Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway into the Angkor temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and drive you to the hotel for check-in. Start your Cambodian experience with a tour of the ancient capital of King Indravarman I (877-889), now referred to as the Rolous Group and known as the birthplace of classical Khmer art and architecture.  Take an orientation walk around hotel area and later in the afternoon explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market".

In the evening, enjoy the welcome dinner with the traditional performance of Khmer dance.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Wake before dawn and take a "Tuk-Tuk" ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm. Sunrise is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples whose ancient sandstone blocks are painted gold by the early morning rays.  Return to the hotel for breakfast before going back to the temple complex to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat— the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture.  In the afternoon, head out of town and embark on a short cruise along Tonle Sap Lake to visit the local floating villages.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the ancient fortified capital: Angkor Thom. Nearly 10 sq km in size, this city once housed a population of over 1 million people. Start your tour with Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King then head to Banteay Srei and Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

You are free to explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market or hang around the hotel pool until getting transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Myanmar’s former colonial capital, Yangon (Rangoon). Our local tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

This morning we will take a very early direct flight to Bagan. Myanmar’s archeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside.  Have an early breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch a short domestic flight to Bagan. Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about the Burmese Buddhist tradition. We continue our tour with a visit to Ananda Temple, stopping along the way in the Bagan plain to admire some of the surrounding temples. In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer wear workshop and learn about this traditional craft. In the evening drive to Shwe San Daw Pagoda and climb to the top to enjoy a sunset over the surrounding plain and winding Ayeyarwaddy River.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy an entire day devoted to exploring Bagan’s magical temples. Begin your tour with a visit to Myinkaba temple, then head to the peaceful village, Manuha to get a taste for local life and culture and discover the unique 11th century, Nanphay A temple. In the afternoon you are invited to take a horse cart ride to some of Bagan’s grandest temples then head to Tayokepyay pagoda to watch the sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at the hotel then head to the airport to catch your morning flight to Mandalay. Known as the hub of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks and monasteries. Our driver and guide will meet you outside the arrival gate and take you to the city to begin your tour. Start the day with a visit to Mahagandaryone Monastery and watch the monks in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony.  Then take a stroll along the nearby U Bein Bridge to visit Kyautawgyi, returning by boat to enjoy cool breeze and spectacular landscape of Taungthaman Lake. After lunch, we will drive to Sagaing Hill to learn about the different Buddhist educational systems for monks and nuns followed by a visit to the local university. Climb the steps to reach the hilltop Buddhist sites, exploring Sagaing Hill on foot to see the Buddha caves and Buddha image. Conclude your tour at Son U Pon Nya Shin Pagoda, drinking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Mandalay plain, Ayeyarwaddy River, Inwa Bridge and Mandalay City.  

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, board a private boat and motor down the Ayeyarwaddy to Mingun, home to several unique pagodas, including the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi—the remains of a massive unfinished Buddhist stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. Visit the 90-ton bell before heading to the distinctive architectural pagoda, Myatheindan. Return to Mandalay in the afternoon and enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant over views of the nearby floating villages. In the afternoon, take a tour of Mandalay palace—the royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy, constructed between 1857 and 1859 by king Mindon. Head to Kuthodaw Pagoda, famed as “the world’s biggest book” composed of 729 stupas, each representing a page in the “book” indicating the Buddha’s life. Conclude the day with a ride up the zigzagging road to Mandalay Hill. Climb to the top of the hill and watch the sunset around the surrounding plain, river and mountains.  

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast

Leave the city on the morning flight to Heho where driver and tour guide of Myanmar travel awaits to take you to visit the local market of Nyaung Shwe, one of a handful of towns along the banks of the immense Inle Lake. The lake sustains Intha families, who live entirely on stilted villages, their crops grown on cleverly suspended floating gardens. Take in the scenes by boat tour, marveling at the leg-rowing fishermen.

Enjoy the rest of the day and the tranquility of one of the most spectacular lakes in Southeast Asia. A lake probably most remembered for its Intha fishermen, their extraordinary boat rowing techniques and its lovely sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, a boat takes you to a beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It will be relaxing to walk along the corridors and enjoy the giant columns which have been left to the nature for centuries. Continue with the sightseeing to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famous for its richly gilded five small Buddha images, also is believed to be the holiest in Inle Lake; Ngaphechaung monastery, known as jumping cat pagoda. As you go toward Nam Pan village the various cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses will attract your sense of traditional Intha life.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast in the hotel, leave by boat to the northern bank of the lake where the car and driver is wait for you. Take a nice drive to Heho airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival, enjoy the city tour of Yangon with a visit to the grandiose gold pagoda complex: Shwedagon Paya. Explore the pagoda, walking among crowds of colorful robed monks and nuns then savor the sunset from the highest spire. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Burmese cuisine at Karaweik Palace.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Spend your full day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, the heart of Yangon city; Chaukhtayi Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake. If time permits, we will stop for shopping at Scott market.

Our driver will transfer you to the Yangon International Airport for your departure

Accommodation: N/A

Meals: Breakfast

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services.

Please click on CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIPS and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements, but may incur price changes

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
• Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels 
• Private Vehicles and Drivers
• Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All domestic flights
• Airport Taxes and Fuel charges
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
• Drinking water available on the vehicles.
• Service Charge & Government Taxes
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
• Your International Flights
• Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
• Any bank fees or charges at your end
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Tips for tour guide and driver in each region
• Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
• Other services not mentioned above

HOTEL SELECTION:

The hotels listed below are our suggestions for the best value on this tour.  However, Asia Essence Tours offers many more options of hand-picked hotels, with different "star ratings", allowing you to customize the vacation to meet your taste and budget.
  

LOCATIONS	FIRST CLASS CATEGORY	SUPERIOR CATEGORY	DELUXE CATEGORY
Siem Reap	Angkor Home Hotel	Tara Angkor	Victoria Hotel
Phnom Penh	King Grand Boutique	Phnom Penh Hotel	Sofitel Hotel
Yangon	New Aye Yar Hotel	Rose Garden Hotel	Sule Shangri La Hotel
Bagan	Bawga Theddi Hotel	Thiripyitsayar Sanctuary	Bagan Lodge
Inle Lake	Royal Inle Lake	Inle Resort	Inle Princess
Golden Rock	Mountain Top Hotel	Mountain Top Hotel	N/A
Mandalay	Mandalay City Hotel	Amazing Mandalay	Mandalay Hill Resort

ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:

First Class/ 3 Star (from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/night)

The First Class/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

Superior/ 4 star (from US$ 80 - US$ 110/ per room/night)

The 4* superior Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$120 - US$ 180++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.