Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Yangon, Myanmar
Our Journey begins here, in one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating cities. After a festive Welcome Dinner in our hotel, we look forward to a morning ferry across the river to the welcoming bamboo village of Dhala. Our visit concludes with sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, the country’s most revered site. Gilded in gold leaf and adorned with a 76-carat diamond, this breathtaking site is said to contain relics of four Buddhas.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
A morning flight takes us to Heho, the gateway village to beautiful Inle Lake. Floating gardens, a stilt village, bustling markets, ancient stupas, peaceful monasteries, and exquisite, local crafts fill our days in this serene setting. We’ll have cooking lessons here in a private home.
Mandalay, Myanmar
A morning flight takes us to legendary Mandalay, where we’ll begin with a visit to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images and a pagoda, with inscribed marble slabs that designated it as the ‘world’s biggest book.’ We’ll visit the white-painted pagodas and monasteries of Sagaing Hill, as well as the local market there, rarely touched by visitors.
Bagan, Myanmar
A morning flight takes us to the amazing site of Bagan. Thousands of stupas cover the plains, seeming to stretch to the horizon in every direction.
An afternoon visit to a traditional lacquer ware workshop introduces you to the country’s most honored craft and an opportunity to shop for excellent samples. We continue to Ananda Temple, one of Bagan’s masterpieces, containing two unique images of Buddha, whose expressions seem to change as you move. A hot air balloon flight over the templestudded plains is unforgettable – as is your visit to the extraordinary Nyaung Oo Market. A leisurely cruise down the Irrawaddy gives you a unique view of the city's temples.
Yangon, Myanmar
Return to Yangon to view the stunning Buddha image carved from a single piece of white marble, as well as the home of Yangon’s treasured white elephants. We’ll continue to Inya Lake, Myanmar’s largest body of water, with a stop at the home of Nobel Prize winner Aung Sun Suu Kyi. Our guided tour also takes us to popular Kandawgyi Park, the glittering Karaweik barge, and the labrythine Scott’s Market. We end our time here with a visit to the city’s 70-meter-long reclined Buddha.
Luang Prabang, Laos
We fly to Luang Prabang, where Laos greets us with beautiful Mekong sunset views and a colorful night market. A morning boat trip up the Mekong takes us to the holy caves of Pak Ou, which house thousands of Buddha statues.
Early risers may experience a dawn visit to observe monks collecting alms in a beautiful, serene ceremony. We will visit the important Elephant Village, devoted to protecting the threatened Asian elephants.
A traditional Baci ceremony helps us bid farewell as our amazing Journey comes to an end.
Luang Prabang & Home
Enjoy your leisurely morning before your guide and driver collect you from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
Sule Shangri-La, Yangon
Sule Shangri-La is conveniently located in downtown Yangon, the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities, only minutes away from sacred sites like the Shwedagon Pagoda. Each of the spacious rooms overlooks historic Yangon at the river, lush tropical trees and shining pagodas. Relax in serenity in the midst of Yangon’s modern metropolis at the Sule Shangri-La.
Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Inle
Aureum Resort and Spa offers unsurpassed luxury villas built over the waters and shores of one of Myanmar's most stunning natural and cultural wonders, Inle Lake. Each expansive villa is elegantly decorated with generous space and lavishly equipped with amenities. With private outdoor terraces for viewing a spectacular sunset over the lake and hills beyond, Aureum Resort is the perfect location to explore the wonders of this unique destination.
Sedona Hotel Mandalay, Mandalay
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 - sights that are a pleasure to behold. Sedona Hotel Mandalay features graciously appointed rooms and suites, with an inviting décor that hints at a fusion of the ethnic and the modern.
Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Bagan
Set within Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone amongst the ancient temples of the Kingdom of Bagan, this expansive resort offers the ultimate in relaxation for guests seeking a unique experience for the historical traveler. Antiques, artifacts and local arts uniquely adorn each property, complementing the majestic ambiance of the resort and surrounds. Bedrooms are spacious and elegant with all modern facilities, and bathrooms are large and lavishly equipped with luxurious amenities for ultimate repose.
La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
Positioned atop a hill, gazing across the sacred mountains, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang—former royal capital of Laos—spread out below. Designed in a traditional style, this intimate hotel is gemmed with teak, silk and fresh cotton accents. Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stepping back into a more gracious era. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel