Burma Highlights

Burma Highlights

Explore the magnificent temples of Bagan, Relax on a riverboat cruise to Mandalay, Discover Burma’s ‘Jewel City’, Trek through rarely visited alpine villages, Delve into the underground at Pindaya, Admire Yangon’s golden Shwedagon Paya

Travel to Burma and discover a country of mythical landscapes, ancient treasures and some of the friendliest folk you’ll ever meet. From golden-gilded Buddha’s in Yangon and the magical temples of Bagan to the tranquillity of Inle Lake, Burma will excite, impress and intrigue you. A visit to Burma is to experience the South-East Asia of twenty years ago, full of rarely seen sights and generations of stories just waiting to be told. Come and discover a little bit of Burma magic with us.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

 

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

 

Formerly named Rangoon, Yangon is the country's biggest city and was the capital from 1885, when the British conquered the north and the kingdom of Mandalay, until just a few years ago when the government moved the capital to Naypyidaw.

 

To get your bearings and a taste of this wonderful city, take a walk to Sule Paya, then perhaps down to the Victorian Strand Hotel to admire both the colonial architecture and the bargaining madness of Bogyoke Market. Or sample some of the great Indian food on offer.

 

We visit the holiest of all shrines at Shwedagon Paya with our local guide. The most religious site within Myanmar, said to contain 8 hairs of the Buddha, it glitters with gold, 5500 diamonds and hundreds of other precious gems on the hill overlooking the city. Come sunset the lights go on and the impressive stupa, lit with 4 beams of light, sits grandly like a shining beacon.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

 

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

 

Formerly named Rangoon, Yangon is the country's biggest city and was the capital from 1885, when the British conquered the north and the kingdom of Mandalay, until just a few years ago when the government moved the capital to Naypyidaw.

 

To get your bearings and a taste of this wonderful city, take a walk to Sule Paya, then perhaps down to the Victorian Strand Hotel to admire both the colonial architecture and the bargaining madness of Bogyoke Market. Or sample some of the great Indian food on offer.

 

We visit the holiest of all shrines at Shwedagon Paya with our local guide. The most religious site within Myanmar, said to contain 8 hairs of the Buddha, it glitters with gold, 5500 diamonds and hundreds of other precious gems on the hill overlooking the city. Come sunset the lights go on and the impressive stupa, lit with 4 beams of light, sits grandly like a shining beacon.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We explore the temple site by bike, a great way to take in all the atmosphere of this stunning sight. Our local guide, with his wealth of knowledge, will steer us through the large and impressive, such as Ananda Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto and Shwesandaw Paya, as well as the smaller hidden gems offering wonderful opportunities to climb stairwells and get those magic photo moments. And don't worry if you're averse to riding bikes - your leader can arrange a pony cart as an alternative.

Hawkers often surround the most popular temples, selling lacquer ware or handicrafts, if a spot of shopping takes your fancy. There are also stalls offering cool drinks and a touch of shade.

 

After touring the temples, we head back to the hotel for a short rest, before heading out later for sunset viewing at the nearby Shwezigon Paya and feast on local delicacies opposite these 1,000 year old temples.

 

There is plenty of free time to get into everything that Bagan has on offer. You can choose to grab a map of the Bagan Archaeological Park and explore more temples/paya at your own pace. Check out the Archaeological Museum, relax at Bamboo Garden with a latte, or sip a martini at the Beach Bar on the banks Ayeyarwaddy River during sunset. Or why not take a day trip out to Mt Popa - a single mountain which juts out of the countryside, topped with monasteries and stupas. It is home and shrine to the 37 Nat spirits. Coming in all forms there is even a 'guardian of spirits (as in alcohol)' which gamblers simply know as 'Drunk Nat'. Sweeping views await those who venture to the top.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We explore the temple site by bike, a great way to take in all the atmosphere of this stunning sight. Our local guide, with his wealth of knowledge, will steer us through the large and impressive, such as Ananda Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto and Shwesandaw Paya, as well as the smaller hidden gems offering wonderful opportunities to climb stairwells and get those magic photo moments. And don't worry if you're averse to riding bikes - your leader can arrange a pony cart as an alternative.

Hawkers often surround the most popular temples, selling lacquer ware or handicrafts, if a spot of shopping takes your fancy. There are also stalls offering cool drinks and a touch of shade.

 

After touring the temples, we head back to the hotel for a short rest, before heading out later for sunset viewing at the nearby Shwezigon Paya and feast on local delicacies opposite these 1,000 year old temples.

 

There is plenty of free time to get into everything that Bagan has on offer. You can choose to grab a map of the Bagan Archaeological Park and explore more temples/paya at your own pace. Check out the Archaeological Museum, relax at Bamboo Garden with a latte, or sip a martini at the Beach Bar on the banks Ayeyarwaddy River during sunset. Or why not take a day trip out to Mt Popa - a single mountain which juts out of the countryside, topped with monasteries and stupas. It is home and shrine to the 37 Nat spirits. Coming in all forms there is even a 'guardian of spirits (as in alcohol)' which gamblers simply know as 'Drunk Nat'. Sweeping views await those who venture to the top.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We explore the temple site by bike, a great way to take in all the atmosphere of this stunning sight. Our local guide, with his wealth of knowledge, will steer us through the large and impressive, such as Ananda Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto and Shwesandaw Paya, as well as the smaller hidden gems offering wonderful opportunities to climb stairwells and get those magic photo moments. And don't worry if you're averse to riding bikes - your leader can arrange a pony cart as an alternative.

Hawkers often surround the most popular temples, selling lacquer ware or handicrafts, if a spot of shopping takes your fancy. There are also stalls offering cool drinks and a touch of shade.

 

After touring the temples, we head back to the hotel for a short rest, before heading out later for sunset viewing at the nearby Shwezigon Paya and feast on local delicacies opposite these 1,000 year old temples.

 

There is plenty of free time to get into everything that Bagan has on offer. You can choose to grab a map of the Bagan Archaeological Park and explore more temples/paya at your own pace. Check out the Archaeological Museum, relax at Bamboo Garden with a latte, or sip a martini at the Beach Bar on the banks Ayeyarwaddy River during sunset. Or why not take a day trip out to Mt Popa - a single mountain which juts out of the countryside, topped with monasteries and stupas. It is home and shrine to the 37 Nat spirits. Coming in all forms there is even a 'guardian of spirits (as in alcohol)' which gamblers simply know as 'Drunk Nat'. Sweeping views await those who venture to the top.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Included Activities

Stretch your legs this morning with a brisk stroll around Yangola village and spend some time interacting with the smiling locals. Back on board our boat, wile away another fascinating day witnessing all the simple daily activities of life along the river.

Along the way, we pay a visit to the Sagaing Temples. Loosely described as the 'Monte Carlo of Burma', Sagiang is a set of small hills, dotted with temples and gold covered stupas.

 

We arrive in Mandalay late afternoon, just in time perhaps to for an ice-cream/latte or frappuchino at the famous Nylon Bar or consider checking out the traditional Shan cuisine at Lashio Lay.

 

This evening (or the next, depending on what time the boat arrives) we visit the impressive Mandalay Hill with a local guide. Lord Buddha is said to have left his mark on this mountain in the form of a footprint, signalling wealth and prosperity for the land standing before it. Discover all the glittering stupas, colourful mosaics and sensational lookout points as we relish in sunset views over the city.

 

There is plenty to do on your free day. Travel by river to the World Archaeological site of Mingun, with the world's largest uncracked bell and glistening white stupa; or jump on a trishaw and check out the city, visiting the sacred Buddha image of Mahamuni Paya along the way. Covered in a massive 6 inch layer of gold leaf it is said to be more than 2000 years old and bears a perfect likeness to the Lord Buddha. The intricately carved teak monastery, Shwenandaw Kyaung, is not far away; or perhaps for a change of pace see a puppetry or dance performance at the Madalay Marionettes or Mintha Theatre.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Stretch your legs this morning with a brisk stroll around Yangola village and spend some time interacting with the smiling locals. Back on board our boat, wile away another fascinating day witnessing all the simple daily activities of life along the river.

Along the way, we pay a visit to the Sagaing Temples. Loosely described as the 'Monte Carlo of Burma', Sagiang is a set of small hills, dotted with temples and gold covered stupas.

 

We arrive in Mandalay late afternoon, just in time perhaps to for an ice-cream/latte or frappuchino at the famous Nylon Bar or consider checking out the traditional Shan cuisine at Lashio Lay.

 

This evening (or the next, depending on what time the boat arrives) we visit the impressive Mandalay Hill with a local guide. Lord Buddha is said to have left his mark on this mountain in the form of a footprint, signalling wealth and prosperity for the land standing before it. Discover all the glittering stupas, colourful mosaics and sensational lookout points as we relish in sunset views over the city.

 

There is plenty to do on your free day. Travel by river to the World Archaeological site of Mingun, with the world's largest uncracked bell and glistening white stupa; or jump on a trishaw and check out the city, visiting the sacred Buddha image of Mahamuni Paya along the way. Covered in a massive 6 inch layer of gold leaf it is said to be more than 2000 years old and bears a perfect likeness to the Lord Buddha. The intricately carved teak monastery, Shwenandaw Kyaung, is not far away; or perhaps for a change of pace see a puppetry or dance performance at the Madalay Marionettes or Mintha Theatre.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

On route today we pass the impressive U Bein's Bridge - at 1.2 kilometres long it is the world’s longest teak bridge - where we will perhaps stop off for cup of tea.

Heading along the 'great road of China' (the new super highway built by the Chinese), we make our way into the mountains of Shan state which offer stunning scenery and some fine opportunities for photo stops.

 

Tonight we relax with some friends at a local restaurant and prepare for tomorrow's 12 mile trek. We have two local guides who will lead us through the tea plantations and small villages, as we explore tracks away from other tourists and traffic. But what makes this experience all the more meaningful will be that we have the opportunity to work alongside our good friends from the Rural Development Society (RDS), who have been providing wells, filtering systems and schools to many remote villages through the goodwill of local, Tommy Aung.

 

Mingling in villages along the way, we head for our lunch stop viewing point. After a break we loop around and make our scenic descent back down to Kalaw.

 

PLEASE NOTE: For the 12 mile trek you will need to have a reasonable amount of fitness. There are support vehicles available, however these can only access the trails at the halfway mark - it does mean you will need to walk for the first half of the trek. Please wear comfortable shoes but please know - the trek is walked at a comfortable pace!

Included Activities

Accommodation

On route today we pass the impressive U Bein's Bridge - at 1.2 kilometres long it is the world’s longest teak bridge - where we will perhaps stop off for cup of tea.

Heading along the 'great road of China' (the new super highway built by the Chinese), we make our way into the mountains of Shan state which offer stunning scenery and some fine opportunities for photo stops.

 

Tonight we relax with some friends at a local restaurant and prepare for tomorrow's 12 mile trek. We have two local guides who will lead us through the tea plantations and small villages, as we explore tracks away from other tourists and traffic. But what makes this experience all the more meaningful will be that we have the opportunity to work alongside our good friends from the Rural Development Society (RDS), who have been providing wells, filtering systems and schools to many remote villages through the goodwill of local, Tommy Aung.

 

Mingling in villages along the way, we head for our lunch stop viewing point. After a break we loop around and make our scenic descent back down to Kalaw.

 

PLEASE NOTE: For the 12 mile trek you will need to have a reasonable amount of fitness. There are support vehicles available, however these can only access the trails at the halfway mark - it does mean you will need to walk for the first half of the trek. Please wear comfortable shoes but please know - the trek is walked at a comfortable pace!

Included Activities

Accommodation

Setting off across the mountains and plateau crammed with farms we make a stop at the caves of Pindaya. As one of the 'Golden Caves' in Shan state, pilgrims flock to worship the 8000 or so Buddha images which adorn the caverns, tunnels and meditation chambers of this huge limestone cave. We venture into the labyrinth of tunnels with our guide to gain a better insight into its history.

Pushing on towards Taungyi, we take the turnoff to the resort town of Nyuangshwe, set at the northern end of Inle Lake and our base for the next few days. The calm waters of Inle Lake are the life-blood for many ethnic minority communities found in stilt houses in lake's shallow fringes and surrounding areas.

 

Heading out in motorised boats we spend the day taking in all the sights from the distinctive leg rowing of local fishermen casting their nets, to the Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, floating tomato plantations and a plethora of cottage industries such as silversmiths, weavers and cigar makers. We may even come across the floating market which circles the lake each 5 days, where locals sell traditional wares and we can take advantage of shopping opportunities which might come our way.

 

Stopping for lunch in the shadow of Phaung Daw Oo Paya , the most religious site in Shan State, take a few moments to check out the gold-leaf coated Buddha images and many paintings which tell of the origin of the 4 statues. The gilded barge used during the Phaung Daw Oo festival to sail to all the temples around the lake is also on display.

 

Continuing on our adventure we visit local villages, where the locals greet you with smiles and handicraft items, as we make our way back into Nyaungshwe.

 

This evening we can sit back and enjoy a traditional Shan banquet.

 

There is lots to choose from on your free day! Perhaps visit the markets, take a wander around the nearby waterfront, cycle off into neighbouring villages, see old payas/temples and the lovely teak monastery, or head for the hills on a trek to visit the Padaung (long neck) tribes.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Setting off across the mountains and plateau crammed with farms we make a stop at the caves of Pindaya. As one of the 'Golden Caves' in Shan state, pilgrims flock to worship the 8000 or so Buddha images which adorn the caverns, tunnels and meditation chambers of this huge limestone cave. We venture into the labyrinth of tunnels with our guide to gain a better insight into its history.

Pushing on towards Taungyi, we take the turnoff to the resort town of Nyuangshwe, set at the northern end of Inle Lake and our base for the next few days. The calm waters of Inle Lake are the life-blood for many ethnic minority communities found in stilt houses in lake's shallow fringes and surrounding areas.

 

Heading out in motorised boats we spend the day taking in all the sights from the distinctive leg rowing of local fishermen casting their nets, to the Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, floating tomato plantations and a plethora of cottage industries such as silversmiths, weavers and cigar makers. We may even come across the floating market which circles the lake each 5 days, where locals sell traditional wares and we can take advantage of shopping opportunities which might come our way.

 

Stopping for lunch in the shadow of Phaung Daw Oo Paya , the most religious site in Shan State, take a few moments to check out the gold-leaf coated Buddha images and many paintings which tell of the origin of the 4 statues. The gilded barge used during the Phaung Daw Oo festival to sail to all the temples around the lake is also on display.

 

Continuing on our adventure we visit local villages, where the locals greet you with smiles and handicraft items, as we make our way back into Nyaungshwe.

 

This evening we can sit back and enjoy a traditional Shan banquet.

 

There is lots to choose from on your free day! Perhaps visit the markets, take a wander around the nearby waterfront, cycle off into neighbouring villages, see old payas/temples and the lovely teak monastery, or head for the hills on a trek to visit the Padaung (long neck) tribes.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Setting off across the mountains and plateau crammed with farms we make a stop at the caves of Pindaya. As one of the 'Golden Caves' in Shan state, pilgrims flock to worship the 8000 or so Buddha images which adorn the caverns, tunnels and meditation chambers of this huge limestone cave. We venture into the labyrinth of tunnels with our guide to gain a better insight into its history.

Pushing on towards Taungyi, we take the turnoff to the resort town of Nyuangshwe, set at the northern end of Inle Lake and our base for the next few days. The calm waters of Inle Lake are the life-blood for many ethnic minority communities found in stilt houses in lake's shallow fringes and surrounding areas.

 

Heading out in motorised boats we spend the day taking in all the sights from the distinctive leg rowing of local fishermen casting their nets, to the Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, floating tomato plantations and a plethora of cottage industries such as silversmiths, weavers and cigar makers. We may even come across the floating market which circles the lake each 5 days, where locals sell traditional wares and we can take advantage of shopping opportunities which might come our way.

 

Stopping for lunch in the shadow of Phaung Daw Oo Paya , the most religious site in Shan State, take a few moments to check out the gold-leaf coated Buddha images and many paintings which tell of the origin of the 4 statues. The gilded barge used during the Phaung Daw Oo festival to sail to all the temples around the lake is also on display.

 

Continuing on our adventure we visit local villages, where the locals greet you with smiles and handicraft items, as we make our way back into Nyaungshwe.

 

This evening we can sit back and enjoy a traditional Shan banquet.

 

There is lots to choose from on your free day! Perhaps visit the markets, take a wander around the nearby waterfront, cycle off into neighbouring villages, see old payas/temples and the lovely teak monastery, or head for the hills on a trek to visit the Padaung (long neck) tribes.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We travel to Yangon by plane; the flight to Yangon takes just over an hour.

The spectacular vistas from the viewing deck of the Sakura Tower is the ideal setting for our final evening together.

 

If you find yourself with a bit of extra time Yangon has many cultural delights and excellent sights on offer, with the circular train providing great access to different parts of the city.

 

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Please note - if you are wanting to head to Mt Kyaiktiyo to see the Golden Rock, your leader will be able to help organise this for you. It is a two day trip, including transportation to and from Mt Kyaiktiyo (approx 5 hours travelling time each way), overnight accommodation and some sightseeing in Bago. There is no time to complete this on your tour, and you will need to have at least one extra night of free time at the end of your tour. Pricing is around $315 USD for a single traveller, although this is subject to change. If you would like to book this you will need to speak to your leader on the first day of the tour, otherwise we are unable to book this for you.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We travel to Yangon by plane; the flight to Yangon takes just over an hour.

The spectacular vistas from the viewing deck of the Sakura Tower is the ideal setting for our final evening together.

 

If you find yourself with a bit of extra time Yangon has many cultural delights and excellent sights on offer, with the circular train providing great access to different parts of the city.

 

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Please note - if you are wanting to head to Mt Kyaiktiyo to see the Golden Rock, your leader will be able to help organise this for you. It is a two day trip, including transportation to and from Mt Kyaiktiyo (approx 5 hours travelling time each way), overnight accommodation and some sightseeing in Bago. There is no time to complete this on your tour, and you will need to have at least one extra night of free time at the end of your tour. Pricing is around $315 USD for a single traveller, although this is subject to change. If you would like to book this you will need to speak to your leader on the first day of the tour, otherwise we are unable to book this for you.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner