9 days / 8 nights

A & K Insider Access

For a glimpse into this deeply religious society, take time out to study the Buddhist art of meditation. A&K arranges a brief introduction to the art by one of the leading practitioners in Myanmar in the hope of attaining inner peace and relaxation.

• British colonial Yangon
• Shwedagon Pagoda
• Luxury Ayeyarwady river cruise
• Temples of Bagan
• Floating gardens of Inle Lake
• Choice of accommodation

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Yangon
Arrive to a private A&K welcome and settle into your hotel. A&K escorts you this afternoon for a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and Scott Market, a must for handicrafts, jewellery and antiques.
Yangon (Choice of category)

Day 02 Design Your Day Yangon
This colonial city formerly known as Rangoon is yours to explore from the gracious buildings downtown to old mansions in the diplomatic quarter. An hour of your day is devoted to a brief instruction into the art of meditation by one of the leading practitioners in Myanmar. Otherwise choose between an early morning photographic tour with professional photographer capturing the vibrant, bustling and colourful city when the light is best or sightseeing to the Gem Museum and Glass Blowing Factory (B).
Yangon (Choice of category)

Day 03 Yangon-Bagan
A short flight north to Bagan to board Road To Mandalay, the luxury boat for your journey up the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River. Settle into your cabin before lunch. This afternoon disembark to explore Bagan whose 2500 ancient temples and shrines cover a vast plain straddling the Ayeyarwady. (B,L,D).
Road To Mandalay (Choice of category)

Day 04 Road To Mandalay
This morning explore some of Bagan’s local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longis and rattan goods and see Myanmar’s famous lacquerware being made. Sail northwards towards to Myanmar’s cultural capital, Mandalay and take in the sights of this mighty river: local boatmen; riverside villages; ox-carts; ruined monuments and ancient temples (B,L,D).
Road To Mandalay (Choice of category)

Day 05 Road To Mandalay
Arrive at the quaint village of Shwe Kyet Yet and in the afternoon visit Sagaing considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did (B,L,D).
Road To Mandalay (Choice of category)

Day 06 Road To Mandalay
After breakfast, cruise to Mingun to visit the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry for a late lunch and, in the afternoon, a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay, centre of Burmese culture and learning (B,L,D).
Road To Mandalay (Choice of category)

Day 07 Mandalay-Inle Lake
Disembark in Mandalay and fly to Heho where your private transfer awaits. Arrival at the resort is by boat. The shallow waters of Inle Lake stretch for 35 kms, circled by rolling hills and dotted with small fishing villages. The lake itself is home to the Intha people and this afternoon you visit a local market, boat builders and see blacksmiths and silversmiths at work (B,L,D).
Inle Princess Resort (Choice of category)

Day 08 Design Your Day Inle Lake
Early this morning meet a local family who, with your guide, accompanies you on a market visit to source fresh produce for the day’s culinary adventure. Return to the family’s lakeside dwelling where the secrets of Shan style cuisine are revealed. Help prepare and then enjoy a family meal in these unique surrounds. Other options for the day include exploring the lake by boat with your guide observing the man-made floating gardens and traditional leg-rowers, visiting the old village of Indein with its hill of stupas and pagodas and the wooden Ngapechaung Monastery famous for its jumping cats. Home to many cottage industries you can also visit a cheroot rolling operation (B,L,D).
Inle Princess Resort (Choice of category)

Day 09 Inle Lake-Yangon
A return flight south to the capital where a hotel room is booked for day use. Time for last minute shopping before onward flight arrangements (B).

Note: Rates for Platinum and Gold based on B Deck cabin. Supplements apply for single occupancy of a twin cabin. Rates for Design your Day excursions available on request.

Malikha Lodge Extension
For great mountain views and rugged scenery, we recommend extending to the exquisite Malikha Lodge in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the far north of the country. Active guests can choose from a programme of hiking, kayaking and mountain biking and more sedentary pursuits include village visits and spa treatments.

Departure Dates & Prices – Mysteries of Myanmar

Tour Departs:

On the following dates

2008

Malikha Lodge Extension

Tour Departs:

Daily on

Tuesday & Friday

Note: Malikha Lodge closed May – September inclusive