Myanmar by Road, Rail & River Feb 2019

Trek through some of Burma's most spectacular landscape, stay overnight in a picturesque Shan state village, experiencing a traditional life unchanged for centuries. Journey by rail with the locals and travel down the mighty Irrawaddy by public ferry. Explore tranquil Inle Lake with its floating gardens and markets and wonderfully distinctive culture. This journey explores some of the countries most breathtaking scenery by rail and river whilst experiencing local Burmese life.

Explore the colonial streets of Yangon and join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun sets on its golden spire, before flying to Heho in the heart of the fertile Shan Plateau. You'll then drive through glorious countryside to the old colonial hill station of Kalaw and take a train journey to remote village of Sintaung. Stay overnight in a village house before trekking back to Kalaw the next day.

You will then travel by road to Nyaung Shwe at the north of Inle Lake and continue by long-tailed boat to your hotel on the eastern shore.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Visit a nearby village in evening light, to discover how local farmers live in houses built on stilts and grow produce on floating gardens.
• See the intricately carved stupas at Indein and enjoy fabulous views across the lake.
• Walk to the five day market, where the Shan, Inda, Pa’O & Taung Yoo bring their crops to sell. It is also possible to walk or cycle to a winery, take a cooking class in a traditional house, or just take time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO biosphere.

Then fly on to ancient Bagan to discover some of the 3,000 magnificent temples scattered around the fertile plains beside the Irrawaddy. You can enjoy a sectacular optional hot air balloon flight over the site. Top it off with a voyage down river to the 12th century village of Salay and stay overnight in a village house. Return to Bagan before flying to Yangon and departure. Alternatively, extend your stay by a few days to relax and enjoy Ngapali beach.

See the rest of our small group tours to Myanmar / Burma here.