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

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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.

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.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

As every holiday is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 for an inclusive, personalised quotation for your preferred dates or use the quote request form below...

Inclusions

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.

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...

Bagan Thande Hotel , Bagan

An excellent mid-range riverside hotel in old Bagan with superb rooms and a great location.

Bangsak Village, Khao Lak

Excellent value, remote beach hideaway near Khao Lak.

Hotel By The Red Canal, Mandalay

Superb boutique hotel with excellent service, a secluded location and tasteful design & decoration

Pristine Lotus Spa Resort , Lake Inle

Peaceful hotel set amidst beautiful gardens with clean, comfortable villa accommodation and a great spa.

The Loft , Yangon

Modern, clean, spacious and hip hotel in central Yangon, the Loft is an excellent choice.

River Cruises Included

Mergui Princess Cruise , The Mergui Archipelago

The Mergui Princess is a pleasant, 80 foot liveaboard boat, perfect for exploring the Mergui Archipelago.

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).

Cycling Tour of Bagan, Bagan

A leisurely guided cycling tour around the many temples of Bagan.

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets , Mandalay

Explore the vibrant markets with your guide.

Kakku Pagodas , Lake Inle

Trek or travel by boat to the temple complex and explore the quirky pagodas.

Lake Inle, Lake Inle

Cruise and explore the floating farms, stilted homes and one-leg fisherman on Inle Lake from your private boat.

Lampi Island, The Mergui Archipelago

Explore a beautiful, remote, uninhabited island in the Mergui Archipelago.

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike , Lake Inle

Veer off-the-beaten-track near Lake Inle for a private boat journey, market visit and vineyard experience (walking or cycling).

Mandalay, Mandalay

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

Snorkelling Around the Mergui Islands, The Mergui Archipelago

Spot marine wildlife in this unspoiled region of Myanmar.

Sunset Canoe Trip to Mine Thauk Village , Lake Inle

A fantastic way to round off a day in Lake Inle. Fantastic views of the lush countryside and the lake itself.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

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

The Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan

Deeply significant sacred building in Bagan.

The Yangon Circle Train, Yangon

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

Twilight boat tour at Bagan , Bagan

Relaxing twilight tour along the mighty Irrawaddy River

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset , Mandalay

Famous footbridge that is particularly vibrant at sunrise and sunset.

Walking Tour of Bustling Chinatown, Yangon

Wander the narrow streets lined with shops overflowing with produce and old houses with wooden shutters.

Customer Feedback

The guides were very good and probably made the holiday. They were all well informed, very attentive and responsive to our needs.…. The drivers and guides were all very patient and good humoured and we had lots of laughs along the way.

- Loyita Mitchell

About: Myanmar Classic Highlights

Customer Protection

The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.

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