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The Highlights And Beyond

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The Highlights And Beyond
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Experience Travel Group

The Highlights And Beyond

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This exciting three-week tour of Myanmar takes in the main sights and some unique destinations off the usual tourist route. You’ll experience the must-see sights of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Lake Inle in a customised way and you’ll discover less-visited spots like Loikaw, Kalaw and some remote villages along the Irrawaddy River.

We designed this itinerary to use alternatives to domestic flights on nearly all routes. It's a fantastic way to absorb the atmosphere and scenery of the country in a way that many visitors miss. Of course, if you would prefer to fly, for speed or ease, then this can be arranged too.

Highlights include:

  • Travelling by boat upstream from Loikaw towards Lake Inle; a great way to arrive at the lake and passing the peculiar sight of 100's of Buddhist stupas poking up out of the water en route
  • Rattling through the Shan Hills on a local train journey from Lake Inle to Kalaw
  • Climbing to the top of Popa Taung Kalut for superb views out towards Bagan and the extinct volcano of Mount Popa
  • Getting a flavour of remote village life along the Irrawaddy River
  • Enjoying our distinctive twist on the main sites of Bagan, Yangon and Mandalay

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 your overnight flight to Yangon

Day 2 & 3 Yangon  The contrasts of city life 

On arrival in Yangon, meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel. The first afternoon/evening is free to relax.

On the first full day, you’ll join your guide to explore Yangon on an Experience Travel Group signature tour. This tour visits the main sites but also gives you a sense of the contrasts of local village life and urban life. You’ll enjoy a street food dinner with drinks before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Days 4 & 5 Loikaw   Exploring away from the tourist route

Your only domestic flight of the holiday takes you north-east to Loikaw, a remote area that few tourists visit. Your guide will meet you on arrival, and you’ll spend two days getting a sense of the rural way of life and exploring the local countryside. Visit villages, explore the markets where the tribes meet to trade their wares, take in beautiful panoramas and marvel at the unique monuments.

Days 6-8 Lake Inle   travel by boat to the lake

With your guide, you’ll board a local boat for the transfer upstream to Lake Inle; a beautiful, scenic way to get to Lake Inle, utterly different to the route taken by most visitors. En route, you’ll stop to visit Sankar where 100 Buddhist stupas rise out of the lake. 

Lake Inle has incredible scenery and many interesting sights to behold. Spend two days exploring the lake and its surroundings by boat; a highlight is pulling up at the rotating market atop the lake itself, and a peaceful sunset sail.  During your stay, your guide will also take you to a local vineyard and a Burmese cooking demonstration in a local home.

Day 9 &10  Kalaw   elephants and scenery in the hills

Today you’ll rattle through the Shan Hills by train towards nearby Kalaw, the former hill station of The British Raj. During your stay here, you’ll visit the Green Hill Elephant Camp, a project that provides shelter for retired elephants. There will also be time to explore the sleepy colonial hill station by bicycle with your guide.

Day 11 – 13 Bagan and Mount Popa    

You’ll travel by road from Kalaw down to famous Bagan; this is one of the most scenic drives in Myanmar and a fantastic way to get a sense of the country's beauty (of course, if you would prefer the domestic flight option then that can also be arranged.) Along the way, you’ll pass paddy fields and rolling hills before arriving at the extinct volcano of Mount Popa, where you’ll have the chance to climb the 777 steps to the top of adjacent Popa Taung Kalat - a tower-like volcanic plug with a gilded temple on top. 

Once in Bagan, there is plenty of time to explore the extraordinary archaeological zone with its incredible array of temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins, both independently and with your guide.  Your stay will also include a trip across to the unique island of  Kyun Thiri, time to take in river-life, explore caves and to catch a couple of glorious sunsets.

Day 14 & 15 Yandabo  Life in an Irrawaddy River Village

After lunch in Bagan, you’ll travel slowly up the river towards the village of Yandabo. Here you’ll stay in a cosy hotel on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. You’ll spend your time here getting a flavour of village life along the Irrawaddy, one of the most important rivers in Myanmar.  Pottery is a popular local craft and water buffalo harvest the land in this sleepy rural area. An interesting fact about Yandabo: this is where the treaty which ended the first Anglo Burmese War was signed in 1826.

 Day 16 – 18 Mandalay  explore the ancient capitals

Back in your boat, you’ll continue the journey upstream to Mandalay. Simply sit back and absorb the fantastic scenery. When you get to Mandalay, explore the ancient cities, the glittering pagodas and busy markets. Your guide will transport you to famous sites such as Ava and U Bein Bridge, with a few clever tricks to dodge the busiest times of the day.   

Day 19 Train  (or fly)    the voyage back to Yangon

Adventurers will love the unique experience of travelling from Mandalay to Yangon overnight aboard a local train. Still, you can take a one- hour flight instead if time is limited or if such an adventure doesn’t appeal!  

Day 20 Yangon   City Life and the SHwedagon Pagoda

Before you fly home you’ll spend one last day and night in Yangon; there will be a chance to get an insight into city life aboard the local circle train and to toast your epic tour of Myanmar with sunset at one of the country’s most famous landmarks the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Day 21 Fly Home

Depart Yangon for your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. 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...

Amara Mountain Resort

Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw

Colonial-style property with pleasant public areas, wooden rooms with fireplaces and stunning mountain views

Bagan Thande Hotel

Bagan Thande Hotel , Bagan

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

Kayah Resort

Kayah Resort, Loikaw

Top choice for comfort when visiting sleepy Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State, in the Karen Hills.

Pristine Lotus Spa Resort

Pristine Lotus Spa Resort , Lake Inle

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

The Loft

The Loft , Yangon

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

Triumph Hotel

Triumph Hotel , Mandalay

Just a short drive from the centre of Mandalay, the Triumph Hotel has great facilities and superb service.

Yandabo Home

Yandabo Home, Irrawaddy River

Experience local life in a village setting on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

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...

Boat ride to Kyun Thiri

Boat ride to Kyun Thiri , Bagan

Cruise out from Bagan to visit the charming Kyun Thiri Island and spend the morning with the local monks.

Climb Mount Popa

Climb Mount Popa, Popa Mountain

Climb the jungle clad, extinct volcanic peak passing bird's and butterflies along the way.

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa)

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa), Mandalay

Fascinating ancient capital on the Irrawaddy River.

Explore Kalaw By Bike

Explore Kalaw By Bike, Kalaw

Kalaw has the perfect temperature for a leisurely cycling tour.

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets , Mandalay

Explore the vibrant markets with your guide.

Green Hill Elephant Camp

Green Hill Elephant Camp, Kalaw

Learn about the life of a mahout in the beautiful Burmese countryside with retired, rescued and orphaned elephants.

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike

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).

Public boat from Bagan to Mandalay

Public boat from Bagan to Mandalay, Mandalay

Cruise along the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay on a local boat.

River Trip via Sankar

River Trip via Sankar, Lake Inle

The journey is part of the adventure as you pass floating tomato farms on route to fascinating Sankar.

Rotating Market and Indein

Rotating Market and Indein , Lake Inle

Visit Lake Inle's unique rotating market, known as such because the venue changes on a daily basis.

The Pagodas of Sagaing

The Pagodas of Sagaing, Mandalay

Spend a day exploring a hand-picked selection of the pagoda's and markets surrounding Sagaing.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

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

The Yangon Circle Train

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

Twilight boat tour at Bagan , Bagan

Relaxing twilight tour along the mighty Irrawaddy River

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset , Mandalay

Famous footbridge that is particularly vibrant at sunrise and sunset.

Villages and Landmarks

Villages and Landmarks , Loikaw

Veer off-the-beaten-track to explore some of the tribal villages of Kayah State.

Yandabo Village

Yandabo Village, Yandabo

Explore this sleepy Irrawaddy riverside village on your voyage from Bagan to Mandalay.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Highlights And Beyond '

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Your next adventure
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

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