Best of Thailand & Myanmar – 16 Days

Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Mingalabar! Arrival at Yangon International Airport, you are greeted by our tour guide and driver. Welcome to Myanmar, the country has just opened its doors to the world after 60 years of isolation and now waiting people to explore its unique heritage and culture.
Yangon is the former capital and remains the most developed city of Myanmar. The bustling city of Yangon is the best place to witness the country in transition, where century-old buildings from the British colonial period vie for space with the emerging modern skyline. Head to the hotel to check-in and freshen up.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon
Day 2: Yangon city tour
After breakfast, our tour guide picks you up and head to the railway station. It’s your time experiencing the “circular train” for the true Burmese lifestyle. From the city center to its suburbs, you observe the vibrant and colorful life of local people. Stop for a stroll around Little India and Chinatown, which represent distinctive Yangon neighborhoods. Take in the sights, and join the locals in the popular fresh market. You might want to try some local snack, savor the exotic fruit, or pick up a colorful souvenir from vendors lining the streets.
Next you have a trip downtown with a walking tour through the historic quarter. Along the way you visit the former City Hall and various other examples of 1940’s colonial British architecture. The hidden art galleries inside the small alley could also be the next stop on your tour. Continue to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses the sacred reclining Buddhas as well as the country’s largest one. Spend time at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scott Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays). Built in the 1920s under British rule, the side is listed a heritage of Yangon. It has more than 2,000 stalls dominated by large selections of antique Burmese handicraft, clothing and jewelry…
Last but not least, you go to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist site of Myanmar and the oldest one in the world. The Pagoda contains a 99m high golden stupa and spires, adorned with 7,000 diamonds, sapphires and rubies and allegedly, hairs belonging to the Gautama Buddha. If you are fortunate enough to join a special oil lamp lighting ceremony with thousand oil lamps are lit around the gilded pagoda. This ancient and symbolic Buddhist ritual will be the truly awe-inspiring spiritual experience.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon
Day 3: Yangon – Fly to Bagan – Sightseeing
After breakfast at hotel, you are leaving Yangon for Bagan. Now you have the visit to the most beautiful and iconic sites, including: Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, Nanpaya Temple, Thatbinnyu… In the afternoon, you visit a traditional lacquerware workshop, try creating some products yourself and bring home some unique the handicrafts. Later on, from an elevated vantage point, you witness the panoramic view of the archaeological wonders in sunset. This is the most relaxing way to end a day in Bagan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Bagan
Day 4: Bagan sightseeing
Begin the sightseeing with a visit at the colorful Nyaung U market which remains very authentic with a wide range of local grown products. Next, you take an exotic horse cart ride around the ancient land, feel free to drop by any temples in Bagan and many other interesting sites nearby. Now you proceed to the typical Burmese villages, discover their agricultural lifestyle, such as Min Nan Thu Village and Shwe Hlaing village…
Continue your journey to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 metres high. It is the worshipper center of the pantheon of Burmese ‘Nat” spirits (which form an essential part of Buddhist beliefs in Myanmar).  Climb 829 steps with bare foot to reach the revered Popa Taungkalat Monastery perched dramatically on a large rocky outcrop. The adventurous is rewarded with sweeping views of Popa National Park.
In the afternoon, drive back to Bagan and stop en-route at the workshop making traditional palm sugar, cigar maker and peanut oil distillation. You cap the day with an unforgettable sunset from a boat on the Irrawaddy River.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Bagan
Day 5: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Inle Lake boat trip
This morning you take the short flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake and the Shan region. This freshwater lake is the Myanmar’s second largest and measures about 70 square kilometres. There are an estimated 70,000 people living in more than 200 villages on or around the lake. To get a real sense of the lake’s expanse, you will take a longboat cruise navigating pass floating gardens and stilt houses, observe the “one-leg rowing technique” of the Intha fisherman with incredible balance. It’s indispensable to immerse yourselves in the magnificent view of peaceful lake and cascading mountains.
Journey by boat to the most outstanding sites, including: Phaungdawoo Pagoda, the holiest one of Inle Lake with five 800-year-old golden Buddha images. In the afternoon, you continue to Ngaphechaung monastery, the biggest and oldest one over Inle Lake. Here you observe the unique architecture, remarkable collection of Buddha images (But it’s best known for the ‘jumping cats’. In the past, they were trained to jump through hoops in the air). From here, you proceed to Nam Pan village; cigar house, cotton and lotus weaving factory of Intha people. Wrap up the fruitful day trip with fantastic sunset over the beautiful lake.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Inle Lake
Day 6: Local market – Indein boat trip
Boarding on boat again and sail toward Indein. En-route, you visit local 5-day market which is rotating between 5 different lakeside villages over 5-day period. The market is a unique culture; people all around the lake and mountains come here to exchange not only their daily products but also the indigenous cultures. Finally, you reach Indein village. Take an easy walk through verdant bamboo groves to the hilltop of more than 1000 ruined stupas embracing the Shwe Indein pagoda in the middle. All were constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries. You then visit small communities that live along the lake.
If time permits, stop for some moments at Inthar Heritage House on the way back. The restaurant reflects the style and elegance of the Inthar. It’s also a hotel and catering school, a gallery and a Cat Sanctuary for nearly extinct Burmese cats.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Inle Lake
Day 7: Heho – Fly to Mandalay – Sagaing – Inwa
Take the morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and head to Sagaing.
The destination is renowned as the religious center of not only Mandalay but also Myanmar. Here you will be impressed with the view of the countless white and gold pagodas dotting along the river and around the Sagaing Hill. Furthermore, it is also the home to more than 100 meditation centers and 3,000 monks. Here you will have the visit at Pagoda Cave, U Min Thonze Pagoda and U Ponya Pagoda. Continue the trip to Inwa. Once a royal capital, it is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a horse cart ride around the peaceful countryside, visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint tower.
End of the day, walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type & enjoy great sunset view here.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Day 8: Mingun – Mandalay City – Fly to Chiang Mai
First, embark on a private boat upstream Irrawaddy River to visit Mingun. Upon arrival, the first site attracting your attention is Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the uncompleted yet the largest pagoda in Mandalay. Continue the sightseeing to Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, which is said to weigh around 90 tons. Then take a walk to the incredibly-white Hsinphymae Pagoda with its special structure and history. A visit to Mingun is definitely the highlight of your journey in Mandalay. The next stop is the Shwenandaw Monastery, the famous construction with the exquisite wood carvings and stunning perfection in every detail. It is the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, which offers a glimpse of the original style and traditional architecture of the Myanmar royals. In the afternoon, visit a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, well-known as the world’s largest book inscribed on 729 stone slabs. It’s time to learn about the story and scriptures with our experienced tour guide. If time permits, you head to Artisan quarters with some of the oldest craftsmanship are showcased dating back to the last kingdom of Myanmar. Here you visit the handicraft workshops, observe the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. You also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded. Wrap up the fruitful day trip with the drive to Mandalay Hill. From the highest point of the city, enjoy the panoramic views of Mandalay, you can also see the square of the Royal Palace, some pagodas dotted surrounding, and the mighty Irrawaddy River.
Finally, you take the direct flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Upon arrival, you are waited by our driver and tour guide. Have the drive to hotel, check in and relax.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai
Day 9: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon
Today you will visit northern Thailand’s Premiere national park home to Thailand’s highest mountains, ethnic hill tribes, unique flora and fauna and stunning natural beauty to boot. On this tour you can cool off on Thailand’s highest peak while taking in the beautiful scenic Doi Inthanon National Park. Night time temperatures on the peak can be as low as -8 degrees centigrade. In the cold/dry season night time frosts are common. Day time temperatures can be surprisingly cold so do not forget a long sleeve jumper. On the way up we will visit Wachiritharn Waterfalls, The King and Queen Chedi’s, (the best views across the park are found here), and then on to the peak of Doi Inthanon the highest mountain in Thailand. Near the top we will take the Angkha nature walk (if the weather permits) where you can walk amongst the unique flora and forest that grow at this altitude. There are both Karen and Hmong villages in the bounds of Doi Inthanon and we will see those at the local market on the way down the mountain before making our way back to Chiang Mai.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai
Day 10: Chiang Mai – Elephant Camp
Breakfast shall be served at the hotel and then we will visit one of the popular Elephants Camp, where you can see the Elephants at work. You have a chance to ride the elephants crossing the river into the forest. Then return by Oxcart (if available) to the elephant village to have lunch. After lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river for around 45 minutes. Onwards to an orchid farm where there are many beautiful species of orchid. And after that going back to the hotel and free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.
Day 11: Wat Doi Suthep – Fly to Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel. Today, continue the trip at Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep – 3,500 feet above sea-level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. You will have a panoramic view of the city from this height.
Finally, you have the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by our tour guide. Head to hotel in city center, check in and relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Bangkok
Day 12: Bangkok – Floating market – Half day city tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be collected from your hotel in Bangkok and taken to the Floating Market. You will take a longtail boat to the edge of the Floating Market and ride in a paddleboat through the Floating Market. You’ll then walk around and observe the sale and exchange of various goods between parties in their longtail boats as has been traditionally taking place for years. Back to Bangkok for the visit to some highlights including the Grand Palace which is the official of King Siam since 1782 made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It is located on the bank of Chao Phraya River. Inside the Grand Palace complex is Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The following visit is Wat Arun which is known as Temple of Dawn – one of the best well-known sites in Bangkok. It is best seen from the opposite side of the river.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Bangkok
Day 13: Bangkok – Koh Samui
After breakfast at the hotel, take morning flight to Koh Samui. Upon your arrival, our private car is awaiting to transfer you to hotel. Free relaxation and have a good night on the beach then.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Koh Samui
Day 14: Beach time
You are free at leisure, relax on beach and enjoy variety beach activities on your own.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Koh Samui
Day 15: Beach time
You are free at leisure, relax on beach and enjoy variety beach activities on your own.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Koh Samui
Day 16: Koh Samui Departure
Enjoy last minute shopping for souvenirs before getting transferred to the airport for departure.
End services.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: N/A