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Bagan is a truly astonishing landscape with over 4,000 ancient temples and stupas scattered across the jungly plains.

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BURMA - Mandalay

A visit to the vast Royal Palace whilst staying in Mandalay is highly recommended. Wander through these ornate moat walls to discover the ‘Forbidden City’, which contains teak palaces, throne halls and pavilions.

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BURMA - Bagan - buddhist monk

At the frontier of adventurous Asian travel, Bagan leaves other cultural destinations in the shade. Her temple-strewn landscapes are guaranteed to fill you with both awe and spiritual calm.

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BURMA - religious statue

Just one of the hundreds of impressive religious statues you'll discover in Burma.

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Welcome to Ngapali, Burma's best beach with a wide and inviting stretch of golden sand. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a hectic schedule of temple-tours and even better, you’ll still won't find too many tourists here.

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BURMA - Bagan - Shwezigon Paya

There are often offerings and blessings ceremonies with special costumes happening around the stunning gold-leafed circular stupa at the Shwedagon Pagoda. 

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Burma's most sacred Buddhist site, the Shwedagon Pagoda. A glittering gold 2,000-year-old pagoda, in the heart of Yangon.

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BURMA Balloons Over Bagan

Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon journey over the temples of Bagan with extraordinary views over hundreds of ancient ruins and pagodas which peek out from this remote jungle. It's a truly unforgettable experience and the best way to appreciate this archeological wonder.

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BURMA Bagan Burmese Local

Meet some fantastic local people in Bagan, like this lady we met wearing extraordinary head gear!

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The Mergui Archipelago, a group of 800 islands scatted in the Andaman Sea off the western shore of Burma’s remote south, is one of the last untouched and unspoilt tropical destinations left on earth.

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Sail around the little-known Mergui Archipelago in style, on the sleek and sexy catamaran, Meltimi.

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BURMA Bagan Temple 4

Bagan has a truly astonishing landscape. It is a mesmerising moment when you first set eyes on so many ancient temples peeking out from this vast horizon stretching as far as the Irrawaddy River. Climb a viewpoint and take in over 4000 stupas scattered across the jungly plains. 

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Be welcomed by warm and friendly locals as you explore Burma's countryside. 

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Inle Lake is a place of heart-stopping beauty… Stay at a hotel nearby like Sanctum Inle Resort to glide through the water on a long-tail boat and observe the unique method of rowing with one leg used by the Inle fisher-folk.

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Relax and recharge by the reflective pool at Belmond Governor's Residence Hotel, Yangon - a firm Ampersand favourite.

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Inle Lake is a place of heart-stopping beauty… Slice through the water on a long-tail boat and observe the unique method of rowing with one leg used by the Inle fisher-folk.

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BURMA - Mandalay - Mingun white temple

If you head 10kms up the Irrawaddy River, you’ll be rewarded with the arresting sight of the breath-taking white Mingun pagoda, with its unusual wave-like terraces.

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BURMA Yangon Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon is a beautiful, glittering gold 2,000 year old temple in Yangon. It is Burma's most sacred Buddhist site and draws in local people from within the city and afar. Yangon's early history is tied very closely to its magnificent Pagoda, where eight of Buddha's hairs are said to be enshrined. 

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BURMA RV Paukan Irrawaddy River

A journey aboard the RV Paukan is a wonderful way to take in the Irrawaddy River. This spacious, boutique boat has over 30 crew members to take care of you. 

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BURMA Pyin Oo Lwin

Discover the delights of Pyin Oo Lwin, a scencic hill town in the centre of rural Burma. Learn more of its colonial past from buildings that still exist from British colonial rule in Burma.

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BURMA Bagan Temple 3

At dawn, watch the sun bring Bagan to life, picking out details on the intricate stupas and temples. Although there are around 5,000 monuments, no two are the same.

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BURMA New Moon Festivities

The New Moon Festival is celebrated in Burma with traditional clothing, processions and offerings. If you’re lucky enough to witness a festival in Burma you’ll notice towns get very busy and the Burmese are in a playful mood!

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Escape the heat of the coast in Kalaw, a cool, colonial hill station and admire the wide range of vegetables grown in this fertile climate.

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BURMA - Pyin Oo Lwin - horse and cart

Take a ride in a horse and cart, unique to Pyin Oo Lwin, and visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, which thrive in this cool climate. 

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BURMA - Yangon - reclining Buddha

Find peace in Burma’s capital Yangon when visiting this graceful reclining Buddha and marvel at its size – this Buddha is over 26 metres long.

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BURMA - Mingun - local taxi

Hail a taxi, Burma style! Get to grips with this method of transport in Mingun, where a bullock and bamboo cart is waiting to take you to your destination. 

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BURMA - Marionette Show Bagan

If you get a chance, watch a traditional Marionette show using hand-made puppets, customary age-old entertainment in Burma.

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BURMA - Mandalay - Mingun Stupa

Admire the remains of what would have been the world's largest religious monument, Mingun Paya, if work on it hadn't been halted by an 1838 earthquake.

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BURMA - Inle Princess, Chalet, room

Not only does the Inle Princess Resort provide stunning views over Inle Lake, its chalets are more than comfortable too, with spacious bedrooms and private terraces.

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BURMA - Inle Princess - View from Balcony 207, Min Yu

Admire the reflections in the crystal clear waters of Inle Lake from the privacy of your balcony in a lake front view Chalet at the charming Inle Princess Resort.

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BURMA - Inle Lake cigar rolling

Take part in this fascinating custom in a local home on the shores of Lake Inle and learn how to roll a cheroot style cigar, made from crushed tabacoo and wrapped in tree leaves. Here is Ampersand's MD, James, having a go!

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BURMA - Inle Lake - traditional long neck ladies

Discover more about the little-known minority villages that bank on the shore of Inle Lake. These tribeswomen add rings to their necks to give the impression of ‘long- neck ladies’.

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BURMA - Amarapura - Buddhist nuns

Here we visited a school for nuns in Amarapura, which is a fascinating experience. Burma is absolutely packed full of novice monks and nuns who are completely focused on what they’re doing. The discipline and faith of the Burmese people is really very touching.

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BURMA - Bagan temple 2

Daily life for the Burmese people carries on as usual within the archaeological site of Bagan. 

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Luxury Hotels in Burma (Myanmar)

Emerging Burma (Myanmar) is an explorer’s dream – fascinating natural phenomena, mystical temples toppling into the riverbanks, and undiscovered tropical beaches. Discerning travellers will find an array of good hotels, but they do need to be booked well in advance due to the increase in tourist numbers to Burma. Expect colonial Grand Dames, hotels with stupa-studded vistas and bamboo-clad lakeside lodges. Browse our portfolio of hand-picked hotels, lodges and resorts in Burma, listed alphabetically by location:

  • All
  • Beach & Islands
  • The north - Mandalay & Inle Lake
  • Yangon & South
  • Bagan & river cruises
  • Yangon Highlights

Amara I ,
Bagan

RV Amara I Bagan Burma 4

The Amara I is a traditional Burmese riverboat that cruises up and down Burma's (Myanmar's) beautiful Irrawaddy River. Cruises mainly go...

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Amara II ,
Bagan

Amara II Bagan Burma

The Amara II is very similar to her sister boat, the Amara I. Launched in 2008, the Amara II has...

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Amara Mountain Resort ,
Kalaw

The Amara Kalaw Burma 9

  Amara Mountain Resort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems.  A quaint colonial cottage which dates from 1909,...

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Amara Ocean Resort ,
Ngapali Beach

Amara Ocean Ngapali Beach Burma 4

The Amara Ocean Resort stretches along the pristine shoreline of Ngapali Beach on the west coast of Burma (Myanmar). The 28 spacious...

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Aureum Palace ,
Bagan

AUREUM Palace Hotel Bagan Burma 8

  Aureum Palace features in Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools Aureum Palace is a sprawling property of 114 rooms and villas...

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Aureum Palace Inle ,
Inle Lake

Aureum Palace Inle Inle Lake Burma 5

Aureum Palace Inle is a traditionally Burmese resort located on the eastern banks of Inle Lake. The style of the...

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Bagan Lodge ,
Bagan

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Owned by the Apple Tree brand, who also have The Metropole Hue in Vietnam, Bagan Lodge it is part of...

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Belmond Road to Mandalay ,
Bagan

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The Belmond Road to Mandalay is arguably the most luxurious and romantic way to explore the tranquil Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River....

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Chatrium Hotel ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

Chatrium Hotel Swimming Pool 2 Yangon Burma

The Chatrium Hotel is located next to the historic and well known Kandawgyi Lake in the heart of Myanmar's capital,...

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Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa ,
Ngapali Beach

Hilton Ngapali Resort Spa Ngapali Beach Resort 6

Overlooking the turquoise seas of the Bay of Bengal, the Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa is an elegant property with...

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Hotel by the Red Canal ,
Mandalay

Hotel Red Canal Mandalay Burma 2

The Hotel by the Red Canal is a stylish boutique hotel perfectly located in the centre of Mandalay's main sites.The...

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Hpa-An Lodge ,
Hpa-An

Hpa An Lodge Hpa An Burma 4

Located at the foot of Mount Zwe Kabin in the heart of south eastern Burmese (Myanmarese) province of Kayin, Hpa-An...

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Inle Lake View Resort ,
Inle Lake

INLE Lake View Resort Inle Lake Burma 2  (1)

Inle Lake View is a stylish Burmese-French owned resort situated on the western shore of Inle Lake. This boutique hotel...

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Inle Princess Resort ,
Inle Lake

Inle Princess Resort Inle Lake Burma 5

  Inle Princess Resort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats This peaceful family owned resort is the perfect base...

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Kandawgyi Hill Resort ,
Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)

Kandawgyi Hill Resort, Maymyo, Burma

Kandawgyi Hill Resort is in a good location, with the botanical gardens and a selection of the town's finest colonial...

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Malikha Lodge ,
Putao

Malikha Lodge Putao Burma 21

Malikha Lodge is the perfect introduction and final farewell to Northern Kachin State. Perched high above Burma's (Myanmar's) Nam Lang...

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Mandalay Hill Resort ,
Mandalay

Mandalay Hill Resort Mandalay Burma 15

Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel is centrally located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The rooms offer panoramic views of the...

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Meliá Yangon ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

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Meliá Yangon opened in August 2016 and is situated on the banks of Inya Lake. It is also conveniently located...

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Mountain Top Hotel ,
Kyaikhtiyo

Mountain Top Hotel Burma 6

This basic hotel is the best available for stays in Kyaikhtiyo, rooms have fans, and have garden and mountain views....

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Mr Charles Hotel ,
Hsipaw

Mr Charles Hotel Hsipaw Burma 6

A simple guesthouse well located in the centre of Myanmar's Hsipaw, Mr Charles Hotel is currently the best property in...

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Mrauk U Princess ,
Mrauk U

Mrauk U Princess Mrauk U Burma 3

Mrauk U Princess is the charming sister property to the Inle Princess Resort at Inle Lake, and is by far...

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MY Drenec ,
Mergui Archipelago

MY Drenec Mergui Archipelago Burm

Originally built as a working boat designed to spend long weeks on the open seas, the Drenec underwent a major...

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Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa ,
Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Bay Villas Spa 5

The Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa is one of the best properties on Myanmar's pristine Ngapali Beach. The 32 contemporary...

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Popa Mountain Resort ,
Bagan

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Popa Mountain Resort is perched on the steep hillside peak of Mount Popa. Situated 2,500 feet above sea level, the...

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Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel ,
Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)

Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin Burma 1

Deep in Myanmar's Shan Highlands east of Mandalay, in the scenic hill town of Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly Maymyo, lies...

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Riverside at Hsipaw Resort ,
Hsipaw

Riverside At Hsipaw Resort Hsipaw Burma 24

Set along Hsipaw's picturesque riverside, the Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort is comprised of a series of charming brick cottages with...

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Rupar Mandalar Resort ,
Mandalay

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Rupar Mandalar Resort is a delightful member of the Mandalay hotel scene, tucked away amidst landscaped gardens to the east...

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RV Kindat Pandaw ,
Bagan

RV Pandaw Bagan Burma 5

This classic 187 ft river cruiser is full of Burmese (Myanmarese) charm and appeal, and has all of the on board...

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RV Pandaw II ,
Bagan

The Pandaw II Bagan Burma

The Pandaw II is a replica of a colonial era river steamer with an ultra shallow hull, allowing access to...

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RV Paukan ,
Bagan

RV Paukan Bagan Burma

Paukan is the ancient name of Bagan, the old city of two thousand temples on the bank of the Irrawaddy...

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RV Strand ,
Bagan

The Strand Cruise Burma 10

Burma’s (Myanmar's) most historic hotel, The Strand Hotel in Yangon, is launching it’s very own cruise ship, RV Strand. First sailing...

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Sanctuary Ananda ,
Bagan

Sanctuary Ananda Cruise Burma 8

First sailing in December 2014, the luxurious and stylish all-suite Sanctuary Ananda ship will take you on voyages of discovery...

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Sanctum Inle Resort ,
Inle Lake

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Launched in 2015, the Inle Sanctum is a 94-room luxury resort on the eastern shore of Inle Lake. The tone...

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Sandoway Resort ,
Ngapali Beach

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  Sandoway Resort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Hotels Nestled amongst coconut palms on Myanmar's Ngapali Beach, the Sandoway Resort...

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Sule Shangri-La ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

Traders Hotel Yangon Burma 8

Part of the prestigious Shangri-La hotel group, opposite Scott's Market, the Sule Shangri-La is a well located modern luxury hotel....

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SY Aventure ,
Mergui Archipelago

Aventure 2

  SY Aventure is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Sailboats. Sleeping up to 6 guests in a master cabin and...

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SY Meltemi ,
Mergui Archipelago

Meltemi Mergui Archipelago Burma 4

SY Meltemi is a great catamaran for couples, groups of friends or families as there is plenty of space to...

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SY Meta IV ,
Mergui Archipelago

Meta IV Mergui Archipelago Burma 31

  SY Meta IV is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Sailboats. Sleeping up to 8 guests and with a crew...

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SY Raja Laut ,
Mergui Archipelago

Raja Laut Mergui Burma 13

  SY Raja Laut is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Sailboats. Over 100 feet in length Raja Laut is an antique...

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SY Scame ,
Mergui Archipelago

SY Scame Mergui Archipelago Burma

Scame is a timeless 72 foot sailing yacht with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. With three double cabins, she is...

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SY Sunshine ,
Mergui Archipelago

Sunshine Mergui Peninsula Burma 11

  SY Sunshine is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Luxury Sailboats. Sleeping up to 6 guests in two main staterooms and...

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Belmond Governor's Residence ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

Belmond Governor's Residence, Yangon, Burma Myanmar 2019 (3).jpg

  This property is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Lux City Hotels Without a doubt our favourite hotel in Yangon, the elegant...

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The Hotel at Tharabar Gate ,
Bagan

The Hotel At Tharabar Gate Bagan Burma 1

Nestled amongst the temple complex of Old Bagan, opposite the beautiful and iconic Ananda Temple, the Hotel at Tharabar Gate...

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The Loft ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

The Loft Yangon Burma 7

Opened in 2014, The Loft is a boutique city hotel located in the heart of Yangon.With a chic and modern...

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The Lotte ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

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The Lotte Hotel is a brand-new property just outside the city centre, next to the beautiful Inya Lake, and only...

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The Savoy ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

The Savoy Yangon Burma 1

Overlooking Myanmar's glistening Shwedagon Pagoda, the centrally located Savoy is a throwback to colonial times.Partly renovated, part new build, the...

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The Strand ,
Yangon (Rangoon)

The Strand Yangon Rangoon Burma

Originally built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers on the banks of the Yangon river, mere minutes’ walk from the...

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Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort ,
Bagan

Thiripyitsaya Bagan Burma 8

Situated just outside of Old Bagan, the spacious Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort has a brilliant location on the banks of Myanmar's...

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Wa Ale Island Resort ,
Mergui Archipelago

Wa Ale, Mergui Archipelago, Burma (1).jpg

Tucked away on a 9,000-acre privately-owned island in the Lampi Marine National Park, Wa Ale is an intimate and luxurious...

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Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

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