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Home > Myanmar

Myanmar Luxury Vacations

So rich in history and heritage, so dazzling in natural wonders, Myanmar, “the golden land,” is a glorious assault to your senses.

A journey back in time, where you’ll see ancient temples and monuments unlike anywhere else on earth.

This is the heart of Southeast Asia, a journey back in time, the perfect country for private tours where you’ll see ancient temples and monuments unlike anywhere else on earth. There are almost no words to describe the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, or the 4,000 sacred stupas – Buddhist shrines – scattered across the plains of Bagan. Drift down the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers on a luxury cruiser or float above the Temples of Bagan in a hot air balloon.

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The coveted relationships we have with our Global Travel Partners are second to none and allow us to offer you the extraordinary trips that you desire.

Meet our Myanmar Travel Designers

Colleen shields.

Senior Travel Designer

Gavin Crawford

Director of Bespoke Experiences

Martha Jacobs

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Over 35 years’ experience and industry-recognition in curated luxury travel.

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Work with our award-winning Travel Designers who have lived and travelled all over the world.

Enjoy exclusive access to the finest amenities and upgrades thanks to our preferred partnerships.

Making travel dreams a reality with our unparalleled customer service, attention to detail and expertise.

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Throughout the years, Tully Luxury Travel has been recognized as a top producing agency by virtually every luxury cruise line and hotel property.

More Inspiration

The best places to travel in 2020: where to go now and why.

Destination | Myanmar

We’ve scoured the globe and selected the best places to travel in 2020, including the under-the-radar and up-and-coming. ...Read more

Best seen from above: Five of the world’s most beautiful “flightseeing” destinations

The secret to great travel experiences isn’t just knowing what to see, but how to see it. Bangkok’s street markets demand to be seen on foot; the Scottish Highlands call for a road trip in a vintage Land Rover. ...Read more

Mary Jean’s Favorite Places

Sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar, is a surreal and serene experience. It is magnificent be on top of one of the temples or pagodas and look out to see the beauty. ...Read more

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Luxury Travel to Myanmar

A vast landscape of temples, majestic pagodas and natural wonders, a world away from the everyday

Discover the exotic, enthralling country of Myanmar in style with Jacada Travel’s expert local guides, private tours, seamless transfers, the best hotels, and a completely personalised itinerary.

After years of being cut off from international tourism, Myanmar – formerly Burma – has re-established itself as a destination like no other. In 1890, Rudyard Kipling declared the country to be ‘unlike any place you know about’, and today’s visitors still experience this same sense of wonder.

Evocative of the ancient Orient, Myanmar will captivate you with its untouched beauty and spirituality: experience the sublime scenery of Bagan , a terrain strewn with thousands of ancient temples; visit the caves of rural Pindaya to discover pilgrims meditating by thousands of gilded Buddha effigies; witness the famous leg-rowing technique of Inle Lake ’s fishermen; and then unwind along the beautiful Bay of Bengal, where long, tranquil stretches of white sandy beaches and azure waters await.

Get inspired by browsing through some of our most popular example trips below. Then call one of our expert Myanmar Travel Designers to start planning the journey of a lifetime.

Our top Myanmar example trips

Accommodation in Myanmar

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options

This is our 3rd trip with Jacada Travel and certainly will not be our last. From start to finish Jacada provided us with the best service, recommendations and information for our 6 week South East Asia trip. Keith, our excellent travel adviser, took all the time we needed to help us plan our awesome adventure. Attention to detail is what…

The whole trip was fantastic. The guides were knowledgable, flexible and friendly. Myanmar was a great family holiday, would definitely go back again.

Dear all. It was a fantastic trip, extremely well organised and very well managed throughout. I would like to mention especially our guides in Bagan and in Inle Lake (Saw and Tee), as they were absolutely amazing from the first moment. I could not recommend this agency and their services more! If you like to travel in style, they are…

Our travel agent Riki helped us design a great trip to Myanmar! We had a wonderful time, with delicious food and beautiful experiences!

Overall very good (and positively surprising) itinerary with great pace! We stayed in nice hotels and ate great food! Very attentive guides in Myanmar with everything very well coordinated! Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

Inspiring destinations in Myanmar

Need to Know

• is the local time
• Kyat is the local currency
• Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city
• Yangon is the country's largest city

Myanmar has a tropical climate and is warm year-round. The drier winter months are best for travelling, with cooler night-time temperatures. Bagan and Mandalay are the hottest and driest regions and best avoided in summer.

Myanmar travel guides

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Burma Luxury Vacations & Travel

Looking for the best Burma Luxury Vacations & Travel? Choose from the finest tours available in Myanmar, expertly crafted by our destination specialists. The tours here are just examples of what we can create for you – all our tour packages are bespoke and completely customizable to your tastes and budget

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Luxury Myanmar Tours and Travel

Travel to Myanmar, land of Buddhist pagodas and temples, paddy fields and serene rural landscapes. A burnished orange glow lights up the scenery and a thousand pagoda spires come into view as you ride in a hot air balloon over the ancient city of  Bagan . Paddling a slender long-tail wooden boat on  Inle Lake , examine stilt houses and floating kitchen gardens, and men fishing using traditional means—the daily life of locals. Get a bird’s-eye view of  Mandalay  from atop Mandalay Hill, and then stop off at the nearby  Sandamuni Pagoda  with its 18,000-kilo iron Buddha.

Each of Myanmar’s thousands of shrines, Buddha statues, and pagodas are different and unique. Hundreds of ancient red, white, and brown pagodas can be seen at  Indein  village. The shiny gold-plated and diamond-studded stupa of the capital  Yangon ’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda is surrounded by 64 smaller ones.

Though Myanmar is a place rooted in the Buddhist religion, modernity is knocking at its door. Maybe you’d like take in the romance and tranquility of this country on a luxury riverboat cruise down the  Irrawaddy River , lifeline of the country. Or perhaps you want to add a few days of sunshine and clear blue sea at the pristine white-sand beach of  Ngwe Saung . Explore Burmese cities: Yangon’s old colonial buildings and well-kept pagodas, Mandalay’s U-Bein bridge, the longest teak footbridge in the world. Let Enchanting Travels consultants offer you hosts of options and take care of all the planning details from start to finish. You’re left worry-free, to focus only on enjoying every step of your personalized Myanmar itinerary.

Popular Trips to Myanmar

The Undiscovered South of Myanmar

Go off the beaten path on this tour of Myanmar. Rising only recently from centuries of isolation from the rest of the world, southern Myanmar offer incredible landscapes, cultural delights, relics of colonial heritage and hidden jewels to travelers.

Luxurious Wonders of Myanmar

Experience the big and small wonders of Myanmar on this unique, relaxed and luxurious trip through the Golden Land. Discover heritage sights such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, witness a timeless landscape dotted with over 200 temples and pagodas as you fly over Bagan in a hot air balloon, and see stunning sunrises over the picturesque…

Discovering Myanmar

Take a three week adventure through one of Asia’s least explored destinations! Discover Myanmar’s ancient past, teeming with regal palaces and pagodas, traditional villages, colonial city culture, and untouched beaches.

Best Places To Visit

Yangon is the erstwhile capital of Myanmar that still proudly lives on as the country’s commercial hub.

Bagan is an ancient royal city brimming with history that dates back to the 2nd century.

Mandalay is Myanmar’s royal capital and lies in the northern heart of the country, on the eastern bank of Irawaddy River.

Inle Lake is a stunning and calm freshwater lake that lies 900 meters above sea level.

Ngapali Beach is considered one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches.

Ngapali Beach

Hsipaw is a town in Shan State, located on the banks of Dokthawaddy River and northeast of Mandalay.

Best Time To Visit

The best time for Myanmar travel is the months of November to March. Our destination experts share an overview on when to visit the various regions of Myanmar.

Things To Do

Glittering temples, fairy tale landscapes and warm, welcoming people – Myanmar travel is a delight. Follow the link to discover our top 10 Myanmar attractions.

Travel Guide

From currency to language, health information and communication, learn the most essential details from our destinations experts before your visit Myanmar.

What Our Guests Say

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Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

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You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

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Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

Of all the countries in Asia, Myanmar is probably the least understood and least visited. Home to fascinating floating villages, King Mindon’s ancient capital, the peaceful Ayeyarwady River and dazzling golden temples. That such an otherworldly site has remained undiscovered by tourists for so long serves as further proof of its mystery, and our good fortune. Bespoke Travel Design will create a tailor made tour of your own – offering unprecedented access to Myanmar.

myanmar highlights

• Be inspired by trips to the ancient pagoda-gemmed landscape of Old Bagan. • Take a bicycle or horse and cart tour through the temple complex or soar into the sunrise on a hot air balloon ride. • Step onshore in Mingun and wander through local markets and peaceful villages, where ornate pagodas rise into view. The railway bazaar is our favourite of Mandalay’s many markets. • Savour the sights at the spiritual summit of the Sagaing Hills, before an unforgettable sunset framed by the iconic U Bein Bridge. • Discover Myanmar’s second city Mandalay, a thriving cultural hub and home to the country’s jade and marble industries. • The “Balloons over Bagan” experience provides guests an exclusive and magical view above the golden pagodas of the temple complex at first light. • For a beach resort, we recommend Ngapali, a blissfully underdeveloped stretch of white sand beach that runs for 15 miles along the Bay of Bengal. • Trek to visit remote hill tribes. This is a great way to visit remove villages and the distinctive indigenous people’s which inhabit them. On a single trek, you’ll likely see four or five completely different hill tribes co-existing in close proximity.

 The best time to visit Myanmar is during the dry season (OCTOBER – MAY)

2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore Myanmar.

US DOLLARS and Burmese kyat. (MMK)

Yangon (RGN) and Mandalay

hotels we love

Nothing but the best. Browse the hotels that can feature in your bespoke Myanmar itinerary.

INLE PRINCESS RESORT

Set on a peaceful inlet near the Blue Mountains in southern Shan state, Inle Princess is a welcoming gateway to the unique cultural and natural treasures of Inle Lake. Take a boat to explore the lake, enjoy walks, biking, canoeing, and bird watching from your spacious private deck, and then unwind at the spa or hotel pool. View hotel website.

belmond governor's residence

A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, Belmond Governor’s Residence echoes the days when it was home to the ruler of Myanmar’s southern states. With fan-cooled verandas and teak armchairs, this hotel conjures up a bygone era while offering every modern pleasure. Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, it’s truly magical at the end of a day exploring Yangon. Visit the hotel website.  The Governor’s Residence is currently closed.

bagan lodge

Bagan Lodge is situated in New Bagan and perfectly located on the edge of town within easy reach of the airport and all of the religious monuments, the 4 star plus ’boutique resort’ is a selection of tented bungalows which are modern and stylish in their design offering a comfortable oasis at the end of a busy day. View hotel website.

the strand hotel, Yangon

The Strand Hotel remains one of Asia’s most enduring and awe-inspiring Colonial landmarks. The chandeliers, ceiling fans and authentic period furnishings, which have long served as the backdrop to this singular meeting place of famous explorers and raconteurs, remain. View hotel website.

amazing ngapali resort

Nestled on the most beautiful beach in Myanmar, 45 minutes away from bustling city of Yangon by air and 5 minutes’ drive from Sandoway Airport. The beauty and simplicity of the traditional architecture of the buildings are striking, there can be no finer place to discover paradise. View hotel website.

villa inle resort & spa

Nestled in between the mountains of Shan State and Inle Lake, Villa Inle Boutique Resort provides the perfect luxury getaway. When you’re not exploring the lake or the gardens, we recommend pampering yourself at the “Lotus Spa.” It’s guaranteed to rejuvenate and invigorate. View hotel website.

TOP CRUISES IN MYANMAR

Browse the cruise options below  that can feature in your bespoke Myanmar itinerary.

the strand cruise

Cruise along the Ayeyarwady delta aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. Myanmar has captured the hearts and minds of travellers for centuries. There is no better way to travel to the heart of this mesmerising destination than to cruise along its vital waterways. This ship accommodates just 82 guests. 

belmond road to mandalay

Guests will become enchanted by the sight of golden sunsets over temple tops, and the gentle lilting sound of waves against the river banks as you cruise along the Ayeyarwady delta aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. This ship accommodates just 82 guests in classic-colonial style evoking a traditional oriental voyage.  Road to Mandalay in currently not in operation.

The Strand Hotel remains one of Asia’s most enduring and awe-inspiring Colonial landmarks. The chandeliers, ceiling fans and authentic period furnishings, which have long served as the backdrop to this singular meeting place of famous explorers and raconteurs, remain.  View hotel website.

Looking to extend your trip?

For the ultimate trip to relax and recharge, how about combining Bhutan & India on the ultimate spiritual escape!

On this customized journey, you’ll join local monks for daily prayers and blessings in Bhutan before hopping across the border to get ahead of the crowds and visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and find peace in the Himalayan foothills at the world-class wellness retreat, Ananda.

Mingalabar – Welcome to Myanmar (Burma)!

We invite you to travel with Discovery DMC one of the top travel agencies in Myanmar. We are an independent boutique tour operator run by experienced expatriate and local travel experts with 20+ years of experience.

On this page we have curated a portfolio of different themed example tours in Myanmar and Myanmar holidays to suit various occasions and to give you some idea where to go and what to do.

As regional tour operator we also offer the possibility of conveniently combining Myanmar with other destinations in Asia. Thailand , Laos , Cambodia , Vietnam ,  and Malaysia .

Our travel designers look forward to hearing from you and to start working on your personal journey.

Myanmar remains, as ever, a country shrouded in mystery. The hardest fought and least travelled paths in life, however, yield unforgettable memories. Stories that we pass onto generations. For the uninitiated, the sheer spread of ancient temples in Bagan , or the floating gardens and dancing fisherman of Inle Lake , or the stretches of powdery sand in Ngapali Beach will not fail to astonish. Myanmar is a country that draws repeat visits, charming visitors to explore one more corner, understand one more facet.

Today, Myanmar is open to the world after decades of isolation. As Southeast Asia’s second largest country and approximately the size of France and England combined, Myanmar is home a beautiful kaleidoscope of diversity of over 130 different ethnic groups.

Myanmar’s 2000 kilometers of coastline remain pristine and pure. Its terrain stretches from the snowcapped  Himalayan  peaks in the north, to the coral-fringed islands of the  Andaman Sea  in the south. It is a landscape of beauty and contrast, studded with pagodas and palaces, forested hills and fertile valleys.

Myanmar fascinates with its mix of ancient cultures, ethnic minorities and diverse landscapes.

Many tourist destinations offer sea and sun, relaxation and adventure, pleasure and discovery –Myanmar offers all this in an untouched, still-to-be discovered way.

Latest Myanmar travel updates

Myanmar travel news update 27 Aug 2023

Myanmar visas: Evisa is available for arrivals through RGN, MDL airport and the Kawthaung land border in the South which is the gateway to the Mergui Islands. Local insurance is no longer required when applying but all tourists are required to have valid travel insurance.

Myanmar cruises: Sanctuary Ananda and Anawrahta luxury cruises are back in operation from Sept 2023 onwards. Travelling between Mandalay and Bagan.

Ballooning:  All 4 ballooning companies are back in business in Bagan from November onwards.

Myanmar hotel and resort openings: Boutique luxury hotels Governor’s Residence and Excelsior Hotel are re-opening in November 2023. All Mergui Archipelago private island resorts will reopen for business this coming November. Ngapali Beach resorts will reopen after the rainy season Oct/Nov and ready to welcome international guests.

Myanmar flights: Best connections to Myanmar are from Bangkok for the time being. There are many daily flights at very affordable prices. Domestic flight routings have been adapted to service local traffic needs during and after COVID-19 but are likely to return to normal with tourism recovery.

It lies in a bight of the Bay of Bengal, on its eastern shores. Three fifths of the frontier is formed by a series of mountain ranges, and the waves of a wide sea wash the remaining two fifths. It’s away from the main water-ways of the world, and no great land route passes through it. The country was, therefore, much less frequently visited by the early voyagers than other parts of the East, notwithstanding the tales of its wondrous wealth in rubies and in gold.” Sir. J. G. Scott's description of Burma 100 years ago

Tours in Myanmar

DISCOVERY MYANMAR HIGHLIGHTS 12D

This guided tour will introduce you to the cultural highlights and most famous destinations in Myanmar. From the bustling streets of Yangon to the awe-inspiring temple plains of Bagan....

MYANMAR FOR CONNOISSEURS

Experience the luxury onboard the top class Ayeyarwaddy River cruise, visiting major cultural highlights of temple dotted Bagan and royal Mandalay, adding with few days relaxing by the calm Inle...

ULTIMATE MYANMAR WITH STRAND CRUISE 7D

This guided tour will introduce you to the cultural highlights of Central Myanmar, starting from Mandalay, the cultural capital of the country and with visits to the temple plains of Bagan and...

MYANMAR PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR 10D

Perfect tour for first-timers with special interest in photography, covering the six most popular and photogenic destinations in the country - Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Pindaya, Golden Rock and...

14D TRIBES OF MYANMAR

Experience different life and culture on our Myanmar Family Tour, make new friends and meet the friendly locals, learn about the magical legends and tales of the mighty kingdoms and mysterious...

14D OLD CAPITALS & TRIBAL LANDS

13D TREASURE & RUBIES OF MYANMAR

13D MYANMAR ARTS & CULTURE

13D GRAND MYANMAR JOURNEY

MYANMAR KALEIDOSCOPE 10D

On this cultural & life-seeing introductory tour you visit the most famous destinations in Myanmar, as well as a more obscure tribal secret land, Loikaw....

13D CHARMING MYANMAR

Amazing myanmar 10d.

5D SOUTHERN ADVENTURE

This guided tour will introduce you to the cultural highlights and most famous destinations in Myanmar....

MYANMAR’S MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Mergui Archipelago is top destination for diving in the Andaman Sea. Join a group of divers in search of mantas, sharks and reefs. All meals are included on this tour. Equipment rental and...

TREASURES OF BURMA WITH PANDAW CRUISE

Our adventure starts from Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage City. This trip will introduce you to local culture and traditional living style of the hill tribes. Immerse yourself with nature...

Destinations

Central myanmar.

Discover rich cultural treasures of ancient civilizations and kingdoms of the Ayeyarwaddy ( Irrawaddy ) river valley and Central Myanmar. Take a classic river journey along the mighty Irrawaddy river exploring hidden gems along the waterway and enjoying in world class services in various sized river boats.

• Pyin Oo Lwin

EASTERN MYANMAR

Eastern Myanmar bordered by China, Thailand and Laos is home to the perhaps greatest concentration of ethnic minorities found anywhere in Southeast Asia. Shan state in the North Eastern Myanmar is particularly fascinating destination for ethnic encounters, hiking, biking and other adventures like elephant camps.

• Kyaing Tong

NORTHERN MYANMAR

Last untouched jungles, alpine forests, snow capped Himalayan mountains, wild rivers, wildlife sanctuaries and sparsely populated wildernesses await adventurers in the Northern Myanmar. There is not a whole lot of development, roads or services available yet.

• Mogok – Valley of Rubies

SOUTHERN MYANMAR

Explore Mon kingdoms, first European settlements and trading ports. Enjoy pristine 800 island Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago in Southern most Myanmar famed for its diving and clear waters and deserted islands with powdery white sand beaches.

• Golden Rock
• Mergui Archipelago

WEST MYANMAR

The coastal areas of Bay of Bengal have Myanmar’s premier beach destinations. Just south of Bangladesh is situated forgotten kingdom and trading port of Mrauk U. The mountain regions of the western Myanmar in Chin state and Rakhine state are home to Chin tribes who practice decorating their ladies faces

• Chin State & Mt Victoria
• Nagaland (Myanmar)
• Ngapali Beach
• Ngwe Saung Beach

Our handpicked hotels in Myanmar

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

What Our Clients Are Saying

First and foremost thank you for organizing this wonderful trip!!  The itinerary was perfect. Lots of culture, local life and some downtime on the beach in Ngapali. Inle Lake was our absolute favourite with hiking and cycling days. The guides in Bagan, Inle and Yangon were excellent, ever so polite, friendly and fun to be with. The charm of Myanmar people is contagious!  🙂

Dear Discovery Team, I have been back home for over five weeks now and wanted to write to you a few words of appreciation. We had a truly wonderful time in Thailand and Vietnam arranged by your company.  Thank you for all the assistance. Hotels and services standards far exceeded our expectations. I will definitely recommend your company to any friends who want to visit Thailand or Vietnam.

Dear Discovery Team, I just wanted to thank you for an amazing trip to Myanmar! The program worked out just great with fantastic guides and drivers, always on time and so friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely recommend this to friends and colleagues who want to travel to Myanmar.

Dear Mario, Bravo! A quick note after having finished our wonderful trip to Cambodia. Thank you for putting together this amazing journey. Everything went very smoothly and like magic, our local team somehow anticipated our needs. Meals were excellent ranging from home-cooked Khmer meals to French fine dining. Angkor temples are simply stunning.  This trip ranks high in my top 1o. Coming back soon!

Dear Discovery team, ..feedback from our clients. They really enjoyed the Borneo wildlife safari in Sukau, turtle island stay and climbing the Pinnacles in Mulu National Park which was tough but rewarding. The guides were professional and all spoke good English.

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Myanmar / Essential Information

• Visas and border crossings
• Country facts and figures
• Language and culture
• Mobiles and the Internet
• Travel to and around Myanmar

Myanmar Travel Inspiration

Embarking on a journey into the remote depths of Papua, travelers encounter the Asmat, Dani, and Korowai tribes, each preserving their ancient cultures amidst breathtaking landscapes, offering a profound exploration into human diversity and resilience.

Experience the magic of sea turtle conservation firsthand on Selingan Island in Borneo, where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the backdrop for unforgettable encounters with these endangered marine creatures.

Discover the enchanting world of Borneo’s orangutans and proboscis monkeys.From rehabilitation centers to wild jungle expeditions, experience the beauty and biodiversity of Southeast Asia’s largest island firsthand.

Get ready to discover Laos from a whole new perspective as you zip-line through its breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the wonders of its pristine forests. With each thrilling moment, you’ll find yourself captivated by the beauty and adventure that awaits in this enchanting destination.

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Myanmar Luxury Tours & Holiday Packages 2024/2025

Best myanmar luxury tours - grand tour over myanmar highlights.

Myanmar and Northern Vietnam’s Exotic Retreat in 14 Days

• Visit almost all tourist attractions in Yangon and Mandalay
• Enjoy a luxurious overnight cruise on the Ayeyawaddy River
• Try a hot air balloon ride in Bagan
• Unwind on Burma’s most beautiful beach – the Ngapali Beach
• Go shopping at the Bogyoke Aung San Market
• Stay at high-end hotels and resorts throughout your Myanmar tours
• Be careful with behaviors and clothes in public places in Myanmar
• Learn Burma’s customs and etiquette carefully before traveling
• Avoid the border areas
• Buy a SIM Card right after arriving at an international airport in Myanmar
• Cash is more favorable in the country (US dollars or Kyats). Some places may charge an extra amount of money if you use credit cards

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Myanmar Luxury Travel

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a captivating destination that entices intrepid travelers with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can witness monks draped in a traditional longyi, ancient religious stupas emerging from vast plains, and the ebb and flow of life in floating villages on Inle Lake . This enigmatic country, which only recently opened its doors to Western travelers, offers a glimpse into the allure of old Southeast Asia.

Best Places for Myanmar Luxury Tours

Yangon city

Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, exudes a mesmerizing blend of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, evident in its well-worn colonial architecture and unique cuisine. With a profound Buddhist tradition, the city is adorned with pagodas that dot the landscape. Yangon is also home to remarkable examples such as the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda and the historic Sule Pagoda.

Mandalay Palace

Embarking on a journey to Mandalay reveals a city steeped in spiritual significance, with Mandalay Hill adorned with numerous monasteries, attracting Buddhist pilgrims for nearly two centuries. For a captivating glimpse into both the colonial-era romance and the daily lives of the Burmese people, cruising along the Irrawaddy River aboard the luxurious ‘Sanctuary Ananda’ provides an unforgettable experience. Disembarking at various temples and observing life along the river unveils the true essence of Myanmar.

Ancient Bagan

Considered the spiritual heart of the country, Bagan boasts over 2,000 pagodas, stupas, and temples strewn across its golden plains, presenting a sight that is truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable. The best way to appreciate this grandeur is by soaring above in a private hot air balloon, offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective. Other notable highlights include the well-preserved Ananda Temple and the striking Mount Popa , a volcanic formation revered as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

What people are saying About Us

An enchanting odyssey in vietnam, heartfelt thanks for an incredible tour, still great, highly recommend.

March 17, 2022

Well looked after

May 1, 2022

Very well organised tour!

June 11, 2022

Personalized Tour – Organized, Responsive, and a Great experience!

July 17, 2022

Beyond satisfied

Amazing 8-day trip from south to north vietnam.

August 12, 2022

Over my expectation

August 14, 2022

Great time in Vietnam

September 3, 2022

I had a wonderful trip thanks to Mr. Alex Duy who was so nice and supportive. IDC Travel's services were amazing and both of us had a great time in Vietnam. We love this itinerary, it was so well organized and so interesting. We will book again with your team if we plan to come back to Southeast Asia again.

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Myanmar Tours & Vacation Packages | Top 10+ Burma Trips

Stepping out of a fragmentary past into a new era of hope and optimism, Myanmar (Burma) is an epic land where thousands of different feelings, landscapes, temples, and people are rolled into one. It’s huge, and looks like a hundred countries. Probably because there are 135 ethnic groups, each with its own way of doing things. Expect to be overwhelmed by radiant cities of gilded temples, enlivened by the unspoiled natural landscape, and humbled by the warm smiles of friendly villagers. Even after a lifetime in Myanmar, there would still be more to see, taste, discover, and experience. Take a trip back in time to discover peaceful pagodas, sacred sites, ancient towns, and monasteries of Myanmar.

Go Myanmar Tours is operated by a local operator in Myanmar & Asia. With over 18 years of experience in the Burma tourism industry, Go Myanmar Tours delivers a variety of Myanmar tours & travel packages for individuals, families, and groups of all sizes. We also work with you to create a unique Myanmar tour to suit your specific interests and preferences.

Myanmar is Safe to Travel Now!

At Go Myanmar Tours, your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. Our Myanmar travel packages are meticulously crafted to avoid any regions experiencing instability. Rest assured, our dedicated team closely monitors the situation, keeping you informed about local conditions and safety updates every step of the way.

However, it's important to note that there are still disturbances confined to specific border regions. These areas will not be included in our Myanmar tour packages, and we strongly advise against traveling to these regions!

Happy 18th Anniversary of Go Myanmar Tours

YEAR EXPERIENCES

CUSTOMIZED TRIPS

EXCELLENT REVIEWS 

HAPPY GUESTS

Join the celebration as Go Myanmar Tours joyfully marks 18 years of spreading happiness through enchanting journeys across Myanmar's mesmerizing landscapes. With every passing year, we've woven a tapestry of joy, shaped by the smiles of our cherished travelers. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for the valued partnerships and the joyful wanderers who have been the driving force behind Go Myanmar Tours' success. 

At Go Myanmar Tours, we hold firm to the belief that travel isn't just about exploration; it's also about safeguarding the destinations for future generations. We aim to offer fulfilling Myanmar tour experience while nurturing both the environment and local communities.

Our mission is to offer Myanmar travel package that advocate for eco-conscious behaviors, championing local conservation initiatives, and facilitating cultural exchanges that honor and embrace our planet's diversity.

Go Myanmar Tours - Where The Myths Reveal

Easy Burma Trips Planning

• Speak 1-1 with a dedicated Myanmar Travel Expert
• Free Inquiry - Promptly Response - Consistent service - Seamless itineraries
• We share commitment to quality & the delivery of authentic Myanmar tour packages

Local Expert Customizing

• Over 18 years of experience in tailoring Myanmar vacation packages
• Hand-picked accommodations with thorough scouts
• Your time, your pace - No limited change, without charge

Authentic Myanmar Tours

• We want you to go home with amazing stories about your Burma trips
• Unlock the real Myanmar, local insights
• Visit local families, rural farmers, and experience local life

Outstanding Reviews

• Tripadvisor Hall of Fame for eight years in row (2015 to 2023)
• Thousands of customers chose us each year including Celebrities, M.I.C.Es, TV Shows

Myanmar Tour Packages by Themes

Myanmar Tours by Destination

Yangon Tours

The Much-Mythologized City

Bagan Tours

The Holy Land of Temples & Pagodas

Inle Lake Tours

The Home of Remarkable Waterside Villages

Mandalay Tours

The Heart of Burmese Rich Tradition of Culture

Top 8 Myanmar Tours & Vacation Packages

Real Myanmar – 15 Days

Colorful Myanmar – 8 Days

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The Trail of Myanmar – 10 Days

Myanmar Serenity Tour – 11 Days

Authentic Burma Tour – 7 Days

Myanmar in Style – 9 Days

Myanmar Beyond the Surface With Strand Cruise – 12 Days

Extend Your Myanmar Trips

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What You Will Receive with Go Myanmar Tours

Personalized Burma Trips

Traveling with a private guide and driver helps you do whatever you want, whenever you wish with the freedom to change any plans.

Expert Myanmar Tours Planning

With in-depth knowledge of Myanmar, our Travel Experts tailor each experience to your preferences to ensure you can make the most of your time away.

Local Guide for Burma Tours

Our Myanmar tour packaeges unlock details that you may have overlooked with insider information only a private and local guide can offer.

Unbeatable support for Myanmar Tours

Each booking with Go Myanmar Tours includes invincible support, in case anything comes up & if changes to your itinerary occur, you’ll receive live updates via Whatsapp or emails

Excellent Based on 100+ Reviews

Our sincere thanks for all your efforts, leading to what has to be the most exciting trip we have ever enjoyed. I would highly recommend Go Myanmar Tours for my friends and all travelers in the world...

The Myanmar tour package is affordable and possibly the most reasonable one. Personally I think it was one of the best holidays we had as a family. I fully love this country and the Myanmar local tour operator...

Our local Myanmar tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us free time to explore on our own at our own pace. Through each destination, their love and enthusiasm for their country inspired us a lot..

We’ve finished our 10-day Burma trips and want to share with you how amazing and memorable experiences we gain during our journey. All in all, Yangon was great, Mandalay is beautiful, Inle Lake is really a treasure of nature...

We have just come back home safe from the 19-day Myanmar vacation package. It was truly a long and memorable journey. We realize that it was outstanding due to your hard work on our itinerary...

We have our own private tour guide in each city with a very clean car & pleasant driver. Soe Win was mine in Mandalay. He was very enthusiastic and helped us to understand the culture, the people & the history of Myanmar.

All of the guides are beyond our expectations. They were friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and very helpful with elderly people. Each of our guides was patient and they worked to make sure to please everyone...

The Myanmar tour itinerary you created for us was great. It gives us enough time for sightseeing and discovering the temples and people without being rush. The accommodations you chose for us were lovely...

Brief About Myanmar

Capital: Naypyidaw Currency: Burmese kyat (MMK) Population: 54.8 million Language: Burmese Religion: Buddhism Timezone: (GMT+06:30) Yangon (Rangoon) Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Dialling Code:  +95

Things You Should Know Before Myanmar Tour Packages

• Best Time to Visit Myanmar
• Culture & Customs in Myanmar
• Geography & Environment
• Food & Drink
• History & Government
• Festival & Events
• Top 5 Temples of Myanmar
• Health & Safety

Myanmar vacationers are in for a captivating journey as they navigate the country's three distinct seasons, each with its own allure. From February to May, the nation welcomes travelers with its hottest and driest season, where temperatures can soar to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there's relief to be found in the higher altitudes, where cooler temperatures offer a more comfortable experience.

During the monsoon season from May to October, Myanmar transforms into a lush paradise. Don't let the term "monsoon" mislead you; this season is relatively mild, with refreshing rains nurturing the landscape and providing a unique perspective of the country's natural beauty.

From October to February, Myanmar takes on a different persona, offering a dry and mild climate that's perfect for vacationers. This period provides an excellent opportunity to explore the country comfortably, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's the ideal time to immerse yourself in the heart of Myanmar's culture, from its bustling markets to its serene pagodas, all set against a backdrop of clear skies and gentle breezes.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a nation characterized by its rich tapestry of history and diversity, with over 135 ethnic groups calling it home. This mosaic of cultures weaves together a vibrant array of traditions, customs, and languages, forming the very heart and soul of this historically volatile country.

For those embarking on a Myanmar tour, this diversity becomes the backdrop to a truly immersive and enriching experience. You'll have the opportunity to explore the various ethnic groups, each contributing its unique identity to this cultural treasure trove. Whether you're trekking through the Shan hills, visiting Bagan's ancient temples, or witnessing the distinctive traditions of the Chin and Kayan communities, you'll be treated to an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Religion plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of the Burmese people, particularly Buddhism, which is the predominant faith. The influence of Buddhism unifies this Southeast Asian nation, with its spiritual customs and practices deeply ingrained in the lives of locals. A Myanmar tour allows you to witness the significance of Buddhism as you visit sacred sites, interact with monks, and partake in religious rituals.

Beyond Buddhism, Myanmar is a tapestry of other religious beliefs, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and animism. On your journey, you'll encounter the rich tapestry of faiths that coexist harmoniously in this diverse land.

Superstition is another facet of Burmese culture that you may encounter during your tour. Many Burmese blend their religious beliefs with the worship of "nat," spirits believed to inhabit the land. These spirits are honored in village shrines, known as "natshin," and you'll witness their influence on the daily lives of the locals. Astrology, too, plays a significant role in Burmese life and culture, impacting decisions about everything from personal relationships to important life events.

About three-quarters of the population resides in rural areas, where life is challenging, marked by widespread poverty and limited access to modern amenities. During your Myanmar tour, you'll have the chance to visit these rural communities, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people who readily welcome you as "brother" or "sister." This deep sense of community and contentment in the face of adversity adds a layer of authenticity and connection to your journey.

In summary, a Myanmar tour is an opportunity to not just witness the beauty of the country's landscapes and ancient sites but to become a part of its rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and faiths. It's a journey that offers a profound understanding of this extraordinary nation and its people.

Nestled between two colossal neighbors, India and China, Myanmar, a Southeast Asian gem, unveils its geographical splendor - the perfect canvas for unforgettable Myanmar tours. Its borders extend to embrace Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh, and as if to embrace the majestic waters, it stretches forth to the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to the south.

The country's terrain is a testament to nature's artistry, and Myanmar tours allow you to explore this captivating landscape. To the north, west, and east, a protective horseshoe of majestic mountains cradles the heart of Myanmar, concealing ancient secrets and tales of cultures past. These imposing peaks give way to a river that meanders gracefully from north to south, finally embracing the coastal plains, like a tranquil sigh of relief - a river journey that awaits your discovery.

As one ventures into eastern Myanmar, on these guided tours, they are greeted by the enchanting expanse of the Shan Plateau, a land of captivating beauty. Here, intensive irrigated agriculture thrives, a vibrant tapestry of fruits, vegetables, and citrus orchards, painting the landscape with a riot of colors and flavors. Myanmar tours let you taste the bounty of this region while you delve into the local way of life. Paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see, yielding sustenance and livelihood to countless communities, and your tour experiences can bring you closer to the heart of this agrarian lifestyle.

Myanmar's natural wealth was once adorned by the lush cloak of subtropical rainforests, but the echoes of logging have left their mark. Still, the wonder of Myanmar's landscapes continues to thrive. A journey with expert guides on Myanmar tours will reveal the evergreen charm of this land, where nature's grandeur remains alive and accessible for those who venture to explore its breathtaking diversity. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of its rivers, the majesty of its mountains, or the cultural vibrancy of its cities, Myanmar tours offer an unforgettable voyage through this captivating nation.

Burmese cuisine, with its rich tapestry of flavors and influences, offers a delightful journey for the palate - an experience that can be wonderfully intertwined with Burma tours. Sharing similarities with neighboring Southeast Asian countries, as well as India and China, it weaves a culinary narrative that reflects the diversity of the nation.

At the heart of Burmese meals, like in many of its neighbors, lies rice, the staple upon which most dishes are built. Curries are a common sight but with a distinct Burmese twist – they are not overwhelmingly oily or overly spicy. These curries offer a harmonious blend of flavors, emphasizing the natural essence of the ingredients. When you embark on Burma tours, you'll have the opportunity to explore these flavors through traditional dining experiences.

Diving deeper into the culinary traditions, you'll find a regional variation in the south, characterized by the use of fish paste and a penchant for sour flavors. Pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots, and the unique addition of tea leaves feature prominently in Burmese cuisine. The abundance of seafood from the country's lakes and extensive coastline infuses freshness into many dishes, and your Burma tour will provide a window into the local food markets and the preparation of these dishes.

Burmese cuisine is also known for its innovative use of ingredients. One standout example is the tantalizing "Rafetto," or Tea Leaf Salad. This refreshing dish is made from fermented green tea leaves and combines the zesty notes of sesame seeds, fried peas, fried garlic, and peanuts. Some variations even include shredded cabbage and tomato slices, making it a symphony of textures and flavors. On your Burma tour, you can savor this delightful dish and learn about its cultural significance.

Another beloved choice, especially for breakfast, is "Mohinga." This is a comforting fish soup with vermicelli, frequently savored in Yangon's coffee shops and by street vendors. It's a warm and hearty way to begin the day and an essential experience during your Burma tour.

Burmese curries, while milder and less oily than their counterparts in neighboring countries, are a culinary highlight. They typically feature pork, fish, beef, or mutton, each crafted with meticulous care to bring out the best of the ingredients. A traditional Burmese restaurant experience extends beyond just the curry; it encompasses an array of side dishes, from rice and salads to fried and cooked vegetables, soups, and an assortment of condiments. This symphony of flavors complements the curry, creating a balanced and satisfying meal, and your Burma tour guides can recommend the best places to savor these culinary delights.

For those in search of a refreshing pause, "ochaya," or teahouses, are the epicenters of social gatherings. Recognizable by their small plastic tables and stools, teahouses are scattered along the streets, serving not just tea but also a variety of delights, from noodles and snacks to sweets, often served with condensed milk. These teahouses are an integral part of the culinary and social fabric of Myanmar, and your Burma tour may include visits to these local gems.

To indulge in a stronger drink and savor an open-air barbecue experience, travelers can head to the "Beer Station" in Myanmar's bustling cities. For fans of Indian cuisine, particularly vegetarian thali, the big cities like Yangon and Mandalay offer a wealth of Indian restaurants serving all-you-can-eat thali, a selection of Indian food served in small bowls with roti, rice, chutneys, and desserts, which can be a delightful change of pace during your Burma tour.

A journey through Myanmar's culinary landscape during your Burma vacation is a sensory delight, offering a wonderful sense of place and a deeper connection to the country's rich cultural tapestry. From the delightful tang of tea leaf salad to the comforting embrace of Mohinga and the complex flavors of Burmese curry, each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, inviting travelers to savor the tastes of this enchanting nation as they embark on unforgettable Burma tours.

The early history of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a tale of ancient civilizations and cultural transitions dating back to 11,000 BC. The land was inhabited by early settlers, with archaeological evidence suggesting that these early communities were primarily concentrated along the Ayeyarwaddy River. Around 1500 BC, agricultural and pastoral activities began to take root, marking the advent of organized settlements.

The peaceful Pyu people played a pivotal role in the region around 1 BC by establishing larger settlements and city-states. They were instrumental in bringing Buddhism to Myanmar, a significant cultural and religious development.

However, the social fabric of Myanmar underwent further transformation with the migration of the Hmong people from the south in the 6th century and recurring attacks from the north throughout the 9th century. These events led to the absorption of the Pyu population into the broader community, shaping the identity of the future Burmese people.

One of the most notable chapters in Myanmar's history was the rise of the Bagan Empire, which reigned from 1044 to 1287. This period was marked by prosperity, especially in agriculture and trade, allowing the empire to construct thousands of Buddhist temples, many of which still stand today as iconic landmarks.

As the 13th century approached, the Bagan Empire started to decline due to factors such as economic mismanagement and invasions by the Mongols and Hmong. This marked a turning point in Myanmar's historical trajectory, as wars, foreign invasions, and shifts in power became recurring themes over the centuries.

Moving into more recent history, Myanmar fell under British rule in 1886, becoming a part of British India with Rangoon (now Yangon) as its capital. The British colonial period significantly influenced Burmese society, introducing changes in culture, religion, economy, and society. However, this period was also marked by hardship for the Burmese people, as many experienced little economic benefit from increased trade and farming, and villages were often destroyed.

Myanmar's quest for independence gained momentum during World War II, ultimately resulting in its independence in 1948. What followed were decades of political instability, characterized by an unstable parliament and several military coups, which created turmoil in the newly established socialist state.

For much of the 1960s to the 1990s, Myanmar faced a series of challenges, including corruption, inflation, and political volatility. The country seemed to lurch from one crisis to another, while trade bans, protests, sanctions, and international pressure mounted.

In 2015, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party secured a majority in both houses of the Myanmar government, marking a significant turning point toward democracy.

However, in February 2021, Myanmar experienced another political upheaval as the military assumed control of the government, detaining and dismissing former ministers. This event has cast a shadow over the country's recent history and underscores the complex and tumultuous nature of Myanmar's journey toward stability and democracy.

Myanmar is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations and festivals, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking Myanmar experiences, be it through tours, trips, or vacations.

Thingyan (Water Festival): In April, as Myanmar ushers in the Burmese New Year, the country comes alive with the exuberant and watery celebration known as Thingyan. It's the perfect time to plan your Myanmar adventure. During this festival, the old year is symbolically washed away as the nation transforms into a massive water battleground. People from all walks of life join in the fun, armed with spray guns, buckets, hoses, and whatever they can find for playful water fights. As the sun sets, the festivities evolve into lavish parties, offering a dynamic experience for those enjoying Myanmar tours or vacations.

Independence Day: On January 4th, Myanmar commemorates its Independence Day, marking the end of British colonial rule. This event can be a focal point of your Myanmar journey. National fairs and celebrations take place, including the week-long fair at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon. Sports competitions and cultural events further enrich this significant day in Myanmar's history as the nation celebrates its independence.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights): Travelers on Myanmar tours or trips during Thadingyut are in for a sensory feast. Celebrated as the Buddhist Lent season concludes, the entire country is illuminated with colorful lanterns and candles, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere. Houses and temples come alive with these lights, while the air is filled with the enticing aroma of fried snacks from street food fairs. Fireworks light up the night sky, making Thadingyut a captivating experience for those exploring Myanmar.

Bagan Ananda Temple Festival: For those seeking unique experiences during their Myanmar adventures, the Ananda Temple Festival is a must-attend event. Held for two weeks in December or January, this festival combines the energy of a bustling market with the solemnity of a religious ceremony, offering a blend of experiences for travelers. Market stalls, street food delights, carnival games, and occasional religious lectures make this festival a well-rounded cultural experience during your Myanmar journey.

Myanmar's festivals and celebrations are a reflection of the country's rich heritage and cultural diversity, making them an integral part of your travel experience in Myanmar, be it through tours, trips, or vacations. These events provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together, immerse themselves in Myanmar's traditions, and partake in the joy, vibrancy, and unity that define these remarkable celebrations.

Myanmar tours provide an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the country's rich heritage and spirituality, exploring captivating cultural and historical sites that offer deep insights into Myanmar's culture.

Shwedagon Paya Temple: Situated in Yangon, the Shwedagon Paya Temple is a highlight of Myanmar tours. This temple stands as one of the holiest sites in the country and offers a profound window into Burmese culture and the depths of the Buddhist faith. Its golden bell-shaped stupa is a breathtaking sight, and the surrounding area with statues and satellite shrines adds to the mystical experience.

Dhammayangyi Temple: Located at the heart of the ancient Bagan complex, the Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest and most notable temple in the area. It is celebrated for its exquisite brickwork, dark passages adorned with shrines, and pure Buddha images. The mystery surrounding its construction, with the identity of the architect or builder unknown, adds intrigue to your Myanmar tour.

Shwezigon Temple: Among Bagan's renowned pilgrimage sites, the Shwezigon Temple is a testament to Myanmar's rich cultural heritage. It features exquisite gold stupas, ornate stairways, and golden ornamental plants. This temple is not just a beautiful structure; it holds great significance for the Burmese people and is a place of spiritual devotion.

Mahamuni Temple: Another key stop on a Myanmar tour is the Mahamuni Temple, a place that embodies spirituality and serenity. The temple boasts large pillars, vibrant frescoes, peaceful pavilions, a reflective lake, and a colossal golden Buddha statue. It's an active monastery and a site of worship, providing a unique glimpse into Myanmar's spiritual life through its daily rituals and annual religious festivals.

Ananda Temple: While not the largest or most ornate temple in Bagan, the Ananda Temple is truly awe-inspiring. It has been lovingly restored to its former glory after suffering earthquake damage in the 1970s. The temple's symmetrical design exudes elegance, and its historical significance and religious devotion make it a lasting symbol of Myanmar's cultural and spiritual identity.

Myanmar tours offer travelers a chance to explore these remarkable sites, each with its own unique story and a special place in the cultural landscape of this enchanting nation. From the golden grandeur of Shwedagon Paya to the enigmatic allure of Dhammayangyi Temple and the spiritual devotion at Mahamuni Temple, a Myanmar tour is a journey of discovery and wonder.

While shopping opportunities in Myanmar may not be as abundant as in neighboring countries, most towns boast at least one central market. These markets offer regional specialties, making them an enticing aspect of a Burma trip. For example, you can discover exquisite lacquerware in Bagan, tapestries and puppets in Mandalay, and painted parasols in Pathein.

When considering souvenirs to bring back from your Burma trip, it's worthwhile to opt for these regional specialties. Purchasing these items not only allows you to take home a piece of Myanmar's culture but also supports traditional artisans and low-income communities. Keep in mind that haggling is common in the market, and cash is the preferred mode of payment.

As is typical in many countries, shopping opportunities tend to be more abundant in major cities. During your Burma trip, you might explore Diamond Plaza, a glitzy six-story shopping mall in Mandalay, often nestled amidst gold leaf workshops and stores selling traditional crafts. Mandalay, known as Myanmar's cultural capital, offers a wealth of shopping experiences. In Yangon, make sure to visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, where you'll find a wide range of luxury goods, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and connoisseurs. These urban hubs provide a delightful shopping backdrop for your Burma trip.

Myanmar is renowned for its jade production, and your Burma trip might lead you to these prized gemstones. However, it's crucial to exercise caution to avoid purchasing counterfeit or low-quality items. To ensure a smooth experience when returning home, official certificates are required when passing through customs. It is advisable to buy jade and other precious stones from reputable stores that can provide you with the necessary documentation and receipts, adding peace of mind to your Burma trip.

Go Myanmar Tours takes the health and safety of our travelers seriously and goes to great lengths to ensure that travel is safe, enjoyable and enjoyable for everyone. All travelers are advised to check with their governmental or national travel advisory authority for the up-to-date information before your departure

Myanmar Travel Blog & News

Greetings in Myanmar | Useful Phrases for Visitors Traveling To Myanmar

The Myanmar (Burma) form of greeting is not confined to any part of the day such that you say, “Good morning” in the morning and, “Good night” at night. Nor [...]

Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Myanmar (Burma)

If you are wondering about what are the most beautiful places to visit in Burma in 2020, here is the list of top 10 best Myanmar tourist attractions as one of [...]

Travel with Confidence with Go Myanmar Tours

From the moment you arrive on tour to the moment you leave, feel extreme confidence when traveling with Go Myanmar Tours [...]

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Best Luxury Hotels In Myanmar

Formerly known as Burma, the exotic Asian paradise provides explorers plenty of opportunities. From majestic temples, bustling cities to the serene countryside, this is a fascinating place to visit. Here are the most opulent hotels for your Myanmar adventures.

Belmond Governor’s Residence

Relive a bygone era with a stay in this classy 1920s teak mansion, once home to the governor of Kaya State. The hotel is found in Embassy Quarter and set in lush leafy grounds, with lotus ponds, a fan-shaped swimming pool surrounded by Pathein parasols and upscale sunbeds. Overbed crisp white net canopies, charming colonial architecture and sweeping verandahs help evoke an atmosphere of old-world romance. After dark, guests follow a trail of lanterns to an a la carte dinner at the Mandalay Restaurant, or buffet-style meals at Mindon lounge. Belmond Governor’s Residence has 49 rooms and a spa, The Governor’s Oasis, offering Burmese style treatments.

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The Strand Yangon

In 1911 author John Murray named it “the finest hostelry East of Suez” in his ‘Handbook for Travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon’. Carrying historical and cultural significance in the heritage of Yangon, The Strand even has its own elegant cruise boat. The hotel is found in the vibrant downtown area and was refurbished in 2016 for added luxury, but retaining a colonial vibe with wicker chairs, gleaming polished wood and ceiling fans. The 31 suites all come with 24-hour butler service and walk-in dressing areas. There’s a cafe for a sublime afternoon tea, restaurant and Sarkies Bar with renowned cocktails including the Strand Sour, Strand Sling and Bagan Breeze.

Sule Shangri-La Yangon

Those preferring to stay with large well-known brands will find this hotel more than suitable. Sule Shangri-La Yangon is close to shops, attractions and the business district. It has 464 rooms with a choice of views: the city, Shwedagon pagoda or the river. For a little nostalgia, dine or drink at the Gallery Bar and restaurant – its photos and memorabilia dating back to the 1800s is fascinating. There’s also the Peacock Lounge, popular for high tea and a cafe serving fresh cakes and pastries. By day you can swim in the outdoor pool, visit the fitness centre, or explore the sights on the doorstep.

Kempinski Hotel Nay Pyi Taw

Offering exotic and impressive frontage, guests enter Kempinski Hotel Nay Pyi Taw via its Royal Pavilion – in ancient times these structures were used as the welcome areas in palaces. Once in reception, you’ll marvel at the opulent gold leaf ceiling- believed to be one of Myanmar’s most expensive items. These kinds of traditional artworks and architectural elements can be found throughout the property. 106 rooms are spread across three separate villas, with 35 additional suites, including the two-bedroomed Royal Suite, complete with office, meeting room, media space dining area, lounge, fitness centre, and rooms for your nanny and bodyguard. Dine on pan-Asian cuisine at Rangoon Restaurant – the chef grows his own herbs and spices to create his unique and organic food. The Diplomatic bar and pool area become lively nightspots, while the executive lounges are oases of calm and relaxation.

Pristine Lotus Resort, Inle

Beside Inle lake and with the Shan hills in the vicinity, the new Pristine Lotus Resort boasts a peaceful valley setting, high above sea level. Each of the 70 rooms is a boat-shaped floating cottage, the lobby forming the central ‘island’ of the resort. Areas are connected by teak bridges and include two dining areas (Kumudra Restaurant and Lotus Restaurant), a spa villa, pool and natural hot spring jacuzzis. Interiors are designed with handcrafted indigenous fabrics, polished wood floors, mosquito nets and accents of terracotta-coloured textiles. Family rooms are also available.

Yangon Excelsior

Contemporary meets colonial at the Yangon Excelsior, the once headquarters of the Steel Brothers Limited Company, built in the early 19th century. Interior design from Hirsch Bedner Associates Bangkok combines art-deco elegance, high ceilings, parquet floors, plush textiles, all mod-cons and plenty of vintage touches providing a nod to its heritage. Josper Grill serves up lip-smacking delicacies conjured from local, seasonal produce (this establishment is environmentally minded, with solar power heated water and climate-friendly cleaning products in use). Or enjoy a bite at the retro-styled Newsroom. Children are welcome, but this boutique hotel is better suited to adult travellers

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Myanmar Luxury Tours & Travel Packages

Myanmar A land of fascinating history, gracious people and some of the foremost ancient architecture in Asia, is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. Visitors usually head to the traditional must-sees like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake, but more adventurous travelers can find off-the-beaten-path destinations like the medieval ruins of Mrauk-U, the natural splendor of Putao, and much more. Remote Lands has created custom trips in Burma since our inception, and our depth and breadth of knowledge gives us a superior position to navigate the country’s continuing change. So, how about people looking for Myanmar Luxury Tours? if it’s you, then, you can enjoy everything which is the best of Myanmar. Trust me, your Asia luxury tour packages in Myanmar will be your once-in-a-lifetime-vacation. Things we offer will be the best for making sure that your luxury Myanmar tours are perfect. So, travel with us and Myanmar luxury travel will be easier than ever.

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We offer luxury travel exclusively to Southeast Asia, one of the world’s most diverse and compelling regions. We specialize in high-end travel packages in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar [ … ]

Being the largest country on the Southeast Asia peninsula, and being bounded by India and China, Myanmar, formerly Burma, is the hot destination in the region due its endowed favorable weather conditions, pristine beaches, natural forests. Apart from that, Myanmar is also the promise land which has its own set of cultural tradition and idiosyncrasies. Some of these customs set it apart from that of other neighboring countries. Some traditions are interesting, but sometimes challenge the visitor a little bit, and require them to adapt to. From Buddhism and religious courtesy, wedding ceremony to the clothing, all of which wait to see you and welcome vacationers to discover fist-hand.

A mystical country only recently accessible, Myanmar is still both enigmatic and exciting. Bagan is a plain with over a thousand temples, enough, surely for even the most avid culture addict . Curious ‘leg’ fisherman perpetuate an ‘angling’ style not seen anywhere else in the East and Yangon has the largest number of colonial buildings in South East Asia. Mandalay, the last capital of Myanmar is also included. In order to maximise time at each destination there are three short internal flights.

As a relative newcomer to adventure travel, exploring the mysterious nation of Myanmar (also known as Burma) often feels like setting foot on a foreign, untouched planet. With few other travellers to contend with, the natural and man-made wonders of this underexplored part of Southeast Asia often feel like they’ve been placed here just for you. And what wonders they are: Inle Lake’s unique floating gardens, the staggering imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, the incomparable palaces of Mandalay, and enveloping forests throughout. Unknown pleasures await – come find them.

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Some essential things needed in your luggage when taking Myanmar tours

In your checklist: booking flight tickets: done, having confirmed voucher from local agency for Myanmar tours: done, applying for Myanmar Visa: done. So

Myanmar Luxury Travel in Style

If your plan a unique and a bit different holiday in South-East of Asia then look no further as Myanmar is your choice for this year, the stunning templ

Happy Customer

“Myanmar is like no other country in the world on the scale of interest and beauty. Local people are helpful and polite. Stephen and I fully enjoy the entire trip. I recommend Myanmar to all my friends who are planning future travels to unusual places.”

Paul Tsou & Stephen Tsou,

“This was my favorite trip we have ever taken and Ha Pham's company has planned four of our trips to SE Asia for us, each with private guides and driver and staying at the all-time best hotels. We spent a couple of days in Singapore first to catch up with friends (like the Four Seasons there....breakfast is amazing and good location off of Orchard Rd and near Botanical Garden which is spectacular there. And flew Singapore Air through Frankfurt and Silk Air to Yangon."“

Suzanne Schaefer,

"Very pleased with the organization of the tour- everything worked very well from hotels, bookings, access etc. Very pleased with our guides, only the guide and chauffeur in Mandalay seemed less than interested in the various sites and places, we visited."

Charlotte Christensen,

Treasures from the Past

Exotic Inle Lake

Treasures from the Shan State

Myanmar with Kids

Thrilling Family Adventures

The Road to Mandalay

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Luxury Tours & Travel in Myanmar

"There are certain moments in the history of a country that will never come again—and now is that time for Myanmar"—Author Alex Kerr.

Indeed, the door has swung wide open and Myanmar will never be the same. As you've heard, there is no place quite like Myanmar and if you want to ensure your once-in-a-lifetime-journey in this most special of places is as momentous as it should be, and worthy of that description, then you've come to the right place. Indochina Travel was one of the first American companies to organize trips to this "new" destination. Our custom private journeys immerse our travelers into the extraordinary local cultures of emerging artists in Yangon, villages around the Bagan temple plain, aged monasteries in Mandalay, diversity of traditional hilltribes in the sublime Inle Lake basin and aboard a luxury river cruise ship on the famed Irrawaddy River.

Come experience one of the world's most enchanting destinations, long closed to travelers—spectacular hidden jewel of unparalleled beauty and history offering magnificent temples in timeless landscapes. Interact with some of the friendliest and gentlest people you've ever met, enriching your journey through the Land of Gold. Myanmar offers several exciting destinations, and activities that take you to the heart of some of its magnificence, all while while staying in a sanctuaries of tranquility and sublime charm. No longer a destination of rustic colonial-era properties, Myanmar is now a place for luxury travel.

Explore many of the country's highlights, culture, cuisine, and landscapes from the temple plain of Bagan to lush river valleys along Chindwin and famed Irrawaddy rivers. In around Inle Lake in the Shan State, discover one of the most exceptionally diverse regions in the world. Experience amazing ways to celebrate, as we showcase festivals packed with local color. Indulge in authentic local and fine dining. Relax with our suggestions for wellness, such as yoga in Bagan and picturesque Ngapali Beach. Our luxury Myanmar tours offer unique experiences, encounters, and places few other travelers experience.

Unique trips in a very exceptional place

We've been organizing one-of-a-kind private custom trips in Myanmar since the late 1990s, from classic overland tours to the first cycling tours of Myanmar , a first of a kind Myanmar Digital Photography Tour , trips organized around attendeing the vibrant Inle Lake Phaung Daw Oo Festival , to private escapes for solitude or an unforgettable honeymoon retreat nestled against the Himalayan foothills . Our latest focus is on the artist community in Yangon , as the community emerges during this exceptional period of Burmese glasnost.

Aside from exceptional, original experiences, longtime travelers know the guide makes the trip and this even truer in Myanmar where there is a dearth of experienced guides. However, you can expect the very top escorts along with an attentive and efficient office. Let us plan your trip to this remarkably untouched place during this special window in time when Myanmar is opening up to the world. We can recommend when to travel, possible festivals to attend, as well as arrange your international airlines, and take care of that difficult Myanmar visa. Read more below or browse ideas for your custom Myanmar luxury tour.

Myanmar Touring Highlights

Like the other places we travel, in Myanmar we focus on experiential and there are few other countries in the world that are equal for immersive and authentic person-to-person experiences. Myanmar luxury travel is now possible, although our travelers are immensely awed by the wonderful scenery and sights, it is the friendliness, warmth, and endearing nature of the the people that are the most enchanting aspect of visiting the country. The gentle nature of the people in this Buddhist country are a delight to mingle with against the backdrop of shimmering golden pagodas, brick red monasteries, and stunning landscapes on the sublime Inle Lake . The curated experiences, places, and encounters below offer the best of Myanmar, but also browse our other ideas for other trip ideas .

Below are a sampling of our luxury trips, but please contact us to plan out your own unique trip by clicking below or calling us in San Francisco at (415) 418-6800 .

MYANMAR FAMILY TOUR

LUXURY MYANMAR TOURS

HIGHLIGHTS TOURS

BURMA FOR LOVERS

SPIRITUAL BURMA

MYANMAR PHOTOGRAPHY

YANGON STOPOVER

ARTISTS IN TRANSITION

FRONTIERS OF BURMA

LUXURY BURMA

THE SHAN EXPRIENCE

MYANMAR BICYCLE TOUR

MYANMAR BY PRIVATE JET

INLE LAKE IN DEPTH

MYANMAR FESTIVALS

Experiencing Myanmar is like encountering a forgotten banyan tree on a dusty plain. From one angle you're consumed by mystery, wondering how something so impressive could be hidden from the world. Circle the banyan and you realize that it's both an ode to history and a coveted example of tomorrow's beauty. Get closer and you admire how every root has its own story and style. Nature and culture combine into one, a fascinating fusion that can't be captured on camera. Myanmar is a country shrouded in legend, slowly opening to the world. Our Myanmar luxury tours unveil it all: the lost-world wonder, the distinctive roots, and the classic destinations that have always made Myanmar blossom.

The Indochina Travel Difference in Myanmar

Asia expert, insider travel, unique experiences, only private trips, visas and more, culinary delights, premier guides, trip of a lifetime, peace of mind.

Travel into an Asia of decades past, through one of the most untouched places in the world. Sublime, tranquil, picturesque and home to an endearing and gentle Buddhist Burmese, there is no place quite like Myanmar.

Yangon is home to the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, a massive stupa decorated in thousands of sheets of gold leaf, and in the former capital we'll arrange for your children to meet with a fascinating puppet master who will teach them the art hands-on.

On Bagan, at sunrise floating high over the temple plain on a thrilling balloon ride. Nearby, meeting with young monks in their monastery to learn about their unique lifestyle. Bagan and Inle Lake also provide a wonderful backdrop for leisurely family biking.

Inle Lake is one of our favorite destinations in all of Asia for family travel. A diversity of colorful hilltribes inhabit the area, including the "long-neck" tribe. We'll hike to villages and meet with local people while boating around the sublime lake. Among the traditional craft shops, including a hand-loom textile factory, children will marvel at the variety of attractions such as a floating monastery where the resident monks have taught resident cats to jump through hoops and the Burmese Cat Breeding Village.

Myanmar Road to Mandalay Tours

Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire. —Kipling

Myanmar is rightly called the land of light, gold, and flowers. Nowhere is the light more beautiful than in Bagan, at sunrise and even more, when the setting sun basks the pagodas and temples in a glow of warm red. Like Kipling, One never forgets their first glimpse of the golden glow of the massive stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, gleaming over Yangon. There are also the flowers, dense emerald-colored jungle, and lush forests that lie on the banks of the Irrawaddy. And how could this magical world better experience than a river cruise on the luxurious Road to Mandalay, floating at a leisurely pace past the wonders of this picturesque land.

River cruises in Myanmar are certainly a sublime experience, but quintessential Myanmar lies far removed from the decks offering admiring views. As in much of the region, personal encounters and village life as it has existed for hundreds of years, as well as the country's deep spiritualism much be experienced on land. Let us organize our unique take on activities and sightseeing we're known for, such as private artist encounters, photography escorts, discussions with monks in the spiritual capital, Mandalay, and our always diligent focus on cuisine.

Day 1 | Fly to Bangkok

International flight options include Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific from North America to Bangkok (flight time approximately 15.5 hours), from the U.K. (about 11.5 hours from London), or from Australia (about 9.5 hours flight time). Alternatively, flights are offered in the evenings on Lufthansa from Frankfurt, Vienna with Austrian or Swiss from Zurich to Bangkok (flight time each approximately 10.5 hours). Contact us to begin your airline trip arrangements.

Day 2 | Bangkok to Yangon

Layover for a day in Siamese City of Angels or connect with regional flight to Yangon (flight time approx one hour). Arrival in the morning or in the evening and transfer by private car to the teak oasis of the Governors Residence.

Day 3 | Yangon

Day 4 | Yangon to Bagan

Morning flight to Bagan spying the massive plain of red temples as we land. After arrival, transfer to your cabin on the Road To Mandalay. After refreshments, exploring Bagan, visiting Shwedagon Pagoda, the Gubyaukgyi, Ananda Temple and the 16-story viewing platform to savor the 360 degree views. Above the plain, the sunset is unforgettable.

Day 5 | Bagan & Irrawaddy

Marvel Bagan from a very different perspective: the hot air balloon (optional, reservation recommended). Later, the Road To Mandalay begins its cruise on the Irrawaddy. Slowly pulls the shore over to you as you listen to interesting lectures about the habits and customs of the country.

Day 6 | Irrawaddy to Mandalay

Day 7 | Mandalay

A boat trip will take you to Mingun, where once failed the construction of the largest pagoda in the Buddhist world. The cast of the world's biggest-sounding bell, however successful, and the Settawya Pagoda houses a Buddha footprint. In the afternoon excursion to the hills countless pagodas of the Buddhist meditation center Sagaing, where white stupas like precious porcelain bells shimmer across the dark hills. In the evening farewell dinner on board the Road To Mandalay.

Day 8 | Mandalay to Inle Lake

In the morning, flying to Heho (flight time approx 30 minutes), driving into the scenic Inle Lake basin to lakefront resort (Aureum Inle).

Day 9 | Inle Lake

Day 10 | Inle Lake to Yangon

Enjoy again the view of the picturesque Inle Lake before flying back to Yangon from Heho (flight time approx 1 hour).

Day 11 | Yangon to Bangkok

Make use of the free time for last minute shopping. Transfer to the airport and regional flights to Bangkok (flight time approx one hour). shortly before midnight starts from there your long-haul flight with Thai Airways to Europe or across the Pacific to Nort America (flight time approx 12 hours).

Day 12 | Arrive Home

Arrival in the morning.

Landcost from US$12,300 (£8,145) including regional airlines International Airline from $4,800 Business Class (£3,180) Private Aircraft Bangkok to Yangon from $2,300 (£1,520) one-way, per person

Tour options: Balloons over Bagan from $285 (£188) Cycling Inle Lake from $140 (£99)

Cruise Departures: Every Wednesday from Mandalay to Bagan for 3 nights Every Saturady from Bagan to Mandalay for 4 nights

Optional Extensions: Ngapali Beach from $1,200 (£790) Bangkok Stopover from $1,300 (£860) Thailand's Golden Triangle from $2,300 (£2,280) Angkor : Treasures of the Khmer Empire from $3,450 (£1,520) Luang Prabang : The Jewel of Northern Laos from $3,280 (£2,170)

Myanmar Highlights & Classic Tours

No visit to Myanmar is complete without pausing, even briefly, in Yangon, Mandalay, and of course the vast reddened plain of Bagan dotted with hundreds of striking ruins. But also consider exploring sublime Inle Lake , a remote Shangri-La high in the picturesque Shan State and a favorite place of past travelers.

Although most travelers visit these places, we'll ensure your time is spent adequately canvasing these highlights but also experiencing most enjoyable aspect of travel in Myanmar — immersion into the myriad of fascinating cultures and picturesque landscapes that leaves most of our travelers to claim Myanmar as their all-time favorite place. Browse some of our recommended itineraries below, then contact us to plan your entirely unique and original custom tour.

THE THREE JEWELS : BAGAN, INLE & MANDALAY (SIX DAYS)

Day 2 | Yangon - Bagan (flight)

Morning flight to Bagan. Highlights of our visit include many of Bagan's distinctive pagodas and a local village. At sunset enjoy a panoramic view of the pagodas.

Day 6 | Yangon

Last-minute sightseeing or at leisure until departure transfer.

ON THE ROAD TO MANDALAY (9 DAYS)

Day 3 | Mandalay

City sightseeing includes gold leaf hammering, Mahamuni pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world's largest book for its stone slabs of the entire Buddhist scriptures. End the day with a sunset view from Mandalay Hill. Overnight Mandalay.

Day 4 | Mandalay - Bagan (Cruise)

Early morning departure (600) from Mandalay to Bagan by modern ferryboat service. A pleasant way to spend the day as you travel down the fabled Ayerwaddy River. Arrive in Bagan by late afternoon, in time for evening sightseeing.

Day 7 | Inle Lake

Continue Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake.

Day 8 | Heho - Yangon (flight)

Day 9 | Yangon

At leisure until departure transfer.

Ngapali Beach Extension

Situated on the clear blue water of the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali Beach is a deserted idyllic, palm-fringed shore much like neighboring Thailand's beaches were decades ago... A handful of local resorts are in the area, with a new Hilton opening its doors in 2015.

Aside from lazing on the beach and by the pool, Ngapali attractions include Pearl Island, Nghet Pyaw Chaung Lake, Jatetaw fishing village, the black-sand island Zalat Htone, local craftsmen working on pottery and weaving, Thandwe market, and three shimmering stupas on nearby hilltops of the Nan Daw, Ann Daw and San Daw Pagodas. Activities include boat cruises, cycling, snorkeling, kayaking, golf, and hiking up Amata Mountain or panoramic views from the top.

CLASSIC MYANMAR (10 DAYS)

Yangon - Bagan - Mt. Popa - Salay - Mandalay - Pindaya - Inle Lake

A classic tour with all the main destinations plus Mt Popa, the fascinating caves of Pindaya, and the monasteries of off-the-beaten-path town of Salay

Day 3 | Bagan, Salay & Mt. Popa excursion

Morning private boat ride downriver to Salay, a small quiet town with interesting monasteries and pagodas. Then drive to nearby Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano renowned as the home of the 'nats' (or spirits). Return to Bagan in the afternoon stopping to see a local toddy palm farm on the way.

Day 4 | Bagan-Mandalay (flight), Amarapura & Inwa

Visit the former royal capital of Amarapura highlighted by U Bein's Bridge, the world's longest teakwood bridge. Then visit Inwa, another former royal capital and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries and the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Overnight Mandalay

Day 5 | Mandalay city sightseeing and Mingun

In the morning travel by private riverboat upriver to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda and see the huge Mingun Bell. Sightseeing in Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 7 | Pindaya - Inle Lake

Morning drive to beautiful Inle Lake and sightseeing highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens, the 'jumping cats' monastery and more.

Day 8 | Inle Lake

Day 9 | Heho - Yangon (flight), Yangon sightseeing

Fly to Yangon and afternoon sightseeing including Botahtaung Pagoda and the rustic 80 year-old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Yangon

Day 10 | Yangon

LAND OF GOLD (12 DAYS)

Yangon - Inle Lake - Pindaya - Mandalay - Maymyo- Bagan - Pandaw Cruise

All the major destinations and featuring a cruise on the fabled Ayerwaddy River on board the elegant colonial steamer replica RV Pandaw

Day 3 | Inle Lake

Continue Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake. Afternoon drive to Pindaya. Overnight Pindaya

Day 4 | Pindaya, Heho - Mandalay (flight)

Morning visit to Pindaya caves, which contain more than 8,000 Buddha images. Sightseeing at the caves and then drive to Heho airport for afternoon flight to Mandalay. Overnight Mandalay

Day 5 | Mingun excursion & Mandalay sightseeing

Morning transfer to Mandalay jetty for a short and pleasant ride upriver to the massive ruins of the unfinished Mingun pagoda. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell and Mingun village. Return to Mandalay and sightseeing includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 7 | Mandalay - Maymyo (car)

Afternoon drive to the former British Hill Station of Maymyo and enjoy the cool temperatures and scenery. Sightseeing includes elegant old colonial houses, and the beautiful 237 acre botanical garden. There are many horse drawn carriages to enliven the scenery. Overnight Maymyo.

Day 8 | Mandalay - Bagan

Embark the colonial style 1947 Pandaw river boat and morning departure for Bagan. Overnight Pandaw ship.

BURMESE ODYSSEY (16 DAYS)

Yangon - Kyiaktiyo - Pindaya - Inle Lake Mandalay - Monywa - Bagan - Mt. Popa

An all around tour that takes you from the Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo in the south to the caves of Po Win Taung near Monywa. A boat trip down the legendary Ayerwaddy River is also part of this extended tour

Day 1 | Arrive Yangon

Transfer to the hotel and begin sightseeing including colorful downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, arguably the world's most impressive golden stupa. Overnight Yangon

Day 2 | Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo

Breakfast at the hotel before an early morning drive to Kyaikhtiyo (about 5 hours), site of the famous 'Golden Rock'. It is a large boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff near the top of a mountain and it is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. Overnight at Golden Rock.

Day 3 | Kyaikhtiyo to Bago-Yangon

The morning sunrise at Kyaikhtiyo is a memorable sight. After early morning sightseeing descend the mountain and drive back to Yangon. On the way to Yangon, we will visit some interesting pagodas as we pass through Bago, and also some nearby pottery making cottages. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 4 | Yangon-Heho, Pindaya sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Yangon airport to take the flight to Heho. After arrival proceed to Pindaya, noted for its extensive limestone caves filled with more than 8,000 Buddha images. See the interesting process of Shan umbrella making at a family run umbrella business. Overnight at Pindaya

Day 5 | Pindaya-Inle, Inle sightseeing

Morning drive to magical Inle Lake, located about 1000 meters above sea level. Highlights include the fisherman rowing in their unique one-legged style and the floating gardens of grass and earth used for growing vegetables. Another attraction is a visit to the 'jumping cats' monastery, the Phaungdaw U Pagoda and the silk weaving looms

Day 6 | Excursion to Sangha & Thakong Pagoda

After breakfast, travel by boat south for a journey to reach Sangha and Thakong at the far end of Inle Lake. This relaxing boat journey (about 3 hours one way) enables us to get off the beaten path and see unspoiled culture and the traditional life-styles of the ethnic groups living in the area. On our trip we will see beautiful landscapes, flowering trees and settlements dotting both sides of the canal.

Day 7 | Heho - Mandalay, Mandalay sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Heho airport to take the flight to Mandalay. Sightseeing in Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 8 | Excursion to Mingun & Mandalay sightseeing

Transfer to Mandalay jetty where we take a short and pleasant ride upriver to visit the massive ruins of Mingun, the site of what would have been the world's largest zedi had not King Bodawpaya died in 1819 thus halting all further work. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell. Return to Mandalay and visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and then Mandalay Hill for sunset viewing. Overnight Mandalay.

Day 9 | Excursion to Inwa & Sagaing, Monywa

Sightseeing today includes a visit to Inwa, which was founded in 1364 and lasted nearly 400 years as a royal capital, and to Sagaing, another former capital of the Shan kingdom. Then drive to Monywa, 135 km northwest of Mandalay and situated on the Chindwin River. En route visit colorful Thanboddhay Pagoda. Overnight Monywa

Day 10 | Monywa sightseeing, river boat to Bagan

Excursion across the Chindwin River to visit the fascinating Po Win Daung Caves and Shwe Ba Daung. Then take an afternoon cruise by boat down the river to Bagan. Late afternoon Bagan arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 11 | Excursion to Mt. Popa

Morning drive, or bicycling, to Mt. Popa which rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. On the way to Mt. Popa we visit a local farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced.

Day 12 | Bagan

Today enjoy Bagan sightseeing. Highlights include visits to Nyaung Oo Market; and many of Bagan's distinctive pagodas. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop and Dhammayangyi Pahto, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan. As the sun goes down we will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide.

Day 13 | Bagan - Yangon, Yangon - Pyay

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Bagan airport to take the flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon and drive to Pyay (Prome), about 5 hours, located on the bank of Ayerwaddy River. Overnight Pyay.

Day 14 | Pyay

Drive across the Ayerwaddy River to Htonbo village (about 2 hours drive) and take a short boat ride down the river to bring us to this unique mountain. On its cliff face are carved hundreds of Buddha images. Optional short but steep hike up to reach the top. Sightseeing highlights of Pyay include Shwesandaw pagoda. Overnight Pyay.

Day 15 | Pyay - Yangon

After breakfast drive back to Yangon, arriving late afternoon. Overnight Yangon

Day 16 | Yangon Departure

MYANMAR & MORE, (FROM THAILAND, 8 DAYS) Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay A Myanmar tour to combine with a Thailand trip. This Myanmar program starts with the border crossing at Tachilek Day 1 | Tachilek border crossing, and flight to Heho Cross from Thailand into Myanmar at the town of Tachilek and after immigration processing transfer to airport for flight to Heho. Arrive at Heho, transfer to Inle Lake and check in to the hotel. Day 2 | Inle Lake Transfer to a hotel at Inle Lake and begin sightseeing by long tailed boat of this magical and unique area. Highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens, and a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake. Day 3 | Inle Lake, Heho - Mandalay Morning sightseeing on the lake and afternoon transfer to Heho airport for flight to Mandalay. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Mandalay Day 4 | Mandalay In the morning travel upriver by private boat to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda. Also visit Mingun village and the Mingun Bell, the largest hanging uncracked bell in the world. Return to Mandalay and sightseeing includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay Day 5 | Mandalay - Bagan Take a ride on the local ferry (private reserved seats) and enjoy a leisurely day traveling down the legendary Ayerwaddy River. Arrive in Bagan in time for evening sightseeing and enjoy the sunset view from one of the pagodas. Day 6 | Bagan After breakfast continue sightseeing of one of Asia's premier archaeological sites. Highlights of our visit include Bagan's distinctive pagodas, the colorful local market, and a visit to a local village. Day 7 | Bagan - Yangon Fly to Yangon by morning flight and Yangon sightseeing including Botahtaung Pagoda and the sprawling 79 year old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Yangon Day 8 | Yangon At leisure until departure transfer AND MORE...

Tour Extensions and Add- on ideas to spice up your program.

Mogoke - about a seven-hour drive north of Mandalay, Mogoke is famous for its beautiful rubies and sapphires which are mined there. Located at 1,170 meters in picturesque natural surroundings.

Kyiaktiyo (Golden Rock) - see above

Pyay (Prome) - Five hours drive northwest of Yangon and located on the Ayerwaddy River, Pyay was established as a trade center during the Bagan era. Some of the ancient Pyu civilization flourished here. You can also see nearby Akauk Mt., noteworthy for its hundreds of Buddha images carved in its cliff face.

Monywa - see above

Mawlaymine - Travel further, due south into the Mon state from Kyiaktiyo and you will reach Mawlaymine, a former capital of British Burma and it is Myanmar's third largest city with a population of 300,000. Rich in decaying colonial architecture and still a large industry of shipping.

Mrauk-U - see above

Pathein - Myanmar's fourth largest city is located in the south in the Ayerwaddy Delta. This agricultural region grows the best rice in Myanmar. There is a picturesque waterfront area, bustling markets, and the city is noted for its hand painted umbrellas.

Kengtung - (previously mentioned)

Mandalay/Bhamo boat trip - A soft adventure trip is to take the local boat (you can get private cabins) north on the Ayerwaddy river to reach Bhamo, passing through three defiles on the way.

Naga festival - It is possible to arrange a trip to visit the Naga, who live near the Bangladesh border. Former headhunters, a few who only reformed as recently as the 1950's, they wear colorful costumes at festival time, and can still look fierce.

Classic Train Travel - For the serious train enthusiast, train trips, utilizing private coaches and steam engines at times, can be arranged.

Trekking - see above

Beach Resorts - see above

Excursion to Twante - Liven up your visit to Yangon with a short morning ride down the Yangon River to the local village of Twante where they make much of the pottery used in the Delta and Yangon area. It is about a 3 hour boat ride to Twante which you will share with Myanmar locals - a real Discovery Channel experience.

Bird watching - World class bird watching is available at Moyingyi Wetlands just 70 miles north of Yangon.

Meditation - There is no better country to come to for a serious study of meditation. And even if you are not that serious, you can come and do a combined meditation and leisure tour. Golf tours (previously mentioned)

Historical tours - We can organize tours that highlight places of historical interest, e.g., sites along the river which were key in the wars between the British and the Burmans.

Inle Lake Festival tour - The Paungdaw Oo pagoda festival which takes place at Inle Lake in October (sometimes partly in September depending on the moon cycle) is one of the most colorful and popular festivals with visitors.

Balloons Over Bagan - see above

Honeymoon tour - Honeymooners would likely find anyplace romantic but Myanmar truly does mesmerize, from the incredibly exotic Honeymoon bungalows at Kandawgyi Palace hotel to the beauty of its beaches.

River expeditions - Several opportunities for river cruises exist. The previously mentioned IFC PANDAW, 1947 PANDAW, and the ROAD TO MANDALAY cruise boats both do extended trips at select dates. In addition the DELTA QUEEN boat offers overnight trips between Yangon and Pathein. From Pathein it is an hours drive to Ngwe Saung Beach. The boat is fairly modern and though cabins are small, they are tidy and well kept. With Myanmar's vast river system there is great potential for river cruising.

Myanmar Honeymoon Tour

No visit to Myanmar is complete without pausing, even briefly, in Yangon, Mandalay, sublime Inle Lake, and of course the vast plain of Bagan dotted with hundreds of ruins. Although most travelers visit these places, we'll ensure your time is spent adequately canvasing these highlights but also experiencing most enjoyable aspect of travel in Myanmar — immersion into the myriad of fascinating cultures and picturesque landscapes that leaves most of our travelers to claim Myanmar as their all-time favorite trip.

HONEYMOON & ANNIVERSARY MYANMAR (15 DAYS)

Yangon - Mandalay - Road to Mandalay Cruise - Bagan - Inle Lake - Ngapali Beach

The perfect itinerary for a honeymoon; all the major destination combined with beautiful hotels and highlighted with a cruise on the Ayerwaddy river and a beach stay at the elegant Sandoway Resort

Day 3 | Yangon to Mandalay

Sightseeing of the former royal capital of Amarapura which we pass on our way to the hotel. Check in to the luxurious Sedona Mandalay Hotel Premier Suite with its own private balcony and great view over Mandalay Palace. Afternoon city sightseeing including silver-smithing and gold leaf making workshops. Later a panoramic view from Mandalay Hill.

Day 4 | Inwa & Sagaing

After Breakfast we visit another former royal capital, Inwa. Travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths and see the ruins of old palaces, "the leaning tower of Ava", and the Ok Kaung Monastery, one of Myanmar's few remaining wooden monasteries. Then cross the river by the Ava bridge to visit Sagaing Hill. Formerly a royal capital of the Shan kingdom it is now primarily a religious center. From Sagaing Hill you have wonderful view of the Ayerwaddy River and looking back at Mandalay. Overnight Mandalay Sedona hotel Premier Suite

Day 5 | Road to Mandalay River Cruise

In the morning embark on the Road to Mandalay, an elegantly restored river steamer from the bygone Colonial era. Teakwood cabins and rattan furniture help provide an aura of relaxation and luxury. A two night cruise to Bagan on the legendary Ayerwaddy River with a couple of shore visits to local villages included. Overnight in private cabin.

Day 6 | Road to Mandalay Cruise

Continue cruise and Overnight Pandaw.

Day 7 | Bagan arrival

Morning arrival in Bagan and after Breakfast disembark at one of Asia's premier archaeological sights. Transfer to the lovely Thiripyitsay hotel on the banks of the river. Afternoon sightseeing of Bagan's distinctive temples and pagodas and then a sunset pony cart ride to a temple where we climb up for a panoramic view of the pagodas and the sunset. Overnight Thiripyitsaya River Suite

Day 8 | Bagan and Sunrise Hot Air Balloon flight

Early morning wake up call to transfer to the take off site of the hot air balloon. Take off before sunrise and see the sun come up as you drift slowly over the pagodas for about 50 minutes before landing and enjoying celebratory champagne. Return to the hotel in time for breakfast and enjoy the rest of day at leisure. Overnight Thiripyitsaya River Suite

Day 9 | Bagan - Heho

Today fly to the Shan state for a visit to beautiful Inle Lake. Located at 900 meters elevation, and at 22 km long by 11 km wide, Inle Lake offers plenty to see and do and is also very relaxing. Transfer from Heho airport to Inle Lake then transfer by private long tailed boat to the romantic and beautiful Inle Princess Resort, nestled on the eastern shore of the lake. After check-in enjoy sightseeing on the lake of the floating gardens, the Inle boatmen with their unique one-legged rowing style and the semi-famous 'jumping cats monastery'. Overnight at Inle Princess Resort Lakeview Chalet

Day 10 | Inle Lake - Indein

Take a scenic boat ride up a creek to reach the 16th century pagodas of Indein. Truly an 'Indiana Jones' type setting with the crumbling pagodas and underbrush. Overnight at Inle Princess Resort Lakeview Chalet

Day 11 | Heho - Ngapali Beach

Take leave of the beauty of Inle Lake and fly to another kind of beauty, the white sands of Ngapali beach. Arrive by afternoon flight and check into the romantic cottages of Sandoway Resort. Enjoy the beach and the hotel which is elegantly furnished with natural woods, is beautiful landscaped and has great cuisine as well. Overnight at Sandoway Resort Beachfront Cottage

Day 12 | Ngapali Beach

Overnight at Sandoway Resort Beachfront Cottage

Day 13 | Ngapali Beach

Day 14 | Ngapali beach - Yangon

Afternoon flight Ngapali beach to Yangon and transfer to Pansea Hotel. At leisure or sightseeing shopping. Car/driver and guide will be available. Overnight at The Governor's Residence (Pansea hotel).

Day 15 | Yangon

Myanmar, The Spiritual Land

U Po Kyin, Sub-divisional Magistrate of Kyauktada, in Upper Burma, was sitting in his veranda. It was only half past eight, but the month was April, and there was a closeness in the air, a threat of the long, stifling midday hours. Occasional faint breaths of wind, seeming cool by contrast, stirred the newly drenched orchids that hung from the eaves. Beyond the orchids one could see the dusty, curved trunk of a palm tree, and then the blazing ultramarine sky. Up in the zenith, so high that it dazzled one to look at them, a few vultures circled without the quiver of a wing. —George Orwell, Burmese Days

For a more contemporary portrait of the country, we recommend The River of Lost Footsteps, by Thant Myint-U.

At a Glance

Nalandabodhi March 3 to 10, 2013 People-to-People Encounters Buddhist Culture & Organizations Medititation Practice

Itineary Brief

Myanmar Yangon Inle Lake Bagan Mandalay

Not much has changed since Orwell spent his time in what was then Burma, to the delight of travelers who have found almost every other destination in Asia transformed in recent decades. Following the classic travel itinerary of the country, although with our unique take on the sequence of places visited, this trip, will focus on the deep spirituality of Burmese culture and people-to-people encounters from an up close and intimate perspective.

The Inle Lake basin offers a sublime setting, a visually intriguing landscape and where a diversity of colorful hilltribe cultures converge in the tranquil setting. Differing from popular destinations, Bagan and Mandalay, Inle features cooler mountain landscapes and a rich diversity of hilltribe villages and we'll delve deep into the unique aquatic culture here.

Professional English-speaking guides are top-tier university graduates and/or most-experienced and knowledgeable in their region or field. A tour manager based in Yangon will monitor your trip will also ensure your journey with pus goes as smooth as possible. Accommodations feature the finest boutique hotels in deluxe rooms, chosen for historical interest, character, amenities, location and/or staff and client favorites.

Myanmar in Focus Photography Tour

How do we develop a personal vision? With the advent of digital photography, everyone has become a "photographer" yet there are few who really see and create images that are compelling and dynamic. In this course, we will work with each participant to help them develop his or her unique vision; the workshop will culminate in a collection of images that will be visual gifts to us all.

Digital Photography : Myanmar Last organized in 2015 Leisurely Touring Maximum Group Size: 12 persons Landcost: US$6,880 Single Supplement: US$1,240 Luxury Accommodation

Arrive Yangon Yangon Inle Lake Mandalay Amarapura Bagan Mount Popa Depart Yangon

Extended Travel

Thailand: Bangkok Stopover Thai Islands: Koh Samui & Phuket Cambodia: Temples of Angkor Laos: Luang Prabang

Mark Tuschman is a professional documentary photographer most recently focusing on issues surrounding women and girls in Africa, India and Latin America, including women's rights, both in reproductive health care, microfinance and girl's education, in such diverse locales as Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. Mark was recently awarded Global Health Council Photographer of the Year for 2009-2010.

In the last two years Mark has visited rural India as part of a long term project to document women's and young girls' lack of autonomy over their own lives. An exhibition of this project, India: Child Brides, Dowry Abuse and Girls' Education , took place at the World Affairs Council in San Francisco and was co-sponsored by Educate Girls. Please view images from this project in Mark's India Web Gallery and interview on YouTube.

Mark Tuschman's blog and photos can be found here: http://tuschman.wordpress.com/

Mark also loves doing landscape photography, with work featured in a rangefinder publication: https://www.tuschmanphoto.com/pdf/MTP_rangefinder.pdf

For a full range of Mark Tuschman's work, please visit: www.tuschmanphoto.com

Vietnam & Angkor

View some of the the images taken by participants on the trip here: Vietnam & Angkor Images Gallery.

Yangon Highlights & Classic Tours

No visit to Myanmar is complete without pausing, even briefly, in Yangon, Mandalay, sublime Inle Lake, and of course the vast plain of Bagan dotted with hundreds of ruins. Although most travelers visit these places, we'll ensure your time is spent adequately canvasing these highlights but also experiencing most enjoyable aspect of travel in Myanmar — immersion into the myriad of fascinating cultures and picturesque landscapes that leaves most of our travelers to claim Myanmar as their all-time favorite trip. Browse some of our recommended itineraries below, then contact us to plan your entirely unique and custom tour.

YANGON IN DEPTH

For those with only a limited time, or if you are based in Asia looking for a quick getaway, this short trip is a colorful introduction to the sights, sounds, and people of Myanmar in the former capital city.

Day 3 | Twante Excursion

This morning cruising on a local ferry (or private boat) up the Yangon River to the pottery making village of Twante. In addition to the local atmosphere on the ferryboat, enjoy this quiet village and see the interesting process of making clay pots. Return to Yangon by car and in the afternoon visit the famous Scott market, a sprawling nearly century-old complex filled with handicrafts of Myanmar. At dusk, walking through the Indian Quarter near Sule Pagoda downtown, which comes alive at night, with street markets and alleyways lined with vendors setting up for the evening in a scene from the streets of Bombay.

Day 4 Yangon departure

After breakfast, strolling through Bogyoke market, known as Scott's Market in the British times for last-minute shopping before returning to airport for flight home.

Burmese Artists Take Flight

Art has always been an integral part of the culture of Myanmar, so historically important that ten traditional art forms have been called pan sè myo or "The Ten Flowers." These ten forms, include sculpture, blacksmithing, lacquerware, painting, woodcarving, stucco relief, masonry, turnery, and bronze casting, and have survived war, insurrection, revolution, and the long passage of time, changing and persevering, but never leaving the Myanmar people without means of expression.

These historical art forms can still be seen everywhere in Myanmar—in Bagan, early Burmese paintings dating from the 11th to 13th centuries can still be seen, decorating the walls of temples and monasteries and in many sites throughout the country, the buildings themselves, whether temples, palaces, monasteries, or stupas, still show the ingenuity and imagination of early Burmese sculptors and masons.

Traditionally, artists in Myanmar worked primarily on religious art, communicating Buddhist narratives visually in paintings, stone, bronze and wood sculptures, textiles, and lacquer as their counterparts in Europe were doing under Christianity. Similarly, secular art was far less common than religious art and from about the 5th through the early 20th centuries, Burmese artworks were mainly objects created for temples, monasteries, with sculptures and objects commissioned by donors, and for personal devotion.

The Historical Context of Buddhism in Myanmar Buddhism arrived in Myanmar around 500 AD, carried by Indian monks and merchants, during the early spread of the religion but nearly a millennium after the Buddha's life in neighboring India and also around the time of its waning influence in that country. Lower Myanmar was then ruled the Mon and Upper Myanmar by the Pyu, both conquered by the Bamar people who had begun to migrate in the 2nd century. The Bamar capital was then established on the Irrawaddy River at Pagan (Bagan). In Pagan, a depth of Buddhist instigated the construction of over two thousand brick temples, stupas, and monasteries over several centuries. Although the religious art created in Pagan was influenced by India, its artisans and architects created a distinctive aesthetic, which in later the later period of the empire diverged completely from Indian modes.

An appreciation of these ancient works should includes recognizing the multiplicity of regional styles that prevailed and ethnic expressions (although nearly ninety percent of Myanmar's inhabitants are Buddhist, the country also is home to many Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and animists). The objects forming this exhibition, formerly in the service of temples, stupas, and monasteries, embody an enduring tradition in which myth and history blend seamlessly.

Artistic expression in Myanmar has often been throttled back by these religious and various cultural influences that haven't plagued Western artists in the same way. While the Buddhist religion promotes peace and unity, the rules of modesty imposed by the religion have, in some cases, prevented artistic growth. For example, painting nude forms is a problematic theme with the expression of human nudity frowned upon. Buddhist traditions of the Burmese people mean they are also more culturally inclined to preserve norms and not to invite controversy. These two prominent themes in Burmese culture have meant that certain topics, like nude human forms, will always be subverted. Instead, painters in the region have learned to primarily execute designs that are non-controversial, like landscapes, portraits of monks, religious themes, and market day scenes.

Other galleries in town are not so easy to find, especially the home-based ones, but we can make introductions during your visit in Yangon. For example, the work of Aung Myint is featured in his own Inya Gallery, housed in a two-room garage. Though the space is not prepossessing, the artist is internationally recognized. In 2002 he became the first Burmese artist to win at the Asean Art Awards. The nonprofit gallery and art school New Zero Art Space occupies two floors of an office building, but their limited real estate hasn't stopped them from dreaming big. Their new artist in residence program invites international artists to visit the location short term and to exchange ideas with local artists. This type of grassroots involvement is working to undo the damage caused by years of cultural and political limitations on artistic expression.

In particular, Pattison says "For their high levels of creativity, I love to see the works of Htein Lin, Aung Ko, Nge Lay and Arkar Kyaw ." As far as the future, Pattison compares India's recent art scene with what's happening in Myanmar: "In many Asian countries, including India, it was the development of a sizable middle class with higher levels of disposable income whuch drove the development of the market for modernist and contemporary art. Myanmar is not yet at that stage, but I believe we'll see a similar evolution here as the country develops, some of the Myanmar diaspora returns and local people improve their livelihoods."

Pattison continues about what makes Myanmar art so interesting and different: "Andrew Ranard, an art critic who has written a book about Myanmar art (below), describes the scene here as a "Galapagos Island" of art, with forms that have evolved in isolation, containing echoes of a common past, but appearing now in a quite different manifestation."

It is poignant as well to see the revival of modern and impressionistic art in Myanmar. After decades of repression from cultural and political forces, and the economic hardships that have accompanied many of the recent changes, what will end up on the canvas? Powerful influences like these, seldom faced by Western artists, leave a heavy mark on the artists living in Myanmar and it remains to be seen if the expression of these influences will ever be made clear to a global audience, or if it will be veiled in clues and hints and metaphor. In any case, the results are likely to be compelling as the country and artists open up the world.

In an unusual example the country's new era of reconciliation and openess (and perhaps more likely, Buddhist indifference), Khin Nyunt, the country's former military intelligence chief and Prime Minister (formerly known as the Prince of Darkness), has opened a gallery in the courtyard of home (below). Non-traditional galleries and artist studios around the city can also be visited by preference, while in Mandalay, Inle Lake, and other remote areas of the country we will focus on traditional crafts, such as textile weaving.

FURTHER READING ON MYANMAR/BURMESE ART

This is the first comprehensive history of Burmese painting, from eleventh-century Pagan to the present, including over 175 painters and more than 300 photographs of work. The book explores the historical transformations of the art, with psychological interpretations of major artists, the legends which followed them, and analysis of their oeuvres. It also probes the unusual lateral dimensions of Burmese painting, where 1,000 years of tradition have continued to survive and shape a rich corpus of largely unknown work.

Ranard links the traditional roots of Burmese painting in India with later influences from China, Thailand, Britain, Northern Europe, and America. Burma is an isolated country, but its art has been a major wellspring of inspiration in Southeast Asia. Today, the country struggles to reconcile complex pressures, and Ranard digs deeply to uncover layers of conflict reflected in Burmese painting. ( Amazon )

ARTICLES ON MYANMAR ART & ARTISTS Buddhist Art of Myanmar review: A Subtle, Sculptural Nirvana , The Guardian, by Jason Farago, Feb. 2015 New Vistas for Burmese Artists New York Times OCT. 21, 2011, By CEIL MILLER BOUCHET Myanmar's Contemporary Art Scene is Emerging from Tight Censorship , English RFI New Freedom for Myanmar's Artists New York Times DEC. 2, 2014, By PHILIP HEIJMANS Burma's Feared Ex-Spy Chief Finds a New Life as a Gallery Owner , by Hannah Beach, May 30, 2013 Burma and Burmese Arts on Pinterest TRADITIONAL ART VENUES AND GALLERIES IN MYANMAR

Museums are few in general in Myanmar, though the government s making plans to reopen or establish new ones in the coming decade. Here are a handful of notable ones featuring traditional, primarily religious art.

The National Museum of Myanmar The country's principal cultural museum on Pyay Road, near Shwedagon Pagoda and The Governor's Residence, Open 9-4:00 PM, Closed Fridays.

Bagan Archaeological Museum Located in Old Bagan, a short walk from Ananda Temple and near the river. Hundreds of objects, murals and relics displayed in hodge podge fashion. Open 9:30 to 4:00 PM except Mondays.

Hmawza (Sri Ksetra Archaeological Museum) in Pyay If visiting the ruins of the old city of Sri Kshetra near Pyay (formerly known as Prome), you should begin with a visit to this small museum.

Kaba Aye Buddhist Museum (Yangon) Located at the pagoda of the same name, features a wide collection of religious paraphernalia and Buddhist texts. Kabar Aye Road in Mayangone Township, north of Inya Lake (a good place to stop en route from or to the airport) open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Art Galleries in Yangon

Anawmar Art Gallery 18A Thukhawaddy Road, Sooniram Park, Yankin Township

Beik Thano Gallery 113/3B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan, (95-1) 542 560 https://www.facebook.com/beikthanogallery

Gallery 65 65 Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township, (95-1) 246317

Inya Art Gallery 50B Inya Road, Kamayut Township, (95-1) 524818 or (95-1) 524327

KZL Studio and Gallery 184/84(A), Golden Hill Road, Shwe Taung Gone, Bahan Township, (95-9) 5333518

Lokanat Art Gallery 62, 1st Floor, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Township, (95-1) 382269

Nawaday Art Gallery 27 Nawaday Street, Mayagone Township , +95 (0) 943199898 Nawaday Tharlar Art Gallery Room 304, 3rd Floor, 20B Yaw Min Gyi Road, Rangoon, Burma, +95 (0)9 43097918

New Treasure Art Gallery 84A Thanlwin Road, Golden Hill Avenue, Golden Valley, Bahan Township, (95-1) 526776, (95-1) 503712

New Zero Art Space 202 United Condo, Alanpya Phayar Road, Dagon Township, Rangoon, Burma, (95-9) 73129520

Pansodan Art Gallery 1st Floor, 286 Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Township, (95-9) 5130846

River Gallery Strand Hotel Annex, 92 Strand Road, (95-1) 243377/8/9 (Ext) 1810 Web: www.rivergallerymyanmar.com/

TS1 GALLERY & SHOPPING COMPLEX Transit Shed No. 1, Between Lanthit Jetty and Kaing Dan No. 1 Jetty

By Patrick Morris

Shan State Tours

The shan experience (7 days).

Yangon - Mandalay - Bagan - Inle Lake

Enjoy a varied and rewarding Myanmar experience with visits to the main historical destinations and a full day boat ride down the fabled Ayerwaddy River

Day 3 | Bagan - Heho/Pindaya

Fly to Heho in the Shan state and drive to Pindaya. Visit the fascinating Pindaya caves with their more than 8,000 Buddha images and see the interesting process of Shan umbrella making. Overnight Pindaya or Kalaw

Day 4 | Pindaya - Inle Lake

Morning drive to Inle Lake and sightseeing by long tailed boat on this magical and unique shallow lake. Highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens, the 'jumping cats' monastery and more.

Day 7 | Yangon Departure

At leisure until airport transfer.

Private Jet Travel in Asia

In no region of the world does private jet travel make more sense than in Asia. With limited commercial routing and low volume of connections, it is significantly easier and more efficient to travel private jet or helicopter, nor is there more compelling reason to do so than in Asia. Private air transfers can provide significant efficiency for visiting countries like Myanmar and Bhutan, which have limited commercial flights and entry points, as well as a poor road infrastructure that make overland travel time consuming and a rough going. Helicopter transfers will also maximize your time in cities like Bangkok with its legendary traffic, while providing stunning views over places such as Halong Bay. Private jets and large body state-of-the-art come in a variety of customized configurations, including luxury jets outfitted with every conceivable amenity.

INTERNATIONAL AIR CHARTER

From Australia, Europe, North America Indochina Travel can arrange for the ease and convenience of a private jet charter to fly you throughout most destinations in Asia non-stop. From North America, a private regional jet can also be an economical solution combined with flying First Class internationally, then transiting to your private jet upon arrival in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, or Bangkok.

Private Plane FBO Services in Asia

If you are arriving with your own aircraft, we will arrange for all FBO facility and ground handling services taking care of all baggage, check-in, customs and immigration procedures while for passengers and crew relax in private lounges before further transfers. Transfers airside are complimented by choices of luxury vehicles or helicopter in each location and escort servics, including siren police escort, from airport depending on location.

Ground Handling Service Includes

• Marshalling
• Provision of chocks and safety cones
• Filing of ATC flight plan forms
• Weather and NOTAM briefing
• Parking position coordination
• Meet and Greet services
• General declaration & Passenger manifest
• Loaders & Aircraft loading/unloading
• Arrival and Departure flight movements
• Monitoring of ATC slots
• Baggage handling
• Refueling coordination
• VIP fast track and transportation

Ground handling services range from US$420 to $2,100 depending on airport and size of aircraft.

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT CHARTER FLEET IN ASIA

An impressive fleet of Gulfstream, Cessna, and other aircraft with a range of seats, range, cabin configuration, and amenities are ready at a moment's notice to provide you with unmatched comfort, speed and access to regional hubs and remote airports. Select from world-class light luxury private jets to a Boeing 737 which has been fitted with a private stateroom, shower, lounge, and suite. This chart provides a quick reference to popular aircraft models we charter from Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Contact us for more detail or specific requests for chartering during your trip with us.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER TRANSFERS AND TOURS

There's no better reason to hire a helicopter in the region than for airport transfers, which combine convenience but also a flyover of your destination, and in some cases, such as Tokyo, can be less expensive than an airport limousine.

For Tokyo's Narita Airport, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, let us arrange your transfer in the sky and if you've come with the children, you may be staying at the Peninsula which we recommend for families and boasts its own rooftop heliports. Of course, a Bangkok helicopter tour, or over Angkor, Tokyo or Hong Kong can be arranged for both day or night flyovers.

PRIVATE JET VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS

World Heritage Indochina (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) This classic 8-day itinerary canvases all the unique and thrilling UNESCO World Heritage sites in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos by private jet. Stopovers include Angkor, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An. From Bangkok, charter rates for 6 to 14 travelers begin at US$11,000 per person.

Contact us for other custom private jet itineraries in the region, including Yunnan and Tibet with the kids, Myanmar and the Golden triangle, or our Iron Chef Southeast trip.

HONG KONG PRIVATE CHARTER

Hong Kong provides an efficient central base for your group to connect by charter jet to most of the region, with almost all aircraft capable of reaching Beijing to the north and Phuket to the south. The luxury private jet fleet of aircraft includes a custom, luxury Boeing 737.

On the Road to Mandalay Cycling Tour

Cycling the new frontier.

Historical highlights include one of the world's premier archaeological wonders, Bagan, where over 4,000 temples stretch over the central plain of the same name, and the ruins from previous kingdoms in and around Mandalay and Monywa. In the ancient city of Bagan, enjoy the thrill of cycling amongst the thousands of pagodas, stupas, and temples that dominate the river valley that was once the center of a powerful and deeply religious empire. Riding through the countryside, we will be greeted by a warm and friendly people few tourists see or meet. In the mountains we'll encounter a variety of tribal people, as well as enjoying the splendid colonial charm of Kalaw, where the officers of the Raj escaped the high heat of the Burmese summer. At the end of the trip there is a chance to relax in Inle before going back to Yangon, visiting the Shwedagon Paya and enjoying the old colonial charm of the capital city and emerging artist's scene.

More of an expedition than cycling tour, we'll bear witness to a largely untouched, fascinating and rich cultural environment, but you may expect some degree of spontaneity (aka predicaments and setbacks), which are particular to this part of the world, level of development, and Buddhist nature. Like the first explorers to join us in Vietnam, we hope adapting to the conforms of the local culture will contribute to our experience, rather than vice versa.

Our Myanmar bike trips can be customized to your preferred dates and travel preferences such as the amount of riding and other activities you may want to include, such as photography activities in our Digital Photography tour.

When to come? September through February is ideal weather-wise, and the other in November dates coincide with the Lights and Taunggyi Hot Air Balloons Festival or the Inle Lake Paung Daw U Festival .

Cycling days average from 20 to 55 miles (89km), on roads of poor to fair quality although this tour can be organized for any cycling abilities or preferences, including non-cycling spouses. After Vietnam, Myanmar is our most popular private, custom biking tour .

Myanmar Festivals 2016 Calendar

Festivals are an absolute highlight of travel in Myanmar, a country that is often referred to as the "Land of Festivals" due to the numerous celebrations that take place all year round. Festivals may closely intertwined with Buddhism, but they may also be celebrations by the country's over 150 ethnic hilltribes—remote events are a vivid glimpse into traditional cultures unlike anywhere else in Asia.

The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda's Festival in Inle Lake is the country's largest, celebrated over nearly three weeks on sublime Inle Lake during October and November. The festival has been a feature of our Myanmar Photography trips for several years. Below is a schedule of other festivals by date and region. Some festivals are convenient for travelers, taking place in Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake, for example, while others, such as the Naga festival, require travel to remote areas of the country. Please contact us for more specific information on festivals and how we can arrange for them to be part of your travel in the country.

2016 Myanmar Festival Calendar

Festivals by month (dates may be approximate and most change each year)

Recommended Myanmar Festivals in Detail

Shwedagon Pagoda Festival (Yangon—March)

This five-day festival leading up to the full moon is most convenient if your trip to Myanmar is in late February to early March. During the festival, weavers compete to loom the most cloth for monks. Visitors come from all over the country to make offerings during the festival at the country's most sacred pagoda.

The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda's Festival (Inle Lake—October/November)

The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda's Festival in Inle Lake is the country's largest, celebrated over nearly three weeks on sublime Inle Lake during October and November. The festival has been a feature of our Myanmar Photography trips for several years.

Taunggyi Hot Air (Fire) Balloon (Tazaungdaing) Festival (Inle Lake/Taunggyi—November)

This popular, well-attended festival hosted by the Pa-O tribal community is famous for the releasing of gigantic hot air balloons into the air. The event takes place during the October/November near Inle Lake in the regional capital Taunggyi during the new moon on the 8th month of the Buddhist Taunggyi Hot Air (Fire) Balloon, Myanmarcalendar and is celebrated as a national holiday in the country, marking the end of the rainy season. It also marks the end of the Kathina (Kahtein in Burmese) period, during which monks are given new robes and alms.

View a video of the festival below by photographer Richard Curtis .

Thadingyut Festival of Lights (countrywide—September/October)

Tazaungmon Festival (countrywide—November)

A one day full moon festival during the eighth month of the lunar calendar falls within the month of November. The celebration is marked by monk's robe weaving competitions and parades, and lighting of candles set adrift on waterways.

Kachin New Year Festival (Myitkyina & Putao—March)

Kachin is location of the delightful Manaw festival. Kachin, the hill people or the "Scots of Myanmar," celebrate this most popular March event, a celebration of the new year, victories in battle, and the reunion of the tribes. Events include line dancing around traditional poles (similar to totem poles of North American Indians). Colorful tribal costumes are on full display. Manaw festival is held in Myitkyina and Putao in Kachine State. It's also an ideal time and location to visit the Himalayan foothills around Putao, for light hiking and clear views of the mountains.

Ananda Pagoda (Bagan—January)

This is a convenient and popular festival in Bagan during January. Celebrated during the first full moon, evening entertainment includes traditional zats (a variety of dance, song, short and long plays) and anyeints (a performance of jokers and jesters who caricature current social and politicial topics). The festival also hosts a large flea market where all kinds of goods, some of them are locally produced, are sold. The most popular event at the festival is the parade of bullock carts into the pagoda compound. It is most popular around the peak full moon day the second week in January.

Naga New Year Festival (Sagaing—January)

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival (Golden Rock—October)

The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival is a special festival of lights celebration taking placce on the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut when locals proceed with the lighting of 9,000 candles and 9,000 flower offerings to the Buddha. On the next morning, rice, sweets and other snacks are offered. The platform and passage of the pagoda are usually filled with visitors from all over the country. A visit to the Golden Rock and pagoda are part of this side trip. Thadingyut usually falls in October, depending on the lunar calendar when the weather can be cooler up on the mountain.

Floating Light Festival (Shwe Kyin, Bago—October)

Similar to fire kites of the Loi Kratong festival in Thailand, lights, usually candles are released onto water as a ritual for bringing good luck, a picturesque sight to view the floating candles float away. The day long festival features boat racing. traditional dances and songs performed from boats on the Shwe Kyin River. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky over the river. In Located in the small town of Shwe Kyin north of Bago, an ideal festival to combine with the Belmond Orcaella cruise.

Thingyan Water Festival (New Years—April)

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Myanmar Luxury Trip

• Beach Escapes
• Culture & Heritage
• Luxury Travel

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon

Day 2: yangon city tour, day 3: yangon – fly to mandalay royal palace, day 4: embark on road to mandalay cruise, day 5: visit ava – boat to bagan, day 6: bagan temple ruins, day 7: disembark in bagan – sightseeing, day 8: balloon in bagan – free at leisure, day 9: bagan – fly to heho – drive to kalaw & visit elephant camp, day 10: kalaw – drive to red mountain – inle lake, day 11: inle lake sightseeing, day 12: cooking class – visit tribe village, day 13: heho – fly to thandwe – ngapali beach, day 14: ngapali beach, day 15: ngapali beach, day 16: thandwe – fly back to yangon, day 17: departure yangon, customizable itinerary show all info show less info, day 1 : arrival in yangon.

Mingalabar! Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar.

Upon arrival at Yangon Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a  welcome signboard  with your names on it and take you directly to your hotel in the  downtown . Welcome banner on arrival at the hotel and a  welcome cocktail while checking-in. While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check-in time is at 02:00 pm ; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

End of the day, you have a chance to enjoy dinner in Le Planteur – one of the most luxurious restaurants before coming back to Yangon hotel.

Stay overnight in Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon or The Strand Hotel. Meals: (_/_/D)

Day 2 : Yangon City Tour

The city’s historical colonial and religious influences have survived despite its status as a rising Southeast Asian city, making for a truly unique experience.

Start a morning tour to visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell-shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires, and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”.

After that, head to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda , famous for an impressive reclining Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha Image before coming back to downtown and enjoy lunch in the Seeds Restaurant & Lounge , a romantic, contemporary Fine Dining Getaway by the Lake

In the afternoon, take a look around the colorful Bogyoke market where obtains Myanmar souvenirs, a perfect replacement for shopping. Walking around the  National Museum and the magnificent complex architecture of British Colonial are the main tourist attractions downtown.

Top off the afternoon exploration of colonial heritage with high tea at The Strand , one of Myanmar’s most iconic colonial-era hotels.

Stay overnight in Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon or The Strand Hotel. Meals: (B/L/_)

Day 3 : Yangon – Fly To Mandalay Royal Palace

After an early breakfast at the hotel transfer to Yangon’s Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Mandalay.

Upon arrival, our private car and tour guide will welcome us to the Mandalay airport and transfer to the hotel in the center. On the way, we will stop in Amarapura to attend the daily meal of over a thousand monks at the country’s largest monastery; Mahagandayon at 10:30 am every day.

Enjoy lunch in Mingalabar Restaurant – Asia Highlights’ Top Pick in Mandalay.

Afternoon highlight to the most significant Buddha images covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in wars between competing kingdoms; the Golden Palace Monastery , the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda , a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and regarded the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. Time permitting, we enjoy a stroll through the lively Zegyo Market in the heart of the city to experience authentic local life.

We end our day with sunset panoramic views over the city skyline on Mandalay Hill , the highest point of the city.

Stay overnight in Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort or Hilton Mandalay. Meals: (B/L/_)

Day 4 : Embark On Road To Mandalay Cruise

Free in the morning until 10:30 am , check out and our car and tour guide will pick us up for a transfer to Shwe Kyet Yet village to embark on Road to Mandalay Cruise – one of the most luxurious cruises in Myanmar. Embark the ship at midday and set sail north along the Ayeyarwaddy River .

Enjoy an afternoon discovering the city’s key sites and traditional arts including a visit to a family of bronze casters.

Dine on Asia and Western cuisine in the elegant restaurant. Enjoying cruise’s excellent house wines or selecting an international label from cruise’s extensive list

Lunch and dinner are served on the cruise. Stay overnight on the boat in the private deluxe cabin. Meals: (B/L/D)

Day 5 : Visit Ava – Boat To Bagan

Stretch out and relax at an early-morning yoga session , followed by a refreshing treat from cruise’s Healthy Juice Bar .

Join a Buddhist almsgiving ceremony and experience village near cruise’s jetty before the ship sets sail.

Alight in Ava to explore the ancient capital. Take a traditional horse and cart tour or discover the sights by bike

As the ship sails to Bagan , enjoy a range of onboard activities. Attend a talk on Myanmar culture, sample local infusions in cruise’s Burmese Tea Shop , and learn how to dress in a traditional longyi or have our fortune told by an astrologer . You can also indulge in a treatment at the spa , work out in the gym, or relax by the pool on the Observation Deck – the largest outdoor space of any river cruises in Myanmar.

Lunch and dinner are served on the cruise. Stay overnight on the boat in private deluxe cabin. Meals: (B/L/D)

Day 6 : Bagan Temple Ruins

Rise early to attend a soothing meditation session before the ship arrives in Bagan .

A range of tour options is available today. Choose from “ Introduction to Bagan ” for temples and history. “ A day in the life ” for local culture, food, and markets, or “ Bagan by bicycle ” for those seeking with a taste for action and adventure.

Before rejoining the ship for lunch, stroll through the small village that is home to Belmond’s private jetty near Old Bagan . We may wish to visit Belmond’s free clinic where cruise’s onboard doctor will be treating local patients.

In the afternoon, visit Ananda – one of Bagan’s most magnificent temples. Continue our tour as we explore an off-the-beaten-track temple by torchlight.

End your visit by admiring the sunset over the plains.

Dine under the stars at the Road to Mandalay Grill on the Observation Deck before enjoying a classic marionette performance

Day 7 : Disembark in Bagan – Sightseeing

An early-bird breakfast  is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for our onward travel arrangement at around 10:00 am .

Our private car and tour guide will pick us up from jetty and transfer to the only five-stars hotel in Bagan – Aureum Bagan Resort.

Enjoy lunch in Sunset Garden Restaurant – the best of riverside restaurants in Bagan.

In the afternoon, the sightseeing starts with the most distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon Pagoda – the holiest one believed to be enshrined with Buddha tooth and hair. Proceed to Htilominlo Temple, an impressive 46-meter tall sanctuary which is one of the largest monuments on the plains of Bagan.

Following your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to Dhammayangyi, the largest temple on the plains of Bagan.

Stay overnight in Aureum Bagan Resort. Meals: (B/L/_)

Day 8 : Balloon In Bagan – Free at leisure

In the early morning, we take a sunrise Balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. From above looking down, Bagan is beautiful as a watercolor picture. Along two banks of the gentle Ayeyarwady River are small villages hiding in the bamboo trees. The top of golden pagodas glistens under the sunlight. The flight surely gives you an interesting and unheard-of experience of the country of Myanmar.

Free at leisure in the hotel after early morning activities.

Stay overnight in Aureum Bagan Resort. Meals: (B/_/_)

Day 9 : Bagan – Fly To Heho – Drive to Kalaw & Visit Elephant Camp

Transfer to Nyaung U Airport for domestic flight to Heho . Transfer from Heho airport to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp – start from Magwe Village and walk to the camp

Take a light refreshment. Walk to the river to the Elephant bath. We can join in feeding and bathing the elephants .

Exploration of the forest area on the elephant back, opportunity to see butterflies, birds, and orchids in the area.

Lunch in the main camp . After lunch, we can explore the surrounding area with a local trekking guide

We are also welcome to join in planting indigenous trees from the nursery in forest recovery efforts

Back to Elephant camp and drive back to Kalaw.

Overnight staying in Kalaw Hill Lodge. Meals: (B/L/_)

Day 10 : Kalaw – Drive to Red Mountain – Inle Lake

After breakfast, check out and drive to Nyaung Shwe to visit the Red Mountain Vineyard which is one of the best local wines that purely distills in Myanmar. We can have a rest at the restaurant of the vineyard tasting the wines while having the panoramic sunset view of the Inle Lake and the surrounding area.

Enjoy lunch in The Shan Restaurant and then take a boat to our luxury resort on the lake .

Stay overnight in Inle Princess Resort or Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min. Meals: (B/L/_)

Day 11 : Inle Lake Sightseeing

During today’s excursion by boat on picturesque Inle Lake we see the famous leg rowers , the typical floating gardens where fruit and vegetables are grown, local methods of fishing, and village life.  A highlight is often visiting the traditional village of Paukpar , with its neat rows of bamboo houses and where we may be able to stop and visit a family for Shan tea .

In the afternoon, we visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda , the holiest religious site in southern Shan State and the boat construction workshop at Nampan village as well as stopping to see some traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms in Inpawkon village, a cheroot workshop and a blacksmith shop . Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping cats), one of the oldest monasteries on the lake and where inside its large wooden meditation hall and are over 200-year-old ancient Buddha statues . Returning back to the hotel the beauty of the sunset over Inle Lake enchants all visitors.

Day 12 : Cooking Class – Visit Tribe Village

After breakfast, our tour guide picks you up from the hotel and takes a boat to the cooking class .

Our cooking classes take us through the experiences of sourcing Inle ingredients , some exclusive to the lake, at the  local market . Then we will be learning to prepare real traditional dishes exclusive to the region either in our cooking classrooms or out as a guest in the real kitchen in the local community.

Upon arrival, guests will receive welcome drinks (Shan tea, fresh juices). They will then show the guests the cooking area. Next, the chef of the Inthar Heritage House will present us with the menu, give details about the class, ingredients, and cooking methods. After this introduction, they will show us their vegetable gardens and pick the ingredients for the meal. Back in the kitchen, we will clean the vegetables and start cooking, with step-by-step teaching of their chef. As soon as dessert is ready, we can sit down and enjoy the meal.

The Inthar Heritage restaurant is part of the Inle Heritage Foundation , which promotes the heritage of Inle cultures and supports the sustainable development of the Inle region . During the guided visit we will show you conservation and preservation activities ( Burmese Cats, Species aquarium), the Vocational Training Center (environment-friendly agriculture) .

Guided visit hours (start at): 01:30 pm , the visit takes approximately 1 hour .

Continue our excursion by motorized boat to Indein pagoda complex , in the south-west of the lake. The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow canal with a beautiful natural environment to continue to a small Pa O tribe village . From the village, follow an old covered path to a 13th-century monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas , some hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the lake in the far distance.

Day 13 : Heho – Fly to Thandwe – Ngapali beach

A short flight from Heho will take us to Ngapali Beach , the most beautiful beach in Myanmar with coconut groves and Treasure island.

Free at leisure to enjoy the beach and our resort.

Stay overnight in Aureum Ngapali Resort or Sandoway Resort. Meals: (B/_/_)

Day 14 : Ngapali Beach

Free at our own to visit Ngapali fishing village , Thandwe town, or immerse in scuba diving in the most pristine coves of Bengal Bay.

Day 15 : Ngapali Beach

Free at our own to visit Ngapali fishing village , Thandwe town or immerse in scuba diving in the most pristine coves of Bengal Bay.

Day 16 : Thandwe – Fly Back To Yangon

This morning, take your own time to relax until we are transferred to the Thandwe airport for a flight back to Yangon . Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Stay overnight in Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon or The Strand Hotel. Meals: (B/_/_)

Day 17 : Departure Yangon

After breakfast, a fleet of microbuses and guides will be available outside the hotel for guests who would like to do some last-minute shopping or complete their cultural visit of Yangon exploring colonial downtown .

Then take the drive to Mingaladon International Airport to check in on your onward flight.

End of services.

Meals: (B/_/_)

Useful Information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements.

What’s Included?

• Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• Private Vehicles and Drivers
• Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Domestic flights within Myanmar
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
• Service Charge & Government Taxes

What’s Not Included?

• Your International Flights to and from Myanmar
• Myanmar entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
• Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
• Any bank fees or charges at your end
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Tips for guides and drivers

Request A Free Quote

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Reviews on Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

17-day visit to Vietnam with Asia Pioneer Travel (APT)

My wife and I just returned from a wonderful first-time trip to Vietnam – thanks to the quality service provided by APT. So many things went well for us. We were able to customize the default itinerary to fit our schedule and sightseeing preferences. We spent a few initial days corresponding via email, phone and WhatsApp with our assigned Travel Designer (Elly), and she answered all of our questions and addressed any concerns we had. She also helped us obtain our e-Visas and purchased domestic airline tickets for us. The hotels provided were excellent – good locations, clean and comfortable rooms, friendly and helpful staff and nice amenities. The hotels also provided very tasty and substantial buffet breakfasts through a wide variety of foods and beverages. What also stood out were the outstanding local guides that accompanied us in HCM City, Hoi An/Hue, Hanoi and Sapa. The guides were professional, friendly and knowledgeable regarding the area history and culture. We learned so much from the guides and they really enhanced our travel experience. They also led us to some great restaurants where we enjoyed the local cuisine. Also, all of the drivers provided were highly skilled and always on-time for pickups. And on top of having an enjoyable trip, we felt the trip cost was very reasonable and affordable. We are so glad we went with APT!

OC Bruin - La Habra, California

Wonderful 3.5 weeks in se asia.

My adult daughter (age 25) and I worked with Lizzie at Asia Pioneer Travel to plan a 3.5 week trip to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. We travelled as a pair for the first 2 weeks, then I continued on my own for another 1.5 weeks. Everything was fantastic! Every hotel was great and all flights and airport transfers were meticulously planned. But the best part were the guides and activities. We opted for private guides and they were all knowledgeable, fun and easy to talk to. We learned so much from them. We also enjoyed all the boat rides, tours, cooking classes, etc that Lizzie planned for us. Given all of that, Lizzie also respected our request for free time and helped us find some of that too! I highly recommend Lizzie and her team.

FlowerFamily5 - Annapolis, MD

Amazing trip.

We had an amazing time in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Seim Reap. Our guides were prompt and easy to find, were easy to understand and very knowledgeable, and adjusted the plan based off of our interests. They were prompt with cold water and wet rags in the crazy humidity and kept things at our pace. We had one issue at a hotel and the team promptly resolved it. I highly recommend this group!

conniecoyle - Stuttgart, Germany

Top notch service for an effortlessly fun vacation.

Asia Pioneer Travel was recommended to me by a fellow traveler. I reached out to them and promptly heard back from Ms. Pham. I asked her to create a custom itinerary for our trip and again was very promptly given just what I’d asked for. Our itinerary was very well laid out and explained in detail. Our E-Visa was also obtained for us. Communication was always prompt and professional.

Our trip was just as smooth as the planning process. Our private drivers and tour guides for the duration of our trip were always punctual, courteous, and knowledgeable. Our accommodations were as expected and very comfortable. We had an open line of communication with Ms. Pham and our Tour Guides for the duration of our trip, if we ever had any questions. They gave us wonderful recommendations for restaurants and shops.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 9 day trip to HCMH and DaNang. I can’t pick a highlight because it was all so amazing. It felt customized and personalized to our family. I would recommend Asia Pioneer Travel to all of my family and friends.

Michelle B -

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