MYANMAR

After breakfast, witness local daily life at a busy morning market. Then stop at one of Myanmar’s famous tea shops for a taste of the local brew with a traditional snack. After a short drive to the outskirts of Inwa, hop on a mountain bike and begin pedaling along quiet laneways to see family businesses such as rolling cigars, making monks’ alms bowls and pickling mangoes. Then continue cycling through Inwa to see the historic monuments that stand as testament to the town’s once-glorious past. Take a local ferry and drive to a forgotten fort for a leisurely picnic lunch on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

Then head to Sagaing, the Buddhist center of Myanmar. Climb Sagaing hill for spectacular views of the Irrawaddy and the many gold and white religious buildings that cover the hills. You may encounter monks in their saffron robes walking through the streets and, if time permits, visit a local nunnery. Then visit the town of Amarapura to view the world’s longest teak bridge, U Bein. After sunset, return to your Mandalay hotel for an evening at leisure.

OPTION: Start the day with a hot air balloon flight over Inle Lake where you are rewarded with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the lake, its villages, floating farms and surrounding hills. The balloon is shared with up to 8 guests at a time and you have an exclusive chance to ‘shadow’ the pilot and crew as they prepare the balloon for flight. Champagne and a full breakfast are served upon landing. Prices from 430 USD/person; surcharge applies for Christmas/New Year period.

Board a private, wooden motorboat for a full day excursion on Inle Lake. Explore stilted villages and floating gardens, where you can learn about the life and culture of the lake’s residents. Stop in at workshops making hand-woven silks and fabrics from lotus flower fibers. Then visit a local home in a quiet corner of the lake for a chat with the hosts over a cup of tea and a snack. Next, cross the canals on a stand-up paddle board for a different perspective of the lake’s villages.

Arrive in Mandalay, the former capital of the Burmese kingdom and cultural heart of modern-day Myanmar.  Get your first taste of Myanmar on a ‘local night out’. Travel in local style, aboard an open-air truck to a typical venue where you can listen to local music while sipping rum sours and Myanmar beer. Pass by Mandalay Palace, the last residence of the last Burmese monarchy, and stop for photos or try the exercise machines around the moat. Continue to a Buddhist pagoda rarely visited by tourists but very popular among local worshippers. Then enjoy a local barbeque dinner at a popular gathering spot in the city.

Overnight in Mandalay

Meals: Dinner