The Highlight Route

Colonial, uncoordinated, typical authentic Asian!

Yangon is a city that reminds you of Asia in the 1980’s. Colonial, uncoordinated, typical authentic Asian! In between all of the hecticness you find an old colonial beauty that is unparalleled to any other city in the region. Former British grandeur stand out between the Chinese style shophouses and are home to local businesses, apartments and all kinds of restaurants and coffee shops. Leaving Yangon may be with pain in your heart, but allows you to explore the beauty of Bagan and beyond. Use an e-bike and ride over the sandy paths that connect the 4000 or more temples.

Not far from Bagan you will find a little town called Salay. This is a place where you are able to take in Myanmar the local way. Situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, strolling around this place almost feels like being a part of a fairytale.

Traveling further up north of Myanmar you get to Mandalay where you enjoy a bike ride into the countryside. Meet the incredibly friendly people and learn about the historical importance of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. We cannot forget about the Inle Lake, where a trek through the Kalaw area shows you rural life and nature at its best.

By train and boat you travel further south to the lesser known Moebyel Lake and drive to Loikaw. The area is home to minorities for which Thailand is famous for, but without the staged authenticity idea. People around Loikaw sincerely follow their local tradition and culture. Hike from village to village and explore minority life.

Length of Tour: 16 days The tour can be extended with a visit to the beach of Myanmar (Ngapali Beach for example) where you can enjoy a few days exploring the empty beaches of offshore islands. Free days could also be added around Mandalay or the Inle Lake.

Plan your trip

Outline of the tour

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Day 01

Arrive in Yangon and start in the evening with a visit to the Schwedagon Pagoda

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Day 02

Enjoy a walk around downtown Yangon and learn about the British influence

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Day 03

Fly to Bagan and make your way to Salay, enjoy a sunset walk through the village

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Day 04

Rise early an witness the monks collecting alms, wander around the local market and transfer to Bagan

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Day 05

Step onto an e-bike and explore the Temples of Bagan off the beaten track

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Day 06

An early rise and experience you will never forget: a balloon ride over Bagan, remain free the rest of the day

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Day 07

Transfer to Mandalay with local stops along the way

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Day 08

Bike the ancient cities of Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura

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Day 09

Explore the local Jade market, U-Bein bridge and other city highlights

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Day 10

Fly to Heho and transfer to Kalaw

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Day 11

Trek through Kalaw from village to village and stay at local people’s home

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Day 12

Morning trek to the railway station of Kalaw and train to Shwenyaung. Transfer onward by car to Nyaungshwe

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Day 13

Cycling tour around the Inle Lake, by bike and boat

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Day 14

Boat to Pekon over the Inle Lake and Moebyel Lake. Transfer from Pekon to Loikaw

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Day 15

Explore the minority villages on foot surrounding Loikaw

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Day 16

Transfer to the airport of Loikaw, connect in Yangon for your flight out

The unique aspects of this tour

Exploring Yangon and its colonial path on foot
Interesting local experiences with fortune tellers, artists and farmers
Getting away from the crowds in Salay
Being part of ancient old traditions and ceremonies
A champagne breakfast and balloonride over Bagan
Explore Bagan away from the crowds by e-bike
Homestay experience in Kalaw
Authentic minority village trek with a visit to the local homes of a “Longneck” family
Bike ride along rice paddy fields surrounding the Inle Lake
Become Chinese trader at the Jade market
Local picnics, invites to local homes and pagodas, and visit interesting school projects

What does our expert say about this tour?

“This tour around the main sights of Myanmar is an unbelievably divers tour. From the narrow streets of Yangon to the wide plains of Bagan and tree-lined trails that lead from village to village in Loikaw, the tour is focused only on the local way of life. I would love to guide this tour myself every time I get a chance. Simply because it is my favorite route and allows me time and time again to learn from the local people. The minority markets, the local school project, the fortune tellers, the local family and all the other people that have crossed my path traveling this route made it truly special. The highlights like the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the temples of Bagan or the Inle Lake are in fact just nice additions to this tour. This tour was made to get you in touch with Myanmar and what life is like in this beautiful country.”

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