Land of the Golden Pagodas
ITINERARY

1-4
Yangon
Capital City
and relax! You’ve arrived in Myanmar and it’s time to ease yourself into the laid-back way of life with a stroll around Yangon, the capital city. Pause to snap a few photos at the Sule Pagoda, City Hall, and Independence Monument and enjoy a pit stop at a local tea shop (or perhaps a cocktail under the setting sun) and explore Kandawgyi Park where you will see the Karaweik Barge glistening against views of the lake in the background. You’ll also get to see the Shwedagon Pagoda and explore the downtown area of the city by local trishaw, taking in the sights, sounds smell and tastes of wonderful Yangon! Head up to YangonYangon bar and enjoy sweeping views of the city from this 21st-floor bar, before tucking into a tasty Burmese curry and satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional dessert.

Following a rejuvenating sleep, you will learn more about Burmese culture on an insightful tour to Insein Township, via the Yangon Circle Train. Shop for traditional souvenirs, try tasty delicacies at a fresh market, and meet friendly locals. Enjoy a walking tour through Chinatown and Little India, then take a short ferry ride to Dhala. Here you will climb aboard a trishaw and be peddled through palm tree-lined villages towards a monastery where you will learn about Myanmar's Monks. Return to Yangon by ferry, reflect on the day and get ready for more adventures in the morning.

PLACES TO STAY
The exterior of the Strand Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar
Strand Hotel
The Strand is Yangon’s grandest hotel - a majestic Victorian mansion on the Yangon River.

Key Facilities
PoolBarRestaurantsSpa

5-7
Bagan
Tour + Activity & Adventure
Wave farewell as you fly to Bagan. Get to know the city on a cruise along the Irrawaddy River and see the sunset over ancient temples. Stop by the Thanakha Museum to learn about the myriad medicinal and cosmetic uses of the thanakha tree, and don’t try too hard to resist the night market – you won’t be able to!

The next day starts with a bike tour of Bagan's impressive temple zone, riding through narrow lanes and traditional villages. You'll have plenty of time to visit some of your favorite temples by yourself or explore the city. We can also organize cookery classes or even a hot air balloon ride for the best view of Bagan. 

PLACES TO STAY
Exterior view, Bagan Lodge, Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan Lodge
A charming village-style resort of tented villas that blends modern comforts with classic style.

Key Facilities
PoolBarRestaurantSpa

8-9
Kalaw
Tour + Wildlife
Today you'll head to Kalaw, a former British hill station, stopping to climb the volcanic Mount Popa for breath-taking views from the shrine at the top. 

It’s time to immerse yourself in the full elephant experience! Spend a full day at Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, strolling with these magnificent animals along the river and stopping at a natural pool to give them a bath. Watch them splashing and playing and prepare to get wet if they decide you should be joining in! Learn their names and feed your new friends tasty bananas and sugarcane, before taking part in the spiritual ritual of a tree planting.

PLACES TO STAY
Outside Area, Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw
Amara Mountain Resort
A beautiful hillside hotel and gardens with on-site spa including a sauna and hot tub.

Key Facilities
Wi-FiBarRestaurantLibraryGardenSpa

10-11
Inle Lake
General tour
Today you're off to the vast Inle Lake, where you'll have the afternoon to relax. The following day you'll explore Inle Lake by private longtail boat. Expect to see houses balancing on stilts, floating markets and even floating gardens. Meander down the river towards the royal barges and discover Inpawkhone, a weaving village, before tucking into a delicious lunch of Inthar dishes. Back on dry land, you have the option to scale a hill and look back down for a different perspective of this beautiful lake.

PLACES TO STAY
Swimming pool, Villa Inle Resort & Spa, Inle Lake, Myanmar
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
An exclusive collection of luxury wooden bungalows dotted along the eastern edge of Inle Lake.

Key Facilities
PoolBarRestaurantSpa

12-15
Ngapali Beach
Beach
It’s been a busy trip so far and now it’s time to relax and reflect on everything you have experienced, from the soft sands of Ngapali Beach. There’s plenty of free time to swim, snorkel or simply sunbathe with a refreshing drink and a good book, but there’s still time for one last beach safari tour to the traditional village of Maung Shwe Lay. You'll visit the town's Buddhist monastery and local library, and enjoy a traditional meal at a villager's home.

PLACES TO STAY
The pool at Sandoway Resort, Myanmar
Sandoway Resort
Sandoway Resort is a beautiful beachfront resort offering gorgeous villas & cottages in Ngapali.

Key Facilities
PoolBarLibraryWi-FiBike Hire

16-17
Yangon
City
You’ll spend one final evening in Yangon and then on day 17 you’ll depart and head home, full of travel tales and most certainly wanting to return to visit more of this unspoiled country again soon.