M YA N M A R
•BURMA•
D I S C O V E R M YA N M A R , T H E H I D D E N G E M
AND LAST FRONTIER OF ASIA
MYANMAR: WHERE
CHINA MEETS INDIA
MOUNT
HKAKABO RAZI
PUTAO
INDIA
PYIN OO LWIN
Former British
hill town, home to
Agape Orphanage
MANDALAY
Former royal
capital surrounded
by ancient cities
MYITKYINA
CHINA
HSIPAW
Popular base for
hiking and trekking
among steep,
picturesque hills
and tribal villages
INDAWGYI
L AKE
BANGL ADESH
INLE LAKE
Home to leg
rowing fishermen
of Intha tribe,
stilted houses and
floating gardens
BHAMO
MUSE
BAGAN
CHI
Staggering vast
plain filled with
over 2000 ancient
pagodas and
temples
ND
L ASHIO
MOGOK
V
WIN RI
GOTEIK VIADUCT
ER
MINGUN
MONY WA
MRAUK U
KANPETLET
KYAINGTONG
MOUNT POPA
INLE L AKE
TACHILEK
SIT TWE
AY
NAYPYIDAW
EY
AR WA D
GOLDEN ROCK
L AOS
Most sacred
boulder covered
with gold leaves by
devotees
at the Kyaiktiyo
Mountain
R
BAGO
CHAUNG THA BEACH
British-era hill
station and
the country’s
trekking mecca
LOIKAW
E
Y RIV
PYAY
NGAPALI BEACH
Turquoise water
and white sands in
the country’s most
idyllic palm-lined
beach
TAUNGGYI
HEHO
MOUNT VICTORIA
Former capital of the
ancient Arakanese
kingdom filled with
archaeological sites
KALAW
PINDAYA
MINDAT
KYAIKTIYO
NGWE SAUNG BEACH
PATHEIN
Bay of Bengal
TWANTE
HPA-AN
MOUNT
ZWEKABIN
YANGON
LEGEND
Dazzling
Shwedagon Pagoda,
country’s most
wondrous structure
and grand colonial
architecture
MAWLAMYINE
Colonial-era
architecture,
islands and distinct
Mon culture
DAWEI
HIGHLIGHTS
MYEIK
MYEIK
ARCHIPELAGO
LOCATIONS
CAPITAL
THAIL AND
Andaman Sea
800 islands of a
pristine tropical
paradise inhabited
by unique Moken
tribe
MOUNTAINS
AIRPORTS
KAWTHAUNG
WHEN TO GO
HIGH SEASON (OCT-MAR)
The best time to visit with cooler
temperatures across the country. Book
accommodation and domestic flights well
ahead for this busy travel period.
SHOULDER (SEP & APR)
September is a pleasant time to visit as the
subsiding rains change the country to a
vibrant green. April is a good time to visit;
however, temperatures can reach 40ºC in
some locations.
LOW SEASON (MAY-AUG)
Monsoon starts at the end of May and lasts
until the end of September. Bagan and
Mandalay are relatively dry and can be visited
all year round, including monsoon season.
MYANMAR
BURMA
A MIXTURE OF WONDROUS
ancient pagodas, stunning
archeological sites, scenic landscapes
of Himalayan foothills and pristine
islands and beaches, combined with
a unique and diverse culture of over
130 distinct ethnic groups are just a
few reasons why a rapidly growing
number of tourists are hurrying
to explore Myanmar, one of the
most undiscovered and charming
countries in Asia. Due to decades
of international sanctions and
tourism boycott, which ended only
in 2012, Myanmar has not changed
for generations. Travelling around
the country feels like you are going
hundreds of years back in time.
Most people in Myanmar still live
the traditional way as farmers,
without access to electricity, using
ox carts to cultivate their fields and
as a mean of transportation. Best
of all, you will encounter different
tribes with distinct cultures,
customs and languages. No matter
where you go, you will meet with
friendly, engaging and humorous
people that are happy to share their
unique way of life with you.
Sunrise view atop a pagoda, Bagan
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INTRODUCING
TRIPBUILDER
WHAT WE DO
Myanmar continues to amaze
us with numerous activities and
places to charm both first-time
and returning travellers. We have
established TripBuilder out of our
passion for this unique and off the
beaten track country, the gem of
Asia as we like to call it. We have
been travelling extensively around
Myanmar over the years and
offer plenty of ways to explore its
fascinating destinations. We organise
tailor-made journeys designed
with an absolute commitment to
quality to give you the best and the
most personal experience, tailored
around your interests, budget and
needs. In this brochure, you will find
highlights of Myanmar, recommended
accommodations and our favourite
itineraries. We would be happy to
help you experience the beauty of
the country and introduce you to its
embracing culture.
01
BAGAN
PAGAN
BAGAN, WITH OVER 2,000
ancient pagodas and temples,
is undeniably one of the world’s
greatest archaeological sites.
Dotted across arid plains of
around 40 square kilometres, the
temples were built between 11th
and 13th centuries by ancient
kings of Bagan who considered
building new pagodas as a merit.
The best way to explore the area is
by taking the spectacular hot air
balloon sunrise flight to enjoy a
breathtaking bird’s eye view over
the area. On foot, discover the most
impressive and renowned Ananda
and Dhammayangyi temples and
enjoy a magnificent sunset from
Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of Bagan’s
tallest temples. Get introduced to
local culture and customs by visiting
nearby villages and observing locals
02
Inside a temple, Bagan
MYANMAR
•
BURMA
Novice monks collecting alms, Bagan
on their daily routines and learn about
their customs and way of life, passed
down through generations.
MOUNT POPA
Sunrise at Bagan
Located just a short drive away from
Bagan, Mount Popa is an extinct
volcano rising to over 1,500 meters
high. Mount Popa has played a
significant role in Myanmar’s culture,
religion and history for over 700 years.
Its shrine is dedicated to the worship
of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient
animist spirits. Learn about nats and
nat worship with your guide as you
climb the stairs of 777 steps to the top.
The view over the surrounding plains
from the top of the volcanic peak is
extraordinary.
MINDAT
Mount Popa
This charming mountaintop town
is a base for picturesque treks and
varied hikes to surrounding ethnic
villages where you may encounter
face-tattooed Chin and Muun tribes.
Located in the very heart of Chin State,
just a few hours drive west of Bagan, it
is one of the remotest, least developed
and sparsely populated regions of
Myanmar. The nearby Kanpetlet
town is a starting point for climbs
to Mount Victoria (Nat Ma Taung),
Myanmar’s third highest summit of
3,053 meters that stands amid a vast
and little-visited national park. The
climb is rewarded with breathtaking
landscapes and the mountain peak is
a prime spot for bird watching. Best
visited from November to February
when the Chin Hills are covered with
lush greenery.
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A G R E AT V I E W
T O S T A R T T H E D AY
Enjoy a remarkable bird’s eye view
over one of the world’s most highly
acclaimed ballooning spots.
HOT-AIR BALLOONING
IN BAGAN
Drift over thousands of pagodas in
the ancient city of Bagan for a truly
unique sunrise hot-air ballooning
flight. The experience begins early in
the morning with observing the crew
inflating the giant balloons. A magical
45-minute fight will provide you with
an unparalleled perspective over the
sprawl of Bagan, from its vast plains
filled with endless monuments to
Ayeyarwady River and Arakan-Yoma
Hills. There are three well-established
ballooning companies offering flights
in Bagan, of which the pioneer,
Balloons over Bagan additionally
offers transportation to the site in a
pre-WWII Chevrolet buses. The other
one, Oriental Ballooning also offers
flights in Inle Lake, where you can
admire a scenic mountain rigged lake
with its stilt villages and leg rowing
fishermen, in Mandalay with rides
over the city’s iconic Royal Palace
and U Bein Bridge, and in Ngapali
Beach which allows you to fly over
an unspoiled coastline of the Bay of
Bengal. All balloons are UK-made and
staffed with licensed and experienced
pilots from Europe and Australia. The
flights operate only in the dry season,
from October to March.
03
YANGON
RANGOON
Circular train, Yangon
04
MYANMAR
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BURMA
Golden Rock
YANGON, STILL OFTEN
Shwedagon Pagoda at night, Yangon
known by its colonial name of
Rangoon, is a city of distinct cultures
and architecture. It is filled with
red-robed monks, gleaming pagodas
and grand historical buildings, many
of which have faded colonial charm
not seen elsewhere in Asia. The city
is well known for its magnificent
2500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda,
Myanmar’s most spectacular religious
shrine and an impeccable symbol
of the country in which Buddhism
dominates every aspect of life. Thanks
to the diversity of ethnic groups
living in the city, Yangon embodies
a variety of cultures, cuisines and
religions with numerous Hindu and
Chinese temples, cathedrals, mosques
and a synagogue. The city’s vibrant
street life is filled with street-side
stalls offering a selection of local and
regional dishes, numerous teahouses
crowded with chatting locals and
open-air markets crammed with fresh
produce.
GOLDEN ROCK
Colonial building, Yangon
One of the most sacred places in the
country, Golden Rock, a huge goldcovered boulder that is said to be held
in place by a single strand of Buddha’s
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hair, attracts large crowds of
Buddhist pilgrims. The site also lures
significant numbers of non-believers,
attracted by the pagoda’s spectacular
location high in the Eastern Yoma
Mountains, hanged on its ledge above
a jungle valley, seemingly about to
plunge into the void.
MAWLAMYINE (MOULMEIN)
The first capital of British Burma
from1826 to1852, known then by its
colonial name Moulmein, offers a
unique combination of landscape,
charm and history. Its stupa-covered
hills, coastal port and neglected
colonial architecture beautifully
coexist with its diverse religious
sites. It is no wonder that famous
novelists George Orwell and Rudyard
Kipling who once visited the city, fell
in love with it. Reachable by a day
drive from Yangon, the trip can be
combined with Hpa-An, the capital
of Kayin which is surrounded by
picturesque limestone mountains
filled with caves and gives you a rare
insight into the cultures of Karen
and Mon minorities. A nearby Mount
Zwegabin offers a stunning view over
the surrounding area and an optional
overnight stay at a monastery.
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05
INLE LAKE
Long necked lady
06
Indein Village, Inle Lake
MYANMAR
•
BURMA
Stilt houses, Inle Lake
attracts villagers from surrounding
areas, will allow you to encounter
hill tribe people dressed in colorful,
traditional outfits coming to sell and
trade their wares and fresh produce.
On the western banks of Inle Lake lies
the remarkable Indein Complex, filled
with hundreds of stupas and nestled
in the hills surrounded by unique Pa-O
tribe villages.
A G R E A T W AY T O
S P E N D T H E D AY
Explore the lush nature of Inle Lake
by visiting elephant valley or trekking
in the surrounding hills.
KALAW
Leg rower, Inle Lake
A SCENIC 22 KM LONG AND
11km wide lake, located in the
heart of Shan State and ringed by
salient mountains, is one of the
most charming places in Myanmar.
Inhabited by self-sufficient Intha
tribe which mastered a unique
technique of leg rowing the lake, Inle
is dotted with villages and houses
built on stilts in the water and
floating gardens that are movable
afloat farms anchored to the lake’s
bottom with bamboo poles. During
your day on the lake, you will explore
local villages that produce local
crafts, learn about the traditional
way of silk weaving, boat carving and
cheroot rolling and watch blacksmith
and silversmith on their daily
routines. Inle Lake’s morning market,
which rotates its location around
the lake’s villages every five days and
Kalaw, a former British hill station
located nearby Inle Lake, is an area
perfect for walks and treks where you
can discover numerous minorities
living around the lake. Kalaw is well
known for its pleasant climate and
stunning landscapes that attracted the
British to escape hot summers during
their colonial rule. The city blends the
influences of cuisines and cultures of
Nepali Ghurkas, Indian Hindus, Sikhs
and Muslims that arrived in Kalaw
together with the British and settled
there since then.
PINDAYA
Set around a picturesque lake, Pindaya
is a tranquil town with a bustling
market and spectacular views. Most
visitors find themselves here for one
reason alone - the impressive Shwe Oo
Min Cave filled with thousands upon
thousands of glossy Buddha statues.
Pindaya is inhabited by local tribes of
Danu and Pa-O well-known for their
traditional colorful headdresses.
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GREEN HILL VALLEY
Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp,
nestled in an enchanting natural valley
with stunning landscapes, was set up
to save and protect retired elephants
and provide them with good care. By
visiting the camp, you will not only
spend a day with elephants in their
natural habitat, walk, feed and bath
with them but also learn about their
daily routine directly from a mahout
or elephant keeper. The camp offers a
wide range of experiences, all socially
responsible, aimed at improving the
well-being of these giant animals.
TREKKING
Inle Lake provides some of the
country’s best trekking trails. As
you walk along, you can enjoy scenic
landscapes of hills and mountains
dotted with rice paddies, cross rivers
and pass by waterfalls and local hill
tribe villages and observe their unique
cultures. You might opt for one or two
day trek with an optional overnight
stay in a local house or at a monastery.
07
RIVER
CRUISING
WITH OVER 8,000 KM OF
navigable rivers, Myanmar
offers some of Asia’s greatest cruise
journeys. Since ancient times, its
most important and the legendary
Ayeyarwady river has served as an
essential route for millions. The
country’s most important and
historical cities, lush jungles, a wide
collection of fascinating villages
and archaeological sites are all
situated along its banks. A journey
by one of luxury cruisers offers a
unique perspective on the country.
Depending on the length of the trip
you can visit both, highlights as well
as lesser-known destinations, in five
stars, teak-lined vessels. Short and
long cruise journeys can be combined
with inland itineraries. The cruises
operate on a regular basis between
October and April.
08
Belmond Orcaella
MYANMAR
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BURMA
Sanctuary Ananda
Paukan Cruise
Paukan Cruise, Interior
PAUKAN CRUISES
A boutique hotel on the river with its
timber-walled cabins and colonial
furnishing offers suites, deluxe
and superior rooms. There is also a
spacious sun deck, observation lounge,
restaurant, and massage rooms
available on board. Paukan offers one
and two nights cruises between Bagan
and Mandalay.
BELMOND ROAD TO MANDALAY
Road To Mandalay
The Belmond Road to Mandalay
is a luxury cruiser that offers two,
three, four and seven-night journeys
between Mandalay and Bagan. On
the top, you will find a spacious
observation deck, dining rooms,
bar and spa and also a swimming
pool. The air-conditioned cabins are
designed to reflect local style, blend
tradition with complete luxury.
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SANCTUARY ANANDA
This luxurious all-suite ship will
take you in style to less-visited
destinations. On its three decks,
you will find a sundeck with an
outdoor pool, panorama lounge, spa,
library and a fitness club. Sanctuary
Ananda offers three, four, seven,
ten and eleven-night journeys along
Ayeyarwady and Chindwin rivers.
BELMOND ORCAELLA
The Belmond Orcaella, with its
cabin’s floor-to-celling sliding doors
and private balconies, provides a
luxurious experience while gliding
along Ayeyarwady and Chindwin
rivers. The elegant four-deck cruiser
offers a wide range of superior
facilities including swimming pool,
spa and fitness centre during threeto elven-night journeys.
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09
MANDALAY
Royal Palace, Mandalay
10
MYANMAR
•
BURMA
MANDALAY, A FORMER
royal capital and Myanmar’s
second largest city, plays a key role as
the country’s cultural and religious
centre with over half of all Burmese
monks living in its surroundings.
Famous for its numerous handicraft
workshops and art performances,
Mandalay is centred around the
reconstructed Royal Palace located
at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The
diversity of must-visit sites in the city
includes the Mahamuni Temple, home
to the country’s most revered Buddha
image, covered daily by worshippers
with multiple layers of gold leaves,
Shwenandaw Monastery, the sole
remnant of 19th century Golden
Palace, the Jade Market, source of the
world’s finest jades and the Kuthodaw
Pagoda, known as the World’s Biggest
Book for its 729 text-inscribed marble
slabs of Buddhist scripture, each
housed in its own small stupa.
AROUND MANDALAY
U Bein Bridge, Amarapura
Mandalay is just one of the four
ancient capitals located a stone’s
throw from each other, constituting
the country’s densest concentration
of historical and cultural sites.
Sagaing, the oldest capital in the
region, situated on the southern bank
Goteik Viaduct
of Ayeyarwady River, is dotted with
hundreds of white-painted pagodas
and monasteries that homed over
3,000 monks. Just on the opposite bank
of the river, on a fortified man-made
island, rests another ancient capital,
Inwa with its impressive old teakwood
Bagaya Monastery and the ruins of the
Fort and the Royal Palace. Amarapura,
the next Burmese capital that spreads
around the Taungthaman Lake, is well
known for its iconic U Bein Bridge, the
longest and oldest teakwood bridge in
the world. The bridge rests on over a
thousand wooden piles standing above
6 meters high of the waterline in the
dry season but is almost completely
submerged during the monsoon.
PYIN OO LWIN (MAYMYO)
Just a two-hour drive away from
Mandalay, the former British hill
station was established as a refuge
from summer heats. Situated high in
the hills, Pyin Oo Lwin is renowned
for its cooler temperatures, lush
greenery and a British feel. Numerous
British brick and timber houses,
colonial horse carriages roaming
around the city, and the magnificent
botanic gardens make you feel like
Pyin Oo Lwin is still under the
British rule.
•
Mahagandayon Monastery, Mandalay
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11
NGAPALI
BEACH
NGAPALI BEACH WITH ITS
turquoise water, white sand
and unspoiled stretch of coastline
is hailed as one of the world’s most
stunning beaches. Tucked away
in the western part of Myanmar,
you can reach it by land or by air.
The peaceful beach of Ngapali is
isolated from the rest of the country
by mountain ranges and offers a
charming vibe of nearby fishing
villages.
Ngapali is either the perfect place
to cap off your holiday in the country
or simply a stand-alone beach
holiday. You can either lie on the
beach and enjoy your mojito while
adoring the palm-lined beach and
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the blue skies, or go island hopping
and snorkelling, or simply enjoy
swimming in the crystal clear waters.
If you feel like being adventurous, you
can head to Gyeiktaw, the picturesque
local fishing village, and feast your
eyes on the colorful fishing boats and
the vibrant atmosphere.
Last but not least, Ngapali
Beach is a place of one of the most
magical sunsets that you would ever
experience. Tourists and locals alike
start flocking to the beach during the
golden hour to witness the glorious
scene before retiring to either an
authentic Burmese massage or fresh
local seafood. Best to be visited from
October to May.
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MYANMAR
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BURMA
Fishing village, Ngapali Beach
Palm-lined Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Beach
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13
OFF THE
BEATEN
TRACK
TRAVELLING TO THE OFF
the beaten, most isolated
destinations in Myanmar is a once in a
lifetime experience, but often requires
a government travel permit that can
be obtained with the help of our travel
specialists.
MRAUK U
Mrauk U is a former capital of the
ancient powerful Kingdom of Arakan
that ruled over the surrounding
area from 15th to 18th centuries. Its
propitious location at the Bay of Bengal
made it a regional trading hub and one
of the richest cities in Asia. Merchants
from all over the world were flocking to
Mrauk U to settle there. However, after
the Burmese Kingdom sacked the city
in 1794, the population fled and Mrauk
U fell into ruins. At present, the walls
of the ghost-like city are filled with
14
impressive ruins of countless stonemade sacral buildings – a sight that is
especially striking in the mist early in
the morning. The most breathtaking
ruins are Shittaung, Htukkanthein and
Kothanung temples and the former
Arakanese capitals of Dhanyawadi
and Waithali. Around Mrauk U, dayexcursions along Lemro River offer a
rare opportunity to visit Chin villages
with its unique face-tattooed tribes.
Although Mrauk U is the country’s
second most famous archeological
site, only a few foreign tourists venture
there due to its remote and hardly
accessible location. Mrauk U is only
reachable by a four- to seven-hour boat
ride along the Kaladan River or by road
from Sittwe.
PUTAO
Myanmar’s northernmost town is a
MYANMAR
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BURMA
Snow-capped mountains, Putao
Mrauk U
Mekong River, Golden Triangle
Kengtung, Golden Triangle
mountainous outpost reached only
by a handful of foreign travellers.
Perched in the foothills of the snowcapped Himalayas, Putao is a gateway
to the hilly region sparsely populated
by Kachin, Rawang and Lisu people.
The town is ringed by mountains with
its far northern horizon dominated
by Mount Hkakabo Razi. Standing at
5,881m, it is Southeast Asia’s highest
summit. Excursions from Putao range
from two-day treks to close by Kachin
villages, waterfalls and local beauty
spots to multi-day whitewater rafting
trips and the ten day round trip to the
peak of Mount Phonkan Razi which is
the region’s most accessible trekking
summit at 3,630m. Putao is cut off from
the rest of Myanmar and can be reached
by irregular bi-weekly flights. Foreign
tourists can access the area only with a
government permit on pre-arranged.
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GOLDEN TRIANGLE
A hilly region that covers borders
of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
was historically famous as the
largest opium producing area in the
world. Although the government
of Myanmar has launched a vast
campaign against poppy farming,
small-scale plantations still occupy
some mountainous, inaccessible
parts of Eastern Shan State inhabited
by Wa minority. Despite its poppy
farming fame, the area’s peaceful,
untouched landscapes, mist-shrouded
mountains, lush jungles, scenic
trek trails and tranquil views of the
Mekong River have made it a major
draw to adventurous travellers.
The area is best reached by flying
to Tachileik or Kengtung city, or by
crossing an overland border with
Thailand in Mae Sai.
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15
MYEIK
MERGUI
ARCHIPELAGO
Yacht dock, Myeik Archipleago
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MYANMAR
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BURMA
Diving at Myeik Archipelago
THE UNEXPLORED MYEIK
Macleod Island, Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago
(Mergui) Archipelago, made
up of more than 800 islands is a
pristine tropical paradise and one of
Myanmar’s most precious wonders.
The islands in the Andaman Sea offer
a wide range of gorgeous whitesand beaches as well as numerous
water sports activities. No Wi-Fi or
phone service in the islands means
going off-grid from the hustle of life
and is a perfect opportunity to fully
experience the grandiose paradise.
Due to its remote location and lack
of tourism infrastructure, only a few
tourists make it here. Located on the
Macleod Island, Myanmar Andaman
Resort is the only comfortable
accommodation option.
SAILING TOURS
White sand beach, Myeik Archipelago
Most visitors choose to explore the
archipelago by yachts and cruises
that allow them to visit remote
and undiscovered islands with
its pristine beaches and lavish
snorkeling sites. The sailing tours
start in Kawthaung, a port city on the
southern tip of Myanmar, a gateway
to the paradise.
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A G R E AT C H A N C E F O R A
UNIQUE ENCOUNTER
If you are lucky enough, encounter
one of Myanmar’s most isolated and
fascinating tribes.
MOKEN SEA GYPSIES
Myeik Archipelago is home to a
unique indigenous minority who
inhabit the islands, the Moken Sea
Gypsies, who live a nomadic lifestyle
in their handcrafted wooden boats.
Around 3,000 Moken Sea Gypsies
live off the abundant marine resources
of the archipelago traversing between
islands and fishing sites. They are best
known for their extraordinary ability
to free-dive to remarkable depths
and hold their breath underwater to
spear fish. The Mokens are isolated
from the rest of the world, and though
the Burmese government has made
attempts to assimilate them many of
them continue to wander around the
islands as they have for centuries.
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ACCOMMODATION
IN MYANMAR
BELMOND’S GOVERNOR
RESIDENCE
YANGON
A colonial-style mansion built in
1920’s as a home to the ruler of
Burma’s southern states, offers 49 fully
restored rooms that combine Burmese
tradition with contemporary luxury.
CHATRIUM HOTEL
ROYAL LAKE
YANGON
Conveniently situated on the shores
of Kandawgyi Lake, just a few minutes
walk from Shwedagon Pagoda; the
hotel offers colonial style guest rooms
with a view over the lake or pagoda.
ROSE GARDEN HOTEL
YANGON
Built in the Burmese style with
beautifully decorated guestrooms,
the hotel is located in the heart of
Yangon and overlooks lush gardens,
the Kandawgyi Lake and the glittering
Shwedagon Pagoda.
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MYANMAR
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BURMA
HOTEL@THARABAR GATE
BAGAN
Located in the heart of Bagan
Archeological Zone just in front of the
legendary Tharabar Gate, the hotel is
set in lush gardens and surrounded by
dozens of ancient pagodas and temples.
BAGAN LODGE
BAGAN
All-bungalow resort with a fusion
of classic Burmese design and
contemporary decor, the Lodge offers
a wide range of luxury facilities
including two large and stylish
swimming pools.
BAGAN THANDE HOTEL
BAGAN
Situated on Ayeyarwady riverbank in
Old Bagan, the hotel enjoys a beautiful
view over the river and surrounding
area. One of the oldest hotels in Bagan,
which opened in 1922 for the visit of
King Edward VIII.
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SANCTUM INLE RESORT
INLE LAKE
Located on the shore of Inle Lake,
the resort combines a monastic
architecture with a complete luxury.
Its spacious top-end rooms and suites
offer a great view over the lake and a
unique tranquil ambience.
INLE PRINCESS RESORT
INLE LAKE
Set peacefully on the Eastern shore of
Inle Lake, the resort with a traditional
Burmese flair offers rooms decorated
with elegant silk textiles, private
balconies and impressive views of
fields, mountains and the lake.
INLE LAKE VIEW RESORT
INLE LAKE
Situated on the shore of the lake,
the deluxe boutique resort with
spacious rooms tastefully decorated
in Burmese-Asian style offers
picturesque views of the lake from
the rooms’ private balconies.
MANDALAY HILL RESORT
MANDALAY
Set at the foot of Mandalay Hill and
facing Royal Palace, the hotel offers
a relaxed ambience and spectacular
views. Its lavishly designed elegant
rooms and superior facilities provide
a luxurious experience.
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MYANMAR
•
BURMA
HOTEL BY RED CANAL
MANDALAY
Situated in a quiet but central part of
the city, the boutique hotel offers 25
cosy suites designed to reflect distinct
styles of various ethnic groups and a
stylish swimming pool set in pretty
gardens.
SANDOWAY RESORT
NGAPALI BEACH
Facing the pristine Ngapali beach,
the resort offers 60 luxury villas
and cottages nestled among palms
and coconut trees. The designed in
traditional Southeast Asian style resort
offers a stylish pool and a cinema.
BAYVIEW BEACH RESORT
NGAPALI BEACH
Set right on the idyllic Ngapali Beach
in a beautiful exotic garden, the
boutique resort offers spacious rooms
with a sea view and a great choice of
amenities including swimming pool
and a sunset beach bar.
THANDE BEACH HOTEL
NGAPALI BEACH
Situated on the beach in the
picturesque garden, the hotel offers
70 elegantly furnished with polished
teak and rattan furniture bungalows
and rooms. The resort represents great
value for money option and provides all
modern facilities.
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TAILORMADE TRIPS
YOUR HOLIDAY CAN BE CUSTOMIZED THE
very way you want it to be, down to the smallest detail
around your taste and needs. The presented itineraries
show only a few possible routes and every trip can be
tailored depending on your interests and the length of
your holiday. You can choose your own pace of travelling
and style of accommodation. Get in touch with our travel
specialist to start planning your trip.
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ARRIVING IN MYANMAR
Yangon and Mandalay by having international airports
are the main points of entry for international tourists.
There are a few border crossings with Thailand and China,
allowing more adventurous travellers to combine their trip
to Myanmar with other countries. Border crossings with
India and Bangladesh are restricted and require an official
government permit.
GETTING AROUND
Poor and overstretched infrastructure and a sizable country
make the air transport the most convenient and quickest
way to move around. For shorter distances or places where
flights are not available, private air-conditioned car is also a
reliable option. For luxury travellers, multi-day river cruises
are the most comfortable way to visit the highlights of the
country.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Myanmar is between October and
March during the dry season and while the temperatures are
lower. September turns the country green and is usually dry
enough to make a pleasant trip. Monsoon season starts in
late May and lasts until September however, some parts of
Myanmar, particularly Bagan and Mandalay are relatively
dry with short, heavy showers and can be visited throughout
the year. A growing number of tourists chooses to travel
during the raining season when the country is greener, hotel
rooms are available and while there is a lower number of
visitors at the main attractions.
GETTING YOUR VISA
All foreign nationals (bar a few ASEAN countries) require a
visa to visit Myanmar. Note that your passport must be valid
for at least six months from your proposed date of arrival.
Tourist visa typically lasts for 28 days from the date of entry.
The government has recently introduced a tourist e-visa
system, allowing visitors to apply for a visa online.
PRICES
We offer trips in all price ranges depending on the length
of the trip and the style of travelling and accommodation.
Contact our travel specialists for more details on prices and
a tailor-made itinerary.
MYANMAR
•
BURMA
RECOMMENDED
ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF MYANMAR
1
BEST OF MYANMAR
2
THIS TRIP IS A PERFECT INTRODUCTION FOR A FIRST-
time visitor to Myanmar. Explore the main highlights of the
country including colonial Yangon, ancient pagodas of Bagan,
where you can take a sunrise hot air balloon over the glorious
archaeological zone, picturesque Inle Lake with its unique Intha tribe
living in silted houses on the lake and ancient Mandalay. Optionally,
extend your trip to Ngapali, an unspoilt white-sand idyllic beach on the
west coast of the country.
THIS ITINERARY COVERS ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT
highlights of Myanmar extended to some undiscovered charms of
the country. Explore colonial Yangon, ancient Bagan, picturesque
Inle Lake and Mandalay, as well as British influenced Pyin Oo Lwin
and enjoy a scenic train ride in the steep hills across the Goteik
Viaduct to Hsipaw. A few short drives are rewarded with fabulous
views and close encounters with distinct local tribes.
HSIPAW
MANDAL AY
GOTEIK VIADUCT
MANDAL AY
PYIN OO LWIN
BAGAN
BAGAN
INLE L AKE
MRAUK U
INLE L AKE
SIT TWE
NGAPALI
BEACH
YANGON
YANGON
DAY 1
Arrive in Yangon and explore the splendid Shwedagon Pagoda
DAY 2 Fly to Bagan and enjoy sunset over ancient temples of Bagan
DAY 3 Explore Bagan’s temple complex and nearby villages
DAY 4 Fly to Mandalay and explore the main city’s attractions including jade market and the Royal Palace
DAY 5 Visit former ancient cities of Inwa and Sagaing and walk across U Bein Bridge, world’s longest teak wood bridge
DAY 6 Arrive in Inle Lake and take a guided boat tour around
the lake
DAY 7 Visit the Indein Village with its stupa complex and observe leg-rowing fisherman of Intha tribe on the lake
DAY 8 Fly to Yangon and explore colonial faded architecture and influences of distinct cultures
DAY 9 Depart Yangon
DAY 1 Arrive in Yangon and explore the colonial city
DAY 2 Fly to Inle Lake and take a guided tour around the lake
DAY 3 Visit the Indein Village and stilted villages with its floating gardens located on the lake
ancient capital of Inwa
enjoy its superb botanic gardens
in Hsipaw
and explore nearby villages on foot
religious sites
DAY 4 Fly to Mandalay and visit the famous U Bein Bridge and the DAY 5 Drive to Pyin Oo Lwin, the former British hill station and DAY 6 Board the train to cross the scenic Goteik Viaduct and arrive DAY 7 Trek the local villages and observe local tribes and culture
DAY 8 Return to Mandalay and take a boat to Mingun
DAY 9 Fly to Bagan and enjoy most impressive ancient temples
DAY 10 Take a sunrise balloon flight over the archaeological zone DAY 11 Fly to Yangon and discover the mixture of its cultural and DAY 12 Depart Yangon
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
If time allows, wrap up your trip with a few additional days in
pristine palm-lined Ngapali Beach.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Fly to Sittwe to discover the lost city of Mrauk U, a former capital
of Arakanese Kingdom with its vast archaeological cities, its facetattooed Chin tribes, and its breathtaking natural landscapes.
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3
ADVENTUROUS MYANMAR
4
THIS ITINERARY INCLUDES A JOURNEY INTO THE
SOUTHERN GEMS OF MYANMAR
THIS ITINERARY INCLUDES A TOUR OF THE
beautiful Chin Hills with picturesque villages, vibrant local
markets and distinct ethnic groups. Learn customs and traditions
of the face-tattooed Chin and Muun tribes and enjoy a scenic trek
between Kalaw and Inle Lake. A few walks, hikes and treks are
rewarded with fabulous views and a chance to discover Myanmar at
its most untouched.
less visited south of the country where you can explore Mon
and Kyin states and the unique way of life of their people. On the top
of the country’s highlights, visit the sacred Golden Rock, colonial
Mawlamyine and tribal villages of Hpa-An. The combination of
culture, history, architecture, and beautiful landscapes makes this tour
a very memorable experience.
MANDAL AY
MINDAT
MOUNT
VICTORIA
BAGAN
KANPETLET
INLE L AKE
BAGAN
INLE L AKE
NGAPALI
BEACH
GOLDEN ROCK
YANGON
MAWL AMYINE
YANGON
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 1 DAY 2 Arrive in Yangon and visit Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk
Fly to Bagan and explore the most impressive of 2000
ancient temples and pagodas
DAY 3 Transfer to the Chin Hills and admire scenic landscapes
DAY 4 Discover Mindat with its distinct ethnic tribes of the
Muun and Chin
DAY 5 Admire green valleys and steep mountains on your way to
Kanpetlet
DAY 6 Take a morning climb to the top of Mount Victoria
DAY 7 Explore ethnic villages on your way back to Bagan
DAY 8 Take a sunrise balloon flight over plains of Bagan
DAY 9 Fly Inle Lake and transfer to Kalaw, the former British hill
station
DAY 10 Begin your two-day trek to Inle Lake with an overnight at a
native village with a local family or in a monastery
DAY 11 Continue the trek in the hills and villages of Pa-O tribe.
Reach Inle Lake and explore stilted villages and floating
gardens
DAY 12 Maneuver by boat through long, scenic channels on the
private boat tour around the lake
DAY 13 Return to Yangon and explore the British faded colonial
architecture
DAY 14 Depart Yangon
Arrive in Yangon admire the splendid Shwedagon Pagoda
Drive to the holy Golden Rock in Eastern Yoma
Mountains
DAY 3 Arrive in Mawlamyine and explore British-era
architecture and unique Mon culture
DAY 4 Discover Hpa-An and meet various ethnic tribes while climbing Zwekabin Mountain
DAY 5 Return to Yangon and explore Yangon’s colonial sites and local life on a circular train
DAY 6 Fly to Bagan and climb one of the highest ancient pagodas
for a stunning view over the surrounding plains
DAY 7 Explore the temples of Bagan and nearby villages
DAY 8 Fly to Mandalay and visit world’s oldest teak wood U Bein Bridge
DAY 9 Explore the ancient cities of Sagaing and Inwa
DAY 10 Arrive in Inle Lake and enjoy a guided boat tour around
the picturesque lake
DAY 11 Discover Indein village with its numerous stupas and
visit stilted villages of Intha tribe
DAY 12-14 Fly to pristine Ngapali Beach for some leisure time and relaxation
DAY 15 Return to Yangon and explore influences of distinct
cultures and religions
DAY 16 Depart Yangon
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Take a three-day luxurious cruise from Bagan to Mandalay along
Ayeyarwady river and visit local villages and historical sites along
the way.
Head to unexplored Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, located in the
south of the country and composed of more than 800 islands.
The pristine tropical paradise offers a great choice of unoccupied
beaches as well as various water sports activities.
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HPA-AN
MYANMAR
•
BURMA
AGAPE ORPHANAGE
IN PYIN OO LWIN
Agape Orphanage is home to dozens of
abandoned and orphaned kids who are
well taken care of by its founder, Pastor
Richard Khum. The orphanage has
been established to give the kids both,
a real home and a decent education
despite the constant instability of the
orphanage’s financial resources. We at
TripBuilder decided to support Agape
by donating a part of our profit and by
encouraging our customers to visit the
orphanage to volunteer and learn how
they can get involved.
If you would like to learn more on
how to help and support the children
and the orphanage please contact
the Agape Orphanage Children’s
Home directly:
Agape Orphanage Children’s Home
No. 285, Block 17,
Lian Yake Ngeik Street
Anisakhan, Pyin Oo Lwin Town
Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Tel.: +95 9 4317 1832
E-mail: [email protected]
D I S C O V E R M YA N M A R , T H E H I D D E N G E M
AND LAST FRONTIER OF ASIA