Burmese Mysterious Adventure

Upon arrival to Putao airport you will be welcomed by the Sonasia Holiday local guide and transferred to your hotel / guest house in Putao. 

After check-in and lunch, we take a walk around the town to get a feel for the local life and meet the friendly people. Putao previously known as Fort Hertz by its colonial name was the furthest out post of British Burma. 

A number of expeditions and surveys trips were conducted by the British and international explorers to record the unique flora and fauna of the region however large parts remain unexplored. 

Like many other parts of Burma access to the far north was restricted for decades. Putao remains a sleepy and isolated town situated in a flat valley surrounded by forests and has only seasonal overland access from Myitkyina.

After breakfast we take a morning walk to Putao market, where ethnic minorities often come trade their produce. You may find some simple supplies and snack here for the trek if needed. Transfer by jeep or truck approx. 1hr/17km to Upper Shangaung, a Rawang minority village where many of the porters reside and where we start our trek. 

Visit a local school & church before starting the ascent from 1000m elevation up a serpentine trail climbing over the jungle covered Mt Shangaung (1362m) range. After the high pass the trail contours forested mountain slopes gradually descending to the small Rawang minority village, Wasandum, located on the lower slopes of the mountain range facing the Namro Creek.

Wake up in the village and enjoy breakfast prepared by our cook. Today’s trek is less challenging as our trail follows the Namro creek to Awadum, a small Lisu minority farming village. 

After a lunch stop in Avadum continue trekking through lush forests following the river valley until we cross a hanging bridge over the Zia creek and enter Ziadum Rawang minority village also known as the “Last Village”. 

It is the last inhabited place in North West Myanmar. In the afternoon enjoy free time for walks around Zia creek, (weather permitting) enjoy fabulous views over snowcapped peaks of Phonyin and Phangran bordering India.

Today is for exploring the last frontier. Traveling further down the valley and entering the lush forest areas. After half an hour hike we arrive at the the hanging bridge spanning Phangram River, which has been recently renovated with tourists contributions.

Following the creeks and forest trails we finally reach Caungsone hanging bridge crossing the Phongan river. Near the bridge the trail starts to climb up to Phongan Razi. We will make a lunch break near Caungsone and return to Ziadum for the night.

After breakfast we start our trek to Wahlangdum passing through Kalang and Lohnadum Rawang villages. On a clear day Phongan, Phonyin and Zia mountains are visible all the way from Kalang. We will enjoy packed lunch enroute in Lohnadum and arrive to Wahlangdum in the early afternoon.

Both Lohnadum and Wahlangdum are farmer and hunter communities growing seasonal crops and paddy and living near the Namro creek. 

After breakfast we trek along a popular trail for the locals. Farming produce, firewood and goods from Putao all travel along this bullock cart track between Namtumkoo and Ba Inn village. The trail weaves through farming land and forested patches crossing and climbing over small hills.

On clear weather we might get a glimpse of Putao town in the horizon. Enroute we hike past a small waterfall and have lunch nearby. We take a 20min jeep or truck ride from Ba Inn to Putao town. Rest of the day can be enjoyed relaxing or exploring in Putao. 

After breakfast, transfer to the Airport for a domestic flight to Myitkyina. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Today, you will visit Myitkyina and its surroundings. In town, we will see sights such as Su Taung Pyae Pagoda. We’ll also visit the Shwe Thar Lyaung Buddha Image, a reclining Buddha which was donated by a Japanese war veteran in memory of the Japanese soldiers and Myanmar nationals who died in World War II.

Then proceed to Myit Sone (1.5 hours drive). Literally meaning ‘confluence’, this town 38 kilometres from Myitkyina is the place where the Maykha and Malikha Rivers join to form the Irrawaddy River. The area is spectacularly beautiful and played a key role in Myanmar history.

Enjoy lunch in Myit Sone.  

After lunch, take a boat trip along the waterways, exploring the Maykha and Malikha River and enjoying the natural beauty and unique tradition of local people in Kachin State.

Then transfer back to Myitkyina late this afternoon.

Overnight in Myitkyina 

After breakfast, you will visit the traditional looming industry near Nyaung Pin Gyi ward. Watch how traditional Kachin costumes are made in intricate designs and patterns.

Then, cross the Irrawaddy River via Bala Min Htin Bridge to the town of Waing Maw. (45-minute drive) On the way, make a stop at Hnant Myin Kha village which is noted for its vibrant flower beds and picturesque scenery. Upon reaching Waing Maw, visit a blacksmith workshop where traditional Kachin swords are made.

Take a break midday for lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon continue your exploration of the Kachin State with a visit to Wa Shaung, 32 km from Waing Maw. The small village is home to a hydropower station, yet surrounded by pristine natural scenery. Along the way stop to visit more tribal villages.

Return to Myitkyina in the early evening.

Overnight in Myitkyina 

After breakfast, visit Myitkyina’s morning market by the river and explore more around town before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Mandalay.

After checking in to the hotel, head off again for a short introductory tour of the city. Afterwards, head to Mandalay Hill, which rises 240 metres above the city. From this lofty vantage point, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the Irrawaddy River, and the city center and take in one of the most dramatic sunsets to be had in the area.

Leaving from Mandalay in the morning, begin the tour at 08:00 with a scenic two-hour drive to the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin. Located on a plateau 1,000 metres above sea level, the area is famed for its cool climate and lush vegetation - a reputation that was not lost on colonial rulers who settled the area as a means of escaping the sweltering heat of lowland areas. Many reminders of Pyin Oo Lwin’s colonial era are still present in the form of brick and timber houses that were built during this time period.

Pyin Oo Lwin is home to many ethnic tribes as well as a considerable numbers of ethnic Nepalese and Indians who migrated here during the British occupation.
Enjoy a traditional horse cart and carriage ride through town. Stop at the Botanical Gardens - 432 acres of leafy gardens home to a diverse mix of botanical species from around the world. The Gardens were established by Sir Harcourt Butler, former Governor of Burma, and remain in a remarkably well-manicured state.
Continue to a local market for a taste of the local culture and look at the stunning array of multicolored flowers and vegetables on sale.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

This morning the tour starts at 07:30 after breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the railway station for a 7-hour locomotive tour to Hsipaw. The scenic and iconic journey crosses the famous Gokhteik Viaduct which spans a 300-meter deep gorge high in the Shan Mountains. The views from the train are spectacular, so be sure to have a camera ready.

Lunch-box on board.

Arrive at Hsipaw in the afternoon.  A pleasant small town on the banks of the Dokhtawady River, it’s a great place for taking leisurely strolls on foot while exploring local culture.

Overnight in Hsipaw.

Today the sightseeing begins at 08:00.

After breakfast in the morning, take a boat trip along the Dokhtawady River. Stop at a local village along the way and take a stroll through the various farms there to learn about local agriculture. Then, stop at a local monastery to sip tea with resident monks there.

From the monastery, hop back on the boat and head to a secret spot where a small tributary feeds into the Dokhtawady River. This area is not only a fantastic place to snap a few photos, but the water of the tributary is clean enough to take a quick dip.

On the way back to Hsipaw, stop at another local village for a chance to talk to some of the Shan farmers and walk through their citrus groves.

Arrive in Hsipaw for a late lunch.

Afterwards, visit the former palace of the Last Sky Prince of Hsipaw.  A champion for democracy in the 1950s and 60s, the prince was imprisoned in the military coup of 1962 and never seen again. The property is managed by his niece and nephew who will give a guided tour while explaining the family history and telling the sad story of the Last Sky Prince.

Late in the afternoon, head just outside of town to Nine Buddha Hill. From here, watch the sun set over Hsipaw and the Dokhtawady River.

Overnight in Hsipaw.

This morning the tour starts at 08:00 and check out from the hotel after breakfast. Then visit a colorful Shan market in Hsipaw before departing for Mandalay. On the way, visit Bawgyo Pagoda, one of the most famous pagodas in northern Shan State.

Another stop will be made at a viewpoint overlooking the Gokteik Gorge - a postcard-perfect photo setting of the Ribbon Band Highway. The drive then descends along a winding road into the gorge and then back up to the higher elevation again.

Reach Pyin Oo Lwin around midday and have lunch (own account) at December Farm. Famous for its strawberry farm and dairy, December farms is a great place to try the local food, fruit wine, and even some homemade ice cream made with on-site dairy.

Continue the drive to Mandalay, arriving in the early evening, and check into the hotel to take some rest after a long journey.

Overnight in Mandalay

We will take the morning flight to Bagan.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

In the afternoon, set off for a half-day exploration of Bagan. Experience a true taste of local culture today. 

Start with a visit to the Nyaung U market and wander with the locals who come each day to shop. Browse the array of items on offer, learning about the exotic fruits and unique spices grown in the area.

Continue to a nearby teashop. Teashops serve as social hubs in Myanmar and are thus an important part of daily life. Enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the atmosphere. See local families, groups of friends and businessmen huddled over steaming cups and discussing the day’s news. 

Then take a closer look at Bagan’s spiritual side. Transfer to Hngat Pyit Taung Monastery, a site rarely visited by tourists. Learn about monastic life and explore the temple’s caves to better understand the spiritual beliefs of the Burmese.

Finally discover the artistic talents of Bagan’s residents. Visit workshops producing lacquerware and wood crafts, two traditional crafts of the town. Witness skilled artisans create handmade works using techniques handed down from generation to generation.

Having gained a deeper appreciation for the rich culture of Myanmar, return to the hotel.

On arrival, begin the journey to Mindat. First, drive along Ayeyarwaddy River and sightsee at a morning market on the way. Then, cross the river via Anawyahtar Bridge driving in the dry zone before arriving at Kyaukhtu, a small administrative town.

Observe how sceneries change along the drive. Have a chance to take some pictures from stopovers during the drive.

Arrive at Mindat in the afternoon and tuck-in to a late lunch. Meet with the local team and continue on a short transfer to the starting point of the trek. Trek for two hours through the jungle to our night stop at a village called Hpwi.

Enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by local team and village host family.

Overnight at village house in Hpwi village. 

Wake up in the middle of nature! After breakfast pack up and take an hour long trek down to reach the bottom of Hunter Falls, a nature waterfall in the jungle. Get a chance and take a relaxing swim in the waterfall.

Continue on a short trek to Htel Pan Village where lunch will be served at a local’s home. Then, proceed to Am Luang Village, our rest stop for the day.

Arrive at the village in the afternoon and relax. Dinner will be served by the village’s host family.

Overnight in Am Laung Village.

After having a filling breakfast, say goodbye to the villagers and the beautiful Am Laung Village. Hike down to the river bridge and have some refreshments before climbing up the other side of the mountain to the village Kyar Ein Nu, where a tasty lunch will be served.

The afternoon hike gets us to our overnight village called Ma Dat, which is about a 3 hour long trek passing local villagers.

Relax on arrival and wait to see the menu for today’s dinner!

Overnight in Ma Dat village.

Today is the last day of this trekking adventure and the most challenging one too. Trek downhill pass steep declines and get a chance to visit and rest at some local houses along the way. We will also see the Konjac plantation and the cultivation process.  

Arrive at the last village called Loute Pel to have lunch. It has been a terrific learning journey of different cultures and customs of the villages!

Take the final steps out of this valley to the ending point, Creek River. Enjoy the peaceful sound of the water before being transferred back to Mindat. Spend the afternoon at leisure, stroll around Mindat or rest until dinner time.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mindat.

Take a short visit to the Mindat Market before leaving for  Bagan. Say goodbye to this hilly Chin state and return to the dry zone. On the drive back, stop to capture amazing photos of the landscape.

Arrive in Bagan this afternoon and have a delicious lunch. 

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration.

Overnight in began

Free before taking the flight from Kengtung to Heho.

Upon arrival to Heho, be welcomed by the guide at the airport and make an onward transfer to Kalaw.

Kalaw is a former colonial British hill station, with local and colonial style houses. Its altitude ensures that the weather is cool throughout the year. Check-in and take a leisurely walk around town.

Overnight in Kalaw.

**OPTIONAL TOUR**

Today start the tour at 05:00.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of the famous temples with this balloon tour over Bagan. Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight, an unforgettable way to see Myanmar’s famed archaeological site.

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a light snack while watching the crew inflate the balloons. Once ready, the pilot will give a detailed safety briefing and introduction to the ballooning experience. Climb aboard and take off! Rise slowly above the tree line and see the pagodas come into view. Be enchanted by the site of the temples being illuminated by the sun’s early morning rays.

The duration and balloon path are dependent on the wind conditions, but generally the balloon tour over Bagan lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. Descend to ground level where the crew will be waiting. Raise a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the flight and enjoy a light breakfast while the balloon is packed up. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Our adventure trekking beings this morning with a scenic 90 minute drive which leads us to the small town of Naung Tayar, the starting point of our trek.

The scenery is remarkably different from middle Burma and the air temperature is generally much cooler than the rest of the country. We meet with our trekking team, set off on foot and trek along the trail filled with seasonal agriculture.

After lunch at local family house in traditional style, we continue our scenic trek. On the way, we will have plenty of opportunities to stop and interact with the friendly locals. We reach our overnight stop village of Saung Khar in the evening. Tonight we stay in a house with a local family which gives plenty of opportunity for more interaction and learning about the local people’s way of life. 

Overnight in Saung Khar Village.

Departing Saung Khar early, we say farewell to our host family and continue our trek towards Inle Lake. This morning trek offers great views of bamboo forest, valley and overview of the villages. Our first stop is Naung Mon old Monastery and village where we can learn about monastic life in Myanmar and day to day village life. The monastery also serves as a community center and is an important part of rural Burmese life.

Continuing onwards and downwards we descend to our final destination of Tharyar Gone, a short stroll from the shores of Inle Lake.

Depending on progress made our lunch will be served either in a village or at a restaurant in Tharyar Gone. This also lends the opportunity to observe the making of local rice wine.

Last up, we visit the Thar Khaung Pagoda Complex before transferring by long tail boat to Samkar located on the opposite shore.

Overnight in Samkar. 

After breakfast we check-out and embark on a scenic boat journey to Nyaung Shwe by crossing Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights.

This afternoon set off on a sightseeing tour of the town. Travel by local trishaw down to the bustling canal which is a hive of activity in the morning as boats from the lake come in to unload tomatoes and other vegetables for distribution to the markets around the country. Watch as baskets laden with produce are transferred from boats to trucks and bikes.

Hop back on the trishaw and wind through quiet streets. Make a stop at the ‘tomato house’, a warehouse-like structure where the tomatoes are sorted and priced for sale. Then continue past some of the many monasteries and nunneries in the town, stopping for photos as you go.

Check in to your hotel in the mid afternoon. If we can still have enough time to catch sunset, there is an opportunity to visit Red Mountain Estate, one of Myanmar’s top vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting with expansive views of the lake below. Then, transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

After breakfast, head to the jetty for a full day excursion on Inle Lake.

Begin visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day).

Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 

At midday, stop to prepare our lunch with a local family! This cooking course is a fun and interesting way to learn about the traditional flavors and preparation techniques of Burmese Cuisine.  Join a local Inthar family in their kitchen to cook local dishes then sit on the floor at a round table and dine in the local way.

Then continue to explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. Then, come back to Nyaung Shwe by boat.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

We will take the morning flight from Heho to Kengtung.

Upon arrival, we will explore the town of Keng Tung, which includes the tall standing Buddha image, Long Tree Hill with its famous 250-year old tree, Zawmmoon Matyan Monastery, Naung Tong Lake, traditional Shan lacquerware production facility, Wat Zom Kham pagoda, and the beautiful Watin Monastery.

Look out for some of the remnants of the historic town, including parts of the old city walls, the old city gate (Pa Leng Gate), and some beautiful colonial houses. We can also walk all around Naung Tong Lake and take a few pitstops at one of the many small restaurants. Keng Tung is such a lovely and peaceful town.

After breakfast, we will go to the busy local market to buy a few items for lunch at one of the villages. Our drive to Hokyin, southeast of Keng Tung, will take about 45 min to one hour to reach the Pankwai Hill where we will leave the car. 

From here it is about a 1-hour trek past green rice terraces to reach the first village. There are four Akha villages with different religions and beliefs. It is not far from one village to another, but some hikes are challenging. 

At the villages, we will experience the culture of the Akha people and learn about their beliefs and survival techniques. We will most likely have lunch in a local home in one of the Akha villages. 

A friendly lady will introduce us to her cooking on an open fire inside her hut. All veggies will be carefully washed and cut and skilfully fried in a wok. When ready, we will sit around a small table and enjoy a very interesting Akha lunch.

We may be lucky to be served some local rice alcohol. After visiting these villages, we will return to Keng Tung and again have a sumptuous dinner at a traditional restaurant.

After breakfast at our hotel, we drive to the Lahu Shi villages to the west of Keng Tung. The drive from  Keng Tung is about one hour to Kon Ma Village from where we will start our hike. 

Our hike goes through beautiful and quiet forests. We will feel the peace of nature along our uphill trek with beautiful views of the valleys until we reach the Lahu Shi villages at the top of the hills. The elevation of the first village is about 1,500 metre above sea level. 

We most likely will be invited into one of the many houses standing high on stilts. We will be joined by several villagers, mostly women, and kids. They will sit around us as the Chief makes us tea. 

We will share with them some biscuits we brought from Keng Tung and our hearts will melt to see these people enjoying our presence (and our biscuits). The kids in the Lahu Shi villages are totally adoring, friendly, and so photogenic. 

We will also walk around the village to meet more locals. After our goodbyes, we hike back to the car and may visit another tribal village. 

Afterward, we return to Keng Tung and enjoy another pleasant dinner along the shores of Nong Tung Lake.

Overnight in Kengtung

Pin Tauk, to the north of Keng Tung, is one of the most famous trekking destinations in the Keng Tung area. After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, and we will drive north to the Pin Tauk trekking area. 

After about 45 minutes of driving, we will reach a Shan village where we will see how they distill the local rice-based alcohol which is popular in Shan State. Afterward, we will continue to Pin Tauk Village and then on to Wan Pin Village. 

The trekking around Pin Tauk is beautiful and not a too strenuous hike. The tribes you will meet there are the Akha, and also the Ann at Pan Lea village. 

After visiting the villages and spending a good time with the locals, we walk back to the car and drive to Kengtung where we will enjoy a lovely evening at one of the many restaurants along the shores of Nong Tung Lake.

Overnight in Kengtung

You will take the morning flight to Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar.

After freshening up, set off for a tour of the city’s highlights. First, visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which is home to a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha. Continue through the city, stopping periodically to take photos or relax with a drink at a local tea shop. 

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the locals believe that the original structure was built 2500 years ago and renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99-meters tall, gilded with gold leaf, and surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. 

Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea while sitting amongst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.

You are free to stroll around for your own exploration of the city of Yangon before taking the departure flight