Journey to Burma and Vietnam – 14 days

Day 1: Myanmar Arrival – Sightseeing

Arrival at Mandalay International Airport, you are greeted by our tour guide and driver.

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

Take the morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, head to Sagaing, which is renowned as the religious center of not only Mandalay but also Myanmar. Here you will be impressed with the view of the countless white and gold pagodas dotting along the river and around the Sagaing Hill. Furthermore, it is also the home to more than 100 meditation centers and 3,000 monks. Here you will have the visit at the Budda Cave, U Min Thonze Pagoda and U Ponya Pagoda.

You then cross the river by ferry to Inwa (Ava), situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a horse cart ride around the peaceful countryside, visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint tower.

End of the day, you have a drive to the world’s longest teak footbridge – U Bein Bridge, which crosses the shallow Taungthaman Lake. This is a fantastic place to take beautiful photos and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bridge as the sunsets.

Meals: N/A

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 2: Mingun – Mandalay City

Embark on a private boat upstream Irrawaddy River to visit Mingun. Upon arrival, the first site attracting your attention is Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the uncompleted yet the largest pagoda in Mandalay. Continue the sightseeing to Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, which is said to weigh around 90 tons. Then take a walk to the incredibly-white Hsinphymae Pagoda with its special structure and history. A visit to Mingun is definitely the highlight of your journey in Mandalay. In the afternoon, visit Mahamuni Pagoda that is the famous construction with the exquisite wood carvings and stunning perfection in every detail. It is the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, which offers a glimpse of the original style and traditional architecture of the Myanmar royals. The next stop is Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, well-known as the world’s largest book inscribed on 729 stone slabs. It’s time to learn about the story and scriptures with our experienced tour guide. If time permits, you Artisan quarters with some of the oldest craftsmanship are showcased dating back to the last kingdom of Myanmar. Here you visit the handicraft workshops, observe the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. You also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded. Afterward, you proceed to Mandalay Hill at the height of 240 metres for a superb view over Mandalay. From the highest point of the city, enjoy the sunset panoramic views of Mandalay, you can also see the square of the Royal Palace, some pagodas dotted surrounding, and the mighty Irrawaddy River.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 3: Mandalay – Fly to Bagan – Sightseeing

Today you have the flight to Bagan. Today you start exploring ancient Bagan with a visit to Nyaung U market, then have an exotic horse cart ride around to Shwezigon Pagoda, which is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. Continue to Htilominlo Temple, Ananda Temple, housing four standing Buddha and then to Sulamani Temple.

This afternoon, continue to one of the biggest temples in Bagan: Nan Paya pagoda and many other interesting sites nearby. This is the most relaxing way to end a day in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.

Day 4: Bagan rural sightseeing

Drive to the Ayeyarwady River for a short boat ride to Kyun Thiri Island. Visit a typical farming village, interacting with the villagers and observing their way of life. Take tea with some monks then return to Bagan late morning.

In the afternoon, take bicycle to visit short training class to a local lacquer ware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made. You can experience some lacquer ware creation and make your artwork memory. Another highlight today is the panoramic sunset view over Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.

Day 5: Bagan – Fly to Yangon – Sightseeing

Today you take the flight to Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. 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. Shwedagon contains a 99m high golden stupa and spires, adorned with 7,000 diamonds, sapphires and rubies and allegedly, hairs belonging to the Gautama Buddha. If you are fortunate, have a chance to join a special oil lamp lighting ceremony with thousand oil lamps are lit around the gilded pagoda. This ancient and symbolic Buddhist ritual will be the truly awe-inspiring spiritual experience.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Yangon

Day 6: Yangon city tour – Fly to Hanoi

After breakfast, our tour guide picks you up and head to the railway station. It’s your time experiencing the “circular train” for the true Burmese lifestyle. From the city center to its suburbs, you observe the vibrant and colorful life of local people. Stop for a stroll around Little India and Chinatown, which represent distinctive Yangon neighborhoods. Take in the sights, and join the locals in the popular fresh market. You might want to try some local snack, savor the exotic fruit, or pick up a colorful souvenir from vendors lining the streets.  Continue to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses the sacred reclining Buddhas as well as the country’s largest one. Spend time at 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…

Later, you have a visit at Kandawgyi Lake, also called Royal Lake, and leisurely stroll along the wooden footbridge across the serene lake and capture spectacle views of the beautiful giant floating Karaweik Palace.

Finally, you leave Myanmar for Vietnam. Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi city tour

Today you have a full day 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. 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; the Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake; and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi – Halong

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

Day 9: Halong – Fly to Saigon

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 transfer you to the airport for the flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 10: Ben Tre day trip

Today you spend a day away from the busy city of Saigon and drive to Ben Tre Province. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem in Tien Giang en route. On arrival at Hung Vuong Pier, board on your private boat for a glimpse at the delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. Experience the unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta as you visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, brick workshops, and home-made products such as coconut candies, rice cakes, handicrafts etc. After a short walk to visit a local family to learn how they make sedge mat and enjoy tea, tropical fruits, take “Xe Loi”, a kind of motorized rickshaw or you can hop onto your bicycle and peddle through picturesque villages (about 20 minutes). Stop at a riverside restaurant for a delicious and filling lunch. Then board a sampan for a relaxing trip along narrow canals. The boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre where your car will take you back to Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 11: Saigon city tour – Phu Quoc

Take the full day exploring Saigon with its highlights, including: the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.

You then take the direct flight to Phu Quoc. Get ready for your laid-back time on the wonderful sandy beach.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 12: Phu Quoc beach time

You are free at leisure, relax on beach and enjoy variety beach activities on your own.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 13: Phu Quoc beach time

You are free at leisure, relax on beach and enjoy variety beach activities on your own.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Quoc

Day 14: Phu Quoc departure

Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure until the transfer to Airport. Get ready for your onward flight. Thanks for traveling time with us.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: N/A