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The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos

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The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos
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Experience Travel Group

The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos

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Experience the natural beauty and cultural wonders of both Myanmar and Laos, passing through Thailand en route. This holiday includes slow-paced river journeys along the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and the Mekong River in Laos, a fantastic way to absorb the magic, the scenery and to get a feel for local life in some of the sleepiest corners of Southeast Asia.

Highlights include

  • Traversing the lush green border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos - aka The Golden Triangle
  • Six days on the rivers, getting a sense of the contrasts and similarities of scenery and culture of three countries
  • Exploring a variety of remarkable and varied historic buildings
  • Getting an authentic taste of local life from the cities to the hill-tribe villages to the riverside communities

 As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yangon.

Day 2-4 Yangon  Colonial Architecture and Golden Pagodas

On arrival in Yangon, meet your private guide for the transfer to your hotel. The first afternoon/evening is free for you to relax.

During your stay you’ll explore the city on our carefully crafted signature tour, getting a feel for the contrasts of village and urban life. Observe day-to-day activity on a morning trip on the local “circle” train, enjoy a street food dinner with a refreshing local beer or seek out the faded colonial architecture. We'd also include a rickshaw ride to a local market and naturally, a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, whose recognisable golden stupa dominates the city's skyline.

Day 5 & 6 Bagan   Extraordinary archaeological zone 

From Yangon, you’ll fly north to Bagan. The sights here are extraordinary, and you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in with your guide. We'll time this tour of this famous archaeological zone to ensure you enjoy sunsets and other quiet moments away from the crowds.

Day 7 & 8 Irrawaddy River Cruise 

Board your cruise boat travelling along the Irrawaddy River from Bagan towards Mandalay. The boat trip is a fantastic way to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace with comfortable accommodation, great dining and the expert guiding. En route, you’ll pass Yandabo Village, famous for its pottery, as well as other traditional country towns and villages.

Day 9 & 10 Mandalay   Buddhist Heritage and Ancient Capitals

After disembarking the boat, your guide will meet you for the transfer to your hotel. Here you’ll spend your time exploring ancient capitals, colourful markets, Buddhist heritage, intricate carvings and sunrise at the famous U Bein Bridge, taking advantage of various modes of transport as you travel around with your guide.

Day 11 & 12 Lake Inle  Life On The Lake

It’s a short flight from Mandalay to Heho where your private guide will meet you for the transfer to Inle Lake. En route, you’ll pass paddy fields and streams, and there will be an option to stop and explore some caves. When you reach the lake, you will board a private boat for the journey to your hotel. Towards the end of the day, you have the option of a fascinating sunset canoe trip on the lake.

You’ll spend a full day exploring Inle Lake including a private boat tour of the floating gardens and farms that move around on the water surface. You’ll see the local fisherman rowing in their one-leg style and perhaps taste some local wine. If you didn’t get the chance to do so at Bagan, Inle is another location where you may like to treat yourself to a Hot Air Balloon Ride for aerial views of the lake.

Day 13 & 14 Keng Tung  Explore the rural hill-side villages

A 30-minute flight takes you east and off-the-beaten-track to Keng Tung in Myanmar’s east. The culture and language are quite different from central Myanmar, and the area is home to a variety of ethnic villages dotted around the jungle-clad hills. This is a fantastic location for some light hiking; our travel experts will help you tailor an itinerary with guided trekking suited to your ability and timescale. You may wish to explore the Dhat Zoam Doi pagoda or tribal villages where you can see the production of Shan paper and sake rice wine. You could opt to visit the Loi Mwe Hilltop Town (used as a base for the British army headquarters before the Japanese invasion in World War II) or to explore the markets, where trade includes locally-produced silver alongside exotic fruit and vegetable produce.

Day 15 & 16 Lanjia Lodge  The golden triangle

From Keng Tung you’ll begin the road journey to Thailand, going south from Keng Tung to Tachileik where you’ll cross the border. The road journey to Lanjia Lodge runs close to the Mekong River, skirting along the lush green border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos - aka The Golden Triangle.

Check-in at Lanjia Lodge for two nights; this is a responsibly run lodge where you can experience the lifestyle of the local community whilst staying in comfortable accommodation. Here you’ll begin to form a picture of the contrasts between the three neighbouring countries as you absorb stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 17 & 18 River Voyage to Laos

It's a short road journey to the Thai/Laos border where you’ll board a boat for your river voyage along the Mekong River. The cruise is a fantastic way to see the dramatic and beautiful scenery of Laos unfold before your eyes and get a feel for how different it is compared to the flatter scenery of The Irrawaddy. The boat doesn't have overnight accommodation, this means you can stay overnight in a lodge in Pakbeng as well as safari-camp style accommodation at Kamu Lodge where you can explore the local community or take part in activities like cycling.

Day 19-21 Luang Prabang  Mysterious and charming city

The cruise brings you down the river and into Luang Prabang, a beautiful, mysterious and charming town deeply evocative of a bygone age. Luang Prabang is one of the highlights of Southeast Asia, and here you’ll get to experience the allure first hand with your guide, either walking or using bicycles to explore the city.

This is the kind of place where it's best to allow a little extra time for relaxing and just breathing it all in. During the time with your guide, you’ll watch the daily ritual of the local Buddhist monks collecting their alms at dawn, then head to the Kuang Sii Waterfalls for a picnic breakfast. You’ll explore the historic sites of the UNESCO town itself, enjoy the night markets and perhaps play a game of petanque with the locals (a popular sport in Laos - a legacy of the French!)

Day 22 Fly Home (or stay)

Today you’ll depart Luang Prabang for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, you could add a stay in Thailand, an exploration of Laos, perhaps including the capital Vientiane and the 4000 Islands in the south. Call us today to discuss your ideas and we'll add in a few of our own.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bagan Thande Hotel

Bagan Thande Hotel , Bagan

An excellent mid-range riverside hotel in old Bagan with superb rooms and a great location.

Kamu Lodge

Kamu Lodge, Luang Prabang

Kamu eco-lodge is set in a stunning location on the banks of the Mekong River with a variety of interesting excursions.

Lanjia Lodge

Lanjia Lodge, Chiang Rai

Mountain lodge and community-based tourism project in a minority Hmong village, overlooking the Mekong River.

Le Sen

Le Sen, Luang Prabang

Le Sen is a stylish and well designed small hotel on the edge of Luang Prabang.

Princess Hotel

Princess Hotel , Keng Tung

No-frills but the best option in town with friendly staff and close proximity to the lively markets.

Pristine Lotus Spa Resort

Pristine Lotus Spa Resort , Lake Inle

Peaceful hotel set amidst beautiful gardens with clean, comfortable villa accommodation and a great spa.

The Loft

The Loft , Yangon

Modern, clean, spacious and hip hotel in central Yangon, the Loft is an excellent choice.

Triumph Hotel

Triumph Hotel , Mandalay

Just a short drive from the centre of Mandalay, the Triumph Hotel has great facilities and superb service.

River Cruises Included

Princess Royal Cruise

Princess Royal Cruise, The Irrawaddy River

With just 7 cabins on board this is a quality, intimate 3 day river cruise between Mandalay and Bagan.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bagan

Bagan, Bagan

The world famous Bagan temples are one of the 'must see' sites of Myanmar (Burma).

Bicycle Tour around Nyuang Shwe Town

Bicycle Tour around Nyuang Shwe Town , Lake Inle

Tranquil and beautiful town north of Lake Inle, delightful to explore by bike.

Dhat Zoam Doi Pagoda

Dhat Zoam Doi Pagoda , Keng Tung

Fascinating insight into culture, beliefs and rituals, but also spectacular views of the surrounding countryside

Discover The Mingun Ruins

Discover The Mingun Ruins, Mandalay

A guided tour of the Mingun Ruins including the immense Mingun Bell.

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa)

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa), Mandalay

Fascinating ancient capital on the Irrawaddy River.

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets , Mandalay

Explore the vibrant markets with your guide.

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike , Lake Inle

Veer off-the-beaten-track near Lake Inle for a private boat journey, market visit and vineyard experience (walking or cycling).

Loi Mwe Hilltop Town

Loi Mwe Hilltop Town , Keng Tung

Picturesque old hill station near Keng Tung, inspired by the British colonial age.

Mandalay

Mandalay, Mandalay

Myanmar's second city and bustling cultural and religious hub.

River Trip via Sankar

River Trip via Sankar, Lake Inle

The journey is part of the adventure as you pass floating tomato farms on route to fascinating Sankar.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

Myanmar's most important Buddhist pagoda, located in central Yangon.

The Yangon Circle Train

The Yangon Circle Train, Yangon

Departing from Yangon central, this commuter train is a great way to see another side of Myanmar.

Trekking in Keng Tung

Trekking in Keng Tung, Keng Tung

A culturally unique and relatively remote part of the most eastern corner of Myanmar.

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset , Mandalay

Famous footbridge that is particularly vibrant at sunrise and sunset.

Walking Tour of Bustling Chinatown

Walking Tour of Bustling Chinatown, Yangon

Wander the narrow streets lined with shops overflowing with produce and old houses with wooden shutters.

Wan-Pauk Village & Lake Naung Tung

Wan-Pauk Village & Lake Naung Tung, Keng Tung

Explore a fascinating rural village and Lake Naung Tung.

Yandabo Village

Yandabo Village, Yandabo

Explore this sleepy Irrawaddy riverside village on your voyage from Bagan to Mandalay.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos'

More Holiday Suggestions

Simply Myanmar And Thailand

Simply Myanmar And Thailand

Captivating cultural sights followed by a relaxing stay at one of our favourite hidden Thai Islands. Ideal for couples or families.

The Colours of Southeast Asia

The Colours of Southeast Asia

Discover the most glorious cultural and scenic highlights of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

A Magical Discovery of Asia

A Magical Discovery of Asia

A unique combination of Southeast Asia's most magical sites; Borobudur, Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang.


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Call
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