Myanmar

Welcome to Myanmar

Your adventure awaits!

This is the day that you'll be saying: Pinch me, I'm here! Trust us, it only gets better from this point on. The former and last royal capital of Burma was founded on the 2,400th anniversary of Buddhism and it remains a must-see location for all travelers to Myanmar today. The perfect place to start your journey.

On arrival day, you'll be transported to your luxury five-star hotel where you can freshen up and unwind from your travels to south-east Asia. Take a dip in the beautiful pool or head to the spa where the miles will melt away before joining your new friends for a welcome feast.

Ancient Capitals

The exploration begins in earnest

Well rested after a good night's sleep our group heads to Ava(Inwa) the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms. By bus, ferry, and horse cart we continue the journey and visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery building with its graceful curves and archways.

Still craving more adventure, good there's more to be had as we continue to the Ancient Kingdom Of Sagaing located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River where we take the opportunity to visit a monastery or nunnery and learn about daily life to the devotees. To end this perfect day our group wraps up the day with a sunset photography session at the famous Ubein Teak Bridge.

Rolling down the river

River Cruise on the Irrawaddy

Ahoy mateys! Today we cast off on an overnight river cruise as we follow the mighty Irrawaddy river all the way to historic Bagan. This is the time to sit back and relax as the scenery (and photo opportunities) come to you. Keep your cameras handy as you never know what treasures will present themselves on our overnight adventure.

Along the way, we stop at the off-the-beaten-path picturesque village of Yandabo famed for its pottery making factories. In the evening, you'll be treated to gourmet fare as the boat moors overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint.

Arrival in Bagan

Land of pagodas and stupas

As if the last few days weren't already awesome enough, this is what you've been waiting for... really. Prepare to be blown away as you witness thousands of pagodas and stupas as far as the eye can see. These magnificent structures and Myanmar itself has only recently been opened up to western travelers. Shrouded in mystery for centuries, now you can revel in the moments where you'll capture spectacular photographs in one of the most special places on Earth.

Don't worry about the midday sun, we've got you covered, literally and figuratively. When the sun is blazing outside, we retreat indoors for a bespoke private candlelight photography session with young novice monks. The day will be capped off with a horse carriage ride and a magical sunset photography session atop one of Bagan’s most iconic temples with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding plains.

Up, up and away!

Simply unforgetable

As if in a sunrise dream, on this morning you'll find yourself drifting above the temple plains of historic Bagan in an extraordinary hot air balloon. This is what travel is all about. Moments like these are what make life so special for those of us who dare to not just dream of adventure but choose to live it.

After this momentous morning escapade, we have a full day's worth of delightful cultural and landscape photography sessions at temples, workshops, markets and more. Today my friends, we live and we live large!

(Balloon ride is optional and weather permitting)

Farewell Bagan

Hello Inle Lake

What's the best way to follow a day that you'll never forget? How about several more days full of breathtaking moments that will keep you smiling for weeks?

Let's bid adieu to Baga with one last optional sunrise photo shoot atop one of the ancient temples capturing mesmerizing shots of the balloons flying above the temple plains. Sure, this shoot is optional but who could resist getting that classic photo that you'll be showing off for years?

Enroute to Inle Lake, we will stop at Heho Market, where members of the various colorful hill tribes congregated to buy and sell goods (permitted that it’s a market day). Continuing on, we stop at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery for a photo shoot with monks at the monasteries distinct oval windows. Once we arrive at our hotel and freshen up, we conclude our day with magnificent sunset canoe ride and photography session with the famed Inle Lake boatmen who gracefully navigate and row perched on one leg. How's that for an epic day?

Inle Lake Highlights

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride over Inle

Can you believe that we've only just passed the halfway mark of our journey? There's still so much left to see and do, and of course photograph.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a photo session with leg rower fishermen silhouetted by the rising sun and early morning mist. We then embark by boat to discover the fascinating way of life on Inle Lake, beginning with the lakes lively and colorful morning market where members of the various ethnic tribes of Shan State come to trade their wares. Our next stop is Indein, a mesmerizing sight with many ancient whitewashed pagodas littering the hillside as far as the eye can see.

Lunch will be served on floating rice barges in the middle of the lake, a unique and unforgettable dining experience. We then make visits to the picturesque floating gardens as well as a weaving village for a photo session with local weavers working with silks, linens and lotus fabrics. We also observe local craftsman demonstrating how Burmese cigars, or “cheroots,” are traditionally packed and rolled.

Optional Services: Sunrise Balloon ride over Inle Lake can be organized early in the morning.

Boat tour to Southern Lake

Our passengers set sail that day for a three hour tour...

After breakfast, we will embark on a boat journey to the rarely visited village of Sagar, an undiscovered gem located in the southern section of the majestic lake.

The three-hour boat trip is a scenic treat in itself, passing through unspoiled nature through the magnificent mountain range. You’ll drift by fishermen going about their daily duties and village-lined riverbanks with children from Pa-O hill tribes keen to demonstrate their diving abilities to any boat that goes by. Along the way, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of many of the indigenous birds that call the lake home.

Despite the scenic trip, relatively few travelers make the journey to Sagar, which may surprise you given the beauty you’ll experience in the small Shan State region. Once you arrive in the Sagar you’ll begin your exploration with a series of stops at fascinating sites, such as over 100 half-submerged stupas from the 16-17th century, as well as a small local village to unearth the unique culture of the Pa-O people and pay a visit to the striking monastery.

In the afternoon continue the boat journey down to Mobye Lake until we arrive at the town of Phekon. From here we take 45 minutes car transfer to Loikaw, the sleepy capital of Kayah State, that has only recently opened for the foreign visitors, and a base of our explorations for the next days. Time permitting, we visit the major sight of Loikaw, Taung Kwe Pagoda, and climb to the top of the karst outcrop for sunset. The view over the surrounding flatlands with distant mountain ranges in every direction is simply amazing.

Kayah Hill Tribe Villages

Land of the long neck ladies

After breakfast at your hotel, we set off to visit the Kayan (Padaung) minority villages of Pan Pet. The Kayan ‘Long Neck’ Ladies are famous for their traditional brass ring necklaces that appear to elongate their necks. On arrival at Pan Pet, you will be received by a local community guide. Taking advantage of the cool morning weather, your guide will begin the visit with a leisurely hike along a scenic nature trail. As we climb the hill, your guide will stop to explain important cultural sites on the way. These include a monument which honors the village clan, an animist bird totem, and a guardian spirit cave.

The hike ends at a beautiful viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, rice fields and the five hamlets of Pan Pet. After a picnic lunch at the scenic spot, we continue to the hamlet of Salong Kana where you will be able to meet with members of the Kayan community to get an insight into the local life and culture. During your time at the village, you will also have a chance to visit traditional Kayan homes and observe artisans making Kayan bracelets, weaving traditional textiles, carving wooden statues and other handwork. After a full day spent with these fun-loving and artistic people, we say our farewells and return to Loikaw in the late afternoon.

Arriving in Yangon

Beyond Rangoon

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. The afternoon program will be planned according to your wishes. Interesting sites and activities around the city include the Bogoyke (Central) Market, The colossal Secretariat Building (recently reopened for visitors after over 50 years of closure) and the circular train line, a true essence of life in the city. In the evening we enjoy a final dinner to conclude our trip and reminisce about all the amazing experiences we have shared together.

This isn't goodbye but rather "Au Revoir!"

So long and farewell to our friends

For those with afternoon and evening flights, we begin the day with a dawn visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold-covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Ancient legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. There will be countless photography opportunities at this iconic site as the sun rises but this is also the perfect place and ideal moment to stand in silence and reflect upon the journey we just shared and the memories that we built with gratitude in our hearts.

In the afternoon we transfer to Yangon airport for your onward flight home or wherever the road leads you next.

Bon voyage!