General Information
Tour Highlights
- Wandering among ancient temples in Angkor Wat
- Meeting friendly locals in Siem Reap
- Cruising to the historic city of Ayutthaya
- Getting close to nature in beautiful Chiang Mai
- Exploring the temples and pagodas of Yangon
- Witnessing the legendary beauty of Bagan
- Discovering the charming colonial architecture of Salay
- Seeing the iconic sunset over Ubein Bridge and Inle Lake
Tour Details
Duration: 19 Days/ 18 Nights
Start/ End: Siem Reap / Yangon
Tour Route: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Yangon – Bagan – Heho – Yangon
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Vehicle: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Brief Itinerary
Cambodia
Day 01: Siem Reap Arrival
Day 02: Angkor Wat | Ox-cart
Day 03: Banteay Srey & Tonle Sap Lake
Day 04: Phnom Kulen Mountain
Day 05: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 06: Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Thailand
Day 07: Bangkok Arrival
Day 08: Relics of Siam
Day 09: Ayutthaya by Cruise
Day 10: Chiang Mai Arrival
Day 11: Elephant Safari Chiang Dao with Hmong Village
Day 12: Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School
Myanmar
Day 13: Yangon Arrival
Day 14: Sightseeing in Yangon
Day 15: Bagan Arrival
Day 16: Salay Village Tour
Day 17: Heho Arrival
Day 18: Indein Tour
Day 19: Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Siem Reap Arrival
Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to warmly welcome and escort you to the hotel. Once you’ve settled in the hotel, the rest of the day will be yours. Relax at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 02: Angkor Wat | Ox-cart (B, L)
Wake early for a unique view of one of Angkor's most iconic temples, the jungle ruins of Ta Prohm. Left exactly as it was found in the early 20th century, this vine-covered ruin is the quintessential jungle temple. Arrive before the crowds as the sun rises and marvel at the beautiful stone carvings and ancient galleries in the morning light. Hear the story of this 12th-century masterpiece and its discovery, before heading to a nearby spot for a local style picnic breakfast. Continue on to the majestic smiling stone faces of the Bayon, one of Angkor's most unique complexes. Walkthrough narrow corridors housing shrines to Shiva and past bas reliefs depicting the great naval battles between the Angkor and Cham empires. Finish the morning at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a testament to the power and ingenuity of the people who once worshiped here.
This afternoon travel into the lush green countryside west of the ancient city, to the collection of small villages and paddy fields that have always been the lifeblood of Khmer culture. Away from the crowds, here you get a true sense of the quiet life of rural Cambodia. Take a 30-minute ride along dirt tracks aboard an ox-cart, the traditional form of transport in these parts. Driven by a local farmer who has lived here all his life, pass by emerald green paddy fields, watch children playing, and water buffaloes grazing. Arrive at the stilted home of a local family, that has been making and selling sticky rice at Angkor Wat for years. Get hands-on and learn the traditional technique of producing sweet sticky rice. Cooked in bamboo poles, this sweet treat is a staple of Cambodia and great fun to make. You will be helping to support the local community and making a positive contribution to the area. Finish the day back at the temples of Angkor, and the moat of Angkor Thom. Row out as the sun sets and enjoy a cold beer to finish the day.
Day 03: Banteay Srey & Tonle Sap Lake (B, L)
See the exquisite pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, overflowing with small, delicate, and very ornate carvings depicting classical Khmer art, and considered one of the best temples of all! Then it’s off for a quick look at Banteay Samre, which is modeled on Angkor Wat, before heading to the Tonle Sap Lake for a cruise around the floating villages.
Day 04: Phnom Kulen Mountain (B, L)
Considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen is about a 2-hour drive out of Siem Reap. The mountain is considered sacred and is the site where King Jayavarman proclaimed independence from Java in 802 and where the cult of the linga began. Linga’s are a phallic, fertility statue that was worshiped by the king. Jayavarman had thousands of lingas carved into a sandstone river bed and the river diverted so he could bathe in the holy waters. At the top of Phnom Kulen is a pagoda where Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims come to worship. The mountain is also favored by locals who come to admire the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools.
Day 05: Phnom Penh Arrival (B, L)
Upon arrival, our guide & driver will meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours. Relax at leisure
Day 06: Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Today, we visit the Royal Palace overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap River. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the site houses the reigning monarch. Within the palace grounds, there is a coronation hall, an open-air theatre for the Royal Dance Troupe, and the King’s private residence. The grounds also house the Silver Pagoda, its floor is covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1kg.
Next, we traverse to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum documenting the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against both their political enemies and thousands of everyday Cambodians. After that, we take a drive to Choeung Ek - the Killing Fields, where the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women, and children took place. The large mass grave pits have all but gone, however, the stupa filled with skulls is a chilling memorial.
Day 07: Bangkok Arrival (B, L)
Upon arrival, our guide & driver will meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours. Relax at leisure
Day 08: Relics of Siam (B, L)
Discover the fascinating Rattanakosin District which is considered the most historically significant area in all of Bangkok. Our journey begins within a kaleidoscope of color at a local flower market, followed by a hands-on lesson about how Buddhist locals use the lotus flower to worship Buddha.
We then take a drive to the Grand Palace which is home to the Emerald Buddha. The site is a striking example of traditional Thai architecture and considered one of the holiest locations in the entire country! Discover the temples and buildings within the complex alongside your guide and learn about the fascinating history of this Bangkok gem.
Later, set off by car to Giant Swing, the gateway to the Baan Bat community. Wander through the area and witness the creation of alms bowls, an important handicraft for Thailand’s Buddhist residents which has sustained much of the community here for generations. With the help of your guide, chat with the locals before kicking back for a one-hour foot massage in a traditional Thai house - a well-earned treat after an eventful day! Finish off the evening with an exciting and comprehensive food tour by tuk-tuk, sampling all of the most flavorful dishes Bangkok has to offer.
Day 09: Ayutthaya by Cruise (B, L)
A journey from Bangkok to the country’s former capital of Ayutthaya by road. This is your chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. We stop off at the impressive ‘Bang-Pa-In’ - a gorgeous palace formerly frequented by King Rama IV during the steamy summer months. This waterside complex takes inspiration from Thai, Chinese and gothic design; here, see the intricately carved camel bone dragon, or snap some photos next to the bright red watchtower overlooking the lake.
Head a little further north to Ayutthaya to explore the ancient temple ruins and crumbling pagodas that used to form Thailand’s largest and most important settlement. Afterward, dine onboard your boat while making your way back to Bangkok. En route, enjoy the view as the riverbank scenery slowly transitions from emerald rice paddy fields to traditional Thai architecture and finally an urban skyline.
Day 10: Chiang Mai Arrival (B, L)
Transfer with your guide from your hotel to Bangkok Airport and take a flight to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is one of the largest cities in Thailand, as well as the financial and cultural center of Northern Thailand, and is overflowing with ancient Buddhist temples, each with its own unique design and history. On this half-day tour, visit four of the most iconic temples, as well as an impressive mountaintop temple, while driving past city markets, residential areas, and Chiang Mai’s main street. After being picked up at your hotel, your first destination is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a must-see temple and one of the most revered by Thai people. The temple is situated at the top of a mountain, challenge yourself to walk up the 300 steps of the intricately-carved mythical Naga serpent staircase, or you can choose to take a cable car to the top for an incredible view over the stunning architecture, statues, murals, and shrines of the city and surrounding areas.
After you descend the mountain, drive through the city to begin your temple hopping. First up is Wat Chedi Luang, a Lanna-style chedi that was once one of the tallest structures in ancient Chiang Mai. Next, we head to Wat Phra Singh, or Temple of the Lion Buddha, where you can admire a collection of classic Lanna art and discover an old library. Finally, stroll around the gardens at Wat Suan Dok, Flower Garden Temple, where you can check out a 500-year-old bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Thailand.
Day 11: Elephant Safari Chiang Dao with Hmong Village (B, L)
Set off on a pleasant road trip from Chiang Mai and deep into the jungles of Chiang Dao, exploring one of the most well-known elephant camps in Thailand. Your adventure begins at the main entrance, crossing the wooden hanging bridge to reach the camp, where you’ll get your first glimpse of these majestic beasts. Seeing a procession of elephants for the first time is always a magical experience.
At Chiang Dao, you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience of these fascinating animals marching around in their natural habitat, up the Mae Ping River and through the dense jungles of Northern Thailand. Watch the elephants take a bath in the river, check out some elephant-handling demonstrations, and even an elephant ride. After lunch, head back to the river for some exciting bamboo rafting before visiting an ethnic Hmong hill tribe village.
Day 12: Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School (B, L)
Learn how to cook some of Northern Thailand’s culinary classics at Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. The school is located at Doi Saket, just outside of town, and managed by an expert Thai chef. Choose from a range of authentic, fresh ingredients to whip up some of Thailand’s best-known food favorites.
After following the lead of your instructor, cooking up some delicious sour and spicy soup, pork and basil, fried rice, spicy salad, and green curry, sit down to sample each of your creations. At the end of your class, take home a recipe book with notes on how to replicate your dishes at home!
Day 13: Yangon Arrival (B)
Upon arrival, our guide & driver will meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours. Relax at leisure
Day 14: Sightseeing in Yangon (B, L)
Although Yangon is no longer the official capital of Myanmar, it is still one of the most dynamic and busiest cities in the country. Today, explore the many cultural and historical attractions found amongst the charming and colorful scenes of everyday city life. Drive to downtown, making a stop at the impressive Town Hall, which is surrounded by picturesque old streets lined with colonial buildings and the perfect place to take pictures. Witness the colossal reclining Buddha of Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and wander in the park at Kandawgyi Lake.
Relax at leisure in the afternoon. In the evening take in the spectacular view of the beautifully illuminated Shwedagon Pagoda - the most important Buddhist site in the country and is said to hold strands of Buddha’s hair and other relics.
Day 15: Bagan Arrival (B)
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bagan. Hop on a short flight to Bagan, looking down at an amazing landscape dotted with golden stupas and temples. The ancient city of Bagan once held more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries. Spend the afternoon exploring some of the last remaining temples and watch the sunset over this ancient and wondrous site, from atop the majestic Shwesandaw Pagoda.
Day 16: Salay Village Tour
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and join you for the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Salay. Your first stop is Yoke Sone Monastery, famous for its spectacular woodcarvings. Wander through the complex and marvel at the intricate designs. There are over 50 monasteries in this small town providing a great opportunity to chat with the monks and learn a little about Buddhism in Myanmar. Take a stroll through Salay and see the beautifully preserved collection of untouched British colonial buildings, continuing to Man Paya to admire the largest lacquer Buddha in Myanmar.
On the way back to Bagan, lunch at West Phwa Saw village and chat with the family about their lives, before learning how to apply Thanaka and how to wrap a traditional Longyi. These traditional forms of make-up and clothing will be very familiar to you by the time you leave Myanmar!
Day 17: Heho Arrival (B, L)
Upon arrival, our guide & the driver will meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours. Relax at leisure
Day 18: Indein Tour
In the morning, visit one of the most famous local markets. It is held daily but the location of the event rotates through five different sites around the lake so that each site hosts the roaming market every fifth day. You will gain a unique insight into the way of life of the tribal residents who come to these markets to sell their commodities.
Afterward, see a craftsman at work building wooden boats, creating Buddha images made from the powder of dried flowers, and watch as workers hand roll Burmese cigars! Later, in the afternoon, cruise by small boat to Indein nestled on the banks of the lake. The village is renowned for its overgrown and mystifying 16th-century stupas as well as its artisanal handicrafts. Walk around a local Intha village to experience the charms of rural life in Myanmar.
Day 19: Departure
Time to say goodbye. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Yangon in time for your departure. Your journey ends. Hope you enjoyed it. Wish you will go with us when it comes to other multi country Asia tour packages.
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