Cultural Jewels in Myanmar

Explore Downtown Yangon and its colonial architecture. Your private guide will show you secret spots of the city, away from the tourist trail, allowing you to explore the most impressive buildings in relative peace. By evening, head to the illuminated Shwedagon pagoda and participate in the ‘Patrons light oil lamps’ event, a special arrangement of offerings to Buddha. You will assist in lighting 1000 oil lamps on the platform surrounding the pagoda, a ritual believed to bring wisdom and enlightenment.

Wake early to take a morning hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan – there are few more stunning ways to see the scale and beauty of this culturally-extraordinary region. Take mountain bikes through spectacular scenery and local villages to reach Inle Lake, where you will stop for a remote gourmet lunch. You will also witness the traditional boat racing ceremony on the Intha people.

Experience a traditional rocket festival, during which large bamboo poles are filled with gunpowder to fire rockets out the end. This festival is celebrated as an offering to the gods for a favourable climate, good harvest, and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.

Combine a beautiful trek with visiting villages belonging to people from Lahu, Akha, and Eng tribes – this will give you the opportunity to learn about the different minority people in the area. You can also visit a Wa tribal village of Kong Ma. The Wa are known as the ‘Wild Wa’ due to their practice of headhunting.

Discover the Mergui Archipelago, one of the least-visited places on earth. Explore the 800 tropical Islands that host a variety of natural and marine wonders. Encounter the Moken sea-gypsies, famous for their traditional speak fishing techniques. Jungle hike through Lampi Natural reserve with a local ranger who will guide you through the jungle trails that boast exotic wildlife. Experience marine flora and fauna kayaking, snorkelling or paddle-boarding through mangrove forests and over exotic, fish-filled reefs. For something more laid back, simply relax on the islands’ innumerable, pristine, sandy beaches.