Pushing Back Boundaries
Our "Burma Explorer" journey plus a week in the Mon State. A comprehensive taste of Burma
A very comprehensive tour taking in the main regions of Burma including the Tribal communities near the hill station of Kalaw. Ample time is allocated for Inle Lake, Mandalay and ancient Bagan. The third week of the journey takes us south to the spiritually significant pilgrimage site of Kyaiktiyo (The Golden Rock). Time to wander through the decaying British colonial streets of Mawlamyaing. Sunset from Kipling’s viewpoint at the Ol’ Pagoda is unforgettable
"Burma is a photographer's dream. From the beautiful temples and pagodas to the friendly smiles of the Burmese people......Global Drift and their knowledgeable and friendly Burmese guides are the best.....your trip to Burma will never be forgotten"
Bob Dyke, Canada
| 19 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 5th January 2025 | (Sunday to Thursday) |
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| Price: | USD$3290 | |
Please Note: Weeks 1 & 2 of this itinerary are offered as the "Burma Explorer" tour. Passengers who choose the 2 week option will depart the tour in Yangon on day 14 ***CERTAIN DEPARTURES OF THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BANGLADESH ENCOUNTER TOUR AND OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - NGAPALI BEACH EXTENSION*** |
Day 1 - Yangon We have a group meeting then enjoy a local meal Day 2 - Yangon to Inle Lake (fly) Morning flight to Heho on the Shan plateau. We enjoy a short drive down to the town of Nyaungshwe, our base for our stay on the vast and culturally unique Inle Lake Day 3 - Inle Lake A fantastic day on the lake. Visit tribal markets, beautiful pagodas and the famous floating gardens Day 4 - Inle Lake - Nyaungshwe There are numerous options to pursue in your free day here at our base. Hire bicycles and explore the surrounding area, wander through the local tribal market, visit the recently discovered grandeur of Kakku archaeological area or maybe a journey to the Shan capital of Taunggyi Day 5 - Inle Lake to Kalaw We take the train winding through the hills and forests of the Shan plateau. We arrive in the sleepy hill station of Kalaw with dinner tonight at the quaint 7 Sisters restaurant Day 6 - Kalaw Optional day trek to tribal Palaung villages. Alternatively enjoy this lovely town by foot Day 7 - Kalaw to Mandalay Rugged mountain views as we descend to the cultural capital of Burma. An optional visit to the famous Mandalay Marionettes is a must Day 8 - Mandalay Visit Zegyo market, U Bein’s bridge and the revered Mahamuni Pagoda. Later possibly enjoy an optional visit to Mandalay Hill and the Shwe Ein Bin teak monastery Day 9 - Mandalay to Mingun (overnight boat on some tours) Morning visit to the ancient capital of Mingun. The afternoon is free to explore the variety of pagodas and neighbourhoods of this bustling cultural melting pot. *Some departures, depending on the river and group size, stay on the boat from Mingun and head towards Bagan enjoying a wonderful night on deck or under the stars on the riverbank. Bedding is provided but you may wish to bring your own sleepsheet Day 10 - Mandalay to Bagan A full day on the ferry enjoying the river life and villages en route. An evening arrival is planned. Settle in to this amazing location amongst 1000 year old pagoda Day 11 - Bagan Horsecarts are the best way to explore one of the most astonishing archaeological sites in the world. Optional side trip to Mount Popa Day 12 - Bagan to Kyaiktiyo (fly via Yangon) A morning flight to Yangon where we are met and head out for a lovely country drive through central Burma. In the afternoon we will arrive at the base camp to the famous ‘Golden Rock’ pagoda Day 13 - Kyaiktiyo A full day today to visit the mysterious ‘Golden Rock’. A very important spiritual journey for all in this country Day 14 - Kyaiktiyo to Mawlamyaing Early morning drive to the seaside capital of Mon state. Afternoon free to explore this town only recently opened up to foreigners. Sunset at the “Ol’ Mawlamyaing Pagoda” is not to be missed Day 15 - Mawlamyaing Today we visit the nearby astonishing Mudon reclining Buddha under construction and some of other breathtaking Buddhist monolithic constructions. Returning to town we will take a wander through the old colonial streets of this beautiful old British community Day 16 - Mawlamyaing A free day to explore this remote seaside town. An optional morning visit to remote Ogre Island is available. Visit old village settlements and enjoy local Mon cuisine for lunch Day 17 - Mawlamyaing to Yangon A lovely drive north returning to Yangon. We stop in Bago and depending on the roads may have some time to explore some of the sights of this central crossroad town Day 18 - Yangon We visit the spiritual heart of Burma. The astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda. A farewell meal together is planned to complete our wonderful journey Day 19 - Yangon Departure day |  |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | Single USD$85 | Details |
| Double USD$100 | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$25 | Details |
***CERTAIN DEPARTURES OF THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BANGLADESH ENCOUNTER TOUR AND OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - NGAPALI BEACH EXTENSION***
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.