High Tea Road to Mandalay Belmond Irrawaddy River

Luxury on the Irrawaddy River

Step back in time to the romantic exotic Burma with this 11-day indulgent itinerary through the best of Myanmar. Watch the sunrise over Bagan’s temples as you sample champagne during a hot air balloon ride, cruise along the Irrawaddy in style on a Belmond Cruise, and experience the best of colonial heritage in Yangon at the top hotels in the city.

Guide language

English

Destinations

Yangon Bagan Irrawaddy River Mandalay Heho Inle Lake Indein Village
Days 11
Type of tour Private
Hotel

Destinations

Itinerary

Day 1 : Welcome to Yangon

Min-ga-la-ba and welcome to the former capital city of Myanmar, Yangon. Formerly known as Rangoon due to the influence of British colonialism, this former capital of Burma is still the most influential city in the country. Upon arrival to the Airport, you will be transferred to the Belmond Governor’s Residence, a romantic, colonial-style mansion dating back from the 1920s, this hotel is one of the most timeless and luxurious accommodations in Yangon.

Enjoy the day at leisure to experience your hotel’s facilities, but do make some time to pop by the stylish colonial Strand Hotel for an English or Burmese afternoon-tea set for a truly retro colonial experience.

 

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Belmond Governor's Residence

Day 2 : All that glitters is gold in Yangon

Enjoy a morning free at leisure to relax and appreciate the 5-star services and amenities in your hotel until an afternoon tour of Yangon’s famed cultural and historical attractions on a private tour. Visit Chaukhtatgyi Paya, home to a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha, as well as the beautiful Sule Pagoda, Kandawgyi Park, and the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun begins to set.

Enjoy an evening dinner at Karaweik Palace, a glittering replica of the Pyi Gyi Mon Royal Barge which was used by Burmese kings of old to travel around the kingdom. Feast on an international buffet as you watch a glamourous cultural show featuring traditional dances and elaborate costumes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Governor's Residence

Day 3 : Roam through the plains of Bagan by horse-drawn carriage

A morning flight jets you one-hour north to the past in Myanmar’s stunning town Bagan. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, this ancient city is a bucket-list destination, often compared to the impressive ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The flat green plains are usually covered with a romantic fog in the morning that slowly dissipates as the sun rises higher and higher in the sky. In every direction, an uncountable number of temples and stupas poke through the mist in a dusty earth-colored red.

Enjoy an afternoon tour of many important sites in Bagan by the charming horse-drawn carriage, starting with Ananda and Dhamayangi Temple. Stop at the ancient Buddhist Shwezigone Pagoda and Gu Byauk Gi Pagoda with its beautiful mural paintings. As the sun begins to set and the heat fades, marvel at the gorgeous pinks, purples, reds, and oranges appearing in the sky above the Shwe Sandaw Pagoda in one of your very first Burmese sunsets.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

Day 4 : Rise above Bagan's temples in a hot air balloon and drink tea with monks

Rise before the sun to partake in a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape, lush jungle, and thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas rising out of the mist of Bagan. The morning calm gives way to brilliant colours and a beaming sun as you glide through the air in your hot air balloon. Land on firm ground as day breaks and an alfresco breakfast with champagne is prepared for you.

Return to the hotel in the mid-morning and relax at leisure until your afternoon visit to a local monastery open to outsiders to learn about the daily lives of Buddhist monks in Myanmar. Your guide will be your translator to facilitate conversation between you and the monks, helping you to gain a deep-insight into the lives of the Myanmar faithful, many who have chosen this path from a young age. When the time is right, you will be invited to have a tea or coffee under the shade of a nearby tree to end the experience.

Balloon Rides are only available from the beginning of October until the beginning of March

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

Day 5 : Board the Road to Mandalay and journey up the Irrawaddy River

Start the journey to Mandalay today aboard the luxury Belmond Cruise Ship on the Irrawaddy River. Relax by the sundeck’s swimming pool as riverside scenes pass you by on either side. Sample Burmese delicacies and try local teas in the onboard Tea Shop or attend interesting local art exhibitions.

Five-star Western and Asian cuisine will be prepared for lunch and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Road to Mandalay

Day 6 : Explore the mystery of Mingun

Wake-up to a sunrise yoga and meditation session on the sundeck or have a lazy morning in your comfortable cabin. There are also cooking demonstrations and lectures on community projects by a local doctor to attend before arriving in Mingun in the early afternoon. In Mingun, you can choose to either visit a local village or tour historical sites before returning to the ship to wear a traditional longyi and attend the sunset sarong cocktail party on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Road to Mandalay

Day 7 : Offer alms in Mandalay

Attend an early morning alms giving ceremony in Mandalay before disembarkation. The tradition of giving alms stems back to ancient times, with the idea to give without expecting anything in return. Typical alms givings are usually of simple food such as rice or fruit so that the monks can have their one meal per day.

Once the cruise finishes, enjoy a half-day tour of the cultural and traditional heart of the country.  Discover the most famous sites within the city, such as the Royal Palace of Shwenandaw, the Shwenendaw Monastery, and the many pagodas found within Mandalay Hill. Once your visit finishes, check-in to Rupar Mandalar Resort. The rest of the day is free at leisure to discover Mandalay and relax independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Rupar Mandalar Resort

Day 8 : Breathe in the fresh air of Inle Lake

This morning take a 30-minute flight from Mandalay Airport to Heho in the Shan State. Upon arrival to Heho, our driver will transport you to the gorgeous boutique Villa Inle Spa Resort. Take a swim in the swimming pool overlooking the luscious scenery and Inle Lake and relax while trying the many amenities and services available at you resort.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Villa Inle Resort & Spa

Day 9 : Meet ethnic minorities in Indein Village

Take a private trip to the gorgeous Inle Lake today where it’s still possible to view the powerful image of fisherman gliding along the water with their unusual rowing techniques, casting glittering nets to find food. Pass by villages inhabited by local people with the houses built on stilts and floating gardens before reaching Indein Village, home to the Pa O minority tribe and also one of five villages who host the weekly morning market. This market is visited by all lake inhabitants and the surrounding hill tribes and gives us a first-hand look into daily life and work in the region.

Take a gentle walk through the village, following an old path that leads to a 13th century monastery and ancient set of ruins peeking out throughout the jungle. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Villa Inle Resort & Spa

Day 10 : Return to Yangon for a day at leisure

Say good-bye to Inle Lake as you return to Heho Airport for a flight to where it all began—Yangon.  Our driver will pick you up from Yangon Airport, driving you to the the incredible Belmond Governor’s Residence.

Enjoy your day free at leisure to make use of the hotel’s swimming pool, spa, lotus garden, and colonial library.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Belmond Governor's Residence

Day 11 : Time to say good-bye

Your day is free until your transfer to Yangon Airport for your onward booked travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Best price guarantee

When you travel with Mundo Asia through any of our destinations, we're confident you'll return with memories that truly last a lifetime. That's why we are proud to promise you a best price guarantee with unbeatable prices for the highest quality and value. If you are able to find our exact program and product for a lower price on another website, we will refund you the price difference (terms and conditions apply).

Why book this tour

  •  Journey up the Irrawaddy River on the gorgeous Belmond Road to Mandalay Cruise
  • Stay at the Belmond Governor’s Residence in Yangon, where colonial elegance meets Burmese beauty
  • Rise above Bagan’s temples during a sunrise hot air balloon ride and champagne breakfast
  • Participate in the age-old tradition of giving alms to Buddhist monks in Mandalay
  • Premium value at an affordable price

Information

General information

Hotel

Important notes

Services Included

  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • A bottle of mineral water per day tour
  • Balloon trip in Bagan

Services Exclude

  • Airfares (international) and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
General information

Services Included

  • Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
  • Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
  • Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
  • All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
  • All boat trips as program
  • All entrance fees as program
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • A bottle of mineral water per day tour
  • Balloon trip in Bagan

Services Exclude

  • Airfares (international) and airport taxes
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Meals other than mentioned in the program
  • Visa fees, travel insurances
  • Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
  • All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
Hotel
Important notes

About the tour

  • This itinerary is fast-paced and utilizes three different flights to  cover major highlights of Myanmar in 11 days
  • Consider adding a beach extension on day 11 to either Ngapali Beach or the Mergui Archipelago to discover the blissful islands and white sand beaches of southern Myanmar
  • An airport arrival and departure transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum of 15 days prior to travel
  • Please ensure your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining at the time of your departure and that the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets
  • This package requires a visa to Myanmar
  • Hot Air balloon rides can be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. Although the weather in Myanmar during the flying season is very stable, there are occasions when the fight is cancelled for the safety of passengers, pilots and crew members. If this happens, Mundo Asia takes responsibility to change to an alternative option, such as a later flight in Bagan or a different location where hot air balloon rides are offered, or a new activity altogether
  • Generally speaking, Myanmar is a hot and humid country, although it can be much cooler in winter. If you don’t tolerate the heat well, perhaps consider taking a trip in the cooler winter months from November - February
  • Myanmar is a conservative country so take care to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing to be respectful and keep cool in the predominantly hot climate

 

How to book

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If you see a package that is already perfect, just click “book now” and fill in the details to start your journey!

Easy payment

Mundo Asia prides itself on its easy payment methods including by credit card, Onepay, PayPal, bank transfer, and in some cases, cash. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for more information.

Flexible cancellation policy

Worried about cancellation fees? The only payment required is a 30% deposit of the total fees once all services are confirmed after the planning stages. In addition, Mundo Asia has a flexible cancellation policy which you can learn more about in our booking terms and conditions for more information.