MYANMAR, one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in Asia. Its amazingly varied countryside ranges from high
snowy peaks in the north to rolling hills and colourful fields of Shan state, the fertile plains of the Irrawaddy and stunning
white sandy beaches on its coastline. Burma is a multi-ethnic country with over 200 different tribes and dialects, but one
thing is universal - wherever you travel in this magic country you will be greeted with a smile.
After 50 years of isolation, government reforms have made strides towards democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi has said that as long
as done responsibly, tourism can be a positive stance for change. Panoramic Journeys is working to make a small but
significant difference to rural communities that we visit on our Burma tours.
As our name suggests, we like big panoramic vistas and encounters that give one a new perspective on life - We have made a
name designing journeys that allow our clients to get "under the surface" of a country - to meet the people and get off the
tourist route. In designing this itinerary, we have allowed time to meet local people, to visit rural villages, and really get to
know this beautiful country, as well as taking in the most important historical and religious sights that define Burma. Every
aspect of your tour will be taken care of with a great attention to detail.
This journey is an excellent introduction to the country’s people and culture. Visit key historical sites and stray off the beaten track to
meet people from various tribes in traditional villages.
Explore the colonial streets of Yangon and join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun sets on its golden spire, before flying to Heho
in the heart of the fertile Shan Plateau. Drive through glorious countryside to the old colonial hill station of Kalaw and take a train
journey to remote village of Sintaung. Stay overnight in a village house before trekking back to Kalaw the next day. Travel by road to
Nyaung Shwe at the north of Inle Lake and continue by long-tailed boat to your hotel on the eastern shore. Visit a nearby village in
evening light, to discover how local farmers live in houses built on stilts and grow produce on floating gardens. See the intricately
carved stupas at Indein and enjoy fabulous views across the lake. Walk to the five day market, where the Shan, Inda, Pa’O & Taung Yoo
bring their crops to sell. It is also possible to walk or cycle to a winery, take a cooking class in a traditional house, or just take time to
enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO biosphere. Then fly to ancient Bagan to discover some of the 3,000 magnificent temples
scattered around the fertile plains beside the Irrawaddy. Enjoy an optional hot air balloon flight over the site. Voyage down river to the
12th century village of Salay and stay overnight in a village house. Return to Bagan before flying to Yangon and departure. Alternatively,
extend your stay by a few days to relax and enjoy Ngapali beach.
Sun
11-Feb
Arrive Yangon. Evening at leisure
Mon
12-Feb
Exploring the old town and Shwedagon Pagoda
Tue
13-Feb
Fly to Heho and drive to sleepy hill station of Kalaw
Wed
14-Feb
Train journey to Sintaung & overnight with local family
Thu
15-Feb
Morning trek to view point & return to Kalaw by road
Fri
16-Feb
To Nyaung Shwe by rail and on to Inle Lake
Sat
17-Feb
Discover the lake by boat & visit the stupas of Indein
Sun
18-Feb
Morning walk to local market. Afternoon at leisure
Mon
19-Feb
Return to Heho for your short flight to Bagan
Tue
20-Feb
Optional hot air balloon flight & temple exploration
Wed
21-Feb
Irrawaddy voyage to Salay & overnight in local house
Thu
22-Feb
Salay to Bagan by road & afternoon at leisure
Fri
23-Feb
Fly Bagan to Yangon
Sat
24-Feb
Depart Yangon
Arrive in Yangon, where you will be met by your guide and
driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old
town. Today is a flexible day with people arriving at different
times. Check in at the hotel is from 2pm, so early arrivals can
enjoy the pool or go out for an exploratory walk.
In the evening your guide will take you to a good restaurant
for dinner, before returning to your hotel.
Packed with pagodas and crammed with colonial relics,
Yangon is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia.
Meet your guide in reception for a tour of downtown
Yangon. Visit Scott market with a wide array of handicrafts
including traditionally woven silk and cotton. View the River
Gallery at The Strand Hotel, where afterwards you can enjoy
a tea or coffee in the historic café. Return to your hotel to
relax during the heat of the day.
In the late afternoon visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda,
the holiest stupa in the land. With its hundreds of small
temples and prayer niches, and people from all over the
country coming to pay their respects here, a wander around
Shwedagon is an unforgettable experience.
Travel Details – 1hr transfer and drives around town.
Accommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior room
Travel Details – Short drives around town
Accommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior room
Includes – Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, from here
journey across the beautiful landscape of the Shan Plateau to
Kalaw. In town, explore the central market and visit some of
the old colonial houses including the Anglican Church, built
by the British in 1900s. Visit Pinmagon monastery which
houses the famous Nee Paya (Bamboo Buddha Image)
estimated to have been built during the Ava Period over 500
years ago, before transferring to the Kalaw Hill Lodge.
Kalaw offers some of the best trekking in the country. The
surrounding mountains are home to numerous hill tribes and
villages including Danu, Pa-O, Palaung and Taung Yoo ethnic
groups. The villagers are mostly farmers growing tea,
clementines, rice and a countless variety of fruits and
vegetables. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to
the local people and be able to explain many of the plants
encountered on your trek, including several herbs used in
local cooking and traditional medicine.
Travel Details – Fly Heho & 2 hr drive to Kalaw
Accommodation – Kalaw Hill Lodge,
Includes – Breakfast & dinner
After breakfast, visit a local Buddhist monastery and take a
15 minute walk to a Danu village. Visit the library and
interact with locals over a cup of green tea. Continue to
another 20 minutes to a Nepalese village, where you can
taste rice and plum wine. From here transfer by vehicle to
Kalaw station for the short rail journey to Sintaung, which
takes around an hour. At 4425 feet above sea level, the
village is predominately inhabited by a Nepalese
community, descendants of Gurkha soldiers brought to
Myanmar by the British. Visit a 100 year old Nepalese
temple and climb the hilltop Pagoda for stunning views of
the valley below. Settle into a village house, your home for
the night, and get to know your hosts. Dinner and overnight
in the village house.
Travel Details – 1 hr train & short treks
Accommodation – Village House
Includes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today trek 1.5 hours along a ridge to Hinkha Gone village,
located at 4767 feet. From here continue another hour north
to the view point, perched at 4715 feet. Have lunch here and
take some time to enjoy the view from the ridge before
returning to the lodge by vehicle.
While at the lodge you can explore the organic gardens and
experience working with buffalo, milking cows and feeding
animals at local farm house within the grounds.
Travel Details –3 hrs trekking
Accommodation – Kalaw Hill Lodge,
Includes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner
After breakfast visit Shwe U Min Pagoda (Shwe Oo Min
Paya), a cave filled with golden Buddhas before boarding
the train to Shwe Nyaung. At the station your driver will be
waiting to transfer you to Nyaung Shwe at the north end of
Inle Lake. Here board a long-tailed boat for the trip to your
hotel on the eastern shore.
The lake sits in a valley between two mountain ranges and
feels like a different world to the rest of Burma. Wooden
houses are built high on stilts and fishermen steer their
one-man boats with a unique rowing style, wrapping one
leg around their oar. Rows of floating gardens produce
delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. Along with
fishing and farming, traditional handicrafts are an important
part of the local economy, especially silk weaving. As with all
of Myanmar, religion plays a massive part in local life, and
numerous pagodas and monasteries can be found on the
lake and its shores. After a relaxing afternoon take a tour by
canoe through the peaceful stilt villages bathed in the
golden light of dusk.
Travel Details – 2hr rail journey & 1hr by boat
Accommodation – Inle Resort, lake front royal villa
Includes – Breakfast
Travel by long-tailed boat to the western bank of the lake to
the ancient temple site of Indein. Explore the crumbling and
atmospheric groups of pagodas and carvings of mythical
creatures, and climb the covered stairway leading up the hill
to Shwe Inn Thein Paya for wonderful views across the lake.
This mysterious place is at the end of the narrow and
winding Indein creek. Farmers can be seen ploughing and
harrowing with buffaloes either side, and these beasts can
sometimes be seen wallowing off the banks.
Travel by boat to the five day market. There may be a
leisurely walk to the market site depending on where it is
being held. The route will take you on local tracks through
small farms. Your guide will explain the wide variety of
crops, and what systems the farmers use. Villagers are very
friendly and will often welcome you into their homes. The
market attracts different ethnic groups from around the
lake. You will soon be able to recognise each by their
costume. It is also possible to visit the Red Mountain winery
by, car, bicycle or on foot for wine tasting and fabulous
views across the lake.
Travel Details –Short boat trips around the
lakeAccommodation – Inle Resort, lake front royal villa
Includes – Breakfast
Travel Details – Short boat trips around the lake
Accommodation –Inle Resort, lake front royal villa
Includes – Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the cultural heart of
the Burma, Bagan.
On arrival visit the golden dome of Shwezigon pagoda. Your
hotel is in the centre of Old Bagan surrounded by temple
spires.
This evening climb onto a temple platform to watch the sun
set behind the forest of stupas.
If you have booked a hot air balloon flight, rise early for
your transfer to the launch site for hot drinks and briefing.
Then take to the air for dramatic views over the unique and
enchanting 11th century ruins as the sun rises from behind
distant mountains.
After breakfast, start your tour of some of Bagan's beautiful
temples on the ground. You will hear the story of King
Anwaratha and his conversion to Buddhism and at
Dhammayazika Pagoda see the terracotta tiles illustrating
scenes from the Jataka.
After lunch return to your hotel to rest during the heat of
the day. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop to
watch men and women produce these beautiful handicrafts.
Travel Details – 1h 30m drive to Heho. Fly to Bagan
Accommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe
Includes – Breakfast
Travel Details – Tour the pagodas by horse & cart, & on foot
Accommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe
Includes – Breakfast
After breakfast board a small private boat and cruise down
the Irrawaddy river to Salay. Enjoy the scenery from the
open-topped deck and relax with a cup of tea or coffee.
After a couple of hours and a delicious lunch on the boat,
you will arrive in the historic town of Salay. This 12th century
village is an active religious centre with many wooden
monasteries and British colonial buildings. Walk through the
sleepy town dotted with rustic temples often missed by
tourists. At 130 years old Yokesone Kyaung is the oldest
surviving teak monastery, built on 154 teak posts with
beautiful carvings decorating the exterior walls.
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Salay before returning to Bagan
by road.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bagan, you can hire bicycles
to explore, relax by the pool or take a cookery class,
This evening stay in Salay in a traditional house. Meet your
hosts, spend time getting to know the family and see
experience village life in Myanmar.
Travel Details – 2h voyage to Salay
Accommodation – Village Homestay
Includes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Travel Details – 2 hour drive to Bagan
Accommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe
Includes – Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Bagan.
Transfer to the international airport for your departure
flight.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to
Yangon. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at
leisure.
Travel Details –Fly to Yangon & 1 hour drive to hotel
Accommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior room
Includes – Breakfast
Travel Details - Transfer to the international airport 1hr
Includes – Breakfast
Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the former capital of
Burma (Myanmar). Although the military government has
officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March
2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million,
continues to be the country's largest city and most
important commercial centre. Downtown Yangon is known
for its leafy avenues and fin-de-siècle architecture. The
former British capital has the highest number of colonial
period buildings in Southeast Asia.
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda,
is a 98-metre gilded stupa which lies to the west of
Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the
skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for
the Burmese, with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined
within, most importantly, eight hairs of the historical
Buddha, prince Siddhartha Gautama.
Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott Market) was built
in 1926 by the British Municipal Commisioner Gavin Scott. It
is a shopping paradise for foreigners and locals alike with a
wide array of souvenirs and handicrafts including
traditionally woven silk and cotton.
.
Kalaw is located to the west of Inle Lake, and blends the
influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures. The area is ideal
for walks and treks and it is possible to discover little-visited
minority hill tribe villages
Kalaw’s climate is much more pleasant than the baking heat
of the dry zone, although in the winter it can get quite cool
at night and early in the morning. The town is set amongst
magnificent pine forests and the area has become very
popular with trekkers.
Of the many houses built by the British in Kalaw around the
turn of the century, a few still remain in various states of
decay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by government
or military officials, although some are still eerily silent,
apparently undisturbed since their owners left 50 or more
years ago. The former Kingswood school is now a military
hospital and the race track is very overgrown, however
Christian services are still held at the Anglican Church and
are attended by Shan people educated by American
missionaries.
Kalaw has a significant population of Nepali Gurkhas and
Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who were brought to
Kalaw by the British to build the railway line. Their influence
is visible in the town with many local restaurants offering
traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes with a Burmese twist.
.
Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Shan Hills. The
local population of c.70,000 live in four cities bordering the
lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and
on the lake itself. The population consists predominantly of
the Intha ethnic group. Most are devout Buddhists, and live
in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they
are largely self-sufficient farmers.
Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing
style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and
wrapping the other leg around the oar
Inthein (Indein) lies on the western bank of the lake and can
be reached by pleasant boat ride along the winding canals. It
is a cluster of over five hundred ruined shrines dating back
to the 17th century. The pagodas are in the typical Shan
style and include beautifully carved mythical and celestial
beings. The area also offers fantastic views across the lake in
the east and countryside to the west.
.
With over 2000 temples and pagodas, Bagan is one of the
richest archaeological sites in Asia. The monuments are of
different sizes and shapes, all splendid with distinct
architectural designs. The inner walls of most of these are
decorated with incredible wall paintings. The site is located
in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank
of the Irrawaddy River, 90 miles southwest of Mandalay. The
ruins cover an area of 16 square miles (41 km2). The
majority of its buildings were built in the 11th century to
13th century, during the time Bagan was the capital of the
First Burmese Empire.
Ananda Temple was built during the reign of King Kyanzittha
(1084–1113). Around this time Marco Polo is said to have
visited Bagan. The Buddhist temple houses four standing
Buddhas, each one facing the cardinal directions of East,
North, West and South. The temple is said to be an
architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian
style of architecture. The impressive temple has also been
dubbed the "Westminster Abbey of Burma".
.
Add a breathtaking hot air balloon to your trip. Take off in a
hot air balloon as dawn breaks over the nearby mountains.
Glide silently across the sky as the sun rises over Burma's
majestic landscape of ancient temple ruins.
Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest structure in Bagan. It
was built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was also known as
Kalagya Min, the 'king killed by Indians'. Narathu ascended
the throne of Bagan after murdering his own father. It is said
that Narathu oversaw the construction of the temple himself
and that masons were executed if a needle could be pushed
between bricks they had laid. Narathu was assassinated
before the temple's completion. Displeased by Hindu rituals,
he executed one practitioner, an Indian princess. In revenge
the princess's father sent 8 officers in the disguise of
Brahmans and assassinated Narathu inside the temple.
Located on the banks of Ayerwaddy River, 35 kilometers
south of Bagan, lies the small picturesque village of Salay.
Former colonial buildings can be found nestled alongside
traditional wooden monasteries and bagan-era shrines.
Delicious bowls of noodles are on offer at the market, and it
is a chance to soak up some of the local culture.
.
The Sule Shangri-La provides Idyllic peaceful luxury in the
heart of the metropolis. The hotel provides an outdoor pool,
spa and fitness facilities, traditional and international cuisine
served in its stylish restaurants and bars, views of the lush
tropical trees and shining pagodas, and complimentary Wifi
access in each room.
Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is conveniently located in downtown
Yangon near major tourist attractions, such as the Bogyoke
Market (Scott Market), Sule Pagoda, China Town and colonial
buildings. Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is only a 10-minute drive
from Shwedagon Pagoda, People's Park, the National
Museum and Kandawgyi Lake.
The Kalaw Hill Lodge is a charming 32-bedroom boutique
lodge located about a 20-minute drive from Kalaw. Each room
has delightful views over the Shan hills and the lodge makes
for a perfect base from which to explore the local
countryside.. Set within 30 acres of land, the Kalaw Hill Lodge
is an ideal destination for those who want a base from which
to explore the surrounding, off-the-beaten track countryside.
Visit the local farm, head off on a day walk through local
villages, go off mountain biking or take a more adventurous
trek staying overnight in local homes. The lodge is very close
to the colonial railway line, and this can work well as a unique
experience whilst staying at the lodge.
The Inle Resort is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate
after a long day's exploring. Enjoy the tropical garden views
on the restaurant's veranda, where they serve both western
and local cuisine, have a drink in the stylish bar or spend an
afternoon getting pampered in the Hom Spa. Each bungalow
or cottage takes its inspiration from traditional design but
with the functionality of modern day conveniences. The Lake
View offers pleasant, comfortable accommodation and
commands stunning views across the lake. The rooms are big
and airy and very well appointed. The hotel is set in well
maintained working gardens which cultivate vegetables and
other produce for the local people and the hotel's restaurant.
Located in the heart of Old Bagagn, surrounded by temples
and pagodas this hotel has fantastic views of the ancient
capital, with each room boasting its own private garden.
Try out a cocktail at the pool side bar, spend an afternoon
relaxing in the spa with traditional Burmese and Thai
treatments or dine al fresco in the Tropical Garden. The high
ceilinged rooms are each decorated by hand with wall
paintings copying the original Temple Painting of the Bagan
period. Wifi is available in the lobby.
Price Includes: Accommodation (based on 2 sharing*) · Meals as per itinerary · Mineral water during days out · Activities as per
itinerary · English speaking guide(s) · Private surface transportation (vehicle and driver) · Park & museum entrance fees · Airport
transfers
Price Excludes: Travel Insurance · Passport · Vaccination charges · Private excursions · Bar bills · Laundry · Telephone calls & items
of a personal nature · International flights · Myanmar visa
Single supplement $ 1,095
Deposit $1,000 per person (plus any extras)
Full payment is due if departure is in less than 90 days
PANORAMIC JOURNEYS Ltd., Granary Barn, Chapel Road, Chadlington, OX7 3NX, England
[email protected] - Tel. +44 (0) 1608 676 821
Ngapali is a small town on the remote west coast of Burma, a magical little place with a beautiful beach and interesting local
villages to discover. It is a place where time stands still, allowing you to simply "switch off" and recharge your batteries or
explore nearby islands and secluded bays by boat.
Switching off and relaxing on a beach is not really why most people come to Myanmar, but you are on holiday after all. If you
want to spend a few days reflecting and unwinding before heading home, Ngapali’s idyllic palm-lined beach is the place to
do it. With its charming fishing-village vibe, pristine white sands, the clear blue waters and stylish accommodation, Ngapali
beach is the perfect way to end your stay in Myanmar. Spend your time visiting the local fishing village by bicycle, hire a
fishing boat to take you snorkelling, enjoy a barbecue on a deserted island or just relax in your beach front lounge.
Rimmed with a very long coastline, Burma is graced
with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Ngapali is the best beach in the country, with golden
sand, palm trees and the clear turquoise waters of the
Bay of Bengal. Take a fishing trip to a private island and
BBQ your catch of the day. Spend time at leisure
swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
There are several excellent boutique hotels to choose
from. Call us on +44 (0)1608 676821 to check
availability and secure the perfect end to your visit to
Myanmar.