MYANMAR, one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in Asia. Its amazingly varied countryside ranges from high snowy peaks in the north to rolling hills and colourful fields of Shan state, the fertile plains of the Irrawaddy and stunning white sandy beaches on its coastline. Burma is a multi-ethnic country with over 200 different tribes and dialects, but one thing is universal - wherever you travel in this magic country you will be greeted with a smile. After 50 years of isolation, government reforms have made strides towards democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi has said that as long as done responsibly, tourism can be a positive stance for change. Panoramic Journeys is working to make a small but significant difference to rural communities that we visit on our Burma tours. As our name suggests, we like big panoramic vistas and encounters that give one a new perspective on life - We have made a name designing journeys that allow our clients to get "under the surface" of a country - to meet the people and get off the tourist route. In designing this itinerary, we have allowed time to meet local people, to visit rural villages, and really get to know this beautiful country, as well as taking in the most important historical and religious sights that define Burma. Every aspect of your tour will be taken care of with a great attention to detail.
This journey is an excellent introduction to the country s people and culture. Visit key historical sites and stray off the beaten track to meet people from various tribes in traditional villages. Explore the colonial streets of Yangon and join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun sets on its golden spire, before flying to Heho in the heart of the fertile Shan Plateau. Drive through glorious countryside to the old colonial hill station of Kalaw and take a train journey to remote village of Sintaung. Stay overnight in a village house before trekking back to Kalaw the next day. Travel by road to Nyaung Shwe at the north of Inle Lake and continue by long-tailed boat to your hotel on the eastern shore. Visit a nearby village in evening light, to discover how local farmers live in houses built on stilts and grow produce on floating gardens. See the intricately carved stupas at Indein and enjoy fabulous views across the lake. Walk to the five day market, where the Shan, Inda, Pa O & Taung Yoo bring their crops to sell. It is also possible to walk or cycle to a winery, take a cooking class in a traditional house, or just take time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO biosphere. Then fly to ancient Bagan to discover some of the 3,000 magnificent temples scattered around the fertile plains beside the Irrawaddy. Enjoy an optional hot air balloon flight over the site. Voyage down river to the 12 th century village of Salay and stay overnight in a village house. Return to Bagan before flying to Yangon and departure.
Sun 25-Nov Arrive Yangon. Evening at leisure Mon 26-Nov Exploring the old town and Shwedagon Pagoda Tue 27-Nov Fly to Heho and drive to sleepy hill station of Kalaw Wed 28-Nov Train journey to Sintaung & overnight with local family Thu 29-Nov Morning trek to view point & return to Kalaw by road Fri 30-Nov To Nyaung Shwe by rail and on to Inle Lake Sat 01-Dec Morning cooking class & visit the stupas of Indein Sun 02-Dec Morning walk to local market. Afternoon at leisure Mon 03-Dec Return to Heho for your short flight to Bagan Tue 04-Dec Optional hot air balloon flight & temple exploration Wed 05-Dec Irrawaddy voyage to Salay & overnight in local house Thu 06-Dec Salay to Bagan by road & afternoon at leisure Fri 07-Dec Fly Bagan to Yangon Sat 08-Dec Depart Yangon
Arrive in Yangon, where you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old town. Today is a flexible day with people arriving at different times. Check in at the hotel is from 2pm, so early arrivals can enjoy the pool or go out for an exploratory walk. In the evening your guide will take you to a good restaurant for dinner, before returning to your hotel. Packed with pagodas and crammed with colonial relics, Yangon is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia. Meet View the River Gallery at The Strand Hotel, where afterwards you can enjoy a tea or coffee in the historic café. Return to your hotel to relax during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the holiest stupa in the land. With its hundreds of small temples and prayer niches, and people from all over the country coming to pay their respects here, a wander around Shwedagon is an unforgettable experience. Travel Details 1hr transfer and drives around town. Accommodation Sule Shangri-La, Superior room Travel Details Short drives around town Accommodation Sule Shangri-La, Superior room Includes Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, from here journey across the beautiful landscape of the Shan Plateau to Kalaw. In town, explore the central market and visit some of the old colonial houses including the Anglican Church, built by the British in 1900s. Visit Pinmagon monastery which houses the famous Nee Paya (Bamboo Buddha Image) estimated to have been built during the Ava Period over 500 years ago, before transferring to the Kalaw Hill Lodge. Kalaw offers some of the best trekking in the country. The surrounding mountains are home to numerous hill tribes and villages including Danu, Pa-O, Palaung and Taung Yoo ethnic groups. The villagers are mostly farmers growing tea, clementines, rice and a countless variety of fruits and vegetables. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the local people and be able to explain many of the plants encountered on your trek, including several herbs used in local cooking and traditional medicine. After breakfast, visit a local Buddhist monastery and take a 15 minute walk to a Danu village. Visit the library and interact with locals over a cup of green tea. Continue to another 20 minutes to a Nepalese village, where you can taste rice and plum wine. From here transfer by vehicle to Kalaw station for the short rail journey to Sintaung, which takes around an hour. At 4425 feet above sea level, the village is predominately inhabited by a Nepalese community, descendants of Gurkha soldiers brought to Myanmar by the British. Visit a 100 year old Nepalese temple and climb the hilltop Pagoda for stunning views of the valley below. Settle into a village house, your home for the night, and get to know your hosts. Dinner and overnight in the village house. Travel Details Fly Heho K7266 08:00-09:10 & 2 hr drive to Kalaw Accommodation Kalaw Hill Lodge, Includes Breakfast & dinner Travel Details 1 hr train & short treks Accommodation Village House Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today trek 1.5 hours along a ridge to Hinkha Gone village, located at 4767 feet. From here continue another hour north to the view point, perched at 4715 feet. Have lunch here and take some time to enjoy the view from the ridge before returning to the lodge by vehicle. While at the lodge you can explore the organic gardens and experience working with buffalo, milking cows and feeding animals at local farm house within the grounds. After breakfast visit Shwe U Min Pagoda (Shwe Oo Min Paya), a cave filled with golden Buddhas before boarding the train to Shwe Nyaung. At the station your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Nyaung Shwe at the north end of Inle Lake. Here board a long-tailed boat for the trip to your hotel on the eastern shore. The lake sits in a valley between two mountain ranges and feels like a different world to the rest of Burma. Wooden houses are built high on stilts and fishermen steer their one-man boats with a unique rowing style, wrapping one leg around their oar. Rows of floating gardens produce delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. Along with fishing and farming, traditional handicrafts are an important part of the local economy, especially silk weaving. As with all of Myanmar, religion plays a massive part in local life, and numerous pagodas and monasteries can be found on the lake and its shores. After a relaxing afternoon take a tour by canoe through the peaceful stilt villages bathed in the golden light of dusk. Travel Details 3 hrs trekking Accommodation Kalaw Hill Lodge, Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner Travel Details 2hr rail journey By Train (ETD 13:15 - ETA 17:00)& 1hr by boat Accommodation Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes Breakfast
After breakfast, you will visit a local house where you will take a cooking class- learn how to make traditional Shan dishes and enjoy the dishes you have prepared for lunch. Travel by long-tailed boat to the western bank of the lake to the ancient temple site of Indein. Explore the crumbling and atmospheric groups of pagodas and carvings of mythical creatures, and climb the covered stairway leading up the hill to Shwe Inn Thein Paya for wonderful views across the lake. Take a short walk along a river and lush bamboo forest. Farmers can be seen ploughing and harrowing with buffaloes either side, and these beasts can sometimes be seen wallowing off the banks. Travel by boat to the five day market. There may be a leisurely walk to the market site depending on where it is being held. The route will take you on local tracks through small farms. Your guide will explain the wide variety of crops, and what systems the farmers use. Villagers are very friendly and will often welcome you into their homes. The market attracts different ethnic groups from around the lake. You will soon be able to recognise each by their costume. It is also possible to visit the Red Mountain winery by, car, bicycle or on foot for wine tasting and fabulous views across the lake. Travel Details Short boat trips around the lakeaccommodation Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes Breakfast Travel Details Short boat trips around the lake Accommodation Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the cultural heart of the Burma, Bagan. On arrival visit the golden dome of Shwezigon pagoda. Your hotel is in the centre of Old Bagan surrounded by temple spires. This evening climb onto a temple platform to watch the sun set behind the forest of stupas. Rise early for your transfer to the launch site for hot drinks and briefing. Then take to the air for dramatic views over the unique and enchanting 11th century ruins as the sun rises from behind distant mountains. After breakfast, start your tour of some of Bagan's beautiful temples on the ground. You will hear the story of King Anwaratha and his conversion to Buddhism and at Dhammayazika Pagoda see the terracotta tiles illustrating scenes from the Jataka. After lunch return to your hotel to rest during the heat of the day. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop to watch men and women produce these beautiful handicrafts. Travel Details 1h 30m drive to Heho. Fly to Bagan K7264 10:20-11:00 Accommodation The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe Includes Breakfast Travel Details Tour the pagodas by horse & cart, & on foot Accommodation The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe Includes Breakfast
After breakfast board a small private boat and cruise down the Irrawaddy river to Salay. Enjoy the scenery from the open-topped deck and relax with a cup of tea or coffee. After a couple of hours and a delicious lunch on the boat, you will arrive in the historic town of Salay. This 12th century village is an active religious centre with many wooden monasteries and British colonial buildings. Walk through the sleepy town dotted with rustic temples often missed by tourists. At 130 years old Yokesone Kyaung is the oldest surviving teak monastery, built on 154 teak posts with beautiful carvings decorating the exterior walls. Enjoy a relaxing morning in Salay before returning to Bagan by road. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bagan, you can hire bicycles to explore, relax by the pool or take a cookery class, This evening stay in Salay in a traditional house. Meet your hosts, spend time getting to know the family and see experience village life in Myanmar. Travel Details 2h voyage to Salay Accommodation Village Homestay Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner Travel Details 2 hour drive to Bagan Accommodation The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe Includes Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Bagan. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. Travel Details Fly to Yangon K7235 09:15-10:35 & 1 hour drive to hotel Accommodation Sule Shangri-La, Superior room Includes Breakfast Travel Details - Transfer to the international airport 1hr Includes Breakfast
Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the former capital of Burma (Myanmar). Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and most important commercial centre. Downtown Yangon is known for its leafy avenues and fin-de-siècle architecture. The former British capital has the highest number of colonial period buildings in Southeast Asia.. The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a 98-metre gilded stupa which lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese, with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, most importantly, eight hairs of the historical Buddha, prince Siddhartha Gautama. Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott Market) was built in 1926 by the British Municipal Commisioner Gavin Scott. It is a shopping paradise for foreigners and locals alike with a wide array of souvenirs and handicrafts including traditionally woven silk and cotton.
Kalaw is located to the west of Inle Lake, and blends the influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures. The area is ideal for walks and treks and it is possible to discover little-visited minority hill tribe villages Kalaw s climate is much more pleasant than the baking heat of the dry zone, although in the winter it can get quite cool at night and early in the morning. The town is set amongst magnificent pine forests and the area has become very popular with trekkers.. Of the many houses built by the British in Kalaw around the turn of the century, a few still remain in various states of decay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by government or military officials, although some are still eerily silent, apparently undisturbed since their owners left 50 or more years ago. The former Kingswood school is now a military hospital and the race track is very overgrown, however Christian services are still held at the Anglican Church and are attended by Shan people educated by American missionaries. Kalaw has a significant population of Nepali Gurkhas and Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who were brought to Kalaw by the British to build the railway line. Their influence is visible in the town with many local restaurants offering traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes with a Burmese twist.
Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Shan Hills. The local population of c.70,000 live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The population consists predominantly of the Intha ethnic group. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar Inthein (Indein) lies on the western bank of the lake and can be reached by pleasant boat ride along the winding canals. It is a cluster of over five hundred ruined shrines dating back to the 17th century. The pagodas are in the typical Shan style and include beautifully carved mythical and celestial beings. The area also offers fantastic views across the lake in the east and countryside to the west.
With over 2000 temples and pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. The monuments are of different sizes and shapes, all splendid with distinct architectural designs. The inner walls of most of these are decorated with incredible wall paintings. The site is located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, 90 miles southwest of Mandalay. The ruins cover an area of 16 square miles (41 km2). The majority of its buildings were built in the 11th century to 13th century, during the time Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire.. Ananda Temple was built during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084 1113). Around this time Marco Polo is said to have visited Bagan. The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas, each one facing the cardinal directions of East, North, West and South. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian style of architecture. The impressive temple has also been dubbed the "Westminster Abbey of Burma".
Add a breathtaking hot air balloon to your trip. Take off in a hot air balloon as dawn breaks over the nearby mountains. Glide silently across the sky as the sun rises over Burma's majestic landscape of ancient temple ruins. Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest structure in Bagan. It was built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was also known as Kalagya Min, the 'king killed by Indians'. Narathu ascended the throne of Bagan after murdering his own father. It is said that Narathu oversaw the construction of the temple himself and that masons were executed if a needle could be pushed between bricks they had laid. Narathu was assassinated before the temple's completion. Displeased by Hindu rituals, he executed one practitioner, an Indian princess. In revenge the princess's father sent 8 officers in the disguise of Brahmans and assassinated Narathu inside the temple.. Located on the banks of Ayerwaddy River, 35 kilometers south of Bagan, lies the small picturesque village of Salay. Former colonial buildings can be found nestled alongside traditional wooden monasteries and bagan-era shrines. Delicious bowls of noodles are on offer at the market, and it is a chance to soak up some of the local culture.
The Sule Shangri-La provides Idyllic peaceful luxury in the heart of the metropolis. The hotel provides an outdoor pool, spa and fitness facilities, traditional and international cuisine served in its stylish restaurants and bars, views of the lush tropical trees and shining pagodas, and complimentary Wifi access in each room. Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is conveniently located in downtown Yangon near major tourist attractions, such as the Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), Sule Pagoda, China Town and colonial buildings. Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is only a 10-minute drive from Shwedagon Pagoda, People's Park, the National Museum and Kandawgyi Lake.
The Kalaw Hill Lodge is a charming 32-bedroom boutique lodge located about a 20-minute drive from Kalaw. Each room has delightful views over the Shan hills and the lodge makes for a perfect base from which to explore the local countryside.. Set within 30 acres of land, the Kalaw Hill Lodge is an ideal destination for those who want a base from which to explore the surrounding, off-the-beaten track countryside. Visit the local farm, head off on a day walk through local villages, go off mountain biking or take a more adventurous trek staying overnight in local homes. The lodge is very close to the colonial railway line, and this can work well as a unique experience whilst staying at the lodge.
The Inle Resort is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day's exploring. Enjoy the tropical garden views on the restaurant's veranda, where they serve both western and local cuisine, have a drink in the stylish bar or spend an afternoon getting pampered in the Hom Spa. Each bungalow or cottage takes its inspiration from traditional design but with the functionality of modern day conveniences. The Lake View offers pleasant, comfortable accommodation and commands stunning views across the lake. The rooms are big and airy and very well appointed. The hotel is set in well maintained working gardens which cultivate vegetables and other produce for the local people and the hotel's restaurant.
Located in the heart of Old Bagagn, surrounded by temples and pagodas this hotel has fantastic views of the ancient capital, with each room boasting its own private garden. Try out a cocktail at the pool side bar, spend an afternoon relaxing in the spa with traditional Burmese and Thai treatments or dine al fresco in the Tropical Garden. The high ceilinged rooms are each decorated by hand with wall paintings copying the original Temple Painting of the Bagan period. Wifi is available in the lobby.
Price Includes: Accommodation (based on 2 sharing*) Meals as per itinerary Mineral water during days out Activities as per itinerary English speaking guide(s) Private surface transportation (vehicle and driver) Park & museum entrance fees Airport transfers Price Excludes: Travel Insurance Passport Vaccination charges Private excursions Bar bills Laundry Telephone calls & items of a personal nature International flights Myanmar visa Single supplement $ 1,095 Deposit $1,000 per person (plus any extras) Full payment is due if departure is in less than 90 days PANORAMIC JOURNEYS Ltd., Granary Barn, Chapel Road, Chadlington, OX7 3NX, England info@panoramicjourneys.com - Tel. +44 (0) 1608 676 821
Ngapali is a small town on the remote west coast of Burma, a magical little place with a beautiful beach and interesting local villages to discover. It is a place where time stands still, allowing you to simply "switch off" and recharge your batteries or explore nearby islands and secluded bays by boat. Switching off and relaxing on a beach is not really why most people come to Myanmar, but you are on holiday after all. If you want to spend a few days reflecting and unwinding before heading home, Ngapali s idyllic palm-lined beach is the place to do it. With its charming fishing-village vibe, pristine white sands, the clear blue waters and stylish accommodation, Ngapali beach is the perfect way to end your stay in Myanmar. Spend your time visiting the local fishing village by bicycle, hire a fishing boat to take you snorkelling, enjoy a barbecue on a deserted island or just relax in your beach front lounge.
Rimmed with a very long coastline, Burma is graced with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Ngapali is the best beach in the country, with golden sand, palm trees and the clear turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal. Take a fishing trip to a private island and BBQ your catch of the day. Spend time at leisure swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. There are several excellent boutique hotels to choose from. Call us on +44 (0)1608 676821 to check availability and secure the perfect end to your visit to Myanmar.