28-Day Grand Indochina Tour

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Enjoy your free days in Phuket.

Swimming in Phuket

Fly to Bangkok and connect your onward flight back home.