Undiscovered Myanmar
Suggested Itinerary
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17 Days From £4,350
Overview
Get off the beaten track on this unique adventure deep into the heart of one of Asia’s most enigmatic destinations. Filled with a vibrant culture and golden temples, Myanmar is one of the world’s least explored countries, and this remarkable journey goes beyond the normal tourist routes to offer you a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Not for the faint of heart, you will enjoy some challenging trekking and some exceptional interaction with people whose lives and traditions ...
Get off the beaten track on this unique adventure deep into the heart of one of Asia’s most enigmatic destinations. Filled with a vibrant culture and golden temples, Myanmar is one of the world’s least explored countries, and this remarkable journey goes beyond the normal tourist routes to offer you a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Not for the faint of heart, you will enjoy some challenging trekking and some exceptional interaction with people whose lives and traditions have changed little in generations.
Beginning in the country’s vibrant and historic capital, you will venture across the Irrawaddy River and head into the tribal homelands of the Chin and the Kayan, through timeless landscapes of almost ethereal beauty. Climbing to the summit of Mount Victoria you will then enjoy some of the country’s finest views, before exploring the spectacular temple site of Bagan, one of the world’s most expansive and revered archaeological treasures. Much of this adventure though takes place in the country’s rich rural countryside, amongst the remote villages and mountains of its tribal heartlands.
Final days see you relaxing on the white beaches of the Mergui Archipeligo, where you can enjoy hours of snorkelling and exploring nearby islands.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the rich cultural customs of the Chin hill tribes as you stay overnight in local villages
- Visit colourful local markets and enjoy traditional Burmese hospitality at a homestay
- Experience Yangon like a local and wander the streets of China Town
- Hike up and enjoy the views from the top of Myanmar’s highest peak – Mount Victoria
- Trek and cycle through the beautiful untouched landscapes of Shan State
- Relax on the white beaches of Nyaung Oo Phee Island and enjoy some spectacular snorkelling
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 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
Experience the authentic side of Burmese life today and enjoy a 'local day out'. Filled with local colour and interaction, this fascinating tour, in the company of your 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 outside the city.
DAY 3: YANGON - BAGAN - KANPETLET
DAY 3: YANGON - BAGAN - KANPETLET
Departing Yangon you fly to Bagan this morning, and from here begin your journey to Kanpetlet. Wind your way through picturesque forested mountains towards the small administrative town of Saw, and on to Kanpetlet, a place where deeply rooted traditions of the Chin people are still very much in evidence amongst the tattooed faces you often see around the town.
DAY 4: KANPETLET - MOUNT VICTORIA - AYE VILLAGE
DAY 4: KANPETLET - MOUNT VICTORIA - AYE VILLAGE
As the sun rises enjoy a scenic drive to the base camp of Mount Victoria, at around 1,980 metres above sea level. Here you begin your trek to the top of the mountain (3,100 metres), a stunning route which will reward you with spectacular views of the region. The trek takes approximately three hours, after which you will continue by road through pine forests in one of Myanmar’s most famous birding areas, to Aye village, a small Chin village still showing some evidence of the British who once based themselves here. Enjoy a traditional dinner this evening and stay overnight in the village.
DAY 5: AYE VILLAGE - KYARDO VILLAGE - LOTE PE VILLAGE - MINDAT
DAY 5: AYE VILLAGE - KYARDO VILLAGE - LOTE PE VILLAGE - MINDAT
Enjoy another day of trekking as you pass through local villages and scenic landscapes, spending time learning about the different communities and traditions of this fascinating area.
DAY 6: KANPETLET - BAGAN
DAY 6: KANPETLET - BAGAN
There will be an opportunity this morning to explore Kanpetlet's colourful morning market, before setting off on the drive towards Bagan, home to one of the most spectacular sacred sites in all Asia. The drive will take around five hours, but there will be ample opportunity along the way to stop and enjoy lunch and visit some of the remote villages you pass through en route, before arriving at Bagan in time to enjoy the sunset from the terrace of one of its glittering temples.
DAY 7: BAGAN
DAY 7: 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 8: BAGAN - HEHO - NAUNG TAYAR - SAUNG KHAR
DAY 8: BAGAN - HEHO - NAUNG TAYAR - SAUNG KHAR
Flying on to Heho this morning, you will be met on arrival and transferred by road 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 the locals, you'll then continue on towards Saung Khar village, to spend this evening enjoying the hospitality of another local family.
DAY 9: SAUNG KHAR - THARYAR GONE - SAMKAR
DAY 9: 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 Lake Inle. 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 10: SAMKAR - LOIKAW
DAY 10: SAMKAR - LOIKAW
After breakfast this morning you will embark on a sixty-kilometre cycle ride through the lush landscape towards Loikaw, the remote and sleepy capital of Kayah State. 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. There will be an option today to stop for lunch in a local restaurant or take a packed lunch to enjoy along the way.
DAY 11: LOIKAW
DAY 11: LOIKAW
Making an early start this morning you head first to the Demoso Market, before continuing on to enjoy the views from the Ngwe Taung Dam. Driving to the start of a beautifully scenic three-hour trek, you then have a chance to visit the village of Panpet, the traditional home to the Kayan (longneck) people, before departing later for your boat trip out to Tattabalu Village and the Thiri Mingalar Taung Kwe Zedi Pagoda, one of the region's most revered landmarks.
DAY 12: LOIKAW - YANGON
DAY 12: LOIKAW - YANGON
Transferring to the airport this morning you will fly back to Yangon today, where you will spend this evening enjoying the sunset at the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, before a final meal along bustling 19th Street. Where the locals meet for a BBQ and a beer, this thriving thoroughfare lies in the heart of the city's busy China Town district and is a mouthwatering mass of food stalls, restaurants and bars, providing the perfect end to a rich cultural journey.
DAY 13: YANGON - KAWTHAUNG
DAY 13: YANGON - KAWTHAUNG
This morning you will be transferred to Yangon airport for a domestic flight to Kawthaung, the gateway to the stunning Mergui Archipelago. On arrival in Kawthaung, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of leisure.
DAY 14: KAWTHAUNG - NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND
DAY 14: KAWTHAUNG - NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND
After breakfast transfer to Kawthaung Myo Ma’s Jetty and take a shared speed boat to Nyaung Oo Phee Island, a journey of around two hours. Upon arrival on the island you can check into your beachfront hotel and relax for the rest of the day. The area offers some wonderful snorkelling so why not spend the afternoon exploring the colourful waters of Madame Beach, Flower Bay or Letter Island. Reward yourself this evening with a candlelit dinner on a private beach.
DAY 15: NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND
DAY 15: NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND
Today you can explore the nearby islands of Ahtet le Ywe, Nga Khin Nyo Gyee and Pyin Sa, home to nothing but empty white beaches and palm trees to rest under between swims.
DAY 16: NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND – KAWTHAUNG
DAY 16: NYAUNG OO PHEE ISLAND – KAWTHAUNG
Enjoy a free morning as you take in your final day of these white sand beaches and swim in the beautiful blue waters around the island. After lunch you will be taken back to Kawthaung where you can check into your hotel.
DAY 17: KAWTHAUNG - YANGON - DEPART
DAY 17: KAWTHAUNG - YANGON - DEPART
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Yangon.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Keinnara Loikaw, Loikaw
Keinnara Loikaw is a great option in the area. The eco-property focuses very much on space and quality, resulting in a peaceful atmosphere and very spacious rooms throughout. Designed using local Burmese decor, each of the air-conditioned rooms provides excellent amenities including Wi-Fi, TV, mini bar, and complimentary coffee and tea, as well as a private balcony with outdoor seating. The resort restaurant offers a range of cuisine, and there is a great outdoor swimming pool area for those quieter hours.
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
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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