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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Burma (Myanmar)
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Burma (Myanmar)

Off-limits for years but now back on every intrepid traveller’s wish-list, Burma (now known as Myanmar) is the enigmatic “golden land”. Everything about this south-east Asian country demands exploration: gilded Buddhist temples, trekkable landscapes, celebrated life-giving rivers, pristine beaches, sublime historic cities, tribal communities, and some of the world’s most impressive monuments. Best of all, it is fabulously untouched by mass tourism, meaning a holiday to Burma at this time will offer a true unspoiled gem.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Burma’s doors are finally open, giving travellers the chance to experience the cultural treasures, architectural marvels, and natural splendour of this South-East Asian gem.

Your temple-spotting odyssey starts in the ancient city of Bagan. Whilst it is great to explore by bicycle, it is far better to take to the sky in a hot-air balloon at sunrise or sunset to see some of the 3,000 temples that dot the landscape below. Take a pilgrimage to the volcanic Mount Popa, where you can climb the 777 steps up to its sacred monastery.

For a heavy dose of colonial-era architecture, tree-lined avenues and traditional shop houses, visit Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon). Here, you can marvel at Burma’s most sacred site - the astounding and iconic 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda that rises over the city in golden splendour.

In the heart of the country lies Mandalay, Burma's former royal capital and spiritual centre that wows with pagodas, monasteries and Buddhist monks. Marvel at the Royal Palace, climb the 230-metre-high Mandalay Hill, and see U Bein Bridge glisten at sunset.

For a uniquely Burmese journey, cruise from Mandalay to Bagan along the Irrawaddy River, stopping at the small villages and gilded stupas that dot its banks. Equally sublime is Inle Lake, the most scenic spot in the Shan State. Meet the Intha people and discover floating villages before discovering the lakeside village of Indein and its ancient pagodas.

More back-to-nature thrills await at the hill station of Kalaw, an emerging trekker’s paradise to the west of Inle Lake. Trek to your heart’s content, and stop off at the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, a conservation area that protects elephants in 150 acres of natural habitat.

For those looking to explore away from the common tourist trail, Hsipaw and Hpa An provide the ultimate rural retreats, both surrounded by a wealth of natural attractions including rolling green hills, winding rivers and ancient caves.

With 2,000-kilometres of coastline, it is little wonder that Burma is primed to be one of Asia's beach hotspots. For sun-soaked perfection, hit the white sands at Ngapali Beach and ease into beach mode at the end of a busy trip exploring this enchanting destination.

With the advent of democracy in Burma, now is the time to visit this magical country with its uplifting views of ancient temples, placid lakes and old colonial hill stations, and some of Asia’s most characterful heritage hotels in the cities.


Cherylle Sargent Cherylle Sargent
Asia Specialist

A sunset visit to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is not to be missed. The atmosphere of this ancient site never fails to enchant as the gilded stupa is bathed in the fading rays of the sun and takes on a magical glow!


Ellis Valentine Ellis Valentine
Asia Specialist

Inle Lake is one of my favourite areas in the whole of Asia. To get anywhere at Inle you need a boat, and meandering through the numerous floating villages is an experience in itself!


Ellis Valentine Ellis Valentine
Asia Specialist

Temples in Burma

Magnificent temples abound in Burma, dotting the horizons of its verdant landscapes up and down the country. From the temple studded lands of Bagan to the glittering pagodas of Yangon, the holy sites of Burma are simply mind boggling both in size and beauty. Whilst stupas are solid temples, said to house remains of Buddhas or monks, Pagodas are open to enter for worship. Having evolved from the shape of a stupa, the two often look similar yet their significance is marked by their history.

Destinations

Bagan

Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)

Hpa An

Hsipaw

Inle Lake

Irrawaddy River

Kalaw

Loikaw

Mandalay

Myeik Archipelago

Ngapali Beach

Pyin Oo Lwin

Yangon

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Bagan, Burma

Surrounded by some of Bagan's most renowned ancient stupas and pagodas, Areindmar Hotel is a characterful boutique property designed to offer intimate and comfortable accommodation, whilst still reflecting the culture and traditions of surrounding Burma.

Areindmar Hotel

Yangon, Burma

Within walking distance of the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, the boutique colonial-era Savoy Hotel is offers old world charm and unfailingly pleasant service.

Savoy Hotel Yangon

Kalaw, Burma

The Amara Mountain Resort is a small delightful property in Kalaw, ideal for escaping Burma's lowland heat to spend the days trekking, mountain biking and bird watching amidst beautiful mountain scenery.

Amara Mountain Resort

Ngapali Beach, Burma

Hidden away among the coconut palms on Burma’s gorgeous Ngapali Beach, Amata Beach Resort is a one-of-a-kind resort offering a secluded and pampered stay amidst tropical beauty on the Bay of Bengal.

Amata Beach Resort

Inle Lake, Burma

Secluded on the edge of Inle Lake and backed by northern Burma’s blue forested peaks, Inle Princess Resort is a serene boutique retreat that combines comfort and charm, whilst still in keeping with the local culture and environment.

Inle Princess Resort

Loikaw, Burma

Loikaw Lodge is a small family-owned boutique property that offers high levels of comfort alongside warm hospitality in the heart of traditional Burma.

Loikaw Lodge

Mandalay, Burma

Lying at the foot of Mandalay Hill overlooking the Royal Palace, the Mandalay Hill Resort boasts friendly service, comfort and a great location for exploring Mandalay.

Mandalay Hill Resort

Ngapali Beach, Burma

Ngapali Bay Villa and Spa is a beautiful boutique resort in Ngapali Beach that enjoys direct access from each of its elegant stand-alone villas.

Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa

Mandalay, Burma

Surrounded by flowering trees on the outskirts of Mandalay, the Rupar Mandalar is a stylish boutique hotel, offering contemporary comforts and traditional Burmese hospitality and an alluringly peaceful retreat from the dusty city.

Rupar Mandalar

Irrawaddy River, Burma

Pandaw's largest ship, RV Orient is a magnificent vessel styled to resemble the boats of the British colonial era. It offers comfortable accommodation for cruising down the Irrawaddy, whilst keeping in touch with the history of this enchanting region.

RV Orient Pandaw

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Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

A fantastic combination of culture and beach, this itinerary is perfect for those wanting to combine the gilded pagodas and temple strewn plains that Burma is famed for with some time on the beach.

10 nights from $3397 per person Beach, Culture & history, Highlights

Burma's Temples and Beaches

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

This 15 night itinerary offers a well-paced introduction to one of South East Asia’s most beguiling destinations, combining culture rich cities, picturesque towns, a cruise down the Irrawaddy River and a relaxing beach break on Burma’s idyllic west coast.

15 nights from $4214 per person Family, Culture & history, Highlights

Classic Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Irrawaddy River, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

Discover life along the banks of the Irrawaddy River in the comfort only a cruise can offer on this 16 day itinerary, combining must-see highlights and hidden onshore gems culminating with a relaxing beach break on Burma’s west coast.

15 nights from $4466 per person Food & Drink, Highlights, Spectacular scenery

Cruise and Highlights

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake

From the awe-inspiring temples of Bagan to the floating gardens of Inle Lake, this varied and good value itinerary takes in some of Burma’s most iconic sights, ideal for those wishing to explore this enchanting country but are short on time.

9 nights from $2768 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Imagine Favourites

Essential Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Loikaw, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Ngapali Beach

This in-depth itinerary is perfect for those looking to really get under the skin of this enigmatic destination. Enjoy culture-rich cities, former British hill stations, balloons over Bagan, an Irrawaddy River cruise and the beautiful beaches of Ngapali.

19 nights from $5032 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Spectacular scenery

Ultimate Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake

This active itinerary is a great option for those looking to explore Burma’s culture rich cities alongside its rural treasures. Roam Bagan’s temple strewn plains by mountain bike, trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, and cycle the streets of Yangon and Mandalay.

11 nights from $3145 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

Active Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

With biking in Bagan, kayaking in Inle Lake and elephants in Kalaw, this adventurous two week itinerary is a fantastic option for families looking to explore some of Burma’s most celebrated destinations accompanied by energetic teens.

14 nights from $3397 per person Family, Highlights, Walking & Trekking

Burma for Teenagers

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

Experience the best of Burma on this 12 night itinerary, combining must-see highlights with some of the country’s most spoiling hotels. Soar above the temples of Bagan, sip wine overlooking Inle lake and relax on one of South East Asia’s best beaches.

12 nights from $4718 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Luxury

Burma in Style

Yangon, Mandalay, Irrawaddy River, Bagan

Cruise the Irrawaddy River in comfort and style aboard The Strand Cruise, combining onshore excursions, must-see sights and the height of onboard luxury as you sail from culture-rich Mandalay to the archaeological wonder of Bagan.

7 nights from $5913 per person Food & Drink, Luxury, Spectacular scenery

Cruising the Irrawaddy in Style

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Bagan, Burma

Discover Burmese cuisine, visiting a local morning market and purchasing ingredients to create traditional dishes with a local chef and tasting your efforts.

Bagan Cooking Class

Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo), Burma

Travel to Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda), a small golden pagoda perched atop a gravity defying granite boulder covered in gold leaf, one of Burma's most important religious sites.

Visit Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)

Mandalay, Burma

Explore the city of Mandalay with a local guide on this half day tour, taking you to highlights including Mandalay Hill, the 'world's largest book' and the Golden Palace Monastery.

Half Day Mandalay City Tour

Mandalay, Burma

Enjoy a bright and early start exploring Mahamuni Pagoda and witnessing monks washing the Buddha statue before a visit to a local market and breakfast at a traditional tea shop.

Early Morning in Mandalay

Bagan, Burma

Experience the local trade, learning about the production of lacquerware products before designing your own souvenir, applying the skills you learnt.

Painting Lacquerware

Pindaya, Burma

Visit the Pindaya Caves, a series of limestone caves nestled into a hillside that house thousands of Buddha images.

Tour of the Pindaya Caves

Hpa An, Burma

Explore the Sadan Cave with a private guide, including its naturally formed tunnel and many Buddha images.

Sadan Cave

Mandalay, Burma

Spend with day with a local guide exploring the city of Mandalay, visiting sights including the gilded Mahamuni Pagoda, some traditional workshops and Burma’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site before ascending Mandalay Hill in time for sunset.

Full Day Mandalay City Tour

Bagan, Burma

Journey to Tant Kyi village along the Irrawaddy River to the striking Tant Kyi Pagoda hilltop Pagoda and take-in the stunning panoramic views over the landscape below.

Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda

Hpa An, Burma

Visit Kyauk Ka Lat, a towering limestone pinnacle at the centre of a manmade lake, topped with a glittering pagoda.

Kyauk Ka Lat

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Inspiration

Cruising in Burma

Highlights of Burma

Temples in Burma

Interview with Green Hill Elephant Camp

Imagine Asia Guidebooks

Meet our specialists

Ellis Valentine

Cherylle Sargent

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Here at Imagine Asia, we are so confident that we offer the best value on the market that we have a price promise. If you find the exact same holiday cheaper with another UK tour operator, then we promise to beat their price by £50.

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