Myanmar to Thailand via the Mergui Islands
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

Explore the main sites of Myanmar in our unique signature style – Lake Inle, Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon – before setting off on an incredible exploration of the Mergui Archipelago by boat. You'll cruise along the Andaman Sea towards Thailand where you'll disembark and enjoy a stay in a homely, laid-back beach resort.

This is a fantastic holiday for anyone and can be tweaked to suit intrepid families looking for quality time together in a wonderful location.

Highlights include:

• Get under the skin of Mandalay with our unique approach to the local sites, truly discovering what makes Myanmar tick as a country.
• Admire the majestic temples of Bagan, but also explore the local region – very few tourists ever do. 
• Lake Inle cannot be missed either – a glorious place to spend a few days.
• Passing through Yangon on route, you’ll get a sense of the rapid pace of change in Myanmar.
• Back to timeless Myanmar, with a journey you’ll never forget, you spend 6 days exploring the Mergui Islands on a liveaboard boat.
• Enjoy a relaxing beach break at a laid-back beach resort in Thailand. 

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.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Myanmar.

DAYS 2 & 3 MANDALAY  A TASTE OF HISTORY

On arrival in Mandalay you’ll meet your local guide and private driver who will transfer you to your first hotel.
A full day will then be spent with your guide exploring Mandalay’s cultural and historic monuments. You’ll explore Sagaing, Amarapura and the former capital at Ava. There is plenty to see and discover in this region.

DAY 4-6 BAGAN  SPECTACULAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

After rising early to see serene U Bein Bridge at sunrise, it's a short flight to Bagan (alternatively we can tailor your holiday to include an overnight river journey to Bagan). The first afternoon/evening in Bagan is free to relax.

In Bagan you’ll explore one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Asia with your guide. Our exclusive signature tour of Bagan includes a late afternoon horse cart tour veering away from the busier temples to watch sunset in a quiet spot. After sunset you’ll explore one of Bagan's most impressive temples when other tourists have left.

During your time in Bagan there will be also chance to visit the sleepy island of Kyun Thiri where you can enjoy a visit to the local Buddhist monastery and a chat with the monks. Spend the morning learning about the unique agricultural way of life on the island away from the crowds.

DAY 7 & 8 LAKE INLE   DISCOVER LIFE ON THE LAKE

It's a short flight hop from Bagan to Heho airport). On arrival you will be driven to Lake Inle, passing beautiful mountains and lush jungle scenery en route. The last leg of the journey takes you to your hotel by private boat.

Lake Inle is extraordinary and has a wonderful backdrop. By boat you will explore the lake's stilted villages and vegetable patches constructed using compacted algae to form "floating gardens", avocadoes, tomatoes and radishes are all grown on top of the lake. During your stay there will also be chance to visit one of the village vineyards (by bicycle if you wish) and to explore some of the peculiar local pagodas, some of which jut out of the water.

DAY 9 YANGON  THE CONTRASTS OF CITY LIFE

Today you'll take an early flight down to Yangon where you will take the local train from the airport downtown to your hotel. Obviously you’ll see the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, but you’ll also explore Yangon at ground level with a walking tour and some quality local bites in one of Yangon’s brilliant tea shops.

DAY 10 The Mergui Princess (or Pandaw MY Andaman Explorer)

Today you fly to Myeik to embark on your exciting boat cruise around the largely uninhabited Mergui Islands. The Mergui Princess has 8 rooms and departs from Myeik to explore the archipelago over 6 days. An alternative cruise option is the Pandaw MY Andaman Explorer which is 5 days longer (as it begins back in Yangon and sails down to Myeik over the course of a few days). The itinerary below is based on the Mergui Princess Cruise but please call our Myanmar experts if you would like to see how your itinerary could be tailored to include the Pandaw Cruise or even a private boat charter

Day 10-14 The Mergui Islands  Exploring the Archipelago by boat

6 days/5 nights will be spent aboard the board, exploring the fascinating Mergui Islands whilst moving south towards the Thai border. En route you may encounter the Moken people, they famously have incredible underwater vision and live off the sea. You’ll moor up to discover deserted paradise beaches, enjoy ocean sunsets, delicious meals on board and snorkelling adventures in the coral reefs of The Andaman Sea.

Visiting exotic locations like Marble Island, Lampi Island and Salet Galet Island, you'll have chance to kayak through mangroves, look out for peculiar rock formations, spot dolphins, explore jungles and perhaps try a spot of fishing.

DAYs 15-17 Khao Lak   Relax at a homely Thai Beach Resort  

After breakfast and a a final morning of exploration, you’ll disembark and take a short longtail boat ride to Ranong where you’ll cross the border into Thailand. Your Thai guide will meet you for the road journey to Khao Lak and you’ll check in for 3 days of relaxation.

Day 18 Depart Phuket

Depart Phuket for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively you can extend your stay at the beach or we can tailor a trip to take in other highlights of Thailand, call us for details.