Burma is a truly unique, blossoming East Asian flower. Also known as Myanmar, the country has been inaccessible to travelers for decades, and the isolation left it untouched by the outside world. As a consequence, its landscapes, colorful cultures and strong beliefs remain refreshingly unspoiled, and are a true gem among other countries of the region. Though a beautiful country, it is the genuine delight, wonder and the friendliness of the locals that make it one of the most appealing countries in Asia.
Burma is literally scattered with gold. The fertile lands along the banks of the Ayeryarwady River are littered with pagodas, some shiny, others deepened to a rich patina over the years. Its sublime landscapes, captivating history, serene people and the deeply Buddhist culture make it a mythical place like no other. The country is brimming with treasured sights: from sunset over the Shwedagon Pagoda and gold-gilded Buddhas in Yangon to dawn breaking over the magical stupas and temples of Bagan, to gliding across the glassy surface of Lake Inle. If Bagan is the historic heart, and its 2,230 temples rival Angkor Wat, then the tranquil Inle Lake is the spiritual magnet, and of course Mandalay, forever immortalized in Kipling's evocative writing. During our stay here, we'll discover the quietly proud country of wonder and mystery, unfolding into a patchwork of dream-like landscapes and unforgettable views dotted with golden pagodas. Burma will excite, impress and intrigue you, and you will find the kind of Asia here that no longer exists in other places. Renowned in the annals of global adventurers a century ago, Burma has opened its doors again, and we're sure you'll agree with Rudyard Kipling, who wrote, "This is Burma, and it is unlike any land you know about." That was in 1898, and it's still true today.
HIGHLIGHTS: Visitng a country so pristine, raw and untouched that it's hard to believe that it actually exists ● Meeting some of the planet's friendliest people ● Seeing the thousands of stupas that dot the Bagan countryside ● Exploring the poetic water world of Inle Lake by boat ● Visitng the iconic Mandalay and its temples ● Strolling through the fading glories of Yangon ● Admiring the surreal Mount Popa Monasteries ● Touring the golden temples scattered throughout the countryside ● Shopping for fine quality, artisan made lacquerware, puppets, wood carvings and kalaga tapestries
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
