Myanmar
Burma (Myanmar) is truly a jewel among Southeast Asian nations. Undiscovered by mass tourism, a visit presents a unique opportunity to step back in time, to experience how life was in Asia decades ago. Predominantly a Buddhist nation, the scenery is dominated by temples, pagodas, and monasteries throughout the country. Beyond this, however, there are beautiful beaches, dense forests, fertile farmland, small villages, and evidence of colonial times in the buildings of Yangon (Rangoon). Perhaps most striking of all is the warmth and friendliness of the people everywhere you go. Must-see places include Yangon, home to the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom, Bagan with its vast plain of temple ruins stretching far and wide, and Inle Lake, where a scenic ride in a long-tailed boat takes you to ancient pagodas, colorful markets, and silk-weaving shops. Also recommended is sailing the legendary Irawaddy river in comfort and style aboard a luxury cruiser; it is a wonderful way to witness the local way of life along the banks. Please browse our collection of Myanmar deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Myanmar (Burma) luxury tours and vacations
Burma (Myanmar) is truly a jewel among Southeast Asian nations. Undiscovered by mass tourism, a visit presents a unique opportunity to step back in time, to experience how life was in Asia decades ago. Predominantly a Buddhist nation, the scenery is dominated by temples, pagodas, and monasteries throughout the country. Beyond this, however, there are beautiful beaches, dense forests, fertile farmland, small villages, and evidence of colonial times in the buildings of Yangon (Rangoon). Perhaps most striking of all is the warmth and friendliness of the people everywhere you go. Must-see places include Yangon, home to the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom, Bagan with its vast plain of temple ruins stretching far and wide, and Inle Lake, where a scenic ride in a long-tailed boat takes you to ancient pagodas, colorful markets, and silk-weaving shops. Also recommended is sailing the legendary Irawaddy river in comfort and style aboard a luxury cruiser; it is a wonderful way to witness the local way of life along the banks. Please browse our collection of Myanmar deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Myanmar (Burma) luxury tours and vacations
Experiencing Burma - 12 days
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Irrawaddy Cruise, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake.
Highlights of Burma - 8 days
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay, Inle Lake.
Best of Burma - 6 days
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay.
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Irrawaddy Cruise, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake.
Highlights of Burma - 8 days
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay, Inle Lake.
Best of Burma - 6 days
Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay.
Experiencing Burma
12 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Irrawaddy Cruise, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake
12 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Irrawaddy Cruise, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake
Experience the many fascinating sides of Burma on this 12 day program. Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is a city of shaded boulevards and colonial buildings. Of great importance here is the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's most impressive and sacred Buddhist site; the stupa is plated with thousand upon thousands of solid gold bars, and the top encrusted with precious diamonds, sapphires, rubies and golden bells. Bagan's spectacular plain stretches away from the Irrawaddy River, and is dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. After visiting some of the temples, watching the sun set over this amazing plain is truly beautiful. The Irrawaddy River is Burma's largest river, and included is a two nights upstream cruise to Mandalay aboard a luxury river steamer. Mandalay, the second largest city and last royal capital, is a major economic and educational center, as well as a cultural and spiritual center. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country's monks, and Mandalay artisans continue to turn out the finest crafts. In the Shan State visit Kalaw, a popular hill station in British colonial days; and Inle Lake, it's wonderful floating gardens, stilted fishing villages, and Intha fishermen rowing their boats with one leg are a must-see. The program concludes with a final night in Yangon.
Day 1: Yangon. Arrive at Yangon International Airport, and begin the day with a walking tour of the city. The starting point is Maha Bandoola Street, alive with fresh markets selling produce and flowers. There is a chance here to watch the making of flat rice noodles and rice flour pancakes. Pass through the Indian Quarter and by the Jewish Synagogue, to famous Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott's Market), particularly known for it's shops selling antiques and handicrafts. From here continue by trishaw, passing colonial style municipal and government offices before ending with a drink at the historic Strand Hotel. In the afternoon see the National Museum, containing an expansive collection of Burmese art, and the Shwedagon Pagoda, certainly the highlight of any visit to Yangon; it's magnificent golden stupa is truly a sight to behold.
Day 2: Bagan. Fly to Bagan, a former capital of ancient kingdoms, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Bagan's spectacular plain, stretching for miles, is covered with thousands of temple ruins dating back to the 11th century. Visit some of the most important sites; Gubyaukgyi Temple, Ananda Temple, Manuha Temple, and Shwesandaw Pagoda. The villages around Bagan are known for producing the country's finest lacquerware, and we'll visit one of the workshops to learn about the laborious process required in it's making and decoration. Finish the day with a relaxing panoramic sunset view over Bagan's plain from one of the pagoda platforms. (breakfast).
Day 3: Mount Popa/Salay/Bagan. Embark on an excursion to visit Mount Popa and Salay. Mount Popa is located about 30 miles southeast of Bagan, and as you make your approach the scene of the glittering monastery atop Taung Kalat summit looks right out of a fairy tale. Visitors can ascend the spiraling staircase to the reach the monastery and temple complex, and then enjoy a panoramic view of the region. Continue to Salay, a religous center and home of the famous writer and poet Salay U Ponya. The most famous site in town is Yoke Son Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden monastery with beautiful carvings of 19th century court life, antique religious objects, and tales of the Ramayana. (breakfast).
Day 4: Irrawaddy Cruise. Transfer to the jetty to board your Ayravata Cruise ship. Sail in style aboard a luxury "boutique" steamer from Bagan to Mandalay. After check-in today, enjoy a welcome cocktail before casting off and traveling upstream. Lunch follows, and in the afternoon visit a typical river village. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Irrawaddy Cruise. Continue steaming up the Irrawaddy River, enjoying the river scenery passing pagodas, villages, and jungle. Stops will be made at the villages of Shwe Pyi Thar and Yandabo, which specialize in pottery making. While onboard, relax on the sundeck or observation deck, enjoy drinks at the bar, and see life unfold along the riverbanks as you make your way towards Mandalay. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Mandalay. Enjoy the sunrise, and later this morning arrive in Mandalay and disembark. Proceed with a tour of three former royal capitals; Amarapura to visit Mahagandayon Monastery, Sagaing, the spiritual center of Burma with hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries, and Inwa, on the banks of the Irrawaddy where you can enjoy a leisurely horsecart ride around the peaceful countryside. Finish back in Amarapura and U Bein's Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge that teems with monks and locals making their way home as the sun sets at dusk. (breakfast).
Day 7: Mandalay. Tour Mandalay today, visiting Mahamuni Pagoda, housing the highly venerated image of Mahamumi; Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple, a wonderful example of Burmese teak architecture and one of Mandalay's most historic buildings; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the "world's largest book" for the 729 marble slabs surrounding the central stupa on which the entire Tripitaka is inscribed. Visits today also include a puppetry workshop, and art form in Burma, and a wood-carving workshop, to see the ancient tradition of teak-carving by local artisans. (breakfast).
Day 8: Heho/Kalaw. Fly to Heho, and proceed by road to Kalaw, a popular hill station in British days. HIghlights of today's tour include Thein Taung Paya, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road; Aung Chang Tha Zedi, with it's glittering stupa covered in gold-colored mosaics; and some trekking on the nearby plateau, inhabited by Palaung and Pao tribes. (breakfast).
Day 9: Inle Lake. Depart by road for Inle Lake, located in the Shan State. The lake's shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by Intha people. It is fascinating to watch the skilled fishermen using their unique leg-rowing techniques to maneuver their boat through the lake's reeds and floating plants. Visit the floating gardens, an Intha village around the lake, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. (breakfast).
Day 10: Inle Lake. Travel by boat to the lake's western shore for a visit to hidden Indein Temple. The temple consists of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and weeds. Continue to the village of Sae Ma, stopping to explore the village and see the local school. In the afternoon meet the people in the villages on the lake and pay a visit to one of the monasteries. (breakfast).
Day 11: Heho/Yangon. Return to Heho and fly to Yangon. The balance of the day is free to explore Yangon on your own. (breakfast).
Day 12: Depart Yangon. Transfer to Yangon International Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (11), two lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,390.
Highlights of Burma
8 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay, Inle Lake
8 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay, Inle Lake
This 8-day trip covers Burma's most essential cities and sights. Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is a city of shaded boulevards and colonial buildings. Of great importance here is the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's most impressive and sacred Buddhist site. Bagan's spectacular plain stretches away from the Irrawaddy River, and is dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Mandalay, the second largest city and last royal capital, is a major economic and educational center, as well as a cultural and spiritual center. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country's monks, and Mandalay artisans continue to turn out the finest crafts. In the Shan State lies Inle Lake, it's wonderful floating gardens, stilted fishing villages, and Intha fishermen rowing their boats with one leg are a must-see. The program concludes with a final night in Yangon.
Day 1: Yangon. Arrive at Yangon International Airport, and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Yangon. Sights today include Sule Pagoda, located in the very heart of the city, it dates back more than 2,000 years and is an important place of worship; the National Museum, containing an expansive collection of Burmese art, and the Shwedagon Pagoda, certainly the highlight of any visit to Yangon; it's magnificent golden stupa is truly a sight to behold.
Day 2: Bagan. Fly to Bagan, a former capital of ancient kingdoms, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Bagan's spectacular plain, stretching for miles, is covered with thousands of temple ruins dating back to the 11th century. Visit some of the most important sites; Gubyaukgyi Temple, Ananda Temple, Manuha Temple, and Shwesandaw Pagoda. The villages around Bagan are known for producing the country's finest lacquerware, and we'll visit one of the workshops to learn about the laborious process required in it's making and decoration. (breakfast).
Day 3: Mount Popa/Salay/Bagan. Embark on an excursion to visit Mount Popa and Salay. Mount Popa is located about 30 miles southeast of Bagan, and as you make your approach the scene of the glittering monastery atop Taung Kalat summit looks right out of a fairy tale. Visitors can ascend the spiraling staircase to the reach the monastery and temple complex, and then enjoy a panoramic view of the region. Contine to Salay, a religous center and home of the famous writer and poet Salay U Ponya. The most famous site in town is Yoke Son Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden monastery with beautiful carvings of 19th century court life, antique religious objects, and tales of the Ramayana. (breakfast).
Day 4: Mandalay. Fly to Mandalay, the last capital of royal Burma. Upon arrival head to Mahamuni Pagoda, housing the highly venerated image of Mahamumi, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. En route we'll stop to observe the laborious process of gold-leaf beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Afternoon visits include Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple, or Golden Teak Monastery, it is a wonderful example of Burmese teak architecture and one of Mandalay's most historic buildings; Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, famous for it's monumental seated Buddha carved from a single block of pale-green marble; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the "world's largest book" for the 729 marble slabs surrounding the central stupa on which the entire Tripitaka is inscribed. Also visit a craft workshop to see the local artisans employ their craft, and finish at Mandalay Hill for sunset. (breakfast).
Day 5: Heho/Inle Lake. Depart by flight to Heho, and continue by road to Inle Lake. Located in the Shan State, the lake's shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by Intha people. It is fascinating to watch the skilled fishermen using their unique leg-rowing techniques to maneuver their boat through the lake's reeds and floating plants. Visit the floating gardens, an Intha village around the lake, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. (breakfast).
Day 6: Inle Lake. Nestled among the Shan Mountains, the glassy blue waters of Inle Lake invoke a magical and calming atmosphere. Taking a boat trip today we'll see various villages, and the famous fishermen rowing their boats while standing on one leg. (breakfast).
Day 7: Heho/Yangon. Return to Heho and fly to Yangon. The balance of the day is free to explore Yangon on your own. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Yangon. Transfer to Yangon International Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (7).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,650.
Best of Burma
6 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay
6 days - Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa, Salay, Mandalay
This trip is designed to provide the perfect introduction to Burma. Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is a city of shaded boulevards and colonial buildings. Of great importance here is the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's most impressive and sacred Buddhist site. Bagan's spectacular plain stretches away from the Irrawaddy River, and is dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Located nearby is Mount Popa, upon your approach the view of the glittering temple complex sitting high atop the sheer-sided Pedestal Hill is breathtaking. Mandalay, the second largest city and last royal capital, is a major economic and educational center, as well as a cultural and spiritual center. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country's monks, and Mandalay artisans continue to turn out the finest crafts. The program concludes with a final night in Yangon.
Day 1: Yangon. Arrive at Yangon International Airport, and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Yangon. Sights today include Sule Pagoda, located in the very heart of the city, it dates back more than 2,000 years and is an important place of worship; the National Museum, containing an expansive collection of Burmese art, and the Shwedagon Pagoda, certainly the highlight of any visit to Yangon; it's magnificent golden stupa is truly a sight to behold, and is most beautiful during the sunset hour.
Day 2: Bagan. Fly to Bagan, a former capital of ancient kingdoms, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Bagan's spectacular plain, stretching for miles, is covered with thousands of temple ruins dating back to the 11th century. Visit some of the most important sites; Gubyaukgyi Temple, Ananda Temple, Manuha Temple, and Shwesandaw Pagoda. The villages around Bagan are known for producing the country's finest lacquerware, and we'll visit one of the workshops to learn about the laborious process required in it's making and decoration. (breakfast).
Day 3: Mount Popa/Salay/Bagan. Embark on an excursion to visit Mount Popa and Salay. Mount Popa is located about 30 miles southeast of Bagan, and as you make your approach the scene of the glittering monastery atop Taung Kalat summit looks right out of a fairy tale. Visitors can ascend the spiraling staircase to the reach the monastery and temple complex, and then enjoy a panoramic view of the region. Contine to Salay, a religous center and home of the famous writer and poet Salay U Ponya. The most famous site in town is Yoke Son Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden monastery with beautiful carvings of 19th century court life, antique religious objects, and tales of the Ramayana. (breakfast).
Day 4: Mandalay. Fly to Mandalay, the last capital of royal Burma. Upon arrival head to Mahamuni Pagoda, housing the highly venerated image of Mahamumi, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. En route we'll stop to observe the laborious process of gold-leaf beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Afternoon visits include Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple, or Golden Teak Monastery, it is a wonderful example of Burmese teak architecture and one of Mandalay's most historic buildings; Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, famous for it's monumental seated Buddha carved from a single block of pale-green marble; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the "world's largest book" for the 729 marble slabs surrounding the central stupa on which the entire Tripitaka is inscribed. Also visit a craft workshop to see the local artisans employ their craft. (breakfast).
Day 5: Yangon. Fly from Mandalay back to Yangon. The balance of the day is free to explore Yangon on your own. (breakfast).
Day 6: Depart Yangon. Transfer to Yangon International Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (5).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,250.
