Burma - The Road to Mandalay

Burma is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history and geography. A mosaic of ethnic groups, graceful Buddhist monasteries, ancient pagodas and the gently flowing Irrawaddy River welcome travelers to this exotic country. Bordering Thailand, Laos, India and China, Burma (also known as Myanmar) is at the cultural crossroads of Southeast Asia. Our extensive 18-day itinerary has been designed to explore this country’s extraordinary cultural and geographic treasures to the fullest.

Beginning in Rangoon (Yangon), we visit the opulent Shwedagon Pagoda ensconced in gold. During our three-day Irrawaddy River journey aboard the RV Pandaw 1947 (a classic converted steamer), travel back in time as we take in the breathtaking countryside and traditional riverside villages along our route. In Pagan, explore extensive archeological treasures, ancient pagodas and temples accompanying statues and mural paintings (there are over 2600 monuments!).

At Mount Popa, discover a shrine atop an extinct volcano and walk around the historical hill station of Kalaw. On Inle Lake, travel by longtail boat to floating gardens, lakeside markets, monasteries and the ancient ruins of In Thein Pagoda. In Kyaing Tong, on the Shan Plateau, trek to the hilltribe villages of the Akha, Arn, Lahu, Palaung and Wa people. This is your invitation to a sublime country inhabited by some of the friendliest people on earth.