General Information
Duration: 30 Days/ 29 Nights
Start/End: Phnom Penh/ Yangon
Tour Route: Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham – Steung – Khong Island – Pakse – Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Xieng Khoang – Muong Khoun – Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai – Yangon – Inle Lake – Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura – Yangon
Experience this 30-day Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar Tour 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
Cambodia Itinerary 4 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh – City tour
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham
Day 4: Kompong Cham – Kratie – Steung
Day 5: Stung Treng – Nong Nokkian (Dongkalor) – Khong Island
Laos Itinerary 14 Nights
Day 6: 4000 Island – Full-day Surroundings
Day 7: 4000 Island – Ban Kiet Nong – Phou Asa – Watphou – Pakse
Day 8: Pakse – Tadlo Bolaven Plateau – Pakse
Day 9: Pakse – Vientiane
Day 10: Vientiane city tour
Day 11: Vientiane – Nam Ngum – Vang Vieng
Day 12: Vang Vieng
Day 13: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khoang
Day 14: Xieng Khoang – Plain of Jars & Muong Khoun
Day 15: Xieng Khoang – Luang Prabang
Day 16: Luang Prabang
Day 17: Luang Prabang – Cooking class
Day 18: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pakbeng
Day 19: Pakbeng – Houixai – Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai
Myanmar Itinerary 10 Nights
Day 20: Chiang Rai – Mandalay
Day 21: Mandalay – Mingun
Day 22: Mandalay – Amarapura – Sagaing
Day 23: Mandalay - Bagan
Day 24: Bagan full-day Sightseeing
Day 25: Bagan & Villages
Day 26: Bagan – Heho – Inle Lake – Indein
Day 27: Inle Lake – Pindaya
Day 28: Pindaya – Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
Day 29: Yangon City Tour
Day 30: Yangon – Departure
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: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Upon arrival will welcome by our local guide and driver and then transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free leisure. Overnight at Salita Hotel based on the Superior room.
Day 2: Phnom Penh City tour (B, L)
After having breakfast we tour Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. We will visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which has many pre & post-Angkor artifacts.
In the afternoon we deal with a dark chapter of Cambodian history as we visit sites related to the Khmer regime. Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum & Choeung Ek Killing Field. This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. We will also have some time to explore the Russian Market. Overnight at Salita Hotel based on the Superior room.
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive out of Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, the third largest town in Cambodia, located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, North of Phnom Penh. We will visit Wat Nokor, a temple built from sandstone and laterite in the 11th century as well as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (“Man and Woman Hill”). We will have lunch at Hao An restaurant after check-in at Mekong hotel.
In the afternoon we will ride bicycles to Koh Pean Island to meet the children of these poor villages and give them some school supplies, toothbrushes, food, and little joy. On the way, you will be able to see the activities of the locals at the paddy field and inside the village. This type of real-life experience in Cambodia will allow you to share some vibrant moments with people. During the dry season, we will reach the island by crossing the bamboo bridge (which is rebuilt every year) and during the wet season, a ferry will take us to another side. Overnight at Monorom VIP Hotel based on the Superior room.
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Day 4: Kompong Cham – Kratie – Steung Treng (B, L)
Leaving Kampong Cham after enjoying a lovely breakfast at the hotel then depart from the hotel and enjoy the scenery of the rubber plantation on the way mingling with local life living on the Mekong River bank. Upon arriving Kratie will relax by the riverfront or visit the local market then have your lovely lunch.
Before we leave Kratie to Steung Treng will head to see the Irrawaddy Dolphin. Overnight at Golden River Hotel based on the Standard room.
Day 5: Stung Treng - Nong Nokkian (Dongkalor) - Khong Island (B, L)
After having breakfast will enjoy a boat excursion to see the scenic waterfall, witness the waters of the Mekong at their wildest as well as will see the flooded forest, and maybe dolphins. The trip journey will take about 3 hours then return to the town of Steung Treng for lunch before transfer to the border for crossing to Laos.
Upon your arrival at the Lao border then you will be met by our guide and we then take a drive overnight on Khong Island. Overnight at Pon Arena hotel (Deluxe River View room).
Day 6: 4000 Island - Full day Surroundings (B)
After an early breakfast, we explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive.
We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by Tuk Tuk at our leisure to visit the Liphi waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the end of the Laos border to Cambodia, also known as the Samphamith, If we are lucky we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as Niagara of the east. Overnight in Don Khong Island. Overnight at Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe).
Day 7: 4000 Island – Ban Kiet Ngong – Phou Asa – Wat Phou – Pakse (B)
Today we will leave Khong Island and drive to Ban Kiet Ngong where you will encounter many giant elephants (no riding). Here you will take a short trekking tour to Phou Asa and after that, we keep continue to Champassak and visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 10th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue our journey to Pakse.
Note: We will spend a little time at the Pha Pho wetland area to enjoy seeing wildlife wherever possible.
Overnight at Pakse hotel (Deluxe).
Day 8: Pakse – Tadlo Bolaven Plateau – Pakse (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey towards Tadlo, through the Boloven plateau. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along a series of spectacular surging waterfalls.
A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups. We return to Pakse by late evening. Overnight at Pakse hotel (Deluxe)
Day 9: Pakse – Vientiane (B)
Today is free until we take a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival then you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in after that free in leisure time.
Overnight at Vientiane Garden Hotel (Deluxe).
Day 10: Vientiane city tour (B)
After breakfast, we then visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s precious national heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealed his ideas about the universe. Tour ended we then walked along the Mekong River at Chao Anou Vong king for watching the sunset. Overnight at Vientiane Garden hotel (Deluxe).
Day 11: Vientiane – Nam Ngum – Vang Vieng (B)
After breakfast, we head out of the city. We make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, and stop along the way at the Hmong market at KM52 then visit Vang Xang before arriving at the lake, we embark on a long tail boat visiting fisherman villages in various islets. We visit some beautiful islets and take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fishermen.
On return, [if time permits], perhaps you might experience gambling at a legal Lao casino located in the valley where you can enjoy an ideal landscape for anyone seeking an overview of the lake when the heat becomes unbearable in the city and we then drive to Vang Vieng on the way stop at fishing villages at Ban Houimor before reached Vang Vieng then check-in and free at leisure time. Overnight at Silver Naga hotel (Deluxe River View room)
Day 12: Vang Vieng (B, L)
We will be transferred from Vang Vieng to the Khmu village of Vieng Samay, about 10 km north of Vang Vieng. After an introduction to the basics of kayaking, the Nam Song offers various small but fun rapids on the way to the first stop at the cave of Tham Nam Thaem. This cave cuts straight through the mountain, so one emerges on the other side of the range for some panoramic views of the Nam Kouang valley.
A trek back over a small pass leads up to a Lao-style picnic lunch on the riverside. The next paddle stop is at the Organic Farm, where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines are produced. The Tham Non-Cave lies further downstream. As one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng, it served as a rescue shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a bat colony and 'The Magic Stone of Vang Vieng'. The final leg is a gentle paddle - before returning to Vang Vieng in time to catch the sunset from the terrace of the Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalows.
Approximately: 15 minutes transfer / 4 hours kayaking / 1-hour caving / 1-hour hiking.
Overnight at Silver Naga hotel (Deluxe)
Day 13: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khoang (B)
After breakfast, we then visit Than Jang cave before we will head up to Xieng Khuang and on the way we also stop at Phoukhoun Phieng Fa Restaurant to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Green Mountain before we reached Xieng Khuang then check-in and free at leisure time.
Overnight at Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (Standard).
Day 14: Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars & Muong Khoun (B)
This morning we have time to visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan, visit the MAG exhibition, and Site 2 of the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon, we have a half-day tour seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. Overnight in Xiengkhuang. Overnight at Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (Standard).
Day 15: Xieng Khoang – Luang Prabang (B)
Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandise. We then head out towards Luang Prabang, Enroute we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hill tribe minority villages along the way. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest, and the landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang then check-in and free at leisure time. Overnight at Sada Hotel (Deluxe).
Day 16: Luang Prabang (B)
Your full-day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Today, we also visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before we head out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek before we then return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai.
We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at Sada Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 17: Luang Prabang – Cooking Class (B, L)
Daytime cooking class: 09:00 am – 03:00 pm: We’ll start with a visit to the major food market; explain the local produce and what it is used for. Then we’ll take you to ‘Tamarind Gardens’ to cook for our lunch:
- The fundamental Lao spicy dipping sauces
- Mok Pa, a popular dish of fish steamed with herbs in banana leaves
- Tamarind’s specialty: lemongrass stuffed with chicken & herbs
- Alarm, Luang Prabang’s eggplant-based specialty: delicious & unusual
- Dessert course: a surprise!
- And of course, you’ll learn the art of perfecting sticky rice and its eating etiquette
Afternoon we continue our excursion toward Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. The Khouangsi Waterfall setting really illustrates paradise. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk hand weaving and for traditional Saa Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath Tai. Overnight at Sada Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 18: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Pakbeng (B, L, D)
Heading out of the town, we take a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make local rice wine.
We then continue our boat trip to the atmospheric riverside town of Pakbeng. The Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, Pakbeng, being the halfway point on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang and HoueiSay, developed as an overnight stop for many traders traveling along the river. This scenic and authentic river cruise has been described as a once in a lifetime experience. We will reside in Pakbeng overnight. Overnight at Phetsokxai hotel (Standard).
Day 19: Pakbeng – Houixai – Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai (B, L)
After breakfast, we will visit the local market where many hill tribe people converge from the outlying valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provisions. Upon leaving Pakbeng, we re-embark on our boat for the second leg of our journey toward HoueiSay, which is close to the famous Golden Triangle. The cruise is long, but the unequaled, tranquil river scenery will make this an interesting day and we cross the border gate for Chiang Khong, Thailand.
Welcome upon arrival in Chiang Khong and then we transfer to Chiang Rai for our night stay.
Note: Lunch on the boat.
Overnight at Siam Triangle hotel (Superior room).
Day 20: Chiang Rai – Mandalay
Today, we leave Chiang Rai for an international flight to Mandalay.
Overnight at Aye Yar River View Hotel (Deluxe River View Room).
Day 21: Mandalay – Mingun (B)
Depart Mandalay on a private boat along the Ayeyarwaddy River to visit Mingun, a village on the west bank of the river. Visit Settawya Pagoda, Mingun Pahtotawgyi, the world-renowned ringing Mingun Bell, and Myatheintan Pagoda. Visit Mahamuni Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda a large Buddha image carved out of a single block of marble, Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace) noted for its exquisite wood carving, Kuthodaw Pagoda known as the World's Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures, Sulamani Pagoda. Mandalay Palace and in the evening enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill. Overnight at Aye Yar River View Hotel (Deluxe River View Room).
Day 22: Mandalay – Amarapura – Sagaing (B)
After breakfast Hotel, on your Mandalay tour to Amarapura, visit Mahagandayon Monastery where hundreds of young Novice (Sanga) study Buddhist Literature with strikingly obeying the rules and regulations of the Monastery according to Buddha teaching, U Bein Bridge beautiful long wooden bridge...
Afternoon sightseeing drive to Sagaing Hill, which is perhaps the living center of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. Hillsides are dotted with numerous Pagodas and Monasteries. Continue to visit Khaungmudaw Pagoda. In the evening enjoy the sunset from Sagaing Hill. Return to Mandalay. Overnight at Aye Yar River View Hotel (Deluxe River View Room).
Day 23: Mandalay – Boat trip to Bagan (B, L)
Take a local river cruise to Bagan along the river Ayeyarwaddy sampling some of the village life of the people on the river banks. In the evening, arrive at Bagan and transfer to the hotel.
Day 24: Bagan Full Day Visit (B)
Morning sightseeing starts with Lawkananda Pagoda; East and West Phet Leik with clay plaque Jataka scenes; Thatbyinnyu Temple; Shwegugyi Temple; Palace site and Tharaba Gate. The Bagan tour includes Apeyadana Temple with the paintings of Mahayana concept; Nagayon Temple; Archaeological Museum; Dhamayangyi Temple, a massive temple with the finest brickwork and Mingalar Zedi to watch the sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight at Bagan Thande Hotel (Superior Room).
Day 25: Bagan & Villages (B)
And then sightseeing includes a visit to the colorful Nyaung U Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, and its magnificent golden sputa, Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decoration, Gubyaukgyi Temple, with superb mural paintings of Jataka scenes.
Visit Myinkaba Village and observe the process of the Traditional Lacquerware Industry one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Ananda Temple, is an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images. Enjoy the sunset over the site from the top of sunset hill. Overnight at Bagan Thande Hotel (Superior Room).
Day 26: Bagan – Inle Lake Tour– Indein (B)
After breakfast Hotel, visit Shwe Indein Pagoda and sightsee around Intha people; and sightseeing by boat, visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Floating Gardens, Unique Leg-rowers, Traditional Fishing Method, Silk Weaving, Stilt House Villages on the lake and Nge Pe Chaung (Jumping Cat) Monastery.
Overnight at Inle Palace Resort Hotel (Deluxe Lake View Room)
Ideally rooms 103-114.
Day 27: Inle Lake – Pindaya (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Andaya and sightsee Pindaya, through picturesque scenery. Visit Pindaya caves, and Pindaya lakes; home base paper making and umbrella-making industry. Overnight at Conqueror Hotel / Superior Room in Pindaya.
Day 28: Pindaya – Heho – Yangon (B)
After breakfast Hotel drives to Heho airport for Bagan.
Day 29: Yangon City Tour (B)
After breakfast Hotel, Yangon tour includes Karaweik Hall, a Royal barge on the Royal Lake for a photo stop, Chaukhtatgyi (Reclining Buddha) Pagoda a colossal reclining Buddha.
Drive downtown and visit China Town with the fruit market and Yangon’s city center covering World famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the golden dome light up the sunshine at the sunset. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon. Overnight at Asia Plaza Hotel (Deluxe room).
Day 30: Yangon – Departure (B)
Departure flight at 19:50.Today our awaiting vehicle will take us back to the airport for our flight home. Trip ends. We hope that you would love this Cambodia Laos Myanmar tour package. Thank you for traveling with Go Myanmar Tours!