For a little travelling stardust, why not pair the classic highlights of Burma with the off-the-beaten-track islands of the Mergui? So you see Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and Yangon, then sail south to a string of near-empty isles. The islands feel much like nearby Thailand, yet most are uninhabited. Those that are home people the Moken sea gypsies, who roam between them. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.
The appeal here is contrast. So you blend Burma’s great cultural sights with a true sailing escape. Meanwhile, the Mergui remains one of Asia’s last untouched corners. The pace, in turn, builds from temples to tranquil seas. As a result, it feels like two trips in one.
Begin in Mandalay, climbing the hill for a famous sunset. So early risers can see the monks collecting alms at dawn. The workshops of Mandalay still gild and carve by hand. Then explore the city with your guide. As a result, you begin among living traditions.
Next, fly to Bagan, or take the all-day ferry from Mandalay. So you see the temples and pagodas with your guide. Another day immerses you in village life, with the Nyaung Oo market and quiet lanes. The temple plain of Bagan is staggering. You stay at the characterful Hotel @ Tharabar Gate.
Then fly to Heho and drive to Inle Lake, where a private boat carries you to your hotel. So you explore the Shan Hills to the east, including the remarkable pagodas of Kakku. There you also visit a Pa-O village and its way of life. The floating gardens of Inle Lake enchant. You stay at Villa Inle.
Next, fly to Yangon and head to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset. So the following morning you explore the markets and colonial streets. The vast Shwedagon is the city’s beating heart. As a result, the cultural half ends on a high. Then you turn south to the sea.
Finally, fly to Kawthaung and board the SV Meta to sail the Mergui. So you anchor off Barwell Island, then visit Island 115 and its Moken communities. Over five days you swim, snorkel and explore turquoise lagoons around Nyaung Wee, Great Swinton and Ohway. The reefs here teem with tropical fish. You stay aboard with Burma Boating.
Naturally, the stays are chosen with care. First, fine hotels in Mandalay and Bagan. Then Villa Inle on the lake. Finally, five nights aboard with Burma Boating in the Mergui.
Above all, this suits travellers wanting culture and a sailing escape. For example, it is ideal for keen sailors and snorkellers. Equally, it rewards anyone seeking somewhere truly remote. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.
The variety is the whole appeal. First come the temples and pagodas. Then the floating world of the lake. Soon after, the gilded streets of Yangon. Finally, the empty isles. So no two days feel the same.
Generally, the sailing season runs from around November to April, when the seas are calm. By contrast, the monsoon months are unsuitable for the islands. The classic sights, meanwhile, are best in the cool season. So we tailor the timing to your plans.
Throughout, Burmese hospitality shines through. So a smile at a market or on a remote isle stays with you. Meanwhile, your guide and crew bridge every encounter. As a result, the journey feels genuinely personal.
Above all, every detail is handled for you. So the flights, transfers and sailing simply work. Meanwhile, the comforts stay high throughout. As a result, you relax from start to finish.
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the hotels and the sailing to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.
The real magic lies in the islands. So you anchor off beaches with barely a soul in sight. Meanwhile, the Moken communities offer a glimpse of a vanishing way of life. As a result, it feels a rare privilege.
In the end, the Mergui is the perfect finale. So you swap temples for turquoise lagoons. Meanwhile, the sailing soothes from the start. As a result, the trip ends in bliss.
Above all, this suits the adventurous traveller. So it rewards keen sailors and snorkellers. Equally, it suits those who love the road less travelled. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.
You spend about five days exploring the Mergui by boat. Of course, this can be adjusted. We will shape it to suit you.
No experience is needed; the crew handle everything. So you simply relax, swim and explore. The boats are comfortable and well equipped.
Generally, November to April suits the islands best. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Entirely. The pace, the hotels and the sailing are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £4725P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Mandalay | The Hotel by the Red Canal The Hotel by the Red Canal |
| Day 3-4 | Bagan | Hotel @ Tharabar Gate Hotel @ Tharabar Gate |
| Day 5-6 | Inle Lake | Villa Inle Villa Inle |
| Day 7-8 | Yangon | The Savoy The Savoy |
| Day 9-13 | Mergui | Burma Boating Burma Boating |
| Day 14 | Yangon | Sule Shangri-La Sule Shangri-La |
Arrive in Mandalay. In the evening visit Mandalay Hill at sunset. If you want, wake early and see the Buddhist monks collecting their alms. Continue to then explore Mandalay with your private guide, seeing the hidden side to the city. In the afternoon visit Ava and explore it on bikes and finish on U Bein Bridge for sunset.
Fly to Bagan, or take the longer all-day ferry from Mandalay. When you arrive, see the temples and pagodas with your guide either on horse-cart or on bikes. Finish on a stupa for sunset.
A day to immerse yourself with the authentic culture in and around Bagan. Visit Nuang Oo market before heading to some remote villages around Bagan to experience the local life. Continue to the Monastic School as they sit down for lunch.
Fly to Heho and transfer down to Inle Lake where a private boat will be waiting to take you to your lakeside hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the local communities who live and work around Inle Lake.
Spend the day in the Shan Hills to the east of Inle, visiting the amazing site of Kakku before visiting the local Pa-oh tribal villages on the way back to Inle.
Fly to Yangon and head to Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset. The following day spend the morning exploring the local markets and having a walking tour through the colonial district of Yangon.
Fly to Kawthaung where you will board the SV Meta and set sail for Barwell Island where you will spend the evening on the beach and a barbecue.
After a quick swim, sail to Island 115, famous for Moken sea gypsies. Continue in the afternoon to a group of islands called Mid Group. Walk through the verdant mangrove forests on Island 88 before having dinner on the beach.
Sail to Nyaung Wee Island to see the small vibrant settlement before sailing west to Great Swinton Island. Take a walk along the creek before popping into the local Buddhist Monastery and having sundowners on the beach.
Sail to Ohway Island which offers the best snorkelling in the Mergui, packed with tropical fish lining the coral. Continue to Lord Loughborough Island and anchor in the fjord.
Continue to Za Det Nge Island via Rhino Island. Swim in the picture-perfect turquoise lagoons before having dinner on the beach.
Sail back to Kawthaung and take the flight back to Yangon where you stay for your final night
If you want to leave no stone unturned in Burma, then we can offer longer private journeys which get further off-the-beaten track to see more of this amazing country.
With the introduction of a selection of new luxury hotels in recent years, Burma is fast becoming the destination to explore in style on a luxurious tour packed with authentic and amazing experiences.
The further you get off-the-beaten track in Burma, the more remarkable the destination becomes. Ideal for a second-time trip, this tour explores the hidden Chindwin on the luxury Belmond Orcaella.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.