Burma Family Adventure

Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. Following this, enjoy an optional group dinner where you can sample some local cuisine.

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. Transfer to the base of Mandalay Hill and visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang (Golden Palace Monastery), which is noted for its intricate wood carvings, and to Kayuk Taw Gyi Pagoda, to view the huge marble Buddha. Later, visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘the world’s largest book’, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Continue to Mahamuni Pagoda, which is known for its lumpy Buddha statue. Opt to visit some craft shops in the area. In the late afternoon, head to Mandalay Hill to walk (or take the lift) to the top to enjoy the views over the city, countryside, and Irrawaddy River.

Embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery and watching the people who live and work on these waters. Continue by road to Sagaing. After lunch, visit Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’.

Take a scenic 2 hr drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo, now officially called Pyin Oo Lwin. Visit the local market in the center of town and check out the colorful array of items for sale, including locally produced jam and fruit wine. The afternoon is free for exploration. Opt to enjoy a traditional horse and carriage ride through the town to see the historical houses including Candacraig, built in 1905. Get your horse and carriage to drop you off at the 175 hectare Botanical Gardens where you can take a relaxing walk though the beautifully landscaped area.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty for the boat to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). The journey takes 7-11 hrs, depending on the time of year and water level. There is a small café selling drinks and light meals (sandwiches, snacks and instant noodles usually) on board.

Enjoy 2 days exploring Bagan, the first and most beautiful capital of the Burmese, which was founded in the 11th century. This is one the most important temples and pagoda complexes in Asia. Set off on a full day exploration of Bagan where we'll wander local markets, historical pagodas, a handicraft workshop, a local monastery, as well as various ancient temples. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples. You have the option to take a hot air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan.

At midday, transfer to the outskirts of town to a village in the middle of a toddy palm farm. Watch as the locals scale the trees and harvest the juice of the palm fruit and process it into alcohol or molasses. In the evening, we are welcomed into a local family's home to enjoy a home cooked meal of traditional Burmese dishes. This is a memorable dinner and a chance to learn more about family life and traditions in Myanmar.

Fly from Bagan to Heho, then make the short, 2 hr journey to Pindaya. From here, pull on some walking shoes and head off for an overnight trek up to Yasakyi. The trek starts on a good path with some steep ascents, before passing through Danu villages. Continue to See-Kya-Inn village, through misty tea plantations, before the climb gets steeper.

Enjoy a breakfast at the monastery, and take in the peaceful surroundings. It's a wonder that the whole family will be able to enjoy within the quiet space inside the monastery walls. After breakfast, continue trekking with a magnificent view of the country below, as vistas of Lin Lai Inn and Taung Paw Gyi appear. Continue via a well-maintained road back to Pindaya. From here, continue by bus to Nyaung Shwe.

Board a boat and set off down the canal towards the main part of the lake. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Inle Lake is the land of the Intha people, known as the leg-rowers and as architects of floating villages and gardens. The life of the Intha, who originally came from the south of Burma, revolves completely around the lake.

Following breakfast, drive to Heho airport for our flight over the length of Burma back to our starting point at Yangon. The afternoon is free to explore the markets and sights of Yangon with plenty of time for some last minute shopping before our final dinner together.

Depart at any time today.