Private Tour Highlights
- Experience the impressive Shwedagon Pagoda
- See Angkor Wat – the world’s largest piece of stone masonry
- Learn how French colonialism and native cultures have fused to modernity
- See the multiple beautiful, gilded Buddhist temples
- Take in historic architecture – with the oldest dating back 2,500 years
- See how religion has left a mark on the region
- Gaze at well preserved French colonial architecture
- Watch the early morning ritual of the Tak Bat, where monks silently collect food offerings
Tour Overview
Quiet reverence and boisterous indifference; rapid modernization and unexpected preservation; there will be few aspects of the innumerably varying styles of living that remain a mystery after this unique tour of Laos Myanmar Thailand South-East Asia. From the relatively undisturbed sites of Myanmar and Luang Prabang to the deservedly well-tread paths of Bangkok and Northern Thailand, an ever shifting spectrum of cultures will suddenly make themselves available.
The jewel of Yangon is the impressive Shwedagon Pagoda. This magnificent structure can be seen from around the city; no building dares to be higher than its Golden Spire. Believed to be 2,500 years old and enshrining eight of Lord Buddha’s hairs, the Shwedagon Pagoda is revered as one of the most holy sites by Buddhists throughout the world. Moving north, you’ll discover an essential component of Myanmar’s identity, Bagan is on the same level as what Angkor Wat is to Cambodia or Giza to Egypt – a testament to the nation’s golden age when their cultural impact was at its greatest and outsiders looked on in awe. The Burmese’s undeniable connection to Buddhism is most apparent here.
Ayutthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a former Asian powerhouse and major port city during the time of the sea trades. Despite its fall as an empire, major renovations and restoration projects upon its ancient ruins have made it possible to imagine the splendor that made many trades declare it as the finest city they have ever seen. Sukothai flourished as a Kingdom through the 13th and 14th centuries, which has been deemed as the golden age of Thai society. The local art and architecture that date to this period are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, which are exemplified in its historical park.
Finish your trip across South-East Asia with a stop in the former Lao capital of Luang Prabang. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here – well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.
Inclusions
Regional and domestic airfare from Bangkok to Yangon, Yangon to Bagan, Bagan to Bangkok and Bangkok to Luang Prabang (round trip) Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)
Notes:
* Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon will begin in September 2014 and continue through February 2015. This renovation includes replacing the gold leaf and takes place every three to four years around this time. The temple complex is still open, but the majority of the main stupa will be wrapped in protective covering.
* Additional supplements may apply between 23 December – 5 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 25 December. Special conditions apply between 28 – 31 December.
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Package Price: From £$ 8935
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Bangkok
Overnight international flight to Bangkok.
Overnight international flight to Bangkok.
Arrival in Bangkok
Arrival in Bangkok. Depending on the time of arrival, an overnight stay at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel may be arranged before the regional flight to Yangon. Please consult with a Yampu travel consultant.
Arrival in Bangkok. Depending on the time of arrival, an overnight stay at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel may be arranged before the regional flight to Yangon. Please consult with a Yampu travel consultant.
Bangkok – Yangon
Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
City Tour of Yangon
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Enjoy a full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide. Beginning at the Sule Pagoda in the city center, continue through the streets of the downtown area. Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas, Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Continue to visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Said to be one of the largest images of its kind, the huge reclining Buddha stretches over 223 feet. Next visit Kandawgyi Park and the amazing Karraweik Royal Barge.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar (Burma) cuisine. Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon stands at 326 feet and is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds – the largest of which is a single 76 carat diamond. Enjoy dinner at another local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Visit to the Kalaywa Monastery
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Morning visit to the Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to approximately 1,000 monks. Here guests will experience one of the most auspicious moments one can hope to experience in this mystical land. Each morning Myanmar (Burma) is scattered with thousands of monks roaming the streets collecting alms for their meals. Observe this traditional procession before continuing to the National Museum to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Myanmar (Burma).
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Scott Market, a sprawling 80 year old market that is home to a variety of interesting Burmese goods, from lacquer ware to gems and jewelry. To gain a sense of the everyday life of the Burmese, continue to Chinatown and the local fruit market. Again, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Yangon – Bagan
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Transfer to the airport for a Morning flight from Yangon to Bagan. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Then, visit the Pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved, including the Shwezigon, Ku Byauk Gyi temple for its exquisite murals, Khay Min Ga Temple, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda temple.
Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master craftsmanship of lacquer ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. After lunch, visit a local Lacquer ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen from start to finish. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is to watch the sunset from the sunset viewing platform for the panoramic views of the surrounding temples. Sit back, relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan while watching the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas. Then, return to the hotel for the night.
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Visit to Nyuang Oo Market
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Morning visit to Nyaung Oo market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. Then drive to Mt Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views (about 1 hour driving). It's considered the abode of Myanmar's most powerful Nat (Spirits) and the remains of a petrified forest here produce a profusion of trees, flowering plants and herbs. En route, visit some palm tree plantations to enjoy a relaxing break and for a chance to observe the local plantation lifestyles.
At the foot of the mountain, guests can observe the Nat Shrine, which contains a display of mannequin like figures representing the 37 Nat and is a major pilgrimage destination. Then guests will have a choice to visit the summit, the Sandalwood Forest or the local museum and medicinal herbs garden. After exploring around Mt. Popa, drive back to Bagan. Late afternoon, explore Bagan from a different perspective via Pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter. This evening take a relaxing sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River, observe life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background.
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Bagan – Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Complete City Tour of Bangkok
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In the morning start a private, full day tour of Bangkok city. First guests will visit three of the most important temples. Wat Trimitr, the temple of Golden Buddha, houses an impressive 5½ tons, solid gold Buddha sculpted in the graceful Sukhothai style. Next guests will visit Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. The next stop will be at AWat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred and revered temple. Adjoining it is the Grand Palace, a building that gracefully combines European and Thai architecture.
After a sumptuous lunch in a local restaurant, guests will board a long-tailed speedboat for a thrilling ride through the klongs (canals) of outer Bangkok to get a closer look at the rural lifestyle. Then board a converted Rice Barge for a cruise on the bigger canals. These boats will give guests a very different perspective of Bangkok and provide a spectacular opportunity to observe the scenery and the simple life of the friendly canal residents. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Bangkok – Ayutthaya
This morning, begin the journey to Ayutthaya, located in the lower half of northern Thailand. Head north along the historical Chao Phraya River and enjoy the everyday scenes of Thai life along the way. Lunch will be included en route.
Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Siam, guests will visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V. With a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, this proves to be a well preserved monument to the former Thai Kingdom. Transfer to hotel for check in.
This morning, begin the journey to Ayutthaya, located in the lower half of northern Thailand. Head north along the historical Chao Phraya River and enjoy the everyday scenes of Thai life along the way. Lunch will be included en route.
Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Siam, guests will visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V. With a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, this proves to be a well preserved monument to the former Thai Kingdom. Transfer to hotel for check in.
Ayutthaya – Sukhothai
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Morning transfer north out of the city to continue to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaerkrang River, which is rarely visited by foreign tourists. Visit the Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple with an impressive Crystal Hall and Golden Shrine. Enjoy lunch at the Uthai River Lake Country Resort.
In the afternoon, continue driving north to Phitsanuloke, a major regional commerce center that is spread along the banks of the Nan River. Visit the much venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, which is home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image. Then continue to Sukhothai and check in at the hotel for the evening.
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Historical Sukhothai
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Morning visit to Sukhothai’s Historic Park to visit the numerous temple ruins and beautiful landscape of lotus ponds and moats. Inside the walls of this old city remain the ruins of nearly two dozen different monasteries that display art and architecture styles of the original Khmer, Mon, Sinhalese and Tai influences.
Continuing the journey north, visit the ancient town formerly known as Muang Chaliang, but later renamed Si Satchanalai under the reign of a new government. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within this town’s park, which serves as a good place to contrast tot Sukhothai’s Historical Park. There is a sense of history and a mysterious atmosphere among these ruins as they remain largely un-restored.
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Sukhothai – Luang Prabang
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Exploring Luang Prabang
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Enjoy the morning at leisure. After lunch take a tour around Luang Prabang with a private guide. First visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. The next stop is Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is an impressive collection of personal artifacts of the royal family.
Continue on to visit Wat Mai - built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Phou Sii Hill stands right in the center of this small city; climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Sunset can be enjoyed at Vat Siphouthabath or with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River. Enjoy the evening at leisure before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Visit to Wat Xieng Thong
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Start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang – ‘Tak Bat’. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). The guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos and there will be a chance to make ‘merit’. It’s early but well worth the wake up call!
After breakfast head off with the guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. Then head to the river to begin a relaxing riverboat trip with a guide on the mighty Mekong to visit Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stopover at Ban Xanghai where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.
After exploring the caves and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant return to the boat and journey back to Luang Prabang. Once returned, transfer to the private vehicle and take a drive out of town to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on ancient wooden looms. This village was once famed for producing silks for the Royal Palace. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
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International Flight Home via Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for a connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Transfer to the airport for a connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Bangkok Thailand
Ayutthaya Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Thailand
Sukhothai Thailand
Luang Prabang, Laos
Places You'll See
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Yangon
As the main economic hub of Myanmar, Yangon is always bustling with activity. Take a trip up to the top of Shwedagon Hill to see the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious site in Myanmar. Visit the Zoological Gardens to see Myanmar’s most expansive wild animal collection, or the People’s Park for its huge concrete water fountain and in-park museum.
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Bagan
Home to nearly 2,000 monuments spread over 16 square miles of land, and numerous religious edifices, Bagan is overflowing with rich culture. Visit the Ananda Temple, one of the four surviving Buddhist temples, or the Bagan Archaeological Museum, the only museum in the city’s fascinating archeological zone.
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Bangkok
Dubbed the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure, Bangkok is home to a plethora of attractions, and activities. Enjoy a variety of shopping and dining experiences, or the city’s bustling night life. Or immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture by visiting the Grand Palace, any of the several Buddhist temples, or the Bangkok National Museum.
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Ayutthaya
Ayuthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a former Asian powerhouse and major port city during the time of the sea trades. Despite its fall as an empire, major renovations and restoration projects upon its ancient ruins have made it possible to imagine the splendor that made many traders declare it as the finest city they had ever seen.
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Sukhothai
Sukothai flourished as a Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries, which has been deemed as the golden age of Thai society. The local art and architecture that date to this period are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, which are exemplified in its historical park. This park features some 200 ruined temples, lotus ponds and moats covering an area of nine square miles.
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Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a city filled with history and culture that will fit anyone’s interests. Rise early and witness the Alms Ceremony, where local Monks line the streets accepting alms, or respects and charities, from locals as well as sincere tourists. Visit the local elephant sanctuary, mountain bike through the area, and take in the history of the city through the many art and cultural centers nearby.
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Testimonials
Lillian B
Traveled November, 2012
The vacation was wonderful.
The vacation was wonderful. My husband and I had a great time. We really enjoyed the services you had arranged. A few things really stood out to us. 1. The Tour Guide at Bangkok Tanat, I believe his name is, was the superman of accommodation. He not only fitted our wishes or demands in helpful ways, but put in extra effort in many small aspects of the trip. We were completely satisfied with his service and would recommend him to any customers. Pass on the compliment if you can. 2. The Adelphi Suites in Bangkok- Fantastic hotel. Great location, friendly staffs, clean rooms, in room internet, affordable rate. I can’t ask for better. 3. Service and Hotel in Chiang Mai. Although in comparison to what we received in Bangkok, the accommodation lacked magic sparks. But everything was to our satisfactory. The tour guide there was able to arrange for a last minute cooking class when we asked. That turned out to be an outstanding experience. 4. Phi Phi Island Spa and Resort – I cannot describe how scenic Phi Phi island is. And the resort did a wonderful job presenting it to their guests. The beach is small, but private. The view off to the ocean calms one’s soul. The staffs are friendly and helpful. The Spa service lives up to its name. The only two problems are super expensive mediocre food and mosquito breeding ground. But we were able to overlook them. It was a nice get away from the cities’ hustle and bustle. Thanks for making our trip memorable. I definitely would like to work with you again on my next adventure.
Traveled To
Pamela
Traveled March, 2014
The outstanding service that we received during our trip to Thailand is the reason I chose you
It is the professionalism and understanding of Yampu that keeps me coming to your company for all my Southeast Asia travel. The outstanding service that we received during our trip to Thailand is the reason I chose you and your company for my daughters’ memorable trip.
Traveled To
Jonathan C.
Traveled November, 2014
Paula and I had a wonderful trip
Just landed back home. Everything on the trip went very well all had a good time, thanks. Could have spent one more day in Siem Reap everyone loved that. Paula and I had a wonderful trip, thank you for your efforts. Thanks,
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