25 Days Burma and Thailand Highlights with Trekking Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: Mandalay | Arrive in Mandalay

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival in Mandalay, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

This evening enjoys a unique cultural dinner show at Kinsana Garden Theatre. The performance features traditional musical instruments and dance spanning eight periods dating back to the 11th century. While the theatrics ensue, enjoy some of the finest cuisines in Myanmar to welcome you to Burma.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay

Day 2: Mandalay | Explore Mandalay Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to relax.

In the afternoon, you’ll go to see the Highlights of Mandalay, you’ll start off your day with an opportunity to learn about the distinct Buddhist culture unique to Burma. You’ll visit the Mahamuni Image where you’ll have an opportunity to watch locals pray and place the gold paper on the statue of Buddha for a blessing. You can participate as well if you like for a small donation to the temple(only men are allowed to place the gold on the statue).

You’ll also visit a gold paper factory to see how golden leaves are made, a staple in Burmese religious practices. Then you’ll visit the 19th-century Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist mythology.

Next, you’ll see the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is a Buddhist stupa that contains the world’s largest book of Buddhism.

At the end of your day, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay

Day 3: Mandalay – Monywa | Ancient City of Amarapura | Continue to Monywa

Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll transfer by private vehicle to Sagiang, the capital of Sagiang Division located on the Irrawaddy River. You’ll cross the Inwa Bridge, which was built by the British in 1934. Then you’ll visit the Maha Ganayon Kyaung Monastery to see hundreds of monks line up for daily meals. Then visit the U Bein Bridge which is 1.2 kilometers long and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Continue to Monywa (approx; 3 hours). Monywa is the second biggest city after Mandalay in central Myanmar. It is the major trade center whose surroundings are filled with fertile fields yielding crops such as rice, beans, vegetables, and tobacco.

Teakwood Bridge Amarapura

On the way to town, visit Thanbude Temple with its more than half million Buddha Images inside and outside of the main temple. Then drive to the jetty of Chindwin River which is the third longest river to take a ferry to the other side where an American Willy Jeep waits to carry you to Pho Win Taung Cave Pagodas. Walk all the way up the Sandstone Caves built from the 16th to 19th century. Monkey food sellers may try to accompany you as you explore the caves. Then, drive back to Monywa for check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Win Unity Resort Hotel

Day 4: Monywa – Bagan | Irrawaddy River Ride to Bagan

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit Bodhi Ta Taung Buddhas so named after one-thousand Sitting Buddhas under a thousand Bo Trees. Then visit the second largest Reclining Buddha and the tallest standing Buddha which measures 413 feet in height. Depart Monywa to Pakkoku(3 hours), on the way stop at Ma U village to experience village life with home industries such as Bamboo Scales Making, Incense Stick and so on. Take a walk among the 16th to 18th century Pagoda Complex nearby. You can also drop in at one of the pit-stops where you can see Thanaka plantations – a special Burmese wood used in their traditional cosmetics.

Continue driving to Pakkokku, which is known as the Tobacco Trade Center where you embark on a private boat to the ancient city of Bagan(3 hours). You’ll observe local river life along the banks. Arrive in Bagan and check in to your hotel.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 5: Bagan | Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experience the unrivaled majesty of thousands of ancient temples drifting below you in style, comfort, and safety. You’ll rise early in the morning to beat dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the unique Bagan scene aloft in your hot air balloon. The captain will explain the safety procedures, and you can some coffee or tea before departure. Then the balloon will take off and you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the temples across Bagan. It is also great to see the other balloons in flight. After an hour ride, you’ll have a smooth landing.

Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples

Then you’ll explore Bagan’s temples. After that, you will visit the Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Then you’ll visit the Shwezigon Pagoda which is the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Have a rest in the hotel during the afternoon. Then you’ll enjoy a Horse Cart Ride first to the small village of Taung Phi where rests a worn teak monastery awaiting the rare tourists who are lost. You’ll continue by horse cart around temples and winding roads as the sun makes it’s a way to the sky’s edge casting curious shadows from the temples across the plain. Continue to Shesandaw Pagoda. From your vantage point, you’ll watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia. Then you’ll take a horse cart ride back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 6: Bagan – Inle | Flight to Heho | Kalaw Trekking Day 1

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Heho.

Upon arrival at Heho airport, drive to Kalaw (approx: 1 and half hour) on the way stop at Aung Ban, stop at a local Market selling typical foods, wines, traditional handicrafts, and you may try Shan Noodles there at one of Myanmar Traditional Teashops. Besides those items, the small street market has Myanmar Orchids Selling stalls and fruits. Shan Dried Tea there is the best of Myanmar.

Then, continue to Kalaw, a British Hill Station, a small town with ethnic minorities, such as Pa-O, Palaung, besides the Shan People. In the town, you can still feel the colonial atmosphere with the colonial buildings and the houses with the chimney indicate the weather of the lovely town which is over 1300 meters above sea-level. After check-in at the hotel, in the afternoon drive to the west of the town where you start your half-day Trekking to Palaung village of Pain Hgne Pin. Before, this tribal minority used to live in Wooden longhouses for a big family. And now with the growing wealth of farming, they demolished their typical longhouses and use cement and Adobe bricks to construct the houses and for the roofing, corrugated iron instead of thatch grass. Visit a household in the village and your local trekking guide will introduce you to the tribe.

Trekking in Kalaw mountains

In the afternoon, walk back to another meeting point where you will see your car and then transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 7: Heho – Kalaw | Kalaw Trekking Day 2

Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Pindaya (approx: 2 hours), a small peaceful town situated at the base of Shan Mountains and the end of very fertail plains. On the way to Pindaya from Aung Ban is really picturesque and you can make many stops for photographing and introducing to the local farmers working in their fields cultivating a variety of crops such as Sesame, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Mustard Oil, Wheat and so on besides the perennial orchards like Mandarin Oranges and Tea.

Upon arrival visit Paper Umbrella Cottage industry where you can see the Shan Paper production, Process of Umbrella making only by hands. Then, drive up to Pindaya Lime-stone Natural Caves with more than 8000 Buddha Images. Get lost yourself in the cave taking pictures of most beautiful Shan Style Buddhas. In the afternoon, drive to Nyaung Shwe (approx; 3 hours) (NOTE: it takes now only 2 hours because there is a shorter way) another Shan town bordering famous Inle Lake on the northern end.

On the way, you can visit Shwe Yan Pyay monastery built mainly of teak wood in 1882 and it’s pagoda with colorful mosaics decorated on the interior walls around the central pagoda constructed 2 years before its adjacent monastery. Then continue to Nyaung Shwe where you embark on the long boat to your resort next to the lake for check-in. Then you’re at your leisure to relax.

Accommodation: Amara Mountain Resort

Day 8: Inle | Inle Lake Excursion by Long Tail Boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your Excursion today will be made by private longtail boat to see the life of the In-tha tribe(name of local ethnic people live on the lake), to discover their unique floating farms and life on the water. You will also witness local fisherman who fishes while using only one leg to paddle the boat. Then you’ll visit the Long Neck Ladies who were relocated from the Myanmar and Thailand border.

Rest of the day is at your leisure to relax.

Intha Tribes of Inle Lake

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 9: Heho – Yangon | Leisure | Flight to Yangon

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning is at your leisure to relax at your resort.

Board an afternoon flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, enjoy a Myanmar royal style welcome dinner on a floating marble boat.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 10: Yangon | Burma’s Capital City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, visit the downtown area to see the Old City Hall and Maharbandoola Park. Then take a stroll along the old street ending at the old Strand Hotel. Next, drive to Botahtaung Pagoda which features golden decorations inside the pagoda. Continue to Bogyoke Market which sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone carving, wood carving, bronze carving, painting, etc.

In the afternoon, visit Kandawgyi Park for a stroll near Chaukhtetgyi Reclining Buddha Image – one of the largest in Yangon. Continue to the highlight of Yangon: the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, which has been described as one of the wonders of the world. Shwedagon plays a very important role in the Old Burmese History and also is an important Buddhist icon. Enjoy the sunset over the pagoda.

Shwedagon Pagoda – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 11: Yangon – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok | Bangkok Night Life

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, board a flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the Chao Phraya riverfront, go shopping, or visit a Muay Thai boxing gym on your own.

In the evening, you’ll be picked up to explore the bustling Chinatown a popular tourist attraction and a food haven. Upon this 1-km strip packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants and a dense concentration of gold shops. Continue the journey to Pakklong Talaad, the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. Drive to Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing. From here, we continue on foot passing Bangkok Metropolitan Office to Democracy Monument. You’ll enjoy dinner at Hotel D’ Moc’s restaurant, then travelling by tram around Ratanakosin area with the fantastic views of “The Must-See” attractions in Bangkok, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Golden Mount, Wat Ratchanaddaram, The Democracy Monument, The City Pillar Shrine, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Theatre and Santi Chaiprakarn Park.

End up the night by exploring the Khao San Road for its famously described as “the centre of the backpacking universe”. After tour completed, you’ll transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 12: Bangkok | Discover Ayutthaya Kingdom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start early and transfer North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Start by visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to Ayutthaya and start with the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Continue to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed.

Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Then continue to the Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 13: Bangkok – Khao Yai | Khao Yai National Park Day 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to Khao Yai National Park. Start with a visit to their View Point and Visitor Center. Go hiking through dry evergreen forests & grasslands. It is common to see gibbons, monkeys, and hornbills on the way. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to Haew Narok Waterfall. Take a 2-hour trail trek. Then elephant spotting around dusk.

Nang Rong Waterfall at Khao Yai – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Accommodation: Muthi Maya

Day 14: Bangkok | Khao Yai National Park Day 2

Meals: Breakfast
At the resort in the morning, enjoy pleasant views of the surrounding natural beauty while sipping some hot tea or coffee from your balcony/terrace. The trogons and cuckoos make their calls from the trees while the sun slowly makes it’s way over the horizon. Take some time to unwind and reflect in this natural setting.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 15: Bangkok – Chiang Rai | Bangkok by Traditional Long Tail Boat | Flight to Chiang Rai

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the early morning, take a traditional longtail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built-in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

The Grand Palace of Thailand – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
Board an afternoon flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Northern Thailand and Golden Triangle

Chiang Rai is a quiet city nestled between two mountain ranges in the valley along the Mae Kok River. It has a colorful history, is the birthplace of the Lanna Kingdom and was once home to the Emerald Buddha – during a short time when the priceless Buddhist relic was brought for hiding. The friendly town makes a great base camp for visiting the Golden Triangle, Ancient City of Chiang Saen, Mae Salong Mountain, and the “Island on the Clouds” (Phu Chi Fah viewpoint). Aspiring local artists have produced world-acclaimed pieces of architecture and art such as “The White Temple” and “The Black House”.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 16: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain: Tea Plantations & Hill Tribes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, transfer to Mae Salong mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First, stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.

Northern Thai Hill Tribes – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 17: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai | Chiang Saen Ancient City and Golden Triangle | Road Trip to Chiang Mai | The White Temple

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River and the Mekong river meet forming the borders of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – the area is known for its stunning views. Visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the history of the Opium War. Continue on to the ancient city of Chiang Sean at Wat Chedi Luang – a stone city and the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Then return to town for some leisure in the afternoon.

Then you’ll transfer to Chiang Mai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with very contemporary and peculiar art and sculptures. Along the way, stop at a charity school which provides education to the children in the remote Shan hills. You’ll continue to Chiang Mai to your hotel for check-in.

The old city walls still stand verdantly against the course of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their handmade tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 18: Chiang Mai – Pai | Transfer to Pai | Pai Exploration

Meals: Breakfast
Start the morning with a road trip up in the mountains to the small mountain town of Pai. Winding roads with farmhouses and Buddhist temples take you up into the Thai Alpes. On the way, stop for some coffee or tea at the “Witch’s House” cafe – a local attraction of sorts with good coffee and views.

Continue to Pai. On arrival, check in at the resort. In the afternoon, stretch out your legs with our guide. You’ll go to visit Namhoo Temple – built in memory of a 16th Siamese princess who, according to legend, brought the kingdoms of Burma and Siam together through her marriage, but which also later resulted in a gruesome death while she was 8 months pregnant with the Burmese King’s child. Continue to Mo Pang Waterfall for some swimming, if you like.

Then end the day with a stunning sunset view from Yun Lai Viewpoint. On the way back to the hotel, stop at “Walking Street” where vendors set up shop to sell art, silks, handicrafts and street food.

Accommodation: Reverie Siam Resort

Day 19: Chiang Mai | Hill Tribe Villages and Thai Alpes Discovery

Meals: Breakfast
Early morning, visit Wat Si Donchai – a 12th-century temple – to see how locals make merit and engage in Buddhist rituals. The detailed carvings at this temple are surreal. Continue out of town to visit some minority villages, a Lisu tribe, and an Akha tribe. Return to Pai in the later afternoon to visit the hot springs for a time to relax and unwind.

Akha Tribe – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 20: Chiang Mai | Temples of the Lanna Kingdom

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.

Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453. You’ll return to your hotel for some leisure in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 21: Chiang Mai | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Next, enjoy a picnic spread. Then take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 22: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, board a flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to the beach for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the stunning beaches of Phuket.

Enjoy the beaches of Phuket. North of the resort is two stunning beaches facing the Andaman Sea, Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Perched above Kata Noi beach – a quiet stretch of white sand meets blue waves with forested mountains.

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 23: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 24: Phuket | Sea Caves by Starlight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
World famous kayaking inside marine limestone karst islands with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, and Sea Eagles. Meet at the hotel around 11 AM to transfer to the pier. Then continue by boat with a light lunch served onboard. Self-paddle with your own sea cave guide through tunnels and lagoons. When darkness falls, stars shine overhead in the circle of black night, fireflies flash in the cliffside jungle and, most of all, the sea glows with phosphorescence. Enjoy a spiritual ceremony with your own made “Krathong”. Have a magnificent dinner onboard. Then return to land. A truly magical and out of this world experience (Listed among National Geographic’s “World’s Top 50 Adventures”).

Sea Cave Kayaking – 25 Days Burma Thailand Highlights Trekking Tour

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 25: Phuket | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our representative will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

GET FREE QUOTE