Myanmar Family Adventure
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
An enigmatic land of golden pagodas and mist-shrouded jungle, Myanmar was once described by Rudyard Kipling as a place ‘quite unlike any...you know about’. Isolated from the outside world for years it still remains something of a mystery to many. But for those willing to enter this remarkable country, you’ll discover a timeless landscape of faded colonial grandeur, Buddhist traditions and a rich cultural legacy that has changed little over the intervening years.
An ...
An enigmatic land of golden pagodas and mist-shrouded jungle, Myanmar was once described by Rudyard Kipling as a place ‘quite unlike any...you know about’. Isolated from the outside world for years it still remains something of a mystery to many. But for those willing to enter this remarkable country, you’ll discover a timeless landscape of faded colonial grandeur, Buddhist traditions and a rich cultural legacy that has changed little over the intervening years.
An ideal destination for a family adventure, Myanmar’s wealth of active experiences makes it the perfect playground for fun and excitement. Enjoy the opportunity to trek through traditional hill tribe settlements and kayak amongst the stilted houses of Inle Lake, bathe elephants in the hills around Kalaw and cycle through the spectacular temples of Bagan. Beginning and ending amongst the bustling streets of Yangon, Myanmar’s historic capital, this spectacular journey also affords a chance to relax along the golden sands of Ngapali, beside the warm, clear waters of the Bay of Bengal.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Embark on a treasure hunt around the famous temples of Bagan by electric scooter
- Enjoy cooking lessons and kayaking along the shores of Inle Lake
- Trek through village landscapes that have remained unchanged for generations and enjoy local hospitality
- Spend a day with the elephants of the Green Hill Valley Camp
- Relax on the golden beaches of Ngapali and savour the freshest seafood
- Discover the culinary delights of Yangon and wander around the atmospheric China Town
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE YANGON
DAY 1: ARRIVE YANGON
The journey begins in Yangon, Myanmar’s historic and vibrant capital where, on arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Formerly known as Rangoon, this relatively quiet and charming city is an impressive fusion of colonial grandeur and cultural tradition that makes it an ideal starting point for any journey into this fascinating country.
DAY 2: YANGON
DAY 2: YANGON
Today provides a chance to immerse yourself properly into Yangon’s bustling local culture, with a morning tour of the city. Join the pilgrims at the iconic setting of the Shwedagon Pagoda, wander through colourful markets where locals come to buy and sell goods, or head to a tea shop and tuck into a bowl of mohinga soup, Myanmar’s favourite breakfast dish of rice noodles and fish. This afternoon, board the Yangon circle train which runs from Yangon’s main railway station in a circle around various neighbourhoods in town and on the outskirts of town. Sit alongside local commuters, watching as vendors hop on and off to sell snacks and cold drinks to the passengers.
DAY 3: YANGON - BAGAN
DAY 3: YANGON - BAGAN
Departing the hotel after breakfast you’ll head to the airport for the flight on to Bagan, home to one of Asia’s most spectacular sacred settings. Aside from visiting the temples themselves, this full-day guided tour also provides a chance to explore the local neighbourhoods and watch local artisans at work, cruise up the mighty Irrawaddy River to an unusual cave temple.
DAY 4: BAGAN TREASURE HUNT
DAY 4: BAGAN TREASURE HUNT
Time, earthquakes and the inundations of the Irrawaddy River have ravaged much of the original city, but there are still over 2200 structures remaining in Bagan and you'll explore some of them this today by electric scooter. Set off on a treasure hunt which will take you through temples, villages and even an artisan’s workshop, delving into this remarkable area’s history and learning more about the communities that live here.
DAY 5: BAGAN - HEHO - GREEN HILL VALLEY - KALAW
DAY 5: BAGAN - HEHO - GREEN HILL VALLEY - KALAW
Transferring to the airport this morning you will fly to Heho, from where you drive on to the picturesque old hill station at Kalaw, set amongst the rolling hills of the Shan Plateau. Enjoying the cooler temperatures of the higher altitudes you’ll then continue on towards the Green Valley Elephant Camp, to join the local mahouts as they treat the elephants to a bath in a nearby river. After a chance for a little exploring later this afternoon, you’ll then return to Kalaw for the evening.
DAY 6: KALAW - NAUNG TAYAR - SAUNG KHAR
DAY 6: KALAW - NAUNG TAYAR - SAUNG KHAR
Your trekking adventure begins today with a two-hour drive to the small town of Naung Tayar. Meeting up with the trekking team here, you’ll then head off on foot, following a trail scattered with local villages and small farmsteads. The cooler temperatures are ideal for trekking and, after stopping in Ngo La to enjoy lunch with a local family, you’ll then continue on towards Saung Khar village, to spend this evening enjoying the hospitality of the locals.
DAY 7: SAUNG KHAR - THARYAR GONE - SAMKAR
DAY 7: SAUNG KHAR - THARYAR GONE - SAMKAR
Departing early this morning the trail today provides some spectacular views of bamboo forests, lush valleys and the village of Naung Mon, your first stop of the day. Here you will pay a visit to the local monastery and learn more about local village life, before gradually descending towards Tharyar Gone, close to the shores of Inle Lake. On arrival in Tharyar Gone there may be time to visit the Thar Khaung Pagoda, before transferring across the lake by boat to Samkar village.
DAY 8: SAMKAR - NAMPAN - INLE LAKE
DAY 8: SAMKAR - NAMPAN - INLE LAKE
You will head off this morning on a beautifully scenic bicycle ride to Nampan, passing through a landscape of maize fields and rice paddies. The views of the mountains and lake are breathtaking and on arrival in Nampan you will transfer to a boat for the second part of the day’s sightseeing. Cruising past silted villages and floating gardens you’ll stop for a traditional Inthar lunch, before paying an afternoon visit to the scared Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the silk weaving village of Inpawkhone.
DAY 9: INLE LAKE
DAY 9: INLE LAKE
The day begins with an early visit to one of the region’s famous floating markets. These village markets rotate around the lake every five days and provide a fascinating and colourful insight into the lives and traditions of the Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people. Continuing to a traditional Inthar house you will then have an opportunity to join a local family in preparing your lunches, before spending the afternoon lazily kayaking through the network of canals and waterways around Ywama village.
DAY 10: INLE LAKE - THANDWE - NGAPALI
DAY 10: INLE LAKE - THANDWE - NGAPALI
Transferring back to the airport at Heho this morning, you will then take the flight on to Thandwe, where you will be met and transferred on to Ngapali Beach. Boasting the clear, warm waters of the Bay of Bengal and a quiet three-kilometre beach of white, palm-fringed sands, Ngapali is considered to be Myanmar’s premier beach hideaway, ideal for relaxation and watersports, snorkelling and island-hopping boat trips.
DAY 11: NGAPALI
DAY 11: NGAPALI
Enjoy a full day soaking up the laid-back charms and stunning sunsets of this idyllic beachside setting.
DAY 12: NGAPALI
DAY 12: NGAPALI
Enjoy a full day soaking up the laid-back charms and stunning sunsets of this idyllic beachside setting.
DAY 13: NGAPALI - THANDWE - YANGON
DAY 13: NGAPALI - THANDWE - YANGON
After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred back to Thandwe for the flight to Yangon, arriving back in the country’s capital in time to enjoy a ‘local day out’. Filled with local colour and interaction, this fascinating tour, in the company of a local guide, includes a ferry and trishaw ride across the other side of the Yangon River, and a wander through China Town.
DAY 14: DEPART YANGON
DAY 14: DEPART YANGON
Transfer to the airport this morning, where your journey ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
The Savoy, Yangon
A really lovely old colonial house, originally built as a restaurant and club catering to the British at the turn of the last century. It has a nice garden, a cool bar and the Kipling Restaurant is very polished, and although the menu price list is on the higher end there are more interesting options nearby. The best part though are the rooms which, at the price, we think are decent value. Situated around a courtyard swimming pool, there are spacious and stylish. There are 30 deluxe rooms and suites, all with reasonably fast Wi-Fi, safe and air-conditioning. The Savoy is our preferred character property in the heart of Yangon, offering clean, characterful accommodation and professional service within walking distance of the Swe Dagon Pagoda.
Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, Bagan
A former government hotel, now leased to and run by a Japanese company, the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is perfectly situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. It consists of 76 rooms mostly set in semi-detached bungalows amongst 24 acres of landscaped gardens. The rooms and suites are simply decorated using Burmese design, with use of wood and local materials, each with a veranda overlooking the lush gardens or river. Originally built in 1973, with a beautiful lap pool set in the gardens and an outdoor restaurant, both with superb river views, and a sanctuary spa, the resort is a real haven of tranquility after a day of exploring the temples.
Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw
Built in 1909, this British colonial residence was lovingly restored in 2002 to form a boutique hotel. Situated on a pine forested hill outside Kalaw, the Amara is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens, and offers the cosy ambiance of a country hotel. All 10 rooms are individually decorated in Asian and European style, each with an open chimney and en suite bathroom. The restaurant has great forest views and serves both local and international cuisine.
Pristine Lotus, Inle Lake
Recently opened, this resort is the best option of the properties not based right on the lake. Located in a village on the west bank of the lake, the hotel benefits from being a short walk from local markets and temples. The resort's 53 modern villas are built on a slope which offers unobstructed views of the lake through the beautiful gardens. All villas are very large with air conditioning, a seating area with flat screen TV, a large balcony, an en suite bathroom and a small mezzanine floor with a balcony for panoramic views of Inle Lake. The restaurant serves a good selection of European dishes and delicious Asian cuisine. The experienced GM is planning to renovate the spa this summer, as well as adding a hot spring tub for guests.
Bayview Resort, Ngapali
Bayview Resort is a four star boutique hotel located on the idyllic Ngapali Beach. The resorts' 45 deluxe bungalows and rooms including 2 suites are all situated either directly at the beach or in a beautiful exotic garden under countless palm trees. This award winning resort offers a wide range of sports activities and a massage centre, two excellent restaurant and a lovely swimming pool. It is an ideal place to unwind after a busy time exploring the sights of Myanmar.
A Little Lodge, Samkar
A quaint lodge nestled inside a Samkar village, the Little Lodge boutique hotel is the perfect accommodation for escaping the tourist track and experiencing rural village life in Myanmar. Designed in a traditional village house style by the Pa-O tribe operators, the lodge is equipped with an onsite restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi and a family room. Each room comes with a balcony to view the organic vegetable garden for use by the restaurant. It is the perfect base for exploring the Pagoda complex, nearby tribal villages and the various lake excursions, including a visit to the floating market.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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ACCOMMODATION
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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