DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 Tuesday Bangkok – arrival 
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel RADISSON in the center of town. Rest of day free to relax.

Day 02 Wednesday Bangkok 
Morning free. Afternoon tour of the CITY & TEMPLES including the GRAND PALACE (1:30pm). This tour includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 1/2 tons of solid gold) – Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Return to the hotel. (B)

Day 03 Thursday Bangkok 
The day is completely free to discover the many shopping and visiting possibilities Bangkok offers. This evening enjoy a delicious genuine Thai style dinner in a delightful Thai atmosphere surrounded by beautiful decoration at Piman/Ruen Thep/Baan Thai or Sawasdee Restaurant. The meal is accompanied by Thai classical music and dances. The dancers with their beautiful glittering costumes and exquisite graceful movements will stay in your memory forever. (B,D)

Day 04 Friday  Yangon – arrival 
Upon arrival at YANGON airport you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Your journey begins with a tour through Yangon’s colonial-style city center. Visit SULE PAGODA, dating back over 2,000 years ago; the magnificent reclining Buddha at CHAUK HTAT GYI; and after a photo stop at the KARAWEIK HALL, a 'hamsa-bird-shaped' floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake, stroll through the BOGYOKE (SCOTTS) MARKET with hundreds of food, clothes, handicrafts and gems stores. Complete your first day in Myanmar with an extended visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the SHWEDAGON PAGODA. Guests arriving by morning or mid-day flight will follow the above-mentioned program. However, if you arrive in the afternoon you will be directly transferred to your hotel and Yangon sightseeing will be provided on the last day. Dinner and overnight stay at Inya Lake Hotel, Sofitel Plaza Hotel (****) or similar in Yangon. (L,D) 

Day 05 Saturday Yangon - Bagan 
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for domestic flight to BAGAN. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. After a stroll through the colorful local market continue the day with visits to the most significant pagodas and temples of Bagan including SHWEZIGON PAGODA, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; KU BYANUK GYI, a temple with superb murals of Jataka scenes; KHAY MIN GA TEMPLE, noted for its panoramic view of the area’s numerous monuments and ANANDA TEMPLE, with four standing Buddha images. After lunch, visit one of Myanmar’s most treasured handicrafts, a lacquerware craftsmen’s workshop in nearby MYINKABA village. You will continue to MANUHA TEMPLE, built in the mon style in 1059 and follow on to NANBAYA TEMPLE, a unique sandstone monument said to have been the palace of King Manuha. Next you will explore the MYINGABA GU BYAUKGYI TEMPLE, a temple noteworthy for its mural paintings under the protection of UNESCO. The ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is also visited to view beautiful Buddha images of bronze, stone and lacquer. Proceed to BUPAYA PAGODA or MINGALA ZEDI STUPA to watch the sunset over the famous Ayeyarwaddy River. Dinner at a riverside restaurant and overnight stay at Bagan Hotel or Bagan Golf Resort (***) or similar in Bagan. (B,L,D)

Day 06 Sunday Bagan 
After breakfast, visit the site of TAYOKEPYAY TEMPLE in Min Nan Thu Village; PHAYA THONE ZU and NANDAMANYA TEMPLES noted for exquisite murals of 13th century; KYAT KAN CAVE monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. Continue to farming villages around Bagan to gain insight into the lives of the local people. After a late lunch and some further temple visits, excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River to watch the sun set over the plain of Bagan. Dinner and overnight stay at Bagan Hotel or Bagan Golf Resort (***) or similar in Bagan. Optional: Experience the magic of Bagan and a thousand years of history from the enchanting platform of a hot air balloon, for the first time ever. ‘Balloons over Bagan’ offers visitors exclusive sunrise champagne flights over the ancient pagodas of Bagan from late October to April. (Details see ‘Balloons over Bagan’) (B,L,D)

Day 07 Monday Bagan - Mandalay 
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for domestic flight to MANDALAY. Upon arrival, excursion to Amarapura, 15 km from Mandalay to visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY where more than a thousand monks live and study. Time permitting you will have the opportunity to observe the monks having their last meal of the day in total silence. Continue to 200-year-old U BEIN teak bridge, built in 1782 at the time when Amarapura was Royal capital. The BAGAYA MONASTERY will fascinate you with an intriguing collection of Buddha statues before returning to Mandalay. After lunch you will experience the sights and sounds of Mandalay including one of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar, the MAHAMUNI PAGODA; the SHWE INBIN MONASTERY; the GOLDEN PALACE MONASTERY, a superb example of a traditional wooden building and KUTHODAW PAGODA the world’s largest book made of marble. Visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop as well as a Kalaga tapestries craftsmen’s shop before proceeding to MANDALAY HILL for sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at Novotel or Sedona Hotel (****) or similar in Mandalay. (B,L,D)

Day 08 Tuesday Mandalay - Heho 
After breakfast, transfer to airport for domestic flight to HEHO. Upon arrival, proceed by road to NYAUNG SHWE (25 km - 1 hour). An excursion by boat on Inle Lake will include sights of the famous leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and magnificent scenery. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant on the lake itself. Visits are made to PHAUNGDAW OO PAGODA; the weaving village of INPAWKHON and to one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region (on market days only). Dinner and overnight stay at Paradise Hotel (**) or similar (hotel in Nyaung Shwe might be substituted by a hotel in Taunggyi) in Nyaung Shwe. (B,L,D) 

Day 09 Wednesday Heho - Yangon 
After breakfast, drive to PINDAYA (95 km - 2 1/2 hours). Visit PINDAYA CAVES, a unique site housing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over the centuries, before transfer to Heho Airport (65 km - 1 1/2 hour) for domestic flight to YANGON. Depending on confirmed flight lunch will be served at a local restaurant either in Pindaya or in Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Inya Lake Hotel, Sofitel Plaza Hotel (****) or similar in Yangon. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Thursday Yangon – Chiang Mai 
After breakfast, complete your Yangon impressions with a visit to the KABA AYE (WORLD PEACE) PAGODA and the MAHAPASANA CAVE, where the sixth Buddhist synod took place. Proceed to Yangon’s oldest Chinese temple and at the riverside located BOTATAUNG PAGODA. Last but not least, see the 8 meter high Golden Lion Throne as well as the Mandalay Royal Regalia at the NATIONAL MUSEUM. After lunch, transfer to the Yangon Airport for flight to Chiang Mai by 6T 012. Upon arrival, proceed to visit Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 3,520 feet (1,056 meters). The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a Naga balustrade on eihter side. The Monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The Centre is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. 19.30-22.30 Kantoke Dinner enjoy a typical Thai dinner with presentation of ancient dances from north Thailand, followed by a performance of dances and songs by various hilltribes. Overnight at the Amari Rincome Hotel or similar in Chiang Mai. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Friday Chiang Mai 
American breakfast, watch elephants at work. Continue with an excursion to the north of Chiang Mai to visit an elephant working site. Watch the elephant taking their daily bath in the stream before beginning to haul timber in the forest. You will be amazed by their strength and clever team work. On the way back visit to the Rukachati National Park and its picturesque waterfalls. Lunch at the Mae Saa Valley Resort. Proceed by pick-up truck to visit the Meo Hilltribe village at Nong Hoi Mai and continue to Ban Meo Mae Ki. The afternoon is at leisure to discover the many activities in the hill tribe village or to take an optional two hours elephant safari into the jungle surroundings (Elephant Safari - Extra : Baht500.00 per person). B.B.Q. dinner and camp fire at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge followed by presentation of Meo dances and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Saturday Chiang Mai - Mae Salong 
After breakfast, depart by minibus for Fang and Thatorn via Chiang Dao for drinks and walk around the local market. En route visit Huay Luek, a Meo hilltribe village. After arrival in Thatorn, a small village just a few kilometers away from the Burmese border. Lunch is served at the Mae Kok River Lodge. Continue by minibus to Ban Santikeree at Doi Mae Salong, a Yunnanese village. On the way visit Ban Muang Ngam (Karen hilltribe village) and Ban Ruamjai (Lahu hilltribe village). Dinner and overnight at the Mae Salong Villa (Bungalows). (B,L,D)

Day 13 Sunday Mae Salong - Golden Triangle 
After breakfast, visit to the scenic view point which takes in a large part of Thailand, Myanmar and Mekong Valley. Depart Doi Mae Salong via Doi Thung on the upper road to Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town on the borders between Thailand and Myanmar. Visit enroute various hilltribe villages set among the green hillsides and Wat Phra Dhat Doi Thung, the object of an important yearly pilgrimage. After lunch at the hotel in Mae Sai, continue to the Golden Triangle area on the Mekong river where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos convene. Take a short boat trip around the Golden Triangle. Dinner and overnight at the Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel. (B,L,D) 

Day 14 Monday Golden Triangle – Chiang Khong – Houeixay – Pakbeng 
07.00 After breakfast, transfer by minibus to Chiang Khong on the border, for custom & immigration clearance. Cross the river by ferry boat to Ban Houeixay in Laos for meeting by Laotian guide. Then transfer to pier for cruise down the Mekong river by the "LUANGSAY" boat. Lunch en-route with several stops to observe rural life along the river and discover some minorities villages. Arrive Pak-Beng, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight the Luangsay Lodge in Pakbeng (B,L,D) 

Day 15 Tuesday Pakbeng – Lunag Prabang 
Breakfast at the lodge. Visit local market where people from the surrounding villages of minorities exchange their goods. Continue cruise down to Luang Prabang, stop at a fishing village for picnic lunch. Then visit Tam Ting at Pak-Ou cave, a famous Buddha cave. Also visit Ban Xanghai, a rice wine producing village. Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at the Villa Santi Hotel or similar in Luang Prabang (B,L,D) 

Day 16 Wednesday Luang Prabang 
After breakfast, Luang Prabang city tour to visit the former royal capital's three most impressive temples ; Wat Xiengthong the most beautiful temple representing the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, Wat Xiengmene the Royal Cemetery and Wat Longkhoune the Royal temple where all kings of Lane Xang are said to have come for a 3-day retreat to prepare for coronation. Lunch at the hotel. Then depart by road to Khouangsi waterfalls, with picnic lunch at Ban Thapene village. Late afternoon return to Lang Prabang and continue to visit Ban Phanom, a village specialising in hand weaving. Dinner and overnight at the Villa Santi Hotel or similar in Luang Prabang. (B,L,D)

Day 17 Thursday Luang Prabang - Vientiane 
After breakfast, visit former King's Palace (now a museum), then climb up to visit Phousy hill for overlooking the city and visit local openair market for shopping. Lunch at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight to Vientiane. Arrive in Vientiane, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Vientiane city tour to visit Vat Sisaket, Hophrakeo, Thatluang Stupa and Arc of Triumph. Dinner and overnight at the Lao Plaza Hotel or similar in Vientiane (B,L,D)

Day 18 Friday Vientiane - Bangkok
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for international departure flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel RADISSON in the center of town. Rest of day free to relax. (B) 

Day 19 Saturday Bangkok - Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for international departure flight (B) 

NOTE: Minor program changes are sometimes necessary, depending on road conditions and room availability.

Hotels (with address):

• Radisson Hotel Bangkok 92 Soi Saengcham, Rama 9 Road Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320 Tel: (662) 641-4777 Fax: (662) 641-4884
• Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Yangon Tel: (95 1) 662857-9 Fax: (95 1) 665537 (or) Sofitel Plaza Hotel, 33 Alan Pya Paya Road Dagon Township Yangon Tel: (95 1) 250388, 250399 Fax: (95 1) 252478
• Novotel Mandalay Hotel, No. (9) Kwin (416 B) 10th Street At the foot of Mandalay Hill Mandalay Tel: (95 2) 35638, 35670, 35672 Fax: (95 2) 35639, 35671 (or) Sedona Hotel, No.1, Junction of 26th & 66th Street Chan Aye Tharzan Township Mandalay Tel: (95 2) 3648 Fax: (95 2) 36499
• Bagan Hotel, Next to Gawdawpalin Temple Old Bagan Tel: (95-62) 70145, 70146, 70311 Fax: (95-62) 70312, 70145 (or) Bagan Golf Resort, Nyaung Oo Township Bagan Tel: (95-62) 71070 , 70247 Fax: (95-62) 71071 
• Paradise Hotel, No.40, Museum Road Tha Zi Quater Nyaung Shwe (Inle) No Tel./Fax. 
• Amari Rincome Hotel, 1 Nimmanhaeminda Road, Suthep district, 50200, Chiang Mai Tel: 66 53 221130, Fax : 66 53 221915 
• Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, 301/8 Soi Sbun-Nga, Nimmanhaemind Road, 50200, Chiang Mai, Tel: 66 53 221044, Fax: 66 53 221 915
• Mae Salong Villa, Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Mai 
• Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel, 222 Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Tel: 66 53 784001, Fax: 66 53 784006 
• Luangsay Lodge, Pakbeng. no Tel/ no Fax.
• Villa Santi Hotel, Rue Sakkarine Luang Prabang – Lao P.D.R., Tel: (856-71) 212267,Fax: (856-71)252158 
• Lao Plaza Hotel, 63 Samsenthai Road, P.O. Box 6708, Vientiane, Laos, Tel: 856 21 218800-01, Fax : 856 21 2553410

Included Services:

• Accommodation in shared twin rooms with daily breakfast
• All meals as specified in the program on table d’hôte basis (at local restaurants)
• Transfers and tours with English speaking local guides
• Transportation by air-conditioned van/minibus/coach
• Boat trips (as specified)
• Air ticket Yangon/Pagan/Mandalay/Heho/Yangon/Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Yangon/Vientiane-Bangkok (Note: airfare is subject to increase without prior notice)
• Entrance fees, Service charges, room tax and baggage handling

Not Included:

• Visa fee for Myanmar & Laos
• Dinner in Yangon
• Optional tours
• International Airfare and airport taxes
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.
• Other tours & meals than mentioned in the program