Essential Vietnam & Myanmar 15 days

Morning:

At 08:00, our team will pick you up from your Saigon accommodation and transport you to Ben Tre Province.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre, embark on a boat journey along the Ham Luong River, a tributary of the Mekong.

Explore various local enterprises that contribute to the community's economic development, including a brick-making facility, a coconut processing workshop, and a mat-weaving establishment.

Engage with local residents in crafting some products for your own experience.

Noon:

Proceed to a tranquil village, providing an opportunity to stroll and immerse yourself in authentic Delta village life.

Hop on a 'xe loi' (a motorized rickshaw) and tour fruit orchards.

Pause at a riverside eatery for a delectable lunch.

Afternoon:

Following lunch, board a sampan boat for a leisurely journey along narrow canals.

By 17:00, return to your Saigon hotel.

Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel

Morning: Cu Chi Tunnel Exploration

Journey towards the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated approximately 70 km from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, engage in an informative exploration of the intricate tunnel network, gaining insights into the historical context of the Vietnam War.

Opt for the authentic firing-gun experience available here (additional charges apply).

Relish a lunch at a local restaurant as you return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon: Ho Chi Minh City Discovery

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive city tour, witnessing key landmarks.

Visit the War Remnants Museum to delve into Vietnam's historical events.

Continue the exploration with visits to the Reunification Palace, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Post Office, showcasing exemplary French colonial architecture.

Conclude the tour at a local market, offering an opportunity to procure the finest souvenirs while immersing in the local life and culture.

Return to your Ho Chi Minh City hotel.

Later, transfer to the Ho Chi Minh airport for a flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, proceed to the Hoi An hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

Morning:

Stroll leisurely through the enchanting ancient town.

Saunter along the time-honored streets, weaving through diverse structures to observe local life, and witness the harmonious blend of the town's historical charm with contemporary elements.

Marvel at some of the town's venerable landmarks, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge or the Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese.

Pause at a street-side establishment and relish a refreshing glass of traditional herbal beverage.

If time permits, explore a handicraft emporium and acquire exquisite souvenirs for personal keepsakes.

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

Morning:

Roam through the Central Market and explore street vendors offering a diverse array of paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, and more.

Explore tailor shops for the creation of bespoke clothing.

Post-visit, consider renting a bicycle to embark on a leisurely tour around the town.

Opt for various optional tours to delve into the city and its environs:

My Son Holy Land Half-day Discovery: Gain insights into Vietnam's ancient cultural facets, marked by unique sacred and mysterious beauty.

Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh Village: Immerse yourself in the agrarian lifestyle of a small Vietnamese village.

Hoi An Vespa Tour: Embark on a motorbike adventure to explore cultural and historical monuments, serene countryside landscapes, and delve into the rural life of the Vietnamese people.

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel

Morning:

Proceed to Da Nang airport for your scheduled flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, be transported to the centrally located hotel. Complete the check-in process and enjoy leisure time for relaxation.

Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel

Morning/Afternoon:

The departure times for both the morning and afternoon Hanoi city half-day tours are flexible, offering visitors the choice of transportation, whether by car or motorcycle. The routes taken are entirely customizable, based on the preferences of the visitor.

Explore numerous historical and cultural landmarks, including the Temple of Literature, renowned as Vietnam's first university.

Proceed to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Adjacent to this landmark is the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his unassuming house on stilts (Note: Closed on Mondays and Fridays and from June to August; exterior views only).

Conclude the tour with a visit to West Lake and the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, dating back to the sixth century.

Delight in a flavorful lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

Enjoy leisure time for the remainder of the day.

Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel

Morning:

Embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary natural allure.

Noon:

Complete the check-in process on the boat and enjoy a sumptuous lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery.

Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the surrounding sea, adorned with numerous limestone islands and caves.

Afternoon:

Depending on the cruise itinerary, engage in various activities that unveil the bay's splendor, such as cave exploration, kayaking, or a refreshing swim in the sea.

Return to the junk to unwind and relax.

Evening:

Indulge in a delectable dinner and spend the night aboard.
Note: Crew members proficient in English will substitute our tour guide on the cruises.

Accommodation: Onboard an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay

Morning:

Engage in a Tai-chi class while reveling in the breathtaking sunrise over the bay.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast aboard the boat.

Embark on an exhilarating expedition to explore some of the most enchanting caves in Halong Bay.

Partake in an early lunch as the cruise voyages back to the main dock.

Noon:

Facilitate your return journey to Hanoi.
Afternoon:

Complete the check-in process at your designated hotel in Hanoi.

Embrace free time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter independently and savor Vietnamese street food.

Accommodation: Hanoi Hotel

Noon:

At 12:00, complete the check-out process and proceed to the airport for your departing flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and prepare for check-in.

Accommodation: Yangon Hotel

Morning:

Explore key city landmarks including the city hall, Mahabandoola Park featuring the Independence Monument, Strand Road, and Yangon Jetty via car.

Continue the journey to Botahtaung Pagoda and Ahma Mya Nan Nwe, a devoted follower of the Botahtaung Pagoda.

Make a stop at Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market, the city's most renowned market (closed every Monday & Public holiday). Here, you can find a variety of luxury items, food products, handicrafts, jewelry, and apparel.

Afternoon:

Venture to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda to witness the colossal reclining Buddha, followed by a visit to Karaweik Hall Royal Barge on the Royal Lake.

Conclude today's exploration at the globally acclaimed Shwedagon Pagoda.

Evening:

Embark on an overnight train journey to Bagan via the Express Train, departing at 17:00 from Yangon and arriving in Bagan at 22:40.
Accommodation: Overnight on Train

Morning:

Early morning arrival in Bagan.

Explore the vibrant Naung U Market and some of Bagan's renowned pagodas, including the significant Shwezigon Pagoda, a reliquary shrine housing images of 37 Nats in Bagan.

Journey to Kyansittha Uhmin (Cave) and Gupaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century cave temple adorned with captivating frescoes depicting Jataka stories.

Afternoon:

Marvel at the Htilominlo Temple, showcasing old murals and friezes.

Pass through the Tharabar Gateway into Old Bagan.

Continue your exploration with visits to the Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece featuring four standing Buddha Images, Thetbyinnyu Temple, and Dhamayangyi Temple.

Conclude the day at Shwesandaw Pagoda, capturing the mesmerizing sunset.

Evening:

Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bagan.
Accommodation: Bagan Hotel

Morning:

Proceed to the jetty for an enjoyable boat journey to Mandalay.

As you traverse the river, witness the vibrant local life and the scenic beauty of the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Afternoon:

Upon arrival in Mandalay, transfer to your hotel for check-in, where you will spend the night.
Note: The River Cruise operates from 06:00 to 17:00. In the event of adverse weather conditions preventing the cruise, alternative arrangements, such as an Express bus to Mandalay, will be organized.

Accommodation: Mandalay Hotel

Morning:

Embark on a visit to and exploration of Amarapura.

Upon reaching Amarapura, our first stop is Mahagandayon Monastery, serving as an educational institution for young monks.

Continue to U Bein Bridge, an over two-century-old structure and the world's longest teakwood span at 1.2 km.

Witness the traditional hand-weaving silk workshop.

Afternoon:

Commence the sightseeing tour of Mandalay by first visiting Mahamuni Pagoda, known for its meticulously crafted golden statue.

Explore Mandalay Palace and Kuthodaw Pagoda.

Pause at Shwenandaw "Golden Palace Monastery" to marvel at the exquisite Myanmar wooden architecture and proceed to Atumashi Monastery.

Conclude the day's explorations by returning to the Mandalay hotel, having enjoyed the sunset from Mandalay Hill. Spend the night in Mandalay.

Accommodation: Mandalay Hotel

Proceed to Mandalay International Airport for your departure flight.

The tour concludes at the airport.

Accommodation: Not Applicable