Tailor Made Holidays in Burma: Highlights

Cross the mighty Gokteik Viaduct

Travel by train to Hsipaw from the former hill station of Maymyo, with its pretty colonial buildings and botanical gardens, and you will pass through some of Shan state’s most picturesque countryside and across the infamous Gokteik viaduct. Built in 1900 by the Pennsylvania Steel Company, this imposing steel bridge spans a 300-metre deep river gorge. The train makes a slow and steady crossing through this remote, jungle-clad landscape presenting some of the most breathtaking views in Southeast Asia (if you’re not afraid of heights that is!).

 
Enjoy a relaxing stay at Ngwe Saung Beach

A five hour drive from Rangoon is Ngwe Saung beach, a still relatively undiscovered beach resort. It's a 15 kilometre stretch of crystal white sand shaded with thousands of coconut trees growing along the beach, and with a delightful breeze from the Bay of Bengal. On the way you can visit the town of Pathein known for its colourful hand painted parasols.

Read more about: Ngwe Saung
 
Explore historic Mandalay

Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of Konboung, Burma's last dynasty. Accordingly it is the richest historical landmark next to Bagan and has been immortalised by the words of Kipling. The Mandalay Palace boasts finely built palace walls and a beautiful moat surrounding this fortress gives a good idea of the strategic importance played by this city.

Read more about: Mandalay
 
Visit hill tribe villages at Kyaingtong (Kengtung)

Situated in the easternmost part of the Shan State near the Chinese and Thai borders is the old colonial town of Kengtung, which is surrounded by the hill tribe villages of the Khun, Wa, Anh, Akha, Akhu, Palaung and Lahu. The forests and mountains of this region make for a trekker's paradise and region of extreme natural beauty.

 
Marvel at the precarious Kyaikhtiyo, or "Golden Rock"

Rising 1100 metres above sea level this small golden stupa stands on the top of a huge boulder which is balanced pecariously on the edge of a cliff. Burmese people believe a hair from the head of Buddha is responsible for keeping the rock in place and as such the site has become sacred with Burmese people.They travel from all over the country in order that they may add a strand of gold leaf to the rock.

Read more about: Golden Rock
 
Mix with the locals in the markets at Kalaw

The former British hill station provides a refreshing change from the midday heat of the Burmese lowlands, making it an ideal destination for both trekking in the surrounding mountains and relaxing on a veranda with a warm drink. The town itself is walkable in half a day, enabling you to take in the different religions from Christianity to Islam. Add to this a quant mixture of Shan and Pa-O hill tribes and you have a wonderful arrangement of colour using the lush mountainside for a backdrop. The morning market tends to be the busiest time of the day allowing people from near and far to sell all kinds of produce ranging from locally grown red bananas to Pindaya tea.

Read more about: Kalaw
 
Reach the summit of Mount Popa

Mt Popa, a one hour drive from Bagan on the road to Mandalay, is another example of Burmese spirituality with the Mahagiri Shrine dedicated to the Nats(spirits) perched atop a rocky outcrop. Visitors can reach the summit via 777 steps where it is advisable to keep your belongings away from the inquisitive monkeys who line the route to the summit.

Read more about: Mount Popa
 
Relax at Inle Lake

Inle Lake, although only a short plane ride away from Rangoon (Yangon) feels like a completely different country. The lake sits at a pleasant 1300 metres above sea level and will offer respite from the heat of Rangoon. This unbelievably beautiful area is renowned for its floating markets, prolific birdlife and villagers who have learnt to row with their legs. This is an area where you can totally lose yourself in the tranquility of this unique wetland environment.

Read more about: Inle Lake
 
Relax at Ngapali Beach

This beautuful beach stretches for over 3km along the northern coast and the clean sand and clear water make it ideal for swimming. It is relatively undeveloped compared to many other Southeast Asian beach destinations although it still boasts some fine accommodation. It is the perfect place to unwind and watch local life unfold. Dont be suprised to see the local villagers walking their horses and buffalos along the beach!

Read more about: Ngapali Beach
 
Find peace at Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Nothing else in Burma captures the unique spirituality quite like the Shwedagon Pagoda. The Pagoda is situated in the Burmese city of Yangon which is always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. Towering over the city is this magnificent gold encrusted monument to Buddha, the most sacred of all Burmese Buddhist sites. At all times of day Burmese people can be seen paying their respects to the Lord Buddha with the background chanting of monks creating a magical soundtrack.

Read more about: Yangon (Rangoon)
 
Take a ride through Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

Maymyo is 1070 metres above sea level and and was used by the British during the colonial era as a summer retreat and to escape from the heat of Mandalay. The highlight of the region is the botanical gardens with its beautifully manicured gardens and a 'must do' is a ride through the town on a horse-drawn trap.

Read more about: Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
 
Visit the ancient capital of Mingun

Mingun is one of the ancient capitals located 11km upriver from Rangoon on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is noted for the Mingun Paya, a huge unfinished Pagoda, and a gigantic 90 ton bell - the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world.

Read more about: Mandalay
 
Visit the pagodas of Bagan

The temples, sutpas and pagodas of Bagan are the most impressive relics of the first period of Burma greatness. More popularly known as the 'City of four million pagodas', Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites on Asia and considered one of the Wonders of the World. Bagan is also famous for its unique lacquerware and visitors can visit the workshops to watch craftsmen produce these beautiful handicrafts.

Read more about: Bagan
 
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