Myanmar
Myanmar – Treasures of Myanmar Group Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour.
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.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour pace
Moderate
Tour style
Traveller
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary.
Day 1 - Yangon Arrival
Arrive in Yangon where you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Eastern Hotel or similar. No meals included today.
Day 2 - Yangon
This morning we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. You will learn about the history of the pagoda, the daily lives of the people living in the immediate surroundings and a deeper insight into the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is mixed with the belief in nats – the Myanmar spirits. Pass workshops, markets and monasteries along the way. The tour includes a traditional Burmese breakfast, offerings to monks and the pagoda, and a visit to a fortune teller and Burmese lunch. The afternoon is free to discover downtown Yangon with all its heritage buildings on your own. You may wish to revisit Shwedagon in the evening to see this magnificent pagoda illuminated in all its glory. Overnight at Eastern Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 3 - Yangon – Mandalay
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. On arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the Mahamuni pagoda and have a look at the century’s old Buddha statue originating from Mrauk Oo. Continue to Amarapura, a quiet village where you can hear the sound of weaving machines. Finally visit the famous Mahagandayon Monastery complex with hundreds of monks, a 100-year-old weaving vocational training institution and watch the sunset from the charming U-Bein Bridge, and taste a sip of Mandalay rum which has been produced since 1886. Overnight at Ayarwaddy River View Hotel or similar (B)
Day 4 - Mandalay by bike
This morning we explore Mandalay by bike. The ride starts in the back lanes of town, passing markets and through lively neighbourhoods heading for the north east of the city. After a short ride we find ourselves in the true countryside where farmers tend to their fields, and villagers go about their daily rituals, often stopping to wave as we pass by. We make some interesting stops, first at a market to learn about the different produce on sale, and then to see bamboo being woven which is used to construct everything from roofs and walls to fans. We take a walk through a typical central Myanmar village and learn about their way of life and their different crops. On our way back to town we stop at a tea shop for a refreshing drink and snacks. We return from our ride around noon and take you by motorbike back to the hotel. Please note: you should wear clothing suitable for this activity: quarter length pants, shorts, t-shirts are all advisable, as are comfortable closed shoes. Sunscreen and hat are a must. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Ayarwaddy River View 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 the public bus to Bagan where we arrive at lunchtime and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour with a guide who will show you the best-known temples of the area. We start by climbing a pagoda to get a first impressive view over the whole plain. From here the guide plans his way to some of the other impressive temples that have been here for hundreds of years. Places like the Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Thatbyinnyu will certainly impress you. Overnight at Villa Bagan Hotel or similar (B)
Day 6 - Explore Bagan
Today is a free day in Bagan to discover its delights at your own pace. You can rent a horse cart, a bicycle or an electric bike or if you book early enough (at least 6 months is a good guide) you may be able to take a spectacular early morning balloon ride over the Bagan plain. Overnight at Villa Bagan Hotel or similar (B)
Please note that accurate weights of all passengers are required for the Balloon flights’ safety calculations. Pregnant women and children under the age of 8 or under the height of 137cm are not permitted to fly. Any Passenger in excess of 125 kg/280 pounds is required to pay a 100% surcharge of the ticket price.
Day 7 - Bagan – Pakannge - Salay
Today we drive to Pakanne, or ‘Little Bagan’. En route we stop at a small factory where the delicious dry zone tamarind flakes are produced. After this short and tasty stop, we continue to one of the ancient temples and discover the history of this unknown archaeological site with some hidden temples and monasteries. Lunch is served at a local wooden monastery and we have time to walk through the rural riverside village. We end the afternoon with a visit to the fantastic monastery complex with the long teak wooden walk way in the nearby village and continue to Salay town for an overnight stay. Overnight at Salay River View Inn or similar (BL)
Day 8 - Salay - Bagan
This morning we explore Salay town including the old monastery, the market, U Phoe Kyi house (the rich merchant who build over 130 years ago the impressive teak wooden monastery) and a small workshop. We continue to Chauk, famous for its noodles, where we visit the local market and have lunch before driving back to Bagan. Overnight at Villa Bagan or similar (BL)
Day 9 - Bagan - Kalaw
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 10 - Kalaw – Inle Lake
This morning we travel to Inle Lake and on arrival enjoy exploring this magical lake by boat. We discover its natural beauty, visit the floating gardens, see some of the famous leg rowing fishermen, and have a cup of tea at a local home. Around the lake, traditional markets are held in different villages according to a 5-day rotating schedule. Today we visit one of these colourful markets frequented by Shan and PaO people. We also visit a local cheroot factory (where Burmese cigars are made), floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Intha Heritage house – where Burmese cats are bred – and if there is time a weaving factory. Overnight Ananta Inle Resort or similar (BL)
Day 11 - Inle Lake
Today explore rural villages on the lake by kayak. Lake. Depending on the location of your hotel, a short transfer by motorboat over the lake will bring you to In Phaw Khone, the famous weaving village on stilts belonging to the Intha people. Light-weight kayaks are ready for you to start paddling on the lake (2 persons per kayak) for a trip to rural areas few outsiders have had the opportunity to visit. After about an hour of paddling you stop in a village to learn more about the Intha people and their local food production. You then continue your journey by kayak, before stopping to have lunch at the home of a local Intha family, who welcome you for a delicious home-cooked meal. You leave the kayaks behind and return to your hotel by motorboat. There is an option to continue visiting other places on the lake with the motorboat and guide. Overnight at Ananta Inle Resort or similar (BL)
Day 12 - Inle Lake
Spend the day at leisure. Overnight Ananta Inle Resort or similar (B)
Day 13 - Inle Lake
We visit the ruins of Indein, partly covered by vegetation and which until recently lay undiscovered. If time allows we will take a short walk to enjoy a fantastic view over the lake and visit a school in Tha Ley village. A home-made cooked lunch will be served in a local house. We continue towards the Nam Pan village for a very interesting trip by small canoe exploring the side channels and observing village life.
We continue with a short walk to Red Mountain Winery for a wine tasting before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Ananta Inle Resort or similar (BL)
Day 14 - Inle Lake via Heho to Yangon
This morning, transfer to Heho airport for a flight back to Yangon and on arrival transfer to the hotel. The rest of your day is free in Yangon. Overnight at Eastern 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)
Transfer to Heho airport for a flight to Thandwe for Ngapali Beach. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar (B)
Day 15-16 – Ngapali Beach
Spent 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 your flight back to Yangon. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight at Eastern Hotel or similar (B)
Day 18 – Depart Yangon
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (B)
Dates & Price.
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
Read more about our Myanmar group tour and other tours in Asia
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