Honeymoon Explorers in Myanmar & Thailand
Yangon – Bagan – Salay – Pakkoku – Yanderbo – Ava – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Bangkok – Phuket
15 Days / 14 Nights
15 Days / 14 Nights
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This tour program is designed for honeymooners who love the virgin beauty of nature, the richness of traditional culture and the mist of a thousand temples. Myanmar features all of those and it’s said that we should see the country before its hidden charm is exposed to the masses. Take this honeymoon holiday as a chance to explore a new destination – take a river cruise from Bagan to Mandalay, stop en-route to see forbidden villages and temples. And at the end of the adventure, fly to Thailand for beach relaxation and island hopping.
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Day 1: Yangon – Arrival & sightseeing
Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and transferred to downtown. We visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi. Then we stroll around the famous Scott (Bogyoke) Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts, textiles, gems, and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for shopping fans. Next is beautiful Kandawgyi Lake with the huge mythical birds of the Karaweik Barge in prominent view. We end the day with a visit to the awe inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia and is one sight that no visitor to Myanmar should miss. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Bagan by flight & Bagan sightseeing (B)
Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, you will visit some highlight temples in Bagan such as:
After the impressive visits, you will drive to your hotel to check in, refresh and avoid the top heat at noon time.
In the afternoon, continue your visit to Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan and Thatbyinnyu Temple which towers above the other monuments of Bagan. As the sun goes down, you will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide for a panoramic sunset view over the temples. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan – Balloon ride - Salay by River cruise “Anawrath” (B/L/D)
Another early morning, to ride a hot-air balloon over the misty world of temples!
Around 11am, you will board our luxurious river-cruiser, berthed at Bagan Jetty, for a 5 day-4 night river cruise! Lunch will be served as we first sail to Salay, a small riverside town which dates from the Bagan period. An afternoon tour will show you the beautiful Youqson Kyaung, a beautifully-carved teak monastery built between 1882 and 1892 and now run by the Department of Archaeology as a museum. A short distance away is the Mann Paya, home to a huge statue of the Buddha, unusually made from lacquer. In Colonial times, Salay was home to wealthy merchants and still has some fine examples of Colonial houses. You will make a special visit inside one of these. Tonight, the ship moors at Salay.
Bagan to Salay = 30 miles
Day 4: Salay – Pakkoku – Ngar Lan (B/L/D)
An early-morning yoga session will be available this morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails northwards. Through the morning, there will be a cultural demonstration, a Book Review (with Burma as it's subject) and a lecture on Myanmar culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life”. After lunch we will arrive at Pakkoku, a large trading town on the western riverbank. A tour will show you some of the small industries at work here such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of 'Burmese slippers' (“flip-flops”); the large and thriving market and will visit Shwegu Temple to see an incredible, intricate carving made from very rare Yamanei wood. After the excursion the ship will continue her journey northwards, eventually mooring around Ngar Lan.
Salay to Pakkoku = 55 miles
Pakkoku to Ngar Lan = 16 miles
Day 5: Ngar Lan – Yanderbo – Ponna Chan (B/L/D)
Early-morning yoga will again be available. This morning we will pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. Around 9am, the ship will arrive at the small riverside village of Yanderbo, where you will make a walking tour. This is the place where in 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Now the villages produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else and you will have the opportunity to see their techniques. Back on board, there will be a Cookery Demonstration from our Chefs. After lunch there will be another lecture, this time looking at Burmese history. Tonight the ship will moor near Ponna Chan.
Ngar Lan to Yanderbo = 22 miles
Yanderbo to Ponna Chan = 49 miles
Day 6: Ponna Chan – Ava – Mandalay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, leave the ship for a horse-drawn carriage tour of the ancient capital of Ava, home to the Burmese Kings for many centuries. A coach will then take you across the river to Sagaing using a bridge built by the Colonial British in 1934. Here you will visit a silversmith, seeing techniques unchanged for centuries. Back on board, lunch will be served as we sail the final distance to reach Mandalay. A busy afternoon tour will show you the highlights of this fabled city including the Kuthodaw Pagoda (“the world’s biggest book”), the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery, which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters and where he died in 1878; and a visit to see the highly revered, gold-encrusted Buddha at the Mahamuni Temple. If time permits, you will also see gold-leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving factory, pass through dusty streets filled with marble-carving workshops and finish the afternoon with sunset at the famous 200 year old “U Bein’s Bridge”. Farewell Dinner and evening entertainment on board.
Ponechaun to Ava = 7 miles
Ava to Mandalay = 11 miles
Day 7: Mandalay - Heho by flight & Inle Lake sightseeing (B)
Breakfast and check-out your cruise ship. Meet our driver to a transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho. Arrival at Heho airport, you will be met by our guide and proceed to magical Inle Lake. Situated 900 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide, this large shallow lake is in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and is home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. You travel by small private boat on the lake, visiting the famous Paung Daw Oo pagoda, with its five famous Buddha images and also nearby Inpawkhone Village where, in houses on stilts, we see traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms as they are made into beautiful fabric.
After our lunch time break on the lake, you will visit traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat making. Enjoy a boat ride through the Kaylar village observing the many houses on stilts and the ways of life. We will see the floating gardens up close, then on to the ‘Ngaphae Chaung Monastery’ which is an interesting old traditional monastery on the lake. Go to our hotel and overnight at Inle Lake. Overnight in Heho.
Day 8: Heho - Yangon by flight – Bangkok by flight (B)
Breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Heho airport to take a flight back to Yangon in good time to connect to another flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and check in to your hotel in the city center. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 9: Bangkok’s attractions & Siam Niramit Show (B/L)
After breakfast, you will explore Bangkok’s highlights including Wat Trimitr, the temple with the Golden Buddha Image, measuring 3 metres high and with a weight of 5,5 tons of gold, Wat Pho, temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as the school for the traditional Thai-massage, Wat Phra Kaeo, the most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Visit The Grand Palace, an area of 218,400m2 which is surrounded by walls and was built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900m. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha as well as royal residences. Any one of these buildings is impressive, but to walk among so many ornate and gold and gem-clad buildings is spectacular.
Lunch will be served at a local Thai restaurant near Chaophaya River, before continuing with Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Back to your hotel after visiting the city’s highlights and be free for refreshment.
At early evening, your guide will meet you again and transfer to the Siam Niramit Show – a world class spectacular performance of Thai Art and Cultural Heritage. This must-see spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness World Records, featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes. On top of this, enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience. This is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one can miss. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 10: Bangkok – Phuket (B)
In the morning, at your leisure until you board a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your beach resort. The remainder of the day is free for swimming, sunbathing or playing water sports! Overnight in Phuket.
Day 11 to day 14: Relaxing in Phuket (B)
Free days in Phuket to do whatever takes your fancy!
Phuket is heaven of white sand beaches. Patong Beach in the main town is quite touristic, but there are still many other secluded beaches waiting for you to discover. There are around 30 beaches in Phuket and the most famous are Kata, Karon, Kalama, Bangtao, Surin, Maikhao…. Rent a motorbike and you can see all of Phuket’s highlights in a day, including some view points where you can take in panoramic view of Phuket and its long stretching beaches, Phuket Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple and the old town.
You can explore Phuket’s islands by boat including kayaking and snorkeling. You can book some excursions on the spot to Phang Nga bay, Koh Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands….
Day 15: Phuket – Bangkok – Departure (B)
You will be free today in Phuket until a private transfer to Phuket Airport for a flight to Bangkok in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> In-tour flights Yangon – Bagan, Mandalay – Heho – Yangon – Bangkok – Phuket - Bangkok, including airport taxes
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Private en-suite cabin on luxury Anawrath river cruise from Bagan to Mandalay, including full board and complementary mini-bar
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and transferred to downtown. We visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi. Then we stroll around the famous Scott (Bogyoke) Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts, textiles, gems, and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for shopping fans. Next is beautiful Kandawgyi Lake with the huge mythical birds of the Karaweik Barge in prominent view. We end the day with a visit to the awe inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia and is one sight that no visitor to Myanmar should miss. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Bagan by flight & Bagan sightseeing (B)
Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, you will visit some highlight temples in Bagan such as:
- Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas
- Wetkyi-in- Gubyaukgyi, a 13th century cave temple with interesting fine frescoes
- Ananda Pagoda, one of the finest, largest and best persevered in Old Bagan
- Next to it we visit Ananda Ok Kyaung, one of the few surviving brick monastery buildings from the Early Bagan period
- Htilominlo Temple, known to be the last Myanmar Style temple built in Bagan
After the impressive visits, you will drive to your hotel to check in, refresh and avoid the top heat at noon time.
In the afternoon, continue your visit to Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan and Thatbyinnyu Temple which towers above the other monuments of Bagan. As the sun goes down, you will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide for a panoramic sunset view over the temples. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan – Balloon ride - Salay by River cruise “Anawrath” (B/L/D)
Another early morning, to ride a hot-air balloon over the misty world of temples!
Around 11am, you will board our luxurious river-cruiser, berthed at Bagan Jetty, for a 5 day-4 night river cruise! Lunch will be served as we first sail to Salay, a small riverside town which dates from the Bagan period. An afternoon tour will show you the beautiful Youqson Kyaung, a beautifully-carved teak monastery built between 1882 and 1892 and now run by the Department of Archaeology as a museum. A short distance away is the Mann Paya, home to a huge statue of the Buddha, unusually made from lacquer. In Colonial times, Salay was home to wealthy merchants and still has some fine examples of Colonial houses. You will make a special visit inside one of these. Tonight, the ship moors at Salay.
Bagan to Salay = 30 miles
Day 4: Salay – Pakkoku – Ngar Lan (B/L/D)
An early-morning yoga session will be available this morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails northwards. Through the morning, there will be a cultural demonstration, a Book Review (with Burma as it's subject) and a lecture on Myanmar culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life”. After lunch we will arrive at Pakkoku, a large trading town on the western riverbank. A tour will show you some of the small industries at work here such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of 'Burmese slippers' (“flip-flops”); the large and thriving market and will visit Shwegu Temple to see an incredible, intricate carving made from very rare Yamanei wood. After the excursion the ship will continue her journey northwards, eventually mooring around Ngar Lan.
Salay to Pakkoku = 55 miles
Pakkoku to Ngar Lan = 16 miles
Day 5: Ngar Lan – Yanderbo – Ponna Chan (B/L/D)
Early-morning yoga will again be available. This morning we will pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. Around 9am, the ship will arrive at the small riverside village of Yanderbo, where you will make a walking tour. This is the place where in 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Now the villages produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else and you will have the opportunity to see their techniques. Back on board, there will be a Cookery Demonstration from our Chefs. After lunch there will be another lecture, this time looking at Burmese history. Tonight the ship will moor near Ponna Chan.
Ngar Lan to Yanderbo = 22 miles
Yanderbo to Ponna Chan = 49 miles
Day 6: Ponna Chan – Ava – Mandalay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, leave the ship for a horse-drawn carriage tour of the ancient capital of Ava, home to the Burmese Kings for many centuries. A coach will then take you across the river to Sagaing using a bridge built by the Colonial British in 1934. Here you will visit a silversmith, seeing techniques unchanged for centuries. Back on board, lunch will be served as we sail the final distance to reach Mandalay. A busy afternoon tour will show you the highlights of this fabled city including the Kuthodaw Pagoda (“the world’s biggest book”), the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery, which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters and where he died in 1878; and a visit to see the highly revered, gold-encrusted Buddha at the Mahamuni Temple. If time permits, you will also see gold-leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving factory, pass through dusty streets filled with marble-carving workshops and finish the afternoon with sunset at the famous 200 year old “U Bein’s Bridge”. Farewell Dinner and evening entertainment on board.
Ponechaun to Ava = 7 miles
Ava to Mandalay = 11 miles
Day 7: Mandalay - Heho by flight & Inle Lake sightseeing (B)
Breakfast and check-out your cruise ship. Meet our driver to a transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho. Arrival at Heho airport, you will be met by our guide and proceed to magical Inle Lake. Situated 900 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide, this large shallow lake is in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and is home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. You travel by small private boat on the lake, visiting the famous Paung Daw Oo pagoda, with its five famous Buddha images and also nearby Inpawkhone Village where, in houses on stilts, we see traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms as they are made into beautiful fabric.
After our lunch time break on the lake, you will visit traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat making. Enjoy a boat ride through the Kaylar village observing the many houses on stilts and the ways of life. We will see the floating gardens up close, then on to the ‘Ngaphae Chaung Monastery’ which is an interesting old traditional monastery on the lake. Go to our hotel and overnight at Inle Lake. Overnight in Heho.
Day 8: Heho - Yangon by flight – Bangkok by flight (B)
Breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Heho airport to take a flight back to Yangon in good time to connect to another flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and check in to your hotel in the city center. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 9: Bangkok’s attractions & Siam Niramit Show (B/L)
After breakfast, you will explore Bangkok’s highlights including Wat Trimitr, the temple with the Golden Buddha Image, measuring 3 metres high and with a weight of 5,5 tons of gold, Wat Pho, temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as the school for the traditional Thai-massage, Wat Phra Kaeo, the most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Visit The Grand Palace, an area of 218,400m2 which is surrounded by walls and was built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900m. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha as well as royal residences. Any one of these buildings is impressive, but to walk among so many ornate and gold and gem-clad buildings is spectacular.
Lunch will be served at a local Thai restaurant near Chaophaya River, before continuing with Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Back to your hotel after visiting the city’s highlights and be free for refreshment.
At early evening, your guide will meet you again and transfer to the Siam Niramit Show – a world class spectacular performance of Thai Art and Cultural Heritage. This must-see spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness World Records, featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes. On top of this, enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience. This is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one can miss. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 10: Bangkok – Phuket (B)
In the morning, at your leisure until you board a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your beach resort. The remainder of the day is free for swimming, sunbathing or playing water sports! Overnight in Phuket.
Day 11 to day 14: Relaxing in Phuket (B)
Free days in Phuket to do whatever takes your fancy!
Phuket is heaven of white sand beaches. Patong Beach in the main town is quite touristic, but there are still many other secluded beaches waiting for you to discover. There are around 30 beaches in Phuket and the most famous are Kata, Karon, Kalama, Bangtao, Surin, Maikhao…. Rent a motorbike and you can see all of Phuket’s highlights in a day, including some view points where you can take in panoramic view of Phuket and its long stretching beaches, Phuket Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple and the old town.
You can explore Phuket’s islands by boat including kayaking and snorkeling. You can book some excursions on the spot to Phang Nga bay, Koh Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands….
Day 15: Phuket – Bangkok – Departure (B)
You will be free today in Phuket until a private transfer to Phuket Airport for a flight to Bangkok in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> In-tour flights Yangon – Bagan, Mandalay – Heho – Yangon – Bangkok – Phuket - Bangkok, including airport taxes
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Private en-suite cabin on luxury Anawrath river cruise from Bagan to Mandalay, including full board and complementary mini-bar
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
