23 Days Thailand and Myanmar Discovery Tour

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to hotel for check-in and get some rest.

In the evening, enjoy a superb Asian-style dinner while slowly drifting along the Chao Phraya River and the River of Kings. You will get a first-hand impression of the lively night life at the riverside.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will have a full-day city tour of Bangkok. First visit Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is the home to a gold Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons.

Then visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the most published images of Bangkok. In the middle of the temple, an 82 metres high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower stands, where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and the rivers.

After that, explore Wat Pho, also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Finally, head for the Grand Palace, one of the must-sees in Bangkok, followed by Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: B

In the morning, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you can experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local food, fresh fruit and products from their boats.

After an exploration of the market, drive to Kanchanaburi that is famous for the Death Railway built during WWII. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the bridge and railway are notable attractions in Kanchanaburi. Today, carriages still go on the tracks, taking travelers through the fields of sugar cane and rice terrace.

Finally, pay a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more history about the railway.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Meals: B

In the early morning, drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam located in central Thailand.

Upon arrival, you can see the combination of Thai and European architecture. visit Bang Pa-In, a royal summer palace with lovely gardens. Admire the elegant Thai pavilion standing in the middle of a lake. Then visit Baan Hollanda the information centre on the history of Dutch-Thai relations. Opened in 2013, the centre was built with funds graciously donated by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Dutch government.

In the afternoon, tour the must-see ancient ruins in Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a marvelous Khmer-style temple ruin located along the river. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a temple complex with rows of restored Buddhas looking towards a huge Chedi. Wat Ratchaburana has the most incredible Khmer-style spire in Ayutthaya. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple in the kingdom and Royal ceremonies were held there.

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to Phitsanulok, one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. The city boasts many interesting temples and museums.

Wat Nang Phaya is on the middle of the Nan River that holds traffic between Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and Wat Ratburana in Phitsanulok. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a Royal temple dating to the 14th century. Wat Ratburana is an old temple where the two elder brothers of King Borom Rachathirat II were cremated.

After that, visit Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum, which displays a remarkable collection of tools, textiles and photographs that spread throughout five traditional-style Thai buildings. Across the street from Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum is the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry, where bronze Buddha images of all sizes are cast.

Attached to the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry is Garden Birds of Thailand, a collection of cages containing indigenous Thai birds, including some endangered species such as the very pretty pink-chested jamu fruit-dove and the prehistoric-looking helmeted hornbill.

Overnight in Phitsanulok.

Meals: B

Today, after about a 1-hour drive, you will reach Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is the first capital of Siam, housing a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins.

After arrival, head to Sangkholok Museum. The museum displays artifacts recovered from the city, all well-explained, and provides a general historical overview. You can also get an excellent introduction to ancient Sukhothai's most famous export, its ceramics.

After that, start to explore the old town of Sukhothai for a relish of the once flourishing Thai civilization. Head to Sukhothai Historical Park that covers the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius.

For example, Wat Si Sawai is famous for its Khmer gateways and its stone Buddha footprint. Wat Tra Phang Ngoen contains the large and fabulous seated Buddha and walking Buddha. Wat Srasri is one of the prettiest temples in the park, with a bell-shaped stupa and Buddhist iconography.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to reach Lampang, the third largest city in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, take a horse carriage to visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, the temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Then drive to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Several interesting religious structures are visible, including the most beautiful and oldest wooden Lanna temple in Thailand, the open-sided Wihan Luang.

Overnight in Lampang.

Meals: B

Drive around 1.5 hours to transfer to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will tour the beautiful temples in Chiang Mai.

Start with the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Then visit Wat Suan Dok built in the 14th century, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang which once contained the Emerald Buddha and later became partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s.

Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and houses one of Thailand's greatest treasures, the Crystal Buddha. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot, a peaceful temple that is surrounded by greenery.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B

Today, tour the elephant rescue and rehabilitation center - Elephant Nature Park, involving in the rescues of the disabled elephants, dogs and cats.

You can volunteer and care for the animals. Take your time to wander freely on the grounds and get close to these gentle giants. You get the opportunity to feed them and learn how to bathe them.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer to Chiang Rai, taking around 3 and a half hours.

En route, visit Meow Hill Tribe Village that locates on Doi Suthep. It was once famous for opium cultivation. Then head to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can get a panoramic view of Chiang Mai City. The site is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, visit the White Temple, officially known as Wat Rong Khun, which mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references. After that, check in the hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B

Today, head to the Golden Triangle region to have a full day excursion.

Start the morning by Long Neck Karen Village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If time permits, you can watch cockfighting near the hill tribe village. Then drive to Mt. Doi Mae Salong to visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain.

After lunch, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border, Doi Tung. Here you can overlook the entire northern rice field plain and visit Doi Tung Temple that was built in A.D.1493. The scenery here may remind you of Switzerland.

After that, drive back to your hotel and enjoy your free time. 

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Flight: Internal flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

This morning, head to visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple. Then drive to Black House, also called Baan Dam, where you can see a lot of skeletons and animal skins, strange but impressive.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Yangon. After arriving, say hello to your local guide and drive towards the hotel to check in.

Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: B

Start the day with a circular train ride in Yangon. On the train, you can enjoy a variety of insights into the local life and interact with some locals to make the most of the journey. After that, visit the famous Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, home to a 66-meter long reclining Buddha, and shoot photos at the picturesque Karaweik Hall royal floating barge.

Have some rest after lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time to wander the Bogyoke Market. Then stroll around the busy streets of Yangon’s famous China Town and Yangon Jetty. Finally, end today’s tour with an amazing sunset view at Shwedagon Pagoda, the largest pagoda painted with real gold in Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Transfer to airport for the domestic flight to Bagan. Upon arrival in Bagan, you will be welcomed by your local guide at the airport then transfer you to hotel.

In Bagan, you will be amazed by the thousands of Buddhist pagodas spread on the plain. These pagodas used to own by individual families during its prosperous time.

You will visit the Nyaung Oo Market where local people buying food in daily life and the Shwezigon Pagoda which is the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Have a rest at the hotel during the hottest time in the afternoon. Then it's time to enjoy a Horse Cart Ride for the sunset. You can climb up to the top of the Shwesandaw Pagoda for sunset and then take the horse cart back to the hotel. It will be an unforgettable memory of taking the horse cart ride to travel through the pagodas when it is quiet in the dusk.

Overnight in Bagan.

Meals: B

In the morning, drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with its golden shrines.

Situated 50 km southeast of Bagan, this solitary peak showcases the Popa Taungkalat shrine, the favored home of Myanmar's most powerful "Nats" (local spirits), statues of which can be found at its base. These spirits were once so important to the country's early Kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign. The shrine is located at the top of the mountain, and if you have the energy, climb to the top (well worth the climb!). Along the way, there are a multitude of monkeys expecting a treat!

On the way back, stop by a local village to learn about local culture and lifestyle. Then enjoy lunch at a hill resort. Also, visit a palm sugar workshop, where the harvested nectar from local trees is cooked into the sugar cubes that you see in teashops.

Overnight in Bagan.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Drive to airport to board flight to Heho, where you will be picked up by local guide and driver and transfer you to your hotel by the lakeside of Inle Lake.

Inle Lake locates in the highland of Myanmar in an altitude of around 3,000 feet above sea level. Here you will enjoy different atmospheres and ambiance from the middle part of Myanmar.

Lives of In-Tha (name of local ethnic people) are centered on the lake. They live in stilted houses, grow fresh produce such as tomatoes, melons, and papayas in unique floating gardens, and eat fish as a staple. On the lake, you can see traditional fishing methods by using the leg-rowing technique.

Then you will visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most highly revered monastery in the Inle Lake area. After that, continue your boat ride to Nga Phe Chaung monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake. The Buddha statues are more than 200 years old.

Next, proceed to the floating garden - Kyun-Hmyaw, which was built-up from strips of water hyacinth and mud. Finally, relax and enjoy spectacular sunset views over Inle Lake before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Meals: B

Take a boat through the Inn Thein creek, and you’ll get to Indein village. There are two groups of pagodas ruins to explore, Nyaung Ohak and Shwe Inn Thein.

The pagoda complex of Nyaung Ohak dates back to the 16th century, and you can see the traces of time clearly. Plants and trees spring up over these pagodas. Slow down your pace to marvel at the detailed sculptures of celestial beings and mythological animals.

From Nyaung Ohak, a 700-meter covered walkway leads up to Shwe Inn Thein, where you can see hundreds of pagodas in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can also get a stunning view of Indein village and the surrounding area.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Drive to the airport for onward flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, Your local guide and driver will pick you up and bring you to have a city excursion in Mandalay.

Visit Mahamuni Image where you can see local people pray and stick the gold paper on the Buddha for a blessing. On the way to the Mahamuni Image, pay a visit to a gold paper factory to see how people made the gold leaf.

Then head to Shwenandaw Monastery, also known as the Golden Palace Monastery. It was built in the 19th century and well known for its teak carving of Buddhist myths. Next, visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa that contains the world's largest book of Buddhism.

Finish your day at the top of Mandalay Hill for a stunning sunset.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: B

Today's tour will take you to have further exploration of Mingun and Amarapura.

After breakfast, head for Mingun, known for the unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi that holds the record for the biggest pile of bricks in the world. Then visit Mingun Bell which is the second-largest bell in the world, with a weight of 90 tons. After that, go to visit Hsinbyume Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and unusual temples in Myanmar.

Then, head to Amarapura for the enchanting U Bein Bridge. It is 1.2 kilometers long crossing the Taungthaman Lake and turns out to be the longest teakwood bridge in the world. The sunset over the bridge is gorgeous. You can take a boat on the lake to shoot the silhouette of U Bein Bridge. Before the sunset, take a tour to Taung Mingyi Pagoda, a beautiful pagoda near the U Bein Bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Transfer to airport for the flight to Ngapali. Upon your arrival, you will be picked up by hotel’s shuttle bus and transfer to hotel for check in. Then enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Ngapali.

Meals: B

Today, you have a full day free time to relax on the beautiful Nagpali Beach.

Ngapali has a 7-kilometer long of beach, with white soft sand and turquoise blue water. Along the coastline, you can see rows of palm trees. The best part is that Ngapali offers you an almost empty beach.

Overnight in Ngapali.

Meals: B

Today, also enjoy your free time on Nagpali Beach. You can take a boat offered by local fishermen to visit the island just off the coast. Spend your day to explore the small fishing village.

Overnight in Ngapali.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement

Meals: B

Today transfer to airport for the flight to Yangon and then connect to your flight home.

End of service.