Cambodia is an ancient land, but it is also a young, developing country. Experience the excitement of the capital Phnom Penh, and watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
Visit the centrepiece of Cambodian history, Angkor Wat, the world’s largest ceremonial structure with an astounding array of beautiful bas-reliefs and ornate carvings. You can’t help but feel the kindness and compassion on the faces of Bayon as they smile down at you. Explore the bustling city of Phnom Penh, and learn about the dark past of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Experience the most famous sights of Myanmar on this guided journey. Your trip starts from Yangon built by the British administration and the capital city formerly named Rangoon). Here we visit the magnificent gold plate and gemstone decorated Swedagon pagoda, take a stroll through the quaint old quarter of Yangon enjoying the sights and sounds of this bustling city. Our journey continues northbound to Ancient Kingdom of Bagan, the greatest archeological treasure of Myanmar with over 4000 pagodas and temples ruins located on the Bagan plains by the Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy). Bagan was, during its heyday, one the greatest kingdoms in the world and is a truly magical destination to visit. From Bagan we continue to Mandalay to explore the ancient capitals of Myanmar (Burma) all situated near the present-day Mandalay City. We visit; the last remaining palace building, a centuries old teak wood monastery, the sacred Mahamuni Buddha’s temple and observe traditional gold leaf application, carving, tapestry and weaving in local workshops. We explore the ruins of the Ava kingdom by horse carriage and enjoy the Ubein teak bridge views known for it's spectacular sunsets. From Mandalay we journey to rural Shan State and the beautiful Inle Lake region inhabited by several minority peoples. At Inle we visit markets, floating gardens and cultural highlights on the lake and vicinity. From Shan State we fly back to Yangon where we finish our journey. Connect to your next destination or commence with your extension program.
Itinerary Brief:
DAY 01: Phnom Penh - Arrival and free day
DAY 02: Phnom Penh - City Tours
DAY 03: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap, Angkor & Sunset
DAY 04: Siem Reap - Angkor - Floating Village
DAY 05: Siem Reap - Angkor & Angkor Sunrise
DAY 06: Siem Reap - Free Time
DAY 07: Siem Reap -Yangon. Visit Yangon highlights.
DAY 08: Fly to Bagan. Sightseeing temples of Bagan.
DAY 09 Fly to Mandalay. Sightseeing in Mandalay.
DAY 10 Royal Capitals Ava, Amarapura, Sagaing.
DAY 11 Fly to Inle Lake. Vineyard & lake visits.
DAY 12 Boat excursions on Inle Lake.
DAY 13 Am Inle Lake, pm flight to Yangon.
DAY 14 Transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Easy - Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility.
There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.
When visiting the temples, be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking as well as sometimes climbing steep stairs.
When in Phnom Penh, try the Viejo Tonle Restaurant for Italian, Thai and authentic Cambodian cuisine. It’s located on Sisowath Quay just north of Street 144, and is part of the Sok Sabay Centre helping Cambodian orphans.
DAY 01: PHNOM PENH – ARRIVAL
On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met by our representative. You will then transfer to your hotel for check in. Then you have free time to explore Phnom Penh on your own by local transport (motor or tuk-tuk).
Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel.
DAY 02: PHNOM PENH CITY TOURS
After breakfast at the hotel, you visit Toul Sleng Museum, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as Wat Phnom. Later In the afternoon you will see the National Museum with many ancient Angkor artefacts, and go shopping at the Central Market and the famous Russian Market.
Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel
Breakfast and Lunch included.
DAY 03: PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
After breakfast, take a short flight to Siem Reap, the land of Angkor. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for check in. Exploring the magnificent wonders of the world of Angkor Wat will take all afternoon. In the evening you can enjoy the spectacular sunset from the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel
Breakfast and Lunch included.
DAY 04: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES –FLOATING VILLAGE
After breakfast, it’s off to explore some of the many other temples in this area. You visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom - The South gate, Bayon, Baphuon, the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Next it’s on to one of the most photographed temples of Angkor, the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, with is dramatic overgrowth of trees and vines. It has become famous more recently for its use as a location in the Tomb Raider movies. In the afternoon you take a boat trip to see the amazing floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake and in the evening you enjoy dinner and relax watching the graceful Apsara dance performance depicting the Khmer mythology.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included.
DAY 05: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT - ARTS & CRAFTS, SILK FARM
For those who would like to experience a truly spectacular sunrise, today is your chance to get up early and watch the sun come up over Angkor Wat then return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, you visit the workshop of the Artisans d’Angkor to see the craftsmen and women at work. You will have plenty of opportunity to browse the arts and crafts gift shop. Then it’s on to the Angkor Silk Farm and the chance to do a little more shopping in support of the local community. In the afternoon, you drive out through the idyllic countryside to visit the Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples. The name Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women” and it is constructed of pink sandstone with truly outstanding, ornate stone carvings.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel
Breakfast included.
DAY 06: SIEM REAP - FREE DAY
Breakfast in the hotel, and then you have a free day for leisure activities, or to take one of the many optional tours available.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel
Breakfast included
DAY 7 SIEM REAP- YANGON
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time until time for transfer to your departure point. Upon arrival to the Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Your journey begins with an afternoon tour through the colonial-style city center of Yangon. You visit the golden Sule Paya stupa – built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city – Chauk That Gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” floating barge on Kandawgy (Royal)) Lake. You visit Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. You complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Swedagon Pagoda a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight stay: In Yangon, in hotel.
DAY 8 BAGAN HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast you transfer to Yangon domestic airport for a 1hr flight to Nyaung U / Bagan. You start your journey to Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan with a visit to Dhamayazeka Zedi for a panoramic view of the temple studded plains of Bagan. You continue to the magnificent gold gilded Swezigon Stupa purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. You enjoy the most well preserved mural paintings in Bagan at Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple. You learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in Myingaba Village. You visit Htilominlo Temple and learn how Bagan sand paintings are made. You conclude the day’s sightseeing with a visit to beautifully symmetric Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddha images inside. You continue by decorated bullock cart to witness a magical sunset behind the temples (weather permitting).
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: In a hotel in Bagan
DAY 9 MANDALAY CITY IMPRESSIONS
You take a morning flight from Bagan to Mandalay. On arrival you take a morning stroll through the lively Zegyo Market in the heart of the city to experience more authentic local life in Mandalay. You continue to the Artisan Quarters, where some of the oldest craftsmanship is showcased dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. You observe the process of applying gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. You also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and moulded. Next, you proceed to the highlights of Mandalay: the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long past wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms; the Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone slabs and regarded as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. You end your day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: in Mandalay in hotel
DAY 10 ROYAL KINGDOMS AVA (INWA) – SAGAING – AMARAPURA & UBEIN BRIDGE
After breakfast at the hotel, you embark on a journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. You transfer 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. You cross over the Myint Nge River by ferry and explore the small roads of Ava by horse cart. You visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyn Watch Tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery building with its graceful curves and archways. You continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the SagaingHills, you enjoy magnificent views overlooking the river and hill side covered with countless pagodas. You visit a monastery in Sagaing to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees and continue to well-known silversmith village near Sagaing. You continue to another beautiful ancient capital city, Amarapura, famous for its weaving and textile industries. There, you visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are constructed. You continue to the Ubein Bridge, a simple yet strong teak structure that spans 1.2km over Taungtaman Lake. The bridge silhouetted by the setting sun is one of the most magical experiences in Myanmar and a photographer’s dream.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: in Mandalay in hotel
DAY 11 INLE LAKE & RED MOUNTAIN ESTATE WINEYARD
You enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the airport for the your fligth to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State. Visit the bustling main Heho market, the meeting point for different ethnic minority groups of the surrounding areas to trade handmade goods and locally grown produce (on market days only). Enroute to Inle Lake, you stop at a local family workshop to learn how Shan umbrellas and paper are made by traditional methods using the fibres of the mulberry tree. Next, you take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. Near Inle Lake, visit the Red Mountain estate to tour of the lush vineyard situated on the side of mountain, taste some of Myanmar’s premiere wines, and observe the different aging methods completed in their cellar cave. After checking into the hotel, you embark on afternoon explorations of Inle Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: On shore or on Inle Lake
DAY 12 INLE LAKE & INN THEIN
After breakfast you journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Inn Thein Pagoda Complex, a site that makes us feel as if you’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the complex, you walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. You boat back to the lake and visit PHaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the home of some of the country’s most sacred Buddha statues covered in gold leaf by devout followers. You also make a visit to the Inpawkhon weaving village to learn how local silks, linens and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted. As an extra treat, you stop at a house for Burmese cats built over the lake, where you see the preservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare pure breed of felines to Myanmar. At Nampan village, local craftsmen show us how Burmese cigars, or “cheroots,” are traditionally packed and rolled. You end your day with magnificent sunset canoe ride with boatmen who gracefully navigate and row perched on one leg.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: On shore or on Inle Lake
Inle Lake markets
The colorful and bustling morning market is one of the highlights of Inle Lake. Local ethnic minority groups come near and far to trade their goods, and this presents an opportunity to observe people in traditional costumes in an authentic market atmosphere. The market rotates five days a week, each day making its base in a different village (though closed on national holidays). Market visits can be included in any tour program if the market location falls within proximity of our travel itinerary.
DAY 13 INLE LAKE – YANGON
The morning is free for sightseeing on the Lake. If you wish to see something else our team can make arrangements for a leisurely stroll to neighboring villages to observe local village life. Alternatively, our team can make arrangements for a visit to Nyaung Shwe town to explore the quaint town or shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will be transfer to the Heho Airport for the next connecting flight to Yangon. Rest of the day is free at leisure in Yangon.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay: in Yangon in hotel
DAY 14 DEPARTURE
Free at leisure until transfer to Yangon airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: breakfast
This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.
REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your Cambodia cycling, Vietnam cycling, Laos cycling, Myanmar cyclingor Thailand cycling. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:
>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 40 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels):> 80 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night
Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details
If, after reviewing the details of this tour, you would like to receive a "Special Offer" tour price, just click on the "INQUIRY" button below. If you wish to “Tailor Make" your trip, simply click on the "CUSTOMIZE TRIP" and enter your contact details.
COST INCLUDED:
Experienced English speaking guide
Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
COST EXCLUDED:
International/domestic airfares & tax
Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
Beverage and alcoholic drinks
Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
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