Burma In Depth + Beach extension
Burma In Depth + Beach extension
Burma In Depth + Beach extension
24 Days Starting and ending in Rangoon (Yangon)
Visiting: Yangon, Old Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Bago, Mawlamyine, Dawei, Myeik, Ngapali Beach
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BUIB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Physical rating:
Medium, Moderate
Age range:
Adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This in-depth trip around Burma (Myanmar) takes us to fascinating sights beyond the classic highlights. We also spend longer in each place to really soak up the culture, sample tasty Burmese food and spend time with locals. Bagan - Watch the sun dip into the vast temple-studded plains of ancient Bagan Kyaikhtiyo - Climb the mystical Mount Kyaikhtiyo to see the pagoda precariously balanced on a golden rock Myeik - Explore local markets and visit a shipyard for the chance to witness traditional shipbuilding methods.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour Yangon (Rangoon)
Location: Yangon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Although not the capital, Yangon is the cultural and commercial heart of Myanmar. Colonial architecture faces onto the bustling streets, which are often filled with markets and tasty pop-up street food stands. Interspersed within all of this are the glittering golden pagodas which pepper the city's skyline.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Yangon at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Yangon International Airport (RGN), which is 30 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up the next morning, after breakfast.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might choose to visit the lively downtown area of Yangon. Here you will find an abundance of colonial buildings, which can be taken in from the circular train ride of Yangon. Perhaps even, finish with High Tea at the historic Strand Hotel.
Day 2: Morning Walking Tour Of Yangon. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda For Sunset
Location: Yangon
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we take a walking tour of Rangoon. Starting with a stroll along the banks of Kandawgyi Lake in the centre of the city we continue on to Botataung Pagoda. This pagoda is unique in that it is hollow - as we walk through we can see many ancient relics and artefacts displayed in glass cases. Later on we walk along Pansodan Street though downtown Rangoon, taking in the rich colonial architecture and bustling street markets. In the afternoon we make our way to the Chaukhtatgyi Paya, home to a giant 70 metre long reclining Buddha. The highlight of the day, though, is a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma, whose golden stupa dominates the city skyline making it the ideal spot from which to watch the sunset.
Day 3: Fly To Bagan To Take In The Vast Stupa-Filled Plains
Location: Old Bagan
Accommodation: Hotel
Although not tWe take an early morning flight to Bagan. Without doubt one of the most impressive religious sites anywhere in Asia, Bagan is an ancient city dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries with thousands of temples, stupas and monasteries covering an area of 140 square kilometres. A half-day tour of some of its most distinctive pagodas include visits to the Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes and cave temple of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. Late in the day we watch the sunset from a panoramic viewpoint on one of the upper terraces overlooking the temple site.
Day 4: Continued Exploration Of Bagan, With The Option To Visit Mount Popa
Location: Old Bagan
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast we continue our exploration of Bagan with visits to the Sulamani Temple of King Narapatisithu and the finely crafted brickwork of the Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest shrine on the site. This afternoon has then been left free to enjoy as you wish. There is a chance to take an optional trip out to Mount Popa, Burma's sacred abode of the Nats (spirit gods). A volcanic plug that rises some 1,500 metres above the surrounding landscape, the summit provides some fine panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The journey also travels via a local farm producing traditional toddy palm juice.
Day 5: Irrawady River Cruise To Pakkou And Drive To Monywa
Location: Old Bagan
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we enjoy a two to three hour boat ride along the Irrawaddy River to Pakkou, a bustling tobacco trading centre. From here we continue by road for about 3 hours to Monywa in the Chindwin Valley. This afternoon offers us the chance to visit the colourful Thanbuddhay Pagoda (home to more than 500,000 images of Buddha) and the Hiaungdawmu Buddha, the second largest reclining Buddha in Burma.
Day 6: Morning Visit To Po Win Daung Caves. Afternoon Drive To Mandalay
Location: Mandalay
Accommodation: Hotel
Crossing the Chindwin River this morning we visit the cave chambers of Po Win Daung and Shwe Ba Daung. A system of nearly 500 sandstone caves that honeycomb the Po Win Hills, these extraordinary caverns contain around 450,000 paintings, statues and carvings, representing what many experts believe to be the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist art anywhere in South East Asia. After our visit we continue by road to Mandalay, Burma's last royal capital and, for many, the centre of its most historic and culturally rich region. En route we hope to (depending on the season) stop in Monywee Kayemon village to visit a blacksmith and a local cottage industry where they make slippers.
Day 7: Explore The Ancient Kingdoms Of Inwa And Amarapura
Location: Mandalay
Accommodation: Hotel
A short distance to the south of Mandalay lies Inwa (Ava). Here we take a horse cart ride around the old city (which can be a little bumpy), visiting the monasteries of Manu Ok Kaung and Bagaya Kyaung and the 'Leaning Tower of Inwa'. In the afternoon we head on to the former royal capital of Amarapura, perhaps best known for the 19th century, 1.2 kilometre giant teak footbridge of U Bein that spans Lake Taungthaman. We also visit some local cotton and silk weavers, before driving back to Mandalay.
Day 8: Cruise Out To Mingun Village. Take In The Sunset Up Mandalay Hill
Location: Mandalay
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we take a short cruise to Mingun village and the ruins of the unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi (pagoda) which, had it been completed, would have been the world's largest pagoda. Begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790, the pagoda work on the monument ceased with the king's death in 1890. Nearby we also visit the giant 90 tonnes bronze Mingun Bell - considered to be the largest uncracked bell on the planet. Returning to Mandalay we then spend this afternoon exploring some of the city's major highlights, including the world's largest book at the Kuthodaw Pagoda and the intricate wooden majesty of the Shwenanda (Golden Palace) Monastery. We also plan to include visits to craft shops where you can observe traditional and skilled gold-leaf making, tapestry making and wood carving as well as the fascinating jade market. If time allows we then head up Mandalay Hill for sunset and views across the river and over the city.
Day 9: Fly To Heho And Then Drive To Kalaw Via The Caves Of Pindaya
Location: Kalaw
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we fly to Heho. From here we drive through villages and endless fields of dry cultivated mountain rice and potato. We make a stop at Pindaya noted for its extensive limestone caves filled with nearly 8,000 Buddha images of different sizes and made of various materials. Nearby we have the opportunity to visit a local family to see how they make paper umbrellas from the bark of a mulberry tree. In the afternoon we continue on to Kalaw. Set in the edge of the Shan Plateau this charming Colonial town was popular with the British during their time in Burma. The remainder of the day is free for you to Explore Kalaw.
Day 10: Walk Through The Villages Of The Shan Highlands. Free Afternoon In Kalaw
Location: Kalaw
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we can look forward to a gentle four-hour trek through the Kalaw tribal heartlands. Starting in the village of Say Wingabar, we ascend through pine forest to Lu Pyi village. Our trail passes through rural countryside and provides us with views of the valley - a picturesque patchwork of rice and vegetable fields. We might see tribal villagers working on their farms, or en route to the market with their produce. At the end of our walk we make a stop at Myinmathi Cave to see its many Buddha images and small stupas. After a lunch stop, we have a short transfer back to the hotel where we can relax for the rest of the day. For those who would prefer not to take part in the trek, there is the option to relax at the hotel for the day.
Day 11: Discover The Hill Town Of Kalaw Before Driving Onto Inle Lake
Location: Inle Lake
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning sees an opportunity to explore this engaging hill town, whose attractions include the gold lacquered bamboo Buddha of Nee Paya and the Catholic church of Christ the King. We then continue on by road for two hours to the beautiful setting of Lake Inle, high up on the Shan Plateau. Surrounded by hills and populated predominantly by the Intha people, Lake Inle is one of the highest lakes in the country. Devout Buddhists, the local population of self-sufficient farmers and fishermen live in simple stilted houses of wood and bamboo, growing their food on floating gardens of grass and seaweed. We plan to make a tour of some of the local villages by boat and pay a visit to the famous monastery of Nga Phae. Time permitting we will make a short visit to Leshae Village where you can see the making of Buddha images from dried flower powder.
Day 12: Explore The Villages And Cottage Industries Of Inle Lake By Longtail Boat
Location: Inle Lake
Accommodation: Hotel
Our boat takes us to the western part of the lake this morning, to a local Indein village, where we visit a hilltop complex of 1,000 stupas (places of worship). From up here we can enjoy some great views across the lake and on to the valley beyond. Continuing by boat on to the villages of Nanpan and Innpawkhone, we also get a chance later in the day to see some traditional boat making and silk weaving, and hopefully some local fishermen practicing their uniquely distinctive rowing technique.
Day 13: Fly To Rangoon And Drive To The Golden Rock Via The Ancient Town Of Bago
Location: Bago
Accommodation: Hotel
We take a morning flight to Rangoon.Leaving Rangoon behind we drive to the town of Bago. Founded in 573AD, it is home to a number of sacred shrines and pagodas, including the Shwemawdaw Paya (the Golden God Temple) the tallest pagoda in the country. We visit the pagoda, as well as the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha (the second largest in the world) and the Kyaik Pun Pagoda. In the afternoon we continue our drive to the foot of Mount Kyaikhtiyo, or Kin Pun 'base camp'. Upon arrival we continue in an open truck up a steep 11 kilometre track to the top. From here we walk for approximately 20 minutes to the mystical and highly revered Mount Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda in time for sunset. Also known as Golden Rock, this pagoda is a large boulder precariously balanced on the edge of a cliff near the top of the mountain, supposedly held in place by a hair of the Buddha.
Day 14: Travel Overland To Mawlamyine, Explore Hidden Caves On Foot And By Canoe
Location: Mawlamyine
Accommodation: Hotel
If our hotel is at the top of mountain we have a chance to view the sunrise before continuing on our way to Mawlamyine via the town of Tathon, where we will stop for lunch. If road conditions allow, we travel by way of Kawtgoon Cave, which has many intricate Buddha images carved into the walls, before proceeding on to Mawlamyine. The former capital of British Burma, Mawlamyine today is the capital of Mon State and the gateway to Burma's little visited south-eastern region. In the early evening we make visit to the 9th century Kyaikthanlan Phayar (Pagoda), the highest structure in the city, to enjoy the sunset.
Day 15: Exploring Mawlamyine, The Old Colonial Capital
Location: Mawlamyine
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast we take the bridge across to Bilu Gyun (Ogre Island) to visit some of the local communities that lie along the Thanlwin River. After a chance to explore some of the villages and watch traditional craftsmen at work, we head back to Mawlamyine for an afternoon tour of the city. The afternoon is left free perhaps to visit the 100-year old monastery of Seindon Minbaya Kyaung or a walk along the Strand Road to take in every day scenes.
Day 16: Scenic Drive To Dawei, Visiting The Burmese End Of The Death Railway En Route
Location: Dawei
Accommodation: Hotel
Today will be a long but rewarding day, with a total driving time of approximately eight hours on roads which will be bumpy and unsurfaced on occasion. We will stop at Thanbyuzayet Station, known to be the western terminus of the infamous Death Railway that was built to connect British Burma with Siam during the Second World War. Much of the railway on the Burmese side of the border has now been reclaimed by jungle, but the Thanbyuzayet terminus remains, with a well-kept Allied War Memorial containing the grave stones of 3512 POW's that tragically died during its construction.
We continue south, with our road winding its way through the lush forested Southern Plateau, which acts as a natural divide between Tanintharyi State and Mon State. Stopping in the town of Ye for lunch, we try some traditional Burmese dishes at a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue our drive onto the small town of Dawei.
Day 17: Discover The Small Town Of Dawei On Foot
Location: Dawei
Accommodation: Hotel
Previously known as Tavoy under colonial rule, Dawei was one of the first cities settled by the British after the first of three Anglo-Burmese wars, and as a result the town is rich in history and colonial architecture. We set off on foot to explore the downtown area where most of the grand old buildings stand, resplendent in their fading elegance. We then continue on to the busy market where locals complete their daily shop, purchasing fresh fruit, vegetables, and locally caught fish. It is a town that receives very few tourists, so we are likely to find ourselves as a local tourist attraction! The remainder of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure, soaking up the unique atmosphere of this historic town.
Day 18: Drive To Myeik And Explore The Southern-Most Frontier Of Burma
Location: Myeik
Accommodation: Hotel
;\red41\green51\blue61;
\sa30027 We set off this morning for a full day's drive to Myeik, a journey of approximately 7-8 hours. The condition of the roads in the south is fairly inconsistent, so we will ensure the journey is punctuated with plenty of comfort breaks.
\sb150 Known as 'Beik' by its locals, Myeik is located in the far south of the country, on a small peninsular that juts out into the Andaman Sea. The charming town is dotted with gleaming pagodas, Buddhist temples and beautiful wooden houses from its historic days of being a significant fishing port. Myeik is also famous for the Burmese pearls harvested by the Moken people, otherwise known as the Sea Gypsies that inhabit some of the islands that lie off the coast of Myeik. Here we learn about the harvesting of bird nests to make bird nest soup, considered a delicacy in many parts of China and believed to have wonderful health benefits. The swiftlets make their nests in empty buildings, and in some buildings loudspeakers, or tweeters as they are commonly known, have been installed to try and entice the birds in to build their nests. We also plan to visit a working boatyard, where fishing vessels are brought in for repair, and new teak vessels are built. There is no modern equipment used, all of the repairs are done by hand using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. This evening we set off to Thain Taw Gyi Lan, an area that is full of beautiful old monasteries where we hope to encounter local Buddhist monks collecting alms. Our day's end is atop Phayargyi Pagoda for sunset, where we can enjoy vast panoramic views of the surrounding islands as the sun dips into the Andaman Sea.
Day 19: Optional Day Trip To The Islands Of The Mergui Archipelago
Location: Myeik
Accommodation: Hotel
Today has been left free, with the option to take a boat trip out to the stunningly beautiful Mergui Archipelago, an area almost entirely undiscovered by tourism. The Archipelago consists of some 800, mostly uninhabited islands nestled within the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Of the few communities that are found in the area, most are Moken people, more commonly known as Sea Gypsies. They are a sea-faring people that spend large portions of their lives out at sea, fishing with spears rather than nets.
We spend the day navigating the warm waters, stopping off for opportunities to snorkel the colourful reefs. Masks, snorkels and flippers will be provided on the boat. A picnic lunch will be taken on one of the deserted white sand beaches, where there will also be some time to relax before heading back towards the mainland. It's highly likely that we'll see fisherman docked off of the various coastlines, both the Moken and Burmese squid fisherman frequent these rich waters. The squid fisherman are easily recognisable by their huge bulb-laden outriggers, and they will often congregate together, waiting until nightfall. When the sun goes down the bulbs all burst into life, bringing a plethora of inquisitive squid up to the surface and into their nets.
Day 20: Fly To Rangoon And Onto Thandwe, Transfer To Ngapali Beach
Location: Ngapali Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we fly back to Rangoon before taking a connecting flight to Thandwe. Please be aware that the beach extension is unescorted. At the airport in Thandwe you will be met and driven to the hotel where you spend the next three nights. The rest of the day is then free.
Day 21: At Ngapali; Free Time To Relax On The Beach
Location: Ngapali Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is left free to relax on Ngapali beach. There are various optional excursions, such as boat trips or snorkelling, which can be arranged and paid for locally. The nearby fishing village also offers an interesting insight into local life.
Day 22: Ngapali Beach At Leisure
Location: Ngapali Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
There is more free time today to try oprional excursions, explore the local area or simply relax on the beach.
Day 23: Fly Back To Yangon
Location: Yangon
Accommodation: Hotel
You leave the beach behind and make your way back to Rangoon by plane. The rest of the day is left free for further sightseeing in the sprawling city. You may like to visit the immense Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott's Market, for souvenir or gift hunting (closed on Mondays, full moons and public holidays).
Day 24: Tour Ends Yangon
Location: Yangon
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Yangon.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Yangon at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Yangon International Airport (RGN), which is 30 minutes from our hotel.
What's Included
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
-
Train Tickets
-
Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 23
-
Accommodation
-
Fully Guided
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
-
Country Entry Visas
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
This three week adventure is perfect for travellers with more time to spare and who want to really get under the skin of the destination. The tour features all the main sights of our Burma Highlights (BUH) holiday, but also takes you deeper into less visited areas such as Mawlamyine in the south east and Pyin Oo Lwin in the north. You will have the chance to discover caves in Monywa and to walk up to the iconic Golden Rock as well as discover Burma's classic sights.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
-
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
-
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
-
What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
-
Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
-
Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."