Upon arrival in Yangon, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Formerly named Rangoon by the British, Yangon was the country’s capital until 2006 and is still Burma’s largest and most influential city. Its dusty streets are lined with an intriguing array of traditional wooden houses and shacks, mighty Colonial-era relics, and more modern – although often already decaying – office buildings. The city’s landscape is also sprinkled with a large number of green spaces, and the skyline more often pierced by a golden spire than any high-rise building. Overnight in Yangon.

Morning transfer to the bustling streets of India Town, at the very heart of downtown Yangon round 26th Street. Explore the lively morning market where there will be plenty of time to barter with the vendors before making the short journey to Yangon’s Central Train Station to board the ‘circular railway’. This local commuter train service slowly weaves its way through the city’s various neighbourhoods, revealing the lively and colourful life of the inhabitants.

Upon arrival at Hledan, disembark and continue by car to the nearby Chaukhtatgyi Paya to visit the huge reclining Buddha. Also in the Hledan district is Yangon University and the area is home to many of the city’s more affluent residents.

After a break for lunch, returning to your hotel if you wish, transfer downtown to the Sule Pagoda. Known as the ‘gathering point’ by the city’s residents, the pagoda is one of the city’s great landmarks, and has also played an important part in contemporary Burmese politics. According to legend the Sule was built during the lifetime of the Buddha, making it more than 2,600 years old.

You may wish to consult one of the fortune-tellers residing in the many small rooms surrounding the pagoda before continuing west on foot towards Mahabandoola Park and Burma’s Independence Monument. From this point you can see many grand Colonial buildings including the City Hall, the Supreme Court and the Baptist Church.

Passing along Pansodan Street as far as the jetty, you may see boat loads of people making their daily commute across the Yangon River into the city to work, or to sell their homemade goods.

Set along the river bank, are many more fine Colonial buildings such as the Custom House, the British Embassy, the General Post Office and The Strand Hotel. The Strand was built in 1896 by Aviet and Tigran Sarkie, and opened in 1901. It was once home to the likes of George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Spending time in teashops is one of the nation’s favourite pastimes, and after continuing your tour down 41st street through a typical residential area, make a stop in a traditional establishment where your guide will talk you through the general etiquette involved!

In the late afternoon make a visit to Burma’s most iconic site, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. This 2,000 year old temple is one of the most significant religious sites in Burma and undoubtedly the one most readily associated with the ‘Land of the Golden Spires’. Explore the many shrines that surround the pagoda, as locals from across the city flock to this incredible landmark to make their daily prayers. Outside of the main compound, makeshift food markets appear; your guide can introduce you to your first flavours of the local cuisine. As night falls, the pagoda is lit up in the most mesmeric fashion. Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning transfer to the Nanthida Jetty, making your way through the bustling daily market before boarding a local ferry for the 20 minute crossing to Dala (Dhala).

Disembark and take a local trishaw ride around the village, stopping to visit several points of interest such as Paya Gyi and the market. Despite its close proximity to the city, Dala is surprisingly rural and undeveloped, providing a welcome contrast to central Yangon, although a bridge is planned in the coming years and land prices have soared.

A visit to the monastery is an excellent chance to learn about monastic life in Burma. More than just a place of worship, the monastery serves as a community centre where the people can do good deeds, gain eternal merit and find peace of mind. Return by boat to Yangon observing life along the riverbanks, before docking back at Nanthida Jetty. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning transfer out of Yangon, travelling in south-easterly direction into the Mon State and on to the city of Mawlanyine. En route stop at several points of interest such as the Nwa-La-Bo Pagoda.

Approx. 6-7 hours drive from Yangon, beautiful Mawlamyine lies flanked by the Andaman Sea, the Thanlwin River estuary and tranquil pagoda-topped hills.

On arrival, you’ll have the chance to visit the charmingly faded Colonial buildings that line its Strand Road, and perhaps sample street food from the stalls that spring up there. Sunset is best enjoyed from one of the stupas dotted along the forest clad ridgeline that overlooks the town with views out to sea. Having enjoyed the scene, transfer to your hotel.

Mawlamyine lies flanked by the Andaman Sea, the Thanlwin River Estuary and the tranquil stupa-topped hillside that runs behind the town, to the east, like a backbone. The town was established by the British as the original capital of Colonial Burma and was an influential port in its heyday.

It is an easy paced place, exhibiting a fascinating mix of cultures and religions nestled side-by-side amongst crumbling Colonial facades and a dizzying mix of temples, mosques, churches and pagodas. Overnight in Mawlamyine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a tour of Mawlamyine’s highlights. Consider starting off by accompanying your guide to a local teashop to begin your day as the locals do with a cup or two of strong sweet tea, a few Indian delicacies and a good gossip. The perfect foundation for a day of exploration!

Start your tour amongst the hustle and bustle of the Colonial area as the streets and markets spring into life in an array of noise and colour. Wander past mosques, temples and even a Judson Church, the first Baptist church in Burma. The central market (closed on a Sunday) is well worth a look and, for those with an interest (and a relatively robust constitution), consider heading out of town to the fish market.

There will also be time to explore some of the pagodas and monasteries dotted along the hillside overlooking the town including the century-old Queen Seindon Monastery, with its impressive golden stupas built for an influential queen from Mandalay; Kyaikthan Lan Pagoda (Kipling’s favourite); and the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda, which is the largest temple complex overlooking the town.

If time permits, consider escaping the town in the afternoon. Having travelled south for approximately one hour, you will arrive in Thanbyuzayat, the western terminus of the Burma-Siam ‘Death Railway’, whose construction claimed the lives of thousands of Allied prisoners and Asian labourers. Here there is a moving war cemetery containing 3771 graves which offers an insight into this harrowing part of Burmese history. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon. Overnight in Mawlamyine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The early morning start is soon justified by one of the more scenic river journeys Burma has to offer as you take to the water for the 4 – 5 hour cruise between Mawlamyine and Hpa An. Starting early, and having boarded a small local craft, your journey time will vary according to water conditions. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back and soak up the slow paced rural sights of limestone karts rising our of vibrant green paddy fields and sugar cane plantations.

Having disembarked you will be met by your driver and vehicle for the drive to Kaw Ka Thawng, climbing the final steps that lead up the hillside to the two main caves dotted with numerous Buddha statues. These caves have seen a little work over the years and some parts are even tiled which can be slippery underfoot. The walk up to the top offers lovely views across the scenic countryside and why not round off the day with a paddle or swim in the hot spring pool at the bottom of the hill which is popular with the locals.

Drive on to Hpa An and check into your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Hpa An offers few sights to the visitor but has a pleasant energy to it. Hotels and restaurants are at the simpler end of the scale and nightlife is almost non-existent. The Shweyinhmyaw Pagoda down by the waterfront is a lovely spot from which to take in the view across the river. Overnight in Hpa An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast begin your journey back to Yangon, taking the route via Kawgun Cave. Here the partially open cave sides and walls are plastered with tiny clay Buddhas and carvings, some dating back to the 7th century. All open spaces were once covered in this plaster work, some of which has fallen away. However those areas less exposed to the elements still exhibit rich paint work to enhance the effect which with a bit of imagination would have been a phenomenal sight when all in place and covering every inch of the cave walls.

Your guide will be happy to discuss ideas for possible additional stops en route. Arrive in Yangon in the afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to Kakku. It’s a picturesque drive and along the way you will pass many farmers bringing their crops to the roadside by ox-cart; for collection by wholesalers from as far afield as Yangon or China. You’ll immediately notice the refreshing difference in climate as well, with Heho sitting at an altitude of over 3000 feet.

Upon arrival you will discover the less visited Kakku Pagoda Complex, built in the same style as the Indein Pagoda on the banks of Inle Lake. The unique temple complex consists of more than 2000 stupas and remained unknown, other than to the local Pa-O people, for centuries and in more recent times was off limits to tourists. Today however you can explore the entire site, more often than not in near solitude, before completing your journey to Nyaung Shwe, set on the shores of Inle Lake.

Nyaung Shwe is a charming town, often overlooked en route to one of the lakeside resorts, but those that take the time to stay a night or two are rewarded with a laid back, backpacker-esque atmosphere. There is a thriving local market and easy access to a range of activities including trekking, cycling and vineyard visits. There’s an excellent range of local cafes and restaurants, and even a champagne bar (!) for those wanting something a little extra special. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning departure from Nyaung Shwe, boarding a small boat before proceeding onto Inle Lake. The narrow channels widen as you approach the lake proper, and you’ll soon be crossing the broad & (usually) tranquil waters, with hills and mountains surrounding you in every direction. The panorama is simply breath-taking, a mood only enhanced as you pass the fishermen deploying their unique foot-rowing technique.

The region is home to at least eight different tribes, who live both on and beside the lake. Inhabitants of this region rely on the lake in a variety of ways, be it for transport, food or income. During the afternoon, you will visit a floating vegetable garden and several minority villages, including Inpawkhone, a floating village famed for its weaving. You will also have the chance to learn about the traditional fishing methods used by the native Intha people. Later, there will be time to visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, with its famous five golden statues that are paraded around the lake throughout the fortnight-long festival of Hpaung Daw U, and the old teak Ngaphechaung monastery.

In the late afternoon, transfer to a smaller canoe, and tour one of the local villages, such as Minethauk or Nampan, guiding between the houses with ease thanks to the expertise of your boatman. Return to Nyaung Shwe in the late afternoon. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Nyaung Shwe, your journey begins by private boat. The boat trip will take around four and a half hours, travelling by lake as far as Phekhon. After lunch drive to Loikaw. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, there will be time to visit the local monastery and nunnery and to enjoy the marvellous sunset view from Thirimingala Pagoda (Taung Kwe Zedi), which is over 100 years old.

Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State, located in the Karen Hills area. The town is close to the Pilu River, and is surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls. Due to the remote location this region attracts just a fraction of the visitor numbers that visit Inle Lake each year, allowing those that do venture this far to enjoy the sublime scenery in a little more solitude.

Throughout your stay you will undoubtedly become enchanted by the serenity of the local people and their customs. There are also a variety of sites of interest, of which the most famous one is the beautifully situation Thirimingala Pagoda. Another undoubted highlight is Demawso Market (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays). A visit to this market also provides you with an opportunity to see members of different ethnic groups wearing their unique traditional dress. Overnight in Loikaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore Loikaw town by car and visit the nearby villages of Ngwe Taung Dam and San Mone. Both villages are inhabited by the Padaung tribe, well known for their distinctive copper neck rings. You will also visit a weaving centre to observe the process of making the traditional Kayar dresses.

After lunch, visit Christ the King Catholic Church whose diocese of Loikaw was officially established in 1989. Then visit a small factory shop to learn how to prepare millet wine, seen by the Karenni people as an important part of their cultural heritage.

Your guide will then accompany you to Thiri Mingalarpon Monastery which used to be the Haw of Loikaw – the palace of the Shan feudal chief, before your tour finishes at the Kayah State Museum. This museum is a great opportunity to learn more about the remarkable culture and heritage of the different ethnic groups that have long been settled in this region. Overnight in Loikaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart this morning for the drive north. The road to Kalaw is particularly scenic, and passes numerous farmlands and plantations. Lunch will be at Pinlaung market, allowing you to sample some typical local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere. Then visit the Myintmahti Buddhist Caves, before making the final leg of the drive to Kalaw, arriving in the late afternoon.

Due to the forgiving climate the town was popular with the British during Colonial times and is now experiencing something of a revival, with travellers using it as an ideal base to visit the nearby minority tribes. Overnight in Kalaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast visit the bustling Kalaw market before transferring to Heho in time for your flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred directly out of the city to Monywa, around 130km north-west of Mandalay.

Set on the banks of the Chinwin River, Monywa is a major trading centre, with the wide range of agricultural produce available from across the region ensuring that the morning market is always a lively affair. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Monywa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, take the ferry across the Chindwin River and drive as far as Po Win Taung. Consisting of 947 large and richly decorated sandstone caves, this amazing site is believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions many thousands of years ago. Today, this area contains what many archaeologists consider to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddhist statues in South East Asia, some dating back as far as the 14th Century.

After exploring the caves, continue just a few hundred meters to Shwe Ba Hill, where monasteries and temples have been sculpted from the natural sandstone and volcanic rocks. Many of the pavilions are beautifully decorated and filled with Buddha images.

Return to Monywa, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Monywa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Make a morning tour of some of Monywa’s highlights including the Thanboddhay Pagoda, a grand temple covered with more than half a million Buddha images. Dating from 1303 but reconstructed in 1939, this temple bears a close resemblance to Indonesia’s Borobudur. Also visit the Boditahaung Pagoda, home to the one thousand sacred Boo trees and the largest reclining Buddha image in Burma at around 100 meters long and 27 meters high.

There should also be time to explore more of the city centre before visiting Kyaukka lacquerware village and Shweguni Pagoda, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Upper Burma.

After lunch depart for Mandalay arriving in the late afternoon. If time allows, your guide will be happy to accompany you up the 790 feet of Mandalay Hill to explore the hilltop pagodas & temples and enjoy panoramic views as the sun sets.

In the early evening, transfer to the excellent Mandalay Marionette Theatre for the nightly performance. One of the best known traditional theatre performances in Myanmar, the theatre was initially founded in 1986. The winner of numerous national awards, the performance provides the ideal opportunity to gain a better understanding of Burmese traditional cultural performances.

The economic centre of upper Burma, and the country’s 19th century capital, Mandalay, or ‘City of Gems’, is the country’s 2nd largest city. It’s synonymous with British Colonial rule and romance, due in part to Kipling’s love-affair with the city.

Taking its name from the hill that watches over it, modern Mandalay is a thriving centre of commerce (relatively speaking of course – this is no Los Angeles!) with a bustling city centre and central market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your day is at leisure (a city tour can be arranged) until your transfer to Mandalay Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast