The landscape and people of Myanmar provide wonderful photographic moments at every corner. Enjoy the vivid sunsets and striking colours of this country, whilst visiting bustling markets and meeting friendly tri-shaw drivers, thanaka-adorned locals and saffron-robed monks. Expert photography guiding is provided by the founders of Yangon's renowned Deitta Gallery.
Tour Overview
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Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$52 per day
US$2,9651
US$2471
Arrive in Yangon and enjoy the Muslim, Chinese and British colonial architecture that make up this vibrant city. Most people don’t mind if you take photos as you pass by on the street, but it is polite to ask and it gives you a chance to engage with the locals. Later on, head to the heart of Myanmar and capture the glory of the dazzling Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset.
Full day with expert photography guide, including introductory talk at the Deitta Gallery.
Fly to Heho airport, then drive to Kalaw. Feel refreshed by the cool mountain air after the heat of Yangon, and explore this bustling old colonial outpost with its large population of Nepali guides whose families remained here after the Second World War. Meet the people of the surrounding area, including the handsome Lisu, Shan, Danu and Pa-O tribes – there will be plenty of opportunities to take photos of them and their way of life, and the rugged hill terrain provides plenty of ambient light for landscape shots.
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, which affords stunning sunset views of the area, and then dinner on the lakeshore.
Fly to Mandalay, where your photography guide will re-join the tour for two days.
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, which offers fantastic photo opportunities from the water. 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.
A few kilometres south, at Inwa, 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.
Start a full day exploring Bagan at the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower. Gubyaukgyi pagoda has extensive murals of Buddha in his previous lives and the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas are great for sunsets. Choose from bicycle, horse and cart or minibus tours for your preferred mode of transport around Bagan. The area is renowned for its lacquerware, so schedule an afternoon visit to one of the local shops.
On your second day in the area, head south east of Bagan to explore the spectacular monastery at Mount Popa, which sits precariously on top of a volcanic plug. In the evening, enjoy some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.
We can arrange a hot-air balloon ride that will give you jaw-dropping views over the plains of Bagan (additional cost, must be booked in advance).
Return to Yangon by air, wander the bustling streets and try some sweet laphayet (Myanmar tea) at one of the many tea shops downtown. Half day with expert photography guide for discussion and debrief.
Would you like to extend your tour to the deserted ruins of Mrauk U or 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 |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Kalaw – Dream Villa Hotel | Kalaw - Amara Mountain Resort |
| Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) - Hupin Hotel | Inle Lake - Amata Garden Resort |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
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) during high season (Oct-Apr). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
