Burma in Depth

For those with a little more time, this is our idea of how to explore Burma in real depth. So you go well beyond the classic loop, into the rural heartlands. You work your way through Bago, Golden Rock and Hpa-An before the headline sights. Naturally, you also see Yangon and the temples of Bagan. You travel with the very best private guides throughout. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.

Beyond the Classic Tour

The idea here is to leave no stone unturned. So you reach corners most visitors never see. Meanwhile, the great highlights are all included too. The pace, in turn, suits a return visit or a longer first trip. As a result, you come away with the fullest picture of Burma.

Bago and Golden Rock

Begin by driving from Yangon to Bago, once known as Pegu. So you take in the Allied War Cemetery, pagodas and lively markets. Then continue via Hpa-An to the extraordinary Golden Rock, a gilded boulder perched above a cliff. There you watch the sun set over this revered shrine. As a result, the trip opens off the beaten track.

Yangon: The Gilded City

Next, drive back to Yangon for two nights at the Strand. So you head to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset. Another day explores Scott Market and colonial Rangoon on foot. The vast Shwedagon is the city’s beating heart. As a result, you settle into Burma’s rhythm.

Bagan: A Plain of Temples

Then fly to Bagan and head out to the temples with your guide. So the active can cycle, while the keen take a dawn balloon ride. Another morning brings the Nyaung U market. The temple plain of Bagan is one of Asia’s wonders. You stay at the Bagan Lodge.

Up the Irrawaddy to Mandalay

Next, board the local ferry and sail up the Irrawaddy, pausing at the pottery village of Yandabo. So you then continue upstream to Mandalay. There you climb the hill for sunset and rise early for the monks’ alms round. The Irrawaddy is Burma’s great artery. As a result, you travel as the locals do.

The Hill Stations

Then drive up to the old British hill station of Maymyo, now Pyin Oo Lwin. So you explore the town and its colonial echoes. Another leg takes the train over the dramatic Gokteik Viaduct to Hsipaw. There you wander a charming riverside town in the hills. Meanwhile, the cool air is a welcome change.

Kalaw and Inle Lake

Next, fly to Heho and transfer to the hill station of Kalaw, visiting an elephant camp. So you continue to Inle Lake, perhaps via the caves of Pindaya. There you explore the Shan Hills, Kakku’s pagodas and the off-the-beaten-track south of the lake at Sagar. The floating gardens of Inle Lake are unforgettable. You stay at Villa Inle.

Ngapali: A Beach Finale

Finally, fly to Ngapali for a few days of well-earned rest on the beach. So you swim, snorkel and unwind by the Indian Ocean. Then return to Yangon for your final night. As a result, the long journey ends in calm. You finish beside the sea.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels are characterful throughout. First, the Strand in Yangon. Then the Bagan Lodge and a fine address in Mandalay. Finally, Villa Inle and a Ngapali beach resort.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers with time to spare. For example, it is ideal for a return visit to Burma. Equally, it rewards anyone wanting the country in depth. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

A Land of Layers

The joy here is the sheer range. First come the off-track sights of the south. Then the temples of Bagan. Soon after, the rivers and hill stations. Finally, the lake and the sea. So each stage feels distinct.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, October to April brings the most comfortable weather. By contrast, the summer months are hot and wet. The hills, meanwhile, stay cooler year-round. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

A Warm Welcome

Throughout, Burmese hospitality shines through. So a chat in a hill village lingers long after. Meanwhile, your guide opens doors a visitor rarely finds. As a result, the country feels genuinely welcoming.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the route, the pace and the hotels to suit. In the end, the journey is entirely your own.

A Journey to Treasure

In the end, few trips show Burma so fully. So you gain its great sights and its hidden corners alike. Meanwhile, the comforts make the distances a pleasure. As a result, it lingers long in the memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip?

It runs to around three weeks in full. Of course, it can be shortened. We will shape the length to suit you.

Is the pace demanding?

It covers a lot, but the days are well spaced. So there is time to absorb each place. We can slow it down wherever you wish.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, October to April is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The route, the pace and the hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.