Compare Vietnam & Myanmar by Swallow Travel vs Vietnam in 12 days - Natural Wonders & Stunning Sapa - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: Yangon Arrival

Upon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon

Day 2: Yangon Sightseeing City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city center and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You’ll start at the post office – a lovely historic building, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit famous Chauk Htat Kyi, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. The feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. Photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda.

Overnight at the hotel in Yangon

Day 3: Yangon – Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning flight to Bagan. Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. You will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples. Then get to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan's most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. In the late afternoon transfer to the sunset hill for sunset views. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.

Overnight at the hotel in Bagan

Day 4: Bagan & Villages

Meals: Breakfast

More than just temples, our tour introduces you to provide a great overview of Bagan's history, culture and local lifestyles. Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan to view the local lifestyle. Then you will explore Bagan from a different perspective as you explore the area by Pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter giving a different feel of Bagan. In the late afternoon transfer to jetty where a private wooden river boat is waiting. Sitting under the shade or on the open-deck you’ll be treated to fabulous views as you cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Shwezigon Pagoda. A private boat tour on the river during sunset time will hopefully show you a spectacular sunset. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Overnight at the hotel in Bagan

Day 5: Bagan – Heho – Inle Lake

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, fly to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. From Heho drive to NyaungShwe where we pick our boat & transfer to your hotel for check in. Enjoy the full day tour by private boat in Inle lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way. Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages on the banks of the river. Pass the endless floating gardens, houses, monasteries built on stilts on the lake. Stop at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery then proceed to Nampan village and see local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made) and canoe carving.

Overnight at the hotel in Inle lake

Day 6: Inle Lake – Indein

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to the market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits — as they barter for goods and produce. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat though long, scenic channels. We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls. We’ll visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.

Overnight at Inle Lake

Day 7: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

Morning flight back to Yangon. Then enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 75-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region. Intersperse in the tour are various religious sites such as the St Mary's Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land. Then visit Little India and Chinatown – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic.

Synagogue closed on Sunday / Scott market closed on Monday

Overnight at the hotel in Yangon

Day 8: Yangon-fly To Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight.Get pickup from airport to hotel. Then you will have time for discovering by yourselves the attractions of Hanoi City. Why not arrive early to see the sights? Check out your reflection in beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded. Museum-wise, why not visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city's Fine Arts Museum.

Our Hanoi private city tour, Lovers Foodie Private Tour or My Village Show Hanoi can be good options for you. Please contact us if you want to join these tours with us.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi - Halong – Halong Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Have breakfast at your hotel

7.45-8.15: Pick-up at the hotel. 10.00: Having short break at stopover in Hai Duong Province.

12.30: Embark on Lavender Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing and enjoy welcome-drink. Check in the cabin.

13.15: Enjoy lunch with sampling regional fresh seafood while cruising on exquisite water, passing Incense Burner island, Fighting Cock islet, Stone Dog… Lavender Cruise will bring you to explore Ha Long Bay on the most wonderful route where just a few cruises go through.

15.00-16.30 Do kayaking through the magnificent landscape with Limestone Mountains & swimming or just relaxing on the sun-deck for fantastic views at Hoa Cuong floating fishing village Join our Cooking Class on the floating house. Let’s see how to make the fresh/fried spring rolls and mix fish-sauce. Pass by Soi Sim Beach, “Rang Dua” Island to the sleeping area near a Surprising cave. Enjoy sunset party and relax on the sun-deck for fantastic views.

19:30: Under the magnificent night sky, our set-menu dinner is served with a variety of Vietnamese and Asian foods.

Evening activities: Join squid fishing on the boat with our crews. Or laze yourself with our happy-hour drinks at the bar.

Overnight on Lavender Cruise

Note: The itinerary is based on Lavender Cruise. It can be changed depending on which boat standard will you choose.

Day 10: Halong – Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning exercises on the Sun-deck.

Have to breakfast with Coffee, tea, and Bakeries on board. 08:00: Visit the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot) discovered by the French in 1901. Opened for tourists since 1936, now it is a must-to-see and a symbol for geology value of Halong.

Check out time. Then relax on the sun-deck or inside the restaurant to enjoy the bay's scenery.

Enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier.

Check out cruise. Our car will be at your disposal to pick you up then drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip!

NOTE: The above itinerary is for Halong Lavender cruises. It may vary depending on the boat you choose.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

 Day 11: Hanoi - Sleeper Bus To Sapa- Cat Cat Village Trekking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner-

Have breakfast at your hotel or get take-away breakfast.

Tour guide pick you up at your hotel, departure to Lao Cai city. Travelling on new Highway Noi Bai, It will take around 5 - 6 hours.

Around 13:00 - 13:30. Arrival in Sapa town, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant or hotel restaurant. Then trekking from hotel to Cat Cat village of H’mong – It is named Cat Cat Village, you have a chance to visit a waterfall and the hydroelectric power station built by the French, learning about the culture, customs and unique people here with traditional crafts such as weaving, carved silver, hand forged agricultural tools.

Note: If you don’t want to go hiking, we will organize private car and tour guide for you. You will pay us 25USD/pax more for this service.

Evening: after dinner, you will have time to go around discovering Sapa town.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapa

Day 12: Lao Chai Ta Van Village Trekking - Bus Back To Hanoi (B,L)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and start trekking. After 4km on the main road, we start going down to the valley by the small trails through the terrace rice fields and pass through Y Linh Ho hamlet, and from here to the Black H'mong village - Lao Chai village (Black H'mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa). After that, you will continue your trekking along Muong Hoa stream, paddy field to Ta Van village, visit and understand about "Zay" ethnic people. You will see houses of The Zay people which are built of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. You will have picnic lunch at the village when enjoying beautiful sightseeing of paddy fields around.

We will transfer you to the bus station to catch the bus back to Hanoi. 21:00 - 21:30: Drop you off at the hotel. Trip ends.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

 Day 13: Hanoi Free And Easy Day

Meals: Breakfast

You have breakfast at the hotel then have the whole day free in Hanoi to relax, go shopping and explore this city by yourself. Check out your reflection in beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded. Museum-wise, why not visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city's Fine Arts Museum. Please contact us if you want to join any daily tours with us.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Day 14: Hanoi Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home. Trip ends.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Hanoi. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Hanoi

Arrive in Vietnam and transfer to your hotel. Take the opportunity to explore this bustling city and get to know your surroundings and relax ready for your trip to the Vietnamese countryside and to the hill station of Sapa. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Sapa

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early en route to Sapa, located in the hills in North-West Vietnam and an area of lush greenery, rice paddies and beautiful vistas. Arrive in Sapa and check-in before meeting with a local guide for a trail tour which will take you past traditional fruit gardens, vegetable farms and untouched landscapes before you arrive at Cat Cat Village. Marvel at the beautiful Cat Cat Waterfall, where you will have time to relax to the sounds of the crystal waterfall. Return to the hotel by car and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa

After breakfast, depart from the hotel on a beautifully picturesque hike through the landscape of the Sapa Valley. Admire the rice terraces which carve into the hills as the morning mists rise and the sun shines. Continue on to the Muong Hoa River and pass by the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van Giay. Cross a suspension bridge and discover a fascinating collection of ancient rock carvings. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the village before you venture to the bamboo forest of Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. Return to the road and transfer by car back to Sapa. Spend the evening at your leisure and enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 5: Sapa - Ma Tra & Suoi Ho Village - Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for the daily Sapa market, which is a real insight into Vietnamese culture and is sure to be a colorful and vibrant sight. After visiting the market, head out of town where you can walk downhill across a charming stream to Suoi Ho Village, which sits beautifully upon a low hill. Visit the local homes and get a great understanding of local life before continuing on to Ma Tra Village, which is home to a stunningly colorful flower farm. Visit the ruins of a French Catholic church before being transferred back to Sapa. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure before taking a shuttle bus back to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off on an orientation tour of Hanoi to discover the most emblematic sights of this historic city. Pass by old French colonial buildings and the Opera House on your way to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex and Mausoleum, dedicated to the nation's founder.* Also see Ba Dinh Square and One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the foundation of the city. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, home to beautiful gardens and well-preserved architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a cyclo ride (a type of Vietnamese rickshaw) around the charming streets of the Old Quarter and visit a bustling local market. End your tour on the banks of beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hanoi. * Please note: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is viewed from the outside on Mondays, Fridays and in the afternoons as it is closed at these times.

Day 7: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to being your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board. * There will be no guide on board.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An

Brunch on board as the junk continues to cruise before you return to Ha Long port. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for a flight to Danang. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and then transfer to your hotel in the charming city of Hoi An, known for its pretty lantern-lit streets. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of atmospheric Hoi An. This former port and UNESCO World Heritage site is full of architectural gems that show a range of influences. You can admire these charming houses along Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest in Hoi An, visit the 400 years-old Japanese covered bridge, the Chinese temple, and a traditional Vietnamese merchants house. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Thu Bon River & Organic Village Excursion.* Overnight stay in Hoi An. * Optional Full-Day Thu Bon River & Organic Village Excursion: Experience real rural life in Vietnam with this full day tour, which includes a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing many fishing areas. Stop at Van Lang Village to witness basket boat racing, before heading to Tra Que Herb Village, where local farmers will give you an insight into their organic produce. Enjoy a culinary masterclass in Vietnamese cuisine before enjoying a delicious lunch.

Day 10: Hoi An - Hue

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel along one of Vietnams most scenic highways towards the city of Hue. Along the way, stop at the white sands of Lang Co Beach and the top of Hai Van Pass for exceptional views. Arrive in Hue and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city's sights. Visit the Imperial City and the Royal Citadel. Much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. Next, visit King Khai Dinh Mausoleum and browse through a bustling local market. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Hue.

Day 11: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Early transfer to the airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the moving War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting, view of the American War. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon. The tour finishes with Notre Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in this exciting city.* We recommend an optional excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City. * Optional Mekong Delta Excursion: Depart to Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu bridge. On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier, hop on a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributes of Mekong River while witnessing the lively activities of local life along the way. Stop at a brick kiln and visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Take a motorized cart or bicycle along the shady paths and pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to discover everyday life on the river. Take a rowing-boat along a beautiful water palm creek before you return to the pier.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - US

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning at your leisure, we the option to enjoy a half-day Cu Chi tunnels visit.* In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Optional Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion: Spend the morning exploring the impressive tunnel complex of Cu Chi, dug in 1948 for guerrillas to escape the bombardment of French forces. Explore the underground villages and understand the history of the tunnels.