The far north of Myanmar is a vast and remote wilderness rarely visited by foreigners. Go white water rafting amongst the highest mountains of Southeast Asia and witness fascinating tribal cultures around the town of Putao, virtually untouched by modern civilisation. Then head south to the thousands of pagodas on the plains of Bagan, remote and tribal Chin State, and bustling Yangon.
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Tour Overview
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Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$27 per day
US$4,0251
US$2871
Arrive in Mandalay. After checking in at your hotel, visit the last royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty and recount the days of Thibaw and his queen, Supayalat, before they were expelled by the British into India. Visit the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda and then climb the 1729 steps up Mandalay Hill to be rewarded with a stunning sunset over the city.
Depart from Mandalay in the morning for the Kachin capital, Myitkyina, a melting point of the ethnic groups in the north of Myanmar - as well as people from further afield, such as the city’s large Gurkha community. The town’s Strand Road is a bustling hub of activity with a colourful riverside market to explore during the day, and finish off with a drink and a meal at one of the Myitkyina’s riverside restaurants.
Spend the next day exploring the town further and heading up river to the scenic confluence of the Malikha and Maykah rivers at Myitsone, where the mighty Irrawaddy River begins.
Depart from Myitkyina for the flight to Putao. Situated in the far north of Myanmar, and only accessible by air, Putao is a small and picturesque town with mostly ethnic Kachin and Lisu population, from which you can see the Himalayas on the far horizon.
Your white water rafting adventure will be organized through your luxurious lodge - this itinerary is based 4 day/3 night visit to Putao, but there are other shorter and longer options available here. To find out more, fill out the ‘Any further queries’ box after you have clicked on the ‘Book Tour’ button. Note that travel options are restricted by the days on which there are flights to and from Putao, and accommodation is shut during the low season (May-Sep).
Fly back to Mandalay.
It’s an early start from Mandalay to Bagan, and it can get quite chilly in the early morning so come prepared with some warmer gear. Enjoy breakfast on the boat and make sure to pack your camera to capture beautiful Irrawaddy riverside scenes. There are some quieter stretches on the water so this is a perfect time to catch up on some reading or write those postcards to people back home. Arrive in Bagan in time for one of its famously stunning sunsets.
Drive 8 hours west of Bagan to the small Chin mountain town of Kanpetlet and wander around the simple homesteads and churches of this quiet rural backwater; you will stay at one of the eco lodges higher up the mountain. The next day you make the hike up Mount Victoria (known as Nat Ma Taung in Burmese or Khonuamthung in the local Chin language), witnessing beautiful mountain vistas and variety of colourful flora on the way.
The next stop is Mindat, dramatically perched on a mountain ridge. Here, you will find members of the indigenous Dai, Upu and Ya tribes, of which the older womenfolk all have distinctive full facial tattoos. Explore the local market and mountainside villages and then return to Bagan for the chance to explore some more temples and enjoy some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.
Fly south to the bustling commercial capital of Myanmar, Yangon. Explore its colonial era streets and new art galleries and have a look around Bogyoke Market for those last minute presents.
Would you like to extend your tour to the beautiful and relaxing Ngapali Beach? Our travel advisors will be able to arrange this for you, along with any other travel, accommodation or activity requirements you may have. Just fill out the ‘Any further queries’ box after you have clicked on the ‘Book Tour’ button.
Standard hotels for above program | Deluxe hotels for above program |
Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
Myitkyina – Xing Xian Hotel | Myitkyina – Xing Xian Hotel |
Putao - Malikha Lodge | Putao - Malikha Lodge |
Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
Kanpetlet - Mount Oasis Resort (Kanpetlet) | Kanpetlet - Sky Palace Villa |
Mindat – Mount Oasis Resort (Mindat) | Mindat – Mount Oasis Resort (Mindat) |
Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
To get prices for this tour with luxury accommodation or basic accommodation, please enter a query in the ‘Any further queries’ field when you submit your tour booking form (link below).
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Important Notes:
The above itinerary is indicative and some details may change according to conditions and availability; you will always be informed of such changes.
There may be changes to estimated prices depending on air fuel cost, domestic airfares, US$ exchange rates and festive season surcharge. All supplemental cost to be advised.
[1] Price per person based on two person tour (twin hotel room sharing basis). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.