Golden Triangle and trekking in Shan State
Immersive trek between ethnic villages of the Golden Triangle and Shan mountains, from Akha minorities to the floating gardens of Inle Lake
Duration
13 days
From
€1,070/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Trekking enthusiasts, we invite you to an exceptional journey that will allow you to discover Myanmar off the beaten track.
The itinerary will begin with beautiful hikes that will take you to meet the ethnic minorities who live in the Golden Triangle, a still-pristine region located between Birmanie and Thailand. You will continue towards the Shan region, where after discovering the Inle Lake, a trek in the Shan mountains will be proposed to you. The end of your stay will take you to the archaeological site of Bagan.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Yangon
Arrival at Yangon International Airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
We set off without further ado to explore the former capital of Myanmar, which with its six million inhabitants is a sprawling city and the economic and cultural centre of the country.
Among the most interesting sites, we stroll through the old colonial quarter where the buildings are steeped in history. First and foremost among these is The Secretariat where General Aung San, independence leader and father of the future Nobel Peace Prize winner, was assassinated on 19 July 1947.
In the beautiful colours of late afternoon, let us head towards the city's most famous symbol, 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
Airport welcome. Transfer and sightseeing in private vehicle.
Flight to Kengtung
Late morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Kengtung, the former opium capital located in the east of Shan State.
We set out to discover the city in the company of a local English-speaking guide. We begin with the city's major Buddhist temple, the Maha Myat Muni pagoda, before joining the faithful who come to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Thai-influenced temple Wat Zom Kham whose bells, swayed by the wind, ring continuously.
In the early evening, let us imitate the locals who like to go to the shores of Naung Trong Lake, in the city center, and savor the thousand and one culinary specialties offered by street vendors.
Gulliver Services
Private vehicle transfers. Flight. Local English-speaking guide.
Kengtung (Pin Tauk)
For a first day meeting the ethnic groups of the region, there is no better introduction than the Kyaing Tong market, located in the heart of the city. It is here that many ethnic minorities come together to trade.
We then leave the city and after 1 hour of driving reach the village of Pin Tauk. From there, 1 hour of walking separates us from a hamlet of the Akha minority, also present in Thailand, China and Laos and recognizable by the silver medal headdresses of their women.
Walking time: approximately 1 hour
Picnic lunch on the way
Then we continue towards a small Ann village. Particularity of this minority: black clothes and... black teeth!
Walking time: approximately 45 minutes
We then return to our starting point and visit a village specialized in rice alcohol fermentation: Wan Kan.
Return to Kengtung.
Gulliver Services
Visits with English-speaking local guide. Local lunch included.
Picnic lunch
Kengtung (Hokyin)
Second day of trekking to discover villages of ethnic minorities. After 1 hour of driving we begin our trek in the heart of the Golden Triangle to the village of Patha inhabited by the Wa minority.
Trekking time: approximately 2 hours
Continuation towards the village of Na Phi Pank where we meet a Lahu community and an Akha community. Lunch on site.
Refreshed, we continue towards the village of Mong Zine where we are welcomed by the Khun ethnic group, specialists in the art of blacksmithing. Visit to the local forge.
Return to Kengtung.
Gulliver Services
Visits with English-speaking local guide. Local lunch included.
Kengtung and heading towards Heho and Inle Lake
Kengtung → Heho
In the morning, a short excursion about 45 minutes from the city to two traditional villages: Wan Pauk inhabited by the Palaung ethnic group and Kaung Ma inhabited by the Wa ethnic group.
Return to Kengtung then transfer to the airport for our flight to Heho.
Inle Lake and Indein
The day is dedicated to exploring by boat the Inle Lake, its inhabitants and activities. At 1200m altitude, enjoying a pleasant climate and surrounded by verdant 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 grand 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 then navigate towards the western part of the lake, which we leave by various small channels in the middle of the fields before reaching the village of Indein. It 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 from which the views of the surroundings are very beautiful.
Gulliver Services
Private boat tours.
Sagar, south of Inle Lake
Three hours of gentle navigation in a motorized canoe take us this morning to a region that was until recently very difficult to access: the south of Inle Lake and its ancient Shan princely city of Sagar (or Sankar). The journey is enchanting with the green hills reflected in the lake's waters.
We visit the site at our own pace and rhythm.
Return by canoe at the end of the day.
Gulliver Services
Private canoe visits.
Trek in the mountains overlooking Inle Lake
Lac Inle → Mountain village
Today it's time for hiking. We set out for a long trek in the mountains overlooking Inle Lake. Magnificent views of the lake and its surroundings and warm encounters with the Pao people who live in these mountains will mark our hike. Picnic lunch along the way.
Hiking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
We spend the night in a Shan village, a beautiful moment of sharing and mutual discovery.
Gulliver Services
English-speaking guide.
Trek then return to Nyaung Shwe
Mountain village → Lac Inle
Continuation of the hike in the mountains then in the afternoon descent towards the lake where a tuk-tuk awaits us and takes us back to our hotel.
Night in Nyaung Shwe.
Gulliver Services
English-speaking guide.
Cooking class and flight to Bagan
Lac Inle → Heho
In the morning we head to the market to discover and buy ingredients for traditional Shan cuisine, one of the most refined in the country. We then take a cooking class and enjoy the results at lunch.
After our activities we say goodbye to this beautiful region and set off for Heho airport.
Visit to Bagan
Visit to Old Bagan, an ancient fortified settlement with remaining sections of walls and housing several thousand temples and pagodas, some of which are 1000 years old. Before our eyes unfolds the golden age of Birmanie architecture. Among the most famous temples, we can mention Ananda and Thatbyinnyu, which dominates the Bagan plain from its height of 67 meters.
In the late afternoon, it is towards the Shwesandaw pagoda that you must head for a superb sunset.
Gulliver Services
Private car visits.
Bagan Free and Easy
Today we visit the Bagan site at our own pace and according to our preferences, by bike or electric scooters. Among the points of interest: the very lively Nyaung U market, the village of Myinkaba, the temples of Manuha and Nanpaya, …
In the afternoon we head to New Bagan to discover the lacquer factories.
Gulliver Services
Visits by bikes or electric scooters.
Have a good trip!
In the morning we are transferred to Bagan airport to take our flight to Yangon.
Depending on the schedule of our international flight and our preferences, we make our last visits in the city, some shopping, … before being taken back to the airport.
Gulliver Services
Transfer. Flight. City visits 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 to Myanmar
- lunch (local restaurants) and dinners (hotels)
- the entrance fees for the sites
- international flights and airport taxes
- insurance
- tips and personal expenses
- everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- accommodations with breakfasts in double or twin rooms
- the transfers mentioned in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- the domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary
- guide and meals for the Kengtung and Inle treks
- cooking classes in Inle
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Birmanie (Myanmar) dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, notamment en raison du contexte politique et sécuritaire du pays, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles et des services consulaires de votre pays avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Birmanie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent être munis d'un visa valide pour entrer en Birmanie. Il n'existe pas d'exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Plusieurs options sont disponibles :
le visa électronique (e-Visa), à demander en ligne avant le départ sur le portail officiel du gouvernement birman, généralement valable 28 jours pour un séjour touristique,
le visa obtenu auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Birmanie dans votre pays de résidence.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
la confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.
Avertissement aux voyageurs
En raison de la situation politique et sécuritaire en Birmanie depuis le coup d'État militaire de février 2021, les gouvernements de nombreux pays membres de l'EEE, la Suisse et le Canada déconseillent formellement tout voyage non essentiel dans le pays, voire déconseillent tout voyage dans certaines régions. Il est vivement recommandé de consulter les avis aux voyageurs publiés par les autorités de votre pays avant d'envisager tout déplacement.
Santé
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Birmanie depuis les pays de l'EEE, la Suisse ou le Canada. Toutefois, plusieurs vaccinations sont fortement recommandées par les autorités sanitaires :
hépatites A et B,
typhoïde,
rage (en cas de séjour prolongé ou en zone rurale),
diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite (mise à jour).
Un traitement antipaludéen préventif peut être recommandé selon les régions visitées. Consultez un médecin ou un centre de vaccination international avant votre départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide ainsi que d'un visa individuel couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Birmanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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
Travel Advisor
Myanmar is a country that reveals itself slowly. I love taking travelers to places where travel takes on another dimension, through an unexpected encounter, a village, or a shared moment.
— Renaud
