FAR EASTVIETNAM, LAOS, CAMBODIA, THAILAND & MYANMAR

If you want more than to just visit Asia – to savour it, live it and taste it, join us. Let us introduce you to the countries we know and love, share with you our culture and history,

our people, our lifestyle, our food.

Mekong Viet is a High End Boutique tour operator specializing in a niche market, tailor made travel experiences for discerning clients. We specialize in the market as we have come to know and understand your culture and history as well as specific needs of our clients. We are in the ideal position of being able to tailor make our experiences to meet

the expectations of our friends.

We provide an exclusive personal touch and there will always be somebody with you, for the entire trip, who will be able to change any aspect of your tour to accommodate your needs and desires, or to take care of any emergency that may arise. Nothing is too much

trouble for us.

We are proudly owner run. This is important. It means that someone is always in the office that has a vested interest in delivering the very best. We are as passionate about

being the best as we were when we first opened our doors.

Mekong Viet was started five years ago by Huong Nguyen. With twelve years experience working for Vietnam Airlines, a lifelong travelling habit and a passion for sharing the destinations she knows and loves with the world, Huong is an expert in separating the authentic from the merely touristy. She and her team have made Mekong Viet an Asian

travel agency that’s in a different league. In short: we love what we do and it shows.

"WE DON’T PROVIDE GUIDED TOURS OF ASIA. WE PROVIDE AN EXPERIENCE OF ASIA YOU WILL NEVER FORGET, A HOLIDAY WHICH WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART AND SOUL

AND LIVE ON FOREVER IN YOUR PHOTOS AND MEMORY."

Mekong Viet Travel

In the South/West, it enjoys the same beaches and Andaman Sea which has made its neighbour Thailand such a tourist hotspot - but it has a fraction of the visitors. It boasts the majestic Ayeyarwady River which starts in the Himalayas, cuts through richly wooded hills and down into a wide fertile valley which possess some of the most extraordinary and extensive temples and pagodas in the world. As it spills via a delta into the Andaman Sea, it is extraordinary that the journey of a river of its size

and celebrity has taken place in one country.

The main cultural draw are the Buddhist temples and pagodas around Bagan and Mandalay and the extraordinary gold Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon and they do not disappoint but the further off the beaten track, the more the country surprises: hill tribes and cultures spill over as they have for centuries from neighboring India, China, Laos and Thailand. The years of isolation and the concentration of wealth in a ruling elite have meant that the economy and infrastructure has been only partially developed despite the rich natural resources of teak, oil, gold and many other minerals. But the people you meet are amazingly open, friendly, proud and unbowed and tourism is still in its

infancy.

Myanma- Gem Of South East Asia

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VISA

All visitors must procure a visa before entering Myanmar. It is possible to handle this procedure on your own - contact the nearest Myanmar embassy or the embassy in your home country to learn the steps and requirementsVisa on Arrival (VOA) for $45 USD at international airport entry points only. Require send the passport details before arrive 14 working dys. VOAs take 30 minutes to process. Bring a spare passport photo.

JAN FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

Best time to visit Good time to visit Average time to visit

WHEN TO GO

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An unforgettable journey through this enchanting land introducing thecultural highlights and most stunning landscapes. Begin in Yangon withits bustling markets and gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda before movingonto Bagan beside the mighty Ayeyarwady River; with more than threethousand pagodas rising from the sun-baked plains, it is a trulyawe-inspiring setting. Continue Mandalay, centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.Take in Inle Lake, known for its calm beauty, colorful festivals andancient traditions before journeys end back in Yangon with theopportunity for last minute shopping and bartering for souvenirs.

Highlights of myanmarBEST EXPERIENCES

Cruise the Ayeyarwady River on board a luxury ship, taking in thebeautiful landscapes and observing daily life on its shores

Take a traditional horse cart ride through Bagan stopping to visittemples and villages; end the day viewing sunset from the top of a pagoda

Rise early to participate in the daily ritual of offering alms to themonks

Visit Mount Popa and climb to the temple at the summit forincredible views of the surrounding countryside

Enjoy lunch onboard an authentic, restored rice barge on Inle Lake

8 NIGHTS

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DAY 1: YANGON

Welcome by our guide at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. Overnight at The Governor’s Residence

DAY 2: YANGON (B)Embark on a tour of Yangon’s city centre 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. Stop at the local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life. Visit the reclining Buddha and at sunset visit the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda.Overnight at The Governor’s Residence

DAY 3: YANGON -BAGAN (B)Take a morning flight to Bagan , with more than three thousand pagodas rising from the sun-baked plains, , it is a truly awe-inspiring setting. Take a tour through some of the most magnificent pagodas and shrines, many of which date from the 11th century. Visit Minnanthu village ,experienced the people's life

Overnight in Aurem palace hotel & resort

DAY 4: BAGAN (B)

Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River.Delve into the local culture by visiting colorful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods . Visit to a palm garden and the family of toddy palm climber. Afternoon, travel by horse cart for a tour the temples.

Overnight in Aurem palace hotel & resort

DAY 5: BAGAN –MANDALAY(B)

Take a morning flight to Mandalay, centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning .Visit to Mahamuni Pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, have been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost ‘lumpy’ texture. Visit traditional workshops, learn more about the city’s cottage industries. This afternoon, continue visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Follow to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. Enjoy the sunset at Mandalay Hill to see magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.

Overnight in Mandalay Hill resort

DAY 6: MANDALAY (B)

This morning, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. Visit a local market, continue south of the city to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort.Afternoon visit Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. Visit Mahagandayon monastery, when over one-thousand monks reside. Continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along & enjoy the sun set view of this 200 year-old teak bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay Hill resort

DAY 7: MANDALAY - HEHOINLE LAKE (B)

Take a short flight to Heho. Short visit to Nyaung Shwe town and visit to the colorful market Board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Visit the floating village & explore the local crafts of Inle Lake

Overnight on Aurem resort & spa Inle Lake.

DAY 8: INLE LAKE- INDEIN YANGON (B)

Morning visit the lake’s morning market. Continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village, visiting a local school, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Transfer to the Heho airport for the flight to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon the Strand

DAY 9: YANGON DEPARTURE (B)

Take local circular train journey to the outskirts of town The slowly traveling train gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people. Enjoy exploring the Kyi Myin Daing market and meeting the friendly locals.Transfer to the airport for your flight home

MeKong Viet recommendsOptional: 4 nights cruise Road to Mandalay from Bagan to MandalayAdding a visit to Ngapali, staying at SandowayBeach Resort (page55-56).

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AUREUM PALACE HOTEL & RESORTBAGAN-MYANMAR

Set within Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone amongst the ancient temples of The Kingdom of Bagan this expansive resort and luxury spa set amidst 27 acres of tropical landscaped gardens offers the ultimate in relaxation for guests seeking a unique experience for the historical traveler.

Antiques, artifacts and local arts uniquely adorn each property, complementing the majestic ambiance of the resort and surrounds. Strolling through the grounds enjoying the breezes rolling off the lake refreshes the palate from the heat and dryness of ancient Bagan.

Bedrooms are spacious and elegant with all modern facilities: bathrooms are large and lavishly equipped with luxurious amenities. Indoor or al-fresco dining options and bars, cultural entertainment or rest by the poolside for ultimate repose.

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BAGAN LODGEBAGAN

Perched on the edge of an archaeological wonderland, Bagan Lodge is gateway to some of the world's most magnificent temples and pagodas. The rooms and suites evoke the romance of a storied expedition, albeit in posh, air-conditioned comfort. The restaurant and bars are fuel to the fire of local adventure, and our swimming pool and spa are an oasis any time of day.

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SANDOWAY BEACH RESORTNGAPALI

There is a fresh Mediterranean air about the Sandoway, with itsup to the minute cottages, suites and delightful villas, the latterhaving a separate lobby and offering either beachfront or seaviews. Nestled amongst groves of coconut palms, each has a spiralstairway leading to the loft with its large picture window, villaamenities including a marble bath tub and interior garden. Feaston seafood specialities in the restaurant or take refreshments bythe oversize swimming pool – with further recreations including aspa, private cinema and well stocked library.

AUREUM PALACE HOTEL & RESORT INLE LAKE

Inle Lake is stunning and to appreciate the extensive natural waterways from the lake shores of Aureum Resort and Spa offers unsurpassed luxury accommodation of villas built over the waters and shores of one of Myanmar's most stunning natural and cultural wonders, Inle Lake.Each expansive villa is elegantly decorated with generous space for bathroom and lotus ponds and lavishly equipped with amenities. With private outdoor terrace for viewing a spectacular sunset over the lake and hills beyond, Aureum Resort is the perfect location in which to explore the wonders of this unique destination.

THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCEYANGON

A colonial mansion reminiscent of the days when it was it was home to the ruler of Burma’s southern states. Owned by Orient-Express Hotels, it commands a privileged position just ten minutes from majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. Rooms, which are graced by teak floors and stone baths, are set around a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools - the beautiful swimming pool being an idyllic spot to relax on a lounger after sightseeing. Dine indoors or alfresco in the Mandalay Restaurant, or choose a shady corner on the lawn. Cocktails are served in the tranquil upstairs lounge bar.

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Hotel Information45 rooms and 3 suites.30 minutes by road from Yangon Airport.

THE STRANDYANGON

Built by the founders of Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel and close to the of Scott’s Market, the recently remodelled Strand offers cool respite from the bustle of Yangon. Beyond the grand lobby lie generously proportioned suites replete with Burmese lacquer ware, teak floors and antiques, together with a small spa to ease away jetlag, and the chandeliered Strand Grill for elegant dining.

Enjoy late hour at the signature Strand Sour in the bar.

Hotel Information30 suites.

30 minutes by road from Yangon Airport.

MANDALAY HILL RESORT

Mandalay’s most prestigious hotel directly faces the captivating architecture of the Royal Palace and its enchanting moat – the property’s elevated position at the foot of Mandalay Hill giving unforgettable vistas over the region’s vast complex of stupas, temples and pagodas. Suites are decorated in an eclectic mix of colonial and Burmese design, each with king bedroom, adjoining lounge and private balcony, while for exceptional luxury the Mandalay Suite captures the opulence of bygone days. In addition to the ground floor Chinese restaurant there is an outdoor dining area where cultural performances

take place.

ROAD TO MANDALAY

With meticulous Orient-Express attention to detail, the Road to Mandalay is without doubt the most luxurious cruise ship in Burma, bringing guests an incomparable opportunity to experience the sights and sensations of this tradition-steeped land. Accommodations are exquisitely decorated with rich fabrics and intricate furnishings made by Burmese artisans, the State Cabins having spacious bathrooms and flat screen televisions, while the Governor’s Suite takes luxury to the next level. Lounge on the deck beside the swimming pool, and feast on gourmet cuisine in the elegant restaurant as the ship voyages along the Ayeyarwady River between Mandalay and Bagan.

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INLE PRINCESS RESORT

Clustered by the edge of beguiling Inle Lake, the resort’s traditional wooden chalets are built in Shan fashion with dark wooden exterior walls, thatched roofs and handcrafted local pottery gracing the interiors. Most offer lake views from the terrace, others have a private lotus pond in the garden or vistas towards the mountains. The spacious restaurant is also the setting for colourful local music and dance performances – private dining can be arranged in the wine cellar. Lake panoramas can also be enjoyed from the spacious treatment rooms in the spa.

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Have a wonderful holiday!