Day 2 - Yangon
A full day to explore Myanmar’s largest city. We visit the downtown district with its colonial architecture, bustling markets and the Sule Paya, among other sites. After a lunch of local dishes, take the Yangon Circular Railway to the vibrant Bogyoke Market Bazaar. Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Yangon - Mandalay
Fly from Yangon to Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar. We first visit the Mahamuni Buddha statue, said to be only one of five true likenesses of Buddha, before continuing on to Amarapura, the former capital and known for its traditional weaving. We visit Mahagandayon Monastery, the country’s most important monastic college before walking over the picturesque U-Bein bridge. Overnight Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 - Mandalay
Day 5 - Mandalay - Bagan
Day 6 - Bagan
This morning we discover the traditional cuisine of Myanmar, visiting first to Myinkaba village market to learn how popular local foods are made before heading to Mingalazedi Pagoda, built by the last king of the Pagan empire. We then have lunch served in a local monastery sampling a range of different traditional dishes. In the late afternoon we take a bat trip on the Irrawaddy River to watch the sun set. Overnight Heritage Bagan Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 7 - Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake
Fly from Bagan to Heho, and transfer to Inle Lake. We first head to Indein Pagoda with its impressive collection of stupas, then take lunch in the home of a local Intha family. In the afternoon visit the village of Nam Pan, before taking a boat trip in typical local canoes (paddled by the owners. Overnight Thanakha Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 8 - Inle Lake
A full day exploring Inle Lake and surrounds. We visit the floating gardens and colourful markets held by the Shan and Pa’O people as well as a local Burmese cigar workshop. We then visit Phaung Daw u Pagoda, a famous pilgrimage site home to five golden buddha statues. Overnight Thanakha Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 9 - Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon
Fly from Heho to Yangon, where we end our trip by visiting the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. The pagoda’s origins date back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected Buddhist monuments in the world, and it is revered by local people. While here, we can visit a traditional fortune teller and enjoy a traditional Burmese lunch. Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 10 - Yangon
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
This trip can be combined with our ‘Bangladesh – Waterways, Wildlife and Hill Tribes’ tour for a comprehensive journey through the region.
What's included?
What's not included?
Visas
Visa regulations can change however and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information.
Health and vaccinations
We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Insurance
It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.
Money
The local currency in Myanmar is the kyat. The best currency to bring for exchange purposes in the US dollar and these should be clean and unmarked as you may find it difficult to change them otherwise. The US dollar is also accepted by many hotels and restaurants within Myanmar.
Local conditions
When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.
Travel advice
We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO advises against travel to some parts of Myanmar that we visit on our tours.We work very closely with our local team and are fully confident that we can operate tours safely in Myanmar. Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.
This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.