Northern Thailand and Myanmar tour

Depart U.K

Arrival Chiang Mai

Arrival at Chiang Mai airport followed by a meet and greet by one of our senior representatives. You will be transferred by private transport from Chiang Mai airport to your hotel to check-in for your 1 night stay.

In the afternoon we head to Phra That Doi Suthep.

The city of Chiang Mai has many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and today, visit the 600-year-old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, the landmark of Chiang Mai located near the summit of Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent staircase) of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated Chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella, which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views across the stunning vista.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Golden Triangle

Breakfast will be held at your hotel. Check-out from the hotel and drive north of Chiang Mai to visit the Mae Saa Elephant Camp. Be amazed by the elephants performing feats of strength and skill, at the command of their "mahouts" (handlers).

Optional: elephant riding (at extra cost).

We then continue to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao and lunch is included at a local restaurant en route. After lunch, we will transfer to Chiang Rai for further sightseeing. Enjoy a pleasant tour by Trishaw Ride, the favourite local mode of transportation, through Chiang Rai's residential area and market place. Afterwards transfer to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand meet at the Mekong River.

Overnight at Imperial Golden Triangle (B/L)

Mae Chan

Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Golden Triangle, then board a boat trip on Mekong River. We will take an exhilarating trip on a long-tailed speed boat on the Mekong River to get closer to Burma and Laos en route to the ancient capital of Chiang Saen on the banks of this mighty river. Afterwards we proceed to visit the Hall of Opium. The 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents the history of opium from its natural properties to its usage, which dates back 5,000 years. Here visitors learn about the drugs trade and obtain an understanding on opium prohibition, crime and conflict, and the effects of illegal drugs. There are many photographs, films, and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from around the world.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon - we will visit the Akha & Yao Hill Tribes, of which North Thailand is famous for. We drive to the Mae Chan district and continue uphill along narrow mountain roads to visit Akha and Yao Hill Tribe Villages. The Akha, who originated in Tibet, are amongst the poorest but most interesting of Thailand's ethnic minorities and the Yao originated in China.

Overnight in Chaing Rai (B/L)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the border point at Maesai/Tachilek.

You will be met in Tachilek by our Myanmar representative and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kyaing Tong. You will be traveling by road, which will take approximately 3 hours.

Tachilek, which is known as the city of the Golden Triangle, is situated in the famous golden triangle, where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet. This is a very active and busy town being situated right on the border with Thailand.

Arrive at Tachilek, transfer to Tachilek airport for flight to Kyaing Tong (Kengtung).

Kengtung, the unique and isolated corner of Myanmar, is the largest town in the Eastern Shan state, situated 456km Northest of Taunggyi and 787 m above sea level. At one time Kyaing Tong was the Shan capital and this ancient city is the gateway to many rugged journeys and exotic sights.

Surrounded by Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu villages, mountains and peppered with decaying colonial-style buildings, Kengtung is the most scenic town in Myanmar. You will be able to observe traditional architecture and old-style houses with wooden balconies so characteristic of Shan architecture and the different ethnic minority communities of the Golden Triangle like the red clothed Palaung tribe, the Akha people or the Lahu tribe. All of the hill-tribes in Kengtung still live very traditional lives but are extremely friendly and welcome visitors. You can observe their tribal dances and way of living on these mountainous regions around Kyaing Tong.

Arrive Kyaing Tong, transfer to your hotel for check-in and light refreshments.

The first visit is to the Shan Monastery and the 19th century temple Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, formerly known as Wat Pha Jao Lung. This temple was renamed from a 1920 replica of the Mandalay Maha Myat Muni image. We will then continue to Wan Pauk village, the home of the red-clothed Palaung people, who are amongst the oldest inhabitants of Myanmar. The Palaung originate from Mon-Khmer stock. The Palaung tribe are known locally as ``silver'' Palaungs.

A branch of the same tribe, locally called ``gold'' Palaung, live in the northern Shan states. Their dress is one of the most colorful of all the hill tribes. Ladies wear dark jackets over dark red and black striped Longyis, with heavy silver torques and lacquered waistbands. Further on you will explore Palaung Village to observe the traditional production of weaving and agriculture.

Overnight in Kyaing Tong (B/L/D)

KYAING TONG (KENGTUNG)

Today you will enjoy a half-day excursion to the surrounding Ho Kyin village. The path leads through farms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Here you will be able to visit and see Akha tribes and their famous spectacular head dresses that jingle with silver and colored tussles. Akha originate from Yunnan in southern China and live in the southeast Shan state, on the borderlands of China, Laos and Thailand. Many Akha are found near Kyaing Tong where they live in the high mountains, cultivating maize, tobacco and sugar cane.

Akha tribes are very hospitable and enjoy welcoming you into their houses for a chat around the stove. See the animist shrine at the entry of the village. Also see the production of the Akha spirit made from corn. Akha are famous for their women's striking headdresses, which resemble heavy silver helmets. They consist of rows of heavy silver baubles, interspersed with beads, which are sewn on.

In the afternoon, we continue our exploration to Ann Tribes Village by car. On the way you will be able to see the beautiful natural scenery including the plain rice fields, which look like a huge green carpet stretching as far as the eye can see.

A tranquil Ann village awaits you on a hillock with a panoramic view of the serene vista. The Ann tribes live their life on the higher slopes, in relative isolation in quite simple circumstances. They possess distinctively different costumes and beliefs from the other tribes, and in particular their striking black teeth.

Soon after, you will then proceed to Aha Khe Village in the evening to observe different tribal lifestyles.

Overnight in Kyaing Tong (B/L/D)

INLE LAKE

Today begins with a morning expedition to Kyaing Tong, the colorful central market. Many minority communities come into town to shop and most wear traditional dress.

Of specific interest are the silver shops where a wide variety of silver coins are sold. The Akha shops are where the Akha women buy the decoration for their headdresses and there are various shops with tea and tobacco. Fresh produce and household goods are the market's main staples, but some handicrafts are also available.

Next, we will visit the Shan Laquare-ware workshop, where you will be able to observe the Shan traditional lacquer-ware making process. The process of making lacquer-ware in this region is different from that of Bagan. They are embellished with relieves instead of paintings being etched on the surface of the lacquer ware.

We will then proceed to a hand made noodle making facility and pottery village to see traditional pottery making procedures.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, we transfer to Kyaing Tong Airport to fly to Heho airport.

At arrival in Heho, we will drive to Nyaung Shwe and transfer you to your hotel for check-in via private boat.

Overnight in Inle Lake Area (B/L/D)

INLE LAKE

The prime attraction of the Shan state is Inle Lake. This vast, 22 km long and 10km wide stretch of water is host to a few small islands. Inle Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) who have a unique way of rowing with their legs. At the northern end of the lake is a small town called Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake.

The morning visit will take in the Five Buddha Images of Phaung Daw U Pagoda, the holiest in Inle Lake. Visitors wishing to pay their respects have covered the images in so much gold that they now look like balls of solid gold.

Lunch will be at one of the finest restaurants in Inle Lake.

After lunch, we will proceed to Nampan Village where locals make cigars and the boats that can be seen travelling on the lake.

Continue to the silk weaving village, Inn Paw Khone and see the intricate design and manufacture of silk products.

Overnight in Inle Lake Area (B/L/D)

INNDEIN

This morning we will visit a 5-Day Market, which on this particular date, is being held at one of the villages: observe colourful local tribes buying and selling livestock and handy crafts. At these markets you will see a variety of ethic minorities dressed in their traditional costumes buying and selling produce at the market.

We will also visit the beautiful temples of Indein - situated at the end of a passage to the summit overlooking the lake - it is a spiritual and tranquil place. These temples are unusually similar to Khmer in style and date back to 17th and 18th century Shan Pagodas. You may want to walk along the corridor leading to the Temples with giant columns lining the way. This series of temples have been left in their natural state and the view is enough to take your breath away.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

On the way back to the hotel we will stop to see some of the fishermen on the lake skillfully rowing with one leg whilst fishing at the same time. There is the opportunity to visit a floating farm and see how the farmers make their produce in the middle of the Lake.

Later on, as the night descends, enjoy an evening canoe ride to floating villages around the lake.

Overnight in Inle Lake Area (B/L/D).

HEHO/MANDALAY

The whole morning is free for your leisure time. Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Nyaung Shwe and continue to drive to Heho Airport for your flight to Mandalay

The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is situated in central Myanmar, 668 km due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial centre and a repository of ancient culture. With the remains of the old Royal City and with many old monasteries, Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art and architecture of the 19th century. It is also noted for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth, and other traditional craft products.

Soon after your arrival in Mandalay, we will drive to the ancient city of Amarapura, which is situated about 11 km south of Mandalay.

See the sunset at U Bein Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar. It crosses the Taungthaman Lake and is curved to withstand the wind and waves.

Dinner will be held at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mandalay (B/L/D)

MANDALAY/BAGAN

Start your day with a morning visit to the central market of Mandalay, the colorful and bustling Zecho Market.

Next visit will be to the Mahamuni Pagoda, which was so named after the holy image, Maha Muni housed therein. Visit the second most sacred image in Myanmar next to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The Image is said to have cast in the lifetime of the Gautama Buddha and that the Buddha embraced it 7 times thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists believe it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image. We will proceed to the Shwe Kyaung (Golden palace Monastery) famous for its intricate woodcarvings and the Kuthodaw Pagoda. The Kuthodaw Pagoda is known as the world's largest book due to the Buddhist scriptures that are carved on 729 marble slabs within.

See the panoramic view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay hill.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, you will transfer to Mandalay airport for your flight back to Bagan.

Once you've arrived in Bagan, you will be dropped off to check-in to your hotel.

Overnight in Bagan (B/L/D)

BAGAN

Optional Highlight: Early morning balloon flight over Bagan.

Known as the city of four million pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. There, you will find over 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries built during the Bagan Dynasty. Bagan can only be described as amazing and enchanting, you will experience the essence of Myanmar in a place still largely unaffected by the 21st century, nobody leaves disappointed, only engrossed in Myanmar's ancient culture.

The most amazing attribute to Bagan is the thousands of ancient Pagodas scattered throughout the region. Our first visit will be to the most culturally significant and best-preserved Pagodas, including the Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda temple.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and local Lacquer-ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen right before your eyes.

The best way to see the sunset in Bagan is from the top of a Pagoda. Sit back, relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.

Dinner will be held at a local restaurant followed by a Myanmar Traditional Puppet show.

Overnight in Bagan (B/L/D)

BAGAN/YANGON

In the morning, we will visit the Nyaung Oo market to see a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and hopefully gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan.

Today you'll see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting Phwar Saw Village. This village is a perfect example of how locals live, but most importantly you will be able to see the intimacy of the villagers toward one another, and travellers alike.

We will visit some local homes and observe the Myanmer people's unique daily home cooking style.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

Explore Bagan from a different perspective as you jump aboard a Pony cart. The cart can travel across areas that cars are unable to enter, giving you a uniquely different view of Bagan.

Late in the afternoon, you'll transfer to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.

Yangon is the main gateway and capital city of Myanmar. Although the population hovers around five million, the city gives a different impression from other Asian capitals of a similar size. It is full of trees and shade; even old teak growth is evident, with some outlying neighborhoods refreshingly overgrown. Yangon takes on a more provincial feel rather than that of an international city.

Arrive Yangon, check-in to hotel.

Overnight in Yangon (B/L/D)

YANGON

This morning, you'll first explore the downtown area of Yangon where the ghost of the British colonial influence still remains. Begining at the Sule Pagoda that marks the centre of the city, you'll continue through the streets of the downtown area.

Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient Pagoda's; Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Next you will visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Said to be one of the largest images of its kind, the huge reclining Buddha stretches over 68m.

You will have the opportunity to do a photo stop at Kandawgyi Park and the Karaweik Royal Barge.

Lunch will be held at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will visit Scott Market, which has been running for 70 years. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems and jewellery (which are all available at reasonable prices). Make sure you bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere.

Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city of Yangon. The historic Shwedagon pagoda towers almost 98 metres (326 feet) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have built more than 2500 years ago. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a single 76 carat Diamond.

Tonight, you have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Le Planteur: the finest French Indochine restaurant in Myanmar, (built in 1932), which is situated at the historical residence of former ministers.

Walk in the footsteps of Mick Jagger, Jane Barkin and Aung San Su Kyi by dining at le Planteur. The atmosphere is hard to beat, with a tropical garden adorned with gigantic traditional Shan umbrellas, illuminated by a thousand candles, and shimmering torch lights. You will enjoy a candle lit dinner in the garden of the restaurant as you soak up the amazing ambience and lush surroundings. The cuisine is a cross between the best local flavors with a twist of French refinement.

Overnight Yangon (B/L/D)

YANGON/DEPARTURE (B/L)

You have the luxury of a few hours leisure time until your transfer to Yangon airport for your return flight. If, however, your flight is later that day - you have the opportunity to explore Yangon by yourself, find some bargains or continue touring with your guide.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to Yangon airport for your departure flight back to the U.K via Bangkok.

Arrive in the U.K