Best of Laos and Myanmar Highlight Tour

Today, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Continue cruise up the stream for pay respect to the Buddha at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Then visit the village of Ban Muang Kaew Lao rice Whisky, after that We then across the Mekong to the local restaurant for lunch, return to Luang Prabang then visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. We then drive back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Your half day city tour start visiting National museum, then following to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Next we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style. We also visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos.In the afternoon, we drive out of the town where you have the option of stopping to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, representing the main ethnic groups of Laos. This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by early evening in time for a sunset view over the Mekong.

We start early this morning, around 8 am for the drive south to Vang Vieng. The road follows a twisty but very scenic mountain route, so you should have your camera ready. We make our first stop at Houi Hei, which offers great views of the surrounding mountains.  We then continue Ban Kiu Kam Pome, a Khmu village to explore, before arriving at Phou Phieng Fa viewpoint, offering some of the best views in the whole of Laos (weather permitting) and a café for a lunch stop. Following lunch, we stop at Ban Hin Ngon, a picturesque Hmong village.  We also have an optional stop at Phahome which boasts a local forest market, offering edible snakes, rats, and assorted reptiles!  Our final stop of the day is a short photo stop of the stunning limestone karst scenery at the Phatang Mountain viewpoint. We then arrive in Vang Vieng by late afternoon where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we start our board on a local tractor through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where your breath will be taken away seeing the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you have a chance to explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate or you could explore the nearby area. You will have a picnic lunch enjoying the scenery. After spending the day at the caves and its surrounding areas, we make our return to the Vang Vieng town, using local transportation or tractor. En route, we visit the ethnic minority villages of Hmong, Souay and Thaidam villages meeting the warm and friendly hill tribe people and observing their traditional tribal costumes. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

This morning we visit the picturesque Tham Jang cave that offers stunning views of over the Nam Song River and surrounding karst scenery.  We then set out on the road towards Vientiane.  En route, we stop at Tha Heua, a small village that specializes in dried fish, which you will see hanging in front of the houses.  We then continue to Vientiane, upon arrival, check Inn hotel. After a short rest, we start the city tour. Begin with the oldest, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The final visit of the day will be the excellent COPE exhibition center, highlighting a much-overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow. They were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Upon returning to Vientiane we have the optional of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our driver will wait for you at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our tour will begin with a visit to the downtown area where you can explore a range of colonial buildings around the city on foot. And continue to visit Yangon City Hall which is centrally located in downtown Yangon and considered a fine example of Burmese architecture, featuring traditional roofs. It is next to several important landmarks such as, Sule Pagoda, MahaBandula Park which is a public park, High Court, and the Main Post Office. After that, we will go for a walk to Kandawgyi Park. Then, we will visit to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda which is 72 meters long reclining Buddha image. After that, during the sunset time, we will visit Shwedagon Pagoda which is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and surrounded by an array of temples, shrines, and pavilions. Then, we will return back to the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer to the airport to fly to Bagan. On arrival at Nyaung U airport, our guide will pick up with your name board and your journey begins with a visit to a local colorful market where you can learn the local life. Then, we will continue our journey with a visit to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction to Bagan’s rich history; we will visit nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Temple with exquisite Jataka mural paintings, the elegant Htilominlo temple. Then transfer to our hotel to reload. This afternoon begins with a visit to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece that is one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. And then we will continue to visit Thatbyinnyu the highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the Nyaung La Phet Hill. And back to your hotel.

Today we will visit the rural village of Minnanthu, where you can see cotton weaving and harvesting the crops in their field. And we will visit Bagan famous temples such as Laymyathnar Monastery Complex, Phayathonsu, Nandamannya with mural painting from the 13th century. Then, and back to the hotel for a break of a few hours to enjoy the swimming time at your hotel. Later this afternoon, our journey continues to Manuha Temple with huge Buddha images, Nanpaya built with the sandstone, GubyaukGyi temple (Myinkaba) where you can see a very colorful mural painting of Bagan period. If you prefer to visit Lacquerware workshops, our guide will assist you to bring a nice place. Then, in the evening, to catch the sunset, make your journey to jetty for a slow cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy River by boat. As we cruise down, we will observe the lifestyle of fishermen and riverside villagers as well as enjoying the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples. And return to your hotel and overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will fly to Mandalay. On arrival to Mandalay, we will proceed to Ava (Innwa). Innwa tour highlights include the 27-meter-high Masonry Watch Tower, Nan Myint (or) the ”Leaning Tower of Innwa”, Bagaya Monastery built with 276 teak pillars. Then drive to visit Mae Nu stucco monastery built in 1822AD. After lunch, visit Sagaing Hill, U Min Thonze Caves, and Swan Oo Ponyashin Pagoda. Drive to Amarapura to enjoy Sunset at U Bein Bridge, made of teak logs and planks over 200 years ago by then-Mayor U Bein. Drive back to the hotel and stay overnight at Mandalay.

After breakfast at the hotel, start sightseeing to Mingun by boat, just 12 km on the west bank upstream from Mandalay. Upon arrival, visit Pon Daw Phaya, a five-meter-high working model for gigantic structure, Set Taw Ya Phaya, the vaulted shrine with a footprint of the Buddha, Mingun Pa Hto Taw Phaya, one of the worlds largest chides built by Bodaw Phaya, Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tons known as the world largest ringing bell, Hsin Byu Me Phaya, a representation of the Sula Mani Phaya which stands atop of Mt. Meru. And then back to Mandalay and Ku Tho Daw Pagoda, known as the world’s biggest book. Mandalay Hill and take a glance from the hill and enjoy the panoramic sunset view of Mandalay. Later, we will transfer to our hotel and stay overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Mandalay and fly to Heho. On arrival, we will proceed to Pindaya by car (about a 2-hr drive), on the way to enjoy the beautiful Shan mountain range and farms of locals and their daily routines. After lunch, visit Pindaya Caves; traditional cottage industry of Umbrella Making and the scenic lake. Then continue to NyaungShwe (Inle, about a 2:30-hr drive). On arrival, transfer to hotel and evening at leisure.

Today, we will start Inle Lake sightseeing. After breakfast at the hotel, we will walk to jetty and start Inle Lake sightseeing including Floating Islands, HeyaYwama Village, PhaungDawOoPhaya, and the unique leg-rowers and their traditional fishing style and we will visit local small cottage-like Silver Smith, weaving and Long-necked Padaung women and their culture and lifestyle. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for Inthar style meals. Continue our journey to Indein village, on the way, be ready your camera to catch the most beautiful scenic view of Lake and we will visit around Indein villages and the ancient ShweIndein pagoda and back to Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport to fly to Thandwe. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the time will be leisure time.

Free and leisure at the beach.