Best Of Burma

15 days - from $1465

There are not too many countries in the world with the allure of Burma (Myanmar). Through years of isolation, it has managed to retain many of its cultural traditions and preserved much of its historical heritage. As such, a visit to Burma is in many ways similar to a journey back in time, to an Asia from a bygone age.

From Rangoon (Yangon) we visit Bago and the Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, before heading up north and exploring the magnificent archaeological site in Pagan (Bagan). A visit to the old capital of Mandalay and the picturesque Shan State around Inle Lake completes a memorable journey.

Highlights

• Maymyo hill station
• Pegu - ancient centre of the Mon kingdom
• Pagan's thousands of temples
• 2000-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda
• U-bien Bridge of Mandalay
• The one-legged rowers of Inle Lake
• Mingun's world's largest pagoda and unbroken bell
• The Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo

Itinerary:

Day 1: Rangoon2: Rangoon3-4: Bagan5-7: Mandalay8: Kalaw9-11: Inle Lake12-13: Kyaikhtiyo-Bago14-15: Yangon

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Rangoon - Shwedagon Pagoda; and Pegu (Bago) - Shwemawdaw Paya and Shwethalyaung Buddha.

• Trek to the sacred Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, with an overnight stay.

• Boat excursion up the Irrawaddy River to Mingun village - home to the world’s largest unfinished pagoda and a gigantic bell.

• Day-long bicycle tour of the archaeological site of Pagan.

• Half-day Inle Lake long boat tour.

• Free time to explore Rangoon, Mandalay, Pagan and Inle Lake.

• Public ferry from Mandalay to Pagan.

• Local flight from Heho to Rangoon.

• Day train from Bago to Mandalay (soft recliner seats).

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.