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China & Burma: Style, Substance & Spirit

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

Neighbouring China and Burma, physically close yet culturally lightyears apart. This tailor-made itinerary will allow you to witness the evolution of these two rapidly evolving nations, with their substantial cultural identities which are becoming more prominent in the wider world. Contrast the fast paced day to day activities of the emerging superpower of China, with the rusticity and peaceful way of life of spiritual Burma. Your imagination is bound to be captured by the style, substance and spirit of these two inspiring and unforgettable nations.

Begin your journey in the thriving capital of Beijing, and be blown away by the majestic style of the Summer Palace and the sheer size of the ancient Great Wall. From Beijing, continue on your adventures to Xi’an and be awed by each individually unique soldier of the 7,000 strong Terracotta Army, created around the spirituality of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. End up in the natural beauty surrounds of rural Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan province, for the ultimate indulgence before continuing your journey to Burma. The pace of life is noticeably slower across the border, where you will find a nation full of kindness and devotion. Delve into one of the most substantial and significant archaeological sites in the world, Bagan, the setting of 2,230 ethereal temples and pagodas situated on a 26 square mile plain. Enjoy the style of the distinctive Inle Princess Resort on the shore of the tranquil Lake Inle. Finally, finish with a flourish at the colonial Governor’s Residence in delightful and bustling Yangon.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to China and Burma. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys and Family Holidays, as well as our Active Trips and Culinary Tours collections.

Itinerary details

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

Day 1 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and send the morning at leisure. Afternoon visit the Summer Palace and a private calligraphy class.
Day 2 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
Full day visit to the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall with your private car and guide, including a unique private picnic on the wall.
Day 3 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
Morning sightseeing to Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City with private guide and driver.
Day 4 - Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi’an - Xi'an
Morning flight to Xi'An. Visit the Terracotta Army with exclusive pit and vault access. Optional exploration of the Muslim Quarter or a traditional dumpling and noodle making class.
Day 5 - Amandayan - Lijiang
Morning flight to Lijiang. Afternoon at leisure with a walk to the local monastery, taking in the area's natural beauty.
Day 6 - Amandayan - Lijiang
Spend the day sightseeing in Lijiang with your private car and guide, including Baisha Village, Black Dragon Pool Pond and tea at Amandayan. Evening Impression Lijiang Show.
Day 7 - Mandalay Hill Resort - Mandalay
Drive to Kunming and take a flight to Mandalay, Burma. Afternoon sightseeing of the ancient towns of Amarapura and Inwa.
Day 8 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
Morning flight to Bagan. Full day exploring the wondrous temples and pagodas with your private guide and driver. Afternoon horse cart ride, with sunset viewing from the pagodas.
Day 9 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon. Full day exploring Bagan's mind blowing history. Sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River.
Day 10 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
Morning flight to Heho and transfer to Inle Lake. Afternoon sightseeing around Inle Lake with private guide and boat.
Day 11 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
Morning traditional cookery class. Afternoon sightseeing with private guide and boat. Sunset canoe ride on Inle Lake.
Day 12 - The Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
Morning flight to Yangon. Afternoon at leisure. Sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Day 13 - The Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
Early morning visit to local markets. Full day sightseeing in Yangon, with private guide and driver. Afternoon colonial walking tour, with High Tea at The Strand Hotel.
Day 14 - In transit.
Morning at leisure before afternoon/evening flight home.

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Client Testimonials

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

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

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

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

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

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

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

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

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

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

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!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

China & Burma: Style, Substance & Spirit

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

Itinerary details

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

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Client Testimonials

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