Myanmar in Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Having undergone years of isolation, Myanmar is an enigmatic gem that has finally thrown open its doors to the outside world. Scattered with golden pagodas, ancient temples and a spectacularly vibrant and diverse culture, the country provides a wonderful mix of natural and cultural treasures. Taking in some of its most impressive highlights, this gentle 15-day journey takes in some of the country’s classic sites including the rich Buddhist and colonial heritage of Mandalay and Yangon, the ...
Having undergone years of isolation, Myanmar is an enigmatic gem that has finally thrown open its doors to the outside world. Scattered with golden pagodas, ancient temples and a spectacularly vibrant and diverse culture, the country provides a wonderful mix of natural and cultural treasures. Taking in some of its most impressive highlights, this gentle 15-day journey takes in some of the country’s classic sites including the rich Buddhist and colonial heritage of Mandalay and Yangon, the mesmerising temples of Bagan and the arresting landscapes of the Shan Plateau and Inle Lake.
Staying in a range of exceptional hotels and lodges, you will cruise through the timeless landscapes of the Irrawaddy River, stopping off to visit small riverside communities and ancient royal cities as you make your way on towards the picturesque setting of Inle Lake. With three days to enjoy this sumptuous spot you then move on to the west coast, to bask amongst the golden sands of the Bay of Bengal before ending the trip enjoying the splendour and hospitality of the Governor’s Residence in Yangon.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Yangon like a local and stay at the Governor’s Residence
- Cruise down the Irrawaddy River in elegant colonial style
- Relax on the golden beaches of Ngapali and enjoy some of the freshest seafood
- Enjoy the splendour of stunning Inle Lake from a beautiful lake-view villa
- Savour a champagne sunset from the U-Bein Bridge
- Explore the stunning ancient temples of Bagan by bicycle
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. On arrival you will enjoy a half-day tour of the city, exploring some of the exhibits and artefacts at the National Museum before moving on to visit the 70-metre reclining Buddha at the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. The glittering climax of the tour though is the famed gold-leaf dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda, whose iconic golden stupa dominates the city's skyline.
DAY 2: YANGON - MANDALAY
DAY 2: YANGON - MANDALAY
Moving on from the capital today you will fly on to Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma. Set on the eastern banks of the Irrawaddy River, the city is considered the cultural heart of the country and a guided tour of its main sites provides a chance to discover more of its rich historical and cultural legacy. Highlights include the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, before climbing up Mandalay Hill to enjoy the views across the city.
DAY 3: MANDALAY - AVA - AMARAPURA - MANDALAY
DAY 3: MANDALAY - AVA - AMARAPURA - MANDALAY
Stepping back in time, today provides a chance to visit the ancient royal capitals that surround Mandalay; beginning with a horse-cart ride through the villages and temples of Ava, which for nearly 500 years lay at the heart of Burmese power and culture. After exploring the markets and monasteries of Sagaing, you’ll then walk across the world’s longest teak bridge at Amarapura, to enjoy a champagne sunset across Lake Thaungthaman and the U-Bein Bridge.
DAY 4: MANDALAY - YANDABO
DAY 4: MANDALAY - YANDABO
Departing from the Sagaing jetty this morning you will spend the day cruising down the waters of the Irrawaddy River, enjoying lunch on board before stopping at Yandabo Village later this afternoon. The site of the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo, which ended the First Anglo-Burmese war in 1826, today Yandabo is home to families of potters who specialise in making water pots, money boxes and stoves. Continuing on towards the village of Shwe Nann Tint you will then moor up for the evening.
DAY 5: YANDABO - BAGAN
DAY 5: YANDABO - BAGAN
Setting off early this morning, the cruise continues downriver towards Bagan, the old capital of the Burmese Empire. After enjoying breakfast and the sunrise near Bagan you will disembark the boat and take a tour of the temple site, enjoying the panoramic views across the plains before paying a visit to the famed golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda. Then you will take in the nearby cave temple of Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, before ending the visit amongst the fine carvings and decorations of the elegant Htilominlo Temple.
DAY 6: BAGAN
DAY 6: BAGAN
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 today you’ll explore some of them by bicycle. The freedom of being able to enjoy this remarkable setting at your own pace means that you can discover some of the lesser-known and less visited sites, or take a detour into the neighbouring villages that lie close to the ancient ruins.
DAY 7: BAGAN - HEHO - INLE LAKE
DAY 7: BAGAN - HEHO - INLE LAKE
Flying on to Heho today, you’ll continue by road to the village of Nyaung Shwe, your gateway to the spectacular Inle Lake. After a brief stop to enjoy the beautiful carvings at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, you’ll board a private motorboat and head out onto the waters of one of Myanmar’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Passing by Intha stilt villages and floating gardens of hyacinths, you’ll watch the lake’s famous fishermen at work before stopping at the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, site of the holiest shrine in southern Shan.
DAY 8: INLE LAKE
DAY 8: INLE LAKE
After breakfast this morning you head back out onto the lake to visit 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 life along its shores. A wander through the beautiful scenery of Alaung Sitthou then culminates in a climb to the top of a nearby hill to take in a vast panorama of ancient stupas, the Shan Plateau and the lake below, before returning to the hotel by boat.
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 capital in time to enjoy some time exploring the cobblestone streets and overflowing stalls of the famous Bogyoke Market (formerly Scott’s Market), where you can stroll amongst the antiques and Burmese handicrafts in search of some last-minute souvenirs.
DAY 14: YANGON
DAY 14: YANGON
A final day in Yangon sees you enjoying 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, a wander through China Town and a train ride out to explore the markets and villages on the outskirts of the city.
DAY 15: DEPART YANGON
DAY 15: 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.
The Governor's Residence, Yangon
The Governor’s Residence is a stunning boutique hotel in Yangon and one of the best available. The main building is an old style colonial building beyond a lush green lawn and swimming pool. There is a lovely bar, an atmospheric open-air lounge - with snooker table - and a fabulous restaurant. There are 48 rooms divided into a number of categories and we would probably recommend deluxe garden view for best room at best price. All rooms have safe, minibar and wifi. A really gorgeous little property.
Sandoway Resort, Ngapali
Situated directly on the beach, Sandoway Resort is the ultimate place to relax after sightseeing around Burma. Sophisticated, quiet and relaxing - it is a really special spot. The cottages & villas have been hand-built of local materials to a very high specification. Their mezzanine design includes a small living area, walk-in wardrobe, well-equipped bathroom and bedroom on the first floor. All rooms and villas have purposely been left without television or telephone and even the cold box is filled with ice twice daily so one does not have to listen to the rattle of a refrigerator! The resort has a wonderful swimming pool area with a relaxing library and bar area, a fantastic spa and a delicious Italian-inspired restaurant.
Villa Inle Resort, Inle Lake
Villa Inle Resort & Spa is spread over more than 20 acres on the eastern fringe of the lake near the village of Maing Tauk. This boutique property features 32 secluded lakeside villas and is the ideal choice for those seeking a unique experience, away from mass-market tourism. All villas at Villa Inle Resort & Spa are designed to harmoniously blend in with the natural environment, featuring hand-selected local paintings and antiques, high wooden ceilings, and spacious living areas and bathrooms. The lakefront balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to watch as fishermen glide by on the lake, and flocks of migratory and local birds take off from the surrounding treetops. The well-developed hotel grounds, which feature thousands of native trees and plants, are framed by both the lake and the mountains of southern Shan State. To enhance the sense of seclusion and privacy and also reduce our impact on the environment we have deliberately kept the number of rooms to a minimum.
Rv Paukan, Mandalay
Paukan is the original name of the First Burmese Emperor capital, Bagan. The Paukan cruise ships emanate luxurious interiors with colonial style furniture and timber walls with a variety of traditional and modern decorations. Five Paukan ships allow a choice of different cruise routes through Myanmar, whether it be the Chindwin or the Irrawaddy rivers. There are options of Superior, Deluxe or Suite cabins each with en suite with a shower, toilet and large windows so guests can see the river banks. East and West cuisines are available to guests who can also enjoy the on board movie room, cultural performances and bar.
Bagan Lodge, Bagan
Bagan Lodge has an enviable location within easy reach of the vast array of temples and Pagodas in this fascinating area. This luxury lodge has 82 deluxe rooms and 3 spacious suites, all are furnished to the highest standard and are very spacious and complete with a private balcony. The main area of the lodge is home to Tiffin Box the uniquely named main restaurant offering delightful traditional food created with great care from the freshest local produce. The main pool area is a great to relax with a book and a chilled drink after spending time in the ancient temples of Bagan.
Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay
Situated at the north east corner of the Palace Canal, this is a large purpose-built, 4 star hotel. Although lacking in some local charm, it offers all you'd need for a comfortable stay. The rooms are of a decent size, with mini bar, safe and TV. It has a large swimming pool, a good bar, a spa and gym. The staff are plentiful and very attentive and in a city very short of good hotels, the Mandalay Hill Resort arguably makes the best alternative to the Hotel by the Red Canal, which is so often fully booked.
Hotel Rating
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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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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