Burma - The Golden Land
14 days from £3300 per person

Burma is one of the most charming countries in the world. Full to the brim with historic treasures, a distinct culture and incredibly diverse natural beauty, this itinerary focuses on the classic cultural and scenic highlights of this 'Golden Land'. Begin in capital Yangon, home to the splendid Shwedagon Pagoda before visiting the ancient royal cities outside of Mandalay. Discover Bagan – the location of thousands of stupas that dot the flood plain of the Irrawaddy providing one of the finest views in Asia. End your journey relaxing alongside the floating villages of Inle Lake and the white-sand beaches of Ngapali.
Route: Yangon – Mandalay – Bagan – Inle Lake – Ngapali Beach – Yangon
Itinerary Highlights
Despite modern appearances, Mandalay was the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom. Highlights include Amarapura, U Bein Bridge and Mingun – site of the world’s largest intact bronze bell.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan which is dotted with thousands of temples and pagodas and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as the sky becomes flooded with hot air balloons.
A freshwater lake set amongst the Shan Hills, Inle Lake has many local villages. Local fishermen have a distinct rowing style using a leg to control the oar through the reed-covered water.
Itinerary: Burma - The Golden Land
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Strand Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
Today tour Yangon with your guide. Discover Chaukhtatgyi Paya, a colossal reclining Buddha, the National Museum, beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the mesmerising Shwedagon Pagoda. This 2,500 year old Buddhist temple is resplendent in over 60 tonnes of gold leaf, is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Explore the many shrines and stay for sunset to admire the view. (B)
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Strand Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
After breakfast you will be met and taken to Yangon Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Mandalay. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. Alternatively upgrade to the Mandalay Hill Resort. In the afternoon visit Mahamuni Paya which houses the highly venerated Mahamuni Buddha image and then the Shewenandaw Kyaung before climbing Mandalay Hill to enjoy the sunset. (N)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
After breakfast visit the 18th century capital of Amarapura located 11kms south of the city. Explore the ancient pagodas of Pahtodawgyi Paya and Kyauktawgyi Paya and U Bein’s Bridge – a 1.2km long footbridge made entirely of 984 teak posts. Later continue to the ancient city of Inwa. Highlights include the pretty Jade Pagoda, the inricate Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and Taung Tha Man Lake. Return to Mandalay in the late afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
This morning take a short flight between Mandalay and Bagan. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bagan is one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia where thousands of temples and pagodas dot the vast flood plain of the Irrawaddy River. On arrival enjoy a day of sightseeing of this remarkable place with your guide. (B)
Accommodation in Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel at Tharabar Gate
Alternative upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
Today you will travel inland for a full day visit to Mount Popa. This scenic drive through rural central Burma provides a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the small villages along the route. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, Mt Popa towers over the surrounding landscape. Believed to be home to spirit Gods known as ‘Nats’, the hill-top temple and shrines that surround the main complex attract pilgrims from far and wide. Undertake the steep climb to the summit and enjoy the spectacular views of the rolling countryside. Later that afternoon, return to Bagan. (B/L)
Accommodation in Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel at Tharabar Gate
Alternative upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
This morning fly to Heho. On arrival continue by car to the shores of Inle Lake and board a local long-tail boat which will be your transport for the duration of your stay here. Home to the local Intha people, Inle Lake is famous for its stilt villages, floating crops and local fisherman that row in a unique ‘one-legged’ style. Stunningly beautiful, this hidden gem highlights the diversity of Burma and is far removed from the country’s increasingly busy cities. (B)
Accommodation at Inle Lake: Inle Lake View Resort
Alternative accommodation: Inle Princess Resort
Today explore the stunningly beautiful hidden gem of Inle Lake which is far removed from the busy modern world. With your guide you will visit the small village of Indein which is home to enchanting 17th century pagodas, the Nyaung Ohak Monastery and numerous local craftsmen. After lunch visit further villages to witness silk and lotus weaving and cheroot making before winding your way through unique vegetable gardens of grass and earth that float on the lake surface back towards the hotel. (B)
Accommodation at Inle Lake: Inle Lake View Resort
Alternative accommodation: Inle Princess Resort
Accommodation at Ngapali Beach: Amata Resort & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Bayview Beach Resort
Alternative upgrade option: Sandoway Resort
At leisure to relax and enjoy Ngapali Beach. (B)
Accommodation at Ngapali Beach: Amata Resort & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Bayview Beach Resort
Alternative upgrade option: Sandoway Resort
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Strand Hotel
Alternation upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
In the early hours of the morning you will be met and transferred back to Yangon Airport in good time to catch your onward Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival in Dubai connect onto the Emirates flight to the UK. (N)
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with an accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.