Tracks to Mandalay
21 days from £4670 per person

Thailand and Burma are similar in many ways – both exotic, friendly countries that combine exquisite ancient sites with breathtaking natural beauty. Using the region’s rail networks, this journey begins in Bangkok ending in peaceful Hsipaw high in Shan State. In-between, there is a train ride to Kanchanaburi in central Thailand – location of the Bridge over the River Kwai – before heading to southern Burma with stays in Dawei, colonial Mawlamyaing and Kyaiktiyo. After time in Yangon, take the rustic overnight train to Mandalay, then to Maymyo ending with a rail crossing over the spectacular Goteik Viaduct.
Route: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Dawei – Mawlamyaing – Hpa-An – Kyaiktiyo – Yangon – Mandalay – Maymyo – Hsipaw – Mandalay
Itinerary Highlights
Kanchanaburi is the location of the Bridge over the River Kwai and ‘Hell Fire Pass’. Built by prisoners of war during the Second World War, it was one of the most notorious episodes of the conflict.
Mawlamyaing, capital of Mon State and first capital of British Burma, is the main trading centre and seaport in Southern Burma and renowned for its tropical fruits and delicious cuisine.
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is unmissable, 99 metres tall and a dome gilded with gold plate. This is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Burma, built between 6th and 10th centuries.
Itinerary: Tracks to Mandalay
Accommodation in Bangkok: The Sukhothai (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Accommodation in Bangkok: The Sukhothai (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Accommodation in Kanchanaburi: The Float House
Accommodation in Kanchanaburi: The Float House
Accommodation in Dawei: Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin
Accommodation in Dawei: Zayar Htet San Hotel
Accommodation in Mawlamyaing: Attran Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Mawlamyaing: Attran Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Hpa-An: Zwekabin Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Kyaiktiyo: Mountain Top Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Yangon: Sule Shangri-La Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
Accommodation in Yangon: Sule Shangri-La Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond Governor’s Residence Hotel
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
Accommodation in Maymyo: Kandawgyi Hill Resort
Accommodation in Hsipaw: Mr Charles Hotel
Accommodation in Mandalay: Hotel by the Red Canal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Mandalay Hill Resort
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Domestic flights
- Train travel as specified
- 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.