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
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
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
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
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.
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
