Southeast Asia Experiences 19 Days

Day 1: Siem Reap arrival
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to hotel in the center of Siem Reap, then enjoy the evening at your leisure.
In the evening, savor the welcome dinner and enjoy the Apsara Dance Show at one of finest local restaurants.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a tuk-tuk ride to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back out on a full day temple tour.  Starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat – the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture, you proceed to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 3: Siem Reap – Kabal Spean – Bantaey Srei
Kbal Spean was the refuge of 11th – 13th century religious hermits and over the centuries they carved lingas stands, animals and sacral friezes into the surrounding rocks and riverbeds. Today, a well-marked path leads up the forested hillside to the central area that contains most of the carvings. The walk takes about 45 minutes. Visitors are rewarded for their effort by a stunning waterfall and rock pools in which to bathe and cool off. In addition to the carvings there is also a variety of fauna at Kbal Spean and the trees and rock pools attract a colorful array of butterflies.
After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings, followed by Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap – Fly to Phnom Penh – City tour
Today you fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s modern capital.  Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions holds an undeniable charm. Our driver and guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check-in.  Start by learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market,” where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Finalize the day with a cyclo ride down Sihanouk Boulevard to visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc
We travel by speedboat down the Mekong, through Cambodia and into Vietnam. Spending the cruising down the river, enjoying views of the fluvial landscape is an unforgettable experience. Arrive in Chau Doc in the late afternoon. Our driver and guide will meet you at the dock and take you to your hotel for check in.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc.
Day 6: Chau Doc – Mekong Delta Tour – Saigon
This morning, we drive from Chau Doc to Saigon, stopping along the way to explore the serene Mekong River Delta. Have breakfast then travel by car to the riverside town of Cai Be. Visit a candy factory and orchard garden, where you will have an opportunity to listen to traditional Vietnamese music. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant then set out by rowboat to explore some of the delta’s many islands. In the afternoon we continue on our drive to Saigon. Check in at the hotel then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.
Day 7: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels
We leave Saigon and drive through South Vietnam’s countryside to Tay Ninh province to visit the magical Cao Dai temple, home to the Buddhist fusion religion that took root in the 1920s. Join a noon-time ceremony at the colorful temple then stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we continue on our journey to visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground labyrinth constructed by the Vietnamese soldiers to survive American air raids during the Vietnam War. Those bold enough have the opportunity to crawl through sections of the tunnels to understand the living conditions of the Vietnamese soldiers during the wartime. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.
Day 8: Saigon City Tour – Fly to Hanoi
Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city, is a vibrant, modern metropolis, converging East and West. After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning on a guided tour of this captivating city, visiting the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, drive to the airport to catch your flight to Hanoi.
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.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 9: 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 10: Halong – Hanoi
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
Day 11: Hanoi city tour – Fly to Yangon
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; one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).
You then get ready to fly to Myanmar. Mingalabar! Up on arrival at Yangon International airport, our guide and driver will welcome you. 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.
Yangon is the former capital and remains the most developed city of Myanmar. The bustling city of Yangon is the best place to witness the country in transition, where century-old buildings from the British colonial period vie for space with the emerging modern skyline. Head to the hotel to check-in and freshen up.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Yangon
Day 12: Yangon – Fly to Mandalay – Sagaing – Inwa
Take the morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and head to Sagaing.
The destination 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 Pagoda Cave, U Min Thonze Pagoda and U Ponya Pagoda. Continue the trip to Inwa. Once a royal capital, it 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, walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type & enjoy great sunset view here.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Day 13: Mingun – Mandalay City
First, 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. The next stop is the Shwenandaw Monastery, 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. In the afternoon, visit 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 head to 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. Wrap up the fruitful day trip with the drive to Mandalay Hill. From the highest point of the city, enjoy the sunset panoramic views of Mandalay, you can see the square of the Royal Palace, some pagodas dotted surrounding, and the mighty Irrawaddy River.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Day 14: Mandalay to Monywa
After an early breakfast, make the 4-hour drive to Monywa, along the banks of the Chindwin River. First visit the Thanbodday Zedi temple complex and the Boditataung Pagoda, both known for their extensive Buddha statuary, and the Shwe Thar Lyaung Reclining Buddha Image on Pho Khaung Hill, the largest reclining Buddha image in Burma. After lunch, cross the Chindwin and make the 45-minute drive to Powin Taung stopping along the way to admire the stone-cut pavilions of Shwe Ba Taung. Known as the “Hill of the Alchemists”, Powin Taung Hill boasts several Buddhist cave sites from as early as the 16th century. Numerous Buddha images were carved along the stone walls of these caves, creating a gallery of different images. Throughout the centuries, mural paintings were added, creating what some archaeologists call the richest mural painting collection in Southeast Asia. Overnight in Monywa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Monywa
Day 15: Monywa – Pakokku – Bagan
After an early start, depart for Pakkoku, one of the more famous towns in Central Myanmar. En route, visit Mau Ale Village, a fascinating ruined pagoda built in the 17th century. You can also observe the workshops of local incense makers and bamboo scale producers. After arriving in Pakkoku, visit the workshops of local blanket weavers (hand-woven) and a marketplace specializing in thanakha (a traditional Burmese cosmetic made from tree bark). Afterwards, head to Bagan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.
Day 16: Bagan ancient land sightseeing
After breakfast, 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. You then enjoy the gorgeous sunset on boat over the Irrawaddy River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.
Day 17: 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 18: Bagan – Fly to Yangon – City tour
This morning you take the direct flight to Yangon. 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
Day 19: Yangon Departure
Today is your own leisure. Afterward, you have the airport transfer. Get ready for the International flights. Thank you for your time with us!
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: N/A