Burma Backroads
A genuine adventure! We delve into the remote un touristed regions of this mysterious corner of Asia
This journey is for those who crave a deeper understanding of the back country people and the untouched vistas of Burma. Tailored originally for the previous visitor to Burma this trip has found favour as a bonus for first timers in conjunction with either the ‘Burma Explorer’ or the ‘Pushing Back Boundaries’ tours.
"This is the 2nd time I've travelled to Myanmar with Global Drift and both trips have been amazing adventures. Myanmar is a photographers dream and on each tour we always enjoyed close contact with the Burmese people. In one case, staying with a family in their mountain home and another time having dinner with a group of students who wanted to brush up on their English. Great memories!"
Paul Delaney, Canada
| 13 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 30th November 2025 | (Sunday to Friday) |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Inquire | (Minimum 7 travellers) |
Day 1 - arrive Yangon Arrival day. After our meeting we then board our overnight train heading north. We meander through beautiful fields and pass through timeless villages on our way to the cultural capital of Mandalay (depending on trains we may choose to fly this leg on the morning of Day 2) Day 2 - arrive Mandalay and on to Maymyo We arrive into Mandalay and head up the plateau to the cool hill station of Maymyo. We have a chance to ride the “stagecoaches” and enjoy the colonial feel of this old British haunt Day 3 - Maymyo to Hsipaw We head north in our bus and jump off to board the train before it heads over the famous Goitek Viaduct. A tribute to British engineering and persistence. The views are breathtaking. Further on we arrive at our base in Hsipaw. Once the centre of a Shan Kingdom this sleepy backwater will mesmerize you. Amongst the air of colonial small town there is a feel that you have stepped back in time. If permission is available our intention is to walk to a remote village and spend the night in a Monastery or village house. Bedding will be provided for this unforgettable stay Day 4 - Hsipaw Returning to Hsipaw we will maximize our time in the area with walks, swims and possibly an afternoon whiled away in this peaceful location. The town market is a fascinating place to view the local tribal folk buying and selling their wares and enjoying the gossip in the local tea shops Day 5 - Hsipaw to Mandalay A travel day takes us through lush plateau farmlands back to the Mandalay. Perhaps a visit to the sprawling Zegyo market or a climb to enjoy sunset at the Mandalay Hill. The Mahamuni Pagoda is also a short journey away for those seeking an insight into this spiritual centre point for Burmese Buddhists. We share a wonderful BBQ meal with locals and the night air Day 6 - Mandalay (depart on train) Our train north is an adventure all of its own. We endeavour to snare some sleeper cabins however no matter from which vantage the journey will keep you captivated. The clunky old train rolls through timeless villages all the way to the Kachin hills Day 7 - Arrive Myitkyina The train arrives in Myitkyina the capital of Kachin state. The town is historically significant as an outpost of various empires and a hub for the distinctive tribes of northern Burma. We do not plan anything for the remainder of the day as the train is notoriously late. On arrival we will settle in for a shower and a chance to relax after the rattling train journey north Day 8 - Myitkyina We take a short journey north to the confluence of the Mayhka and Malihka rivers. The great Irrawaddy begins here in this crystal clear merging of two streams. Perhaps a swim in the cool waters. The afternoon is free to explore this remote town full of all manner of folk from the surrounding regions Day 9 - Myitkyina to Bhamo/Katha Departing Myitkyina we hope to catch a fastboat for the journey through the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Alternatively we may take to the road if river conditions are not favourable. We arrive into Bhamo or Katha depending on road conditions, both old settlements important in river trade for many a long year. We enjoy a wonderful night here in this very remote backwater Day 10 - Irrawaddy Boat We have plans to depart downriver on our private river boat. If private boats are unavailable we can take the local ferries which is a wonderful experience meeting new friends and sharing stories with local river folk. Drifting down river through the 'defiles' of the Irrawaddy is a journey few people experience. Steep rocky cliffs are common and the vegetation is thick with bamboo. During the journey south we plan to stop in the river settlement of Katha. George Orwell was posted here in the 1920’s and based his portrayal of an Irrawaddy river town on Katha for his novel “Burmese Days”. A few of the sights from the novel are still here. In the evening we will enjoy dinner on the river bank or on board followed by a campfire and a nightcap as required Day 11 - Irrawaddy Boat Sleeping on board and pulling into towns and villages we observe, up close and personal, river life as it has existed for many years Day 12 - Arrive Mandalay fly to Yangon We have a rough plan to arrive into the cultural capital early in the morning then we will take a short flight to Yangon. We may have time today to stroll around the ‘downtown’ district near Sule Pagoda or perhaps even a visit to the astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of Burmese Buddhism. The Bogyoke market is a perfect spot for last minute shopping and afternoon tea. We enjoy a farewell dinner and toast our amazing journey on the backroads of Burma Day 13 - Yangon Departure day | .jpg) |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.