Myanmar Make A Difference
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Make a real difference in one of the world’s most visually stunning destinations. Once described by Rudyard Kipling as a place ‘quite unlike any...you know about’, Myanmar is an enigmatic and photogenic gem, filled with golden temples, mist-shrouded jungles and a colourful cultural heritage that has changed little in generations.
This unique adventure aims to provide unforgettable experiences and benefits to both you and the communities that you visit, by supporting ...
Make a real difference in one of the world’s most visually stunning destinations. Once described by Rudyard Kipling as a place ‘quite unlike any...you know about’, Myanmar is an enigmatic and photogenic gem, filled with golden temples, mist-shrouded jungles and a colourful cultural heritage that has changed little in generations.
This unique adventure aims to provide unforgettable experiences and benefits to both you and the communities that you visit, by supporting local community-based initiatives and by utilising, as much as possible, ecologically friendly transport. With unsurpassed highlights at every turn, you will explore ancient Burmese capitals and traditional tribal villages, witness the majestic splendour of Bagan and travel by canoe across the famed waters of Lake Inle.
A chance to immerse yourself in the genuine culture of one of Asia’s most bewitching places, this itinerary has been carefully planned to be as ecologically and culturally sensitive as possible, with many of the tours and transport options directly benefiting the villages, initiatives and conservation projects involved. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, this journey will be unlike any you know about.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the real Myanmar, with locally organised tours and visits
- Enjoy an ecologically friendly adventure by train, boat and bicycle
- Explore the historic and cultural delights of Yangon, Bagan and Kalaw
- Experience the sublime natural beauty of Lake Inle and the Shan Plateau
- Have a real chance to give something back by supporting local community initiatives
- Soak up the amazing local hospitality and sample Myanmar’s culinary delights
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 MANDALAY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MANDALAY
Your journey begins in 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 on arrival you will have some time to relax, before heading out on a personal motorbike tour of the city. In the company of locals, you'll visit the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, before experiencing the colour and cuisine of this engaging city amongst the beer stations and night markets of its bustling downtown.
DAY 2: MANDALAY
DAY 2: MANDALAY
A day filled with local colour and interaction starts early, with a breakfast of Mandalay Monti (rice noodles). A lively and scenic train ride then takes you through a landscape filled with rolling hills, captivating villages and stone carving workshops, before you return to the hotel for a rest. This afternoon then sees you heading out again, to absorb the life and landscapes around the ancient royal capital of Amarapura, home to the world's longest teak bridge.
DAY 3: MANDALAY - MOUNT POPA
DAY 3: MANDALAY - MOUNT POPA
A morning visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda provides a chance to see one of the country's most revered Buddha images, before departing for the venerated mountain landscapes of Mount Popa National Park. Making the journey by road is not only more ecologically friendly than the usual flight option, but also provides an opportunity to enjoy more of the serene Burmese landscapes, as well as contribute to the important work being done by the Burmese Star Tortoise Conservation Centre, which you will visit along the way.
DAY 4: MOUNT POPA - SALAY - MAGYEEKAN VILLAGE
DAY 4: MOUNT POPA - SALAY - MAGYEEKAN VILLAGE
Following breakfast, you take the short trip out to the Taung Kalat volcanic plug, home to the spiritual Nats of Burmese mythology, where there is the option to take the 777 steps to its summit. Departing for the colonial grace of Salay House you'll then take lunch beside the banks of the Irrawaddy River, before a short walking tour around Salay's exquisite monasteries. The nearby village of Magyeekan then provides a unique opportunity to enjoy some traditional Burmese hospitality arranged through a community-based enterprise.
DAY 5: MAGYEEKAN VILLAGE - BAGAN
DAY 5: MAGYEEKAN VILLAGE - BAGAN
Soak up the authentic atmosphere of rural life with a morning stroll through the village before departing for Bagan. A visit to the golden stupa of the Shwezigon Pagoda and the exquisite mural paintings of the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi cave temple will then be followed by lunch at the unique Sanon restaurant, a vocational training enterprise set up to help disadvantaged youths. This afternoon you'll then visit some of Myanmar's famous lacquerware workshops and enjoy the architectural majesty of Ananda, one of Bagan's most beautiful temples.
DAY 6: BAGAN
DAY 6: BAGAN
A short boat ride across the river this morning brings you to the island of Kyun Thiri, the setting for a traditional cookery lesson under the guidance of a local expert. Benefitting the local community, it is a chance to savour some unique tastes and flavours of local life, before returning to Bagan to enjoy a bike ride around the temples. Cycling is the perfect combination of eco-friendly transport and relaxed sightseeing. Discover some of the lesser-known and less visited sites around this vast and ancient city.
DAY 7: BAGAN - HEHO - ELEPHANT CAMP - KALAW
DAY 7: BAGAN - HEHO - ELEPHANT CAMP - KALAW
Departing for the flight to Heho this morning, on arrival you will be driven on to the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe Village. A conservation project set up as a refuge for mistreated elephants, your visit begins with a brief introduction to the background of the camp before lunch. The afternoon has then been set aside for you to interact with the elephants in a very real way, with chances for feeding and bathing them before a late afternoon departure for Kalaw.
DAY 8: KALAW - INLE LAKE
DAY 8: KALAW - INLE LAKE
Set amongst the rolling hills of the Shan Plateau, the picturesque old hill station at Kalaw lies some 1300 metres above sea level, amongst some of the finest trekking country anywhere in Myanmar. Surrounded by Palaung, Danu and Pao tribal villages, it provides the starting point for a stunning hike to the village of Pein Ne Bin, where you'll enjoy lunch amongst the local communities before continuing by road on to the famous waters of Inle Lake, without doubt one of Myanmar's most breathtaking natural treasures.
DAY 9: INLE LAKE: YWAMA AND INDEIN
DAY 9: INLE LAKE: YWAMA AND INDEIN
A chance to immerse yourself in the daily rituals of life on the lake, today begins with a motorboat ride across to the lakeside village of Ywama. From here you will then set off in a traditional canoe in the company of a local guide, enjoying a fascinating insight into the customs and traditions of the Intha people. After lunch at a local restaurant this afternoon then sees you heading for the village of Indein, where you can stroll amongst the captivating countryside of Alaung Sithu.
DAY 10: INDEIN - SAGAR
DAY 10: INDEIN - SAGAR
Along the southern shores of Inle Lake lies Phayartaung, nestling beside the gentle waters of Lake Sagar. In the company of a local representative of the community, the adventure takes you next on to the iconic 'sunken' stupas of Sagar. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Shan Mountains you'll enjoy a captivating boat ride out to the Thar Kaung Pagoda, stop for lunch in Sagar village and then head on to the Inle Sanctuary, a community-supported eco-lodge providing jobs and income for local people.
DAY 11: SAGAR - HPE KHONE - LOIKAW
DAY 11: SAGAR - HPE KHONE - LOIKAW
After enjoying a leisurely morning, you then continue further down the lake, to the town of Phekon. From here you continue by road to Loikaw, the remote and sleepy capital of Kayah State. Arriving in time for lunch you'll then enjoy a chance to relax, before setting off late this afternoon to visit the Taung Kwe Pagoda and enjoy the spectacular views from the top of one of the region's most revered landmarks.
DAY 12: LOIKAW
DAY 12: LOIKAW
Blanketed in colourful crops, tea plantations and fields of rice, this region is home to a number of distinctive tribal cultures, the most famous of which are the Paduang, or “long-neck” people. Today's visit to the Paduang village of Pan Pet has been organised in collaboration with the local community, to ensure an authentic visit that benefits all. You will also visit colourful local markets, stroll through the villages and enjoy a private evening boat cruise along the Bilu River through the heart of Loikaw.
DAY 13: LOIKAW - YANGON
DAY 13: LOIKAW - YANGON
A morning flight to Yangon sees you enjoying the delights of Myanmar's historic and vibrant capital today. Heading into the heart of Yangon's bustling downtown this afternoon you'll enjoy a walk amongst its colonial buildings and historic monuments, before continuing on to the gilded splendour of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The most revered temple in Myanmar, it provides the perfect setting for a sunset visit. From here you will then board pedal-powered trishaws for an unforgettable and locally operated culinary tour through the bustling backstreets of Yangon.
DAY 14: YANGON
DAY 14: YANGON
Today's private tour begins with a riverboat cruise along the Yangon River to Twante. Taking around two hours, the boat negotiates the network of small canals that radiate from the city, providing an insight into river-life around the capital. Disembarking the boat and continuing by road, your next stop is the village of Kyaitthalae, where you will learn about the supportive community projects that protect and preserve local cultures and traditions. After a final visit to the Twante pottery kiln you'll then return to Yangon by road.
DAY 15: DEPART YANGON
DAY 15: DEPART YANGON
Depart for the airport this morning for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate, Bagan
This is a lovely hotel and given that it is owned by a local business man, who has built it up from a small guesthouse, and that it has the best location - a literal stone's throw from the temples - it is definitely the place to stay. Situated around a pretty garden, all of the 82 rooms are spacious and stylish, there is a decent sized swimming pool, and nice open-air dining area. There is free, although slow, WiFi available in the communal areas and the location is second to none. With no entrance as such you can simply walk from the hotel right into the temples.
The Hotel - Kalaw Hill Lodge, Kalaw
The Kalaw Hill Lodge is a charming 32-bedroom boutique lodge located about a 20-minute drive from Kalaw. Each room has delightful views over the Shan hills and the lodge makes for a perfect base from which to explore the local countryside.Set within 30 acres of land, the Kalaw Hill Lodge is an ideal destination for those who want a base from which to explore the surrounding, off-the-beaten track countryside. Visit the local farm, head off on a day walk through local villages, go off mountain biking or take a more adventurous trek staying overnight in local homes.
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.
Inle Sanctuary Resort, Sagar
Inle Sanctuary in Phayartaung offers luxurious stilt houses set on a pier going into one of Inle’s three lakes. The resort not only boasts fantastic lake views, but environmental practices. It uses renewable energy, running on 100% solar power, supports development in the local village and resources its food locally. Additionally, 10% of its income is donated to the village monastic school. The lodges are also built using locally sourced wood, creating a serene space in which to watch the sunrise and sunset, best viewed from the deck. When you are not exploring Inle Lake, return to the lodge for a meal in the restaurant or a drink from the bar. Other activities include cycling, cooking classes, fishing classes and massages.
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.
Popa Garden Resort, Mount Popa National Park
Popa Garden Resort is a charming boutique hotel located at the foot of Mount Popa Taung Kalat (nat shrine). All the rooms have a scenic view of the Mount Popa and the surrounding area, with a total of 23 spacious rooms; deluxe rooms in wooden building and villas in bungalows. All are tastefully decorated with a fusion of traditional and contemporary design and amenities, offering a private balcony and living area in addition. The swimming pool is set within some lovely gardens and is the perfect place to unwind after touring, in addition to enjoying some of the local cuisine prepared in the hotel restaurant.
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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