Undiscovered Myanmar: Tea, Temples & Trails
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Spiritual Pagodas of Yangon
You’ll start your trip off in the former capital Yangon, a historic city bustling with many attractions. You will stay nearby the beautiful Kandawgyi lake within easy reach of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most iconic sites in the Buddhist culture, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. You’ll take a half day city tour with an English-speaking guide to the Pagoda to learn it’s history and more about the Buddhist religion; there are even some tasty Burmese dishes to sample!
Days 3-6 – Planes, trains and watermobiles
Next you’ll be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lashio which takes around 2 hours. Here you will explore the Northern Shan state over four days, taking in the rolling views across the mountains and learning about rural life in this remote spot in Myanmar. Starting in laid back Hsipaw you’ll learn about home industries like cigar-rolling and the spiritual beliefs of this area and cruise down the river for another perspective of life here.
On day 3 you will take a local bus from Hsipaw to Kyaukme where you will trek through rural villages, home to the Palaung community who live according to century old traditions. Your guide will be able to tell you all about their way of life. You’ll round of your time in Shan state with a tasty home-cooked meal delivered straight to your hotel.
Days 6-8 – High tea in the Highlands
After your time in the Northern Shan State you’ll take the picturesque train over the mighty Gokteik Viaduct to Pyin Oo Lwin taking approx. 4.5 hours. When you arrive in Pyn Oo Lwin you’ll be whisked to your hotel in style by tuk-tuk! It’s a short ride to your chalet style accommodation where you’ll spend two nights. Nothing is planned for your first evening so you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out and explore your new surroundings. Your hotel is dotted in between the green hills and close to the stunning botanical gardens.
The next morning after a hearty breakfast you’ll hop on your bikes, map in hand to discover what this picturesque town has to offer. You’ll clearly see the British influence here, with the quaint churches and imposing mansions. After exploring the colourful markets and botanical gardens we’ll arrange a tasty Burmese high tea at a charming hotel to refuel. The following day you’ll head onward on your journey through Myanmar.
Days 8-10 – Magical monasteries of Mandalay
Today you will be transferred to Mandalay by car taking about 1.5 hours. The former royal capital of Myanmar, Mandalay may lack the splendour and beauty of some other Burmese towns and cities but there’s still plenty of sightseeing to be done! In between the maze of streets are small craft shops, monasteries and quaint churches. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city. The decor is truly something to behold, from gold-leaf ceilings to rich teak wood flooring and sumptuously rich touches throughout.
On your first day, you’ll head out with a local guide to nearby Sagaing. This small town is the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar and houses more than 6000 monks and nuns. Set on a hill on the riverbank of the Ayeyarwaddy River it’s a peaceful place with some stunning views. Next, it’s on to the old capital of Amarapura, a small rustic village where only the sound of the weaving machines and locals going about their daily routines can be heard. Take a walk through the famous Mahagandayon monastery complex with hundreds of monks and walk over the U-Bein Bridge.
Days 10-13 – Bagan: Temples in the mist
Now it’s time to take a scenic journey from Mandalay to Bagan, starting with a bus ride with your guide out of the city to Pakokku. Here you will explore a local market and see the colourful blankets and various other crafts made here before hopping onto your private boat for a leisurely trip down the river, tucking into a tasty lunch on the way. A couple of hours in you will stop to visit the Kyauk Gu Ohnmin cave temple, sporting detailed carvings and a golden Buddha. Overseas tourists rarely visit this complex, tucked away in the countryside. You’ll continue another 90 minutes to Bagan where you arrive as the sun sets.
Next you’ll make your own way to the bus station for your bus to Bagan which takes 6 hours. If you would prefer to get there more quickly you can also fly which takes around 1.5 hours. You’ll now arrive in striking Bagan, located in the centre of Myanmar and nestled between rolling hills with over 2000 Buddhist monuments. The most impressive temple, Ananda Pahto, can be spotted above them all, dominating the skyline. Your accommodation is located in New Bagan, a boutique style hotel perfect for a few tranquil days.
During your time in Bagan you will have bikes and a map at your disposal, so you can head out to explore the stunning scenery and hidden temples through the labyrinth of dirt tracks. You will be joined by a guide on the morning of day 2 to show you around some of the abandoned temples before heading off on your own.
Days 13-14 – Hiking through Emerald Hills
Today you’ll take a bus to Kalaw after being transferred to the bus station. The journey today will take around 6 hours. Get off the beaten track and learn about local hill tribes in this trip from cool Kalaw to shimmering Inle Lake. Starting in Kalaw, a former hill station for the British to escape the summer heat, you’ll head off with your guide to explore the lush landscape, sample local cuisine and soak up the cool climate before arriving at the vast Inle Lake. This trip will give you a glimpse into rural life and feel like a breath of fresh air. You’ll stay in a simple yet traditional lodge in a Pa O village.
Days 14-16 – Village life on Inle Lake
After arriving into Inle Lake you will be transferred to your hotel in Nyaung Shwe. Next, you’ll head to the tranquil Inle Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Myanmar, stretching an impressive 13 miles long. Dotted along the lake are many enchanting Burmese villages, with stilted houses along the water’s edge. It’s a relaxed way of life that you can’t help but adapt to when visiting. You’ll stay in a guesthouse in nearby Nyaungshwe where you can relax in the peaceful gardens.
On day two you will get the chance to head out by boat on to the lake and explore the floating gardens and craft shops before finally enjoying a tasty Burmese dish of Shan noodles with a local family. It’s a unique experience which brings you closer to the locals and allows you to experience village life in Myanmar. After another night in the town of Nyaungshwe you’ll be transferred to the airport in Heho for your hour-long flight to Yangon, where you will connect on to your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
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