Journey through Burma
17 days from £3620 per person
A land that time forgot, Burma is a fascinating country where the unspoiled beauty and tranquillity of this enchanting 'Golden Land' is to be treasured. From the bustling tree-lined streets of principle city Yangon to small countryside villages, time seems to have stood still. This journey combines the country's better known sites with unique boat journeys and scenic train rides including a journey over the spectacular Goitek Viaduct. Visits are also made to the hill station of Maymyo, Hsipaw and Pindaya whilst time is also spent in local villages and little-visited settlements.
Route: Yangon – Bagan – Monywa – Mandalay – Maymyo – Hsipaw – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Pindaya – Yangon
Itinerary Highlights
Originally a small fishing village, during British rule Yangon grew into the most important Burmese city. Visit the reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi Paya and the astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda.
Maymyo or Pyin Oo Lwin is a pretty hill town near Mandalay. The British built many bungalows and villas and created lovely gardens making the town a popular resort even today.
Pindaya in the Taunggyi District is famous for its limestone caves containing thousands of images of Buddha. There is an excellent market selling local honey amongst other produce.
Itinerary: Journey Through Burma
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel
Today you have a full day to tour this colourful city with an eclectic mix of cultures and religions. Visit the magical Shwedagon Pagoda, a large gilded stupa, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar. After spending a couple of hours at this iconic temple visit the golden Sule Pagoda, relax by Kandawgyi Lake or learn about Burmese culture and traditions at the National Museum. In the evening explore the city’s diverse range of restaurants. (B)
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel
Accommodation in Bagan: Hotel at Tharabar Gate (or similar)
Upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
Today, explore Bagan and its surrounds with a full day of sightseeing with your guide. Explore the city’s magnificent pagodas including Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best-preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples, the towering Thatbyinnyu Pahto, Shwesandaw Pagoda with panoramic viewpoints and the imposing Dhammayangyi Temple. (B)
Accommodation in Bagan: Hotel at Tharabar Gate (or similar)
Upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
Accommodation in Monywa: Win Unity Resort (or similar)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal
Upgrade option: Hilton Mandalay Hotel
This morning visit the 18th century capital of Amarapura located 11kms south of the city. Explore palace ruins and the beautiful pagodas of Pahtodawgyi Paya and Kyauktawgyi Paya, and discover the U Bein Bridge, a 1.2km long footbridge made from 985 teak posts, which is a spectacular photography spot. Continue to Inwa, an ancient city which, for a long time, was capital of Northern Myanmar and subsequently the Burmese Kingdom from the 14th century to the 18th century where you’ll have the chance to uncover more antient temples. Return to Mandalay in the late afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal
Upgrade option: Hilton Mandalay Hotel
Today drive to the scenic hill town of Pyin Oo Lwin where you will stay overnight. A former British hill station, Pyin Oo Lwin which was originally named Maymyo after British Colonel May who established the town’s beautiful botanical gardens in 1914. Enjoy the town’s enchanting ambience whilst visiting its colonial and historic buildings or explore the nearby tumbling waterfall of Dat Taw Gyaint. (B)
Accommodation in Maymyo: Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin
After breakfast transfer to Maymyo Railway Station for the journey to the village of Naung Pain. Enjoy spectacular views aboard the train where you will cross the impressive Goitek Viaduct. From Naung Pain continue by road to Hsipaw for your overnight stay. Once in Hsipaw, visit the intricately-designed Bawgyo Pagoda and end the day, watch the sunset at Theintaung Hill and marvel at the wonderful views over the town and surrounding countryside. (B)
Accommodation in Hsipaw: Mr Charles River Lodge
This morning travel by boat upstream from Hsipaw and enjoy the surrounding beautiful mountain scenery. Upon leaving the river continue on foot through papaya, orange and pineapple plantations to an old Shan monastery before returning to the boat for the journey back to Hsipaw. During the return, stop on the way in a few local Shan villages and discover local life. Once in Hsipaw return by road to Mandalay where you will stay overnight. (B)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal
Upgrade option: Hilton Mandalay Hotel
Accommodation at Inle Lake: Inle Princess Resort
Alternative accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort
Today take a guided boat trip of Inle Lake which includes a memorable visit to the small village of Indein. Here you can explore some enchanting 17th century pagodas, including the Nyaung Ohak Monastery, and view numerous local craftsmen at work. After lunch visit further villages to witness silk and lotus weaving and cheroot making before winding your way back to the hotel through unique gardens of grass and earth that float on the lake surface. (B)
Accommodation at Inle Lake: Inle Princess Resort
Alternative accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort
Accommodation at Inle Lake: Inle Princess Resort
Alternative accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort
Accommodation in Pindaya: Pindaya Inle Inn (or similar)
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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.
