Myanmar Ultra Luxe Journey – 14 Days

Ultra Luxe Journey in Myanmar

14 Days / 13 Nights Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake and Mergu Archipelago

Highlights

Old Rangoon architecture and heritage walk
Gleaming gold & gems decorated Shwedagon Pagoda
Temples of ancient Bagan & spectacular sunsets
Private sunrise balloon flight in Bagan
Meeting interesting locals for meals
Charming Inle Lake region with activities
Sail Mergui archipelago with super yacht
Visit local Sea Gypsy communities
Untouched white sand beaches, bays and lagoon
Dive or snorkel an enormous variety of sites
with fringing reefs and seamounts and marvel incredible underwater biodiversity they attract

What’s in

Private transfers, tours & activities with best guides
Private air charter from Heho to Kawthoung
All entrance and permit fees
Best available rooms in top hotels
Private luxury sail charter with Dunia Baru
Special meals to experience best Myanmar has to offer
And a few extra treats…

Trip Details

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Trip type: Private luxury journey
Destinations: Yangon, Bagan, Inle, Mergui Islands
Starts: in Yangon
Ends: in Kawthaung

In Brief

Day 01. Arrival to Yangon. Shwe dagon Pagoda
Day 02. Yangon highlights and heritage walk
Day 03. Bagan temples by elephant coach
Day 04. Bagan balloons flight & optional tours
Day 05. Inle Lake
Day 06. Inle Lake
Day 07. Flight to Kawthaung. Cruise Mergui Islands
Day 08. Lampi Island
Day 09. Mergui Islands with Dunia Baru
Day 10. Mergui Islands with Dunia Baru
Day 11. Mergui Islands with Dunia Baru
Day 12. Mergui Islands with Dunia Baru
Day 13. Mergui Islands with Dunia Baru
Day 14. Depart from Kawthaung

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Yangon & Spiritual Shwedagon

Arrival to Yangon international airport and warm welcome by your local guide who will meet you as soon as you walk out to arrivals hall. Transfer to hotel approx. 1hr depending on traffic. After freshening up we spend rest of the day exploring Yangon’s highlights. Visit one of world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed. Before entering Shwedagon we explore its surroundings – a micro cosmos of monasteries, nunneries, hidden markets and a lively street filled with colourful flower and vegetable stalls and craftsmens’ workshops. We will stop in a little temple, have a tea with locals in one of the tea shops, visit a fortune teller – a popular thing to do in Myanmar.

After a blessing ceremony by a Buddhist monk for a safe journey – walk up to the two thousand-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon is simply a breath-taking sight, the 100m tall gold covered stupa is encircled by smaller temples and pavilions that make up the pagoda. Shwedagon has some mysterious stories your guide will be happy to share. When the sun sets participate in candle lighting ceremony – lighting up hundreds of oil candles and incense and giving a wash for your buddha for good luck like the locals do.

Overnight: Belmond Governor’s Residence 5*, Governor’s Suite

Day 02 Architecture & Heritage Walk

Rise up early to participate in daily food offering to monks and novices in a local neighborhood. The Monks and novices all over Myanmar venture out of monasteries every morning to collect their daily meals donated by locals. We will then go to a popular local tea shop for a morning cuppa and if you wish to be at the Strand Hotel accompanied by a guest. Meet Ma Thanegi for discussions – on arts, politics, local culture, food etc. she is well known Burmese author, artist and former assistant to Aung San Suu Kyi. The venue, the Strand Hotel was developed to a luxury hotel by Armenian Sarkies brothers a century ago like its sister property The Raffles in Singapore. After lunch and discussions continue to Scott’s Market (more recently renamed to Bogyoke Aung San Market) housing hundreds of colorful shops selling merchandise from sandals to sapphires and rubies.

try locals favourite breakfast dishes like mohinga, onyh khaw suay (coconut noodle soup) or Shan noodles this is the place. Return back to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we start Yangon exploration by the 2000-year old Sule Pagoda, city hall and Mahabandoola Park. On easy paced private heritage walk you get to explore the colonial administrative quarter containing the most beautiful heritage buildings and art galleries. Along our route you will see book merchants, food stalls and various kinds of shops and entrepreneurs. We can visit the Lokanat, Pansodan and River Galleries to see most talented local artists’ works should you wish. As a new highlight we have now the opportunity to visit Yangon’s grand dame, the Secretariat, old parliament building on a private tour. At the time of writing the Secretariat is being restored to its former glory and will be opened soon to the public. Today’s lunch will Return to hotel late afternoon for sundowner cocktail and spa treatments. This evening enjoy French Indochinese dinner at Le Planteur. For over a decade charming Le Planteur has been considered the best restaurant in Myanmar. It is run by a Swiss Chef, Boris Granges. We will book a table for you and arrange transportation. We are pleased to assist with any pre-orders you may like. It is possible to arrange tastings and private dining parties in the wine cellar of the restaurant and to have custom built gastro menus to suit your preferences and wines to pair.

Overnight: Belmond Governor’s Residence 5*, Governor’s Suite

Day 03 Yangon & Temples of Bagan

Enjoy breakfast and morning swim at the hotel before transfer to Yangon airport for your (approx. 1hr) flight to Bagan. Today we journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan by Elephant Coach, a luxury replica of 1930’s colonial era Chevrolet coaches that were still used in Myanmar a few years ago. During the six centuries of reign Bagan became one of the greatest kingdoms in South-east Asia region with trade relations to China, India, Arabia and Europe. Over 3000 thousand pagodas and temples remains are scattered around the arid plains by the Irrawaddy River. Our journey to Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan starts with a visit to the beautiful gold gilded Swezigon Stupa purported to contain a holy tooth relic of Buddha. The location of the stupa was chosen by royal white elephant. Next to the Shwezigon our guide will share the stories of Nat spirits who used to be real people that had faced sudden destiny and became saints. We continue to Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple to see best preserved mural paintings in Bagan and then continue to Nyaung Oo Market, the largest market in Bagan.

Enjoy refreshment or a cup of Myanmar tea with your guide in a tea shop and get a feel of local life in Bagan. Next we continue to the Thanaka House. Thanaka make-up of Myanmar, the yellow tree bark paste that you will often see applied on the cheeks of ladies and children. In old Bagan we climb up to the terrace of Shwe Sandar temple, the highest in Bagan, and delight with panoramic views over temple dotted plains of Bagan and the Ayeyarwaddy River.

From here we continue to one of the most impressive temples of Bagan the Dhammayangyi, known for its fine brick work and legends of cruel king who constructed it. In the afternoon we journey to Myingaba Village and learn how famous Bagan lacquer-ware crafts are produced and decorated
with traditional methods.

Next we will visit the beautiful Htilominlo temple. If lucky you might be able to see local artists making sand paintings here. We conclude the day’s sightseeing with a visit to beautifully symmetric
Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddha images inside and continue by decorated bullock cart to witness a magical sunset behind the temples
(weather permitting).

Our guide in Bagan is also talented professional photographer. He will take photos of you during your visit to Bagan and can teach you some new tricks and tweaks to get those amazing Bagan frames.

Overnight: Aureum Palace Resort & Spa 5*, Palm Tree Pool Villa

Day 04 Ballon Flight & Bagan

Private sunrise hot air balloon flight
Early pick up from your hotel by balloons crew approx. 5.30am and transfer to balloons launch site. Imagine . . . floating over thousand-year-old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun rises slowly from the distant horizon. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. After 45min to 1hr flight you will be served celebratory glass of champagne and light snack before transfer back to hotel for breakfast. On this day we can arrange your group members customized activities.

Below are some suggestions:

Option 1. Bagan off the beaten trails cycling or e- biking
Bagan has many off-the-beaten trails temples connected by small tracks and back roads.

Fun way to explore the region and to see local village life is by mountain bike or on electric bike, your guide can adjust the distance and route to your skills and wishes. After lunch return to your hotel for rest, spa treatments and pool time. Continue around 4pm by
car visiting some of the highlight temples and sites we did not have time to visit day earlier.

Option 2. Mt Popa half day excursion
Today’s excursion 1.5hrs 50km drive from Bagan will bring you to Mount Popa, the Burmese spiritual epicenter for those who worship the pantheon of nat spirits and martyrs. After paying respects to the Nat’s Shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, we climb nearly 800 steps to the pagoda on top of the gigantic volcanic plug for panoramic views over the surrounding plains and farm lands. On the way back to Bagan we stop en-route in local village and toddy collectors hut to observe the process of making the rich and caramel-like toddy candies from the sap of the toddy palms.

Option 3. Bagan Photographers Dream
Spend the day from sunrise to sunset with a professional photographer guide who knows Bagan’s best spots throughout. Capture those perfect frames that Bagan is known for and work on your photography skills and get personal hands on advice if you wish. This evening enjoy private candle lit dinner under the stars with traditional music and cultural performance.

Overnight: Aureum Palace Resort & Spa 5*, Palm Tree Pool Villa

Day 05 Inle lake. Floating Island & Leg Rowers

Transfer to Bagan airport for the 30min flight to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. By Inle Lake Indewi boat, luxury version of typical Inle boats, will be waiting for you. We journey out to a surprise lunch location on the lake. We will arrange catering from the best restaurant on the lake and will have a selection of wines at hand (drinks will be to your own account). This surprise lunch is on a rice barge boat converted to dining venue. One boat will have the dining table, another boat has the cooking team and third boat that will arrive bit later will have a toilet.

After lunch continue with afternoon explorations of Inle Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake. This evening dinner will be at the wine cellar cave of Inle Princess Resort. Start with canapes and tasting Myanmar’s premier wines, followed by multi- course dinner. Hotel owner and daughter of Tourism Minister Yin Myo Su will join you for a drink or dinner. (providing she is available)

Overnight: Inle Princess Resort 4-5*, Lake View Chalet

Day 06 Enchanting Inle Lake

Fun and active day at Inle Lake with some optional activities. Visit the morning market by boat. Cycle along the lake shores exploring local villages. Explore Pao tribe villages up mountain range with motorcycles. (if you wish to do this please inform us contributions. Depending on budget we have made furniture from Burmese cigars for the house and well in advance). Late afternoon, a sunset canoe ride propelled by Inn Thar minority villagers who are known for their leg rowing technique. We will arrange a surprise stop in the middle of floating farms for some champagne. Then transfer to a local village on shore where you will be welcomed by a local family to their house for a home cooked meal. Enjoy a cocktail and relax or join for the cooking. A delicious Inn Tha and Shan dinner will be served in the house. You will be give local attire to wear for this themed dinner.

After the meal and dusk – we will join the local villagers for a bonfire celebration accompanied by Shan music and dance performance. Transfer back to your hotel in the evening. (We should ideally have at least 3-4 travelers to arrange this as it will be a festival for the whole village as well. We will sponsor them meal and beverage and some arranged some other specials to have totally unique concept and experience.)

Overnight: Inle Princess Resort 4-5*, Lake View Chalet

Day 07 Private Flight to Kawthaung & Sail with Dunia Baru

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Heho airport for your private flight to Kawthaung. As it is quite far to travel approx. 3hrs flight time we may need to refuel on the way. On arrival to Kawthaung transfer to Victoria point southern-most point of Myanmar where your amazing sea voyage will begin. After immigration clearance we set sail off to 800 islands Mergui Archipelago on Dunia Baru – “best luxury sailing super yacht in Asia”. The crew will look after you like royal family. This 6 cabin boat is equipped with plenty of water toys – wake board, water skis, jetskis, 4 tenders, 14 sets of diving equipment and fishing gear and of course comes with all modern comforts, yet it looks like a boat from pirates of the Caribbean. After a boat orientation and safety briefing relax on deck with a welcome drink as we set sail into the Mergui Archipelago. We will spend the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful beaches of Palu Beda a group of many nameless small islands and an idyllic anchorage.

These jungle – laden and mountainous islands that make up this group have over 50 white sand beaches and beautiful fringing coral reef. This is a great place for kayaking, snorkeling, fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the birdsong from the jungle. Guests are free to explore the beauties of the virgin island at leisure.

ABOUT – the Mergui Islands

There are very few places in this world that feel truly undiscovered; completely isolated and peaceful. Mergui Archipelago, in southern Myanmar, is one of those places. There are more than 800 rugged islands in this isolated archipelago. Most of them are completely unspoilt: the diversity of flora and fauna on the islands is staggering, and marine life is prolific. Many islands are covered in thick tropical rainforests, while the coral systems here are thriving. The only people who live in the area are the Moken, fishing and free-diving sea gypsies who spend most of their life on water. Underwater, the best conditions in the archipelago for diving are from November until April; whale sharks and manta rays are usually in the area from February until May. Other marine life includes frogfish, grey reef sharks, ribbon eels, cowries, mobula rays, lobsters, ghost pipefish and nurse sharks. For the longest time Mergui, which is in the Andaman Sea off the western shore of the Malay Peninsula, has been closed to tourists. It was opened up in 1997 but even now there are very restricted (and unreliable) flights to the area, so the archipelago is still a beautiful, well-kept secret.

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 08 Lampi Island

Visit Moken Village, Watch Sea Gypsies & Hornbills Taking Flight. Early the next morning we will arrive at Lampi Island, the largest in the region. Lampi is an island of outstanding natural beauty and has been made designated as a National Park by the government. There are endless white sandy beaches along its coast, some of which stretch for two kilometers or more. Some of the Moken or Salon people, commonly known as Sea Gypsies have settled down here. Rib exploration in the morning to see Sea gypsies collecting fresh water from condensation on the rocks on shore. The islands interior is a carpet of thick rainforest and to all intents and purposes is impenetrable. There are two tidal rivers on the west coast that are accessible by a small boat or sea canoe and can only be navigated at high tide. The southern of the two rivers is worth exploring as it has some of the oldest mangrove on the face of the planet. Some of the trees stand between twenty-five to thirty meters tall.

Mangrove: Nice beach time on the white sand beach at the entrance of the mangrove very nice rib ride inside the mangrove stretching over 1km in the land Paddle board, kayaking. The wildlife and fauna is plentiful here. Many kinds of birds can be seen including various types of Kingfisher, Hornbill, Pacific Reef Egret, White Breasted Sea Eagle and Heron. To take advantage of this, we will enjoy Sunset at Hornbill Bay to watch the Hornbills take off from one island to the next.

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 09 Fishing & Water Sports

After hoisting the anchor again in the early morning we are heading for “Selat Galet”, a hidden passage between two islands. This narrow channel between Lampi island and Wa Ale Kyunn forms a perfectly protected anchorage surrounded by pristine jungle. Guests often encounter the nomadic “Moken” tribe in this area who still live a hunter – gatherer existence in this remote wilderness. Early am visit to fishing village. This is a great area for jungle walks, kayaking and wildlife viewing. For the energetic,one can trek to hill (West Peak – 385 meter high) with enjoy the natural view of the Island. Enjoy water sports, swimming, and Snorkeling near the island. Do some snorkeling and soak up the sun on one of the many great beaches before we set sail again in the afternoon to relocate to special place for a bonfire and beach BBQ in the evening.

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 10 Water Fun at at Great Swinton Island and Three Islets

Great Swinton Island provides another idyllic anchorage with a sparkling white beach with plush rainforest in the background. It’s rumoured that people have seen lizards here that are so large they first thought they were alligators! Beach walk / snorkeling / relaxing time on the beach In the early afternoon, we will move to Three Islets for diving and snorkeling. One of the most extraordinary dive sites, these three rocks that rise out of the sea from depths of 40 meters or more harbors some of the best marine life in the archipelago. Huge schools of fusilier and silversides surround you upon entering the water. The sandy base of the islands reveals unusual anemones and starfish, while the walls are covered with orange cup corals, whip corals, and green tubastrea coral. It is one of the better areas to see harlequin shrimp and harlequin ghost pipe fish.

For the thrill seekers there is a huge canyon to the north of the middle island and leads to a cave at around 16 meters, the entrance is usually guarded by several grey reef sharks that may lose their shyness and swim up to you if you stay quiet and motionless. The tunnel is around 20 meters long and has many cup corals and sponges along its walls. Later in the afternoon we set sails again to reach Macleod Island before night fall, which is home to the only bungalow resort in the entire Archipelago.

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 11 A Lush Bay and Panoramic Hike at Macleod Island

The Andaman Resort is beautiful Burmese classic style building resort which is built on this island. currently the only accommodation in the Mergui Archipelago. The resort, which is an Eco-lodge is based on a large bay in the south of the island where beautiful coral life, white sandy beaches, thick tropical rain forest and a lot of number of birds and wild life are found. Its sheltered bay presents opportunity for a variety of water-based activities; in addition, walking tracks are formed on the island and it is possible to hike to the top of the hills behind the bay to a 300-meter high panoramic view of the surrounding area – a great spot for group photos! Also – the lodge offers traditional Burmese massages – a must try!

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 12 Cock Comb Island‘s Lagoon & Western Rocky’s Underwater Caves

We start early for a day of island hopping and exploring. As the boat gets under way, divers will depart for diving at Western Rock, one of the diving highlight in the region – rock with underwater caves going from side to the other. It is the one of the best dive site in Mergui archipelago. This limestone island features beautiful underwater terrain, including a tunnel often full of large tawny nurse sharks which traverses the island about 20-meters down. The island is more like a series of pinnacles rather than one big rock and the soft limestone makes for crevices offering shelter for a wide variety of sea creatures. Some of the marine lives you will see here include mantas, gray reef and spinner sharks, and eagle rays in the open water next to the island, while leopard sharks and spotted rays lie on the bottom. On and around the rocks, spiny lobster, cowries shells, feather stars, anemones and an assortment of crabs abound. Reef fish include blue-ringed angelfish, moray eels, snappers, frogfish, and ghost pipefish.

Cruise: Dunia Baru Luxury Yacht 5*

Day 13 Disembark in Kawthaung

Early morning passage to Kawthaung. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast aboard as we travel toward the harbor and say goodbye before our crew brings you to either Kawthaung or Ranong the airport for your onward journey.

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