Between Temples, Lakes and Rice Fields
From the golden pagodas of Bagan to the ethnic villages of Kayah State, an authentic Myanmar between mysticism and tradition.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,260/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Bagan, one of the most beautiful sites in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site, before traveling by road and train to Inle Lake.
You will then cross the 3 lakes by canoe towards Loikaw, capital of Kayah State, to meet its many ethnic minorities nestled in hilltop villages.
The end of your stay will be devoted to Hpa-an, located on the banks of the Thanlwin River, the second longest river in Southeast Asia. Hpa-an is renowned for its impressive karst landscapes pierced with sacred caves, all set in the middle of a lush rice plain that stretches as far as the eye can see. You will be able to discover, among other things, the Kawgun caves, covered with hundreds of small clay Buddhas, or even the Saddan cave which you can walk through completely.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Yangon in Birmanie!
Arrival at Yangon international airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
In the beautiful colors of late afternoon, let us head towards the most famous symbol of the city, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, which is said to contain the relics of four buddhas. Entirely covered in gold, it is the most sacred pilgrimage site in Myanmar.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle.
Flight to Bagan and Discovery of the Plain
Early this morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Bagan.
The day is dedicated to discovering one of the greatest gems of Myanmar and Asia: the exceptional Bagan plain. More than 2000 temples of all sizes and conditions, from the most majestic to the most simple, built between the 11th and 13th centuries on a vast plain along the Irrawaddy River. The atmosphere and charm of the place are like no other, the temples are scattered throughout the vegetation, exploration is endless and fills us with wonder. Among the most famous, we can mention Gu Byauk Gyi temple, Manuha pagoda or Nan Paya temple.
In the afternoon, depending on our preferences, we can visit New Bagan to discover the lacquerware factories, a specialty of the region.
Gulliver Services
Transfers and visits by private vehicle. Flight tickets.
Scooter Day in Bagan
Today we visit at our leisure and according to our wishes the site of Bagan in electric scooters. Among the points of interest: the very lively Nyaung U market, the village of Myinkaba, the temples of Manuha and Nanpaya, …
Gulliver Services
Electric scooter available.
Toward the Mountains
Departure from Bagan and road heading east. We make a stop at Mont Popa, an extinct volcano whose summit is worth the effort (777 steps) but offers beautiful rewards to the brave: the lovely Taung Kalatt temple and especially magnificent views over the plains.
We continue our journey east towards the Shan State mountains. Our destination for the day is the village of Kalaw, which at 1300m altitude enjoys a very pleasant climate and was therefore very popular with English colonists. Free time in the late afternoon to stroll through the village.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle.
Pindaya and train to Inle Lake
We take the road to the village of Pindaya, located in a magnificent mountainous region. The village's attractions are numerous: its natural caves which house over 8,000 Buddha statues, its beautiful lake or even its traditional market.
We retrace our steps in this magnificent plantation region towards the small town of Aung ban where we head to the station.
New experience, new encounters, it's by local train that we make the journey to Heho.
Along the water on Inle Lake
The day is dedicated to discovering by boat the Inle Lake, its inhabitants and activities. At 1200m altitude, enjoying a pleasant climate and surrounded by lush hills, the setting is idyllic. The Intha ethnic group lives on the lake in stilt houses and cultivates fruits and vegetables in floating gardens.
The great Phaung Daw U Pagoda, located in the central part of the lake, is famous for its five Buddha statues, so covered with gold leaf by pilgrims that their original forms can no longer be distinguished today.
We end our wanderings on the water by visiting stilt monasteries and artisan workshops and return to our hotel in the afternoon.
Gulliver Services
Private boat tours.
Towards the princely city of Sagar
We navigate early in the morning towards the west of the lake, which we leave via various small canals in the middle of fields before reaching the village of Indein. This is another facet of the lake that we discover and we never tire of observing the life and work in the fields of the villagers. Indein is home to an archaeological site of the Pao ethnic group nestled in vegetation and from which the views of the surroundings are very beautiful.
Three hours of gentle navigation in a motorized canoe then take us to a region that was until recently very difficult to access: the south of Inle Lake and its former Shan princely city of Sagar (or Sankar). The journey is enchanting with green hills reflected in the waters of the lake. For a long part of the journey the lake narrows to a simple channel.
We visit the site at our leisure and at our own pace.
Gulliver Services
Private canoe tours.
Last boat descent and arrival in Loikaw
We continue our crossing of the lakes heading south to Pekon. The areas we pass through are very rarely visited and the ride is pure bliss.
The village of Hta Nee La Leh
About twenty kilometers south of Loikaw, the village of Hta Nee La Leh is famous for its animist totems and its hunting tradition. Hunter stories, discovery of local weapons such as small catapults, visit to a fortune teller… we discover with joy and amazement the habits of the village.
We continue towards Kan Khon Na Sint, a lovely corner of nature with its 7-tiered lake and bucolic landscapes.
Return to Loikaw.
Gulliver Services
Visits with local guide and local lunch.
Demawso Village and Lisu Ethnic Group
We deepen our exploration of the villages south of Loikaw. On today's program, the village of Demawso, rich in religious sites in a setting of natural beauty, then a Lisu ethnic village.
Return to Loikaw.
Gulliver Services
Visits with local guide and local lunch.
Flight to Yangon and road to Hpa-An
In the morning we are transferred to the airport to take our flight to Yangon.
Hpa-An Visit
The Hpa-An region is known for its karst reliefs riddled with caves and today's journey will easily convince us of the merits of this reputation.
We begin with the Saddan cave and its Buddha statues, which we leave by canoe via the small adjacent lake, a delightful and relaxing excursion.
We continue with the majestic Zwekabin mountain with at its foot the Lumbini garden and at its summit a monastery enjoying spectacular views.
Another emblem of Hpa-An, the Kyaukkalat pagoda perched at the summit of a rocky peak on the edge of the lake offers a surprising sight. Finally, we pass through the Eaindu village, the YathayByan cave and Bat cave.
Night in Hpa-An.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle.
Visit of Hpa-An
For our second full day in Hpa-An, we combine visits to nearby sites (notably the Bayinnyi and Kawgun caves), a boat trip on the Thanlwin river and a visit to Hpa-An city centre.
Night in Hpa-An.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle + private boat.
Return to Yangon
It is time to head back to Yangon.
Along the way, it is possible to visit Bago, former capital of the Mon kingdom. Among the sites of interest, do not miss the Shwemawdaw pagoda, the highest in the country at 114 meters, nicknamed the Temple of the Golden God. Another impressive site, the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha and its 55 meters long.
Arrival in Yangon and rest of the day at leisure.
Gulliver Services
Visits in a private vehicle.
Welcome back!
Beginning of the day free until the transfer to the airport for our return international flight.
Optional: vehicle and driver in Yangon depending on the return flight schedule (contact us)
Gulliver Services
Transfer in private vehicle.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The entry visa for Myanmar
- International flights and airport taxes
- Insurance
- Lunch and dinner meals not mentioned
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- The entrance fees at the sites (approximately 85 US$ per person)
- The English-speaking or English-speaking guides
Included
- The accommodations with breakfasts in double or twin rooms
- Transfers and transport mentioned in air-conditioned private vehicle
- Domestic flights mentioned (20 kg per person)
- 2 days with guide and lunch in Loikaw
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Myanmar for tourism purposes. As entry requirements may change, particularly due to the country's political and security situation, we recommend verifying this information with official authorities and your country's consular services before your departure.
Passport
To enter Myanmar, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must hold a valid visa to enter Myanmar. There is no visa exemption for tourist stays.
Several options are available:
the electronic visa (e-Visa), to be applied for online before departure through the official Burmese government portal, generally valid for 28 days for a tourist stay,
a visa obtained from the Myanmar embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
accommodation reservation confirmation.
Travel Warning
Due to the political and security situation in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, the governments of many EEA member countries, Switzerland, and Canada strongly advise against all non-essential travel to the country, and advise against travel to certain regions. It is highly recommended to consult the travel advisories published by your country's authorities before planning any trip.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Myanmar from EEA countries, Switzerland, or Canada. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis (up to date).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as an individual visa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Myanmar embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist e-visa is required and must be obtained online before departure (approximately 50 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. The current political context requires increased vigilance: consult your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking. We recommend verifying entry conditions specific to your nationality with the destination's consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan for between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros return) are additional. Hotel options remain limited: we select the most reliable establishments.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lower Burma
Decoder of Burmese Mysteries, based in Yangon
Myanmar never fully reveals itself at first glance. What I love is guiding travelers through this progressive discovery, between culture, encounters, and the unexpected moments that unfold on the ground.
— Hervé
