Crossing the Shan Hills from Burma to Thailand
18 days from £5390 per person

The beautiful Shan Hills form a natural barrier between southern Burma and northeastern Thailand, stretching from Burmese Mandalay to the Thai city of Chiang Mai. Starting in Yangon, travel north to spectacular Bagan and visit Mount Popa before continuing onto Mandalay. From here fly to Keng Tung and, after visiting some of the area's many minority villages, travel overland via Tachilek into Thailand. Once in Thailand, time will be spent in Sop Ruak and the 'Golden Triangle' as well as in charming Chiang Mai before ending your journey in bustling Bangkok.
Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Keng Tung – Sop Ruak – Chiang Mai – Bangkok
Itinerary Highlights
Bagan lies on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River and is known for its extraordinary archaeological area where over 2000 Buddhist monuments tower over the river plains.
Formerly the capital of Burma, Amarapura is south of Mandalay and next to the Irrawaddy River. U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, uses wood from the old palace.
Located in the far east of Shan State close to the Thai border, Keng Tung is the region’s main centre and is surrounded by fascinating Shan, Akha, Lahu and Wa minority villages.
Itinerary: Crossing the Shan Hills from Burma to Thailand
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
Today tour Myanmar’s largest city where you can visit the wonderful Kandawgyi Lake, the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatgyi and the interesting National Museum. The magical Shwedagon Pagoda is a 2,500 year old temple, is one of the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Covered in over 60 tonnes of gold leaf, it is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks and it was described by Kipling as ‘a golden mystery’. (B)
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
Accommodation in Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel
Upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
After an early morning breakfast depart for a full day of sightseeing with your guide in and around the ancient city of Bagan. Visit one of the finest, largest, best-preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples the magnificent Ananda Pahto, Thatbyinnyu Pahto which rises 61m and was built in the mid-12th century and the last remaining Hindu temple, Nathlaung Kyaung. If visiting between October and April, see the sky come alive with hundreds of hot air balloons, floating in the sunset. (B)
Accommodation in Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel
Upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
Accommodation in Bagan: Bagan Thande Hotel
Upgrade option: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the 18th century capital of Amarapura. Here you will explore various pagodas such as Pahtodawgyi Paya and Kyauktawgyi Paya which still remain as do a number of palace ruins and U Bein’s Bridge. Later continue your journey to the ancient city of Inwa, which was the capital of Northern Myanmar and subsequently the Burmese Kingdom from the 14th century to the 18th century. Discover the dramatic Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery where the crypt is a haven to bats. Return to Mandalay in the afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
Accommodation in Keng Tung: Princess Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Keng Tung: Princess Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Sop Ruak: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort
Upgrade option: Four Seasons Tented Camp
Accommodation in Sop Ruak: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort
Upgrade option: Four Seasons Tented Camp
Accommodation in Chiang Mai: Tamarind Village (or similar)
Upgrade option: Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Alternative upgrade option: Dhara Dhevi Resort
Accommodation in Chiang Mai: Tamarind Village (or similar)
Upgrade option: Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Alternative upgrade option: Dhara Dhevi Resort
Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa (or similar)
Alternative option: The Sukhothai
Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa (or similar)
Alternative option: The Sukhothai
Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- 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.