Journey Through Burma & Bhutan

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Bangkok, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro

This is the ultimate cultural journey—two weeks in two of the world's most fascinating destinations.

Begin in the city of Yangon, with accommodation at the famed Strand Hotel, and private city touring that includes the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Scott Market, the National Museum, and various neighborhoods that reflect the city's Burmese, British, Indian, Bangladeshi, and indigenous influences.

Next, fly to unforgettable, awe-inspiring Bagan, where thousands of pagodas and temples stretch from the Ayeyarwady River out across miles of arid plains. Tour the structures, built between the 11th and 13th centuries when Bagan was a major Buddhist center of Southeast Asia, and learn about the history carved in their layered facades, painted in their interior frescoes and sculpted in their Buddhist statues. Also visit local markets and villages. If desired, take a memorable hot air balloon ride over the temples as the sun rises. One evening, ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Bagan at sunset. Another night, take a sunset cruise on the river. If desired, also visit Mt. Popa, a place of pilgrimage for over 700 years that is believed to be the home of Myanmar’s powerful nats, or Burmese spirits associated with natural features.


Continue to Inle Lake, home of the Intha people, and the surrounding countryside. Visit a vineyard to for a tasting of local Burmese wines. Take a canoe ride down Inle's canals, pass through floating villages built on stilts, and see how the Intha grow crops on reed islands. Visit local crafts villages to shop for distinctive textiles, ceramics and lacquerware, and tour In Dein, where ancient pagodas overlook the lake. Spend a final night in Yangon at The Governor's Residence before departing for Bangkok, Thailand, for an overnight stay at The Sukhothai.

Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital. Thimphu is renowned for its high quality textiles and handicrafts. If your timing is right, explore the weekend market. Also opt to visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Traditional Arts, National Memorial Chorten (stupa), National Library or the Philatelic Center (Bhutan creates some of the world's most innovatively designed stamps).

Drive through the mountains, passing the 108 stupas, to Punakha, the ancient winter capital, located in a sub-tropical area where rhododendron and magnolia bloom and orange and banana trees flourish. Relax at your resort, set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Enjoy some gentle hikes and cultural touring with your private guide before continuing to Paro, a resort valley town nestled between the Himalayas. With your own private guide and driver, explore the town, the National Museum, the surrounding verdant valleys, and Tiger's Nest Monastery.

If desired, perhaps have us arrange for a cooking class or meal at a private local home. Other options include spa treatments, visits to local farm houses and private monasteries, meditations led by monks, and meals with Bhutanese officials to learn about the government of this fascinating country. Soft-adventure activities include: hiking, biking, rafting, fly-fishing, archery lessons and more.

Throughout the tour, enjoy flexible touring with your own guide and driver and accommodation at some of the world's most luxurious hotels.