight Vientiane – Siem Reap (airport tax included)
• VAT and other taxes
• Vietnam visa arrangement fee (as added promotion)

Price exclusive

• Services not mentioned in the program
• Immigration fees to Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and China
• Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$45,–pp)
• Airport departure taxes (other than mentioned included above)
• Meals other than noted
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Hotels used for Standard class