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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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Locations in Yangon & South

Burma (Myanmar) appeals to those looking for an authentic, old-style Asia. Her people are truly welcoming to tourists and keen to talk after years of isolation. This highly religious and traditional country has some utterly awe-inspiring sights: huge gold-clad Buddhas, glittering Inle Lake where you can see traditional stilted villages, ancient temples toppling into the Irrawaddy at Bagan and one of the longest, most undiscovered coastlines in Asia.

Local Time 22:50

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

Bagan

BURMA - Ballons over Bagan

In the heart of central Burma (Myanmar), Bagan is one of the richest and most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world....

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Bhamo

Bhamo Burma 2  (1)

Situated in Myanmar's state of Kachin close to the Chinese border, Bhamo is a river trading post that has suffered...

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Hpa-An

Hpa An Burma 2

Located in the south eastern part of Burma (Myanmar) close to the border of Thailand, Hpa-An is the capital of the Kayin...

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Hsipaw

Hsipaw, Burma.jpg

If you are in Hsipaw, you would do the following: After an early breakfast, transfer to the station to take...

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Inle Lake

Gideon Bosker Burma Feb 2016 8

Inle Lake is possibly one of Burma’s (Myanmar's) most anticipated sites, and all the hype is justified. Stunning open vistas, hazy...

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Kalaw

Kalaw, Burma (1).jpg

This former British hill station is located along the western edge of the Shan plateau and provides respite from the...

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Kyaikhtiyo

Kyaikhtiyo, Burma, Myanmar 1.jpg

Rising 3,615 ft above sea level, the small golden stupa at Kyaikhtiyo stands on the top of a giant gold-gilded...

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Mandalay

BURMA - Mandalay

“For the wind is in the palm trees, and the temple-bells they say: Come you back, you British soldier; come...

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Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)

Maymyo Pyin Oo Lwin Burma (2)

Pyin Oo Lwin, formally Maymyo (literally May’s town after a colonel), was used by the British in colonial times in...

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Mergui Archipelago

Mergui Archipelago Burma 12

The Mergui Archipelago is one of the last untouched and unspoilt tropical destinations left on earth. Eight-hundred islands are scattered...

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Mrauk U

Mrauk U Burma

The archaeological site of Mrauk U lies in the northern west reaches of the Rakhine State, just south of the...

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Ngapali Beach

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Located in the southern state of Rakhine, Ngapali Beach is a 15 mile stretch of beautiful coastline, dusted with fine...

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Putao

Malikha Lodge, Putao, Burma 2

Malikha Lodge is situated in the northern Kachin State, Myanmar's greenest and most remote state. Access to Malikha lodge is...

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Yangon

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This former capital was known by its colonial era name Rangoon until 1989 when the ruling military regime changed it...

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Client Testimonials

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 thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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!
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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
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 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
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
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
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
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