Classic Burma: The Golden Land

For those who want Burma’s main sights along with its hidden charms, this classic tour does just that. So you see the great highlights, then step off the beaten track in the hills around Kalaw. Using the best private guides, we showcase Burma in a fresh and immersive way. You stay in hand-picked boutique hotels throughout. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you, ending with time on the beach.

The Best of Burma

The idea here is balance. So you blend the famous sights with quieter corners. Meanwhile, a hill-station stay adds a taste of rural life. The pace, in turn, stays gentle throughout. As a result, it makes a wonderful first tour.

Yangon: A Golden Welcome

Begin in Yangon, heading to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset, then a trishaw ride through the streets. So the next day brings a colonial walking tour of old Rangoon. There are grand facades and lively markets at every turn. The vast Shwedagon sets the tone. As a result, the trip opens memorably.

Bagan: A Plain of Temples

Next, fly to Bagan and tour the temples and pagodas with your guide. So you can explore by car, by bicycle or even by horse cart. Another morning brings an optional dawn balloon ride and the Nyaung U market. The temple plain of Bagan is one of Asia’s wonders. You stay at the characterful Hotel @ Tharabar Gate.

Mandalay and the Monks

Then fly to Mandalay and explore the city with your guide, including the Mahamuni Pagoda. So early risers can witness the daily ritual of monks collecting alms. The workshops of Mandalay still gild and carve by hand. Meanwhile, the city hums with craft and devotion. As a result, it rewards a curious traveller.

Kalaw: Into the Hills

Next, fly to Heho and drive to the colonial hill station of Kalaw. So you visit the Green Hill Elephant Camp and its retired logging elephants. Another morning brings the Kalaw market and a short Shan tribal walk through farmland. The cool hill air is a welcome change. You stay at the Amara Kalaw or Kalaw Hill Lodge.

Inle Lake: Floating Worlds

Then continue to Inle Lake, travelling by long-tail boat to explore its communities. So you stop at lakeside markets and watch the famous leg-rowers at work. A free day lets you relax or explore further. The floating gardens of Inle Lake are a lasting image. You stay at the Sanctum Inle Lake.

Ngapali: A Beach Finale

Finally, fly to Thandwe for the beaches of Ngapali. So you spend three nights relaxing by the Indian Ocean. There you swim, snorkel and unwind on the soft sand. As a result, the trip ends in calm. You stay at Ngapali Bay Villas.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels are boutique and characterful. First, fine addresses in Yangon and Bagan. Then the Amara Kalaw and Sanctum Inle Lake. Finally, Ngapali Bay Villas.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits first-time visitors to Burma. For example, it gathers the highlights with a hill-station twist. Equally, it rewards anyone who loves variety. Couples and families enjoy it alike.

A Land of Layers

The joy here is the range. First come the gilded pagodas. Then the temple plain of Bagan. Soon after, the hills around Kalaw. Finally, the lake and the beach. 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 becomes a memory. Meanwhile, your guide opens doors a visitor rarely finds. As a result, the country feels genuinely welcoming.

A Gentle Pace

For all it covers, the trip stays relaxed. So each place is given room to breathe. Meanwhile, the beach finale rewards every effort. As a result, you return refreshed.

Designed Around You

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

A Memorable First Visit

In the end, this trip captures Burma beautifully. So you gain pagodas, hills, a lake and a beach in one loop. Meanwhile, the comforts make it effortless. As a result, many guests return for more.

A Warm and Easy Trip

Above all, Burma rewards the curious. So the warmth of its people stays with you. Meanwhile, the gentle pace keeps everyone content. As a result, it is a wonderful introduction.

A Seamless Journey

Above all, every detail is handled for you. So the flights, transfers and timings simply work. Meanwhile, your guides bring each place to life. As a result, you relax from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there much walking?

Only a gentle Shan tribal walk near Kalaw. Otherwise, the days are relaxed. So most fitness levels are fine.

Is the guiding private?

Yes, you have a private guide in each location. So you are in expert hands throughout.

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