Burma

Upon arrival at Yangon International airport you’ll be met by our guide and whisked away for your first vist to Shwedagon Pagoda. We’ll then transfer you to your hotel. After lunch we’ll take a tour of downtown Yangon, focusing on its old colonial buildings. Your guide will walk you through the back streets while explaining the history and architecture before we stop at the famous Strand hotel for high tea.  

This morning you’ll set out to discover just what’s behind the golden façade of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Our guide will talk you through the history of the pagoda, the daily life of those living in the surroundings, and you’ll gain a deeper insight into the Buddhist religion. You’ll witness local workshops, markets and monasteries, give offerings to monks and the pagoda, visit to a fortune teller, and finish this half-day tour with a traditional Burmese lunch.  

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bagan. You’ll be met on arrival by your guide and escorted to your hotel. In the afternoon we’ll take you off the beaten track to visit the temples of Bagan that are not on the maps! You’ll get the chance to witness ancient temples and monasteries, temples that are off the typical tourist track, and hidden temples like one tucked behind a police station. We’ll have lunch in a local house before discovering more about the magical Bagan period  

After breakfast we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Heho. On arrival you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Kalaw’s Elephant conservation project. The project focuses on protecting the nature, elephants and traditions of local people living close to Kalaw, and this private protected Asian jungle creates a safe habitat for animals that could otherwise be hunted down. After a lunch of local Nepalese specialities you’ll assist the mahout with washing and feeding the elephants, before strolling back to the main road and driving back to Kalaw.  

After breakfast your guide will meet you at the hotel for a day of sightseeing at Inle Lake – a vast natural lake surrounded by traditional Shan villages. On the lake itself the Intha people have been living for centuries in a village built entirely on stilts. Today we’ll go by private motorboat to discover the lake’s natural beauty, visit the floating gardens, market, and have tea at a local house. We’ll also stop by a cheroot factory (where Burmese cigars are made),the floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a weaving factory, and an Intha house where a traditional Intha lunch will ne served. Lots to see!

You’ll have breakfast in the hotel before heading to the ruins of Indein. Partly covered by vegetation, the area resembles a “pagoda forest” and is utterly beautiful. We’ll walk for around one hour to enjoy the tranquility and scenery over the lake before indulging in a home-made cooked lunch in a local house. We’ll then continue towards the Nam Pan village for a spot of gentle canoeing before returning to the hotel.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ngapali Beach, the perfect place to spend the last few days of your holiday!

Enjoy today at leisure to enjoy the resort, pool and long walks up and down the beautiful beach.

This morning, transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to Yangon. Once there your trip to Myanmar will come to a close with lunch at Sharky’s restaurant – a local establishment serving organic vegetables, locally made cheese, ham, and other delicious treats. We’ll then head for an hour’s foot massage, carried out by blind or deaf people, and trained by a local charity. With a renewed spring in your step, this is your last chance for a spot of shopping with our shopping guide. From longyi (local sarong), umbrellas and old books, to gold leaves and local paintings, you’ll have souvenirs for all before you’re transferred to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight. The above itinerary is a sample only. All itineraries are crafted to suit client’s interests, time and budget requirements. Please get in touch to speak to a country specialist and start planning your bespoke journey now