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Days
14
Price from
€2,685EUR
Map of Magical Myanmar including Myanmar

Discover Myanmar on this small group trip.

The glories of this ancient land (now known as Myanmar) are revealed to travellers in this journey. We start in Yangon, a city crowned by the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, then fly to Mandalay, before journeying on to the fabled 11th century capital, Bagan. The Inle Lake region exudes tranquility and enables us to sample the hospitality of the local people who call this part of the world home.

Start
Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Finish
Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Destination
Myanmar (Burma)
Style
Peregrine
Code
PABR
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
52 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • See how Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock), balanced on the edge of cliff, covered in golden leaf and topped with a small stupa, embodies the beauty and spirituality of Myanmar

  • Support communities directly, from the hill market of Myanmar's "vegetable garden" outside of Bagan.

  • Witness the incredible sight of Bagan's 4,000 temples and monasteries, plus take in the memorable scene from a sunset cruise on the Ayeyarwady River

  • Travel to the village of Kyunkalay, an undeveloped town beyond Bagan that you won’t find mentioned in any guidebooks. Learn how locals are working with ActionAid Myanmar and using responsible tourism to improve local infrastructure and living conditions.

  • The Inle Lake region exudes tranquillity and enables us to sample the hospitality of the local people who call this part of the world home

  • Enjoy plenty of time to explore Yangon, home to one of the world's true religious jewels, Shwedagon Pagoda

Is this trip right for you?

  • Our accommodation in Kyaiktiyo is more basic than the rest of our trip as there is limited accommodation at the summit. Every effort will be made to secure the best available option.

  • Transport to the summit at Kyaiktiyo is in open local trucks with bench seating. While this can be bumpy, the experience of seeing the Golden Rock is more than worthwhile.

  • This trip involves a lot of walking – often barefoot. You’ll be visiting many religious sites where you must remove all footwear before entering. In places like Bagan, you may need to climb steep steps (sometimes without railing) barefoot, but the views are well worth it.

  • Suitable footwear will be required for uneven terrain, especially when walking around Indein and on our hike.

  • Myanmar is a vast country, so to save time travelling we do include 3 internal flights on this trip. Bear in mind that these may be in smaller aircraft from reputable local airlines.

  • Myanmar is a hot and humid country in general, although it can be much cooler in winter. If you don’t tolerate the heat well, perhaps consider taking a trip in the cooler winter months (November - February).

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Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

Welcome to Myanmar and Yangon. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Feel free to explore Yangon – maybe by taking a walk to Sule Pagoda or the Victorian Strand Hotel – then join your welcome meeting at 6pm. Please check with the hotel reception where and when it will take place, or check the reception notice boards. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception or your booking agent in advance.
Accommodation
  • Rose Garden Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Yangon - Sule Pagoda - MMK3000
  • Yangon - Bogyoke Market (Scotts Market) - Free
  • Yangon - Let Yangon Take You For a Ride Urban Adventure - USD33
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 7 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 7 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

With an overnight bag packed, embark on the journey to the Golden Rock. Along the way, stop at Bago (about 1.5 hours from Yangon), an ancient settlement of the Mon Kingdom in the 13th century. Here you'll visit the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is even larger than the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, and the Shwethalyaung Buddha, one of the largest reclining Buddhas in existence. Then, it's an approximately 2.5 hour drive to the base camp at Kinponsakan. Here you'll transfer to an open air truck with basic wooden bench-style seating. The next hour, towards the summit, will be bumpy. But the views are well worth it. The Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The small pagoda (7.3 metres high) sits atop a gilded 25-metre boulder, which appears to balance precariously on a tabular rock. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. Spending a night in Kyaiktiyo is one of Myanmar's most spiritual experiences.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Top Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bago - Shwemawdaw Paya
  • Bago - Shwethalyaung Buddha
  • Kyaiktiyo - Golden Rock Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Accommodation in Kyaiktiyo is more basic than in other destinations on this trip. Due to this being a very popular place of pilgrimage, hotels can often be overbooked and the site crowded. At times we may not be able to secure our preferred accommodation at the summit, and may stay back in the town at the base. Travel times vary, and the journey can be arduous in the wet. Your patience will go a long way toward your enjoyment here.

Enjoy a morning of strolling around Kyaiktiyo (the name means 'pagoda borne on a hermit's head' in Mon language). After descending from the summit, return to Yangon, retracing your path from yesterday (approximately 5 hours). You'll arrive back in Yangon late in the afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Rose Garden Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a walking tour of downtown Yangon this morning. As you stroll through the streets lined with dilapidated colonial edifices and their restored neighbours, your leader will bring the past to life, as well as explain the present activity. Afterwards, leave for the airport and take a flight to Mandalay – departure time will vary depending on flight availability. The flight takes approximately 1 hour, and after landing it’s approximately a 1 hour drive to the city and your hotel for the next three nights. Mandalay is Myanmar’s ‘Jewel City’, and you’ll and savour the sights, sounds and flavours of this bustling metropolis. Tonight you might enjoy a walk to one of the markets, where a great time can be had enjoying the hustle and bustle or bargaining for local wares.
Accommodation
  • Eastern Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yangon - Walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Make your way down to the city’s lively waterfront, which offers an interesting backdrop for a boat trip upriver. The archaeological site of Mingun is your destination, the location of a number of interesting sights, including the world's largest, albeit unfinished, pagoda – Pahtodawgyi. It’s also home to the world’s second largest ringable bell, the beautiful white Hsinphymae Pagoda, and temples dating back hundreds of years. The river is effectively a major trading, communication and commuting route and a wide range of different boats, barges and steamers can be viewed along the way. The journey usually takes 1 hour on the way there, and 40 minutes on the way back.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a tour that visits the remnants of one of the once great cities that surround Mandalay – Amarapura, just 11 kilometres south of the city. Weather permitting, you might also glimpse a breath-taking sunset over the 200-year-old U Bein wooden bridge.
Accommodation
  • Eastern Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mandalay - Boat trip to Mingun
  • Mandalay - U Bein Bridge
  • Mandalay - Amarapura visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll enjoy a full day tour of the city. You’ll visit the Mandalay Palace, built as the residence for King Mindon and the Burmese aristocracy in the 19th century, it sits inside a walled fort at the bottom of Mandalay Hill. Continue to Shwe In Bin Kyaung, the intricately carved Swenandaw Monastery, then visit the nearby cottage industries where gold leaf is made. This gold leaf is used extensively in the important pilgrimage site of the Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Here local Buddhists climb to an impressively decorated 2,000-year-old central Buddha statue and press gold leaf to its exterior. Get another insight into Mandalay’s role as the centre of Myanmar’s arts and crafts industry with a visit to a stone-carving workshop. The surrounding mountains are made from quality marble (Sa’kyin) and there are numerous artisans plying their trade along Kyauk Sitt Than, which literally means ‘Stone Carving Road’. You’ll finish your tour around 2pm, and then have some free time to relax. Later, visit various temples, notably Kuthodaw Pagoda, which claims to house the world's largest 'book' – 729 slabs contain the complete text of the Tripitaka, Theravada Buddhism's most sacred text. You’ll then be transported to the top of Mandalay Hill, where Lord Buddha is said to have left a footprint. A clear day reveals beautiful sunset views from the summit, and a host of religious shrines scattered along the hill.
Accommodation
  • Eastern Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mandalay - Mandalay Hill
  • Mandalay - Kuthodaw Paya
  • Mandalay - Mandalay Palace
  • Mandalay - Shwenandaw Monastery
  • Mandalay - Mahamuni Buddha Temple
  • Mandalay - Gold Leaf Pounding Workshop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will drive to Bagan (approximately 5 hours), which is one of the most impressive archaeological wonders of Asia. You’ll be in a comfortable vehicle and you’ll stop along the way in a local village. When you arrive in Bagan you’ll transfer to the hotel and have some free time rest up or stretch you legs. Later today you’ll take a cruise out on the Ayeyarwady River as the sun begins to set. Stop on the river bank for a sunset drink and admire the changing colours as the sun descends across the stupas that fill the area and great Ayeryarwady River.
Accommodation
  • Amazing Bagan Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bagan - Sunset cruise on Ayeyarwady
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

You can explore the incredible sights of Bagan today, travelling by private vehicle between temples sites. This archaeological site is where Theravada Buddhism was introduced to the Kingdom of Bagan, and was once the site of 10,000 temples, pagodas and monasteries. Today, the ancient city still has over 4,000 brick and gilded ruins, and is a remarkable sight. Nyaung U’s lively market contrasts with the eerie silence of the plains littered with temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins, including Gawdawpalin, Thatbyinnyu, Ananda and Shwezigon – all names of temples and pagodas that bear testament to a glorious past. The graceful ageing of the temples, the stucco peeled off by the dusty winds, has revealed beautifully rusty red bricks that glow golden brown in the sun. Marvel at the spire-lined skyline, the lion-guarded doors, the wood carvings inside, and the foliage-covered ruins. After visiting a local lacquerware workshop to gain insight into a craft this place is famous for, you might catch a glorious sunset from one of the ruins.
Accommodation
  • Amazing Bagan Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bagan - Shwezigon Paya
  • Bagan - Archaeological tour
  • Bagan - Nyaung U Market
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
An optional hot air balloon journey can be booked for the mornings of either Day 8 or 9. With its breathtaking views above the stupa-studded landscape, followed by a light breakfast and champagne, this is a highlight for many travellers. Weather dependent, flights operate between October through to March. Advance bookings are highly recommended. Please ask your Peregrine booking agent for more information on Premium and Classic service options.

To fully enjoy the day out, please make sure you wear comfortable clothes and adequate protection from the sun (long sleeves, sunglasses and hat).

Today we drive about 45 minutes to reach Pakkoku. Here, we’ll spend roughly an hour at the biggest thanakha market in Myanmar, as well as a local wet market. Thanakha is a cosmetic paste made from ground bark and is an ancient beauty treatment in Myanmar, said to treat wrinkles, sun damage, and acne, and even believed to help with fevers and headaches. From the markets, we’ll head to a local tea shop and sample some tea and local street foods. Try some treats and get a literal taste for local life here! We’ll then drive another 45 minutes to reach a small village, called Kyunkalay. This is a tiny place that you won’t find in any guidebooks or on Wikipedia — entirely undeveloped with no electricity, no school for the local children, and not even a monastery. The main form of transportation is by oxen cart and bicycle.

We’ve partnered with ActionAid Myanmar, an organisation working to bring human rights and social justice to neglected communities. ActionAid doesn’t believe in handouts, instead helping communities to find their own sustainable solutions. We have formed a partnership to help introduce tourism to the community of Kyunkalay in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and won’t negatively impact their culture and heritage.

You’ll get to walk around the village and learn about important tasks locals do, such as harvesting beans and vegetables, or growing flowers. We’ll then join a local family for lunch in their home, where you’ll be able to learn more about what life is like in this part of Myanmar.

We’ll finish off the tour with a ride on an ox-driven cart to reach the nearest jetty, where we’ll cross the Ayeyarwady River, the largest and most important waterway in Myanmar. We’ll reach Nyaung U jetty on the other side, and from here will travel back to Bagan.
Accommodation
  • Amazing Bagan Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bagan - In Focus: Community Experience Urban Adventure
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today drive approximately 25 minutes to the nearest airport in Nyuang U, and then hop on a plane to Heho (approximately 40 minutes), the gateway for Inle Lake. The calm waters of Inle Lake are the life-blood for local communities. They live in stilt houses along the lake's shallow fringes and surrounding areas. You’ll drive through picturesque countryside and rolling hills to your final destination, Khaungdaing, situated on Inle Lake not far from the main township, Nyaungshwe. (approximately 1 hour). This afternoon, feel free to rent a canoe and paddle to Lin Kin village, with its famous floating garden. There is also the optional extra of visiting local village houses for an insight into how traditional snacks are made.
Accommodation
  • Khuang Daing Resort or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your waterfront cabin is located on stilts above Inle Lake. There are boardwalks and stairs between cabins and the Resort restaurant and reception. Wifi is limited to the reception area, and can be intermittent given the resort location. You will notice that the weather is rather cooler here due to the higher altitude. At certain times of year there can be lots of insects around the lake. Please read ‘what to take’ section for further information.

A full day is spent on the lake seeing local life, exploring the floating gardens, and catching a glimpse of the local Intha fishermen who are famous for their unique 'leg-rowing' technique. The Intha leg-rowers navigate their long, narrow craft by standing on the stern with one leg and wrapping the other around the oar. This unique style evolved because the reeds that cover the lake and the floating plants make it difficult to see above them while sitting. The lake is also home to a wide array of bird-life including egrets, cranes, ducks, storks and various birds of prey. Visits may be made to some of the local villages, home to cottage industries such as silversmiths, weavers and cigar makers. If you’re lucky, you might even see the floating market which circles the lake every five days. Here you can buy traditional wares produced by the locals.
Accommodation
  • Khuang Daing Resort or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Inle Lake - Village boat tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Make sure to pack some sunscreen and a hat – it gets hot on the lake with no shade.

After breakfast, take a longtail boat a long a narrow canal to the Indein ruins complex (approximately 45 minutes). Disembark and discover a pagoda and stupas built in the 8th century. Explore the atmospheric ruins; crumbling stupas being reclaimed by greenery, and up a hill over 1000 zedi from the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy views across the valley and lake from the pagoda, browsing through the rows of shops along the corridor uphill, or just marvel at the surroundings. Hike to some of the smaller local villages, through farming land and forested areas. The hike is approximately 7km (4.5mi) in total, through some uneven and sloping terrain, but within the capabilities of most fitness levels. Return to Indein, where you’ll meet your boat and return back to the hotel this afternoon. This evening, reward all your efforts today with a traditional Shan dinner, where you’ll get to sample some of the local-style culinary specialties.
Accommodation
  • Khuang Daing Resort or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Inle Lake - Local villlages hike
  • Inle Lake - Indein Village temple ruins
  • Inle Lake - Traditional Shan dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your leader will adjust the walk based upon local conditions and weather, from March to October your walk will generally be shorter.

Take a morning flight back to Yangon (approximately 1 hour – departure time will depend on flight availability) and discover more of this beguiling city in some free time. Acquire some local handicrafts at the nearby Bogyoke Market, a major bazaar known for its colonial architecture and winding cobblestone alleys. In the afternoon, you will discover one of Yangon's grandest sites, Shwedagon Pagoda. On the way, with your leader’s assistance, you can buy some food and staple items at the nearby market to offer to the monk’s at a monastery – the cost is included in your trip. Visit one of the local monasteries, where you can make the offering to the monks. Have a discussion about their way of life, and perhaps help them practice their English. Then explore Shwedagon, the legendary gold-gilded pagoda is studded with diamonds and gems, and is said to contain eight hairs of the Buddha. Some time will be spent exploring the complex and learning of its history and spiritual devotions. The mix of people it attracts – monks, pilgrims, worshippers, tourists – is almost as striking as the tower itself.
Accommodation
  • Rose Garden Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yangon - Shwedagon Monastery visit
  • Yangon - Shwedagon Pagoda
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This trip comes to an end today after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included but can be pre-booked with our reservations team. Your leader will be on hand to advise you on onward travel arrangements should you require.
Optional Activities
  • Yangon - Hands-on Yangon Urban Adventure - USD81
  • Yangon - Tradition & Culture in Yangon Urban Adventure - USD51
  • Yangon - Yangon's Streets By Night Urban Adventure - USD40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private vehicle, Local truck

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nights), Inle Lake Lakeside Cottages Feature Stay (3 nights)

Included Activities

  • Bago - Shwemawdaw Paya
  • Bago - Shwethalyaung Buddha
  • Kyaiktiyo - Golden Rock Temple
  • Yangon - Walking tour
  • Mandalay - Boat trip to Mingun
  • Mandalay - U Bein Bridge
  • Mandalay - Amarapura visit
  • Mandalay - Mandalay Hill
  • Mandalay - Kuthodaw Paya
  • Mandalay - Mandalay Palace
  • Mandalay - Shwenandaw Monastery
  • Mandalay - Mahamuni Buddha Temple
  • Mandalay - Gold Leaf Pounding Workshop
  • Bagan - Sunset cruise on Ayeyarwady
  • Bagan - Shwezigon Paya
  • Bagan - Archaeological tour
  • Bagan - Nyaung U Market
  • Bagan - In Focus: Community Experience Urban Adventure
  • Inle Lake - Village boat tour
  • Inle Lake - Local villlages hike
  • Inle Lake - Indein Village temple ruins
  • Inle Lake - Traditional Shan dinner
  • Yangon - Shwedagon Monastery visit
  • Yangon - Shwedagon Pagoda

Reviews

Our Magical Myanmar trips score an average of 4.69 out of 5 based on 52 reviews in the last year.

Magical Myanmar, February 2018

Jane Thompson

Review submitted 15 Aug 2018

Magical Myanmar, December 2017

Grace Bokenfohr

Review submitted 07 Apr 2018

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Important notes

1. A complimentary arrival transfer is available for booking. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.
2. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and includes all nights.
3. Peregrine can book an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Bagan (operating end of October to March). Please see Days 8-9 for full details of this activity. Places are limited and we recommend advance booking with your agent.
4. Please provide accurate passport details at time of booking as per passport information page in order for us to book internal flights. Wrong passport info provided may result in extra fees in changing details on the ticket.

Essential trip information

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