Mogok, the valley of rubies and the heart of Myanmar
At the heart of the Birmanie mountains, Mogok unveils its ruby mines and its blend of peoples from all over the world.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,040/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Want to follow in the footsteps of Joseph Kessel? Head north of Mandalay to discover Mogok, also known as the Valley of Rubies. Long closed to tourists, this region is now accessible with special permission. You will discover of course the open or closed gemstone mines, the stone markets but also a surprising melting pot including various minorities.
The rest of the stay explores the central part of the country and includes the famous sites of Bagan and Inle Lake.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Towards the Mogok Valley
This morning we set our course towards the north and the mountainous region of Mogok. Also nicknamed the Valley of Rubies, it is an area that was long forbidden to visitors but is now accessible with special permission.
Arrival in the afternoon and first strolls through the city.
Gulliver Services:
Private vehicle tours. Permission and guide required.
Mogok, Discovering Precious Stones
First immersion this morning in the world of gemstones. We head to the market dedicated to them and discover all sorts of precious or semi-precious stones: rubies and sapphires of course, the stars of the place, but also lapis lazuli, garnet and moonstone.
To better understand the origin of these stones, we then visit mines. Activity there is no longer what it once was, as evidenced by certain mines now closed.
Gulliver Services:
Private vehicle visits. Permit and guide required.
Mogok, a cosmopolitan city
We continue our discovery of Mogok, an astonishing place where peoples from diverse horizons have converged and coexist: ethnic minorities (Shans, Lisus, Palaungs, Karens, …), Sino-Burmese, Indo-Burmese, Burmese Gurkhas… We immerse ourselves in the marked and enchanting atmosphere of the city.
Gulliver Services:
Private vehicle tours. Permit and guide mandatory.
Return to Mandalay
Return to Mandalay.
In the afternoon we visit some notable sites in the northern part of the city: the Shwenandaw Monastery, entirely made of teak wood, and not far away the Kuthodaw Pagoda (the "royal merit"), whose 729 white stupas house the writings of the "world's greatest book", the Tipitaka, Buddhist canon in Pali language.
From the Mandalay Hill, which offers a particularly photogenic panorama as sunset approaches, we can admire the city's exceptional geographical position: nestled between the majestic Irrawaddy River and the foothills of the Shan Mountains. We reach the summit on foot or by car and discover several monasteries and pagodas along the way.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle. Permit and guide required.
Mingun, Ava and the U Bein Bridge
Change of pace, we continue our journey by private boat, for 45 magical minutes sailing up the Irrawaddy River to the site of Mingun. Its imposing unfinished pagoda, built by King Bodowpaya, was meant to be the largest in the world before construction was halted upon the king's death. It is also known for its large crack resulting from the 1838 earthquake. The king also commissioned a massive bell, visible on the site. The splendid Hsinbyume pagoda, meanwhile, was built by King Bagyidam in tribute to his deceased wife.
We then reach the city of Ava, former capital of the kingdom of the same name. It is by horse-drawn carriage that we discover the site, including its Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery and its Nanmyin tower, the only remaining element of the royal palace to this day.
Finally we cross back to the other side of the river to discover one of the city's emblems, the famous U Bein wooden bridge, 1.2 kilometers in length and entirely constructed of teak.
Gulliver Services
Tours in private vehicle, private boat and horse-drawn carriage
On the Irrawaddy River
Mandalay → Pakokku
We leave Mandalay this morning and its hustle and bustle, heading southwest. We drive through the central plain (possible stops and visits along the way; first discovery of rural life) before reaching the Irrawaddy River in the locality of Pakokku.
Pakokku → Bagan
At Pakokku port, our private boat to Bagan awaits us. We spend approximately two hours traveling down the Irrawaddy River and observing activities along its banks. A delight!
Arrival in Bagan in late afternoon, hotel check-in and first free visit of the area.
Gulliver Services:
Sightseeing in private vehicle and private boat
The Bagan Plain
The morning is dedicated to discovering one of the greatest jewels of Myanmar and Asia: the exceptional Bagan Plain. Over 2000 temples of all sizes and conditions, from the most majestic to the simplest, built between the 11th and 13th centuries on a vast plain along the Irrawaddy River. The atmosphere and charm of the place are unparalleled, the temples are scattered throughout the vegetation, exploration is endless and fills us with wonder. Among the most famous, we can mention the Gu Byauk Gyi temple, the Manuha pagoda or the Nan Paya temple.
In the afternoon we head towards Old Bagan, an ancient stronghold of which some sections of walls remain and which houses many temples and pagodas, such as the Bu pagoda, the Shwegu Gyi temples, Maha Bodhi, That Byin Nyu and Dhammayan Gyi, as well as the Shwesandaw pagoda.
Gulliver Services:
Private car visits
Bagan
Today we continue our discovery of the Bagan site. Among the places 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 lacquerware factories.
Gulliver Services
Private car tours.
Arrival on the shores of Lake Inle
Bagan → Heho
Morning transfer for our domestic flight to Heho.
Heho → Lac Inle
Transfer from Heho to our hotel located in Nyaung Shwe, a few kilometers from Inle Lake.
First discovery by boat of Inle Lake, its inhabitants and activities. At 800m 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.
Gulliver Services
Transfers, flights and visits in private boat.
Market on the lake
This morning we blend into the daily life of the region's inhabitants and go for a stroll through one of its many markets. Floating or on the banks, it's an opportunity to see buyers and sellers going back and forth by boat. The markets are a specialty of the Inle Lake region and follow a particular cycle, so there are several markets around the area every day.
We then navigate towards the west of the lake, which we leave via various small canals in the middle of the fields before reaching the village of Indein. We discover another facet of the lake 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.
Gulliver Services
Private boat tours.
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
- meals not mentioned
- international flights and airport taxes
- insurance
- tips and personal expenses
- entrance fees at the sites (approximately 85 US$ per person)
- the English-speaking or French-speaking guides
- everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- accommodations with breakfasts in double or twin rooms
- transfers and transport mentioned in air-conditioned private vehicle
- Domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary (20kg luggage allowance per person)
- the English-speaking guide and the permits for Mogok
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 — Central Plain
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
