Highlights of Myanmar & Cambodia

Itinerary in brief

• 2 nights in Siem Reap
• 2 nights in Bagan
• 2 nights in Inle Lake
• 1 night in Yangon

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival

On arrival in Siem Reap you will be welcomed by your local English Speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in.

After a rest you will visit the famous Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th Century it is now one of the most famous icons of South East Asia, with walls covered in stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology and tall towers that create a beautiful silhouette against the sky. You will watch the sun set over Angkor Wat, when the area is less visited, and see the Apsaras shine in the most beautiful light.

Day 2: Siem Reap

After breakfast you’ll visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom in a tuk tuk. The ruined city sits inside a perfect square with an 8 metre high wall defending it to outsiders. You’ll enter the city through the South Gate, carved with elephants and giant faces. In the centre of the city you’ll explore the Bayon Temple, well known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire.

Later in the afternoon you’ll take a boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake where you can learn about life on the lake from those who live in the floating houses here. A unique phenomenon means when the monsoon comes the swollen waters of the Mekong River force the lake to reverse the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow and fill the flood plain with water, creating the lake.

Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March

Day 3: Siem Reap – Yangon – Nyaung U

After a morning at leisure you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Myanmar. On arrival in Bagan you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

Day 4: Bagan

Today you’ll embark on a cycling tour of the area, zigzagging along the small paths among the temples, offering an incredible perspective of Bagan’s temple studded plains. Along the way you’ll be able to stop and explore the temples like the Ananda Temple, considered the best example of Mon architecture in the country.

Later you’ll attend two workshops on lacquer ware and wood crafts which are Myanmar’s most famous products. In the afternoon you’ll take a cruise along the Irrawaddy River and witness life on the water as you pass by fishermen and riverside villages along the banks. Return to shore as the sun begins to set.

Note: You can also add a hot-air balloon flight over the iconic temples of Bagan – speak to your consultant for more information on this.      

Day 5: Bagan to Heho to Inle Lake

After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Heho, before driving to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. In the afternoon you’ll driven to Red Mountain Estate, a vineyard in the Shan Hills. You’ll have a short tour of the property where French grapes are grown.

Later you’ll make your way to the edge of Lake Inle and board a motorboat that will take you through the water, watching the local Intha people as they tend their floating gardens made of water hyacinth and anchored to the ground with bamboo poles. Land at the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda where five sacred Buddha sit covered in gold leaf.

Day 6: Inle Lake

This morning will begin with a visit to the local market, where people from all over the lake shores gather to buy and sell their wares. Afterwards you’ll travel to Indein through small canals that open out to reveal the village. You’ll be able to explore the area on foot, discovering picturesque stupas and magnificent views of the lake.

In the afternoon you can relax at your hotel.

Note: You can also add a hot-air balloon ride over Lake Inle, just ask your consultant for more details of this.

Day 7: Inle Lake – Heho - Yangon

Today you’ll be transferred by boat and car to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon.

On arrival you’ll be taken to the Insein Market, were street vendors sell colourful jewellery and fresh fruit, before boarding the circular train for a journey to the outskirts of town, observing the lively life of Burmese people as you go. Alighting at the main railway station you’ll begin a walking tour exploring the colonial history of downtown, from the beautiful city hall to the Burmese pastime of drinking tea. The final stop today will be the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, towering 99 metres into the sky in all its golden glory. You will be shown around the massive complex, enjoying breathtaking views of the stupa.

Day 8: Yangon Departure

Today you’ll be transferred to Yangon Airport for your onwards flight.