Burma – Journey through the Golden Land

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Galleria 10 hotel or similar.(Dinner)

An early morning start to drive to the Thai/Myanmar border at Baan Phu Nam Ron. After immigration meet your local Myanmar guide at the border town of Htee Khee where we commence the journey to Dawei. We share a ride in a minibus with local people and the journey should take about 3-4 hours through the southern plateau passing through jungle and mountainous terrain on a winding and sometimes quite bumpy road. On arrival in Dawei transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a home cooked dinner with a local family. Overnight at the Golden Guest Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD)

After breakfast we explore Dawei and its surroundings. Learn about the history of the town and its old buildings, many with intricate facades and balconies. Later we journey to a picturesque gulf overlooking the fishing village of San Lan Village, characterized by its bamboo huts on the beach. We stroll through the village to observe the local fishermen going about their daily rituals. We should also be able to visit some local people in their homes. After our visit to San Lan we head back to Dawei where we enjoy dinner once again with local hosts. Overnight at Golden Guest House or similar Meal:(BLD) Dawei Dawei, known as Tavoy in colonial times is the capital of Thanitaryi division. The town was one of the first cities settled by the British after the first Anglo-Burmese war; as a result the towns have a long history and very interesting architecture typical of the colonial era.

For those that wish to rise early we can pay a visit to the bustling central food market by the river. After breakfast you have some time at leisure to further explore the town. Later we transfer to the bus station to take an air-conditioned bus on the journey north to Mawlamyine through the southern plateau. The air conditioned bus will leave from Dawei around 2pm and the journey takes around 8 hours. On arrival in Mawlamyine transfer to the hotel. Overnight Shwe Myint Moh Tun Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD)

After breakfast we visit the Seindon Mibaya Monastery with its magnificent wood carvings. Continue to Ni Paya for fine views over the city and we take a walk to examine some of the buildings of the city and the architecture from the colonial days. Renowned writers such as Orwell and Kipling lived in the city. We also visit the first Baptist church. We will visit the Mon Museum which has some interesting displays demonstrating the rich Mon culture. Lunch will be taken in a local home with Mon specialities. The afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight at Shwe Myint Moh Tun Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD) Seindon Mibaya Monastery The last king of Myanmar, at the palace in Mandalay, came to power by killing many of the rival heirs to the throne at the end of the 19th century. Queen Seindon escaped and moved to what was called Moulmein in that period and became a Buddhist nun till her death (her tomb is in the compound in one of the nunneries). She built the Seindon Mibaya Monastery in Mawlamyine which is very fine example of architecture in the original Mandalay palace and has magnificent woodcarvings and other decorations. It’s a monastery so beautiful that one could actually call it a museum.

This morning we transfer to Kyaikhtiyo and visit the important pilgrimage site of the remarkable Golden Rock. The visit involves around a 1.5 hour walk and there will be plenty of time to explore the pagoda and its surroundings. Overnight at Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD) Golden Rock The Golden Rock is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Myanmar Buddhists and maybe one of the strangest sights for visitors to Myanmar. Balanced on the edge of a mountain, over many years the rock has been totally covered with gold leaf by pilgrims.

Today we transfer to Nay Pyi Daw a journey of around 5 hours. On arrival transfer to your accommodation and later we can explore the town including the market, the Safari Garden and the Water Fountain. Alternatively you can have this afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Nay Pyi Daw or similar Meal:(BLD) Nay Pyi Daw Nay Pyi Daw is a new capital city of Burma established in the early 21st century to serve as the country’s new administrative centre.

Today we transfer to Bagan. The journey should take around 5 hours. On arrival we transfer to the hotel before taking some time Meal:(BLD) to visit some of the wonderful temples in Bagan. Overnight Kumudra Hotel or similar Bagan No words can do Bagan justice. A vast plain dotted with innumerable stupas and temples, Bagan’s heyday was between the 11th and 13th centuries, when King Anawahrata embarked upon a massive programme of building that now fills approximately 40 sq. km. on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy. Highlights include the temples of Thatbyinnyu, Ananda Pahto, Shwesandaw and the mighty Dhammayangyi, situated in the middle of the plain. Many temples contain images of the Buddha while others are decorated with ancient frescoes. While some see relatively high numbers of tourists, others remain tantalisingly unexplored and it is quite easy to find yourself the only person there, marvelling over the wonders of an ancient civilisation. Exploring these temples, finding your way through winding and darkened corridors to emerge onto a terrace with spectacular views over the whole area, is one of the highlights of travel within the whole continent of Asia. Watching the sun set and cast a dim yellow glow over hundreds of stupas glittering throughout the plain, is a breath-taking experience not easily forgotten.

Today we will enjoy some cycling in the surrounds of Bagan. Our first stop is the Z-Craft Jetty in Old Bagan. We will visit a busy market where locals bring their merchandise from across the river. We take a short boat ride across to SeLan village on the other side of the Ayeyarwaddy River. We spend some time cycling through the vegetable plantations and rural scenery observing local life. Arrive at Myitchay village where we can visit some local industry such as cane/bamboo. After lunch we cycle south around 10km’s to Kyaung Chaung Jetty where our boat will be waiting for us to bring us back to Old Bagan. The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore some of the many incredible temples. Please note you should wear clothing suitable for this activity. Closed shoes are recommended. Overnight Kumudra Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD) Please note that alternative arrangements can be made for those not wishing to cycle.

This morning we transfer to the airport for an internal flight to Heho. On arrival we transfer to Nyaung Shwe on the periphery of Inle Lake. We visit the Buddha museum which is housed in the former “Haw” (palace) of the last Shan prince of Nyaung Shwe. After lunch at a local restaurant we take a stroll around the local market and visit the ancient teak wooden Shwe Yan Pyay monastery with its photogenic oval windows. Later we take to the water exploring small canals and the floating gardens to get a feel for local Inthar life. Today ends with a visit to one of Burma’s only vineyards where you can taste some wine and relax with a great view. Overnight at Paradise Nyaung Shwe Hotel or similar Meal:(BLD) Please note that alternatively you can choose to do a boat trip on Inle Lake itself. Please advice at the time of booking. Inle Lake Enormous Inle Lake is one of Myanmar’s key attractions. With a shoreline littered with stilt villages, it is famous for its fishermen, who row their boats using their legs – an amazingly photogenic sight. A boat trip around the lake reveals small villages with water buffalo wading into the water, and wooden monasteries that have been here for centuries. The surrounding area is mountainous and home to the Pa-O people, among other ethnic groups, who can be found wearing their traditional headgear.

Today we start a real adventure through Eastern Shan state by 4 wheel drive through an area only recently opened up to tourism in 2014, where infrastructure is very basic and where local people have had very little contact with Westerners. On the way we pass some of the most beautiful scenery in Myanmar, through forested areas that have remained largely untouched. The road follows the infamous route for opium couriers using mules to pass goods through the famous Golden Triangle. By late afternoon or early evening we arrive at Kunhing and a simple dinner will be served at a village house. Overnight in the village at the house of a village elder or a local guesthouse (Basic facilities and shared bathroom) Meal:(BLD) Eastern Shan State Following in the trails of the BBC Top Gear team, Eastern Shan state has been closed to tourists until as recently as 2014. It is only now that the area can be visited with special permits. The region is stunning with high mountains and sweeping vistas around every turn. The area is home to fascinating hill tribes, who have had very little contact with Westerners. Certainly it would be not exaggerating to say that this is a truly pioneering journey on a route that will certainly yield many fascinating travel stories at the dining table when you’re back home. The facilities during the trip through Eastern Shan state are very basic. Expect shared bathroom facilities and basic Shan food consisting of rice and noodles. Shan state is rich in produce so lots of fresh fruit and vegetables are available.

For those that rise early we can visit the local market and then after a simple breakfast we continue on our adventure weaving through the mountains. En route we will make stops to take in the magnificent views and also stop at some Shan villages where we will have an opportunity to meet local hill tribe people. This afternoon arrive at Mong Ping, a pleasant town situated on the road to Keng Tung. Overnight at local guesthouse with shared bathroom Meal:(BLD)

After a simple breakfast we will visit Mong Ping market and then continue the drive through outstanding scenery comprising of forests, deep valleys, and emerald rice paddies all the ways to the capital of Eastern Shan State - Keng Tung. On arrival in Keng Tung we will explore the town including the standing Buddha and one tree hill where a magnificent 250 year old tree stands in isolation. We can enjoy the sunset and this evening have dinner by the picturesque lakeside. Overnight Amazing Keng Tung Hotel. Meal:(BLD)

This morning we transfer to Pin Tauk, in beautiful countryside where we will enjoy walking in the countryside to visit local villages of the Pan Lac (Ann), Won Lar (Akha) and Nam Lin Mai (Ann) tribes giving you a chance to meet and learn about the different minority people in the area. A simple picnic lunch will be served during the walk. The villages in this area have little contact with western tourists in this isolated part of Myanmar. Later this afternoon we return to Keng Tung. This evening you are free to dine at your leisure in the town. Overnight at Amazing Keng Tung Hotel Meal:(BLD)

Early this morning we visit the local market in Keng Tung and try a local Shan breakfast. Later we transfer to Tachileik (around 5 hours) and cross the border back into Thailand (Mae Sai), and continue to Chiang Rai airport for your late afternoon flight back to Bangkok. The tour ends on arrival at Bangkok airport Meal:(BLD) For those that wish to end their trip in Northern Thailand please let us know. Extension arrangements can also be made in Northern Thailand