Myanmar
Myanmar – Treasures of Myanmar Group Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour from £2075 per person.
From chaotic and charming Yangon, where we take a spiritual Shwedagon tour, to Kayah villages and old pagodas and monasteries, this is a group tour that really goes beyond the tourist trail.
You have the chance to go trekking to the villages in Kayah state and learn about the ethnic longneck tribe. Add in a cycle tour in Mandalay and visit a project for retired elephants around Kalaw, and you can see why this group tour of Myanmar is so different.
We start our Myanmar group tour in the capital, Yangon. Formerly known as Rangoon, it is a delightfully ramshackle city.
Founded in the 18th century and becoming an important port it was destroyed by fire and then again suffered during the Second Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Much of downtown Yangon hosts a splendid array of colonial style architecture dating back to the British occupation, including the wonderfully picturesque City Hall and the High Court.
Many streets are thronged with people buying from the numerous stalls set up alongside the pavements, selling everything from fried insects to engine parts. Central Yangon contains the wonderfully gaudy Sule Pagoda, an ancient structure in the middle of a busy intersection, which gives a great picture of how Myanmar melds ancient spirituality and modern day commercial interests.
The jewel in Yangon’s crown is however the Shwedagon Pagoda, a collection of stupas encrusted in gold which attracts pilgrims from all over Myanmar, and is said to contain hairs from Buddha. Containing numerous images of nats (spirits) and Buddha himself, Shwedagon is immensely important for the Burmese people, and is where Aung San Suu Kyi addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands demanding democracy from the military regime.
Itinerary.
Day 1 - Yangon Arrival
Begin the Myanmar group tour on arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel accommodation. Overnight at Clover City Centre Plus Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Yangon
This morning we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. There’s time to discover the history of the pagoda, learn about the daily lives of people living in the immediate vicinity and gain an insight into the Buddhist religion and how spirituality combines with belief in nats – Myanmar spirits. The tour passes workshops, markets and monasteries along the way and includes a traditional Burmese breakfast, offerings to monks and the pagoda, and a visit to a fortune teller. The afternoon is free to discover downtown Yangon and its heritage buildings independently. You may wish to revisit Shwedagon in the evening to see the pagoda illuminated in all its glory. Overnight at Clover City Plus Centre Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 - Yangon – Mandalay
This morning we head to the airport for a short domestic flight to Mandalay, followed by transfer to hotel accommodation. In the afternoon we visit the Mahamuni pagoda and examine the centuries-old Buddha statue, originating from Mrauk Oo. Later, we continue to Amarapura, a quiet village known for its artisan weavers. Finally, we visit the famous Mahagandayon Monastery complex, home to hundreds of monks, take in a 100-year-old institution dedicated to training weavers, taste Mandalay rum, produced since 1886, and watch sunset from the U-Bein Bridge. Overnight at Victoria Palace Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 - Mandalay by bike
Two wheels provide a great way to appreciate the city and surroundings. The ride starts among the back lanes of town, passing markets and lively neighbourhoods, heading for the north east of the city. After a short ride we find ourselves in true countryside, where farmers tend their fields and villagers go about their daily tasks, often stopping to wave as we pass. We stop at a market to see what’s on sale, then discover the multiple applications of bamboo, used to construct everything from roofs and walls to fans. Later, we dismount and walk through a typical central Myanmar village to learn about lifestyle and farming practices. On the way back to town we stop at a tea shop for some snacks, and expect to return around noon, giving our legs a rest and heading back to the hotel by motorbike. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at Victoria Palace Hotel or similar. (B)
Please note: Suitable clothing is advisable for this activity, such as quarter length trousers or shorts, t-shirts and closed shoes. Hats and sunscreen and hat are a must too.
Day 5 - Mandalay to Bagan
This morning we take a public bus to Bagan, arriving at lunchtime and checking-in to hotel accommodation. In the afternoon our Myanmar group tour has a guided sightseeing tour, climbing a pagoda for an impressive view over the whole plain before visiting some of the area’s most interesting temples. Highlights include the Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Thatbyinnyu. Overnight at Zfreeti Hotel Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 6 - Explore Bagan
Today is a free to explore Bagan independently at your own pace. Consider renting a horse drawn buggy, a bicycle or an electric bike. For a spectacular perspective, book at least six months in advance, and take an early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Bagan plain. Overnight at Zfreeti Hotel or similar. (B)
Please note: Accurate weights of all passengers are required for balloon flights. Passengers in excess of 125kg/280lb will attract a 100% surcharge on the ticket price. Pregnant women and children younger than eight-years-old or under 137cm tall are not permitted to fly.
Day 7 - Bagan to Kalaw
(Approximate driving time: six-hours)
Today’s long drive takes us to an elephant conservation project near Kalaw. If we arrive on schedule there’ll be time to take a peaceful walk in the forest before meeting the elephants and their mahouts. The project was started by local school friends and focuses on protecting the elephants, the environment, and preserving the traditions of local people. As well as providing a natural environment for retired working elephants, the project assists villagers in education and micro finance. We have an opportunity to learn about the elephants, to help wash them in the river and feed them in beautiful forest surroundings. After lunch we continue on to Kalaw itself. Overnight at the Dream Villa Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 8 - Kalaw – Loikaw by Train
An early start sees a spectacular train journey through the landscapes of Pa O. The train leaves Kalaw at 06:00 and arrives at Saung Byaung station around 16:00, but be prepared for delays… On arrival we continue by private car to Loikaw to enjoy a traditional, home cooked meal at a local family house. Overnight at Kayah Land Hotel or similar. (BD)
Please note: We recommend you carry enough drinks and snacks for the train journey. The train has hard wooden seats, so it may be an idea to bring a soft pillow for the journey.
Day 9 - Loikaw
Today we start with a visit to the busy morning market of Loikaw, followed by the former palace of the Kayah prince and Kayah Museum. Later, we drive to Kasae Kum village where the rings that some Kayah women wear around their necks are made – the story of longneck women is itself an intriguing tale. Next, we continue to Pemsong village, stretching our legs, and not our necks, on a four-hour ‘trail of the ancestors’. During the walk, local guides recount the story of their ancestors, describing their belief in spirits, the significance of totem poles, and the application of herbal medicines. We have a picnic lunch before arriving in one of the Kayah villages and meeting more longneck women. Finally, we drive towards Loikaw, visiting a Kayah boxing training centre, before enjoying Kayah liquor (or a beer) sundowners with Kayah sausages. Overnight at Kayah Land Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 10 - Loikaw – Kayah Village Walk
This morning we visit Hta Nee La Leh and meet members of the community who will explain their animist shrines and traditions. We take lunch at a local house, leaving the rest of the day free for independent exploration or just relaxation. Overnight at Kayah Land Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 11 - Loikaw – Pekon – Samkar – Inle Lake
(Approximate journey time: four-hours)
After breakfast we drive to Pekon and take a boat across Pekon Lake towards Samkar village to visit Samkar Monastery. Later, we continue by boat to Inle Lake a highlight of the Myanmar group tour. Overnight at Paramount Inle Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 12 - Inle Lake
Today is dedicated to exploring this magical lake by boat. We discover its natural beauty, visit the floating gardens, see some of the famous leg rowing fishermen, and take tea in a local home. Traditional markets are held in different villages around the lake, according to a five-day schedule. We visit one of the markets frequented by Shan and Pa O people. We also visit a local cheroot factory, where Burmese cigars manufactured, floating tomato gardens, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Intha Heritage house where Burmese cats are bred, and if there’s time, call in at a weaving factory. Overnight at Paramount Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 13 - Inle Lake
In the morning we visit the recently discovered ruins of Indein, still partly covered by vegetation. If time allows, we’ll take a short walk to a viewpoint over the lake and visit a school in Tha Ley village. We take lunch at a local house before continuing towards the Nam Pan village for an interesting canoe excursion exploring the village life on the lake’s side channels. Finally, we visit a recently established vineyard, one of two in the whole country, for tastings. Overnight at Paramount Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 14 - Inle Lake via Heho to Yangon
A short domestic flight from Heho airport returns us to Yangon, followed by check-in at hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Overnight at Clover City Centre Plus Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 15 - Yangon Departure
The Myanmar group tour ends today and after breakfast airport transfers meet onward flights. (B)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION to Ngapali Beach 4 Days/3 Nights
Extend your Myanmar group tour with an extension to Ngapali Beach 4 Days/3 Nights (Not available as an extension in the wet season May – October)
Day 14 – Inle Lake – Heho – Thandwe (Ngapali Beach)
This morning head to Heho airport for a domestic flight to Thandwe, for Ngapali Beach. On arrival transfer to hotel accommodation. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar. (B)
Day 15-16 – Ngapali Beach
Spend the next 2 days at leisure at Ngapali Beach. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar (B)
Day 17 – Ngapali Beach – Yangon
Transfer to Thandwe airport for flights back to Yangon. On arrival transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at Clover City Centre Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 18 – Depart Yangon
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight at the end of your Myanmar group tour. (B)
OPTIONAL Cultural/Historical EXTENSION to Mon/Kayin 5 Days/4 Nights
Extend your Myanmar group tour with an extension to Mon/Kayin
Day 15 – Yangon – Golden Rock
This morning we leave Yangon and visit the Taukkyan War Cemetery, where over 6,000 Allied soldiers are laid to rest, and the Rangoon Memorial records 27,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in Burma during WW2. It’s here that prisoners of war forced by the Japanese to construct the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ in Kayin and Mon state are commemorated. Later we continue to Kyaiktiyo and visit the Golden Rock pagoda. Balanced on the edge of a mountain, over the years the pagoda’s rock has been entirely covered by gold leaf, and it has become one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. Overnight Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 16 – Golden Rock – Hpa An
There’s an early start today as we drive to Hpa An. Exploring by kayak and on foot through typical Kayin landscapes and traditional villages, we see how local people live and work, taking lunch at a local house. We continue by kayak to the remarkable Saddar Cave known for its Buddha statues and carvings. Overnight at Hotel Gabana or similar. (BL)
Please note: The streams in this region are shallow, and we’ll use small kayaks to get around. This means you could get wet. Sandals, shorts and a t-shirt are recommended, and of course a hat and sunscreen. We are supporting local communities in this off-the-beaten-track region and therefore you’ll be accompanied by local people. Though English language skills may be limited a genuine love of the area sees them share their community with pride.
Day 17 – Hpa An – Cruise on the Thanlwin River and Mawlamyine
Today we board a private board boat for a cruise on the Thanlwin (Salween) River – one of the longest rivers in Myanmar, ending in Mon State. As the river is quite narrow we have fantastic views of life on the river banks. We stop at Pa Lin village to visit the community, home to Kayin, Shan, Mon, Bamar and PaO people. Continuing along the river, we also stop at a small jetty in U Na Auk village. Here, we take tuk tuks to see the ornate carvings and decorations of the temples and ordination hall donated to the village by Mr Na Auk, a successful Mon trader during the British period. On arrival in the city of Mawlamyine we visit a local house for a home cooked lunch of Mon specialities. In the afternoon we visit the Mon Museum and walk around an area notable for impressive colonial buildings from the time writers George Orwell and Rudyard Kipling lived in the city. Finally, we visit the Seindon Mibaya Monastery known for its exquisite wood carvings, before returning to Hpa An for the evening. Overnight at Hotel Gabana or similar. (BL)
Day 18 – Hpa An – Bago – Train to Yangon
After breakfast we drive northwards, passing through rural villages and towns of Mon and Kayin State. We call in at Kawgun Cave, known for its artwork of clay Buddha statues dating from the 7th century, the period of the Mon kingdom. Later, we stop at the former Royal Palace I Bago. From Bago we continue by train to Yangon, a great way to take in the scenery. On arrival at Yangon station we transfer to hotel accommodation. Overnight at Clover City Centre Plus Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 19 – Depart Yangon
Transfer to the airport for your onward international flights at the end of the Myanmar group tour. (B)
Dates & Price.
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Tour CodeStartEndTrip StatusPricing
Tour Notes
Minimum Group Size
This Myanmar group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.
Flights
Return flights from London to Yangon start at £600. Contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included if you are booking pre and/or post tour accommodation at the hotel mentioned in our tour dossier.
Single Supplement
Single Supplement for main group tour from £350 to £385
Single Supplement for Ngapali Beach extension from £150
Single Supplement for Mon/Kayin State extension from £75
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Yangon costs from £30 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £55 per person in a solo occupancy room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Myanmar Private Tour
If you do not wish to be part of a group tour then you can do the same tour on a private basis. Please contact us for prices.
Kindly note that we can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please get in touch with Mark so we can tailor your perfect tour of Myanmar.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Domestic flights
- All accommodation
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader where mentioned
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks