18 days in Myanmar with us will be paradise to you. Our itineraries will take you to the most prominent sites in Myanmar, from the former capital Yangon – the most important cultural and historical center, Mandalay – the second largest city with hills and unique monasteries, Bagan – the plain of Buddhist monuments with thousands of temples and pagodas, Inle ...
Myanmar Grand Tour - 18 days / 17 nights in brief:
Day 1: Yangon arrival
Day 2: Yangon - City tour
Day 3: Yangon - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay
Day 4: Mandalay
Day 5: Mandalay - Bagan
Day 6: Bagan
Day 7: Bagan - Hot Air Balloon
Day 8: Bagan
Day 9: Bagan - Inle Lake
Day 10: Inle Lake
Day 11: Inle Lake - Free day
Day 12: Inle Lake - Flight to Yangon
Day 13: Yangon - Ngapali Beach
Day 14: Ngapali Beach - Free day
Day 15: Ngapali Beach - Free day
Day 16: Ngapali Beach - Free day
Day 17: Ngapali Beach - Yangon
Day 18: Yangon - Departure
Welcome to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar – the land of Golden Pagoda. Our tour guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in procedure. For the first day in Yangon, you’re free to do anything like relaxing at the hotel or walking around the city for an excursion.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Accommodation at:
Today will be your real journey to the city. After breakfast, we will explore the beauty of Yangon by visiting its prominent sites like 2,500-year-old Golden Sule Pagoda, City Hall and Emmanuel Church, also known as Emmanuel Baptist Church, a beautiful white church with two high towers. End the morning in the most prominent site, Shwedagon pagoda – The Golden Pagoda. Awe struck with its golden color, giant spires and holy atmosphere inside. Enjoy lunch in local restaurants. Then proceed to the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image with the craving of the Buddha life on foots. Afterward, walk along the Kandawgyi Lake; enjoy the cool wind and the poetry of the lake. End the day in the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown and Indian town.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Accommodation at:
Free at leisure in the morning. At noon, a flight will take you to our next destination Mandalay, the second-largest city of Myanmar. Local guide will welcome you at the airport before transfer to the hotel for check-in. Afternoon, we have a city tour around the city with Amarapura, one of the three ancient capitals of Ancient Burma. Then walk on the 200-year-old teak bridge U Bein which is across the Taungthman Lake. Enjoying the site of the town in Amarapura before coming back to Mandalay. Enjoy sunset in Mandalay.
Have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.
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After breakfast, we will begin our adventure to explore the beauty of Mandalay. The first name is Mahamuni Pagoda where you can see its bronze Buddha statue. Then proceed to Golden Palace Monastery, enjoy its wood carvings and Kuthodaw Pagoda which holds the world’s largest book. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before take a short break. Afterward, continue our trip by visiting the Mandalay Palace & Fort, Shwenandaw Kyaung – an old monastery with the stories of Buddha. Meet the monk and listen to their story about Buddha and let them bless you
Stay overnight in Mandalay.
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Drive to Sagaing Jetty for a one-night cruise to Bagan. Enjoy the beauty of Irrawaddy River with the sound of river life and the specific creatures, the Irrawaddy Dolphin. Enjoy delicious meals on board. Afternoon, stop at Yandabo Village, peek into is pottery workshop and witness the making process of this unique product. Then visit a monastery and a primary school.
Stay overnight on the boat near Shwe Nann Tint Village.
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Morning, we will arrive in Bagan. After check – in, we will have free time for exploring the town and enjoying the sunset on the land of Buddhist monuments by horse-cart.
Stay overnight in Bagan.
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Today will be an interesting day. We will explore Bagan from the sky. A colorful balloon will slowly take you to anyplace in Bagan. The huge temples are reduced to a small model and the whole view of Bagan will be in your eyes. At noon, we will land for lunch at a nice local restaurant. The rest of the day, you will be free at leisure and enjoy traditional Burmese style massage.
Stay overnight in Bagan.
Accommodation at:
Let get up early and enjoy the first sun ray of the sunrise in Bagan. After early breakfast, we will proceed to Bagan Tower for enjoying sunrise view. Then cycle around the temples and beautiful villages of Bagan. Stop at the village of Myinkaba, meet the local and experience their life. Peek into their local market, buy souvenirs and feel the bustling atmosphere of an Asia market. Afterward, move to Myazedi Pagoda; enjoy its unique architectural style. Then visit Manuha village, witness the peanut oils and cigars workshop. Having lunch in a local restaurant before taking in a boat trip on the great Irrawaddy River for visiting Kyauk Kuu Umin and enjoying the sunset on this beautiful river.
Stay overnight in Bagan.
Accommodation at:
Say good bye to the people and masterpieces in Bagan in the morning. We will fly to Inle Lake for a new journey. Upon arrival, we will check in the hotel and have lunch after a short break. Afternoon, a boat will take you around the lake, enjoy the unique leg-rower and fishing boat before proceed to Nampan Village to visit its floating garden. Enjoying sunset on Inle Lake while the boat taking you back to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Inle Lake.
Accommodation at:
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Enjoy a free day in Inle Lake with spectacular views of nature and people.
Stay overnight in Inle Lake.
Accommodation at:
Fly back to Yangon in the morning. Check in the hotel and free at leisure.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Accommodation at:
Let leave the land and soak your body in the sea. Today we will take you to Thandwe where you can lie on the long sandy beach of the beautiful Ngapali Beach and take part in many interesting activities like swimming and kayaking. Enjoy the sunlight of Myanmar and the sound of the tide.
Stay overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Accommodation at:
Enjoy your Myanmar holiday at the beach!
Stay overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Accommodation at:
Enjoy your Myanmar holiday at the beach!
Stay overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Accommodation at:
Enjoy your Myanmar holiday at the beach!
Stay overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Accommodation at:
After braekfast, you will be taken to the airport for the noon flight to Yangon. Upon arrival you will do check in procedure and have yourself a free exploration in the city.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Accommodation at:
The last day of your tour, we hope that we brought you the best time in Myanmar. We are always willing to serve. Glad we have made it as travel pals and today our Myanmar tour guide will see you off at the airport. Hopefully our name pops up when you plan future Myanmar tours.Indochinavalue thanks you so much for traveling with us. We hope you had a beautiful Myanmar holiday. All the best, goodbye and see you again!
END OF SERVICE
Accommodation at:
• Accommodation in Double/Twin bedded rooms with daily breakfast
• All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles with drivers mention in program
• Meals as listed in the itinerary: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D – Dinner
• All the internal flights with economy cabin including tax
• Local English Speaking Guide
• Domestic Boat fares as per Itinerary
• All entrance fees
• International Air fare
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses such as camera fees, tips, laundry service, etc…
• Meals (Lunches & Dinners)
• Beverages
• Additional tour
• Visa on arrival services
Tour guide
Tour guides who work with us are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our cultures and lifestyles ... with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch. In some parts such as Sapa, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic hilltribes like H'Mong or Red Dao as they know about their land much better than anyone else and this is also the way that Indochinavalue helps the local people a better life.
Tour guide is one of the most important factors to a successful holiday. Indochinavalue understands that a good tour guide needs not only good knowledge on history, culture, good English, French... but also needs to have general requirements and follow our guidelines as below:
1 - Licensed at least for 4 years with work experience.
2 - Guiding does require more than just hanging out in the sun. Guides must be friendly and good with people, organized enough to keep groups or people on schedule, quick on their feet and ready for the inevitable snafus that arises.
3 - Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.
4 - Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.
5 - Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
6 - Clear speech and good hearing.
7 - Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.
8 - Tour guide is a nurse to take care of visitors, a boss to keep the right itinerary, a teacher to give information, an ambassador to introduce our country, an entertainer because Indochinavalue's clients want to be entertained in extend, a friend...
9 - Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.
10 - Check flight tickets, train tickets, meals, weather... to make sure things are in order and inform local office if any changes that might effect the tour.
11 - Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.
Transport
Kind of vehicle (offered on tour) depends on the size of your group size or your requirements. To ensure your comfort, all cars feature air conditioning and enough room inside. Drivers are local, with years of experience, taking you to your destination quickly and safely.
1 - Our drivers are professional and reliable with at least 5 years of experience, driving safely.
2 - Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.
3 - Our drivers must be friendly, helpful with good behavior and attitude.
4 - Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.
2 Stars from: US$35 -> US$40
The 2 star hotels are good for budget travelers and sometimes, we have no choice but stay in a guesthouse, mini hotel, 2 star hotel in the remote and mountainous areas. Basically, 2 star hotels will offer good size and clean guest rooms with AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms
3 Stars from: US$40 -> US$80
The 3 star hotels are good for many travelers because they offer basic needs for a comfortable stay, good size and clean guest rooms with Free access high speed Internet, Welcome baskets and drinking water, Telephone with international dialing, Electronic safe box in room, Hairdryer, Coffee and Tea, Wake-up service, AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms. On-site restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner at your own pick up. A small fitness center, spa and swimming pool can be expected.
4 Stars from: US$80 -> US$130
Offering a wide range of comfortable boutique hotels are available with shopping, dining and entertainment facilities nearby. Featuring quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, fitness center with spa (and swimming pool in most cases), the hotels are expected to offer an above-average accommodation experience.
5 Stars from: US$130 -> US$200 –> US$ 300
Offering an extensive range of facilities for an excellent experience. Multiple restaurants on site and a wide range of choice for buffet breakfast, good size of swimming pool, fitness center and concierge service round out the experience.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
Note: If you have any special dietary needs, just let your travel consultant know when booking.
Breakfast:
Breakfast is included at all hotels and is buffet breakfast with Asian and Western food.
Lunch:
Lunches (if included) are usually set menu at handpicked local restaurant with comfortable dining environment where you can rest assure to taste the local flavor. All restaurants are carefully selected and highly recommended.
Dinner:
Dinners are only included if you stay overnight in a homestay with a local family, on cruise in Halong Bay, Mekong Delta or at some special occasions such as welcome dinner, farewell dinner or on requested. So dinners are at your own choice and arrangement, but our tour guides will always give you good suggestions based on your preferences.
If allergic to some food
We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide’s itinerary, so that our guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.
Do our guide and driver join the meal with us?
The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join the meal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.
Street food tour:
Street foods in Vietnam are very delicious and should you want to taste the specialities of each Vietnam holiday destination, we can arrange a street food tour for you. Please contact us at info@indochinavalue.com for a detailed tour itinerary and quotation.
How to request a tour package?
To request for a free tour itinerary and quotation, you can just fill out the tour inquiry form at www.indochinavalue.com or send us an email at info@indochinavalue.com then give us as much information as possible. One of our experienced travel consultants will get back to you shortly. All changes will be made (free of charge) until the your tour package meets your needs and personal interests.
How to book a tour package?
As soon as you agree on our proposal, please send us your full name, international flight information (if you have) and your special requirements. We will make reservations and arrange everything then confirm back to you when all done.
Payment
- Deposit is a "must". We request 30% of the tour cost. You can pay by wire transfer, credit cards, western union, onepay (online)
- Balance can be made before your arrival or on arrival in cash or by credit cards.
Changes
Changes are possible at the last minutes. However, if changes caused extra costs, you will have to pay for. (For examples, hotels, flights, cruises...)
Cancellation
In case of cancellation, we will not apply any charge if we are not charged by the third parties such as hotels, cruises, flights, trains...We will recalculate the costs and resend you the money as soon as possible.
Tipping
Thanks you Tipping is not mandatory but it is expected in many circumstances for service. You can tip your driver/tour guide more or less or nothing. All depends on the services you receive.
Suggested tips:
- US$10 – US$ 15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 – US$ 10 per day for driver
- US$1 – US$ 3 per meal for waiter or waitress
- US$2 – US$ 5 for short boat trips/ cyclo/ tuktuk (1 – 2) hours
Note: Please check with your travel consultant before coming and your tour guide if you are to tip someone on tour.
What you get when booking a private tour with Indochinavalue?
1. Private guide, driver and vehicle are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually, or in a family or friends group. The tour is run exclusively for you without strangers.
2. Every itinerary can be customized to meet your specific interests/ wishes, that is, you can choose your favored hotels, sightseeing spots, the tour length, means of transportation, budget, etc. All are free of charge.
3. Start the tour on any date you want.
4. Escort you from start to finish. All private transfers during the tour are offered, including airport/ train station transfer, hotel-attractions round trip transfer.
5. The sightseeing during the tour could be based on your own timetable and pace. Flexible to change at your short notice.
6. Considerate care and assistance, such as the old, the disabled or families with small kids and children.
7. You can save time and money when traveling with us or your wants meet you budget.
How do I get a visa?
Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. We recommend that you choose visa upon arrival, as picking up visa at the Vietnam int'l airport/ border is quite simple, easy, no additional charges and no fail.
Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa:
2) Passport number
3) Date of birth
4) Nationality
5) Date of arrival
6) Date of issue
7) Date of expire
8) Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months.
Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them.
Note:
- You can use US dollar, Euro in all big cities or at major tourist sites, airports.
- If you are to travel to those small cities or even remote rural areas, only cash in Dong can be used.
Do I need to bring my medical record with me?
Yes, we suggest you take your medical record with you in case that you need it in the event ofan emergency, and please also take with you your doctor's name, address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.
Note: You can buy medicines everywhere in Vietnam so do not need to bring medicines from home.
When I finish my tour in Vietnam, if I still have some local money, what can I do?
Upon leaving Vietnam, if you still have some local money, you can change them back to foreign currency with your passport and the exchange memos given by the banks or money exchange counters. So please keep those exchange memos well whenever you change money.
What should we bring along on our trip to Vietnam?
It is best to travel light in Vietnam. One medium sized bag and a day pack will provide more than enough room to carry everything you'll need, and enough space for the things you'll buy in Vietnam.
There are lots of consumer goods in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so do not worry about running out of something. If you do forget something you can easily find it here. Before you leave home complete the following checklist:
- Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months, and warmer clothing for the winter months. As well, sun hat, swim suit, ultra lightweight rain jacket.
- Travel Documents: Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets (you should scan them and email them to yourself in case you loose them).
- Health requirements, medications, and travel insurance arranged.
- Flashlight, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, small personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.
- Money: US dollars or travelers cheques and/ or credit card(s).
- Raincoat or umbrella, good hiking shoes are needed for all Footprint trekking trips.
- Camera with charger, extra batteries, and memory cards.
Are there any restrictions on the type of luggage that we bring? Domestic airlines have their weight restrictions. On most domestic and low-cost airlines You may only have one suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg, and one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of (5 – 7)kg. An extra charge for overweight is applied.
There is no actual limit on our trips, but we would suggest you travel light with one suitcase or backpack and one small daypack or small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat, sunscreen, etc.
It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff and some hotels may refuse to handle it.
What is the best type of clothing we should bring?
Here is a short checklist of best type of clothing you should bring:
- Shorts and comfortable pants;
- Shirts, t-shirts and maybe some long sleeves shirts (for regions with mosquitos like the Mekong delta);
- Swim suits (for the beaches and Halong Bay);
- Good sandles as well as good shoes if trekking.
Nevertheless, it will really depend on where you travel to, when you plan on travelling, and what you plan on doing. Please note that the weather can be very cold during the winter in the Northern Vietnam (Nov to Mar) and quite cool in the central highlands (Dalat). You will need to bring a good jacket along for this time of the year, the avarage temperature is about 15 oC, but can get as cold as 3 oC.
Tip: Do not worry if you do not pack enough clothes or forget something because you can buy in Vietnam.
Shopping in Vietnam
Shopping in Vietnam: Many tourists can’t help but throw themselves head-first into shopping while in Vietnam. Why? Probably the variety of quality goods and the tempting prices have a lot to do with it. Many low-budget travelers considered Vietnam a heavenly place because in many shopping situations they can bargain the prices down to as much as a third of the original cost.
The list of Vietnamese bargains is seemingly endless and features bespoke tailoring and the national dress, the 'ao dai' from high-quality silk and many other types of material and textiles while many shoppers cannot get enough of the local handicraft, art and jewelry.
How to bargain?
Bargain is not common in some countries, but in Vietnam it really is. In Vietnam, bargaining is always worthwhile. Yet, it is not always due to the fact that the local have a great deal of time and very little money. Bargaining is part of Vietnamese culture as through bargaining people communicate with others, create and build up their relationship, not to mention a form of entertainment.
Rule - 1: It's like the monster ride at the amusement park. If you're not having fun, get off.
Rule - 2: Don't bargain with the first person who approaches you (i.e., when looking for a taxi at the airport.) In general the further you go from the center of action, the cheaper the price.
Rule - 3: Don't be afraid to use walking away as a bargaining tool. You can always come back.
Rule - 4: Don't let pride get in the way of coming back (or Rule #3 is useless).
Rule - 5: If you really want something and the price isn't coming down, give in gracefully. (It's that pride thing again.)
Rule - 6: Don't always assume you're getting ripped off just because you're in a third-world country. Sometimes the price they're asking is the real one.
Rule - 7: Bargaining is a time/ money tradeoff. If you're in a hurry, be prepared to pay for it.
Rule - 8: Ask (Vietnamese) fellow shoppers the price of an item before you begin bargaining.
Rule - 9: Always carry small bills. Otherwise all that work is likely to be for nothing.
Rule - 10: Always bargain in native currency. Conventional wisdom says anyone who has dollars can afford to spend them.
Rule - 11: If possible, keep going back to the same person until you've gotten to know him/ her. Most third world countries have a name for this kind of relationship. The deal is that you offer your business on a regular basis and the seller responds by saving you their best tomatoes
Rule - 12: No matter what your parents told you, when you're bargaining it's perfectly okay to lie