The Best of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar 19 Days, 18 Nights

Upon arrival to Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you in private car to the hotel for check in. After checking in to the hotel, time to relax.

After breakfast, take the 45-minute drive to Buddha Park. On the way, stop and take photos of the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Laos.

Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Lao shaman.

After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. This center aims to bring practical skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, confident members of the community.

Lunch is at local restaurant. After lunch, start with a tour to the 16th century That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Then enjoy a panoramic view over the city after climbing the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue to Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, followed by a visit to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

Free time after breakfast to explore the city.

Have lunch at a local restaurant then you are transfer to airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, you are welcomed by our local tour guide and transfer to hotel in to downtown. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.
• 8:00 am – 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang
• Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
• Bareback Elephant Ride: Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 km bareback elephant ride! 1 person per elephant
• Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water (swim suit recommended!)
• Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant. Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available).

After lunch we will go to Kuang si waterfall. The Kuang Si Falls, sometimes spelled Kuang Xi or known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, is a three tier waterfall about 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang. These waterfalls are a favourite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The waterfall falls in spectacular pools with bright turquoise water. The lower pools are perfect for swimming in and the bridge at the base of the main 60metre waterfall offers the perfect photo opportunity. If you’re fit, climb up alongside the waterfall to the very top where you can view the waterfall from the top. You can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths.

Finish the tour then transfer back to your hotel in to Luang Prabang to relax. Freetime afterwards.

After breakfast, start the morning with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in the city. Afterwards, board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful passing scenery before reaching the Pak Ou Caves.

Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, these twin caves are carved into the surrounding limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of ancient Buddha images and statues. After visiting the caves, moor near the cliffs for a local-style lunch, featuring a range of traditional Lao dishes. After lunch, cruise back to Luang Prabang.

Returning in the afternoon, climb to the top of Phousi Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Wat Mai, with its beautiful gilded facade. Later visit Wat Visoun, one of the oldest temples in the city, followed by Wat Aham.

As the day comes to a close, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in Lao culture, and are used to celebrate a special occasion- whether a wedding, an annual festival, or as a welcome.

After breakfast, the driver and private car will be waiting at the hotel to take you to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival to Bangkok, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you in private car to the hotel for check in. After checking in to the hotel, time to relax.

Breakfast at hotel then the tour starts with The Grand Palace, a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace was once served as the residence of the Royal family and the administrative court from 1782-1925. There are great buildings, halls, pavilions and courtyards, surrounded by four walls. Inside the same compound is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, revered as the most sacred temple and Buddha image of Thailand. You will also see marvelous interior and exterior decoration of the chapel.

Continue to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok and home to the famous reclining Buddha image of 15 meter high and 46 meter long. Wat Pho is a beautifully decor Buddhist temple complex with magnificent architectures and contains nearly a hundred stupas (or chedi), large and small as well as hundreds of typical Chinese statues of different shapes and sizes.

Experience an exhilarating long-tailed boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Arun – the amazing Temple of Dawn before returning to your hotel to relax.

Free time afterwards.

After breakfast at the hotel we drive north to Ayutthaya.

Depart Bangkok and journey north to the former capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Look closer at the iconic buildings and archaeological wonders of a 14th-century Siamese capital, including temples and statues.

Go to the majestic Bang Pa-In Palace to see the former summer residence of the Thai royal family then continue to Wat NiwetThammaprawat Gothic Temple. Wat NiwetThammaprawat is the most intriguing because it’s the only Neo-Gothic monastery in Thailand and is located on an island in the Chao Phraya River opposite the Bang Pa In Palace near Ayutthaya.

Access is gained through a cable car strung across the river and manned by the monks from the temple. A Delicious Thai lunch is served at local restaurant, and then we move to near the Muslim quarter and sample one of the most famous delights of Ayutthaya – and try candy floss roti.

After continued to Historical Park and visit to the ancient palace ground. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once a royal temple lying beside the Grand Palace, was once the most significant temple during Ayutthaya period. Adjacent to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is ViharnPhraMongkolbopit, an impressive building that houses a large seated bronze Buddha image. Its rebuilt pristine hall was believed to be a replica of the old Assembly Hall of Ayutthaya.

We continue to Wat Mahathat, a classic temple ruin of Ayutthaya and famous for the picturesque Buddha head engulfed by the Bodhi tree roots. The foundation size, remaining prangs, and towers attest the significance during its time. And continued to visit Wat Ratchaburana,- also called the Monastery of the Royal Repairs or the Ayutthaya at ThaWasukri Sub-district. Before back to Bangkok and transfer you to hotel by private car.

This morning, our driver will meet you up at your hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport for your direct flight to Chiangrai.

Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and start the tour visiting Wat Pra Keaw in the hearth of Chiang Rai, a home of the Emerald Buddha which’s now at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and continued to visit Wat RongKhun or the White temple located about 15 minutes away from Chiang Rai city and transfer to hotel.

After breakfast, at around 8.30, meet tour guide and transfer to Chiang mai and shortly break at Mae Khachan Hot Spring on the way to Chiang mai.

Lunch at the restaurant in the city.

After lunch, visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most important and famous temple in Chiang Mai. The tour begins with a pleasant wildly driving up 3,500 feet above sea level to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. You then ascend up the 306 steps to the temple gateway which guarded by two splendid Nagas (serpents). Walk around the grounds of Doi Suthep past golden pillars, six foot gongs and rows of bells. A five tiered parasols made of gold sat on display in the inner courtyard. Wat PrathatDoi Suthep was built in 1383, is the symbol of Chiang Mai. It is the most sacred temple in the city and contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha which is enshrined in the magnificent golden pagoda that can be seen for miles around. A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds.

Meet our tour guide at hotel lobby, and start tour to Doi Inthanon, 8,500 feet above sea level, is the highest summit in the country. Doi Inthanon is the tail of Himalaya mountain range, designated as a national park, the moist natural environment is a paradise for birds as it has almost 400 species, animals, flowers and faunas. After a final steep climb, the summit is surprisingly flat though misty, cool and breezy.

Walk shortly to see a small Stupa contains the remains of Chao Inthawichayanon the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai who died in 1897 after Lanna Kingdom was combined to be a part of Siam. Enjoy exploring around Ang-Kha Nature Trail at the highest peak viewing beautiful Fern & Moss as well as White & Red Rhododendrons (bloom only during Jan – Feb). After visit the Twin Pagodas built by the Thai Air force in honor of their Majesties King and Queen for their 60th Birthday Anniversaries. A visitors’ center nearby contains tourist information both in Thai and English. On the the way down we will stop at Hmong Tribal Market who trade various kinds of vegetation, temperature fruits and flowers from their own farm.

Lunch will be served at the local restaurant.

After lunch continued drive through Baan Khunklaand,the biggest Hmong community of DoiInthanon heading to the Royal’s Project initiated by his Majesty the King to stop the hill tribes from growing the Opium. Enjoy searching around taking some pictures of beautiful flower plantations and the organic farmland inside the Project, and also visit Karen hill tribe village at Baan Sop Had. And stop for relax at Wachiratarn Waterfall. Relax by fresh and clear fall for freshen up after a long day tour. Then transfer to hotel.

Today you will be transferred to the airport to catch the flight to Yangon – Myanmar. Upon arrival at Yangon, you are welcomed by our local tour guide and transfer to hotel in to downtown. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Today you will take a city tour to explore quiet and charming Yangon city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
The first stop is the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most famous attraction of Yangon. The professional English speaking local guide will show you around of the hidden messages of the Pagoda and tell you more about the history. Please note that you need to take off your shoes if you enter the pagoda and walk around.

Lunch at local restaurant. Then continue to the central area of Yangon, where most of the colonial buildings are standing. Walk around this area to explore Yangon City Hall, Independence Monument, former High Court Buildings, Telegraph Office and along the way you will see some street book stalls that sell the oldest books here.

You will visit Nanthida Jetty, where you can watch the busy life on the Yangon river and to see the daily communication of people from the suburbs of Yangon.

The last stop of the tour is a visit to Saint Mary’s Cathedral, an old Colonial building built in 1899. You will be transported back to your hotel safely after the tour.

Take an early flight from Yangon to Mandalay today. Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with so much gold leaf by revelers that it has attained a unique and iconic ‘lumpy’ texture. Get a good look at this famous Buddha image and walk around the temple grounds for a feel of its unique spiritual vibes.

Lunch at local restaurant. Followed by Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, known for its impressive large Buddha image carved out of a single block of marble.

Continue to the Shwenandaw Monastery, or Golden Palace Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings—an amazing photo opportunity. See Kuthodaw Pagoda, home of the world’s largest book and stone slabs with Buddhist scriptures, before viewing Mandalay Palace. Watch the sunset from Mandalay Hill, 787 feet (240 m) tall, and admire a panoramic view of the city and the Irrawaddy River.

After breakfast at hotel. Free time until your guide and drive arrive to take you from Mandalay to Bagan. Upon arival in Bagan, check in to your hotel then free time afterwards.

Breakfast at hotel then the journey begins with a visit to Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. Next, continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most venerated temples in Bagan, enjoy it in the quiet of morning before all the tour buses arrive.

Afterwards, we head to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for the beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work that we will check out.

Then, learn more about local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquerware and woodcrafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful handicrafts.

Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for a short rest and escape the extreme heat of the midday sun.

Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, winding along tiny roads past dozens of monuments. Stop at will to take photos or explore temples. Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for a flight to Heho. From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. Also, stop in Nyaung Shwe for a trishaw tour around town, winding through quiet streets past nunneries, monasteries and local houses. Visit the ‘Tomato House’ where the lake’s freshly picked produce is sorted and then distributed throughout the country. If the local market is being held in town, stop there for a visit as well.

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights.

Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the iconic leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.

Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.

If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

This morning the sightseeing begins with a visit to the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5-day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark-moon day and full-moon days).

Then, continue to the western banks of the lake and travel down a small canal to Indein. Indein is a Pa-Oh village known for its stupa-covered hill at Alaung Sitthou. Spend time exploring Indein on foot, and head to the top of Alaung Sitthou. Here, wander around the weather-beaten stupas and enjoy magnificent views of the lake below.

This afternoon, transfer to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Free time until your driver comes to your hotel to pick you up for your departure flight.