Your Journey:

Myanmar (Burma) offers a fascinating journey of discovery through one of South East Asia’s least visited, but most rewarding countries with its ancient temples, golden beaches and smiling faces. From the unforgettable temples in Bagan and Mandalay’s fabled history, to largely undiscovered white sand beaches at Ngapali and the placid waters of Inle Lake, Myanmar has a wealth of treasures that exceed the expectations of those who visit.

Journeys in Myanmar (Burma)

The Far East

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Myanmar (Burma) Tours and Cruises

As one of South-East Asia’s least visited countries the traveller to Burma will see some of the regions most iconic sights without the associated crowds. Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest and the tentative steps towards democracy have kept Burma firmly in the world’s eye and the growth of demand for travel has grown immensely. The people are incredibly welcoming and we would strongly urge you to book early, on either one of our group tours to Burma or a tailor-made holiday of your choice – Myanmar (Burma) really is becoming one of the must-see world destinations.

"Rudyard Kipling would be pleased to know that his beloved country has not been spoiled and that following Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent statement encouraging tourism this has had immediate effects i.e. an increase of visitors as fears of not going there were largely unfounded."

Amy Cooper

one of our Travel Experts

Call our Far East team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry

Things to do and see

SHWE DAGON PAGODA

..."Then a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon - a beautiful, winking wonder that blazed in the sun...". This was Rudyard Kipling's first view of the magnificent Shwe Dagon Pagoda, which dominates the Yangon skyline and has become a symbol of Burma. The central spire is reputed to contain more gold than is held in the vaults of the Bank of England. The atmosphere of this ancient site at sunset never fails to enchant.....

THE ROAD TO MANDALAY

With the style and comfort for which the Orient-Express company is famous, the Road to Mandalay cruise ship is the perfect way to explore the wonders of Burma. The ship features 66 air-conditioned and facilities on board include a Restaurant, Piano Bar, Boutique, small Library and a spacious Lounge, where local entertainment and cultural lectures take place during the cruise.....

BALLOONS OVER BAGAN

Visitors to Myanmar can now view what Marco Polo described as 'one of the finest sights in the world' from the unique and enchanting platform of a hot air balloon basket. By taking a hot air balloon flight you will enjoy a unique opportunity to see the ancient temples of Bagan in a way seldom seen before.Your flight will take place either early in the morning or an hour or so before sunset. Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed, the speed of the balloon and the length of the flight are governed by the strength and velocity of the wind. The whole experience will last about 21/2 hours, of which about 45 minutes are spent in the air.On landing you will be met by the ground crew who will pack the balloon up whilst you enjoy a glass or two of celebratory champagne.....

R.V. PANDAW 1947 IRRAWADDY

The R.V. Pandaw 1947 was built in Scotland and has been comfortably converted to accommodate 32 passengers in 16 deluxe air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms.All cabins are outward facing and guests can enjoy the river view sitting on the promenade in front of their cabins. The décor of the ship is "East meets West” style; furniture is made from Burmese teak and rattan, specially designed for the ship and incorporating handcrafted Burmese statues, paintings, lacquerware and pottery.....

INLE LAKE SHAN STATES

Inle Lake is home to the extraordinary ‘legrowing’ fishermen,who have developed an original, eccentric way of rowing with one leg, leaving their hands free to drop their tall conical nets over passing fish. There are attractions to see all around the lake, such as the Indian Temple Complex on the western shore, the weaving village at Inpawkhone, and the Nga Phe Kyaung monastery. For your accommodation we recommend the Inle Princess Resort nestling on the eastern shore of the lake about 20 minutes boat ride from the town of Nyaung Shwe. The Resort offers guests a secluded retreat with 25 individual cottages, each built in the traditional style by local craftsmen using local wood and bamboo.....

BURMA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

In addition to the well known sightseeing, there are several lesser known places worth exploring. The Golden Rock Pagoda near Kyaikhtiyo is one example, and can be visited on a full day excursion from Yangon. Another lesser-visited part of Myanmar is Moulmein, a picturesque old colonial town and was once an important teak port. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, the city’s tallest and most visible pagoda, and to the 100 year old Seindone Mibaya Kyaung monastery. From Moulmein you can also visit Setse Beach, a seaside resort famous for its Yela Pagoda perched over the sea, and Thanbyuzayat, the location of the cemetery for allied prisoners of war who died while building the infamous ‘Death Railway’ in World war II.....

PANDAW 1947

Originally built after the Second World War to serve the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, this unique vessel has been extensively renovated into 16 en suite cabins to offer a remarkable concept in boutique cruising. Its 3 decks feature a stylish lounge and dining room, a sundeck and solarium and an exquisite range of specially designed furnishings and handcrafted ornaments that provides comfortable and elegant river journeys deep into the heart of Myanmar’s rich and fertile landscapes. We are also pleased to offer the newly launched Paukan 2007, sister ship to the Pandaw.....

INLE LAKE

Inle Lake is home to the extraordinary ‘leg-rowing’ fishermen who have developed an original, eccentric way of rowing with one leg, leaving their hands free to drop their tall conical nets over passing fish. The lake is extremely beautiful, surrounded by mountains inhabited by colourful hill tribes and after a fascinating few days visiting temples and towns, Inle Lake can offer relaxation following a busy itinerary.....

IRRAWADDY RIVER CRUISING

The waters of the fertile Irrawaddy basin flow through some of Myanmar’s most spectacular scenery, a landscape of wooded hills and ancient temples, where life continues amongst the lush rice paddies and traditional fishing villages much as it has for many generations. Our sales team are happy to discuss the various options for spending time on the river ranging from a 1 night to a relaxing 7-night cruise....

THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE YANGON

Spectacular and stylish, the imposing grandeur of this restored Burmese mansion house is the perfect setting from which to explore the delights of Rangoon’s former glories. Set within a lotus garden in the embassy district of Yangon, the Governor’s Residence is ideally located for exploring the city, and its 49 teak furnished Pansea rooms offer luxury and an enviable range of modern amenities, including large free-form baths. The hotel also offers a good range of dining experiences, as well as cookery classes, a beautiful free-form pool and revitalising massage facilities.....

INLE PRINCESS RESORT INLE LAKE

Nestling between the tranquil waters of Inle Lake and a panorama of misty blue mountains, this stunning resort evokes the cultural traditions of the Shan, combining rustic charm with luxurious comfort. Its 46 wooden chalets are built on stilts amongst the reeds, offering an airy aspect, with spectacular views across the lake and gardens, en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a full range of modern amenities. The resort also serves up a wonderful choice of local and international cuisine, with an option to eat out amidst the relaxing surroundings of its idyllic gardens.....

THE ROAD TO MANDALAY IRRAWADDY

With the style and comfort for which Orient-Express is famous, the Road To Mandalay provides the ultimate vantage point from which to absorb the surrounding serene beauty, taking in its golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks. The boat features 66 airconditioned rooms, and facilities onboard include a Restaurant, Piano Bar, Boutique, small Library and a spacious Lounge. The Road to Mandalay cruises between Mandalay and Bagan (Pagan) between September and April.....

Places to stay

Bayview Beach Resort

The Bayview Beach Resort is situated on Ngapali Beach, tucked away between coconut palms on a wide unspoiled beach off the Rhakine coast on the Bay of Bengal. The Bayview offers 33 deluxe guestrooms including 2 executive suites, all with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are all equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, personal safe, satellite TV and in-house movies.....

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Road To Mandalay

Cruising in traditional comfort combined with delightful luxury, the recently refurbished Road To Mandalay, by Orient-Express offers 43 spacious en suite cabins, all fully air-conditioned and stylishly furnished. All cabins are external and feature a large window through which to admire the passing scenery. There are 4 Single cabins (Deluxe Deck), 4 Superior cabins (State Deck), 16 Deluxe cabins (Deluxe Deck), 18 State cabins (State Deck) and a Governor's Suite (State Deck). You can also enjoy the gourmet menu of both Eastern and Western delicacies in the restaurant or enjoy a drink in the Piano bar at the end of the day. Lunch is taken on the Observation Deck or in the restaurant providing a range of flavours from across Asia. ....

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Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

The Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel is the best hotel in Bagan and is nestled on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River. Once a Government VIP guest hotel, this charming collection of villas is located in one of the finest sub-tropical gardens in Asia. The hotel has 52 international class bungalow rooms each with multi-split airconditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, refrigerator, security safe and well-appointed ensuite shower room. Each villa has a spacious balcony and is decorated in local fabrics and natural woods evoking a traditional atmosphere. (www.thiripyitsaya.com) ....

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RV Pandaw 1947

Originally commissioned at the end of the Second World War by the Inland Water Transport Board of Burma with the technical expertise of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, the RV Pandaw 1947 was built in Scotland on the Clyde by the famous ships builder Yarrow & Co in 1947. With the same design of the pre-war Quarter Wheeler steamers, the Pandaw 1947 has been comfortably converted to accommodate 32 passengers in 16 air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms. All cabins are outward facing and guests can enjoy the river view sitting on the promenade in front of their cabins. The décor of the ship is "East meets West” style furniture in Burmese Teak and Rattan specially designed for the ship and incorporating handcrafted Burmese statues, paintings, and Burmese Lacquerware and pottery. Public areas include a dining room, cosy saloon bar and Sundeck furnished with teak steam chairs. Smoking is allowed on the outside areas of the ship only.....

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Inle Princess Resort

The Inle Princess Resort nestles on the Eastern shore of the Inle Lake about 20 minutes boat ride from the town of Nyaung Shwe and near the village of Magyisin. The Resort offers guests a secluded retreat with 25 individual cottages, each built in the traditional style by local craftsmen using local wood and bamboo. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of International, Myanmar and Chinese dishes including the local specialties of the Shan, Intha, and Pao ethnic minorities.....

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Paukan 2007

The newly built Paukan 2007 is a charming boutique boat built in the style of traditional pre-war Quarter Wheeler steamers. Accommodating 55 passengers in 29 air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms, all cabins are outward facing and guests can enjoy the river view from the promenade in front of their cabins. The décor of the ship is ‘East meets West’with specially designed furniture in Burmese teak and rattan. Public areas include a dining room, lounge and sun deck furnished with teak steamer chairs. To ensure complete relaxation on board massages are available.....

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Pandaw II

The Pandaw II has 24 cabins, (3.65m x 4.26m) with own shower, toilet, air-conditioning and mini-safes (16 are on the upper deck and 8 on the main deck). The boat also has a saloon/bar, dining room, reception, promenade decks and sun deck. Being safety conscious the boat is fitted with smoke detectors in all cabins, emergency lighting and generator, fire extinguishers, pumps and hoses, life jackets for all passengers and life rafts. (www.pandaw.com) ....

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The Shangri-La Traders Hotel

The Shangri-La Traders Hotel is in a prime location in the bustling business capital of Myanmar, with its colonial past blending with awe-inspiring pagodas, temples and monuments. It is close to key local attractions such as the Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market and Chinatown. Room facilities include voice mail, satellite/cable television, IDD telephone, electronic safe, mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities and an in-house movie channel. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and health club and a choice of restaurants. The hotel does not have a money changing facility but provision for this will be made by the local guide who will be able to assist with exchanging hard currency into local Kyat on the day of arrival.....

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Sedona Hotel

Nestled on four acres of landscaped gardens, Sedona Hotel Mandalay is ideally located in the heart of the city and faces the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill. Sedona Hotel Mandalay has 247 rooms and suites, decorated with a mixture of ethnic and modern. Rooms have air-conditioning, colour TV with in-house movies and satellite channels, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe deposit box and IDD telephone. Hotel facilities include swimming pool, tennis court, fitness centre, shopping arcade, drugstore, 24-hour Doctor-on-call and laundry service. ....

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Sandoway Resort

The Sandoway Resort is nestled amongst 300 coconut palms on the pristine beach frontage of Ngapali Beach on the Bay of Bengal. Accommodation consists of 48 villas and cottages all designed and furnished in traditional Burmese style. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and Spa and fishing, boat trips, snorkelling and windsurfing are also available.....

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Lake View Hotel

The Lake View Hotel is situated in attractive gardens overlooking the picturesque spectacular Inle Lake. All 36 rooms are tastefully decorated in Burmese colonial style and all have a private balcony with a view of the lake. Each room is equipped with private facilities, mini-bar and television. The hotel has a restaurant, serving Asian and continental cuisine plus a cosy bar. ....

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The Governor’s Residence

The Governor’s Residence is an imposing Burmese teak mansion restored to its former glory in the Embassy Quarter of Yangon (formerly Rangoon). The hotel is run by the prestigious Orient Express group and all 49 rooms have air conditioning, satellite television, mini-bar and personal safe, and are decorated in tropical cottons and silks, overlooking the garden and swimming pool. The hotel is just a short walk from the Golden Shwedagon pagoda.....

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Journeys in Myanmar (Burma)