Myanmar
Treasures of Myanmar Group Tour

Begin the Myanmar group tour on arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel accommodation. Overnight at Clover City Centre Plus Hotel or similar.

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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

(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)

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.

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)

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)

(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)

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)

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)

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)

The Myanmar group tour ends today and after breakfast airport transfers meet onward flights. (B)

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)

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)

Spend the next 2 days at leisure at Ngapali Beach. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar (B)

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)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight at the end of your Myanmar group tour. (B)

Extend your Myanmar group tour with an extension to Mon/Kayin

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)

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.

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)

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 7^th 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)

Transfer to the airport for your onward international flights at the end of the Myanmar group tour. (B)