Thailand, Burma & Laos Overview

    • 53
    • TDOEC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $5,015
      CAD $5,045
      AUD $4,875
      EUR €3,910
      GBP £3,040
      NZD $6,250
      ZAR R38,985
      CHF FR4,525
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $1,550
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $6,565*
      CAD $6,550*
      AUD $6,358*
      EUR €4,991*
      GBP £3,985*
      NZD $8,110*
      ZAR R49,765*
      CHF FR5,751*
      *
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    • Explorer, Overland
    • Basix
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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Trip Validity

  • 2013-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Experience the rich culture and diverse landscapes of South East Asia by travelling through Thailand, Burma and Laos. Beginning among the streetlights and skyscrapers of Bangkok, see the region at its most iconic by skipping over to Cambodia and basking in the glory of the ancient Khmer temples around Angkor Wat. Then its off to laidback Laos, where the temples of Luang Prabang and the limestone scenery of Vang Vieng is the perfect compliment to the relaxed pace of life in this captivating corner of Asia. Cross over into China and get well off the beaten track exploring rural countryside dotted with tiny villages - before discovering the South East Asia of twenty years ago among the resplendent scenery of Burma. For a definitive slice of the region’s ancient kingdoms and modern marvels - this one-of-a kind journey is full of highlights that won’t soon be forgotten.

  • - Admire the sunset from Mt Kyaiktiyo

Trip Map


Thailand, Burma & Laos Summary

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Day 1 Bangkok

Loud, bright, chaotic and delightful, Bangkok is a city of modern excesses intermingled with simple traditions, all wrapped up in the famous smiles of the locals.

Day 2 Aranyaprathet

The Thai border town of Aranyaprathet is a popular crossing point between Thailand and Cambodia and has a lively nightlife due to its casinos and lively markets.

Days 3-4 Battambang

With the Sangker River running alongside, Battambang has wonderfully preserved French Colonial architecture, ornate Khmer temples and a laidback feel, despite being Cambodia's second-largest city.

Days 5-6 Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh celebrates life with optimism and colour, and there are a wealth of riverside eateries, bustling markets and historic sites - both tragic and inspiring - to discover.

Days 7-9 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

A vibrant nightlife, mouth-watering food, a time-worn French feel and certain famous temples on its doorstep - Siem Reap is a little town with a big, pulsating heart. Immense, awe-inspiring, extraordinary - the Angkor Wat temples are all this and much more. Built in the 12th century, this former Khmer city is nothing short of spectacular.

Day 10 Aranyaprathet

Located near the Thai/Cambodia border, Aranyaprathet has great food, busy streets, friendly locals and opulent casinos, which are where the action is.

Day 11 Phi Mai

Phimai, in the remote Isan region of Thailand, is famed for its temples, which are similar to the Angkor Wat temples, though built around 100 years earlier.

Days 12-13 Vientiane

As the most relaxed capital in South-East Asia, Vientiane is a lovely mix of riverside calm, outstanding temples, fabulous food and charming locals.

Days 14-15 Vang Vieng

Surrounded by stunning limestone karst scenery, Vang Vieng is a small haven with fascinating caves to explore, a myriad of water-based activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Days 16-18 Luang Prabang

Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, the tranquil city of Luang Prabang is studded with ornate temples, brimming with colourful markets and enriched by French colonial architecture.

Days 19-21 Luang Nam Tha

With the gorgeous Nam Ha Protected Area located close by, Luang Namtha is lovely town to relax in and soak up the beauty of Laos's wilderness.

Days 22-23 Xishuangbanna

Located in a lush tropical rainforest close to the Laos border, Xishuangbanna is an atypical area of China where a number of colourfully-dressed ethnic minorities live. Jinghong sits alongside the Lancang River and is a good place to explore the minority villages and rainforest that surround the city.

Day 24 Shilinzhen

Shilinzhen houses the provocative Shilin stone forest. Said to be 270 million years old, these greyish limestone formations are an impressive sight to behold.

Days 25-27 Kunming

A laidback city to visit, Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province and is known as 'the city of eternal spring' due to its temperate climate.

Days 28-29 Dali

Travel from Kunming to Dali. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this lakeside town, bordered on one side by snow-capped mountains and on the other by stunning Lake Erhai. Wander through cobblestone streets and admire the stone buildings inside the historic city walls. Adventure junkies can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities - such as exploring the nearby mountains or taking a boat ride on the lake - while those seeking slower pace can sip tea and watch the world go by in a local cafe.

Day 30 Tengchong

Explore the famous hot springs, volcanoes and waterfalls of Tengchong in Yunnan's scenic Baoshan county.

Day 31 Ruili

Head towards Burma and spend a memorable night in a local guesthouse near the border town of Ruili.

Day 32 Muse

Cross the Burmese border and spend the night in the town of Muse, which is located on the Shweli River and marks the frontier between China and Burma.

Day 33 Hsipaw

Be blown away by the beautiful landscapes surrounding the relaxed Shan village of Hsipaw. Enjoy free time to trek to surrounding villages, cycle through the countryside or visit nearby caves, waterfalls and hot springs.

Day 34 Pyin U Lwin

Set up camp in the scenic hill town of Pyin U Lwin in the Shan highlands, then set out on foot to explore more of this spectacular region.

Days 35-36 Mandalay

Travel to the former capital of the Burmese empire, Mandalay. Roam Mandalay Hill and discover the highlights of Burma's 'Jewel City' with a local guide. During free time, perhaps float along the river to the archaeological wonder of Mingun or visit the sacred Buddha image of Mahamumi Paya, which is covered in a 6-inch thick layer of gold leaf and is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

Day 37 Monywa

Encounter 500,000 images of Buddha at Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, a Buddhist temple on the banks of River Chidwin, then head to Monywa for the evening.

Day 38 Pakkoku/Irrawady River

Cruise along the the lifeblood of Burma, the Ayerwaddy River, on a boat journey rarely taken by travellers. Pass agricultural plantations, watch locals performing their daily work and appreciate the lushness of the river region.

Days 39-40 Bagan

Experience the largest collection of Buddhist temples, stupas and ruins in the world on a guided tour of Bagan. 4,500 temples in various shapes and forms dot the horizon, drawing comparisons between Bagan and majestic Angkor.

Day 41 Kalaw

Escape the heat in the remote mountain town of Kalaw. Surrounded by pine forests, it's the perfect place to embark on a trek to out-of-the-way villages, or to simply chill out and share a cup of tea with the locals.

Days 42-43 Inle Lake

Take a short drive to gorgeous Inle Lake. Packed with incredible floating gardens, built from water hyacinth and water weeds, the area is one of Burma's true gems. Gaze at floating apple orchards while gliding across the lake on a boat trip and learn about local life on a village visit.

Day 44 Bago

Spend the morning exploring more of the watery haven that is Inle Lake. Perhaps cycle around the scenic shores, admiring the exceptional skill of the local 'leg rowers' navigating the lake. In the afternoon, head south to Bago.

Days 45-46 Yangon

Encounter colonial architecture and a glittering golden temple in the former Burmese capital of Yangon. Get to know this fascinating city on a guided tour, and be sure to experience the bargaining madness of Bogyoke Market.

Day 47 Mt Kyaiktiyo

Ascend Burma's spectacular Mt Kyaiktiyo. Get a ride up the first two-thirds of the mountain, and complete final part of the ascent on foot. Follow a steep, winding path to reach the Golden Rock and Pagoda - the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma. The pagoda is perched on top of a giant golden boulder, rumoured to be held in place by a strand of Buddha's hair.

Days 48-50 Bush Camp

Travel overland through Burma's southern Mon state. Visit local markets, admire amazing temples and munch on delicious local cuisine.

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Bangkok, Thailand
  • Finish:

    Bangkok, Thailand
  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 21
  • Ages:

    Min 18
  • Meals:

    All meals when camping
  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (7 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts), Camping (with facilities) (3 nts), Guesthouse (14 nts), Hotel (24 nts)
  • Transport:

    Boat, Overland vehicle
  • Included activities:

    "Killing Caves" at Phnom Sampeau, Bagan - Walking tour, Boat ride on the Irrawaddy River, Boat trip & village tour, Full day tour of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom temples, Kampong Loung Floating Village Boat Trip, Kyaikhityo - Golden Rock and Pagoda, Mandalay - Mandalay Hill, Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, Phimai Temple Complex, Phnom Penh - Guided tour Choeung Ek (Killing fields), Phnom Penh - Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Shilin Stone Forest, entrance, Kunming

  • Notes:

    Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.

  • Trip price from

    USD $5,015
    CAD $5,045
    AUD $4,875
    EUR €3,910
    GBP £3,040
    NZD $6,250
    ZAR R38,985
    CHF FR4,525
    Price information
  • +

    Kitty

    USD $1,550
    Price information
  • Total price from

    USD $6,565*
    CAD $6,550*
    AUD $6,358*
    EUR €4,991*
    GBP £3,985*
    NZD $8,110*
    ZAR R49,765*
    CHF FR5,751*
    *
    Price information
  • ‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.
  • Per day from:

    USD $123
    CAD $123
    AUD $119
    EUR €94
    GBP £75
    NZD $153
    ZAR R938
    CHF FR108
Book

About Cambodia , China , Laos , Burma (Myanmar) , Thailand

    • 53
    • TDOEC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $5,015
      CAD $5,045
      AUD $4,875
      EUR €3,910
      GBP £3,040
      NZD $6,250
      ZAR R38,985
      CHF FR4,525
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $1,550
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $6,565*
      CAD $6,550*
      AUD $6,358*
      EUR €4,991*
      GBP £3,985*
      NZD $8,110*
      ZAR R49,765*
      CHF FR5,751*
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Explorer, Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.