Southeast and Shan region
Between karst peaks of the southeast and Shan lake villages, an authentic Myanmar far from the beaten path.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,260/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover the southeast of the country, a region still little touristy including the Golden Rock, Moulmein or even Hpa-an.
Located on the banks of the Thanlwin river, this region is renowned for its impressive karst landscapes pierced with sacred caves all 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.
You will continue in a second phase towards the Shan region for an unusual discovery of it.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Yangon in Myanmar!
Arrival at Yangon International Airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
We immediately set out to explore the former capital of Myanmar, which with its six million inhabitants is a sprawling city and the economic and cultural center of the country.
Among the most interesting sites, we stroll through the old colonial quarter where buildings are laden with history. Among these we must not miss The Secretariat where General Aung San, independence leader and father of the future Nobel Peace Prize winner, was assassinated on July 19, 1947.
Visit to the Sulé Pagoda.
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
Airport welcome. Transfers and visits in private vehicle.
Bago and the Golden Rock
We head to Bago, the former capital of the Mon kingdom. Among the sites of interest, don't miss the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the highest in the country at 114 metres, nicknamed the Temple of the golden god. Another impressive site, the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha and its 55 metres in length.
Continuation towards the Golden Rock, an enormous boulder topped with a stupa and covered with thousands of gold leaves left by pilgrims. It is said to have been placed there 2500 years ago and that it is held in place solely by the presence of a Buddha hair placed in just the right spot.
Gulliver Services
Private vehicle tours.
Route to the historic city of Moulmein
This morning opportunity to return to the Golden Rock in the beautiful colors of sunrise.
After which we resume our journey south toward the 3rd city of the country: Moulmein, capital of British Birmanie from 1827 to 1852 and which became at that time a thriving center of the teak trade, favored by its coastal location.
We soak up the atmosphere of the city along its riverbanks, before gaining elevation to admire it from the top of its hill. Finally, we visit the magnificent Kyaikthanlan Paya, a stupa perched in the heights and offering superb views over the city and its surroundings.
Gulliver Services
Private vehicle visits.
Moulmein and its surroundings
Diving into a painful past this morning, in the small town of Thanbyuzayat. This is where the infamous Death Railway ended, built by force by British soldiers who were prisoners during World War II, and immortalized in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. The construction site, never completed, cost the lives of many prisoners.
A quick detour via the coast for the Kyaikkami floating pagoda and Setsé beach.
Return to Mawlamyine via Mudon where the world's largest reclining Buddha is located, approximately 200 meters long but not yet completed.
As night falls, nothing beats a little stroll through the very lively market of Mawlamyine, a patchwork of scents and colors along the famous "Strand" street.
Gulliver Services
Private vehicle tours.
By boat to Hpa-An
Today we travel up the Thanlwin River by boat to the town of Hpa-An, located about fifty kilometers to the north, upstream. The scenery is continuous during this journey, between fishing boats and villagers going about their daily activities.
Several stops along the way allow you to stretch your legs: Mon villages of Kado and Kawhat, U Han Auk monastery. The latter, made of wood in its lush setting, is one of the most beautiful Buddhist buildings in Birmanie.
Upon our arrival in the capital of Kayin State, strolling through the city center and Strand Road.
Gulliver Services
Private vehicle tours.
Karst landscapes and caves in Hpa-An
The Hpa-An region is known for its karst reliefs dotted with caves and today's day will easily convince us of the merits of this reputation.
We start with the Saddan cave and its Buddha statues, which we leave by canoe via the small adjacent lake, a delightful and relaxing boat ride.
We continue with the majestic Zwekabin mountain with at its foot the Lumbini garden and at its summit a monastery enjoying spectacular views.
Another symbol of Hpa-An, the Kyaukkalat pagoda perched at the top of a rocky peak on the lakeside offers a surprising sight. Finally, we pass by the Eaindu village, the YathayByan cave and the Bat cave.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle.
Pindaya and arrival at Inle Lake
Upon arrival we take the road to the village of Pindaya, located in a magnificent mountainous region some forty kilometers to the north. The village has multiple attractions: its natural caves which house over 8000 Buddha statues, its beautiful lake and its traditional market.
Along the Water on Inle Lake
The day is dedicated to exploring by boat Inle Lake, its inhabitants and activities. At 1200m altitude, enjoying pleasant weather 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
Private boat tours.
By train to the mountain village of Kakku
Free morning at Inle Lake. Possibility to take a bike ride or follow a local cooking class.
After lunch, transfer to the town of Taunggyi located about thirty kilometers to the northeast.
The Stupas of Kakku and the Ancient Royal City of Sagar
Visit in the beautiful morning colors of the Kakku stupas complex, which baths in calm at this time of day.
Two hours of driving then take us to a region that until recently was difficult to access: the south of Inle Lake and its ancient Shan princely city of Sagar (or Sankar). The descent journey is enchanting with green hills reflected in the waters of the lake.
We visit the site at our own pace and rhythm.
Gulliver Services
Visits in private vehicle and boat.
Indein Archaeological Site
Three hours of gentle navigation in a motorized canoe then take us towards the northern part of Inle Lake. The journey is enchanting with green hills reflected in the lake waters. For a long part of the journey the lake narrows to a simple channel.
We finally reach the village of Indein. It is another facet of the lake that we discover and we never tire of observing the life and fieldwork 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.
Arrival at our hotel.
Gulliver Services
Private boat visits.
Welcome back!
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 not mentioned
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- The entrance fees at the sites
- English-speaking guides or guides fluent in English
Included
- Accommodations with breakfasts in double or twin rooms
- Transfers and transportation mentioned in air-conditioned private vehicle
- Domestic flights mentioned (20 kg per person)
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
