Thailand & Myanmar

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, your private local guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the well-selected downtown hotel. Then you can have a good rest and prepare for the coming 12 days Thailand and Myanmar tour package!

➤ Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Madam Saranair Thai Food Restaurant features authentic Thai food, attentive staff and a relaxing atmosphere. Tom yum soup, a spicy and sour shrimp soup, is definitely a must-try. It has even been on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage! Moreover, pad Thai, stir-fried noodles, and mango sticky rice are also among the signature dishes.
Average Cost per Person: THB 200-300 (USD 6-9)
Address: 139/1 Soi Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke Soi 1) sub-district, Watthana, Bangkok

➤ Insider Tips on Thailand
1. Money Matters: Cash payment is the most popular, especially in small restaurants, stalls, and rural areas. On arrival, take your passport and exchange some Thai bahts (USD 1=THB 32) at a SuperRich, which provides a good exchange rate. Moreover, Visa and MasterCard work at 7-Eleven, large eateries and malls.
2. SIM Card: True Card’s 18 GB data plan for 7 days, valued at THB 100 (USD 3), is suitable. It’s advisable to purchase it online beforehand or at a local 7-Eleven store, which offers more favorable prices than airport stalls.
3. Clothing: Please dress modestly when visiting temples, and wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. In addition, as subways and big malls are always powerfully air-conditioned, we recommend you take a long-sleeved shirt.
4. Transportation: Download car-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt in advance. Besides hailing a ride with them, they can also be used to check prices to prevent being overcharged before you try local transportation like tuk-tuk.

Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, start the Bangkok tour with a cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the ‘River of Kings’. Waterway transport is a significant feature of Bangkok, which not only avoids land traffic jams but also offers riverside beauty. While sailing, soak up the modern landmarks like Iconsiam, a mixed-use development, and traditional cultural sites like Wat Traimit and the giant sitting Buddha image of Wat Paknam, which will leave you awestruck.

After docking, hop off to visit the riverside Wat Arun, which was built in honor of the national hero Taksin, the only king of the Thonburi Kingdom (1767-1782), Thailand’s third dynasty. Being arguably one of Bangkok's most splendid temples, the tower complex consists of a main tower about 86 meters (282 feet) high and four smaller ones, each enshrining a wind god riding a white horse. All the towers are exquisitely decorated with ceramic tiles and shells. For nice pictures, it’s advisable to dress in simple and solid colors or Bohemian style. Additionally, traditional Thai attire rental shops are available outside the temple.

Afterward, you’ll be guided to admire Thailand’s best-preserved royal palace, the Grand Palace, which was built in 1782 and served as the residence of Kings Rama I to VIII. Linger over the essence of Thai architecture, exquisite paintings, sculptures and decorations. Then, proceed to the southeast corner to visit Wat Phra Kaew, where the well-known Emerald Buddha statue is enshrined. The statue has witnessed the imperial power changes, and the Thai king would personally change its attire at the beginning of every season. The vast palace is sparsely shaded and packed with visitors, so it is suggested that you apply generous sunscreen, and take good care of your personal belongings.

Round off today with Wat Pho, home to the giant Buddha image lying on the altar with 108 auspicious patterns inlaid with mother-of-pearl shells on the soles. The temple is also famed for being the birthplace of Thai massage. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll enjoy an excursion to the north of Bangkok, and our first stop is Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Hailed as Thailand’s most beautiful royal summer palace, it boasts three main halls in distinctive architectural styles of China, Myanmar, and Gothic.

Then, continue our trip to the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya. During Thailand's over 700-year history, Ayutthaya served as a capital for more than 400 years until it was captured and burned down by the neighboring country, leaving innumerable headless Buddha images standing in the wilderness. As you need to walk long distances in less-shaded outdoor areas, remember to use a lot of sunscreen. Free parasols are also provided at the ticket counter.

Your Ayutthaya temple trip covers several key attractions. Visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, which houses a giant bronze sitting Buddha image, 17 meters (56 feet) high, with hundreds of tiny Buddhas inside its body. Admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a royal temple that features three grayish-white Ceylon pagodas where three kings are buried. In Wat Mahathat, be in awe of the famed scene, ‘Buddha Head in Tree Roots’. In 1767, the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya and cut off the heads of many Buddha statues. One of the heads rolled near the Bodhi tree and coexisted with it for hundreds of years, making an Ayutthaya wonder. When you’re taking photos with it, squat lower than it to show respect. You’ll also be led to Wat Na Phra Men to pay homage to the principal Buddha image wearing regal attire, and a sitting Buddha statue made of green stone. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be escorted to the airport to extend your trip to Myanmar by a 1.5-hour flight to Yangon. Upon landing, your Yangon guide will pick you up and accompany you to visit some landmarks.

We’ll first head to a holy hill to admire Myanmar’s most sacred Shwedagon Pagoda, which was originally only 19 meters (62 feet) tall and has now reached a height of 113 meters (370 feet) after several renovations. The most significant feature is that it is covered with a large amount of pure gold, weighing around 7,000 tons, as well as thousands of diamonds and gemstones! You may also hear the pleasant tinkling sounds of thousands of golden and silver bells hanging from its top. Besides, you can pay homage to the Buddha in a unique way: Myanmar’s zodiac signs are based on the days of the week. Every day represents one zodiac sign except for Wednesday, which symbolizes two, making a total of 8 signs, and each has a corresponding Buddha statue. Find your matching protector, offer a small bouquet of blooms, and pour water over the statue for blessing. Please remove your shoes and socks before entering the pagoda.

Along the way, you may find many locals wearing a yellowish-white paste, Thanaka, on their faces. Myanmar features a hot climate all year round, and the paste made from ground bark can protect against ultraviolet rays and mosquito bites. Youngsters would apply it with a lovely pattern! Why not find a roadside stall and try it?

★ Feast on Burmese Cuisine and Performances in Karaweik Palace

Tonight, experience the rich dining culture at Karaweik Palace, a magnificent restaurant on a lake. On arrival, marvel at the glorious barge ingeniously featuring two mythical birds floating on the water. While feasting on the specialties, including Shan noodles with tofu, curry, salad and fresh seasonal fruits, appreciate traditional performances, such as the Human and Puppet Dance, Elephant Dance and Oil Lamp Dance. During the meal, you can also enjoy the sunset view over Kandawgyi Lake.

➤ Insider Tips on Myanmar
1. Money: Kyat is the official Myanmar currency (USD 1 = MMK 2,100). As cash is king and credit cards only work at some large malls, we recommend you exchange some kyats at the money exchangers downtown.
2. SIM Card: For the most cost-effective option, choose the Mytel card’s 5 GB data for 15 days, which costs around MMK 10,000 (USD 5).
3. Electricity: Myanmar faces serious power blackouts, and even the capital, Yangon, has only several hours of electricity a day, so a power bank is a necessity.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon (4 stars) or similar

Today, kick off your Yangon tour at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world, measuring about 66 meters (216 feet) long and 17 meters (56 feet) high, whose feet are decorated with 108 auspicious symbols. Be smitten by the nicely sculpted statue with long eyelashes, blue eyeshadow, red lips and red fingernails.

Then, head to the city center to visit Sule Pagoda, which worships the Sule nat, a mythical spirit. The golden octagonal pagoda gleaming in the sunlight adds a sacred atmosphere to the bustling city. Afterward, stroll around the nearby Maha Bandula Park, which is named after the national hero, General Maha Bandula. In the park stands the Independence Monument, built in 1948, displaying the history of the country’s struggle for independence. Next, let’s visit the lively Chinatown, which is packed with street food, goldsmith shops, and Chinese pastries, and also Indiantown, where you’ll find, interestingly, most of the vendors selling fried food are Indians; nevertheless, those selling rice noodles are Burmese.

Our next stop is the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, which reveres Aung San, the founding father of Myanmar and an outstanding representative of the anti-colonial movement in Asia. From his personal belongings to historical photos and documents of the resistance movement he led, you can have in-depth insights into the great man. In the end, indulge in the tranquil ambience and beautiful scenery of Inya Lake before you’re escorted back to the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
To savor the culinary delights of Myanmar, dine at Burma Bistro, a vintage restaurant offering considerate service, reasonable prices and moreish dishes. Try the beef curry, satay, tea salad and fried crab rolls. And an excellent cocktail will be a delight after the meal.
Average Cost per Person: MMK 25,000 (USD 12)
Address: No. 644, First Floor, Corner of Merchant Road & Shwe Bon Thar Rd, Yangon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch the flight to Bagan, renowned as the ‘city of ten thousand pagodas’, with over 2,000 pagodas and temples retained after wars and earthquakes. Upon arrival, your professional Bagan guide will pick you up and show you around.

Your first stop will be the Shwezigon Pagoda, a giant old tower based on three layers of foundations. Next, visit Ananda Temple, which is well-known for its thousands of reliefs depicting the Buddha’s life. Ananda means 'bliss and joy' in Sanskrit, and the temple is named after Venerable Ananda, the Buddha’s premier disciple, who is adept at keeping the Buddha's teachings firmly in mind. And his tenacious virtue kept him away from temptation and earned him eventual success.

Then, proceed to the Sulamani Temple to appreciate the brightly colored antique frescos, which depict ancient Myanmar’s hierarchy, Buddhist stories, life scenes of ancient Bagan, and folk customs. Afterward, pay a visit to the Bagan Archaeological Museum, which displays a great number of Buddha statues and Buddhist artworks like inscriptions, lacquerware, religious paintings, and pottery. Please note that photography is not allowed inside, and mobile phones, cameras and bags need to be stored.

After that, you’ll be escorted to visit a lacquerware workshop. Bagan has been the home of lacquerware-making in Myanmar since the 12th-13th centuries. In the workshop, catch insights into artisans methodically completing each process, such as making shapes, applying lacquer, eggshell inlay, and color sanding. The whole process would take several months!

Today's trip will end with a sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s largest and longest waterway. Afterward, your guide will take you to check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, kick off today with a visit to the Indian-style Myinkaba Gubyaukgyi Temple to admire Bagan’s oldest frescoes. More than 500 precious frescoes depict the touching story of the Buddha's 550 reincarnations after enlightenment. After that, head to the Myazedi Pagoda, where the chronology of the Bagan kings was inscribed in several languages.

The next stop will be Manuha Temple, which houses a sitting Buddha with a face full of pained expression, as it was built by King Manuha when he was taken prisoner to Bagan. Unlike other spacious temples, it features extremely cramped space, making the Buddha’s head almost touch the roof! Then, round off today's sightseeing with a horse cart ride to visit the Nanpaya Pagoda, a Hindu temple where once the frustrated king was imprisoned. During your Bagan visit, you may find junior monks are ubiquitous in the city, as practicing Buddhism is compulsory for boys. At last, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
For savoring moreish Khmer-style home cooking, you won’t regret dining at Elodie Restaurant, a family-run restaurant with distinct Southeast Asian characteristics. Try the Burmese curry, grilled fish, papaya salad, cashew chicken and fried banana with honey, and don’t miss a glass of refreshing juice. They also provide vegetarian options.
Average Cost per Person: MMK 10,000 (USD 5)
Address: No.3 Road, Between Khatter St & Khwanyo St, New Bagan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (4 stars) or similar

At the appointed time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Heho. Upon landing, you’ll be picked up at the arrival hall and then driven to Inle Lake for today’s sightseeing.

First, visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which enshrines five small Buddha statues, each about 40-50 centimeters (1.3-1.6 feet) tall, covered with too many gold leaves, making them look like five gold bumps! From September to October, a grand Inle boat festival is held, and the five statues are carried around the lake in a gilded phoenix boat. A legend goes that one year, the boat was hit by a strong wind and capsized, and the Buddha statues were lost. Frightened people searched for the statues everywhere but only found four; however, when they returned disappointedly, the missing one was just serenely sitting at the temple. Since then, devotees have become more faithful and attached gold foil to the statues.

Next, proceed to the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, home to many cute cats. Once long ago, when an old monk was practicing meditation, a kitten suddenly jumped up beside him. He was inspired to train the kittens to leap through hoops, earning the temple a great reputation! However, the cats are too old to jump now. But you’ll find those lovely creatures lazily lying everywhere in the monastery.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll at Nam Pan Village. If you are lucky to visit on the market day, which is part of Inle Lake’s 5-day market rotation, you’ll find the village bustling with vendors peddling live fish, homemade dried fish, and fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as souvenirs like lacquerware and wood carvings. After the visit, your guide will escort you to check into the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be accompanied to explore a local market first and then experience a boat ride on Inle Lake. The ethnic minorities, mainly the Intha people, have lived around the lake in their unique ways for generations. They gather duckweed and aquatic plants together and fix them with bamboo poles to create floating farms to plant vegetables and crops. Moreover, their way of fishing makes another Inle wonder: one-legged rowing fishermen! It’s astonishing to see the Inle fisherman standing one-legged and paddling with another leg, with both hands skillfully casting the net. Afterward, head to the Shwe Indein Pagoda, where many old towers and fairy statues, with different poses and lively expressions, stand among the ruins. After the visit, we’ll leave some hours for you to explore the area at your own leisure.

➤ Recommended Activity around Inle Lake (at your own expense)
If you are a wine lover, treat yourself to some local wine at the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery. As the winery is located halfway up a hill, you can enjoy your treats while taking in the verdant landscape, and wait for a breathtaking sunset. A set of four decent wines costs around MMK 8,000 (USD 4).
Address: Shwe Laphone Village, Nyaungshwe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll be escorted to Heho airport for a flight to Mandalay, an ancient capital of Myanmar's last dynasty, the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885). Upon arrival, your Mandalay local guide will greet you and accompany you to enjoy an immersive sightseeing experience in the less-crowded city.

Catch a glimpse of the world’s longest teak bridge, the U Bein Bridge, which is also known as "Love Bridge". A romantic legend has it that a fairy once encountered the Prince of Mandalay here, and they fell in love at first sight and frequently dated on the bridge since then, adding lurve in the air. The bridge has no guardrail, so please walk in the middle and be cautious. At dusk, enjoy some leisure time watching sunset on a long-tail wooden boat. Afterward, your guide will help you check into the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eastern Palace Hotel, Mandalay (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the City Harbor Bridge across the Irrawaddy River and head to the opposite bank to admire Sagaing Hill, where over 600 temples nestle snugly. After that, visit Mandalay’s most revered Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of Myanmar’s oldest Buddha statues. The locals regard the solemn image as the dharmakaya of the Buddha, meaning his ‘true body’.

Then, let’s proceed to Shwenandaw Monastery to appreciate the Konbaung royal architecture and intricate teak carvings. It was once located within the Royal Palace and served as the king’s retreat. After the king died, his successor moved the entire building outside the palace and turned it into a monastery; however, this dramatically made it the only surviving wooden structure of the palace during the war.

The next destination is the nearby Kuthodaw Pagoda, where you can browse through the world's largest ‘book’ carved with Buddha Jataka, a collection of the Buddha’s former life stories. From 1860 to 1868, all the Buddhist scriptures were engraved on 729 white stone tablets, each measuring 5 feet high and 5 inches thick. In 1871, the king summoned 2,400 eminent monks from Southeast Asia for the Fifth Buddhist Council, during which the recitation of the entire religious texts took nearly 5 months! When visiting, you need to walk barefoot inside the grand religious site.

At dusk, round off the day with a visit to the holy Mandalay Hill to appreciate the golden sun shining above the whole city and the Irrawaddy River. A Myanmar proverb says, ‘He who wishes to live long should take the shelter of Mandalay Hill.’ Remove your shoes and socks and conquer the 1,729 steps, or take an elevator, to admire the gilded pagoda and chat with the benign monks to learn about their daily lives. Afterward, your guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Eastern Palace Hotel, Mandalay (4 stars) or similar

★ Witness Thousands of Monks Having Lunch Together!

This morning, we’ll drive to the Amarapura district to experience the stunning scene of lunch for thousands of monks in the Mahagandayon Monastery! The monks adhere to abstaining from solid food after noon and have meals at 4:00 and 10:00 every day. At 10:00, thousands of monks in red robes, holding their bowls, file on the street quietly and orderly for alms from the locals. Among the long queue, you’ll also see childish monks in white robes and elder monks in dark red robes. After receiving food, they walk back to the monastery, meditate with their heads down, and then have their midday meal.

After that, you’ll be transferred to the Mandalay airport for your outbound flight. If you need the flight to Bangkok or want to extend your itinerary to other places like the world-famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the hiking paradise in Sapa of Vietnam, karst seascapes in Ha Long Bay, and coconut groves in the Mekong Delta, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll customize an exclusive itinerary for you!

Meal: Breakfast