Burma and the Shan States

On this special journey with our veteran Asia guide Max Holland, we visit nostalgic Rangoon, with its magnificent Shwedagon temple bustling with monks and pilgrims, and Mandalay, still the cultural heart of Burma, and watch a golden sunset over a thousand temples on the great plain of Pagan. We also meet the hill tribes in the cool highlands of the Shan Plateau, including a stay in the lovely old town of Kyaing Tong, built around a lake in the heart of Shan country. Along the way, we learn about the complex world of nats, the spirit-gods that intertwine peacefully with Burma’s strong Buddhist faith. This tropical nation abounds with visual delights, but it is the encounter with Burma’s people—graceful and deeply spiritual—that lingers in the traveler’s mind long after journey’s end.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Rangoon and Shwedagon

In Rangoon we walk among the Buddhist pilgrims at Shwedagon, the largest Buddhist temple of its kind in the world, a magical sight in the early morning light and at twilight. We also visit the eight-sided Sule Pagoda, the Bogyoke Market, and stroll along the bustling waterfront of the Rangoon River. Overnights at the charming Savoy Hotel, a beautifully restored colonial building.

Days 3-5
Temples of Pagan

We enjoy two full days to explore remarkable Pagan, Burma’s first World Heritage Site, where 2,000 pagodas and temples are scattered across 24 square miles of countryside. Built in the 11th century and overrun just 200 years later by Kublai Khan, Pagan is one of the most extraordinary sights in Burma if not in all of Southeast Asia. At sunset, the views from atop the temples are ethereal. We also head outside of Pagan to explore the ancient village of Salay, with its beautiful teakwood monasteries.

Days 6-8
Mandalay's Ancient Cities

Journeying by local boat up the Irrawaddy River, we visit ancient Mingun, then travel by horse-cart to the ruins of Ava, the Burmese capital from the 14th to the 19th centuries, and “make merit” at the Maha Muni Pagoda, with its huge Buddha image that devotees have covered with countless layers of gold leaf. We also enjoy a walk up Mandalay Hill for sunset.

Days 9-14
Hilltribe Country and Inle Lake

In the mountain country of Kyaing Tong are traditional villages little touched by the outside world, We visit villages as well as the bustling markets of hilltribe groups who still wear traditional dress. Flying to Heho, we drive to vast and beautiful Inle Lake, where our hotel has lovely waterfront chalets on stilts on the edge of the lake. Exploring by longboat on this huge lake, we visit several fascinating villages and disembark for walks to hill villages. Fly to Rangoon on Day 13 and depart Day 14.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure