Burma Encounter

16-Day Enlightened Tour

After much consideration, and in support of the Burmese people, we have recently introduced this tour which offers cultural travellers the opportunity to discover Burma, its people and way of life. We work in partnership with local, private companies to showcase a land that is both beautiful and spiritual.

So Much is Included in the Price

• Return flights to and from the UK and internal flights including all UK taxes

• Visits to Burma’s cities and villages including a downstream cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River and entrance to some of the best known pagodas

• Sightseeing as specified with transfers and entrance fees included

• Your local guide will meet you on arrival, accompany you throughout and give you a real insider’s view of the country

• Free time to explore independently

• 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

Want to Extend Your Holiday?

Ngwe Saung Beach from £530pp

Glimpse local life as you drive to Ngwe Saung and its 16 mile unspoilt beach which has

breathtaking views across the Bay of Bengal. Our 4 night stay allows you plenty of time to relax, swim or venture into the nearby village.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow

Your morning flight travels via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 Rangoon (Yangon)

After arriving at Rangoon for a 1 night stay, you’ll have free time before a sunset visit to the stunning but spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda.

Day 3 Rangoon to Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)

This morning you’ll fly to Mandalay then drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo, with its colonial-style buildings and markets for 1 night.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 Maymyo to Mandalay

On a morning tour you’ll venture to the ancient Peik Khin Myaung Caves and Pwe Kyauk Falls, before a scenic drive to Mandalay, Burma’s spiritual centre, where you’ll spend 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Mandalay

You have full free day in Mandalay today to do your own thing, or you can join one of our optional excursions; one of our favourites is ‘A Day in the Life of a Monk’, which includes visits to the monk accessory shop and the monastery.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Mandalay to Pagan (Bagan)

You’ll embark on a leisurely 8 hour journey on the Ayeyarwaddy River with lunch served on board. You’ll be charmed by Pagan’s centuries old pagodas and dusty roads on your 3 night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7 Pagan

On this morning’s half day tour of Pagan you’ll travel by horse and cart to a selection of the most significant ancient pagodas and temples. You’re free to explore by yourself this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Pagan

Today you’ll take a bicycle tour to Myinkabar village to visit a farmer’s house and barber’s shop and experience some traditional family businesses such as lacquer ware, bamboo fence makers, cigar workshops and traditional rice pounding. This afternoon, the itinerary is up to you.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Pagan to Inle Lake

This morning you’ll fly to Heho then drive to Ayethayar, a hilly resort town famous for its wine production. After a vineyard visit, you’ll enjoy lunch and a wine tasting before transferring by road and boat for 3 nights on the shores of Inle Lake itself.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10 Inle Lake

We've lined up a half day excursion to some of the most fascinating sites on the lake. You'll visit Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda sat amidst the lake's stilted villages, then board a boat to the western shore to a stairway leading to the hidden Inn Thein Pagoda complex.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 Inle Lake

You have a free day to enjoy your wonderful surroundings, or take an optional excursion to a hilltop meditation centre and Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery with its famous jumping cats.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 Inle Lake to Rangoon

You’ll transfer by boat to Nyaung Shwe then drive to Heho airport for your flight to Rangoon for 1 night before this evening’s sunset dinner cruise along the Rangoon River.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 13 Rangoon

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight via Kuala Lumpur, or continue to your beach extension.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14 Arrive London Heathrow

Your flight lands early this morning.