MYANMAR – VIETNAM - LAOS
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos, exploring the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Southeast Asia. Begin in Yangon, where you will admire colonial-era architecture and the most beautiful pagoda in Myanmar. Continue to the ancient city of Bagan, home to thousands of temples and pagodas scattered across a vast green plain. In Mandalay, immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Buddhism before heading to the serene Inle Lake, where a boat trip will reveal the unique daily life of the local Intha people. Cross into Vietnam to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Trang An and Halong Bay, both recognized as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites. Conclude your journey in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO Heritage Site in Laos, where timeless traditions blend harmoniously with stunning surroundings.
DAY 1: MANDALAY ARRIVAL (-/-/D)
Upon arrival in Mandalay, our driver & tour guide are awaiting to pick you up to transfer to your hotel. Rest of the time is at leisure.
Your highlight is the welcome dinner in a fine restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Mandalay
Distance:
- Mandalay Airport – Mandalay Central: 24 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 2: MANDALAY SIGHTSEEING (B/-/-)
After breakfast, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery – noted for its exquisite wood carvings, gold leaf beating workshop, Kuthodaw Pagoda – known as the world biggest book. Next, head to Sagaing, discover the monk education, visit Budda cave, Uminthonze pagoda and Sunooponnyashin pagoda. Behold the panoramic view of Mandalay.
We 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, walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type to Mahamuni Image – a bronze Buddha image castled during the lifetime of Buddha himself. Enjoy great sunset view here.
Overnight at hotel in Mandalay
DAY 3: MANDALAY – BAGAN – SIGHTSEEING (B/-/-)
After breakfast at hotel, you travel to Bagan by car. The drive takes around 4.5 hours through highway.
In the afternoon, visit one of the biggest temples in Bagan: Nan Paya Pagoda and many other interesting sites nearby The highlight of today is the panoramic sunset view over Bagan plain.
Overnight at hotel in Bagan
Distance:
- Mandalay – Bagan: 128 miles 🡪 4,5 hours driving transfer
- Bagan – Nan Paya: 1,5 miles 🡪 5 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: BAGAN DISCOVERY (B/-/-)
Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions. We continue our tour with a visit to Ananda Temple, stopping along the way on the Bagan plains to admire some of the surrounding temples.
In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer ware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made.
Overnight at hotel in Bagan
Distance:
- Bagan Central – Shwezigon Pagoda: 3,2 miles 🡪 12 minutes driving transfer
- Shwezigon Pagoda – Ananda Temple: 3 miles 🡪 10 minutes driving transfer
DAY 5: BAGAN – FLY TO INLE LAKE (B/-/-)
Leave Bagan for Heho today. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar is located 900 meters above sea level and is home to the Intha people, famous for their one leg rowing technique.
Upon arrival, our tour guide will welcome you and take you to Nyaung Shwe where you board a motorboat for a sightseeing tour to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images and believed to be the holiest pagoda in Inle Lake. Our next stop is Ngaphechaung Monastery. As you travel closer to Nam Pan Village, have a look at cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses. These sites will give you a true sense of traditional Intha life.
Overnight at hotel in Inle Lake
Distance:
- Bagan Central – Bagan Airport: 5,9 miles 🡪 13 minutes driving transfer
- Heho Airport – Inle Lake: 24 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
- Inle Lake – Nyaung Shwe: 17 miles 🡪 55 minutes driving transfer
- Nyaung Shwe – Ngaphechaung Monastery: 19 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 6: INLE LAKE – INDEIN – INLE LAKE (B/-/-)
This morning, visit the “5 Day Market” which is held in different villages surrounding the lake. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere.
After lunch, the boat will take you to the beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It is relaxing to walk along the corridors and enjoy the giant columns that have been left to the nature for centuries.
Overnight at hotel in Inle Lake
Distance:
- Inle Lake – Indein temple: 27 miles 🡪 1 hour 15 minutes driving transfer
DAY 7: INLE LAKE – FLY TO YANGON – CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Today, take the morning flight to Yangon. Spend the rest of day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon city; Chaukhtayi Pagoda then shopping time at the bustling Scott Market (Closes on Monday and some specific holidays). Save the best for last, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, known as the “Golden Pagoda”, a real must see while you are in Myanmar.
Overnight at hotel in Yangon
Distance:
- Inle Lake – Heho Airport: 24 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
- Yangon Airport – Yangon Central: 7,3 miles 🡪 25 minutes driving transfer
DAY 8: YANGON CITY TOUR – FLY TO HANOI (B/-/-)
This morning, transfer to Yangon Railways station to take a unique ride on the city’s circular train ride through the outskirts of town. The slowly traveling train gives you unique opportunity to enjoy observing the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people. Disembark after 45 minutes – 1 hour in Insein township. One of the city’s best fresh markets is here, filled with vendors and piles of colorful items for sale. Spend time walking amid the stalls examining the fruits, produce and meats on sale as well as chatting with the friendly locals.
Transfer by car back to the city Centre of Yangon. Take a short walking tour through Chinatown and Little India, two fabulously diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of Yangon. You’ll see street markets, snack vendors and many places of worship as you walk along the street.
After lunch time, our driver will escort you to Yangon airport for a flight to Hanoi
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Distance:
- Yangon Central – Yangon Airport: 7,3 miles 🡪 25 minutes driving transfer
- Noi Bai airport – Hanoi Centre: 22 miles 🡪 30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 9: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Today is a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city’s museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).
In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square, where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display. Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great local touch. Disembark at the ancient city gate of O Quan Chuong, then continue walking to Thanh Ha local market and through bustling streets & alleys.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
DAY 10: HANOI – NINH BINH (BAI DINH PAGODA & TRANG AN) (B/L/-)
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a countryside drive to Ninh Binh, one of the three provinces where the famous Hollywood movie “Kong: Skull Island” was casted.
On arrival, start the trip with Buddha Sanctuary place of Bai Dinh Pagoda to admire the biggest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam with 10 meters in height, 100 tons in weight. Get knowledge of beliefs and religions in Vietnam.
Then enjoy a leisurely rowing-boat trip to visit Trang An, a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc, however, less crowded. Trang An is a complex of cultural, historical and natural heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO in 2014, as the world’s first mixed heritage of Vietnam. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). It is an “eco-tourism” area; the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. Spend rest of the day as you wish at your hotel
Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh
- Boat trip: share 4 pax per boat. In case you prefer to have private, please pay 12 USD/ empty seat). For example: If you have 2 pax, you pay 12 USD x 2 empty seats = 24 USD to get private boat.
Distance:
- Hanoi Central – Ninh Binh: 59 miles 🡪 1,5 hours driving transfer
DAY 11: NINH BINH – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B/L/D)
(The itinerary is a sample, depends on weather and it will be different between cruises. Our travel consultants will provide the exact schedule and program if you book other 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.)
After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will take you on a 4-hour drive passing the countryside of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic impressive sights. On arrival you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay
- The itinerary is subject to change on local operation office, name of cruise, weather condition, local authority’s decision.
- Meals are served Vietnamese or International food on cruise. Vietnamese vege food is available on cruise in case you inform to our operation office in advance.
Distance:
- Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: 115 miles 🡪 04 hour driving transfer (express way)
DAY 12: HALONG BAY – HANOI – FLY TO LUANG PRABANG (Br/-/-)
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 the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City, where your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to Hanoi Airport for flight to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This exquisite town in Laos is not to be missed under any circumstances. Situated on the peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang is a perfect spot to unwind, eat good food and enjoy the scenery. This relatively small, palm fringed place is packed with fabulous colonial villas, top class restaurants, coffee shops and stunning Buddhist temples. On arrival, your tour guide will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. Check in and relax.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Halong Bay – Hanoi Airport: 130 miles 🡪 2,5 hours driving transfer (express way)
- Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Centre: 2,5 miles 🡪 8 minute driving transfer
DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS – LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
Luang Prabang is known for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Witness the morning ritual by hundreds of monks from the various monasteries as they walk through the streets collecting alms.
After partaking in an alms ritual, we drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls for a morning of fun and relaxation. We arrive back to town in time for lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the town. We visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong – representative of classic Laotian architecture, before seeing the impressive temple of Wat Mai. The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure, relaxing in one of the city’s many quirky cafés or strolling along the beautiful riverbank.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Centre – Kuang Si Waterfalls: 18 miles 🡪 45 minutes driving transfer
- Kuang Si Waterfalls – Wat Xiengthong: 18 miles 🡪 45 minutes driving transfer
- Wat Xiengthong – Wat Mai: 1 mile 🡪 5 minutes driving transfer
DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B/-/-)
Begin the day with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, then take a morning cruise along the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river), the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder name Mekong River. They are a group of caves on the right side of the Mekong River. It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban Xang Hai. We’ll stop here to learn about LauLao (Lao whisky) and LauHai (Lao wine), before continuing down the Mekong to Luang Prabang.
Later of this day, climb up to Phousi hill to see sunset view.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Centre – Pak Ou Caves: 17 miles 🡪 40 minutes driving transfer
DAY 15: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
After breakfast in the hotel, our driver will transfer you to the airport for departure.
Distance:
- Luang Prabang central – Luang Prabang Airport: 2,5 miles 🡪 8 minutes driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- 4 Regional & Domestic flights: Bagan – Heho – Yangon, Yangon – Hanoi – Luang Prabang
- Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of a private driver and air–conditioned vehicles
- Service of English speaking guides in every location
- Entrance fees, performances, boat trips & excursions are mentioned on the itinerary
- Halong Bay Package tour (2 days 1 night), shared cruise and private cabin (2 pax/ cabin)
- Trang An boat ride on shared boat
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- International flights
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stampe fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory): 3 USD/ day/ pax (We will include TIPPING in our invoice at the booking confirmation time)
- 8% VAT (Goods and Services Tax in Vietnam): this is compulsory for us to add 8% into our invoice at booking time according to government’s requirement since 1 July 2025.
- Personal travel insurance
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
