Myanmar
MAGIC OF MYANMAR
A wonderfully indulgent and relaxing experience, this comprehensive 10-day program features an overnight cruise on the Irrawaddy River and ends with downtime at the beach in Ngapali. In between, the journey captures the best of Myanmar with unique and memorable moments such as a photo shoot on U Bein bridge, a horse cart ride in historical Bagan and a private floating lunch on Inle Lake. This program is ideal for beach lovers and those looking for a quiet, leisurely escape.
Mandalay – Bagan
– Inle Lake – Ngapali – Yangon
10 days, 9 nights
SET SAIL ON THE MIGHTY IRRAWADDY
Welcome to Mandalay! You have arrived in the former capital of the Burmese kingdom and cultural heart of modern-day Myanmar. After completing immigration and customs formalities, you are greeted by your local guide and transferred directly to Amarapura, where U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, is located. Walk along the bridge to a covered pavilion for some tea and local snacks while an artist sketches a caricature of you. Then, with the help of a local, apply traditional thanakha paste on your face and don a longyi (a Burmese sarong) for a photo shoot. Then continue to the riverside to board a private boat, which is your home for the next two nights. Sip a cocktail on the upper deck as the ship sets sail.
Overnight on RV Irrawaddy Spirit Cruise
Meals: Dinner
CRUISING THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF TIMES
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at Mingun. Arriving before the tourist boats appear, you have a chance to explore the towns’ famous sites such as the giant Mingun Paya and the white-washed Hsinphyume Pagoda with few other visitors around. Return to the ship and cruise southwards to Inwa, one of Myanmar’s former royal capitals. Spend the afternoon cycling along quiet laneways, stopping at local villages to capture a sense of life in the countryside. You also see historic monuments that stand as testament to the town’s once glorious past. Then return to the ship and continue cruising to a quiet spot to anchor overnight. A barbecue dinner may be served on a sandbank in the river, depending on the weather.
Overnight on RV Irrawaddy Spirit Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DISEMBARK AND DISCOVERY
Back in Mandalay, disembark from the cruise and head into town to explore some interesting historical and religious landmarks. Kuthodaw Pagoda has a reputation of being the world’s largest book as the grounds contain 729 marble slabs inscribed on both sides with texts from an entire canon of Buddhist literature. Next, visit Shwe Nandaw Kyaung, the last remaining building of Mandalay’s royal palace. Stop in at a local restaurant for lunch, then indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Transfer to Mandalay airport for a short flight to Bagan, an ancient city famous for its magnificent archeological area which contains over 2,000 Buddhist monuments. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check in.
Overnight at Bagan Lodge, Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
UNCOVERING HISTORY 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 bike 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
AN UNFORGETTABLE FLOATING LUNCH
Check out of your Bagan hotel 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 motorboat that takes you across the lake, revealing stunning landscapes along the way. In a quiet corner of the lake sits an old rice barge that has been transformed into a floating restaurant. In this tranquil setting, the on board chefs prepare a private lunch of local Shan delicacies, an interesting culinary highlight of your trip. After your meal, return to your motorboat and continue to your hotel.
Overnight at Sanctum Inle, Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AN IMPRESSIVE EXPERIENCE OF SHAN HOSPITALITY
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
MYANMAR’S SUN AND SEA PARADISE
After checking out of your hotel this morning, transfer to Heho airport to catch a domestic flight to Thandwe, the closest airport to Ngapali. Located in Rakhine State on the western coast of Myanmar, Ngapali is the country’s most popular and rewarding beach destination. The coastal region overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is notable for its stretches of pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer by car to your hotel. The remainder of the day and the next two days are at leisure on your own. You can make use of the hotel’s facilities and enjoy water sports or leisure activities depending on your interest, or simply relax and unwind in the peaceful and natural surroundings.
Overnight at Ngapali Bay Villas, Ngapali Beach
Meals: Breakfast
A FINAL MOMENT IN MYSTICAL MYANMAR
After thoroughly enjoying some downtime in Ngapali surrounded by sun, sand and sea, it is time to check out of your hotel and transfer back to the Ngapali airport. After the short drive, board the domestic flight to Yangon. 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 a 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