"Southeast Asia Odyssey: A 20-Day Journey through Vietnam and Myanmar's Timeless Treasures"
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake - Mandalay
Tour Highlight: Vietnam and Myanmar Wonders
Embark on an unforgettable journey across two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries—Vietnam and Myanmar. From the historical charm of Hanoi to the mystical temples of Bagan, this tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and ancient legacies. Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, explore the royal heritage of Hue, and experience the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Continue your adventure in Myanmar, discovering Yangon’s colonial grandeur, the serenity of Inle Lake, and Mandalay’s regal past.
What to Expect
Hanoi, Vietnam
Start your journey in the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Wander the bustling Old Quarter, filled with charming French-colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. Visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the peaceful Temple of Literature, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Be sure to savor Hanoi’s famous street food, from pho to bun cha.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Sail through a UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore Halong Bay’s stunning karst limestone formations. Cruise through emerald-green waters dotted with thousands of towering islands, stop by hidden caves, and relax on pristine beaches. Kayaking and swimming opportunities make this a highlight of any trip.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Step back in time as you stroll through Hoi An, a beautifully preserved ancient town. Known for its colorful lanterns, riverside ambiance, and tailor shops, Hoi An offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to bike through nearby rice paddies, visit the traditional markets, and enjoy a cooking class to learn Vietnamese culinary secrets.
Hue, Vietnam
Discover the rich history of the Nguyen Dynasty in the imperial city of Hue. Visit the ancient Forbidden City, the Royal Tombs of the emperors, and the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. A boat cruise along the river offers a serene perspective of the city’s lush landscapes.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vibrant and dynamic, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a blend of historic charm and modern energy. Explore the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the French colonial Central Post Office. Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Savor the excitement of the city's nightlife, its bustling street food scene, and trendy cafes.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Mekong Delta, where rivers and canals weave through lush green landscapes. Float along in a traditional boat, visiting bustling floating markets, fruit orchards, and villages. Learn about local crafts and traditions, all while soaking in the peaceful rhythm of life on the water.
Myanmar Adventure Begins
Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon welcomes you with a mix of colonial charm and spiritual grandeur. Visit the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming golden temple that stands as Myanmar’s most revered religious site. Walk through the lively Bogyoke Market, admire the colonial buildings, and experience the unique blend of cultures, from Buddhist traditions to a vibrant culinary scene.
Bagan, Myanmar
Marvel at one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Southeast Asia—Bagan’s ancient plains scattered with over 2,000 temples and pagodas. Catch a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable view. Explore iconic sites like Ananda Temple and Dhammayangyi, and learn about the rich history that spans over 1,000 years.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Experience the tranquil beauty of Inle Lake, famous for its floating gardens, stilt-house villages, and unique leg-rowing fishermen. Glide across the serene waters on a traditional boat, visit local artisan workshops, and explore ancient pagodas. The surrounding hills and peaceful lake life offer a perfect escape from city life.
Mandalay, Myanmar
End your tour in Mandalay, the cultural heart of Myanmar. Explore the regal Mandalay Palace, climb Mandalay Hill for panoramic views, and visit the stunning Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book. Don’t miss the nearby ancient capitals of Amarapura and the iconic U Bein Bridge at sunset.
This tour promises a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, providing a deep dive into the vibrant traditions and breathtaking scenery of Vietnam and Myanmar. Whether you’re walking through ancient streets, cruising along mystical waters, or admiring golden pagodas, every moment is designed to leave you in awe.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Transport: Car/Flight
Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport, your tour guide and driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a seamless check-in experience and relax after your journey. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, explore nearby cafes, or stroll through the lively streets of Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Discover Hanoi's charming mix of French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and ancient pagodas. Your first stop will be Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his modest residence, followed by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Later, you’ll visit the Museum of Ethnology (or Women Museum, History Museum, Hoa Lo Prison, or Army Museum). After lunch, explore the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Take a walk to Ngoc Son Temple, nestled on Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a one-hour rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Wrap up your day by attending a traditional water puppet show.
Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Car/Cruise
Your adventure continues as you depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Red River Delta, capturing the beauty of rice paddies and local villages. Upon arrival, board your traditional junk boat for a 24-hour cruise through the mesmerizing bay. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood as you glide past limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. In the afternoon, take part in optional activities like kayaking, swimming (weather permitting), or simply relaxing on deck. Dinner will be served onboard as you settle in for an unforgettable night on the bay.
Day 4: Halong Bay to Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Car/Flight/Cruise
Awake early to enjoy Tai Chi on deck or watch the sunrise over Halong Bay’s majestic islands. After a light breakfast, explore nearby islets by rowboat. Return to the junk to admire Bai Tu Long Bay’s striking landscapes as you sail back to the pier. After brunch onboard, transfer to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to the charming town of Hoi An, where you’ll check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 5: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car
Today, visit the ancient ruins of My Son, once the spiritual capital of the Champa Kingdom. These historic temples, nestled in a lush valley, offer a glimpse into a civilization that flourished between the 2nd and 16th centuries. In the afternoon, return to Hoi An to explore its enchanting streets. Visit the old merchants’ homes, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, and the colorful riverside market. Spend the evening wandering the lantern-lit alleys or relaxing in a cozy cafe.
Day 6: Hoi An Free Day
Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Explore Hoi An at your own pace—perhaps cycling through peaceful rice paddies, browsing local art galleries and shops, or relaxing on the white sands of Cua Dai Beach. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this well-preserved ancient town.
Day 7: Hoi An to Hue
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car
After breakfast, depart for Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Along the way, stop at the renowned Cham Museum in Danang, which houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Arriving in Hue, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure or relaxing.
Day 8: Hue City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car/Boat
Spend the day discovering the royal city of Hue. Begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the ancient Forbidden Purple City. Then take a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most important landmarks. In the afternoon, explore the intricate tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh, renowned for their grand architecture.
Day 9: Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car/Flight
After a relaxing morning in Hue, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the bustling city at your own pace.
Optional Vespa Tour: Explore Ho Chi Minh City like a local, riding a Vespa with a driver, through vibrant neighborhoods and hidden gems. Visit flower markets, Buddhist pagodas, and iconic landmarks, all while experiencing the city’s electric atmosphere.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Car
In the morning, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Gain insight into the hardships faced by the soldiers, and, if you dare, crawl through sections of the tunnels yourself. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. Conclude the day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and local goods.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (B/L)
Transport: Car/Boat
After breakfast, embark on a journey to the fascinating Mekong Delta, one of the world’s most captivating river deltas and the rice bowl of Vietnam. Begin with a scenic drive to Cai Be, located in the heart of the delta. Upon arrival, board a boat to explore the famous Cai Be floating market, where vibrant scenes of vendors trading fruits, vegetables, and goods on the river unfold.
As you cruise along the river, stop at local villages where you can meet the welcoming people of the delta, visit a candy factory, and stroll through an orchard garden while enjoying traditional Vietnamese music. Lunch will be served at a charming riverside restaurant, offering a peaceful setting. Afterward, cross the river by motorboat to visit fluvial islands and explore the countryside by bicycle, soaking in the tranquil rural life. End the day at Vinh Long pier and drive to Can Tho, where you’ll check into your hotel for the night.
Day 12: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Transport: Car/Boat
Start your morning with a boat cruise to witness the bustling Cai Rang floating market, the largest and liveliest in the Mekong Delta. A highlight of any visit to the region, this vibrant market is a feast for the senses, with colorful boats filled with fresh produce and local goods. You’ll also get a glimpse into the daily lives of the delta’s residents as they go about their trade on the water.
After visiting the market, venture deeper into the countryside, passing traditional wooden houses and palm-frond thatched homes. Witness how the local people live and work in harmony with the river. Return to Can Tho for lunch, then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Yangon (B)
Transport: Car/Flight
Enjoy your morning at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City. Later, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Upon arrival in Yangon, meet your guide who will assist with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind after your travels.
(Check-in time is 2:00 PM)
Day 14: Yangon City Tour (B)
Transport: Car
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Yangon, a charming city known for its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage. Start with a visit to the iconic Sule Pagoda, a 2,200-year-old stupa surrounded by historical buildings. Continue your tour with a walk through Mahabandoola Park and view the Independence Monument, then pass City Hall, Little India, and Little China, each adding a distinct cultural flavor to the city.
Next, head to Bogyoke Market (Scott’s Market), a bustling market filled with local handicrafts and unique treasures. Afterward, visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a magnificent reclining Buddha adorned with a crown encrusted with jewels. End your day with a visit to the world-renowned Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2,500-year-old golden stupa and a spiritual center for Buddhists. Take in the breathtaking views of the golden stupa as the sun sets, casting a magical glow over the city.
Day 15: Yangon - Bagan (B)
Transport: Car/Flight
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan, an ancient city located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Bagan is home to thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas, many dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
Upon arrival, begin your Bagan adventure by visiting an elevated temple that offers panoramic views of the Bagan plains. Continue with a visit to the magnificent Shwezigon Pagoda, a prototype of Myanmar’s iconic pagodas. Explore Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple renowned for its exquisite jataka mural paintings, and admire the fine plaster carvings and sandstone decorations of the elegant Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, visit a traditional lacquerware workshop to see the intricate craft in action, before heading to the stunning Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day with a horse cart ride around the temples of Bagan, finishing with a memorable sunset view from the terrace of a temple.
Day 16: Bagan Discovery (B)
Transport: Car/Boat
Start your day with a visit to Nyaung Oo Market, a bustling local market where villagers come to trade goods. Afterward, explore the nearby temples of Manuha and Nan Paya in Myinkaba village. Take some time to visit more temples, browse local craft shops, or relax at your hotel during the midday heat.
In the afternoon, visit Minnanthu, one of the less-visited temple areas in Bagan, where you can explore hidden gems such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya. Later, board a traditional boat for a relaxing cruise down the Irrawaddy River. As the boat glides past riverside villages and fishermen, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful scenery and Bagan’s temple-dotted landscape from the water.
Day 17: Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake (B)
Transport: Car/Flight/Boat
After breakfast, fly to Heho and take a scenic one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to the stunning Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, known for its distinctive oval windows. Explore Nyaung Shwe and visit a local market if it’s being held. Then, board a private motorboat to explore the picturesque Inle Lake, famous for its floating gardens, stilt houses, and unique leg-rowing fishermen.
Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which houses five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore local crafts at Inpawkhone weaving village and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made. If time allows, take a short walk through a lakeside village before returning to your hotel.
Day 18: Inle Lake - Mandalay - Amarapura (B)
Transport: Car/Flight
Fly to Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital. Upon arrival, head to Amarapura, a former royal capital known as the "City of Immortality." Visit a silk weaving workshop and tour the Mahagandayon Monastery, home to thousands of monks. Then, stroll across the famous U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, as you take in the serene surroundings.
In the afternoon, explore Mandalay’s highlights, including Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses a revered Buddha image. Visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book, and the intricately carved Shwenandaw Monastery. End your day with stunning views of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay Hill.
Day 19: Mandalay - Mingun - Sagaing (B)
Transport: Car/Boat
This morning, take a scenic boat ride to Mingun, where you’ll visit the enormous Mingun Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell, the Mingun Bell. Afterward, visit a local Buddhist nursing home and make a donation if you wish.
In the afternoon, travel to Ava (Inwa) and explore its ancient ruins by horse cart, including Bagaya Monastery, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, and the leaning Nanmyin Watchtower. Continue to Sagaing Hill, a spiritual center filled with white and gold stupas. Visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min ThoneSae, and browse the local market, known for its handicrafts and pottery.
Day 20: Mandalay Departure (B)
Transport: Car/Flight
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Goodbye and see you again!