Myanmar Explorer

Myanmar Explorer captures the breathtaking beauty and spiritual reflection innate of Myanmar. From Yangon and Bagan to Mandalay and Inle Lake, capture the region’s bygone mystery, ancient customs, and unique cultures by way of rivers, lakes, and hot air balloons.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1:

  Arrive Yangon / Belmond Governor’s Residence

• Day 2:

  Mandalay / Sanctuary Ananda (B,D)

• Day 3:

  Mandalay / Sanctuary Ananda (B,L,D)

• Day 4:

  Mandalay / Sanctuary Ananda (B,L,D)

• Day 5:

  Inle Lake / Inle Princess Resort (B,D)

• Day 6:

  Inle Lake / Inle Princess Resort (B,L,D)

• Day 7:

  Inle Lake / Inle Princess Resort (B,L,D)

• Day 8:

  Inle Lake / Inle Princess Resort (B,L,D)

• Day 9:

  Yangon / Belmond Governor’s Residence (B,L,D)

• Day 10:

  Departure

Itinerary Description:

Begin your journey in the city of Yangon amid the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, the Indian Sri Kali temple, and the colorful sensory atmosphere of Little India. From Yangon, travel onward to the Mandalay region for your three-day voyage along the Irrawaddy River aboard the new, luxurious Sanctuary Ananda.

Begin "The Road to Mandalay" in Bagan, whose panorama will reveal verdant plains freckled by more than 2,200 temples and pagodas, all of which have played a significant contribution to Burmese temple design. Traveling north along the lush Irrawaddy on your all-deck vessel, experience one of the world’s major rice-growing areas and the various teak log rafts floating down the river. Visit Ava, the ancient imperial capital for five centuries of Myanmar’s history, as well as Bagaya, Sagaing, and Amarapura, home to various local silversmiths and textile workshops accessible by horse-and-cart.

Arrive in the stunning city of Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma considered by many to be the center of Burmese culture and Buddhism. A stop in Mandalay provides access to numerous monasteries and more than 700 pagodas, including Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, popularly known as “the World’s Biggest Book” for its stone scriptures.

Retreat to the protected serenity of Inle Lake for the final leg of your itinerary. Your private boat will take you around the waters to see the region’s famous leg-rowing fishermen and floating gardens. Visit weaving villages, cheroot-making factories, and local goldsmiths and silversmiths to speak one-on-one with the locals. Conclude your stay in Inle Lake with a delightful Shan picnic in the shadow of the Indein ruins and an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, unveiling a wonderful panorama of the surrounding lake, mountains, marshes, and stilt-house villages.

A return back to Yangon provides the opportunity to visit the area's bustling markets. Stop at Bogyoke Market for last-minute souvenirs, and stray to Hledan Market to pick out the ingredients for your final celebratory meal in Myanmar -- a lively, authentic Burmese lunch prepared from your private cooking class with local instructors.

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