Highlights of Cambodia & Myanmar

📍 Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap (8km): 15 mins Siem Reap to the Temples (6km): 10 mins

Upon arrival at Siem Reap, be welcomed by the local English speaking guide and be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

After a short relaxing break, visit the famous Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

As the only west-facing temple, Angkor Wat is best to visit (and photograph) in the late afternoon. Exiting the temple with the setting sun shining on the Vishnu image discovered beneath the temple’s central sanctuary is a magical sight to behold and a fitting end of the exploration of the temple built by King Suryavarman, whose name translates to “protected by the sun”.

Return to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

📍 Siem Reap to the Temples (6km): 10 mins Siem Reap to Tonle Sap (20km): 30 mins

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom by local tuk tuk. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces.

From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its intricate mural carvings depicting life at Angkor and its 52 towers with enigmatic faces of the Buddha looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate relief carvings.

Then explore the highlights of the Small Circuit. Start the tour with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Today’s visit will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the ‘pool of ablutions’.

This afternoon, embark on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of around 250,000 hectares in the dry season. Due to a unique phenomenon, when the monsoon begins, the swollen waters of the Mekong River force the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow northwards, feeding the Great Lake and spreading over the surrounding flood plain.

Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of the visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, and spot them fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. While approaching the lake, see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. (Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time).

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Arrive in Yangon from Cambodia. Proceed through International Immigration and then to the Domestic Terminal for check in for the late afternoon flight to Nyaung U (Bagan).

Be greeted by the guide at the Yangon airport for transit to Nyaung U.

Upon arrival in Nyaung U, be greeted by the guide and driver for a transfer to the hotel in Bagan.

Dinner this evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Bagan - Start the morning with an incredible hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s temple-studded plains. Start the  morning noshing on pastries and croissants, and sipping coffee and tea as the balloon is inflated.  Climb aboard before gently rising above thousands of gilded stupas and earthen temples all back-dropped by the impressive Irrawaddy River.  A truly unforgettable and unique experience. (Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting)  $270 per person.       

Be met by the guide and driver at the hotel together with the bicycles for a bike fitting and trip briefing. Then it’s time to start pedalling. Cycle time and distances can be adjusted according to client’s fitness levels. 

Start off cycling the small dirt paths zigzagging among the temples, offering an incredible perspective of Bagan’s temple-studded plains.  Along the way stop to see many of Bagan’s most famous temples, including Ananda Temple, considered the best example of Mon architecture in Myanmar.  Other stops include the Nyaung U morning market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Htilominlo Temple and a few of the charming villages located throughout Bagan.

Then get to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant (own account) and return to the hotel for a short rest to escape the extreme heat of the midday sun.

Late this afternoon transfer to the boat jetty and board a local boat for a cruise along the Irrawaddy River. Witness life on the water while floating along riverside villages, fishermen and boats transporting goods and people along the river. Get a unique vantage point from which to see the temples.  Then return to land as the sun begins to set.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for an early morning flight to Heho.

From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Nyaung Shwe (client’s own account)

Afterwards drive to Red Mountain Estate, one of Myanmar’s vineyards and wineries. Take a short guided tour of the property and the fields (where French grapes are being grown and harvested by the Pa-Oh people) and enjoy the views of the Shan Hills and Inle Lake below. Sit down for a wine tasting and take this chance to sample the delicious variants grown on site.

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fisherman and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.

Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 

Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Inle – This morning starts with a boat journey across misty Inle Lake just as the sun begins peaking above the surrounding Shan Hills.   Upon arrival at the launch site, be treated to coffee, tea, pastries, croissants and the obligatory safety briefing.  Lift off to explore the Inthar’s stilted homes, fishermen taking to the lake, farmers tending their floating gardens and the incomparable mountain and lake scenery.   (Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting)   $320 per person

We’ll start with a visit to the morning market, which rotates locations on a 5-day basis. (Note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days) This daily market attracts people from all over the lake’s shores who gather to buy and sell their wares- if in luck, there is a chance to see Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people in their traditional outfits. Wander amid the stalls where the guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale.

Afterwards we will travel to Indein, on the southwestern shores of the lake. The boat will travel down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque stupas and has magnificent views of the lake.

Lunch at Indein (client’s own account)

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, travel by boat and car to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival transfer to Insein market where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares. Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals.  Next we’ll board the local circular train for a journey to the outskirts of town (45 minutes ride). The slow travelling train offers a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people. 

Alight at the main railway station, and begin a walking tour exploring downtown’s colonial history.   Frist we’ll stop at a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea amidst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business. The tea shop is also unique in the way they prepare the tea, so be sure to have a camera ready.  Highlights include City Hall, the old railway station and the former Minister’s office where General Aung San was assassinated. Interspersed in the guided walk are various religious sites such as the St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and Botataung Pagoda.

Next visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market and browse through the wide selection of Myanmar’s handicrafts and other goods.

Transfer to the hotel to refresh and relax.

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Be taken around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.

Overnight in Yangon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Transfer to Yangon International Airport for the departure.  For those with later flights chose from one of these optional experiences. 

Optional – Art Galleries of Yangon: Explore traditional and modern Burmese art with a guided tour of Yangon’s art scene. Visit a selection of local galleries displaying paintings, sculptures and photographs from famous art pioneers and emerging young artists. Enjoy a cocktail at House of Memories restaurant, a historic building once used as a headquarters for the country’s independence movement and containing many remnants of this era including General Aung San’s typewriter. Time: 0800-1200 or 1300-1700 Recommended: Afternoon tour allows greater flexibility with gallery opening hours.

Optional – Half Day Dhala Excursion: Explore the colorful countryside surrounding the busy city of Yangon. Travel by ferry across the Yangon River to the town of Dhala where a trishaw ride exposes the natural beauty and local customs of this rural town. Although close to Yangon, the pace of life is dramatically different. Stop at the local monastery to learn about the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people before returning to Yangon.  Time: 0800-1200 or 1300-1700 Recommended Departure: Morning

Optional – Morning in Yangon: Immerse in the local culture with a morning tour of Yangon. Join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda, venture to hidden markets where locals come to buy and sell their wares and dig into a bowl of Myanmar’s famous breakfast noodles, mohinga, in a popular tea shop. Time: 0800-1100 NOTE: Optional supplement: depart at 05.30 and join the locals in the park for Tai Chi. Every morning as the sun comes up, dozens of Yangon residents gather in a park near Shwedagon to practice Tai Chi. Join a group or request a private session with a local instructor. Supplement will apply for car/guide service at this hour.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast