Vietnam and Myanmar Highlights

Activities: Arrive in Hanoi, discover the Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake, and have a nice welcome dinner.

Welcome to Vietnam and Myanmar Highlights tour of Asia Private Travels!

When you arrive, your guide will warmly greet you and take you to your hotel to check in. If time allows, you can take a quick Old Quarter tour to delve into Vietnam's daily life. This used to be a busy place where sellers and craftsmen came to sell their stuff. The Old Quarter has lots of narrow streets with special names. Then, you can move to the lovely Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the pretty views and vibrant activities of the locals.

In the evening, you can try Vietnam's special food for the first time. You will have a nice welcome dinner at one of the best local restaurants. The cozy atmosphere, the friendly and warm-hearted staff, and the culinary experience will make an unforgettable mark on your heart!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Activities: Visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh complex, Tran Quoc Pagoda, a museum in Hanoi, and enjoy a Water Puppet Show at the Theatre.

After breakfast, start your Hanoi City Tour with the most highlight places in the capital:

The Temple of Literature is the first destination - often considered one of the prettiest spots in Hanoi for tourists. When you visit it, you will find some ancient buildings from the Ly and Tran Dynasties in a revered place.

Our Hanoi Tour keeps heading to the Ho Chi Minh complex especially Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the famous President's body is preserved. We visit HCM's Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda - an ancient one made in 1049 during the Ly Dynasty - to better understand Vietnam's history.

The last place is Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is one of the biggest pagodas in Hanoi, and you can also choose to visit one of the city's museums (History Museum, Ethnology Museum, Fine Art Museum, or Hoa Lo Prison).

In the evening, enjoy the traditional Water Puppet Performance - a wonderful way to end your amazing day!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Activities: Travel to Halong Bay, get on a boat to cruise around Dinh Huong and Ga Choi islets, explore one of three caves – Thien Cung, Dau Go, or Sung Sot, and take a stop at an island for a swim.

This morning, begin your Vietnam tour to another beautiful place – Halong Bay - known as one of the seven natural wonders in the world, and also the most popular trip from Hanoi. The bay's stunning beauty with its 3000 islands is so amazing that it becomes a must when you are in Northern Vietnam travel. After a drive of 3.5 to 4 hours, you will admire the most breathtaking sights of your trip.

The Halong Bay Cruise will take you away far the shore and leisurely travel among the islands and inlets. As you explore the bay, you will feel a sense of calm in the peaceful surroundings. Moreover, the islands are made of limestone, with their strange shapes, and the many caves adorned with stunning stalactites, all of which will make you feel like you're wandering in a magical world.

While visiting this enchanting place, you will be attracted by not only the amazing views but also the delicious seafood served by an excellent restaurant.

In the afternoon, your cruise will take you around some picturesque islands like Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way, you will have the chance to explore one of the three biggest caves in Halong (Thien Cung, Dau Go, or Sung Sot). There will be a stop at an island to take a swim in the fresh and green waters.

Activities: Tai Chi session, visit Soi Sim Beach or take a cooking class, have brunch on the boat, head to the airport, fly to Danang, and check in at your hotel in Hoian.

On the 4th day of 16 days in Vietnam and Myanmar, you can wake up early to see the most beautiful part of the Bay. Halong Bay looks amazing all the time, but especially during sunrise – it's like nature's masterpiece. There's something really magical about the first sunlight touching the clear sea.

Start your day with a Tai Chi class on the top deck to feel refreshed in the morning sunlight. After that, you can choose between two options: go to Soi Sim Beach for a nice swim or join a cooking class to learn how to make tasty Vietnamese food. After having brunch on the boat, you will say goodbye to this beautiful place and head to another incredible spot – Hoian. Once you arrive, you will be taken to your hotel in Hoian for check-in.

You will have meals on your own and spend the night at the hotel.

Activities: Explore Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancestral House, and Japanese Bridge, and visit the handicraft village by boat.

Today's itinerary begins with a delightful journey through the city's rich heritage. Hoian's charm lies in its enchanting visuals, where you can behold the lush moss-covered roofs, shimmering lanterns in the night, and centuries-old wooden residences adorned with intricate carvings.

Embark on a half-day walking tour in Hoian through the heart of the town, and the highlights include:

Chua Ong Pagoda: Chua Ong Pagoda is not only a place of worship and meditation but also a cultural epicenter, safeguarding the local heritage. It is also commonly referred to as the Quan Cong Temple.

The Chinese Assembly Hall: Situated along Tran Phu Street, facing the Thu Bon River. These halls do not all remain the same but still preserve their unique identities. The five remaining ones: The Fujian, Chaozhou, Hainan, Cantonese, and Chinese halls have become very famous attractions in Hoi An.

Tan Ky Ancestral House and the iconic Japanese Bridge: This house is a 200-year-old architectural gem Japanese bridges are celebrated for their elegant curves and draws inspiration from the Zen spirit.

In the afternoon of the Hoian trip, immerse yourself in the local way of life with a visit to a ceramic village, reached by a short boat ride to a nearby island. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in Hoian.

Activities: Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and explore the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, the Opera Theatre, the City Hall, and Ben Thanh Market.

Finish Hoian travel after breakfast, we will head to Danang Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. It's a vibrant and developing city.

When you get there, you will first visit the War Remnants Museum. This museum is all about the Vietnam War phrases with the United States and opened in September 1975. It focuses on the exhibition of pictures and related memorabilia to American phrases in the Vietnam War.

The next place on the trip to Ho Chi Minh City is The Reunification Palace. This place is like a history book that reminds us of a time just 40 years ago when there were big wars with the French and Americans. The palace was built on the site of the Norodom Palace - a landmark of Ho Chi Minh City.

We continue to explore Notre Dame Cathedral. This cathedral is in the heart of the city and has two tall towers that go up 58 meters. Back when it was built, Notre Dame Cathedral was the most beautiful cathedral among France's colonies.

Travel in Ho Chi Minh City, you cannot miss out on the Saigon Central Post Office! Become one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. They were built between 1886 and 1891 by a famous French architect named Villedieu.

Opera Theatre and City Hall are two highlighted places to admire the spectacular architecture.

Ben Thanh Market is the last destination in Ho Chi Minh City tour today. One of the biggest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. When you come to this old market, you can feel the authentic atmosphere of Vietnamese people.

After that, you can relax for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Stay in a Ho Chi Minh City hotel.

In case you want a designed itinerary in Hoian, feel free to ask for customizing!

Activities: Explore Cai Be market, visit local workshops, savor lunch at an ancient house, take a rowboat journey deeper into the countryside, explore a nursery garden, and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend the whole day discovering the lush landscapes with the Mekong Delta boat tour. After breakfast, you will be transported to Cai Be. Here is the famous of floating market, known for its vibrant activities, which has been a part of southern Vietnam's western region since the 19th century during the Nguyen Dynasty.

One famous place that you should visit on the Mekong Delta trip is the Cai Be Floating Market. It is always bustling, reflecting the local way of life in the western region. All the goods are brought to the market on rafts and boats. Before enjoying a delightful lunch beneath the shady orchards of An Binh Island at an ancient house, you will explore some local workshops. In the afternoon, your adventure in Mekong Delta continues as you board a traditional rowboat for a deeper exploration of the rural landscapes.

You will be impressed by the unique experience when floating through narrow canals. Make a stop at a nursery garden to gain insights into the production methods of fruits and vegetables throughout the country. Your cruise stops in Vinh Long, from where you'll be transported back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Dinner is on your own. Overnight at a Ho Chi Minh City hotel.

Activities: Take a flight to Yangon, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and attend a cultural show.

After your breakfast, spend time discovering the city at your own pace before you proceed your Indochina tour with a flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Upon at Yangon airport, a guide from Asia Private Travel will be there to greet and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. From there, you will begin your wonderful Myanmar travel.

Yangon is a serene and captivating city. Its remarkable colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia and you can not miss out on the Indochina tour. The city is a blend of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences and is famous for its colonial architecture. Although some of these structures may have decayed over time and lost their original charm, they still stand as representations of a 19th-century British colonial capital.

With a half-day in Yangon, take time to relax or explore the city on your own.

In the evening, savor a delightful Burmese dinner at the Karaweik Palace, which offers a view of the Royal Lake and the Shwedagon Tower. Finish your day tour in Yangon by immersing yourself in a cultural show.

Lunch is on your own, spend the night at a Yangon hotel. Vietnam and Myanmar Highlights have completed half of the journey.

Activities: Take a flight to Bagan and explore Nyang U Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, and other temples, visit a local lacquerware workshop, and witness a mesmerizing sunset from Shwesandaw Pagoda.

After breakfast in Yangon, we will take an early morning flight to Bagan - a World Heritage Site in Myanmar. The thousands of temples across the Bagan plains create one of the most culturally rich archaeological sites in Asia, offering breathtaking vistas that are truly unique.

Continue your Myanmar escort tour with a visit to the lively Nyang U Market in Old Bagan, where you can catch a glimpse of local daily life. Then, we head to the divine Shwezigon Pagoda - an iconic golden structure of religious significance in Myanmar. It served as a prototype for later stupas constructed over the country and marked a significant development in the relation of traditional Burmese religion with Theravada Buddhism.

Your next stop on the Bagan tour is the renowned Ananda Temple, considered one of the most surviving masterpieces of Mon architecture. Along the way, make some stops to explore nearby temples.

In the adventure & activity in Myanmar, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a workshop dedicated to the art of lacquerware. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional techniques of craftsmen and admire their unique and stunning creations. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Shwesandaw Pagoda to witness a breathtaking sunset over the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation: A hotel in Bagan.

Activities: Travel to Mt Popa, admire statues, reach the top for picturesque views, discover the traditional palm work of the locals, and enjoy a river cruise at sunset.

This morning, we will embark on a journey to Mt Popa. Mt Popa is an extinct volcano located dramatically atop a massive rocky formation, you will find the sacred Popa Taungkalat monastery here. During the drive to the mountain, take a moment to appreciate the charming statue along the way. Upon reaching the mountain top, you will be greeted by a 360-degree panoramic view and a complex of shrines to explore. Additionally, you have the opportunity to gain insight into local life by learning about the traditional palm work by the locals.

Afterward, return to Bagan and embark on a Myanmar River Cruise to admire a breathtaking sunset over the Irrawaddy River.

Accommodation: A hotel in Bagan.

Activities: Fly to Mandalay, then journey to Sagaing Hill, explore Buddha Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda, and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda, drive to Amarapura to visit Mahagandaryone Monastery and Ubein Bridge, and admire Mahamuni Image.

Start your Mandalay day tour, you will fly to Mandalay - a rich history and traditional culture in Myanmar. From there, you will have a drive to Sagaing Hill where you can delve into the various Buddhist educational systems for monks and nuns. We stop at the Buddha Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda, and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda, each adorned with magnificent Buddha statues.

Your Myanmar package tour continues with a drive to Amarapura, a famous town for its ancient Buddhist architecture that bears the stamp of Myanmar’s history. Then, visit one of Myanmar's monasteries - Mahagandhayon Monastery. A visit here will offer you a glimpse into the ascetic lives of the monks and deepen your understanding of Buddhism.

Take a walk across the Ubein Wooden Bridge. This is a stunning 1.2-kilometer-long structure constructed from teak planks and is reputed to be the world's longest bridge of its type. Finally, finish your day trip in Mandalay by admiring the Mahamuni Pagoda, home to the country's most highly revered Buddha image.

Accommodation: A hotel in Mandalay.

Activities: Take a boat ride to Mingun, explore Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Mingun Bell, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, and enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill.

After your breakfast, set out on a private boat voyage downstream to Mingun where renowned for its distinctive historical remains. Start your Mingu day tour with a visit to the impressive Mingun Pagoda. This is an unfinished pagoda built at the end of the 18th century, which was the largest pagoda in the country. Continue the Mingu trip to explore the Mingun Bell, located in a Paya in the Zayat, an intricately designed Burmese style with a multi-tiered roof. This bell is 4 meters high and ranks as the world's largest bell.

In the afternoon, Vietnam and Myanmar Highlights will lead you to Mandalay Palace, the very first palace built in Mandalay by King Mindon when he relocated the capital from Amarapura in 1861. Next, visit Shwenandaw Monastery - the most significant of Mandalay history, as it is the sole major survivor of the former wooden Royal Palace constructed by King Mindon during the mid-nineteenth century.

Continue your Myanmar travel with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda which is home to gilded pagoda, numerous shrines housing marble slabs, and several pavilions. This is referred to as "the world's largest book," named due to the 729 marble slabs bearing Buddhist teachings. Wrap up your day by contemplating a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Mandalay Hill.

Accommodation: A hotel in Mandalay.

Activities: Fly to Heho, to explore Inle Lake by boat, Phaungdawoo Pagoda, Ngaphechaung monastery, lotus weaving factory, cotton, and cigar houses.

Take a flight to Heho to explore the impressive Inle Lake - Myanmar's second-largest lake. Inle Lake is renowned for its floating villages, gardens, diverse local tribes, and the unique sight of fishermen rowing with their legs.

Upon your arrival, board a motorboat to travel around the lake. Your Inle Lake boat tour will lead you through villages characterized by houses perched on stilts and floating gardens crafted from water hyacinth strips and mud.

Your first stop of the Inle Lake day tour will be at Phaungdawoo Pagoda, the most revered monastery in the Inle Lake region, which houses five ancient Buddha statues covered in golden leaf. Do not miss out on a visit to Ngaphechaung Monastery, an appealing wooden structure built on stilts over the lake in the late 1850s. This monastery is known for its collection of ancient Myanmar Buddha images originating from various regions, which are truly captivating.

Your trip to Inle Lake continues to the village of Nam Pan, where you can explore a cotton and lotus weaving factory, and cigar-making houses. Here, you can witness the Innthar people employing their traditional silk-weaving techniques to craft unique and top-quality products.

Accommodation: A hotel in Inle Lake.

Activities: Visit the morning market, visit the Indein temple by boat, stroll along the corridor, and admire the columns.

Begin your Indein trip with a visit to the lively morning market, where local people gather to sell their fresh produce.

Lunch on your own, then we will embark on a boat journey to Indein. It is situated on the western bank of Inle Lake, Indein is a small and homely village. Embark on an enjoyable walk and climb to the top of the Indein Pagoda complex, behold stunning views of the lake and the numerous small stupas.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

Activities: Journey to Yangon, visit Sule Pagoda, Chaukhtayi Pagoda, and Kandawgyi Lake, explore the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, and go shopping at Scott Market.

This morning, bid farewell to the Inle Lake as you continue your holiday in Burma to Yangon. The Yangon adventure includes several remarkable sites.

Sule Pagoda: A remarkable landmark believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Chaukhtayi Pagoda: An enchanting spiritual site.

Kandawgyi Lake: Enveloped by a lush, tree-filled park, offering a serene setting.

After a delicious lunch, Asia Private Travels will lead you to visit the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda. At 99 meters high, this pagoda takes on the shape of a grand cone, contributing significantly to the splendor of the lake and its garden manifolds. End your splendid day with an interesting shopping experience at Scott Market.

Accommodation: A hotel in Yangon.

Activities: Free exploration until departure time.

Today, you can explore Yangon on your own, then you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

End of Vietnam and Myanmar Highlights journey, Asia Private Travels says goodbye and see you on another Indochina tour!