myanmar
ENCHANTING MYANMAR
From the commercial center of Yangon to picturesque Inle Lake and the ancient temples of Bagan, this inspiring journey showcases the best of Myanmar over eight spectacular days. Traveling at an easy pace with plenty of time at leisure, this program offers a chance to experience authentic moments and engage with local life in a meaningful way. Designed to suit any style of traveler, this experience is highly accessible and can be tailored according to your special interests.
Yangon – Inle Lake – Bagan
8 days, 7 nights
DISCOVER A COLONIAL CITY
Arrive in glorious Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. The former capital of British Burma, the city retains its importance as a commercial center and presents an eclectic mix of colonial-era architecture, gilded Buddhist pagodas and a modern skyline of high-rise buildings. After passing through immigration, luggage collection and customs, you are greeted at the airport by your local guide. Then check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings or simply relax in preparation for your upcoming adventure. To relieve any tension you may have from the long international journey, you are treated to a traditional massage or foot massage in the evening.
Overnight at Belmond Governor's Residence, Yangon
Meals: Dinner
COLORFUL CULTURE AND CHARM OF YANGON
Spend an insightful morning at Shwedagon Pagoda, a revered religious site. Get an exclusive ‘Insider’ experience that offers more than just seeing the pagoda. This authentic moment puts you in touch with local culture and teaches you about Myanmar people, their beliefs and customs. You may also make a donation to the monks or meet a fortune teller if you wish. Then set off to discover the rest of the city with its rich blend of heritage, culture and charm. Discover colonial buildings, leafy side streets and bustling markets. Stop for a drink at the elegant Strand Hotel before admiring the views at Yangon River. In the evening, dine on the banks of Inya Lake with a tasting dinner at Seeds, Yangon’s premier restaurant.
Overnight at Belmond Governor's Residence, Yangon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GATEWAY TO THE PEACEFUL SHAN STATE
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore more of the city or simply relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. You also have the option to meet with a local artist or musician for a private, one-on-one chat over coffee to learn a bit about the city’s burgeoning art scene. In the early afternoon, depart from Yangon and transfer to the airport for a flight into the Shan Hills, one of the most scenic regions of Myanmar. After landing at Heho airport, meet your local Shan guide and embark on a leisurely drive to Nyaung Shwe, a principal town and gateway to Inle Lake. From there, hop on board a private boat for a journey across the lake to your hotel for check in.
Please note: Private meeting with artist requires a surcharge of USD 50 per person, minimum 2 persons.
Overnight at Sanctum Inle, Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FABULOUS FLOATING VILLAGES AND CHAT WITH FRIENDLY LOCAL
Start early with an optional hot air balloon flight over the lake to witness spectacular views plus an exclusive chance to observe the crew’s pre-departure preparations up close. Champagne is served with breakfast upon landing. Inle Lake is undoubtedly one of Myanmar’s greatest natural treasures. Framed by floating gardens and stilted villages, the expansive freshwater lake delivers plenty of picturesque moments and a supreme sense of calm and tranquility. Explore the floating villages on a private motorboat, stopping at a workshop to see how locals use lotus flower fibers to create hand-woven silks. Then visit a local home for a chat with the hosts over tea. Next, try crossing the canals on a stand-up paddle board.
Please note: Hot air balloon flight with premium service requires a surcharge of USD 430 per person on shared basis with up to 8 passengers per flight. Additional fees applies for Christmas/New Year period.
Overnight at Sanctum Inle, Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
PICTURE-PERFECT HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
Enjoy the morning at leisure to absorb the fresh air and beautiful scenery of the Shan State. Take time to explore the area at your own pace. Indulge in a spa treatment or return to the lake for more amazing photo opportunities. Alternatively, you may choose an optional trek to a meditation center to practice the art of mindfulness with a local monk. After lunch, transfer to Heho airport in time for your domestic flight to Bagan. An ancient city in central Myanmar, Bagan is famous for its magnificent archeological area which contains over 2,000 Buddhist monuments and historical landmarks. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel for check in. Then enjoy a relaxing evening including dinner at the hotel.
Please note: Morning trek and meditation practice with a local monk requires a surcharge of USD 100 per person.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge, Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HUMBLE HORSE CARTS AND HIDDEN GEMS
Get your first glimpse of Bagan with a horse cart ride through the temple plain. Enjoy light refreshments in a scenic spot before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Continue exploring the city by electric bike or car and discover some of the most important archeological sites as well as many hidden gems, away from the path of the tour-bus crowd. Along the way, you pass small villages where farmers continue to live in much the same way as their ancestors, growing chili and garlic in the dry, arid soil. Stop to see a local family making lacquer ware at their home and observe one of the larger lacquer ware workshops if you wish. In the evening, you have the option of taking part in a cooking class in a local home.
Please note: Cooking class at a family home requires a surcharge of USD 40 per person.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge, Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MEMORABLE MORNING AT A MONASTERY AND SUNSET ON LEGENDARY RIVER
Begin the day with a drive to Na Jo Ai, a small village on the outskirts of Bagan. Make your way through the town, passing sandy streets to visit the main monastery and take part in a traditional ceremony. It is common practice in Myanmar for locals to donate a meal to the resident monks as a way of making merit. After performing the ritual, you receive a blessing from the head monk for a safe onward journey. Using your guide as an interpreter, you may chat with the monk to learn more about Buddhism and the monastic life. Enjoy time at leisure, while your guide and driver remain on hand to assist with your needs. In the late afternoon, head to the Irrawaddy River for a private sunset cruise with cocktails and snacks.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge, Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF MYANMAR
Bid a fond farewell to Bagan as you check out of your hotel this morning and meet your guide for the drive to Bagan airport, traveling by private vehicle. At the airport, board the domestic flight which takes you back to Yangon in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival at Yangon airport, you are greeted by your local guide and driver who remain available to assist you until your final departure. Savor the last moments of your Myanmar experience with time at leisure to spend as you wish. You may choose to take another brief tour around the city, visit a local market for some last-minute shopping or enjoy a final meal at a local restaurant. Then transfer back to the airport in time for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast