BUDDHIST LANDS' FESTIVE DAYS

Welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Threeland  tour guide and transfer to your hotel to check in. After check-in and refreshment, start our orientation tour in Yangon at Sule Pagoda (a land mark in the city centre). Legend said that it is 2,000-year-old and the central stupa is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. During the walking tour around Sule Pagoda, we will discover a unique charm of Yangon at every corner with its old colonial architecture buildings such as City Hall, High Court, etc. Enjoy a great sunset at marvellous Shwedagon pagoda and its pagoda bazaar. The massive and magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda (99m high), is considered of the most remarkable wonders of the world. It was built 2,600 years ago and being a place to meet devoted Buddhists at meditation and prays. Back to hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Yangon.

After breakfast, we drive to Kyaikhtiyo (about 5 hours from Yangon), a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaves and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. The gold-plated boulder is said to maintain its balance thanks to a single hair of the Buddha being enshrined inside the pagoda and offering one of the most stunning panoramas of the entire Myanmar. Arrive at the Kinpun “base camp” - the starting point of the road going and onward to Kyaikhtiyo. Later we will  take a truck ride for about 45 minutes to reach the terminus of the road “Rathedaung”, the Golden Rock is only one hour to climb on foot or by sedans (to rent on the spot upon request). Once arrival at the vicinity of the pagoda, we can enjoy a spectacular view, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Overnight at Golden Rock.  

Wake up early to visit the Golden rock in marvelous sunrise with numerous pilgrims and Buddhists from all over Myanmar, then back to hotel for breakfast. Afterthat, we will walk back to the transit place “Rathedaung” and then take a truck ride to reach Kinpun base camp. On the way back to Yangon, we can stop at Bago including the highlights as the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, stands as a landmark of Bago and it is the highest pagoda in Mon state with the elevation of 114 meter high, built over 2,000 years ago; Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha which is one of the most elegant reclining Buddha images, stretching 55 meter long and 16 meter high and was built during 9th century; Four giant Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda (28 meter high), built by King Damazedi in 15th century. Arrive in Yangon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Yangon.

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang (transit via Bangkok) to attend the great Water Festival of the traditional New Year of Mekong nations. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, the guide and vehicle of Threeland will transfer us to the hotel in the center of Luang Prabang to check in. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

We should wake up early in the morning, around 06.00 or 06.30, to catch the scene of alms giving on streets of Luang Prabang, with hundreds of monks walking in long queues to receive the alms from the local Buddhists, a great image of Laos following its thousand-year traditions. 
After breakfast, this morning, we can get familiar with Luang Prabang, the best-preserved traditional city of Southeast Asia in its last day of the traditional New Year - the Water Festival (Bun Pii Mai Lao). Our trip today will be on foot (alternatively by bicycles at own rental cost) to the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. Climb up Phousi Mountain to have an excellent green panorama of Luang Prabang before joining the ceremony of “Miss Pii Mai” at That Luang Stadium and traditional show organized for Laos’ New Year in the afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we will join the Fair market on the occasion of New Year, holy ceremony of sand stupa building on the Mekong opposite Luang Prabang, Baci ceremony, traditional show and rocket firing. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most magnificent Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang with marvelous carving, Buddha statue, and typical “Luang Prabang architectural style”, where many festive activities are going on during the New Year in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, free at leisure till our guide come to pick you up to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.

After breakfast, join  the local to celebrate Thingyan Festival (Water Festival) - the most important traditional festival in Myanmar. Behind the playfulness, the practice of playing with water is rooted in the ancient Hindu belief that diving in water cleanses the soul spiritually. People pour water on each other to wash away the bad deeds of the previous year, and to start the new year with clean karma. Expect to get soaked from the moment you step out of your hotel till you get back. Nobody is spared at Thingyan, except for monks and pregnant women.This is a great time to visit Myanmar and get to know the hospitality and friendliness of the people. Locals dancing and drinking in the streets really go out of their way to make visitors feel a part of the celebrations. Overnight in Yagon.