Day 1 – Mandalay arrival

Meal: ( Nil )

You will be picked up at Mandalay International Airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in (early check-in may be subject to a surcharge). Mandalay is Myanmar’s second-largest city and its cultural capital where you can discover the rich history of this nation.

Depending on your arrival time, head out in the late afternoon to visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site renowned for being home to the world’s largest book. Wander around as you learn about the story and scriptures from your knowledgeable guide. Then, head to Mandalay Hill and ascend to the top at a height of 237 meters for a magnificent view over the former capital. The ascent is made with the assistance of a vehicle and escalators. From the top, visitors can see the square of Mandalay’s former Royal Palace, several pagodas dotted around the area, and the Irrawaddy River running through agricultural land surrounding the city. It is a peaceful place where many local families come to view the sunset.

After the sun has set return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep to recover from your long flight.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 2 – Ava – Amarapura  (by private car)

Meal: ( B )

 After breakfast this morning you will be picked up by our guide and driver for a 30-minute drive to Ava. A short boat awaits to take you across the river and board a horse-cart for a leisurely ride around what was the capital city from the 14th to the 18th century. Hop off for visits to the remains of the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the famous Maenu’ brick monastery. The boat and horse cart rides provide children with an entertaining twist to this cultural tour.

From Ava, drive to another of Myanmar’s former royal capitals – Amarapura. Along the way, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (client’s own account).

Amarapura was the royal capital from 1783 until 1859. The highlights here are a walk along the world’s longest teak footbridge – U Bein Bridge, and a short boat ride on the shallow Taungthaman Lake which the famous bridge crosses. This is a great visit for the children to learn something about Myanmar’s royal history and also to have an exhilarating time on the bridge and lake. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to visit a traditional silk-weaving workshop in the old town.

In the late afternoon, return to Mandalay to explore the Chinese Night Market. The main draw is the bustling atmosphere and the selection of street food stalls offering a range of noodle, curry and vegetable dishes to fill the stomach before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 3 – Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin (by Private car)

Meal: ( B, L )

 Today’s tour begins with a short walk along the southern edge of Mandalay’s former Royal Palace and a visit to its historical remains. On one side of the outer walkway are the wide moat and ancient citadel which serve as reminders of the past. On the other is the Mandalay of today with its buzzing motorbikes. The contrast between old and new just before entering the compound is striking. As you walk in, you feel like you are entering an abandoned city. The original palace was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War and reconstruction now stands in its place. This is a fascinating place to learn about Mandalay’s history and for the children to explore the various corners and hidden secrets of the place.

As the midday sun reaches its peak, we will go to a local restaurant for a relaxing lunch of traditional dishes.

After lunch, escape the warmth of Mandalay and travel up the hills surrounding the city to the quaint town of Pyin Oo Lwin, once the capital of British Burma. Pyin Oo Lwin is only 67 km from Mandalay at an altitude of 1,070m and the scenic drive takes around 1½ hours. Our first stop will be at the hotel to check-in and drop your bags off.

Then, take a traditional horse cart ride through the hill station. This form of transport has become synonymous with Pyin Oo Lwin. The horse cart is a very different style to the one you experienced in Ava and allows you to discover British-era brick and timber houses, the famous clock tower in the heart of the town, and the local market. The tour ends at the Botanical Gardens in the late afternoon, when they are at their most lively.

The 175-hectare gardens are a pleasure to walk around, to take in all the sights and smells. The landscaping is beautiful and families can easily spend up to two hours wandering around before heading to the hotel for the night.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Day 4 – Pyin Oo Lwin – Gokehteik viaduct– Mandalay (local train & private car)

Meal: ( B, L )

 Wake up early this morning in anticipation of one of the most exhilarating train rides that Myanmar has to offer. After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for the short transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin train station. Here, you will start a bumpy yet safe ride towards the Gokehteik Viaduct, where you will feel like you are submerged in mid-air.

When completed in 1900 this steel structure was one of the largest of its kind in the world and considered a tremendous feat of engineering. To ensure travelers’ safety the train crosses over the viaduct at snail’s pace, which is just as well because you will be more than happy to take the time to figure out the perfect angle for an amazing photo (try to get the entire family in if you can!). Although this part of the ride only takes around 15 minutes of the total of 4 hours, there are plenty of other attractions along the way. The scenery on both sides is stunning throughout as you cross the Shan hills. The train is also a fascinating place to observe local people from different villages as they get on and off at different stations.

We will prepare a packed lunch for you to enjoy on the train as you admire your surroundings.

After 4 hours of train, entertainment disembarks at Naung Paine station where our car and driver will be waiting to take you on a 3-hour drive back to Mandalay, with a short break in Pyin Oo Lwin along the way.

This evening it is time for some entertainment. Mandalay is famous for its culture and the 45-minute long Mandalay Marionettes show at a small theatre in the center of town provides a colorful performance of traditional puppets by local puppeteers. It is a must-see for all families in town.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 5 – Mandalay – Mingun – Bagan (By Private car)

Meal: ( B, )

This morning you will be picked up by our guide and driver for a 1½ hour scenic drive along the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Upon arrival, the first attraction is the awe-inspiring Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an enormous stupa which would have been the biggest in the world if it had been completed. Take some time to look around this magnificent site and then walk to the Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, believed to weigh some 200,000 pounds. Then, continue walking to the white-washed Hsinphymae Pagoda with its notable architecture and history.

After discovering Mingun, drive to Sagaing by crossing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River. Sagaing is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar and this is evident upon observing the hundreds of white and gold Stupas covering the green of Sagaing hill – a beautiful representation of the importance of religion in this country. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sagaing (client’s own account) before commencing the 4-hour drive to Bagan, the ancient capital famed for the thousands of temples on its plains – one of Asia’s most stunning archaeological sites.

During the scenic drive, we will pass by many villages and natural spots where we can stop for a break. The highlight of the journey for all the family will be the Burmese Star Tortoise Conservation Centre which lies about halfway between Mandalay and Bagan. Meet hundreds of the endangered species which are being bred and released back into the wild. There is a small but enlightening information center where you can learn more about the Star Tortoise and the work being done at this conservation center.

We will arrive in Bagan in the late afternoon and the evening is at your leisure to explore the small town on your own two feet.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 6 – Bagan

Meal: ( B, )

 Our guide will meet you this morning for a full-day tour of Bagan’s temples and villages. Take a break from the confines of the car and spend an exciting day in a thone-bain, a small, three-wheeled vehicle that can accommodate 1 adult and 1-2 children. They are the perfect way of getting around Bagan for families with children.

Start with a visit to Nyaung U Market where local people gather every morning. See if you can recognize any of the same fruits and vegetables you observed at the market in Mandalay. Then, start exploring the most beautiful and historically significant temples of Bagan with your tour guide, who will give you detailed insights and stories about the most iconic ones. Highlights of the morning include Ananda Temple, one of Myanmar’s most revered temples, and Shwezigon Pagoda, a renowned center of prayer and reflection.

The advantage of being in a thone-bain rather than a car is that they are able to travel over rough, uneven surfaces. This allows you to get away from the crowds and also visit some of the lesser-known areas of the temple complex that those without a guide would struggle to find.

After lunch (client’s own account) you will continue exploring the temples and also have the opportunity to visit a village within the temple complex to learn about the local life of people living in the shadows of the pagodas. During your tour of the temples, you will notice that it is now forbidden to climb the temples at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, in order to help conserve them. Don’t worry though, your guide will take you to one of the other elevated viewpoints for a panoramic view of this ancient site at sunset before taking you back to the hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 7 – Bagan

Meal: ( B, L )

 Early this morning, before the sun has risen, take part in an optional hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan. For many visitors, the 45-minute experience is the most memorable part of their entire trip as it offers unrivaled views over the hundreds of pagodas. After the once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to your hotel for breakfast. (This activity is optional and you need to inform us at the time of Booking)

 After breakfast, we will take a day trip out of Bagan to visit the fascinating village of Sat-Sat-Yo, a 1½ hour drive away by private car. Amazingly, what makes this village unique is the hair of the children. They are the last in the country that continue to sport the ancient Satyitwine hairstyle, essentially a knot of hair on the top of the head. There is also plenty more to this charming village and it is worth visiting for the genuine welcome of the rural community living here. The local monks will be more than happy to welcome you into their monasteries to sit down and answer any questions you have about the local culture and religious practices.

You can even choose to have lunch with the monks if you would like to make a food donation to the monastery (optional, must be arranged in advance). Otherwise, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the drive back to Bagan.

Upon our return to Bagan at around 2.30 pm, take some time to relax at the hotel before heading out an hour later for a visit to a traditional lacquerware workshop to learn how local people make unique handicrafts. Later, we will take a short drive to the jetty to board a boat for a private sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River.

This is one of the most beautiful ways to end a day in Bagan and is a brilliant opportunity to observe some of the riverside pagodas. The stunning backdrop is perfect for enjoying some drinks and snacks served by the onboard crew. In the evening, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

 Day 8 – Bagan – Mt.Popa – Kalaw (by Private Car)

Meal: ( B, )

 After breakfast, check out from your hotel and get ready for a 7 – hours car journey to the old hill station of Kalaw in Shan State. We will break up the long drive with stops at Mt Popa and in the town of Meiktila.

About 1 hour away from Bagan lies Mt Popa, an extinct volcano with the sacred Popa Taungkalat Monastery perched dramatically on a large rocky outcrop. The monastery is famed for being home to Myanmar’s legendary 37 Nats, or spirits, which form an important part of Buddhist beliefs in the country. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to walk the 777 steps up to the top. It is an entertaining walk as you cross paths with many worshippers and monkeys along the way. The view is well worth the effort – on a clear day you can see all the way to Bagan’s temple complex.

After this spiritual visit, return to the car for two more hours of driving to the lakeside town of Meiktila. This is primarily a trade center with little to do or see, however, it makes for a good stop to stretch the legs and enjoy a local lunch (client’s own account).

After lunch, drive the final two hours to reach Kalaw. high up in western Shan State. This is a town with a laid-back atmosphere, refreshing climate, and scenic views, making it perfect for a free afternoon of wandering around and exploring some of the original colonial-era buildings. We highly recommend stopping at the local market to discover the wide range of traditional Shan wares on sale and walking up to Thein Taung pagoda and monastery for magnificent views of the town below and the hills surrounding it. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset from.

Overnight in Kalaw.

Day 9- Kalaw (Elephant Camp)

Meal: ( B, L )

 This morning drive through the jungle near Kalaw for around 45 minutes to reach Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe village. Today is sure to be one of the highlights of the itinerary, especially for the children who will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants.

Upon arrival, one of the camp’s guides will welcome you and give you an introduction to the camp and its friendly elephant residents, including a safety briefing. The focus of the camp is primarily to provide care for retired elephants and to conserve their natural environment in the forest. The team operates the camp in an ethical way and does not permit any riding. The founders, Htun and Maw, are passionate about sharing information about the magnificent creatures with international visitors and local communities alike.

After the briefing, embark on a short walk to the elephant village where you will be introduced by your guide to some of the elephants that call Green Hill Valley home. Here you will also meet the ‘mahouts’ who are responsible for the daily care of the elephants. Join them in feeding the elephants trays of fruit which they will gladly consume. This activity is especially fun for the children and one they will not forget soon.

Following this, walk down to the river and change into some Shan trousers to prepare to get wet while giving the elephants a wash. It is the ideal activity for both you and the elephants to cool down and work up an appetite for lunch.

After a delicious lunch at the camp, you can choose to spend more time with the elephants or go on a short walk through the jungle before returning to Kalaw. Time permitting, our guide will take you on a short tour of Shwe U Min pagoda in Kalaw, a cave filled with golden Buddhas, before ending at your hotel.

Overnight in Kalaw.

Day 10 – Kalaw – Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) (by Private car)

Meal: ( B, L )

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive around 1 hour to Pindaya. Although you will be spending 3-4 hours in the car today, the scenery you will pass is worth gazing out of the window. One of the main reasons people come to Shan State is its rolling green hills and cool weather.

Our visit to Pindaya will be to the captivating Pindaya caves which are set in a limestone landscape. The caves consist of more than 8000 Buddha images of various styles ranging from different periods. Pilgrims regularly flock to the caves and install new Buddha images within this complex of tunnels and chambers, reaching 150 meters in length. Exploring the small pathways and hidden meditation chambers is a unique experience. Don’t miss your guide’s story about the significance of the giant spider and prince statues on the path leading up to the caves.

Following this enchanting visit head to Pindaya town for lunch at a local restaurant. The town has a charming lakeside setting to sit back, relax, and enjoy some traditional Shan dishes.

After lunch, return to the car for a 1½ hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake where you will be spending the next few days. Upon arrival in Nyaung Shwe in the late afternoon, you have the option of enjoying the sunset from Red Mountain Estate Winery, which sits on a small hill offering stunning views over Inle Lake. It is a wonderful setting in which to enjoy a glass of locally-made red or white wine (client’s own account) before transferring to your hotel on the lake for an evening under the stars.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

 Day 11– Inle Lake

Meal: ( B, L )

 Inle is a lake that is full of life, on and off the water, and the next two days will be spent learning about its unique local cultures and places. Our guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to take you to your boat for the day. The first stop will be the morning market, the most vibrant spot on the lake every morning. It is a charming place to observe the many ethnic groups of Shan State that come here to do their groceries and other shopping. Different ethnic groups can be distinguished by their colorful clothing.

Then, you will experience the unique life of a farmer on Inle Lake’s floating gardens where the Inn-Thar (the name given to the people from Inle Lake) grows a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The tomatoes of Inle Lake are particularly popular and tasty. After seeing the source of many of the fresh ingredients you have been eating throughout your trip, you will have built up quite an appetite so it is time to head to a local restaurant for lunch surrounded by the lake.

Following lunch, we will travel by boat to Inn Paw Khon village and visit the beautiful Inthar Heritage House, a training center for local youths which also serves as a cat sanctuary. The children can play with Burmese cats and learn about their interesting history. This village is also home to several workshops producing gold, silverware, and woven crafts using traditional methods. Time permitting, you can visit 1-2 workshops to admire the artisans’ intricate work.

In the late afternoon, visit Nampan floating village for a 45-minute canoe ride with Inle Canoe Lady. This is a small business that supports local women to earn extra income to supplement the small amounts they earn from making cheroots. It is a beautiful experience that directly supports the local community.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

 Day 12 – Inle Lake

Meal: ( B, L )

 After breakfast, our tour guide will lead you on a boat tour to Indein village, famous for its crumbling but significant small pagodas located in picturesque surroundings on the west bank of Inle Lake. The boat journey takes around 45 minutes and partly follows a narrow, twisting canal from Ywama village. It is a mini-adventure that the children will love. As you arrive, walk along an atmospheric covered walkway to reach the densely packed pagoda complex. The lively atmosphere here is created by the myriad of handicraft sellers displaying their wares all along the walkway. Among the ancient pagodas, don’t miss Shwe Inthein Pagoda from which you can take in wonderful views across the lake. It provides the perfect backdrop for a family photo.

After spending an hour or so exploring Indein village on foot, re-embark your motorboat to return to the main part of Inle. During your time on the lake, you will observe the famous one-legged rowers of Inle that originate from the Inn-Thar ethnic group. They perfectly demonstrate the balance between the alluring culture and the natural beauty of Inle Lake.

After lunch at a stilted restaurant in the middle of the lake., head back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. It is time to enjoy your last day in the middle of nature before traveling to Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital, the next day.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

Day 13 – Nyaung Shwe – Heho _ Yangon (by flight)

Meal: ( B, )

 This morning transfer from your Inle Lake hotel to Nyaung Shwe by boat before switching to a private car for the 45-minute drive to Heho Airport. Say goodbye to Shan State and fly to Yangon – Myanmar’s largest city.

Our guide and driver will escort you to your hotel to drop your luggage off (early check-in depends on room availability) before setting off around 2 pm to explore some of the city’s highlights. Start with a short drive to Kandawgyi Park where you can spend an hour or so wandering around one of the city’s most pleasant open spaces and home to the vast Kandawgyi Lake. The tree-filled areas around the lake offer stunning views of Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s most iconic and famous sight.

After taking in the view of the pagoda from afar, it is time to actually visit Myanmar’s most sacred religious site. Every Buddhist in the nation makes it their lifetime goal to worship at Shwedagon Pagoda at least once. Legend has it that the original structure was built over 2,500 years ago. It took its current shape in the 15th century, and what you see today is a stunning, gold-plated pagoda that glitters in the Yangon sky. Despite the significance and popularity of this monument, the atmosphere as you walk around is very peaceful, and the slow-burning of incense creates a sublime air of spirituality. Our guide will share with you some interesting details about the pagoda’s history and what it means to Buddhists in Myanmar.

Admire the view as the sun begins to set and then take a short drive to Chinatown. This part of the city is always buzzing at night and is the best place to taste some delicious barbecue food for dinner. Parents can wash the meal down with a glass of ice-cold beer while the children absorb the abundant energy.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 14 – Yangon

Meal: ( B, L )

 After breakfast, head to downtown Yangon for a short guided tour of the Secretariat building – the nation’s first independent parliament that is also known as the ‘Minister’s Building’. The red-brick landmark was completed in 1905 by the colonial British government. It is infamous for being the location of the assassination of Myanmar’s independence hero General Aung San in 1947. After that tragic day, the building was used by the military government and then deserted. It was opened to the public in 2018 and provides a fascinating insight into the recent history of Myanmar.

From the Secretariat, continue exploring downtown Yangon where most of the city’s colonial architecture is located, with each building telling its own fascinating history of the city that you see today. Amongst others, discover City Hall, the post office, and the Myanmar Port Authority building, all in the heart of the city and within walking distance of each other.

Enjoy lunch at Linkage Restaurant, serving delicious Myanmar food in the unique setting of an art gallery. It is run by a social development organization that uses funds from the restaurant to support street children in Yangon.

 After lunch, our guide will take you for a thrilling adventure on the tracks. More than just a passenger train, the famous Circle Train is the most exciting way to observe life in the suburbs of Yangon. The journey is an experience itself as local vendors jump on and off at each stop and the scenery outside changes. The train travels in a loop around the city but we will just do part of it, boarding at Yangon Central Railway Station and stepping off at Danying Gone station to explore the colorful fruit and vegetable market nearby, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon by taxi.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 15 – Yangon – Departure

Meal: ( B, )

Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel to prepare for your departure. We will arrange a transfer service (no guide) to Yangon International Airport for your international departure flight and farewell to Myanmar.