Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! The former capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is a great place to start your family holiday. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and accompanied to your hotel for check in. (Note: Check in time is 2 PM; early check in subject to availability). Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight in Yangon. Read more

YANGON, 2 NIGHTS

Today, you will delve into Myanmar's culture with a full day excursion around Yangon. Set off with your local guide and transfer to Yangon’s Central Station where you will board the “Circular Train”. This slow-moving train is used as a commuter train by main locals as it circles the outskirts of the city and stops in dozens of neighbourhoods. As you travel around, enjoy the buzz on board as vendors hop on and off and look out the windows to get a clear overview of the city (note: train ride is about 20 minutes. The trains are very simple, and used by many locals during the day). Disembark in the suburbs and visit the bustling market where locals come to buy colorful fruits, fresh vegetables and chat with the friendly vendors. You will then drive back to town by car and take a short rest before your afternoon excursion. This afternoon, you will use another local transportation to explore Dhala, a small village on the opposite bank of the Yangon River. A multi-level ferry shuttles local commuters back and forth between the village and the city. You will join them for the 15 minute journey across the water. It’s a fascinating way to see the contrast between the modern city and local suburbs. Upon reaching Dhala, you will travel by trishaw through the side streets, stopping to meet with friendly locals or explore the monasteries and markets in the area. Return via ferry to Yangon in the late afternoon and drive back to your hotel. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Yangon. Read more

YANGON

It’s an early start this morning as you drive to the airport without guide for a flight North to Bagan. Bagan was one of the greatest cities in Myanmar from the 9th to 13th centuries when more than 2000 brick monuments were built, most of which remain standing today. It is truly a remarkable place. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and accompanied to you hotel for check in. (Note: check in time is 14.00; early check-in is subject to availability) Your first port of call will be an elevated location amid the temple plains to see the fields and pagodas of Bagan. From here, you will have a look around the Ananda Temple – one of the most exalted of Bagan’s temples. You will reach this point before the majority of tourist arrive, enabling you to enjoy the splendor of the temple in relative tranquility. And so on to the village of Myinkaba and its temples. You will not fail to be awe struck by the astonishingly beautiful murals and carvings. You will also get the chance to drop into two smaller temples– both noted for their excellent examples of Buddha statues. Next on the agenda, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products - lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch in amazement as the skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. As the sun begins to sink slowly from view, stop at a sandbank where you will learn how to play chin lone, a popular local sport with families. Enjoy a game with locals and your family before re-joining your boat and cruising back to Bagan. From the jetty, transfer back to you hotel for the evening. Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Bagan. Read more

BAGAN, 2 NIGHTS

Option: hot air balloon ride over Bagan The morning will start off with an exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. You will observe one-of-a-kind views when the sun begins to rise over the Irrawaddy River and various stupas in the region. You’re simply not going to find many other experiences like this on Earth. (Only available from October/November through March) After breakfast, you will be off to the vibrant morning market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. You will then continue to a local home for a traditional Myanmar cooking experience. Your friendly host will great you and explain her market finds of the day, and if you’re in luck, some seasonal vegetables native to Bagan region will be on the menu. Share cooking methods, stories and some laughs as you prepare your lunch. After a couple hours of cooking, it will be time to enjoy the meal together in the home garden. (Note: please notify in advance if you avoid any particular kind of meat or vegetable) In the late afternoon, you will continue your journey by horse cart for an excursion that passes some of the tallest temples in Bagan, like Dhammayangyi Temple and of course, Sulamani Temple. Cap off the day watching the sunset from an elevated pagoda. Lunch at a local house. Dinner on own account. Overnight in Bagan. Read more

BAGAN

The day will begin with you being picked up from your hotel and relocated to the jetty. Board your own personal boat for an enchanting river voyage down the Irrawaddy River (2/3 hours depending on circumstances) to Salay, one of the most significant areas of Buddhism in Myanmar with its abundance of monasteries still being used for regular worship. The unusual architectural style, specific to this area, is typified by one of the oldest local wood built monasteries of Yoke Sone Kyaung. (Note: Salay monastery museum is closed on Mondays and public holiday). From here you will travel east towards your second destination of the day: Mount Popa. This extinct volcano rises to over 1,500 meters and offers stunning panoramic views. Arriving at midday, you'll first go to Popa Mountain Resort for lunch (not included) and enjoy the mind-blowing vistas of Taungkalat pedestal hill and monastery. Popa today is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots in the country. People travel here from many miles away just to worship the diverse spirits known as nats that Buddhists believe reside here. There are 777 steps leading up to the place of pilgrimage on top of the precipitous Popa crest. Although the final climb to Popa’s summit is by no means compulsory, it is strongly recommended, as the views over the Myingyan Plain are truly magnificent. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight on Mt. Popa. Read more

MT. POPA, 1 NIGHT

This morning is free at your leisure. You may wish to take a short walk through the surrounding forest, particularly if you are a bird-watcher, or enjoy additional time at the swimming pool. You will return to Bagan in the afternoon. On the way back, you will make a stop at a toddy farm in the countryside. Here you will see the local farmers at work harvesting the juice from the toddy trees and then processing it in to various forms such as alcohol, sugar and molasses. Continue to Bagan and check in at your hotel. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight in Bagan. Read more

BAGAN, 1 NIGHT

A morning domestic flight takes you in to the Shan hills and the town of Heho. Upon arrival, you will drive through the winding hills to the village of Magwe, around 25 kilometers from Kalaw (2 hours drive). Green Hill Valley Elephant Project is a 'retirement' home for logging elephants whose aim is to protect local ecology, elephants and traditions of local communities. The activities for visitors are intended to expose the natural beauty of the area as well as to explain the importance of elephants and their mahouts in Myanmar. You’ll be greeted by the local team at the camp rest house and, while having a refreshing drink, will be given a briefing on the camp’s background and activities. From here, it is a short (5-10 minutes) walk to the river where the elephants may be bathing or foraging for food. Encountering these animals in their natural environment is a truly special treat. The indigenous flora and fauna includes dozens of bird species, butterflies and a variety of orchids. Enjoy lunch of locally-grown products and then visit the re-forestation project where, if you wish, you can get your hands dirty and plant a sapling. After saying goodbye to your hosts at Green Hill Valley, you will reach Kalaw (1 hour drive) in the late afternoon where you will check in to your hotel. Note: As the elephants are allowed to roam free and are not kept chained at night, there is a rare occurrence where the elephants are not around. However please understand that this project is aimed at preserving the natural ways of life of these animals and their mahouts and not developed as a “zoo”. Similarly, the program may need to be altered in the case of severe rain). Picnic lunch at the elephant camp. Dinner on own account. Overnight in Kalaw. Read more

KALAW, 1 NIGHT

This morning take a scenic drive (92km – 2,5 hours) to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, you will the opportunity to stop at rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas. From Nyaung Shwe, you will board a private motorboat and go to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their “floating gardens”, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles. You will visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf. There are also many traditional crafts originating on Inle Lake and, should you wish, you can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths. This afternoon, a one hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the village before ascending the moss-covered stairway to the top of a hill. Once you’ve arrived at the summit, you will be greeted buy an iconic Buddha image which sits enshrined among hundreds of stupa ruins and overgrown shrubbery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the area while basking under the shade of the bamboo grooves in the area. Upon arrival at the village, you will observe the daily lifestyles of the rural inhabitants. On your boat ride back, should time allow, stop at the Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake's indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake (snack break not included). As an exciting day comes to close, you will ride back to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight on Inle Lake. Read more

INLE LAKE, 1 NIGHT

Travel by boat and car to Heho without guide and board a domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will directly resume your sight-seeing with a walking tour of the city centre. You will start your tour on Mahanbandola Road where the Immanuel Baptist Church, originally built in 1830, is located. Continue east passing a couple of alleyways crammed with food stalls and markets. Turn right onto Pansodan Street with its many stalls selling second-hand and photocopied books. You’ll pass the High Court Building, the grand Inland Water Transport offices and even grander Myanma Port Authority building until you’ll reach Strand Road. Your next stop will be outside of the majestic Strand Hotel and walk along Strand Road until you’ll see the Customs House and the Law Court, an impressive-looking colonnaded building. Turn north onto boisterous Bank Street and up onto Sule Pagoda Road, where you can consult one of the many fortune tellers who hang out under the trees. Be sure to make a photo stop at Sule Pagoda, downtown’s symbol whose construction dates back to over 2,000 years ago and have a glimpse of Independence Monument and Mahabandoola Garden. After a complete rotation seeing the twice rebuilt City Hall, continue west down Mahanbandoola Road through the chaotic Indian and Chinese quarters. Explore the gold shops of Shwe Bontha Street and have a look from outside at the Moseh Yeshua Synagogue on 26th street. You’ll reach Theingyi Zei market, where you can engage in a little pickled-snake hunting. Exit onto Anawratha Road until you reach into the Sri Kali temple, Yangon’s most colourful Hindu temples. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight in Yangon. Read more

YANGON, 1 NIGHT

Your final morning in Myanmar is set aside for visiting the country's iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon is revered by the local people as the most holy site in the country and its gold-covered stupa is sure to impress. Parents will enjoy learning about the history and religious aspects of Shwedagon whilst kids can ring the huge bells, make wishes by pouring water over their birth day post or watch the unusual neon-Buddha in the main hall. After exploring Shwedagon, descend the eastern stairway to find a row of shops selling various religious items. Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As you browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people. Continue to nearby Mahawizaya temple where kids can join the locals in feeding the huge fish. According to local lore, feeding temple fish is a good way to earn merit. After a short break your journey continues downtown to the delightful Bogyoke (or Scott) market. Amid all of the handicraft stalls, stop to buy a longyi (the national costume) and try some thanaka, the yellowish cosmetic paste worn by locals to protect their skin! With your longyi on and some thanaka on your face we’ll take the perfect family photo that’ll always remind you of your days in Myanmar. Depending on your departure time there may be time to stop for lunch before driving to the airport for your international flight. Lunch and dinner on own account. Read more