Myanmar (Burma) Tours & Vacations

Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Vacations

Overview

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO RUN ANY TRIPS TO MYANMAR DUE TO ONGOING CIVIL UNREST AND ARMED CONFLICT. WE ARE STILL IN TOUCH WITH OUR LOCAL PARTNERS AND HOPE ONE DAY SOON TO BE ABLE TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THIS TROUBLED YET INCREDIBLE COUNTRY FOR THEMSELVES. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BEING ALERTED WHEN WE RESUME TRAVEL TO MYANMAR, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO INFO@WILDRONTIERSTRAVEL.COM WITH THE SUBJECT LINE MYANMAR AND WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED. THE INFORMATION ...

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HIGHLIGHTS OF MYANMAR (BURMA)

BEST EXPERIENCES

See the Shwedagon Pagoda turn gold

See the Shwedagon Pagoda turn gold

Visit the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, famous worldwide for its golden stupa which is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. Spend time watching the world go by as the day draws to an end and enjoy the sunset over Singuttra Hill.

Float in a balloon over Bagan

Float in a balloon over Bagan

This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, as you rise with the sun and slowly soar over the magical temples of Bagan. Take in stunning views from your hot air balloon, as the morning mist rises and the golden light of dawn warms the valley.

Kayak on Inle Lake

Kayak on Inle Lake

Known for its weaving industry as well as scenic landscapes, Inle is a fascinating place to explore. Get up close and personal with the Intha fishing communities as you paddle through floating villages with tiny canals and tributaries.

Wander along Ubein Bridge

Wander along Ubein Bridge

Enjoy a stroll along the famous Ubein Bridge, a popular spot at sunset when you can witness local families getting some air and the monks in their traditional robes returning from the monasteries.

Enjoy a train ride out of Yangon

Enjoy a train ride out of Yangon

Take a slow circle train from downtown Yangon into the colourful suburbs, a great way to meet local people and observe a little something of their daily lives.

Experience local life on the coast

Experience local life on the coast

Drag yourself away from the white beaches and explore the small local markets that dot this coastline. Sample fresh seafood and daily life as you sit back and take in sea views and delicious local food

Explore Bagan by bicycle

Explore Bagan by bicycle

Enjoy the quiet and soak up your surroundings as you cycle between temples and villages, enjoying a new perspective of Bagan. Follow this with a sunset boat ride to enjoy an altogether different view of the temples in the late afternoon glow.

Learn to cook some local dishes

Learn to cook some local dishes

Visit the Inthar Heritage House established by a local family, where your host will introduce you to typical ingredients used from their organic garden, followed by an in depth cooking lesson, giving you an insight into Myanmar's culinary secrets.

Snorkel in turquoise seas

Snorkel in turquoise seas

Explore the underwater world of Ngapali with its tropical fish and colourful coral. Enjoy deserted stretches of white beach, lush palm trees and crystal clear water as you relax and unwind after your Myanmar adventure.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Bagan

Located on the Central Burmese Plains, along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan was first settled around the 2nd century AD. Its golden age though began with the ascension to the Burmese ...

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is home to the Intha, a people of Tibetan-Burmese descent who live amongst the waterside villages along the shoreline and the islands of the lake. Wonderfully scenic and rich in tradition, the ...

Mandalay

The economic centre of Upper Burma, Mandalay lies at the heart of the country's religious and cultural traditions. One of modern Myanmar's most vibrant cities, it is home to more than 700 pagodas and ...

Ngapali

Ngapali boasts 3km of palm-fringed sands on the beautiful Bay of Bengal in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. With a number of good beach hotels, crystal clear water and unspoilt beaches, Ngapali makes an ...

Yangon

Yangon, formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and main economic ...

OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY

Superior | Boutique Hotel

Amara Mountain Resort, Kalaw

Built in 1909, this British colonial residence was lovingly restored in 2002 to form a boutique hotel. Situated on a pine forested hill outside Kalaw, the Amara is surrounded by beautifully kept…
Premium | Resort

Amata Resort, Ngapali

Amata Ngapali Beach Resort stretches along the beautiful shoreline of Ngapali Bay. Constructed of wood and local materials, there are 80 guestrooms, which range from superior room overlooking the lush…
| Hotel

Bagan Lodge, Bagan

Bagan Lodge has an enviable location within easy reach of the vast array of temples and Pagodas in this fascinating area. This luxury lodge has 82 deluxe rooms and 3 spacious suites, all are furnished…
Premium | Boutique Hotel

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Inle and accessed by boat, this lovely boutique hotel, is our top pick in Inle Lake. It has 46 rooms in three categories - lake view, private lake view and…
Premium | Resort

Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay

Situated at the north east corner of the Palace Canal, this is a large purpose-built, 4 star hotel. Although lacking in some local charm, it offers all you'd need for a comfortable stay. The rooms are…
Luxury | Resort

Pristine Lotus, Inle Lake

Recently opened, this resort is the best option of the properties not based right on the lake. Located in a village on the west bank of the lake, the hotel benefits from being a short walk from local…
Premium | Boat

Rv Paukan, Mandalay

Paukan is the original name of the First Burmese Emperor capital, Bagan. The Paukan cruise ships emanate luxurious interiors with colonial style furniture and timber walls with a variety of traditional…
Luxury | Boutique Hotel

The Governor's Residence, Yangon

The Governor’s Residence is a stunning boutique hotel in Yangon and one of the best available. The main building is an old style colonial building beyond a lush green lawn and swimming pool. There is a…
Premium | Boutique Hotel

The Savoy, Yangon

A really lovely old colonial house, originally built as a restaurant and club catering to the British at the turn of the last century. It has a nice garden, a cool bar and the Kipling Restaurant is…
Luxury | Boutique Hotel

The Strand Yangon, Yangon

Declared "the finest hostelry East of Suez" by John Murray in his Handbook for Travellers written in the early 20th century, the 1901-built three storey 5 star hotel in Yangon remains one of Southeast…

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WHEN TO GO

The most popular time to visit Myanmar is between November and February. This is the dry season, when the skies are clear and the days warm. If you want to avoid the other tourists the shoulder seasons of October and April May are also good, but be ready for a bit of rain.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Health and Vaccinations 

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Myanmar though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Myanmar. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.  

Currency 

In Myanmar the official unit of currency is the Kyat.   

To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com

Cultural Sensitivity 

On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.  

In Myanmar everyone should have their shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples and at Buddhist monasteries. Please note that on the whole the people of Myanmar are quite modest in their dress and it is advisable to follow suit.  

Language & Religion 

In Myanmar the major language is Burmese, although there are over 135 ethnic groups each with certain linguistic quirks.  

The majority of people in Myanmar practice Theravada Buddhism, around 89% of the population. But this tends to be mixed with Nat (spirit) worship, particularly in rural areas where each village has a shrine. Nat worship is practised among the ethnic minorities as well as in mainstream Bamar society.   

In addition, about 4% of the population are Christians, converted by various visiting missionaries. And around 6% are Muslim, mostly living in the states bordering Bangladesh.  

Time 

Myanmar is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.  

A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.  

Food and drink 

Food in Myanmar can be a big attraction for visitors and is the centrepiece of domestic cultural activity. With culinary influence from neighbouring Thailand and India, the cuisine is both varied and excellent. Chinese style food is also prevalent, as are the traditional Burmese curries, served with an array of supporting dishes. The Shan people also have their own unique cuisine.  One thing to bear in mind though, river prawns, no matter how delicious they look, are not quite as nice as their salt-water cousins.  

Beer, rum and whisky are the most popular alcoholic drinks in Myanmar, whilst locally brewed toddy is also generally available, and wine can be found in higher-end restaurants and hotels. 

Myanmar’s selection of domestic lager beers compare favourably with imported and ‘international’ brand beers; they have won European (Belgian) quality awards and are good for a refreshing cool drink in what can be a very hot climate.  

Travelling Solo In Myanmar

All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.