The Golden Triangle is the infamous region originally known for its production of opium, overlapping three countries: Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Isolated from the rest of Myanmar, travel through this area of beautiful mountains and fascinating tribal cultures to reach Thailand over land, after exploring busting Yangon, the temples of Bagan and serene Inle Lake.
Tour Overview
Start:
Finish:
Length:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$39 per day
US$1,9891
US$1661
Arrive in Yangon and head to the Buddhist heart of Myanmar – the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.
Wander downtown during the balmy evening and explore the many restaurants and bars now cropping up in increasingly cosmopolitan Yangon.
Fly up to Bagan and begin the day exploring the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower at its peak; choose from bicycle, car or horse and cart to get around the plain. The area is also renowned for its lacquerware and artisan crafts, which make perfect souvenirs or gifts. Later in the day, climb the Gawdawpalin or Bupaya pagodas for perfect sunset panorama views of the thousands of temples.
On your second day, we can arrange hot-air balloon rides that will give you spectacular sunrise views (additional charge, must be booked in advance). Head south east of Bagan to explore the spectacular monastery at Mount Popa, which sits precariously on top of a volcanic plug. In the evening, enjoy some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.
Fly to Mandalay and visit the last royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty, recalling the days of Thibaw and his queen, Supayalat, before they were expelled to India by the British. Just to the south of Mandalay, take a stroll down the longest teak bridge in the world, the iconic U Bein bridge in Amarapura. The town of Amarapura is full of textiles stores and small metal works factories, where you can watch master craftsmen cast Buddha statues in bronze or visit a weaving factory to see how fabrics are made.
Further to the south at Inwa, take a horse and cart around the quiet meandering roads that once made up a powerful kingdom’s capital city. Across the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, the Mingun Bell is reputed to be the heaviest and largest working bell in the world. If you’ve worked up a hunger wandering around Mingun and its massive unfinished stupa, reward yourself by purchasing some freshly steamed corn on one of the many roadside stalls – it’ll be the sweetest you’ve tried.
Fly to Heho airport and transfer via car to characterful Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. If you go for the superior hotel option, a boat will take you to your hotel on the lake (standard hotels are in Nyaung Shwe). There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to relax or for sightseeing around the lake to see the local Intha fishermen employing their traditional one-leg rowing technique.
After breakfast the next day, visit the ancient lakeside stupas at Indein and see handicrafts in Nampan village. If the time is right, see the floating markets that are a photographer’s dream. Finish up your day with sunset wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate vineyard and then dinner on the lakeshore.
The route from Inle Lake to Kyaing Tong is over land by car – through the mountaintop state capital of Taunggyi and the beautiful, lush and wild mountain scenery of eastern Shan State. This route, including an overnight stop at the town of Myine Pyin, is rarely taken by foreigners and requires a government permit – which is not guaranteed to be granted (if we are unable to secure this permit for you due to cicumstances at the time of your booking, the journey will instead be by plane from Heho to Kyaing Tong).
When you reach Kyaing Tong, you will find a culturally diverse place, set against a scenic mountain backdrop. Explore the Wild West charm of the town and surrounding mountain areas, including Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages. If you want to relax, the hot springs six kilometres to the west of Kyaing Tong are a must.
Travel by car to the border town of Tachileik and depart to Thailand at Mae Sai.
| Standard hotels | Deluxe hotels |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) - Hupin Hotel | Inle Lake - Amata Garden Resort |
| Myine Pyin - local guest house | Myine Pyin - local guest house |
| Kyaing Tong - Kyaing Tong New Hotel | Kyaing Tong - Kyaing Tong New Hotel |
To get prices for this tour with luxury accommodation or basic accommodation, please enter a query in the ‘Any further queries’ field when you submit your tour booking form (link below).
Our Service Include:
Our Service Do Not Include:
Important Notes:
The above itinerary is indicative and some details may change according to conditions and availability; you will always be informed of such changes.
There may be changes to estimated prices depending on air fuel cost, domestic airfares, US$ exchange rates and festive season surcharge. All supplemental cost to be advised.
[1] Price per person based on two person tour (twin hotel room sharing basis) during high season (October to April). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
