Myanmar
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Day One: Arrive in Yangon
Welcome to Myanmar’s most cosmopolitan city, Yangon – seething with life and busy with newly-opened bars, boutiques and restaurants. You’ll get straight in on the action, heading from the airport to the heart of downtown with your private guide, on a walking tour to see its exotic mix of temples, skyscrapers and old colonial landmarks. By walking through the streets you'll also have a chance to witness the lifestyles of the locals and learn more about Burmese culture.
After lunch, visit the Minister's Building in Yangon, infamous for being the building where General Aung San, the founder of modern Myanmar was assassinated in 1947. Join a guided tour to gain a fascinating insight into parts of this historic building that most people will never see.
After this guided tour goes to Kandawgyi Park, one of the city's greenest spots. See the glittering Karaweik barge and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon in the background. As the sun sets low in the sky, transfer to an ethnic restaurant for dinner.
Overnight in Yangon
We offer a variety of hotel classes to suit different budgets. You can choose the style that’s right for you.
Select from Classic, Premium or Deluxe when booking, and click hotel name below for more details.
Classic - Best Western Green Hill
Premium - The Chatrium Hotel
Deluxe - The Strand Yangon
Meals included: Dinner
Day Two: Temples, Markets and Ceremonies
Take another day to get acquainted with this intriguing city, starting with a ride aboard the Yangon Circle Train, which chugs through city centre neighbourhoods bound for the suburbs. You’re heading for Insein Township, home to one of Yangon’s best food markets which comes packed with rickety stalls vending fruit, veg and meat – and friendly locals who love to stop for a chat.
A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda provides a great overview of Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The feet of the statue are carved with traditional symbols, and locals can often be seen gathering here to pay homage and pray . Return to the city centre at lunchtime, ready for an afternoon visit to browse Bogyoke Market and drink tea with the locals who gather at the tea shop. After that continue to Shwedagon Temple. This gilded pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the country, soaring to 99 metres and swathed in gold leaf. You’ll be taking part in a oil lamp lighting ceremony just as the sun dims: help to illuminate thousands of lamps in the cool of the evening, and savour the atmosphere of a temple shining in the flickering light. Tonight, you’ll have dinner at Seeds, a fine dining restaurant set by a lilypad-laden lake.
Overnight in Yangon
Classic - Best Western Green Hill
Premium - The Chatrium Hotel
Deluxe - The Strand Yangon
Meals included: Breakfast; dinner
Day Three: On to Bagan
A quick breakfast and you’re off to the airport for your onward flight to the temples of Bagan. The thousands of stupas and pagodas here were built between the 11th and 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar. On arrival, the journey begins with views of the magnificent plains of Bagan on the way to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan's rich history. Visit a nearby cave temple with exquisite mural paintings and Htilominio Temple noted for its fine carvings and sandstone decorations.
In the afternoon explore Bagan's most important pagodas by e-bike. You'll also be able to explore a selection of smaller, lesser known temples not accessible by car. Here amid the fields and far from the tourists, the size and scope of Bagan can be truly appreciated. Head to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains.
Overnight in Bagan
Classic - Shwe Yee Pwint
Premium - Areindmar Hotel
Deluxe - Bagan Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast; lunch
Day Four: Up and Away
Soar high above Bagan by hot air balloon, just as the sun rises over its pagodas on this optional extra activity* (See Optional Extras Tab) . You’ll have a starlit picnic of pastries as you watch the balloons being filled before taking off in the golden light of dawn. Afterwards, you’ll travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest built by King Narathu in the 12th century, and Sulamani Temple. Travelling slowly, there is plenty of time to soak up the sites and take photos of the passing scenery.
In the afternoon, visit Nat Htaung Monastery in Taung Bi Village, a picturesque monastery close to the Irrawaddy River, where you can participate in a traditional blessing ceremony with one of the resident monks.
Feeling blessed, it's now time to head by boat to a river island on the Irrawaddy for a one hour private sunset yoga class (only available October to April, indoor classes at a yoga shala can be arranged at other times of the year).
*Please note, due to the monsoon season, the optional extra hot air balloon flight over Bagan is only available from mid October to early April and all flights are weather permitting.
Overnight in Bagan
Classic - Shwe Yee Pwint
Premium - Areindmar Hotel
Deluxe - Bagan Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day Five: Life on Inle Lake
Transfer to the airport after breakfast, bound for Heho, the gateway to huge Inle Lake. From here, it’s a one-hour drive to the water, with a stop-off at the fascinating teak monastery of Shwe Yan Pyay, home to novice monks from across the region. Arrive at the lake, and board a private motorboat to travel past villages built on stilts over the water, observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens en route to the sacred pagoda of Phaung Daw Oo. Enjoy lunch at a local Inthar House. Afterwards, you’ll cruise Inle’s serene waters again, taking in local life at a village of weavers and a cheroot factory, before visiting the stunning Inthar Heritage House, a rebuilt traditional home that’s also a refuge for Burmese cats. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in time for dinner (not included).
Overnight on Inle Lake
Classic - Golden Island Cottages
Premium - Pristine Lotus Resort
Deluxe - Villa Inle Boutique Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast; lunch
Day Six: Exploring Villages
Soar high above Inle Lake just as the sun begins peaking over the surrounding Shan Hills on this optional extra activity* (See Optional Extra Tab) .It’s an early start this morning, as you visit the lake's morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake's villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark moon and full moon day)
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
In the afternoon, experience canoe boat riding in Pauk Par Village. Wind through the maze of canals and waterways that form the 'streets' of the village. Get up close to the famous stilted houses of Inle. Although the use of motorised boats on Inle Lake is ever-increasing, many people still use their non-motorised wooden canoes to get around and this tour provides a unique opportunity to step back into this traditional way of life on the lake. You’ll return to your hotel in time for dinner (not included).
*Please note, due to the monsoon season, the optional extra hot air balloon flight over Inle is only available from mid November to mid March and all flights are weather permitting.
Overnight on Inle Lake
Classic - Golden Island Cottages
Premium - Pristine Lotus Resort
Deluxe - Villa Inle Boutique Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day Seven: Onwards to Ngapali Beach
After a final breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight to Ngapali. Upon arrival at Thandwe Airport you’ll transfer to your hotel on the beach to settle in and relax.
Ngapali Beach is a quiet 3 kms stretch of white sands lined by coconut palms. The warm clear waters are perfect for watersports such as snorkeling, and there are several small islands which can be reached by boat.
Overnight in Ngapali
Classic - Thande Beach Hotel
Premium - Amata Resort and Spa
Deluxe - Sandoway Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day Eight & Nine: Time to relax
Your next two days are at leisure to enjoy the paradise around you, spend time on the beach and explore the local life of Ngapali. There are plenty of options for great food and activities, and an abundance of beautiful beaches on which to lie and unwind.
There’s also the option to embark on a beach safari at Maung Shwe Lay. Head to this traditional village to explore life in rural Myanmar. Enjoy a traditional meal inside a local’s home, followed by a visit to the nearby beautiful beach (See Optional Extras Tab).
Overnight in Ngapali
Classic - Thande Beach Hotel
Premium - Amata Resort and Spa
Deluxe - Sandoway Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day Ten: Homeward bound
After a final breakfast it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon and then onward on your international flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overall meals included: 8 Breakfasts; 1 lunch; 2 dinners
What's included:
- Private English-speaking guides unless stated otherwise
- Private transfers and internal flights, unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
- Entrance tickets and permits unless stated otherwise
- Canoe and motorboat equipment as stated
What's not included:
- International flights to/from experience: call 0208 432 0885 for AX specially negotiated flight rates
- Optional extras listed
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the holiday
- We cannot guarantee the included hotel breakfast for early departures
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
If you intend to travel solo, contact us on 0208 432 0885
GETTING THERE
Typical return Economy flights from London cost around £600 per person and take approximately 15 hours depending on exact flight configurations and layover times.
Experience start point: Yangon [RGN]. Suggested arrival by 9am.
End point: Yangon [RGN]. Suggested departure after 2pm.
Prices for departures to 30th October include a 20% Pioneers Club discount and are subject to Pioneers Club terms & conditions. Click here for more information about the Pioneers Club.
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