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28-Day Grand Indochina Tour

28-Day Grand Indochina Tour

By Nora OuUpdated Oct. 18, 2022
Myanmar - Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia - Thailand

Bring yourself into the real core of Southeast Asia and discover more than just temples. Natural landscapes, interesting lifestyles and interaction with the locals that broadens your horizon. Packed up the most mesmerizing wonders of Indochina, this trip is going to be rewarding.

Highlights

  • Myanmar as the first stop that brings you joy and inspiration
  • Vietnam at a glance with an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
  • Discover the Angkor Wat wonder with an insider
  • Offer alms to monks in a crisp morning of Luang Prabang
  • Plunge into the cool water in Phuket

Journey Route

Map of Grand Indochina Tour
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Itinerary in Detail

Day 1 and 2
Mandalay
2 nights at Sedona Hotel Mandalay (Handpicked Comfort) / Pupar Mandalar Resort and Hotel (Luxury)

Mingalabar! Mandalay welcomes you with a big smile!
In Mandalay, you will be hitting attractions including Kuthodaw Pagoda and the World's Largest Book, Bargaya Monastery in Inwa and watch the sunset over U Bein Bridge.
Biggest Highlight: witness thousands of monks dining at lunchtime in Bargaya Monastery.

- Flying into Myanmar and how to get the visa:

Mandalay is easily connected with Bangkok, Guangzhou, Kunming and Singapore.
Myanmar visa is required for all western passports, which can be applied locally at the ambassy or online. We include an Approval Letter for your Myanmar trip to save you some time and trouble.
Approval Letter will be used for e-Visa application for air entry. Take your passport and 1 passport-size photo to get your passport stamped at one of the airports of Yangon, Mandalay or Nap Pyi Taw, with no extra cost at the airport.

- Accommodations in Myanmar:

Most hotels for foreign tourists in Myanmar were built in the late 1990's without A/C and limited choices. It is until recent years that A/C rooms and family rooms have become a standard for hotels when more and more foreign-funded hotels are being built. Hotels of Asia Highlights' selection are all with A/C and rooms of at least 300. To ensure a cozy stay, Asia Highlights would suggest you choose hotels at a higher ranking.

Monks at lunchtime in Bargaya Monastery in Mandalay
Monks at lunchtime in Bargaya Monastery in Mandalay
Day 3 and 4
Bagan
2 nights at Aye Yar River View Resort (Handpicked Comfort) / Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan (Luxury)

Fly from Mandalay to Bagan, where a lot of delights await for your discovery.
For two days in Bagan, you will have a chance to take a cooking class with the locals in a village supported by JICA. Walk around Nyuang U Market to blend in. Not to mention an important visit to Bagan Archaeological Zone, including some symbolic sites such as Ananda Temple, Shwsandaw Pagoda, Htilominlo Pahto and take a sunset view at the pagoda complex.
Biggest Highlight: Bagan pagodas and a breath-taking sunset view.

- What is JICA?

JICA, short for Japan International Cooperation Agency, is a Japan-based international NGO that has been devoting to reducing poverty and pollution, enhancing living environment and education and addressing food safety and human security in over 150 countries since 1974. Its main mission in Myanmar, is to provide assistance to minority ethnic groups, prompt faciltiy for economic development and infectious disease control over malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

View of the pagodas in Bagan
View of the pagodas in Bagan
Day 5 and 6
Inle Lake
2 nights at Inle Rsort and Spa (Handpicked Comfort) / Pristine Lotus Spa Resort Hotel (Luxury)

Inle Lake is only 40 minutes away from Bagan. Fly to Inle Lake and you will enjoy a couple of days staying in cool weather and beautiful natural landscapes.
2 days in Inle Lake is enough to cover its highlights including a 5-Day Market, Indien Pagoda Complex, Nga Hpe Kyuang, floating gardens and have a chance to take some photos of those one-leg rowers.
Biggest Highlight: fascinating lifestyles and pleasant lake breeze.

- Good to know:

1. Boat trip to Indein is only available during the rainy season and winter, which is May to next February. The water is too shallow for boating during other time of the year.
2. For safety, one canoe can only take 4 passengers including the boatman and each passenger will have a life jacket.
3. The canoe is not shedded, sunglasses, hat and sun block are necessary.
4. A small gratitude of USD1/person will be made to the boatman by your tour guide after the ride.

Floating gardens in Inle Lake
Floating gardens in Inle Lake
Day 7 and 8
Yangon
2 nights at Sedona Hotel Yangon (Handpicked Comfort) / Novotel Yangon Max (Luxury)

Putting the former capital city Yangon as our last stop will give you a chance to wrap up all the good memories you have had in Myanmar. An interesting visit is also in order.
With your private tour guide, you will step into Yangon's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset - the best time for best view; learn history at Colonial District, National Museum, Bogyoke Aung San Market and take a train ride in Yangon.
Biggest Highlight: Yangon Circular Train ride to see the city and its life.

- About the train ride:

To ensure you have an authentic experience, we will arrange the local train for you. This kind of train has wooden cabins and seats but no A/C. All windows and doors are open so the air circulation will not be a problem and it is not too hot if traveling in the morning. However, we can still shift it to a modern train with A/C upon your request. The modern train is similar to a subway cargo.

Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset
Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset
Day 9 and 10
Ho Chi Minh City
2 nights at Hotel Continental Saigon (Handpicked Comfort) / Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery Collection (Luxury)

Flying to your next destination Vietnam.
Make your time worthwhile with a 2-day visit to Mekong Delta, including a boat trip in Ben Tre to introduce you to authentic Mekong life; easy walking trip in downtown Ho Chi Minh City to various attractions, followed by a rickshaw ride.
Biggest Highlight: Boat trip through the mangrove swamps in Mekong Delta.

Boat trip in Mekong Delta
Boat trip in Mekong Delta
Day 11 and 12
Danang - Hoi An
2 nights at Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa (Handpicked Comfort) / Pullman Danang Beach Resort (Luxury)

The further you go along Vietnam's coastline, the more you will discover. Now here you are, at the charming ancient town of Hoi An.
Your stay in Hoi An will include a trip in Hoi An Ancient Town, hitting Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, Old House of Tan Ky and Tran Family Chapel.
Biggest Highlight: Learn to make lanterns at Lifestart Foundation.

Boat trip in Mekong Delta
Boat trip in Mekong Delta
Day 13 and 14
Hanoi
2 nights at Hanoi Pearl Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Apricot Hotel Hanoi (Luxury)

A short flight takes you to the capital of Vietnam, bustling Hanoi waits to delight you.
There are some fine sites where you can learn the real stories about the country and its cultures, including Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Vietnam Musuem of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison and the Old Quarter.
Biggest Highlight: Discovering the Old Quarter with a local insider.

Local vendors at the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Local vendors at the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Day 15 and 16
Halong Bay
1 night on Orchid Cruise Halong Bay (Handpicked Comfort) / Bhaya Classic Cruise (Luxury)

Transfer to Halong Bay for a great break from the long journey.
Itineraries differ for each cruise, but you will probably visit: Cua Van Fishing Village, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Me Cung Caves, Virgin Cave, and Surprise Cave, as well as passing some small islets, such as Flight Cock Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet and etc. Some cruises also include a cooking class at night and a taichi lesson in the morning.
Biggest Highlight: A peaceful night under the stars in the vast water of Halong Bay.

- About the cruise:

1. There's not much to see during the drive to the bay.so Ttake a nap to recharge,ready for the upcoming journey.
2. Traveling with a baby? Notify us in advance and we will put a crib in your cabin.
3. All meals onboard are included except for drinks. Your privatet our guide will take you shopping for some drinks and snacks before getting onboard.

Sunset on the bay
Sunset on the bay
Day 17 to 19
Luang Prabang
3 nights at The BelleRive Boutique Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Satri House Secret Retreat (Luxury)

The alluring town of Luang Prabang is connected with Hanoi in a short flight. After your Halong Bay cruise, you will be on the way to Luang Prabang.
Your days in Luang Prabang are meant for interesting encounters with some very nice people. Besides the icons, Wat Xieng Thong Temple, you will also visit Royal Palace Museum, a traditional weaving center and Kuangsi Waterfall. The best part would be offering alms to monks in the early morning.
Biggest Highlight: Join the locals in daily alms-offering at 0400am in Luang Prabang.

Monks collecting alms in the morning of Luang Prabang
Monks collecting alms in the morning of Luang Prabang
Day 20 and 21
Siem Reap
2 nights at Tara Angkor Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Shinta Mani Resort Hotel Siem Reap (Luxury)

Time for your own discovery in Angkor Wat!
Angkor Complex will be explored by you including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Bantey Srei, Cambodia Landmine Museum, Beng Meal and Preah Khan.
Biggest Highlight: Angkor Wat visit in depth with unique angle.

- Easy pace:

Visit at the Angkor Wat Complex is all on foot and each site takes about 1 hour. You may call a break en route if the walking wears you out, or even go back to hotel for a nap at noon and carry on the trip in the afternoon. The order of visit is open to adjustment, too.

Majestic view of Angkor Wat at sunrise
Majestic view of Angkor Wat at sunrise
Day 22 and 23
Bangkok
2 nights at Furama Silom Hotel (Handpicked Comfort) / Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (Luxury)

Land of Smiles, here comes the beautiful country of Thailand.
Bangkok is never a take-it-or-leave-it spot as long as you know where to go. Your visit in Bangkok will take in Royal Palace, Temple of Emerald Buddha, National Musuem, Jim Thompson House and a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
Biggest Highlight: Night views along the river.

Guardian warriors of the Temple of Emerald Buddha
Guardian warriors of the Temple of Emerald Buddha
Day 24 to 27
Phuket

Enjoy your free days in Phuket.

Swimming in Phuket
Swimming in Phuket
Day 28
Phuket - Bangkok (1 hour by air), Bangkok Departure

Fly to Bangkok and connect your onward flight back home.

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Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Superior Room of Sedona Hotel Mandalay
Mandalay
Sedona Hotel Mandalay
Deluxe Room in Aye Yar River View Resort in Bagan
Bagan
Aye Yar River View Resort
Garden Cottage of Inle Resort and Spa
Inle Lake
Inle Resort & Spa
Superior Room at Hotel Continental Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Conitinental Saigon
Deluxe Room of Sedona Hotel in Yangon
Yangon
Sedona Hotel Yangon
Room of Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa
Hoi An
Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa
Garden Cottage of Inle Resort and Spa
Hanoi
Pearl Hotel
Orchid Suite Balcony on Orchid Cruise Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Orchid Cruise Halong Bay
Superior Room of Belle Rive Boutique Hotel
Luang Prabang
BelleRive Boutique Hotel
Superior Room at Tara Angkor Hotel of Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Tara Angkor Hotel
Superior Room at Furama Silom Hotel
Bangkok
Furama Silom Hotel
Superior Room at Centara Kata Resort Phuket
Phuket
Centara Kata Resort Phuket

Our Service Includes:

28 days from
US$ 7,293
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • 4-star accommodations for 27 nights
  • Flights between cities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-15

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