BURMA - U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
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 RV Paukan Irrawaddy River 2

Watch a memorable sunset over the Irrawaddy River as you luxuriate aboard RV Paukan, a beautifully furnished timber vessel that sleeps up to 55 guests.

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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 Ngapali Beach

Relax on one of Burma’s emerging coastal resorts. Ngapali is a beautiful and largely undiscovered beach with soft golden sand, set on the Bay of Bengal and backed by tropical palm trees.

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BURMA Ngapali Beach 2

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 find very few tourists here.

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BURMA Ngapali Beach Sandoway Resort

Feast on fresh seafood at this breezy beachside restaurant at the Sandoway Resort, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

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BURMA Ngapali Beach Ngapali Bay Villas Pool

Ngapali Bay villa’s have an enviable location overlooking a perfect stretch of beach on  the Bay of Bengal. Villas are dotted around surrounding tropical gardens; the best are on the seafront with private deck and plunge pool.

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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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BURMA Monks

Watch a ribbon of saffron-robed monks line up to receive alms from local people. Monks are very highly revered and respected in Burma.

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BURMA Maymyo Market

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

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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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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 - Yangon - Shwedagon Pagoda 2

Watch a holy procession snake its way through Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, one of Burma’s most sacred sites.

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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 - religious statue

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

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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 - Ngapali beach 1

Apart from the occasional friendly fisherman, you’ll probably find yourself alone on Ngapali – Burma’s most picturesque beach.

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BURMA - Mrauk U

We recommend a visit to atmospheric Mrauk U soon. Although smaller than Bagan, it has an undiscovered feel to it and apart from a few farmers you might have the place to yourself.

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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 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 - 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 - 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 - Irrawaddy River

Idle away time on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, observe local families who use the river as means of transport and enjoy Burma's great birdlife .

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BURMA - Inle Princess, Sun set deck

Enjoy this serene view of Inle Lake from the Inle Princess Resort, framed by the magnificent backdrop of the Blue Mountains and edged by lush paddy fields. 

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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 - Inle Lake

Slicing through the water on a long-tail boat nearly 200 miles south-east of Mandalay on Inle Lake, a place of heart-stopping beauty... This peaceful dusky scene at is one of the many evocative vistas you’ll treasure from this memorable country.

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BURMA - Ballons 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 temple 2

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

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BURMA - Bagan temple

Take in the details of the vast ancient site of Bagan, admiring the intricate temples close-up as well as the commanding views of this landscape. Here is our Burma consultant, Mark, having a moment of peace and reflection at this soul-stirring site.

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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 - 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 - 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 Strand Yangon Lobby

Take afternoon tea in the cool and airy lobby of the colonial Strand hotel, a wonderful respite from bustling Yangon.

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BURMA Strand Yangon Guest Room

Bedrooms at The Strand Hotel in Yangon are bright and stylish with polished teakwood floors. 24 hour butler service means you’ll be well looked after.

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

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