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Burma... Return to the Golden Land
12 days from £5,775 for 2023 per person
This itinerary is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Cultural Holidays.
Going against conventional wisdom, at Ampersand we don’t think that Burma is a one-time destination. Full of off-the-beaten track discoveries, this beautiful country has the ability to charm any traveller away for a second time, far from the well-trodden diamond of Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Yangon. For those looking to experience and see things that few people in the world have, then this itinerary is for you. It combines several of Burma’s lesser known, but equally worthwhile spots.
Start the trip at our favourite hotel in Burma, the Governor’s Residence, which even for those who know it well is always a joy to return to. From Yangon drive to Hpa’An which offers some of the most tranquil and beautiful scenery in the country. This is the place to come to see the ever diminishing ‘rural’ Burma, where ox carts plough the fields and a Western face is a rarity. Another hidden gem is the former British Hill station of Kalaw, the perfect base from which to visit the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp that was set up to provide care for elephants that are no longer fit to work. Continue on this natural path and indulge your inner horticulturalist at the surprisingly located Botanical Gardens and Htoo Orange Plantation of Pyin Oo Lwin. From here a day trip takes you to the famous Goak Hteik Railway Viaduct or stay in Pyin Oo Lwin itself to explore its many crumbling colonial-era cottages. The tour ends with one of our favourite locations in the country – Mrauk U. Rivalling Bagan, Mrauk U allows you to enjoy amazing natural and historical sites – but with the added advantage that you have them all to yourself.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made holiday to Burma. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys, as well as our Active Holidays, Wildlife & Safari and Family Holidays in Asia collection.
Itinerary details
12 days from £5,775 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
Arrive in Yangon and spend the afternoon at leisure. Sunset visit to Shwedagon Pagoda. - Day 2 - Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
Morning visit to Thiri Mingalar Market and Kyimyindine Fish Market. Yangon sightseeing including afternoon Street Food Tour and visit to colonial cemetery. - Day 3 - Hpa-An Lodge - Hpa-An
Drive to Hpa'an. Sunset cruise on the Than Lwin River. - Day 4 - Hpa-An Lodge - Hpa-An
Full day exploring the scenery around Hpa'an - Trekking, village excursion, mountain biking, picnic lunch. - Day 5 - Amara Mountain Resort - Kalaw
Transfer to Kalaw via Yangon. - Day 6 - Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel - Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)
Transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin via Heho. Afternoon exploring the Botanical Gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin. - Day 7 - Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel - Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)
Full day activities include trekking, the Htoo Orange Plantation, visit to Goak Hteik Railway Viaduct. - Day 8 - Mrauk U Princess - Mrauk U
Transfer to Mrauk U via Mandalay and Sittwe. - Day 9 - Mrauk U Princess - Mrauk U
Day visit to the traditional Chin Village, along the Lemro River, to visit the local tribes. - Day 10 - Mrauk U Princess - Mrauk U
Morning visit to Mrauk U's local market. Afternoon sightseeing of the ancient temples and pagodas of this former capital of the Arakan Kingdom. - Day 11 - The Strand - Yangon (Rangoon)
Transfer to Yangon and spend the afternoon exploring the city's flourishing art scene at is many unique galleries. - Day 12 - In transit.
Depart from Yangon for your onward journey home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationThe traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton
