Myanmar with In-Depth River Journey | Experience Travel Group

Myanmar Highlights with In-Depth River Journey

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Experience Travel Group signature tours of Yangon and Lake Inle have been weaved around an in-depth river cruise to create this fantastic three-week exploration of Myanmar (Burma).

Travelling by boat is one of the best ways to get off-the-beaten-track in Myanmar without having to compromise on creature comforts so this holiday gives you the chance to explore the city highlights uniquely and to travel beyond them with ease.

The day-to-day itinerary featured and priced here incorporates the 15-day Pandaw “Irrawaddy Cruise” or its slightly abridged 11-day version “The Golden Land” in which the first stretch of river is bypassed with a road transfer.

Highlights include:

Marvelling at the beautiful scenery and rural villages of the Irrawaddy River
Gliding past serene floating gardens on Inle Lake
Discovering the dazzling temples and pagodas of Yangon and Bagan

NB: There is a range of river cruises available exploring different stretches of Myanmar’s waterways, and our country experts can help you settle on the best route and vessel to suit you. Call them on 020 7924 7133 for an informal chat and first-hand advice. As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 – DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK.

DAY 2 – YANGON relaxing after your flight

On arrival, your private guide will meet you for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, perhaps take a swim and recover from any jet-lag.

DAY 3 – YANGON Getting to know the city

Today you’ll begin discovering Myanmar with a specially devised tour of Yangon, timed to dodge the crowds and get beneath the skin of the town. You’ll explore the bustling harbour area, marvel at the elegant colonial architecture, perhaps take a rickshaw to a vibrant market, and ride the circle train to get a taste of local life.

DAY 4 – 7 PANDAW cruising relaxed atmosphere and river life

Today you’ll board the Pandaw II vessel at the jetty in Yangon and settle into your cabin. The boat is furnished in a colonial style with 24 comfortable cabins a dining room, a saloon bar and sun deck. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak up the stunning views as you leave Yangon and head out into the Irrawaddy Delta.

Spend four days sailing upstream at an unhurried pace; river travel is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery and take in Myanmar's unique ambience. The boat moors en route to give you the chance to explore small towns like Danupyu, with its busy local market, and the British colonial buildings of Manaung.

DAY 8 – 17 PANDAW CRUISing upstream to Bagan and Mandalay

On Day eight the cruise will reach the town of Prome with a visit to a nearby archaeological site, home to many early Buddhist artefacts and sculptures.

The next days will be spent enjoying the atmosphere aboard RV Pandaw II as you further explore the Irrawaddy. Highlights along the way include:

Visiting Thayetmo, a former colonial town where you can take a horse and cart ride through the botanical garden
Yout-saun-kyaung monastery with its spectacular wood carvings
Riding tri-shaws to the golden pagoda of Magwe
Ascending Tan-Chi-Taung Mountain by WWII Jeep
Exploring the incredible monuments of Bagan
Getting immersed in local life at typical riverside communities
Discovering Mandalay, the ancient capital of Amarapura and U Bein Bridge

DAY 18 – MANDALAY Disembark and explore Mandalay

Today you’ll disembark the cruise, and your river journey ends. Your private guide will meet you, and you’ll check in to your Mandalay hotel. The day will finish with a walk-up Mandalay Hill to see spectacular views as the sun sets over the city, the Irrawaddy River and the surrounding countryside.

DAY 19 – 20 Lake Inle fisherman, floating gardens and wine

After breakfast, your guide will meet you for the transfer to the airport, and you’ll fly to Heho, the hub for Lake Inle. En route to the lake, you will drive past paddy fields and winding streams and stop to explore caves. When you reach Inle Lake, you will board a private boat for the last section of your journey.

You’ll spend a full day exploring Inle Lake with an Experience Travel Group signature tour. Take a private boat to explore the floating gardens and farms that move around on the surface of the lake, see the local fisherman rowing in their unique one-leg style and perhaps taste some local wine. As a final treat, you may wish to take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the lake.

DAY 21 – YANGON Sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda

This morning you will take the short flight back to Yangon for your final night in Myanmar. Exploring one of the country’s most famous sites has been saved for last, and tonight, as the sun sets, you’ll visit the Shwedagon Pagoda whose recognisable golden stupa dominates the city's skyline.

DAY 22 – FLY HOME

Transfer to Yangon airport for your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary. To give you an idea, our holidays typically cost between £4,500 and £8,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year and the hotels and flights involved. Child and seasonal discounts may bring the price lower than this. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Tips for guides and drivers
Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences
Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.)
24-hour in-country backup while away
Your dedicated travel expert in the UK

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Inle Princess Resort, Lake Inle, Lake Inle

The Inle Princess Resort is an elegant and peaceful resort on the shores of the magnificent Lake Inle.

Mandalay Hill Resort , Mandalay

Grand five star resort hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill with commanding views and excellent facilities.

The Savoy, Yangon

Intimate boutique hotel with stylish rooms, historic flair and a relaxed ambience on the outskirts of Yangon.

River Cruises Included

Pandaw (Epic) River Cruises, Various Rivers

Pandaw have several boats that can navigate low water and as such they are one of the only companies to offer regular "epic" journeys.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bagan, Bagan

The world famous Bagan temples are one of the 'must see' sites of Myanmar (Burma).

Mandalay, Mandalay

Myanmar's second city and bustling cultural and religious hub.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

Myanmar's most important Buddhist pagoda, located in central Yangon.

The Yangon Circle Train, Yangon

Departing from Yangon central, this commuter train is a great way to see another side of Myanmar.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Myanmar Highlights with In-Depth River Journey '

Myanmar Highlights with In-Depth River Journey

An idea for your holiday

Given the current political situation, we cannot organise travel to Myanmar at this time.

Myanmar Highlights with In-Depth River Journey

DAY 1 – DEPART THE UK

DAY 2 – YANGON relaxing after your flight

DAY 3 – YANGON Getting to know the city

DAY 4 – 7 PANDAW cruising relaxed atmosphere and river life

DAY 8 – 17 PANDAW CRUISing upstream to Bagan and Mandalay

DAY 18 – MANDALAY Disembark and explore Mandalay

DAY 19 – 20 Lake Inle fisherman, floating gardens and wine

DAY 21 – YANGON Sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda