Classic Myanmar
Summary
Duration: 11 Days
Travel to Myanmar and discover a country of mythical landscapes, ancient treasures and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. This 11-day itinerary encapsulates the best of Myanmar from golden-gilded Buddha's in Yangon and the magical temples of Bagan to the tranquillity of Inle Lake. A visit to Myanmar is to experience the South-East Asia of twenty years ago, full of rarely seen sights and generations of stories just waiting to be told.
Venture on board Belmond Road to Mandalay cruise ship where you can relax whilst taking in the scenic beauty of the forested gorges and local villages. Learn about the deep-rooted history of Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay with informative city tours and interact with locals on a walking tour of Shwe Kyet Yet village. You will get the chance to meet local monks on an evening monastery tour and marvel at the natural beauty of Sagaing Hills on a day excursion from Mandalay. Enjoy a private tour around Inle Lake where you will get the chance to meet the local Intha people, observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
Price
From £3,759.00 Per person based on two adults sharing a room [Guide Price*]Best time to go
November to February are the recommended months to visit Myanmar, missing the monsoon season and the worst of the heat.
Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight flight to Yangon
Day 2: Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon (BB)
Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Myanmar’s former capital.
Yangon is a city where both contemporary and colonial Myanmar continue to co-exist decades after British departure. It is a handsome city with a history of over two millennia, though it has been a capital for a mere 100 years. Rebuilt on a grid plan in the 1850s, the wide tree-lined boulevards are bordered by fine stone buildings. In the 1880's, Yangon was renowned as “the Queen of the East”. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the chaotic street-life, thriving markets, charming tea shops or just wander round the bustling capital, in what remains an incredibly safe city.
Day 3: Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon (BB)
Today your private guide will take you to visit Yangon’s key sites, stupas and pagodas. The highlight will undoubtedly be the Shwedagon Pagoda, this architectural masterpiece is a golden fantasy of gilded stupas, serene statues of Buddha and mythical beasts and is said to be over 2,500 years old.
Day 4: Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake (BB)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake.
This afternoon will be full of activities whilst exploring the incredible scenery in and around Inle Lake. You’ll start with a visit to the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery, where you’ll tour the vineyards and enjoy a tasting session.
Later, you’ll reach the edge of Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights where you’ll board a private motorboat and pass villages built on stilts over the lake inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. After lunch you’ll visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Ngaphechaung Monastery.
Day 5: Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake (BB)
This morning you’ll visit Inle Lake’s famous five-day market where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the local hill tribe people. In the afternoon you will enjoy a scenic boat ride along a densely forested river to visit Indein, a typical lakeside village situated in the south western corner of the vast lake. You’ll explore Indein and it’s many stupas before returning to your hotel.
Day 6: Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay (BB)
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom.
On arrival you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend a magical evening at the stunning Shwekyin Kyaung Monastery, where you’ll witness young monks praying and chanting just after sunset.
Day 7: Belmond Road to Mandalay, Mandalay to Bagan (FB)
After a short visit to Sagaing Hills to enjoy the panoramic views over the Ayeyarwady River, transfer to the Road To Mandalay cruise ship, berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet village.
Following a welcome meeting and lunch on board you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the fabled city of Mandalay, regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and learning.
Day 8: Belmond Road to Mandalay, Mandalay to Bagan (FB)
Join an early morning walking tour of Shwe Kyet Yet Village before breakfast. Sail to the ancient capital of Ava and embark on a tour of this historic site by horse-drawn cart. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure on the ship, with afternoon tea and informative lectures. A casual cocktail party is followed by dinner on board.
Day 9: Belmond Road to Mandalay, Mandalay to Bagan (FB)
The ship arrives at Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered on an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. A guided orientation tour introduces you to the most important temples. After lunch, rejoin the tour or explore the city at leisure by bicycle or horse-drawn cart. In the evening, enjoy dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 10: Thande Hotel, Bagan (BB)
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the colourful religious centre of Salay, located in Central Myanmar, about 2 hours south of Bagan. Salay is home to many ancient monuments and colonial buildings that are decorated with beautiful wood carvings. Visit the famed Yoke-Sone-Kyaung monastery which was built in 1882 and today enjoys cultural heritage protection. Continue further to the ancient Buddha image of the Yadanabon 19th century period and the museum of Myanmar. Finally, visit the impressive Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery, which also houses an orphanage.
Day 11: Departure
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Yangon.
On arrival, connect with your departure flight.
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Includes
Accommodation and meals as specified, flights, airport taxes, private transfers, activities as per itinerary
Excludes
Meals and activities where not detailed, gratuities, souvenirs, visas and insurance
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These itineraries are just samples of what we have already done for our guests. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season