Take the boat across from Thailand to the southernmost tip of Myanmar, from where your cruise around the untouched 800 islands of the Myeik Archipelago will be the start of an extraordinary adventure. Explore the thousands of temples on the plains of Bagan; historic Mandalay; bustling Yangon; and the haunting ruins of the Mrauk U, once capital of the mighty Arakan Kingdom.
Tour Overview
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Finish:
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Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$15 per day
US$2,9151
US$1821
After crossing from Thailand to Kawthaung, the southernmost point of Myanmar, you will head to the jetty and your live-aboard boat will depart for the Myeik Archipelago.
After decades of being off-limits, this vast area remains a remarkable and untouched watery paradise, with over 800 islands which are home to pristine sandy beaches and clear blue water – perfect for some easy snorkelling and relaxed swimming or, for experienced scuba divers, an incredible variety of sea life and reefs (make sure to let our booking staff know whether you would prefer a regular cruise or a diving-focused trip by filling out the ‘Any further queries’ box after you have clicked on the ‘Book Tour’ button).
As you cruise around the islands, you will meet some of the local inhabitants, the Moken (also known as sea gypsies) who are the indigenous people of this vast chain of islands; they are expert free divers and one of the most intriguing ethnic groups of Myanmar.
On the final day, disembark from your boat and transfer to your hotel in Kawthaung, taking the chance to explore this vibrant port town on foot to shake off your sea legs.
In the early morning, fly to Yangon where we’ll say for one night, affording you the chance to wander around the beautiful Kandawgyi Park and head to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset.
Fly north to Bagan and, after settling into your hotel, start by exploring the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower at the top of its structure. Choose from bicycle, car or horse and cart to get around the thousands of temples on the plain. Later in the day, climb up the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas for perfect panoramic sunset views.
Myinkaba, a village just to the south of Old Bagan, is famous for its traditional Mon-style lacquerware, the manufacturing of which dates back to the 11th century; if you want to take a memento home with you, this is the place to head between temple exploration and dinner by the temples or on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River.
On to Mandalay and a hike up Mandalay Hill, then a visit to 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.
Fly south to Yangon in the early morning. Wander around the downtown streets lined with colonial-era buildings, and later on experience the growing nightlife the city has to offer.
Explore the sprawling ancient city of Mrauk U, taking in the hundreds of temples and pagodas that stretch over the rolling Rakhine hills and their intricate and colourful interiors, full of historic Arakan characters and scenes. You can either get around by bicycle, or by Jeep with a local guide.
The next day, take a trip to ethnic Chin villages, experiencing the exotic 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.
Take the boat back downstream to Sittwe and explore this port town, with its lively market, seaside viewpoint and historic monastery, the Shwe Zedi Kyaung. In the evening, make sure to taste some of the freshly caught seafood on offer at Sittwe’s many street-side restaurants.
Return by air from Sittwe to Yangon. Try out some sweet laphayet (Myanmar tea) at one of the many downtown teashops on your final day in the country; pair it with some fresh ee char kway, a deep fried dough snack that somehow is the perfect marriage. Walk it off by wandering the streets and there may be time for those last minute presents at Bogyoke Market before you take your flight home.
Would you like to extend your tour to the relaxing Ngapali Beach on the Bay of Bengal? 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 |
| Myeik Archipelago - live-aboard boat | Myeik Archipelago - live-aboard boat |
| Kawthaung - Kawthaung Garden Hotel | Kawthaung - Victoria Cliff Hotel & Resort |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Sittwe - Shwe Tha Zin (Sittwe) | Sittwe - Shwe Tha Zin (Sittwe) |
| Mrauk U - Shwe Tha Zin (Mrauk U) | Mrauk U - Shwe Tha Zin (Mrauk U) |
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 low season (May-Sep). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
