General Information
Duration: 20 days/ 19 nights
Start/End: Hanoi/Yangon
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Danang – Hoi An – My Son – Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Vinh Long – An Binh Island – Tan Long Island – Cai Be – Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Yangon
Tour Type: Natural & Landscape, Sightseeing & Discovery, In-depth Culture
Experience this 20-day Highlights of Vietnam and Myanmar With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, and profession (English speaking guides, other languages upon request)
- Drivers: polite, friendly, responsible, reliable with many years of driving experience
- Vehicles: comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned & clean
- Meals: meals are arranged at local restaurants so you can taste authentic Burmese cuisine
- Accommodation: various types of accommodation are available, from 5-star hotels, 4-star hotels in the best location, good value 3-star hotels, to boutique hotels reflect the style of the region
Brief Itinerary
Vietnam Itinerary 10 Nights
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Day 2: Hanoi Full Day City Tour (B, L)
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay with Oasis Bay (B, L, D)
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Hue (B, L)
Day 5: Hue Riverboat and Royal Tombs (B, L)
Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An Walking Tour (B, L)
Day 7: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B, L)
Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Yangon – Half-Day City Tour (B, L)
Myanmar Itinerary 8 Nights
Day 12: Yangon City Tour (B)
Day 13: Yangon – Bagan (B)
Day 14: Bagan & Villages (B)
Day 15: Bagan – Mandalay – (Boat to Mandalay) (B)
Day 16: Mandalay Discovery (B)
Day 17: Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Day 18: Inle Lake – Red Mountain (B)
Day 19: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon – City Tour (B)
Day 20: Yangon – Departure (B)
Please note that every element of the tour below can be tailored. Tell us your specific interest and we will be happy to make adjustments for you. This inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, the city of peace and dynamism. Our tour guide will wait and welcome you at Noi Bai International Airport and then quickly transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After your short break at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day walking around the city to get a first glimpse at the hustle and bustle atmosphere before enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to savor the best Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Full Day City Tour (B, L)
Today is an amazing day for you to discover the fascinating charm of Hanoi. Start with a solemn visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex where you will spend the time gazing out at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the tomb of the great hero of Vietnam, from there stroll through his stilt house, the President Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Next, proceed to Hoa Lo Museum, a historical relic in Hanoi where the former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant and have a short rest.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the most beautiful pagodas in the city which lies on the shore of the West Lake. Your visit also includes the nearby Quan Thanh Temple before having a cup of coffee on the West Lakeshore.
If you wish, we can make a visit to shopping in the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay With Oasis Bay (B, L, D)
Rise early this morning and head to a 180 km drive to Halong Bay – one of the most gorgeous bays in the world that is well known as the bay of Descending Dragon. It is recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Natural Heritage thanks to its amazing landscape, geology, and geomorphology. Upon arrival, refresh at Oasis Bay Lounge with a welcome drink on the way to visit the islands on the bay. Then a special lunch will be served as you pass through the Dog Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Swan Islet, and Hoa Cuong fishing village.
In the afternoon, continue your sightseeing through Soi Sim Beach, Coconut Three Island. Anchoring the vessels at Frog Pond area. Not just sightseeing you will have a chance to swim in the emerald water and pad through the exotic caves. After that, enjoy a sunset party on the sundeck with wine, tropical fruits and join in an exciting activity with the chef to learn how to make spring rolls – one of the most favorite traditional dishes of Vietnamese people.
This evening, enjoy your own leisure time on the cruise or take part in our free activities such as squid fishing or a hot Jacuzzi. Overnight on board.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, L)
Wake up in the sound of the tranquil ambiance this morning and attend Tai Chi class for a morning exercise. Your luxury cruise ship will transfer you to Sung Sot Cave after your breakfast for a visit to the magnificent limestone cave after 600 steps. Enjoy your lunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau harbor. After that, disembark the cruise and get on a car to transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for an evening flight to Hue.
Day 5: Hue Riverboat & Royal Tombs (B, L)
Today is a full day for you to behold the poetic beauty of Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam. After breakfast, board a Dragon boat to sail along the romantic Perfume River. Enjoy a fabulous view as you pass through the ancient tombs of emperors past, then we will make our first visit of the day at Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) for a first glimpse at the symbol of Hue and Buddhism of Vietnam.
After lunch, head to Tu Duc Tomb, a complex of temples and tombs where you can visit the former residence of the Vietnamese King. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An Walking Tour (B, L)
Take a scenic drive toward highway 1A to reach Hoi An, a beautiful town where you will marvel at the fabulous mix of architecture. Along the way, make a stop at Lang Co Beach for a short sightseeing. Upon arriving in Danang, make your way to Cham Museum to discover the house of the most complete collection of Cham artifacts from everywhere in the world. from here proceed to China Beach (or My Khe Beach), one of the most picturesque beaches in Vietnam.
Before reaching Hoi An, head to the Marble Mountain, a magnificent cluster of 5 marble mountains that stand in turn 5 elements in the universe: wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. After arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon, your sightseeing will include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky's old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B)
Your adventure today starts with a drive toward the southwest of Danang to My Son, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization. Your full-day visit will introduce you to one of the best-preserved Cham structures in My Son Sanctuary featured on 70 Hindu-like towers dating back to the 2nd century. Before that, stop for a visit at Tra Kieu capital which was the former administrative center of the Champa Kingdom.
Then, the highlight of the day will come as you discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son including impressive temples, and pagodas built of red brick over thousand years old. Return to Hoi An in the afternoon and enjoy your free time at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Enjoy your own free time after breakfast this morning and wait until the driver comes to pick you up at the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and then if you wish, take a walk around the hotel for a first glimpse at the busy life in the city.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Highlight your day 9 with a drive to Cu Chi Tunnel, the most attractive destination in southern Vietnam toward the Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnel networks include countless trapdoors on the ground and storage deep under the ground to contain the weapons. During the war, it is where Vietnamese soldiers cook and live. This great work was created during the anti-French resistance war to create an underground defense system to keep safe to Vietnamese soldiers. Upon here, try moving inside the tunnel you will gain an understanding of the flourishing part of Vietnamese history. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long (B, L)
Wake up to the sound of bird-singing this morning and take a boat trip to sail along the Mekong river – one of the longest rivers in the world. Your first stop today is Cai Be Market, one of the main attractions in Vinh Long which is the hub for wholesalers come to exchange their products. After that, your scenic boat trip will take you deep into the smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Then your guide will take you to Tan Phong Island to join in a biking trip around the idyllic village for a closer approach to the local life. Along the way, stop at several places to meet and interact with the local families then learn how they make rice net for spring rolls, sew coconut leaves for cottage roofs, and wave the dried water-hyacinth to make baskets, bags, and hats…
Later on, head to Vinh Long province where you will spend time discovering Vietnam's western river culture. Embark on a Mekong travel boat, we will make our first visit of the day at Vinh Long market to capture the vibrant life of the locals selling shrimps, fish, crabs, tropical fruits, and vegetables. Then enjoy lunch at a local house.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Yangon – City Tour (B, L)
Leave Ho Chi Minh this morning to take a flight to Yangon - the most vibrant city in Myanmar. On arrival, enjoy a short break at the hotel and then enjoy a half-day city tour to discover the treasure of the city. You will visit the Sule Pagoda - located in the heart of the city which is one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in the country dating back to 2500 years ago.
After that transfer to China Town, the vibrant street in the city to indulge in the hectic pace of the trading atmosphere. Later on, return to the hotel.
Day 12: Yangon City Tour (B)
Today, spend a full day exploring this fascinating city from the post office. Passing by some outstanding buildings of the city including Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden, and Independence Monument, you will reach Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda which is home to the huge 66 meters long reclining Buddha image. Notice the feet of the statue, your guide will teach you about the meaning of the special symbols in the art of the Burmese people.
Continue transfer to Kandawgyi Lake, you will reach the best sight for taking photos from the serene lake to the giant Karaweik Palace, one of the most prominent landmarks in Yangon. Probably a trip to Shwedagon Pagoda is the best highlight of the day to witness one of the most glittering Buddhist gilded pagodas in the world. Enjoy the majestic sunset and observe the local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 13: Yangon – Bagan (B)
Leave Yangon this morning to board a flight to Bagan, the town of the old temples. Your adventure in Bagan begins with a first visit to the local Nyaung U Market to catch a first impression of the local life and their trading activity. After that, spend your full day unlocking the mystical beauty of Bagan among some of the most famous pagodas in the region such as Shwezigon, one of the most significant religious pagodas in Myanmar, Ananda the man-made masterpiece of Burmese and Indian architecture, Dhammayan Gyi the largest temple, Htilominlo, and Sularmuni pagoda.
Fulfill your memorable day tour in Bagan with a final stop at the highest pagoda in the region to climb to the top and enjoy one of the best sunsets in the world. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 14: Bagan & Villages (B)
If the first day delivered you with an amazing visit to magnificent temples, today, your Bagan tour will highlight introducing you to the local life in the rural area of Bagan. This morning visit some families in the village to have an interesting meeting with the rural dwellers and get to know more about their customs and lifestyle. After that, embark on a Pony cart and pass through the dusty paths to slowly behold the stunning beauty of Bagan.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the jetty to embark on a wooden cruise ship to sail along the Irrawaddy River to Shwezigon temple. Enjoy your fantastic view from the sundeck. If luckily, expect to be mesmerized by the dramatic sunset on the river. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 15: Bagan – Mandalay – (Boat to Mandalay) (B)
Today will be a long day of cruising to Mandalay. After breakfast, say goodbye to Bagan and our driver will take you to the jetty for a boat trip to Mandalay.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 16: Mandalay Discovery (B)
A full day for you to discover the hidden treasure of Mandalay. Start the day with a trip to Mahamuni Pagoda, a major pilgrim site in Mandalay housing one of the most highly revered Buddha images in Myanmar. Then make your way to a local workshop of gold leaf making, marble carving, and woodcarving to learn more about the traditional handicrafts in the local. The drive continues to Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenandaw Monastery) which is noted for its intricated woodcarving and majestic architecture. Expect to be overwhelmed by the largest Buddhist book as you reach Kuthodaw Pagoda, a complex of gilded and white-washed stupas made from 729 marble slabs.
In the late afternoon head to U Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. Take your time to walk along the bridge and watch the gorgeous sunset on the tranquil Taungthaman Lake.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 17: Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Make the journey today to Inle Lake, one of the most productive lakes in the world. After breakfast, leave Mandalay for a flight to Heho airport, the gateway city to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up at the jetty to embark on a boat trip to travel to the hotel in Inle Lake.
After a short break at the hotel, ready for a full day sightseeing on a boat trip. Make your first stop at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. From there, continue passing through the dramatic floating gardens and stilt houses, you will spend some time visiting the local handicraft, silk weaving, wooden handlooms, and blacksmith to get more experiences with the local production. Finally, head to Nampan village to visit the workshop of Burmese cigar and canoe carving. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 18: Inle Lake – Red Mountain (B)
Begin your amazing morning of day 18 with a visit to Nyaung Shwe's morning market to soak up the early lively atmosphere in a local market. Keep walking along the lakeshore, you will catch a look at the monks returning after a morning alms. From there, stroll along the eastern shore of the lake you will reach the village of the Pa-Oh and Intha people where you will have a chance to interact with the special long neck women.
In the afternoon, make your way to Red Mountain Estate, one of the first vineyards and wineries in Myanmar. Take this opportunity to visit the vineyard and the factory to see how the wine is made. If you wish, you can try on four of the best wine at the restaurant on the mountain. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 19: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon – City Tour (B)
Say goodbye to Inle Lake this morning to board a flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, head to Bogyoke Aungsan market for a morning visit to the largest bazaar in the city where you will capture a variety of Burmese products and handicrafts. Enjoy an included visit to St. Mary's Cathedral, the lovely red-brick Catholic church, and Sule Pagoda, a dramatic golden 44 meters tall stupa that is over 2500 years old. Together with sightseeing, you also have a chance to learn more about the history of the construction.
Complete a full day in Yangon with the last visit to Little India and Chinatown, the two most vibrant streets in Yangon to capture many street vendors, some are familiar, and some are exotic. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 20: Yangon – Departure (B)
After breakfast, enjoy your leisure time until the driver comes to transfer you to the airport where your holiday ends. We hope that you would love the itinerary we design for the 20-day highlight of the Vietnam and Myanmar tour. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours!
