Witness the faded glory of the ancient Arakan kingdom, reflected in the grandeur and scope of the temples and buildings dotted around its capital, Mrauk U. Take some down time at picture-perfect, white sand Ngapali beach and then experience historic Bagan and Mandalay, as well as the beauty of the cool Shan hills and Inle Lake.
Tour Overview
Start:
Finish:
Length:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$21 per day
US$2,9051
US$1711
Arrive in Yangon and fly to Sittwe. Take some time to explore this port town and its markets – and make sure to taste some of the freshly caught seafood on offer at its restaurants. Early the next day, travel up the Kaladan River to Mrauk U, as it narrows from vast river mouth to narrow tropical tributary.
Explore the fascinating, sprawling ancient city of Mrauk U either by bicycle or by Jeep with a local guide, witnessing the temples that stretch over the rolling Rakhine hills and their intricate and colourful interiors, full of historic Arakan characters and scenes.
The next day, take a trip to ethnic Chin villages, experiencing the valley narrowing as you move further upriver – and meet local Chin women who still sport distinctive facial tattoos signifying their tribe.
If you would like to stay at the luxury Mrauk U Oo Princess Resort, they will pick you up from Sittwe and take care of you during your stay in the area – let us know and we can upgrade your package accordingly.
Transfer back via Sittwe to Ngapali Beach, and wake up the next morning at one of the most relaxing places on earth. Famed for its white sand, gentle surf and the freshest grilled seafood in Myanmar, at Ngapali you can lie back in paradise – or try some adventure by snorkeling or scuba diving among the brightly coloured fish. Other activities include fishing boat trips, kayaking or cycling down the idyllic beaches past quaint fishing villages.
Travel back to Myanmar’s biggest city and beating heart, Yangon. Wander around the colonial buildings of downtown and head to the dazzling and revered Buddhist shrine, the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Fly up to Bagan and begin the day exploring the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower at its peak; choose from bicycle, car or horse and cart for your preferred mode of transport around the temples. Later in the day, climb the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas for perfect sunset panorama views of the temples and plain.
On your second day, we can arrange hot-air balloon rides that will give you spectacular sunrise views (additional charge). The Bagan area is renowned for its lacquerware and artisan crafts, which make perfect souvenirs or gifts. In the evening, enjoy some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.
Fly to Mandalay and visit the last royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty, recalling the days of Thibaw and his queen, Supayalat, before they were expelled to India by the British. Just to the south of Mandalay, take a stroll down the longest teak bridge in the world, the iconic U Bein bridge in Amarapura. The town of Amarapura is full of textiles stores and small metal works factories, where you can watch master craftsmen cast Buddha statues in bronze or visit a weaving factory to see how fabrics are made.
Head south to Inwa, where you can take a horse and cart around the quiet meandering roads that once made up a powerful kingdom’s capital city. Across the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, the Mingun Bell is reputed to be the heaviest and largest working bell in the world. If you’ve worked up a hunger wandering around Mingun and its massive unfinished stupa, reward yourself by purchasing some freshly steamed corn on one of the many roadside stalls – it’ll be the sweetest you’ve tried.
Depart Mandalay to Heho by plane, then to Pindaya by car. Feel refreshed by the cool mountain air after the heat of the lowlands, and discover this scenic lakeside town with its nearby caves filled with thousands of golden Buddhas. Explore the bustling old colonial outpost of Kalaw with its large population of Nepali guides whose families remained here after the Second World War.
Wake up early for a traditional Myanmar breakfast before starting your trek to Inle Lake. Hike through the beautiful and unspoilt Shan hills and spend the night at a local monastery or homestay. Arrive at the serenely picturesque Inle Lake via the crumbling mass of pagodas at Indein and then take some time to explore the area before heading to your hotel. If you go for the superior hotel option, a boat will take you to your hotel on the lake (standard hotels are located in the characterful town of Nyaung Shwe, at the northern end of the lake). Finish up your day with sunset wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate vineyard and then dinner on the lakeshore.
Sightseeing around the lake to see the local Intha fishermen employing their traditional one-leg rowing technique and witness handicrafts in Nampan village. If the time is right, see the floating markets that are a photographer’s dream. Fly back to Yangon and there’ll be time for a bit more exploration and a visit to Bogyoke Market for those last minute presents.
| Standard hotels | Deluxe hotels |
| Sittwe - Shwe Tha Zin (Sittwe) | Sittwe - Shwe Tha Zin (Sittwe) |
| Mrauk U - Shwe Tha Zine (Mrauk U) | Mrauk U - Shwe Tha Zine (Mrauk U) |
| Ngapali Beach - Pleasant View Resort | Ngapali Beach - Thande Beach Hotel |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Kalaw - Dream Villa Hotel | Kalaw - Amara Mountain Resort |
| Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) - Hupin Hotel | Inle Lake - Amata Garden Resort |
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).
Our Service Include:
Our Service Do Not Include:
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) in low season (May to September). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
