Welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival, your guide will assist you with hotel check-in (note: check-in time is 14:00, subject to availability).

Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see the impressive 70-meter reclining Buddha statue. Explore Chinatown’s Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple, known for its vibrant dragons and incense. Immerse yourself in the lively street stalls, offering various goods and produce.

Prepare for an incredible experience at the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the mesmerizing transformation of colors on the 100-meter chedi, adorned with over 40 tons of gold leaf. Browse the shops at the temple’s base, showcasing religious items and Buddhist artifacts. Your guide will share insights into Myanmar’s Buddhist rituals. The Shwedagon Pagoda holds great cultural significance and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Enjoy an overnight stay in Yangon.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we will take five-hour journey to the well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State – Golden Rock. It is built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees.

En route visit Kyakhat Wine Monastery where many monks live while studying Buddha’s literature. This is a great chance for you to learn more about the monastic life of young monks.

When we reach the base camp, we travel by local open-air truck to the junction camp and then to Golden Rock or and spend 45 minutes walking to the Golden Rock. If you would love to use a sedan chair, you should pay by your own account.

Lunch and Dinner on my own account. Overnight stay in Kyaikhtiyo.

Important Notes for visits to Golden Rock

What to pack

Sturdy shoes as the way up to Golden Rock is very steep.

A pullover, lightweight jacket and/or scarf as it gets quite cold in the evening.

Backpack: Leave your main luggage in Yangon and just bring a backpack or small overnight back.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Kyaikhtiyo

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and head back to Yangon. We move to the base camp by open truck, then drive to Yangon. On the way, don’t miss the chance to make a stop at Bago (or Pegu) to explore Shwemawdaw pagoda – the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. It always amazes anyone with its stunning architecture and great scale. Take time to visit Kanbawzathardi palace-a reconstruction of the original Royal palace from the second half of the 16th century and Shwethalyaung– one of the largest Buddha images in Burma; and Kyaik Pun pagoda which is known for its four towering images of the Buddha visible from far away; as well as the town market and a Mon neighborhood where the locals once produced woven textiles

Before reaching Yangon, spend some time visiting World War 2 Cemetery and a workshop producing hand-made pots.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Yangon.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, fly to Heho in the heart of Shan State. Upon arrival, head to NyaungShwe village, with opportunities to visit workshops specializing in traditional Shan paper and handcrafted umbrellas. Board a private motorboat and explore the breathtaking Inle Lake, adorned with floating vegetation and fishing canoes against a backdrop of scenic hills. Pass stilt villages inhabited by the Intha people and witness the daily activities of leg-rowing fisherman and their unique floating gardens. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five sacred Buddha images adorned in gold leaf. Optional visits include traditional crafts like lotus silk weaving, boat building, cigar making, blacksmithing, and silver crafting. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Inle Lake

Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a boat transfer to Nyaung Shwe village, a charming Shan town adjacent to Inle Lake. Experience the local lifestyle with a visit to the bustling Nyaung Shwe morning market, where fresh produce from the lake is bought and sold. Ride a trishaw along the busy canal, witnessing the transfer of vegetables from boats to trucks and bikes. Explore quiet streets, passing monasteries and nunneries for photo opportunities. Discover the Red Mountain Estate, a winery nestled in the Shan Hills, by biking or driving from Nyaung Shwe. Enjoy the scenic views of Inle Lake while tasting locally produced Myanmar wine. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Inle Lake

Meals: Breakfast

Morning after breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover the local products.

After that we visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest and most revered temple in Chiang Rai city. The Wat Phra Kaew is where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined.

We move on to Wat Phra Singh, which was the storage of Phra Buddha Sihingh statue. The main structures of the Lanna style temple are the ubosot, the viharn, a chapel containing a footprint of the Buddha and the Kuti or monks living quarters.

Continue to visit Baan Dam (Black House), an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs.

We have lunch then take a boat to cruise on Mae Kok river from Chiang Rai to Karen village where you can watch elephants or feed them, especially enjoying your 1-hour elephant riding.

Heading back to Chiang Rai to overnight. 

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast

OPTION: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN (FROM 01 JAN – 10 APR 2020)

Start your day with an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over Bagan. Marvel at the breathtaking sunrise over the Irrawaddy River and the remarkable stupas that dot the landscape. This exclusive opportunity offers a truly unique perspective.

Embark on a drive through Bagan’s countryside to the peaceful village of Minnanthu, a lesser-visited area known for its tranquility. Explore temples like Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya, each with their own distinct architectural features. Visit the revered Kyat Kan Cave monastery, an important meditation retreat. If you’re interested, you can also observe the daily lives of farming communities in the surrounding villages. Continue to Myinkaba village, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit workshops renowned for crafting Bagan’s famous lacquer ware, witnessing the skillful artisans as they create beautiful pieces passed down through generations. Discover the artistic frescoes at Gu Byaukgyi Temple and explore the ancient Nanpaya Temple, believed to be one of the oldest in the region.

Conclude the day at the revered Myazedi (Jade) Stupa, a place of worship for Buddhists due to its sacred relics. Admire the inscriptions in Burmese, Pyu, Pali, and Mon languages, which have earned it the nickname “Myanmar’s Rosetta Stone.”

Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Enjoy an overnight stay in Bagan.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bagan  

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 4-hour drive from Bagan to Mandalay. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city and an ancient royal capital, is often portrayed as a traditional and enchanting destination. However, it surprises visitors with its vibrant energy and bustling businesses along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. While it embraces modernity, Mandalay remains the cultural heart of Myanmar, where music, dance, and drama thrive.

Our orientation tour begins with a climb up Mandalay Hill, offering a panoramic view of the city. Admire the Shan Hills to the east, Mandalay Palace and the cityscape to the south, and the Irrawaddy River to the west. Next, we’ll visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then, we’ll explore the Golden Monastery, also known as Shwenandaw Monastery, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings.

Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense. Enjoy an overnight stay in Mandalay.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Mandalay  

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, we will make our way to Mandalay jetty and board a private boat for a serene one-hour journey along the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Explore the remarkable sights of Mingun, starting with the renowned Mingun Paya, an unfinished brick building that would have been the largest in the world if completed. We’ll then visit the stunning Hsinbyume Pagoda, an exquisite alabaster stupa with a fascinating backstory. Don’t miss the impressive Mingun Bell, claimed to be the world’s largest uncracked bell.

In the afternoon, our Mandalay guided tour continues with a visit to the revered Mahamuni Pagoda, adorned with layers of gold leaves applied by devoted male followers. Optional stops can be made at various craft workshops specializing in gold leaf, tapestries, wood carvings, or marionettes.

Next, we’ll drive to Amarapura, a former royal capital known as the “City of Immortality.” Explore the Mahagandayon Monastery, home to numerous young monks, and admire their dedicated study and religious discipline. A short distance away, we’ll discover the iconic U Bein Bridge, stretching over 1.2 km across Taungthaman Lake and recognized as the world’s longest teakwood bridge.

Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense. Enjoy an overnight stay in Mandalay.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast

Free until transfer to Mandalay International Airport to take your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you are welcomed by your local English speaking guide and directly transfer to your hotel in Bangkok for accommodation (check-in time is after 14h00). Overnight in Bangkok.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples. The first destination is the Grand Palace.  This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in the 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of the national significant events take place there.

Wat Phra Kaew (EMERALD BUDDHA) is the most out-standing architecture in the complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

Then, visit Jim Thompson House. We will board a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun at Sunset, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s river bank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style.

Wat Arun at Sunset is a beautiful sight to behold. As the sun sets directly behind the temple, you will be rewarded with some beautiful silhouette shots of the majestic structure of Wat Arun.

Then, visit ICON SIAM or NIGHT MARKET if there’s enough time.

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you are transferred to visit to Shwenadaw Kyaung – the original Royal Apartment of Grand Mandalay Palace. Then continue to The Word’s largest book called Kuthodaw Pagoda with 729 stone tables with the inscription Buddhist.

Our Mandalay guided tour continues with a visit to the revered Mahamuni Pagoda, adorned with layers pf gold leaves applied by devoted male followers.

We’ll start our exploration with a walk down the marble carving street, where thousands of Buddha images are carved.

This afternoon before the sunset, you may visit the traditonal cotton and silk weavers whose ancestors used to weave magnificent robes for the royalty. The waeving of silk long is so intricate and colorful that they can lonly complete an inch a day, it is truly amazing.

Also, at Amarapura, you will visit the famous Mahagandayon monastery, probably the largest Buddhist University in the country where you can witness thousands of monks studying together.

Enjoy the sunset with a visit to the most picturesque U Bein Bridge on Taungthaman Lake, a half- mile long teak walkway also known as the longest teak bridge in the world 

Overnight in Mandalay

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bagan  

Meals: Breakfast

This morning drive straight to jetty where to take a ferry boat to Mingun, 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western bank of Ayeyarwaddy River.

After taking the boat trip for about 45 minutes, you can walk and start your tour includes the Mingun Pagoda, unfinished pagoda which might have been the biggest pagodain the history of Buddhism, Mingun bell, the world largest ringing bell, and Myatheindan Pagoda.

Cross the bridge over the Irrawaddy River in to Sagaing. With 6– ivory colored pagodas and monasteries, Saganging Hill is generally seen as the spiritual hub of Myanmar and claims residence to around 3,000 monks and nearly 100 meditation shrines. You’ll visit pagodas such as Swan Oo a less visted tourist site. We’ll head over to a small pottery village which is recognized for manufacturing ubiquitous water pots to observe the trademen here applying their traditional methods for producing their goods.

Back to mandalay for overnight.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

Af

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast we depart for northern Thailand, a wooded, mountainous and beautiful area. This morning, you will explore the surroundings and the first road you will take is the one that leads to Mae Salong. Climb up and down the green hills, covered with tea plantations. You will taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations of the region, bef. From Doi Mae Salong, you will visit two villages of ethnic minorities: the village Akah of Loyo, and the village Lisu of Ban Hanygo.

After that continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand where you can see the border between Thailand and Burma called “ Tha Khee Lek ” the trading place for the Thai, Burmese and Chinese with many different kinds of produch.

Drive to visit the world famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of three countries meet – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Lunch on your own.

Then, visit the Hall of Opium – insightful.

Then, you will have a chance to go on Mae Khong River by the river boat ride to our neighborhood, Laos and see the beautiful scenery along the igantic Mae Khong River which divide the three countries from each other before returning back to the mainland Chiang Rai.

Return to Chiang Rai for overnight.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast

Morning after breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover the local products. After that we visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Move on to Wat Phra Singh where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. Then a short drive from Chiang Rai City to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs.

Lunch on your own and in the afternoon we visit the White Temple, an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.

Keep driving around 03h30 minutes to Chiang Mai.

Arrive in Chiang Mai, check-in at the hotel and overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

06:30 – 07:00 Pick up from your hotel or accommodation

07:00 Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.

08:30 Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Learn about the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothing.

09:00 Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.

09:45 Mud Spa with the elephants

10:30 Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.

11:30 Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.

12:00 Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.

13:30 Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.

* Please Note: At the Sanctuary, we will allow you to spend as much time as possible with the elephants. Therefore, there is no formal schedule and aside from pick-up times, the times shown here are approximations.

In the afternoon we cannot miss the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain’s temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand. We drive up the scenic mountainous terrains and pass by lush landscapes on your way to the base of the complex. We then climb up more than 300 stairs and finally take an elevator to the top. Here get your chance to admire the picturesque panorama views of Chiang Mai City.

Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market by your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Pick up in Chiang Mai (in the hotel booked by yourself) and depart for the North, up to Pai. On the way, visit the market of Mae Malai, where you can experience local foods like some exotic fruits. Then you’ll stop at Pong Deuid, one of the most beautiful hot springs in the province of Chiang Mai. This Spa is little exploited commercially, in fact, and is part of a well maintained in a very picturesque wooded Valley Park. Downstream of bubbling geysers, the rock formations are shallow pools where you can have a nice swim.

You will then have lunch by own in a restaurant before arriving in Pai.

It is a small community located in a hilly and beautiful, natural environment with a clean, refreshing and warm atmosphere. Its different ethnic groups of the Plains or mountains, with their religious beliefs and their different languages, are mixed to form singular and common cultural traditions together. According to the time to arrive, you can visit the isolated village of Pai, and three other villages of the local ethnic groups: Ban Bang Paek (Lisu tribe) – although they represent about 5% of the total population of the tribes, the Lisu are very present, including through their clothing in bright colors. They are established in areas of high altitude.

Have dinner by own and overnight to Pai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Pai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the local market then departure to Mae Hong Son. Stop at the village of Baan Phang Paek where the wider community Lisou, sino – tibetan ethnic minority. You continue the road towards Ban Tham Lod, and visit the caves of Tham Lod by bamboo raft. Cruise on the inland lake; discover its calcareous concretions and its prehistoric coffins. Since the entrance to the exit of the cavity, a water course follows a circular path on nearly 500 meters of height, by eroding it for more than a million years. The site includes three separate caves, in fact, those Sao Hin, Tukta and IP Man; to visit, tourists must climb aboard a raft on 1600 meters.

Lunch on your own.

You then take the road to Mae Hong Son with the visit of three temples near the picturesque lake of Jong Kham. It is one of the central points of the city, the western part of the Lake has a few restaurants, a night market, and a walk along the Lake path. Visit to Wat Chong Kham: located next to Wat Chong Klang, it is the oldest of the two wats (temples), founded in 1827 by the Shan of Mae Hong, its sovereign. The Buddha, Burmese style, 5 meters high, is sitting. Wat Chong Klang was built in the 1860s, his Burmese style chedi can easily be seen from the banks of the Lake. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is the main attraction of Mae Hong Son, keeping the city like a Sentinel. The best time to visit is during the sunset between November and February when the surrounding mountains are shrouded in fog. Stay overnight in Mae Hong Son.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Mae Hong Son  

Meals: Breakfast

Morning we begin the journey by taking a boat for sightseeing along the Pai River. You can catch sight of one of the most beautiful scenery and simple lifestyle along the Pai River. Drop in to visit Long-Necked Karen village, the women in this tribal village wear their one brass winding rings on their neck.

Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Continue the journey to visit the Su Tong Pae Bridge, which is the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand. Then taking the next programmed direct journey to “Baan Rak Thai Village.” This interesting village is located on the border between Thai and Myanmar with a big lake nearby. Next visit is the beautiful, calm and peaceful atmosphere in Shan village “Baan Ruam Thai”. Also known as Pang Oung, the village is located among the rugged mountain range. The reservoir or a big lake is such a spectacular landscape that it is entitled Switzerland in Thailand, surrounded by pine forest and colorful winter flowers including year-round cold weather.

Stay overnight in Mae Hong Son.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Mae Hong Son  

Meals: Breakfast

Morning heading South to Mae Chaem, visit Doi Inthanon national park (Thailand’s highest mountain of over 2,565 meters) Admire the stunning views of the peaks, and enjoy walking along the nature trail for a while, and then visit the beautiful architecture of Royal Pagodas Napamaytanidol and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to commemorate the king’s and queen’s 60th birthdays, and enjoy the beautiful of Royal flower garden around the place. Continue to visit hill tribe markets where they sell their own product from the farm, such as flowers, vegetables etc. Visit Vachiratharn Waterfalls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, which has water throughout the year.

Arrive in Chiang Mai late in the afternoon. Free time and overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai   

Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Phuket. Pick up from Phuket airport to the pier to take the ferry Speedboat to Koh Yao Yai island.

Then (No guide) transfer from pier to hotel in Koh Yao Yai.

Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Yao Yai    

Meals: Breakfast

Day 23: Koh Yao Yai beach at leisure (B)

Your free day in Koh Yao Yai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Yao Yai    

Meals: Breakfast

Your free day in Koh Yao Yai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Yao Yai    

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer no guide from Hotel in Koh Yao yai to the pier to take the ferry/speedboat to Phuket.

Pick up from Phuket pier transfer to Phuket airport for the flight to Bangkok.

Pick up from Bangkok Airport to hotel in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok     

Meals: Breakfast

Free time on your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Bangkok. End of services.

Accommodation : NA     

Meals: Breakfast