0203 019 3722
Highlights of Myanmar
A luxury tailor-made journey exploring Yangon, the Irrawaddy River, Pakokku, Bagan, and Lake Inle
11 nights from £4,450, including accommodation, guides, flights and transfers
Best time to go: October to March
Discover magical Myanmar on this tailor-made tour, taking in the glittering pagodas of Yangon, gliding along the Irrawaddy River in style aboard the superb Sanctuary Ananda from Mandalay to Bagan via Pakokku, gazing across the myriad temples of the sublimely beautiful Bagan valley, before venturing on to mystical Lake Inle. Your journey is enriched by private guides and the lovely, smiling indigenous peoples.
Day 1: UK to Yangon
Maximise your time in Myanmar by flying overnight to Yangon. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and
driven to your hotel of choice. A couple of our favourites are The Strand and Belmond Governor's Residence, but there are several more.
Day 2 & 3: Explore Yangon
Yangon, the former capital of Burma, is the economic and spiritual heart of modern-day Myanmar, full of traditional shop-houses and magnificent temples. On a downtown walking tour, with a private guide, you’ll pass the gently crumbling colonial buildings that line the streets and visit important attractions like the National Museum, the Reclining Buddha Pagoda and the city’s beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda.
Day 4: Yangon to Mandalay
After a 90 minutet flight to Mandalay, you will step aboard the Sanctuary Ananda for a luxury 4 night cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Bagan. After lunch on board, you'll visit the holy Sagaing Hills. An important religious and monastic centre, the hills are home to 554 monasteries and 6,000 monks and nuns. Next, you’ll visit Amarapura, once known as 'The City of Immortals', before heading to the elegant U Bein Bridge for sunset.
Day 5: Mandalay to Pakokku
This morning, voyage on to the village of Sin Kyun before continuing towards Pakokku. The deck of the Sanctuary Ananda is a great spot for sightseeing. As the vessel glides past Mingun you’ll be able to see the town’s unfinished pagoda. As you continue south, admire villages set against a backdrop of rich tamarind trees, while white and golden pagodas grace the distant hills. Overnight aboard Sanctuary Ananda
Day 6: Pakokku to Bagan
Disembark to explore the local market in Pakokku before a cooking class with the ship's executive chef. After lunch, you’ll arrive in the ancient city of Bagan. Visit a small pagoda complex to see the different architectural styles of the stupas up close. You can then carry on to the impressive golden Shwezigon Pagoda. The day ends with sunset views over the scenic plains of Bagan. Overnight aboard Sanctuary Ananda
Day 7: Bagan
Visit Bagan's Ananda Temple, one of the most beautiful in Myanmar, before taking a horse-and-cart ride to Htilominlo and Pyathatgyi Temple. Spend the afternoon atop Mount Popa, watching the sun set behind the distant hills. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and a local performance for your last night aboard Sanctuary Ananda
Day 8: Bagan
It's time to disembark and explore Bagan with a local guide. Visit the villages and meet the friendly, welcoming people of Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 9: Bagan to Heho
Travel from the temples of Bagan to the mystical waters of Inle Lake, staying at Villa Inle Resort & Spa. Each of its comfortable villas blends into the lush lakeshore and offers views out over the water. In the afternoon, visit Phaung-Daw-U Pagoda and explore the vast Inle Lake. Watch as fisherman and farmers use their unique methods to cultivate the lake and bring in the catch.
Day 10: Lake Inle
Villa Inle Resort & Spa is a fabulous base for exploring the region. Visit industrious artisans, precarious stilt-houses, green mountains and off-beat villages. With a guide, explore the bright and bustling Five Day Market where local hilltribes come to sell their wares. Lunch is served on a unique restored riceboat. Transformed into a restaurant, the boat serves up Myanmar specialities with a side dish of spectacular views. Overnight at Villa Inle Resort & Spa
Day 11: Heho to Yangon
Fly back to Yangon (approx 65 minutes) for your final night in the city. The last day is yours to enjoy and we will gladly provide you with recommendations of places to visit or you can simply go wherever takes your fancy.
Day 12: Fly home
Time to leave the glittering pagodas and smiling people of Myanmar and return to the UK. Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Time to Start Planning?
Please call us on 0203 019 3722 or complete the quick and easy form below. We look forward to arranging the perfect Myanmar adventure for you and our Myanmar travel specialist will gladly refine the proposal until you are 100% happy.
Think of us as your private travel concierge, at no extra cost. With ATOL protection and 24/7 support whilst you're away.
International callers should dial +44 203 019 3722