Southeast Asia Panorama: Bangkok to Mandalay

Itinerary

• Day 1: Welcome to Bangkok

  Upon arrival in Bangkok, your guide will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to have a rest and recover from the jet lag.

  • Bangkok

• Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing

  In the early morning, stroll around the colorful flower and vegetable market and take a deep breath on the fragrance of the beautiful blossom and fresh fruit! Next, pay a visit to the gorgeous Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew inside it.

  After lunch, start your leisurely long-tail boat tour along the canal. It's an interesting experience to see traditional Thai houses and true Thai life. The final stop is fantastic Wat Arun, a temple whose design is very different from the others in Bangkok.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

  This morning, your tour guide will take you to Ayutthaya for an excursion. Firstly, visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which combines various types of architecture ranging from Thailand to China to Europe. Later, head to Wat Mahathat, where you could see the stone Buddha head in a tree. Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. As a model of the Wat Phra Kaew, it has witnessed the historical changes of Ayutthaya. Don't forget the adjacent Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. There is a 17-meter-high bronze Buddha image drawing thousands of people to visit and worship.

  After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel in Bangkok.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 4: Bangkok - Chiang Mai

  This morning fly to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel by your local guide. As a symbol deeply cherished by the people of Chiang Mai, the Theravada Buddhist Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is your next port of call. Sitting on mats by low tables, the customary Thai style Khantoke Dinner will be served while admiring the traditional northern Cultural Show.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 5: Chiang Mai

  An Elephant's Care Day experience awaits you today. At 8:30 to 9:00 your shuttle bus from the hotel will deliver you to Baan Chang Elephant Park, 50 minutes north of the city. In this ethically run, sustainable elephant refuge, you can meet, touch, bathe and play with rescued elephants. After lunch, prepare the elephants' lunch of sticky rice, fruit and herbs and feed it to them. Before being driven back to Chang Mai, don't miss visiting the baby elephants, too. They have their own separate nursery area and will be as curious to meet you as you are to meet them.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 6: Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang

  You will participate in a morning cooking lesson and then take the chance to get some ingredients at a local market, before cooking the Thai cuisine which will be served as your lunch today.

  Later, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, check in to the hotel and take a break.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 7: Luang Prabang

  To learn more about the Buddhist culture, you are suggested to wake up early at dawn for the sacred alms-giving ceremony, during which monks receive rice from the townspeople for their daily meals, followed by a visit to the bustling morning Market or Phousi Market. You will then return to the hotel and take a rest.

  Your afternoon trip includes the Royal Palace Museum, mixed with traditional Lao and French beaux-arts styles, the significant Wat Xieng Thong, the ancient Wat Visoun, and the enchanting Mount Phousi. Climbing up to its top, you can catch a beautiful view of the city and the magnificent Mekong River at sunset. Taking a stroll around the night market will conclude your pleasant day today.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 8: Luang Prabang

  Cruising on the upper Mekong River, you will stop by the Pak Ou Caves for its renowned miniature Buddha sculptures. You will also visit the village of Ban Xanghai, noted for making rice wine, and the Ban Xang Khong famous for its silk weavings and Saa (jute) papermaking while en route.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 9: Luang Prabang - Hanoi

  Taking in the alluring beauty of the turquoise blue pools at the Kuang Si Waterfalls will provide your morning visit today. After this, you will be sent to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, be transferred to the hotel for check-in, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 10: Hanoi

  A visit to Hanoi would not be complete without seeing the final resting place of Vietnam's famous revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969). The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House are surrounded by tranquil woodland. The ornate yellow-pink Presidential Palace was built during 1900-1906 and initially used by the Governor-General during the French colonial period. After this, you can visit the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

  Vietnam is an ethnically diverse country composing some 54 distinct groups and this is celebrated in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. You can proceed to the Old Quarter by traditional rickshaw. To conclude your evening visit the relaxing Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see the famous Water Puppet Show, now considered a big part of Vietnamese culture.

  Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays, and most museums are closed on Mondays.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  A 3.5-hour drive from the capital brings you to the majestic Halong Bay. The best way to appreciate the bay is on water and you will board the day-and-a-half Halong Bay Cruise. The bay consists of hundreds of limestone islands and islets, pristine blue water and many intriguing grottoes-truly a maritime wonderland! You will have the option to take part in thrilling water activities such as kayaking, diving and swimming or just relax on board if you prefer.

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  • Halong Bay

• Day 12: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

  After a delicious meal on board, you will disembark from your Halong Bay cruise and meet your guide and driver at the pier. They will escort you to Hanoi Airport for your flight to the historic and culturally important city of Hue which was established as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

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  • Hue

• Day 13: Hue City

  Set amidst a tranquil forest is the ornate Tomb of King Ming Mang who reigned as Emperor of Vietnam from 1830-1839. Cruising along the Perfume River (so named due to the blossoms that create a sweet aroma here)-on Royal Dragon Boat you will reach the Thien Mu Pagoda. The iconic landmark, which is also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady has inspired much local poetry. Testifying to the importance Hue has had in Vietnamese history, you will visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. To conclude your day, the Dong Ba Market offers a taste of local life.

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  • Hue

• Day 14: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

  In the morning you will head to the charming town of Hoi An. The visitor may wish to ensure space on their camera to take in the stunning panorama from the Hai Van Pass which divides the cities of Hue and Da Nang. In the port city of Da Nang, you will find the splendid Non Nuoc Beach and relax here, you can also get good views of the Son Tra Peninsula and limestone Marble Mountains. Another landmark of Da Nang is the Cham Museum which boasts an extensive collection of sculptures and artwork from the ancient Champa civilization. After arriving in Hoi An and settling into your hotel, the rest of the day will be at your disposal.

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  • Hoi An

• Day 15: Hoi An

  Enjoy a refreshing cruise down the Cua Dai River to a local fishing village, specially designed to promote local ecology. The eco-tour includes a lesson from experienced local fishermen in producing fishing nets and trying out private basket-boats! Later in the day, experience Hoi An's multicultural heritage with a visit to the 18th Century Japanese Covered Bridge, followed by the Chinese Temple and the former Vietnamese Merchants' House.

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  • Hoi An

• Day 16: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

  In the morning, you will proceed to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

  Your first port-of-call in Ho Chi Minh City (after checking in to your hotel and a brief rest of course!) is the Binh Thanh Market. A visit to Vietnam cannot ignore the still relatively-recent memory of the devastating Indochina Wars and the War Remnants Museum is a well-known venue, archiving this important history. Following on from this is the colonial-era Tan Dinh Church, notable for its vibrant pink exterior which is truly remarkable.

  Despite being a fast-growing metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City is still relatively compact and the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House, and colonial-era City Hall are all within walking distance.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City

  In the morning, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast, subterranean complex was dug out by Viet Cong forces during the Indochina Wars and is fascinating if somber testament to that turbulent period of history. In the afternoon, visit the Cao Dai Temple where you will see disciples of the Cao Dai religion in the ceremony. Feel free to spend the rest of the day at your own pace.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

  In the morning, you will head to My Tho, a fast-growing city in the Mekong Delta. After checking in to your hotel, a relaxing cruise on the Tien River and a visit to the My Tho Fish Market will give you a taste of everyday life here. As you take in the natural beauty of the surrounding panorama, you pass Four Islands on the river before docking and getting a cart ride to the landmark Mr Muoi Hai's House, where you can sample delicious honey tea. The Mekong River and the delta surrounding it is justifiably known as the rice-basket of Southeast Asia and a good way to experience this is a traditional sampan cruise along its canals. You will then be driven to Vietnam's fifth largest city, Can Tho.

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  • Can Tho

• Day 19: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

  In the morning, you will cruise along the Mekong River-rightly seen as one of the world's great waterway's and marvel at the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market.

  Back in Ho Chi Minh City, you will catch a flight to Siem Reap in neighboring Cambodia. After checking into your hotel, feel free to explore a bit on your own or simply unwind at your own pace.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 20: Siem Reap

  Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the world-renowned archaeological complex of Angkor Thom. The site was established by King Jayavarnum VII in the late 12th Century as the most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Passing through the south gate, you will see the huge compound which includes the exquisite Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.

  After a brief lunch, head to Angkor Wat, which is very close by. A World Heritage Site, adorned with fine Khmer architecture and Buddhist icons, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument on earth and is truly a remarkable place. As the sun sets, you will not want to miss the magnificent panorama from the vantage point of the Bakheng Temple. For your evening's entertainment, you will experience traditional dancing and delicious local cuisine at the Apsara Dinner Show.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 21: Siem Reap

  If you are an early riser, you will not want to miss the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat and perhaps engage with local Buddhist monks and nuns as they take part in the alms-giving ceremony. After getting a good breakfast, you will head to the 10th Century Banteay Srei Temple which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with a stop at some local villages en route. Two of the most unique shrines at the Angkor complex are the Ta Prohm Temple and the Ta Keo Temple. Demonstrating the ancient nature of the site, huge tree roots have encircled around the former whilst the latter is known for being the first to be built of sandstone. You are welcome to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 22: Siem Reap - Bangkok - Yangon

  It is recommended you enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel as you will be traveling today, departing on an international flight to Bangkok. Please be advised, from Bangkok, you will need to get on your connecting flight to Yangon independently. On arrival in the largest city of Myanmar (Burma) your local guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

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  • Yangon

• Day 23: Yangon

  In the morning, your first site in Yangon will be the remarkable reclining Buddha statue (one of the largest of its kind in Asia), housed in the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda. Other sites in Burma's largest city, also known as Rangoon include the elaborate and ancient Sule Pagoda, Maha Bandoola Garden and to demonstrate the cultural melting pot of Yangon, India Town and China Town. Later, if you would like to pick up souvenirs, visit the Bogyoke Market (please note, this is closed on Mondays). In the early evening, a great place to appreciate the sunset is the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, which is decorated with elaborate gold tiles.

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  • Yangon

• Day 24: Yangon - Bagan

  Enjoy your breakfast before flying to the ancient city of Bagan. A good place to start here is the thriving Nyaung U Market. Shwezigon Pagoda is considered one of the most remarkable Burmese stupas. Constructed in 1102, its shimmering gold exterior is stunning. Later, proceed to the Htilominlo Temple which stands 151 ft tall and is adorned by four Buddha's facing in each direction. Later, head on to visit Myanmar's most treasured handicrafts at a lacquerware workshop, followed by a site which has come to be known as 'the Burmese Rosetta Stone' the Myinkaba Gubyaukgyi Temple which is renowned for its frescoes. Your excursion today will end at the Shwesandaw Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in 1057. This shrine is a good vantage point for the beautiful sunset over Bagan.

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  • Bagan

• Day 25: Bagan

  The Bagan Viewing Tower, open to the public since 2005 is a great place to enjoy the sunrise before breakfast at your hotel. Hire a bike to explore historic Bagan on your own. Bagan was the capital of the ancient Pagan Kingdom and some 2,200 Buddhist temples still survive in the area from the estimated 10,000 that were constructed! Myinkaba Village offers a glimpse at the local life and the Manuha Temple, built in 1067, is your next stop.

  Later in the day, cruise the famous Irrawaddy River, stopping at the unique Kyauk Kuu Umin Temple which is known as the Cave Temple and rests on three receding terraces. The beautiful sunset will make for a pleasant conclusion to your day.

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  • Bagan

• Day 26: Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay

  Please prepare for an early rise for your flight to Mandalay, Burma's second largest city. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and after checking into your hotel will take you to Amarapura. Now a township of Mandalay, Amarapura was a former capital of Myanmar. The large Mahagandayon Monastery was constructed in 1908 and is known for its strict adherence to the Vinaya Buddhist code. Then, proceed to the City Harbor Bridge where you can have lunch.

  Later in the day, Sagaing Hill, to the southwest of the city is rich in Buddhist religious culture with many temples and monasteries dotting the landscape here. Built in about 1850, U-Bein Bridge is thought to be the oldest and longest teakwood crossing in the world and is a good place to watch the sunset.

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  • Mandalay

• Day 27: Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay

  In the morning, enjoy a pleasant boat excursion up the Irrawaddy River to the small but important town of Mingun. Here, you will find the world's largest ringing bell, the Mingun Bell which was made between 1808 and 1810. Other landmarks in the town include the Mingun Pagoda, Hsinbyume Pagoda, the white and gold Settawya Pagoda. Back in Mandalay, you can see the Mahamuni Pagoda, Teak Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenendaw Monastery) dating back to 1878 during the reign of King Mindon Min. To conclude your day, Mandalay Hill offers spectacular views over the bustling city.

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  • Mandalay

• Day 28: Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake

  In the morning, catch your connecting flight to the town of Heho in Shan State. At the airport, your local guide will escort you to Inle Lake, considered a rich ecosystem and the first Burmese site to be included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Here, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda overlooks the lake and features gold-encrusted miniature Buddhas. In the afternoon, visit a local village where you will observe the production of traditional silk using wooden handlooms. After this, relax in your hotel and enjoy the evening at your own leisure.

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  • Inle Lake

• Day 29: Inle Lake

  Known as the "Oriental Venice", the beautiful Inle Lake provides your first morning stop, before visiting the peaceful Indein village, where you can see a nice pagoda and observe locals' agricultural lifestyles. After lunch, spend the rest of the day on your own.

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  • Inle Lake

• Day 30: Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon - Bangkok

  This morning, transfer to Heho for a flight to Yangon from Inle Lake, connecting another flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, your local guide will send you to the hotel for check-in and spend the rest of the day on your own.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 31: Bangkok, Departure

  Enjoy some leisure time before your departure to the airport for your flight home.

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