This highlight of Laos and Myanmar tour package will give you 18 days to save the best of the spectacular landscape, majestic ancient temples, long-lasting history, and vibrant culture. Start in Yangon, expect to be overwhelmed by the radiant pagodas, lively market, and fantastic architecture. Upon Laos, behold its natural wonder, wonderful cuisine, and capture a chance to take part in a morning alms with the monks, which is well-known as the most iconic image of Laos.
General Information
Start/End: Yangon/Pakse
Tour Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mt. Popa – Kalaw – Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe Inle Lake Mandalay – Amarapura – Mingun Mandalay – Vientian – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kuang Si Waterfall – Pakse – Bolaven Plateau
Duration: 18 days
Tour Customizable: Absolutely, tell us your specific requirement in the inquiry form
Tour Category: Myanmar Laos tour packages
Tour Type: Sightseeing, In depth-culture & history, Nature & Landscape Discovery
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Day 2: Yangon City tour
Day 3: Yangon – Bagan
Day 4: Bagan sightseeing
Day 5: Bagan – Mt. Popa – Drive to Kalaw
Day 6: Kalaw – Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe
Day 7: Inle Lake Discovery
Day 8: Heho – Mandalay
Day 9: Mandalay – Amarapura – Mingun
Day 10: Mandalay – Vientiane
Day 11: Vientiane City Tour
Day 12: Flight to Luang Prabang – Half day Buddhist Ancient City and Temples Tour
Day 13: Luang Prabang – Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves – Kouang Si Waterfall
Day 14: Flight to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau Tour
Day 15: Pakse – 3 Days Mekong River Cruise
Day 16: Mekong River Cruise (Day 2)
Day 17: Mekong River Cruise (day 3) – Back to Pakse
Day 18: Pakse 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!
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Mingalaba! Welcome to Yangon where the journey to Myanmar and Laos begins! Today, our guide will wait and welcome you at the airport and then will directly transfer you to the hotel in the downtown city to check-in. After settling from your hotel, enjoy your day at leisure.
In the evening, dinner rounds off at Karaweik Hall, one of the most famous landmarks of Yangon. The welcome dinner will deliver you with local dishes and a following cultural show.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon City tour
Today spend your full day to explore the city of Yangon. After breakfast, our guide will take you to Sule Pagoda located in the hear of the city. It is an important space in contemporary Burmese politics, ideology, and geography dating back to 2500 years ago. Along your way, your private car will provide you a window to the hectic transportation, the pace of life, and the unique colonial architecture. After that, drive toward the north to visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country. Not just sightseeing, the pagoda is also where you can learn more about Burmese art from the special symbols of the Buddha images.
Next, head to Kandawgyi Lake, the most beautiful photo stop in Yangon where is built from the time of British colonial. Highlight your sightseeing of the day at Shwedagon Pagoda – one of the most famous Buddhist pagoda in the world and certainly is the most prominent landmark of Yangon. The main gold-plated dome of the pagoda is made of 16 tons of pure gold and tipped with over 7000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and topaz making it one of the most glistening pagodas in the world. Finally, complete your city tour in Bogyoke Market, the largest bazaar in Yangon. Immerse into the lively atmosphere and see an array of Burmese products and some Chinese goods before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 3: Yangon – Bagan
This morning, say goodbye to Yangon and take an early flight to Bagan – the largest archaeological site in Myanmar where you will spend the time to unlock the myths through the dust, foggy, and sunlight. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you directly to the local Nyaung U Market where you will encounter the friendly people who are always welcome to tourists. Spend time to wander around the market, you will see a variety of local vegetable, Tanaka, and products. After that, be ready for an exploration to the most outstanding pagodas and temple in the region. Your destinations might include Shwezigon Pagoda, the impressive gold-plated temple in Bagan which has experienced a long history that becomes one of the most important pilgrim sites of the country. The next destination is Ananda Temple, the typical religious temple built in Mon and Indian style; Nan Paya, one of the four pagodas in Bagan built of sandstones.
In the afternoon, make your way to a local lacquerware workshop to have an interesting meet with the local artisans and then learn about the traditional way the use to create beautiful items. Highlight your late afternoon to Shwesandaw Pagoda, the most popular place in Bagan to watch the sunset. Sit back and enjoy your wonderful scenery and return to your hotel after sunset time.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan’s Village Sightseeing & Horse Cart Ride
Today deliver you a full day to explore the rural life of Bagan to gain an insight into the culture, history, and the family lifestyle of the villagers. After breakfast, our guide will take you to a local household in the tranquil village to meet, greet the host and learn their daily way of life. After that, a horse cart ride will carry you around the snaking road of Bagan to have a closer look at the landscape of the region. Passing through the endless unnamed stupas, your guide will provide you will amazing knowledge about the stories, legend, and the important role of the temples to Bagan’s history and its people.
In the afternoon, our driver will pick you up to the jetty in Bagan to embark on a wooden boat cruising along the Irrawaddy River. From the sundeck, you will capture the scenic scenery on the riverside and it’s also able to see the fishermen doing his work. In the late afternoon, your stunning boat trip will show you one of the most lovely sunsets in the world.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 5: Bagan – Mt. Popa – Drive to Kalaw
Today will be a long day of driving to Kalaw. Before that, spend a morning to take a drive to Mt Popa, an iconic extinct volcano famous for a sacred monastery with stupas glistening gold. Upon here, join with the pilgrim to hike up to 777 steps to the top of the mountain and admire the crazy statues line along the walk together with the monkey living on the mountain. Later, our diver will carry you to Kalaw.
Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 6: Kalaw – Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe
After breakfast, make your way to Pindaya town where you can visit the Pindaya Cave, a magnificent limestone cave filled with a maze of over 8000 thousands of gilded Buddha statues and a local handicraft workshops where the famous Shan paper is made from the mulberry tree. Together with the famous paper, they also make a beautiful umbrella from the same paper that you can see in many parts of the country. Spend your time to interact with the local artisans and see them using the traditional methods to create a colorful product by hand.
In the afternoon, the driver will transfer you to Nyaung Shwe for overnight.
Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein Discovery
You are staying in the second largest freshwater lake in Myanmar! Today, spend a full day to explore the natural beauty of the lake by boat. This morning, rise before dawn to see the lovely sunrise in the region. Make your first visit to the local market that rotates every five days to indulge in the local atmosphere. After that, your guide will take you to the jetty to embark on a boat trip and start your amazing journey. Stop at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State where houses the five 800-year-old gold-plated Buddha images. Continue your boat trip, stop at Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, the beautiful wooden monastery built on stilts which are said to be the oldest monastery in Inle Lake. Passing through the endless floating gardens and houses, you will reach Nam Pan Village where is famous for the cheroot production and typical stilt-houses.
In the afternoon, make your way to Indein to marvel at the thousands of dramatic ancient stupas with some are covered with mossy tiled. Spend your time to walk along the collonade, you will discover a variety of traditional Burmese handicrafts and other beautiful items.
Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 8: Heho – Mandalay
Leave the tranquil Inle Lake this morning to board a flight to Mandalay, an enchanting city of great culture now is the principal center for Buddhism studies in Myanmar. Upon Mandalay, the driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in and a short break.
In the afternoon, visit Mandalay Palace, the residence of the last Burmese King. One wandering around here, it offers a timber-walled watchtower where provides a great view to the palace. Next, head to Shwenandaw Monastery (also known as the Golden Palace Monastery) built by King Thibaw Min of Burma In 1878 to marvel at the fabulous architecture and intricated woodcarving of Buddhist myths features on the walls and roofs. Highlight your visit of the day to Kuthodaw pagoda, a complex of a gilded pagoda and hundred of white-washed shrines surrounding. The pagoda is famous for the world’s largest Buddhist book that carved on 729 marble slabs. Finally, complete your sightseeing in the late afternoon by hiking up to 1000 steps to reach Mandalay Hill, the best place to watch the sunset and gain a panoramic view of the city.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 9: Mandalay – Amarapura – Mingun
Begin your exciting morning with a drive to Amarapura, the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom which is well known the City of Immortal. Upon Amarapura, we visit Mahagandayone Monastery, the most prominent monastic school in Myanmar where thousands of Buddhist monks in and out Myanmar live together. Spend your time to greet and see the daily alms and strict education in the monastery. Next, ready for a boat trip sailing upstream to reach Mingun, an ancient town that definitely off the hectic life. Then your visit in Mingun might include Mingun Bell, the world’ second-largest ringing bell; Mingun Paya, the unfinished pagoda which is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the world. Before sunset, head to U Bein Bridge, the 1.2-kilometer teak bridge overlooking the serene Taungmantha Lake where provide the best place to watch the sunset and take photos. After sunset time, return to Mandalay for overnight.
Day 10: Mandalay – Vientiane
Today will be a long day of flying to Vientiane. After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and say goodbye to Mandalay to board a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet and greet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane
Day 11: Vientiane City Tour
Sa Bai di! You are staying in the capital city of Laos where enchant your heart by its laidback atmosphere and slow pace of life. Today delivers you a full day to explore the charming capital of Laos. After breakfast, proceed to National Musem where houses and displays a variety of the artifacts telling stories about the history of the country from the resistant war to the colonist enemies. Then make your way to the Temple Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane built by King Anouvong, the last King of Vientiane. It is one of the few temples survived after the destruction in the struggle with Siamese armies. Continue visiting Wat Ho Phra Keo, one of the most impressive temples built in 1565 housing the dramatic Emerald Buddha image. Fulfill your city tour in two most important landmarks of the city: Thatluang Stupa and Patuxai monument. Dating back to the 3rd century, That Luang is regarded as the most important national monument and is now the national symbol of Laos. The final visit to Patuxai Monument will probably leave a deep feeling to you with the dedication to the soldiers who fought in the struggle for independence from France.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 12: Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Half-day Buddhist Ancient City and Temples Tour
Leave Vientiane this morning to take a domestic flight to Luang Prabang, one of the most fascinating cities in Laos to indulge in the peaceful atmosphere of the city situated deep through the jungle. Upon arrival in Vientiane, your driver will meet and then transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
This afternoon, spend your time visit Wat Xieng Thong which is translated as the Temple of the Golden City. This is one of the most important monasteries in the country that remains a significant monument of the religion, spirits, royalty, and traditional art. After that, visit Wat Mai temple (or Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham), which is well known as one of the largest and most beautiful temples of the city. It used to be served as the residence for the royal family in the past that now become a fantastic place to visit in the city. Next, hike up to Mount Phousi, the highest hill in Luang Prabang overlooking at the beautiful Mekong River. From there, you can get a glimpse of the magnificent view of the city and its majestic temples. Together with sightseeing, today’s activities give you a chance to gain an insight into the history of Laos as you pay a visit to the National Museum of Luang Prabang. The museum houses an array of historical items, each with its own story that will tell you many interesting facts that you should never forget!
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 13: Luang Prabang – Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves – Kuang Si Waterfall
The amazing morning of day 13 will take you on a boat trip upstream on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, a magnificent cave system composing two limestone caves called Tham Ting and Tham Theung which houses thousands of Buddha images. The history of the cave dating back to thousands of years. Along your way, you can stop for a visit to the village of Ban Xanghai, a small village where draws visitors by the production of rice whiskey, an important part in Laos culture.
After visiting the Pak Ou Caves, enjoy a cozy lunch near the cave and try a specialty called “Orlam”, a local dish originated from the jungle cooked with dried buffalo meat, beef, or chicken with spicy wood and vegetables. Along the way back to Luang Prabang, disembark for a visit at Ban Phanom, a traditional weaving village where you can explore the production of beautifully hand-woven textiles.
Before returning to your hotel, head to Kuangsi Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Laos where you can walk through the forest and immerse into the clear water of the cascade waterfall.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 14: Flight to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will take you to the airport to board a short flight to Pakse – the charming town where you can enjoy a combination of the laid-back ambiance and lively bars and restaurant. Upon Pakse, make your first visit to Tad Fane Waterfall – a spectacular twin falls with over 100 meters down the sheer rock cliffs in the area of the national park in the region.
In the afternoon, explore the Bolaven Plateau, one of the most fantastic places in Laos which is home to numerous waterfalls, lush jungle, coffee, and exotic hiking routes. Your discovery this afternoon includes Alak, Nge, and Katu villages where you can gaze out at the different style of houses and have an interesting meet will the ethnic minority.
Day 15: Pakse – 3 Days Mekong River Cruise
The morning brings you to a completely new adventure in Mekong River where you will spend 3 days to cruise along to discover the rural life dotted on the riverside. Embark on Vat Phou Cruise and enjoy the scenery along the river, you will disembark to visit other attractions in Champassak province and gain more local experiences and culture.
In the afternoon, highlight your cruise with a visit to Vat Phu Temple, a dramatic ruin built from the time of Khmer Kingdom. The legend said it construction began between the 6th to the 12th century but then was damaged seriously. It was restored from the 11th and 12th centuries that now recognized as one of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
At dust, return to the boat and sit on the sundeck to enjoy the lovely sunset on the river. Dinner rounds off in the evening.
Overnight on the board.
Day 16: Mekong River Cruise (Day 2)
Wake up in the sound of bird-singing this morning. The 2nd day on Vat Phou Boat will lead you to Tomo, a small village on the eastern bank of Mekong River. Head to Oum Muong, an Angkorian temple dating back to 13th century noted with the usual lingam with four faces at the tip. Back to the boat, enjoy lunch with a variety of Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine while sailing to the wild paradise of Laos were dotted with 4000 islands. In the late afternoon, your cruise will take you to Ban Deua Tia, an old village with 616 inhabitants. Spend your time to gaze out at the farm life of people in the fields and visit an elementary school and a temple.
Overnight on the board.
Day 17: Mekong River Cruise (Day 3)
This morning, visit a small village of Ban Veuthong where you will take a small boat trip to sail among 4000 islands to Khone Island. Your morning visit might include the French railway, the French colonial house, and the bridge connecting Khone and Det Islands. After lunchtime, take a short break on the boat and then your afternoon sightseeing will start with a visit to Pha Pheng Waterfalls. It lies between Laos and Cambodia border and separates the upper Mekong from the lower Mekong. If luckily you will witness the extremely rare Irrawaddy dolphin reside on the river along your way. Later, the driver will transfer you to Pakse by bus.
Day 18: Pakse Departure
This morning is at leisure until the driver comes to pick you up to the airport for a flight to your departure. Trip ends. We hope that you would love the itinerary we design for this 18-day Myanmar and Laos tour. Thank you for traveling with us!
