Far East Vacation 15 Days

Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival Luang Prabang airport, you will be picked up by our representative and transfer to city center.

If time permit, you will visit Wat Mai temple – the biggest temple of Luang Prabang.  Then visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology center. Later of this day, visit Wats Xieng Thong, the Golden City Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be the finest in Laos.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Wake up before dawn to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from the residents of Luang Prabang. It’s a fantastic experience and for many a highlight of their visit to this iconic city.

Then you will visit the Local morning market where you will see such diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the former king’s palace, which is now a museum – Royal museum. The many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes, arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. We then board a boat 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 local rice wine. Later that day, we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Today we explore Ock Pop Tok craft living center overlooking the Mekong, set in a tropical Mekong garden. Meaning “east meets west”, Ock Pop Tok brings the fascinating world of traditional Lao handicrafts alive for visitors. Continue our trip to 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 take soft trek to visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe and Ban Ou, Lowland Lao. Continue driving to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. You are free to visit the Bear Rescue Centre which relies solely on partners, corporate sponsors and donations from the public. Back to the old town and relax.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Today you leave Luang Prabang for Chiang Mai, Thailand. Upon arrival, you are waited by our driver and tour guide. Have the drive to hotel, check in and relax.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

Today you will visit northern Thailand’s Premiere national park home to Thailand’s highest mountains, ethnic hill tribes, unique flora and fauna and stunning natural beauty to boot. On this tour you can cool off on Thailand’s highest peak while taking in the beautiful scenic Doi Inthanon National Park. Night time temperatures on the peak can be as low as -8 degrees centigrade. In the cold/dry season night time frosts are common. Day time temperatures can be surprisingly cold so do not forget a long sleeve jumper. On the way up we will visit Wachiritharn Waterfalls, The King and Queen Chedi’s, (the best views across the park are found here), and then on to the peak of Doi Inthanon the highest mountain in Thailand. Near the top we will take the Angkha nature walk (if the weather permits) where you can walk amongst the unique flora and forest that grow at this altitude. There are both Karen and Hmong villages in the bounds of Doi Inthanon and we see those at the local market on the way down the mountain before making our way back to Chiang Mai.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

Breakfast shall be served at the hotel and then we will visit one of the popular Elephants Camp, where you can see the Elephants at work. You have a chance to ride the elephants crossing the river into the forest. Then return by Oxcart (if available) to the elephant village to have lunch. After lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river for around 45 minutes. Onwards to an orchid farm where there are many beautiful species of orchid. And after that going back to the hotel and free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.

Breakfast at hotel. Today, continue the trip at Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep – 3,500 feet above sea-level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. You will have a panoramic view of the city from this height.

Finally, you have the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by our tour guide. Head to hotel in city center, check in and relax.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be collected from your hotel in Bangkok and taken to the Floating Market. You will take a longtail boat to the edge of the Floating Market and ride in a paddleboat through the Floating Market. You’ll then walk around and observe the sale and exchange of various goods between parties in their longtail boats as has been traditionally taking place for years. Back to Bangkok for the visit to some highlights including the Grand Palace which is the official of King Siam since 1782 made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It is located on the bank of Chao Phraya River. Inside the Grand Palace complex is Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The following visit is Wat Arun which is known as Temple of Dawn – one of the best well-known sites in Bangkok. It is best seen from the opposite side of the river.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Bangkok

This morning you take the direct flight to Myanmar.

Mingalabar! Up on arrival at Yangon International airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and have a drive to hotel for relaxation.

Welcome to Myanmar, the country has just opened its doors to the world after 60 years of isolation and now waiting for people to explore its unique heritage and culture.

Now you have a trip downtown with a walking tour through the historic quarter. Along the way you visit the former City Hall and various other examples of 1940’s colonial British architecture. The hidden art galleries inside the small alley could also be the next stop on your tour. Continue to Bogyoke Market, formerly Scott Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays). Built in the 1920s under British rule, the side is listed a heritage of Yangon. It has more than 2,000 stalls dominated by large selections of antique Burmese handicraft, clothing and jewelry…

Last but not least, you go to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist site of Myanmar and the oldest one in the world. The Pagoda contains a 99m high golden stupa and spires, adorned with 7,000 diamonds, sapphires and rubies and allegedly, hairs belonging to the Gautama Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Yangon

After breakfast at hotel, you are leaving Yangon for Bagan. Now you have the visit to the most beautiful and iconic sites, including: Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, Nanpaya Temple, Thatbinnyu… In the afternoon, you visit a traditional lacquerware workshop, try creating some products yourself and bring home some unique the handicrafts. Later on, from an elevated vantage point, you witness the panoramic view of the archaeological wonders in sunset. This is the most relaxing way to end a day in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Bagan

Begin the sightseeing with a visit at the colorful Nyaung U market which remains very authentic with a wide range of local grown products. Next, you take an exotic horse cart ride around the ancient land, feel free to drop by any temples in Bagan and many other interesting sites nearby. Now you proceed to the typical Burmese villages, discover their agricultural lifestyle, such as Min Nan Thu Village and Shwe Hlaing village…

Then you continue our journey to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 metres high. It is the center for worshippers of the pantheon of Burmese ‘Nat” spirits (which form an essential part of Buddhist beliefs in Myanmar). Climb 829 steps with bare foot to reach the revered Popa Taungkalat Monastery perched dramatically on a large rocky outcrop. The adventurous is rewarded with sweeping views of Popa National Park.

In the afternoon, drive back to Bagan and stop en-route at the workshop making traditional palm sugar, cigar maker and peanut oil distillation.

You cap the day with an unforgettable sunset from a boat on the Irrawaddy River.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Bagan

Today we will come and pick you up for the flight back to Yangon and get ready for the journey to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. Get ready to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 2.5-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay, a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permits). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

(The itinerary is a sample and it will be different between cruises. Our travel consultants will provide the exact schedule and program if you book a specific cruise such as Hera Cruise, Halong President Cruise, Emperor Cruise, Halong Violet, Halong Jasmine, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Orchid Cruise, Indochina Sails, Au Co Cruise, Starlight Cruise etc.)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight cruise

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Your driver will meet you at the Halong jetty and take you back to Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the evening, we pick you up for the traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.

Afterward, you have the airport transfer. Get ready for the International flights.

Thank you for your time with us!

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: N/A