Burma Itineraries
Myanmar Explorer - 15 days / 14 nights
from £5,299 per person (including flights from the UK)
Based on the R/V Viking Explorer
Day 1 - Bangkok, Thailand
Fly from the UK to Bangkok. We meet you at the airport and take you to the Shangri-La Bangkok (or similar) where you check in for a 2-night stay.
Day 2 - Bangkok, Thailand
This morning you can acclimate yourself to this colourful city. After breakfast at your hotel, take a guided tour of Bangkok’s canals and the famous Grand Palace. Dating to the late 1700s, this walled complex features golden pagodas and stupas (shrines). It has been the royal family’s residence for more than 150 years. In the afternoon, browse an open air market or visit one of the city’s museums on your own. This evening, enjoy a Thai welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 3 - Yangon, Myanmar
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Yangon, the former Burmese capital also known as Rangoon (“end of strife”). Founded in the 11th century as a fishing village, Yangon was transformed into a major hub during the colonial era. It is the country’s largest city and cultural capital. Upon arrival, transfer to the sumptuous Sule Shangri-La (or similar) for a 2-night stay and enjoy some free time before dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 - Yangon, Myanmar
This morning enjoy some free time where you may want to take the Yangon circular train, visit Scott Market, see the Tukkyan War Cemetery or learn about the country’s history and culture at the National Museum. This afternoon you have a guided tour of more of Yangon’s highlights. Visit the adorned Shwedagon Pagoda and view Karaweik Palace, a glittering structure on Kandawgyi Lake designed after a royal barge with an elaborate gilded bow. You will also visit the colonial-era General Aung San Market, or Scott Market, where you will find antiques, Burmese handicrafts, jewellery and art galleries. (B, D)
Day 5 - Inle Lake, Myanmar
After a relaxed morning and a late breakfast, you will fly to Heho, gateway to the tranquil Inle Lake. The lake is lined with simple villages on stilts and dotted with unique floating gardens tended by farmers in their boats. The state of Shan, where the lake is situated, is known for its papermaking and you can witness the craft firsthand during a workshop. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 6 - Inle Lake, Myanmar
Today you will immerse yourself in the culture of Inle Lake. Explore the Indein Stupa Complex, a stunning forest of 1,000 ancient towering spires. Stop by one stupa that was restored with support from Viking. Embark a small boat to visit one of the lake’s villages perched on stilts. After lunch here, visit a charming silk-weaving village to witness this intricate craft first hand and pass by one of the village’s unique floating gardens to learn about their unique cultivation. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Mandalay, Myanmar
Fly to Mandalay today. Upon arrival, take a panoramic tour of central Mandalay, visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda, with its serene brass statue of the Buddha. Embark your ship this afternoon and enjoy dinner this evening on board. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Mandalay, Myanmar
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour of Mandalay, including Mandalay Palace and Kuthodaw Complex, containing the world’s biggest book. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then stop to see gold-leaf beating and other traditional crafts. Proceed to Amarapura, a more recent Burmese capital, now a township of Mandalay. We will see the city’s U Bein Bridge; at three quarters of a mile, it is the world’s longest teak bridge. Take a boat ride on the lake this evening for a great view of the sunset. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Ohn Ne Choung, Myanmar
Today, the timeless and tranquil life along the Irrawaddy River unfolds before you. You will see spires of stupas poking above treetops and fields being tended by farmers. As you cruise, you can enjoy an onboard presentation about local traditions. Stop to visit Ohn Ne Choung, a traditional riverside farming and fishing community that seems pulled from the past. This evening, learn about the temple-strewn city of Bagan during a lecture. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan was the capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287. The plain east of the curving Irrawaddy is one of the most wondrous sights in Myanmar. You will visit several of the 3,000 listed monuments: Shwesandaw Pagoda; the 11th-century Ananda, one of the best-preserved Bagan temples; and Ananda Oakkyaung Monastery. You can learn about local lacquerware during a workshop, and later marvel at a magnificent view of Bagan’s vast forest of spires. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Salé Monasteries, Myanmar
Today’s scenic Irrawaddy cruising is punctuated with an afternoon stop at the famous Salé Monasteries. These 50 monasteries are home to 7,000 residents. The highlight of the day is the teak Yout-Saun-Kyaung, with its spectacular wood carvings, built in 1882. Also explore a nearby area of splendid British colonial-style houses before returning to your ship. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Yandabo, Myanmar
Today’s scenic cruising will feature a visit to one of the area’s typical small villages, Yandabo. The treaty ending the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826) was signed here in February 1826. Today, the town has a population of about 1,000, and specializes in terra-cotta pottery shaped from riverbank clay. We will spend time at a workshop to see how these useful vessels are created and fired. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Myint Mu & Monywa, Myanmar
This morning we moor in Myint Mu. From here, you will take a drive to discover Monywa. In this vibrant city on the banks of the Chindwin River, visit Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, a massive Buddhist temple originally built in 1303 containing 500,000 images of Buddha. You can also see the longest reclining and the tallest standing Buddhas in the world here. In the afternoon, enjoy a final day of cruising along the magical Irrawaddy River. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - Bangkok, Thailand
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard the ship, then disembark and proceed to the airport. Fly to Bangkok and check into the Shangri-La Bangkok (or equivalent) for a final evening before your flight home. (B)
Day 15 - Bangkok, Thailand
After your hotel breakfast, proceed to the Bangkok airport. Or, extend your stay in Bangkok with an additional 2-night extension so you can experience more of this fascinating city. (B)
Majestic Burma - 17 days / 16 nights
from £4,295 per person (including flights from the UK)
Based on the R/V Princess Panhwar
Downstream Sailing: Mandalay to Yangon
Day 1 - Depart London
Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Burma.
Day 2 - Arrive Mandalay
Upon arrival into Mandalay airport, be met by a representative and transfer to your stylish ship. Settle in to your cabin and enjoy lunch on board. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before a Welcome Dinner on board this evening to get to know your Tour Director.
Stay: 14 Nights: R/V Princess Panhwar
Daily Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Mandalay
Like a Local – Visit Mandalay’s Mahamuni Buddha Temple, where you may be able to add your own sheet of gold leaf to a statue of the Mahamuni Buddha. Then explore a range of workshops. Later, tour Shwenandaw Monastery; visit Kuthodaw Pagoda to see what is thought to be the world’s largest book; and ascend Mandalay Hill for views out over the city. Like a Local – Later, stroll along U Bein Bridge.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Sagaing, Inwa, Myinmu.
In Sagaing, explore Soon U Ponya Shin and Kaunghmudaw pagodas then visit a silversmith’s workshop. Later, cruise to Inwa, an ancient imperial capital which has been rebuilt many times over the years. Enjoy a tour of Inwa, taking in Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan and Bagaya Monestries. Tonight, enjoy a cultural show on board.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Bagan
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Myinmu taking in the sights of the local village. Back on board, capture your first glimpse of Bagan, an awe-inspiring archaeological site. The reminder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Bagan
Today begins with an exciting visit to the bustling Nyaung-U market. Mingle with the locals and browse the wares that are sold at this trade hub. Visit a range of distinctive structures such as Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century ‘cave temple’ with an Indian-style spire, before you head to a lacquerware workshop and a local village for further insight into the local way of life and craftsmanship.
Enhance your Journey: At sunrise or sunset, perhaps board a hot air balloon and float over the pagodas of Bagan.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Bagan, Tantkyi Hill, Salay
This morning, climb Tantkyi Hill to visit Tantkyitaung Pagoda, encircled by 32 elephant statues and believed to house tooth relics of Buddha. Follwing lunch on board, cruise to the village of Salay, a colourful religious centre. Visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, the region’s oldest surviving wooden monastery resplendent with spectacular wood carvings and ancient religious artefacts. Salay is also home to Shinbin Maha Laba Man Paya, the largest lacquer Buddha image in Burma, believed to date from the 13th century.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Salay, Magwe
Awake today to the glorious scenery along the Irrawaddy River as you begin sailing downstream to the sleepy delta town of Magwe and visit the market. This afternoon visit the Mya Tha Lun Pagoda before returning to your ship this evening and enjoy a puppet show.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Magwe, Thayetmyo
Stop in the town of Minhla, the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo-Burmese War, which was the inspiration for a Rudyard Kipling poem. Take a small boat to visit Gwechaung and Minhla forts, built by Italian engineers in 1860 to keep British forces out of Burma. Later, cruise to Thayetmyo, a pleasant port town that once sat on the British colonial border between Upper Burma and Lower Burma. Here, step out to wander the streets, take in the colonial houses and visit Burma’s oldest golf course, established by the British in 1887.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Thayetmyo, Pyay (Prome)
See a selection of gilded pagodas this morning, including the imposing Shwesandaw Pagoda this morning before cruising to Sri Ksetra. Marvel at the 1,500 year old brick stupas and temples which are among the earliest Buddhist monuments in the world. Absorb wonderful views of the Akauk Mountains and their river-facing cliff carvings as you continue cruising towards Pyay.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11. Pyay, Myanaung
Disembark in Myanaung for a walking tour this morning will take you past a range of well-preserved colonial houses and on to the bustling local market. Established by the British Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the late 19th century, the town originally served as a transshipment point for cargo being moved between Upper and Lower Burma.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12. Zalon, Danuphyu
Continue south along the Irrawaddy Delta to the delta town of Zalon. You’ll set off on a guided tour, taking in the town’s many colonial-style wooden houses and large tropical gardens. This afternoon cruise to Danuphyu, a small town where the revered General Maha Bandula led a famous Burmese defensive against the British troops during the First Anglo-Burmese War.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13. Danuphyu
Disembark this morning in Danuphyu to explore the Monastery of Maha Bandula and a home cheroot-making workshop before cruising to Maubin.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14. Maubin
Awake today to the glorious scenery of Maubin, home to a number of universities as well as a range of Buddhist pagodas. Prominent Burmese political leader and activist Ba Maw was born here in 1893. Disembark for a walking tour, and learn about the town’s history. Visit the local market before returning to your ship.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15. Yangon
Awake this morning in the beautiful city of Yangon. Disembark this morning to tour the sights of the city including Sule Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake and Bogyoke Market. Like a Local – This afternoon, visit the Reclining Buddha and marvel at the Shwedagon Pagoda, resplendent with a golden spire that dominates the skyline at sunset before a Farewell Dinner on board this evening.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16. Disembark Ship, Depart Yangon
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Daily Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17. Arrive UK
Burmese Odyssey - 12 days / 11 nights
Based on the R/V Paukan
Departure Dates: 05 November 2015 (sold out), 19 November 2015 (sold out), 15 January 2016, 08 February 2016, 22 February 2016, 07 March 2016
Upstream sailing: Bagan- Mandalay
Day 1: UK flight to Burma
Day 2: Yangon (Rangoon)
Morning arrival in Rangoon. Bus transfer to Chatrium**** Hotel (or similar) and lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Yangon also known as Rangoon, literally “end of strife”. The former capital city is often nicknamed “The Garden of the East”. Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial center. You will be surprised with its numerous cultural treasures as the city has the largest number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia today. Amongst many wonders, visit of the Sule Pagoda and St Mary Cathedral. Cross the colonial district where the buildings have retained their ancient charm. By late afternoon, you walk up to the hill where Shwedagon Pagoda, the city’s emblem, overlooks the entire city. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Yangon
After crossing the Burmese countryside, arrive in the small town of Syriam. The avenues of the Than Lyn and Kyauk Tan market reflect the traditions of their people. The visit continues with Ye-Le Pagoda, built around the third century BCE. This Buddhist temple houses a large collection of paintings and works of art. Return to Rangoon for the lunch and visit Botataung and Chaukhtatgyi Pagodas. Then a must stop at the Scott Market, both worthy for its architecture and its craft shops. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Yangon - Bagan - Start of Cruise
After breakfast, transfer of the airport for flight to Bagan. Spend the entire day discovering the prestigious Bagan. The ancient Kingdom’s capital ranks among the most significant religious site in the world. Embark on board the RV PAUKAN. In the afternoon, you visit a selection of the 2.000 listed pagodas and temples, many dating to the eleventh century. Alternatively passengers can hire a horse cart or a bicycle and explore the site on your own, dinner and overnight on the ship.
Day 5: Mount Popa
Full day excursion to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano located 65 km South East of Bagan. It stands as one of the National Parks with preserved forest in the hot, dry and plain region of middle Myanmar. The popularity of Mt. Popa today lies in the interest of religious and mystical beliefs of the great family of the “Nats”. Climb the Taungkalat to see the panoramic view of the whole area. Lunch will be taken at the Popa Mountain Resort. On the way back to Bagan, visit the toddy palm producing home cottage (Palm sugar). Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 6: Bagan - Shwe Pyi Thar
After breakfast, visit the local market of Nyaung U, alongside food and textiles crafts stalls. Explore the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique. Alternatively you can hire a horse cart or a bicycle to explore BAGAN’s surroundings. After the onboard lunch, the ship heads for Mandalay. While sailing, relax on the Sundeck and attend a presentation of local customs and traditions. The ships drops anchor in late afternoon near the village of Shwe Pyi Thar. Dinner on board followed by a Puppet Show. Overnight on board.
Day 7: Yandabo - Navigation
Stop in the early morning at Yandabo, a picturesque river village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Explore the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique and then visit the school and the monastery. Lunch on board. The RV Paukan sails downstream the Irrawaddy. During the afternoon, first part of the local customs presentation and relaxing time. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8: Monywa
Full day exploration of Monywa and its vicinity, located on the banks of Chindwin River. Departure by bus to reach the caves of Hpo Win Daung. They are home to hundreds of Buddha statues dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth century. One can also admire beautiful murals of that period. Then back to Monywa for lunch at the restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the pagoda Sambuddhai Kat Kyaw where over 500,000 Buddha statues are placed inside the site. Then return by bus to Sagaing and go back on board the RV Paukan. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 9: Ava - Amarapura
Start this day by the discovery of the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese kingdom from 1364 to 1841. Explore the ruins by horse cart visiting the beautiful 200 years old Bagaya Kyaung Teak Monastery, the Nanmyin Watchtower (27m. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. Back to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, you visit Sagaing, a hill studded with many pagodas and monasteries. This excursion will make you familiar with pottery making and silver working. Coach to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal capital (1783), to visit a traditional silk weaving workshop followed by U-Bein Bridge, the world’s longest wooden bridge (1.2 km) on the Taungthaman Lake and enjoy the sunset there. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 10: Mingun - Mandalay
Morning visit of Mingun. The city abounds with numerous ancient palaces and must-to-see religious sites. You start with the unfinished Pagoda dating back to the Burmese Kingdom. Then you will admire the largest working bell in the world (weighting almost 90 tons) and you finish this half day of visit by the “Home for the aged”. After lunch on board, the RV Paukan sails downstream the Irrawaddy to Mandalay Visit the Mahamuni Pagoda and the nearby Kuthodaw Paya Temple, which contains the world’s biggest book, the workshops of gold leave making, tapestry making, woodcarving, marble carving and bronze casting. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 11: Mandalay - Rangoon - End of Cruise
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport of Mandalay for the flight to Yangon. Transfer to downtown for the lunch. In the afternoon, the time is free. In the evening return flight to your country. (As per flight schedule).
Day 12: Flight back to the UK
Burmese Odyssey - 12 days / 11 nights
Based on the R/V Paukan
Departure Dates: 26 November 2015 (sold out), 8 January 2016, 15 February 2016 & 14 March 2016
Downstream sailing: Mandalay- Bagan
Day 1: UK flight to Burma
Day 2: Yangon (Rangoon)
Morning arrival in Rangoon. Bus transfer to Chatrium**** Hotel (or similar) and Lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Yangon also known as Rangoon, literally “end of strife”. The former capital city is often nicknamed “The Garden of the East”. Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial centre. You will be surprised with its numerous cultural treasures as the city has the largest number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia today. Amongst many wonders, visit of the Sule Pagoda and St Mary Cathedral. Cross the colonial district where the buildings have retained their ancient charm. By late afternoon, you walk up to the hill where Shwedagon Pagoda, the city’s emblem, overlooks the entire city. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Yangon
After crossing the Burmese countryside, arrive in the small town of Syriam. The avenues of the Than Lyn and Kyauk Tan market reflect the traditions of their people. The visit continues with Ye-Le Pagoda, built around the third century BCE. This Buddhist temple houses a large collection of paintings and works of art. Return to Rangoon for the Lunch, and visit Botataung and Chaukhtatgyi Pagodas. Then a must stop at the Scott Market, both worthy for its architecture and its craft shops. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Start of Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Mandalay. You embark the RV Paukan in late morning. Welcome cocktail and Lunch on board. The ship starts its navigation on the Irrawaddy River heading for the village of Mingun, where you visit the unfinished Pagoda dating back to the Burmese Kingdom. Then you will admire the largest working bell in the world (weighting almost 90 tons) and you finish this day of visit by the “Home for the aged”. Dinner & overnight on board.
Day 5: Mandalay - Amarapura
Morning exploration of Mandalay, which abounds with ancient palaces and numerous religious sites. Start with the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most revered shrines of the country and the nearby Kuthodaw Paya Temple, which contains the world’s biggest book, the workshops of gold leave making, tapestry making, woodcarving, marble carving and bronze casting. After the onboard Lunch, excursion to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal capital (1783), to visit a traditional silk weaving workshop followed by U-Bein Bridge, the world’s longest wooden bridge (1.2 km) on the Taungthaman Lake and enjoy the sunset there. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 6: Sagaing - Ava
Start this day by the discovery of Sagaing, historic center of Burmese Buddhism. This excursion will make you familiar with pottery making and silver working. Back to the ship for Lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese kingdom from 1364 to 1841. Explore the ruins by horse cart visiting the beautiful 200 years old Bagaya Kyaung Teak Monastery, the Nanmyin Watchtower (27m. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. Dinner and overnight on board. Traditional dance show by local performers on board.
Day 7: Monywa
Full day exploration of Monywa and its vicinity, located on the banks of Chidwin River. Departure by bus to reach the caves of Hpo Win Daung. They are home to hundreds of Buddha statues dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth century. One can also admire beautiful murals of that period. Then back to Monywa for Lunch at the restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the pagoda Sambuddhai Kat Kyaw where over 500,000 Buddha statues are placed inside the site. Then return by bus to Sagaing and go back on board the RV Paukan. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8: Yandabo - Shwe Pyi Thar
Stop in the early morning at Yandabo, a picturesque river village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Explore the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique and then visit the school and the monastery. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, the ship will moor at Shwe Pyi Thar Village for a walk to discover local activities. Dinner on board followed by a Puppet Show. Overnight on board.
Day 9: Bagan
Spend the entire day discovering the prestigious Bagan. The ancient Kingdom’s capital ranks among the most significant religious site in the world. You visit a selection of the 2.000 listed pagodas and temples, many dating to the eleventh century. Alternatively passengers can hire a horse cart or a bicycle and explore the site on your own. Return on board in late evening. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 10: Mount Popa
Full day excursion to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano located 65 km South East of Bagan. It stands as one of the National Parks with preserved forest in the hot, dry and plain region of middle Myanmar. The popularity of Mt. Popa today lies in the interest of religious and mystical beliefs of the great family of the “Nats”. Climb the Taungkalat to see the panoramic view of the whole area. Lunch will be taken at the Popa Mountain Resort. On the way back to Bagan, visit the toddy palm producing home cottage. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 11: Bagan - End of Cruise - Yangon (Rangoon)
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon. Transfer to downtown for the lunch. In the afternoon, the time is free. In the evening return flight to your country.
Day 12: Arrive in your UK
