Burma Backdoor Explorer Tour – Mae Sot To Yangon
Summary
Just across the river, and you’re in another world. Traffic now flows in the opposite roadside. Deep untouched forest, swiping light green rice paddies and villages with a touch of history, where hundreds of curious eyes welcome you. From Myawaddy, you head towards Hpa An, Kayaking the rice fields, passing immense limestone cliffs. Then you flow downriver on the mighty Thanlwin river to Mawlamyine. Be a voyager on the train ride to the golden rock wildly hanging on its tip above the plains, then head for Yangon’s urban beat, a bit noisier than the back-lands, yet somehow still slow with hidden back streets for cuisine and stories to be told. If you like to approach Burma(Myanmar) through the back door and is okay with the fact that you will most likely meet nobody else in Myanmar who has done this trip- then go beyond the ordinary. This trip is for you!
Highlights
- Visit the famous ruins of Thailand’s first capital.
- Drive towards the Burmese border passing mountain ranges and small local communities.
- Discover the local market and the traditional trading along Moei River.
- Stop at the LAKE KANTHARYAR for a nice view over the distant Zwekabin Mountain, Kayin state’s landmark.
- Enjoy great views over the surrounding hills and jungle and see a beautiful sunset
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.- Licensed local tour guide, English speaking
- Porters, helpers and motorbikes for food/luggage transportation
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinking water on the Trek
- Private transportation from/to Yangon
- Zone entrance fee for Natmataung National park
- Village stay on the trek (family house, monastery, school), blankets provided by us
- Memories that will last for a lifetime
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.- Food during the car ride from/to Bagan
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks (available in some villages for sale)
- Tip/ gratuities
- personal expenses (souvenirs …)
- Travel Insurance
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1
CHIANG MAI —LAMPOON—LAMPANG—SUKHOTHAI [DRIVING DISTANCE 311 KM]Your guide and driver will meet you at Chiang Mai airport and transfer to Lampoon, visit famous Wat Haripoonchai in Lampoon, built-in 1157—one of the most sacred monuments in the north. Proceed to Lampang, visit Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha other than the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. Continue to visit Wat Phra Keo Don Tao, a very interesting Burmese-style temple, plus Wat Chedi Sao, with its many small pagodas. Afterward, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage, one of the most memorable symbols of Lampang through the old town.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue to drive to Sukhothai Province.
Arrive at Sri Satchanalai, the northern outpost town of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. Visit Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Jet Thaew, Wat Nang Phya and Wat Phra Sri Ratana Maha Dhat on the site of the Khmer fort ”Chalieng.”
Check-in to your hotel at Sukhothai.
Day 2
SUKHOTHAI—TAK—MAE SOT [DRIVING DISTANCE 170 KM]After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and depart for Sukhothai, visit famous ruins of Thailand’s first capital (1257-1379). See Wat Maha Dhat, the Ramkamhaeng Museum (closed on Monday), Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chum. Continue to Tak province.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, drive towards the Burmese border passing mountain ranges and small local communities. Finally, reach the border town of Mae Sot. The town is notable as a trade hub and for its substantial residents of Burmese refugees. Time to discover the local market and the traditional trading along Moei River. Afterward, visit Wat Thai Wattanaram with its giant 45 meters reclining Buddha statue. The temple was originally known as Wat Thai Yai as the construction of the temple was greatly influenced by Burmese culture and Mahayana Buddhism.
Check-in to your hotel in Mae Sot.
Day 3
MAE SOT TOWN—MAE SOT BORDER – MYAWADDY – HPA AN [DRIVING DISTANCE 8 KM]After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and depart for Mae Sot – Myawaddy border where you will be welcomed by the Myanmar Adventure Asia's guide.
Upon arrival Myawaddy, visit around the town and market before proceeding to drive (approximately – 6 hrs) to Hpa-An, the capital of the Kayin State.
On arrival in Hpa An, transfer to the hotel.
Lunch at a local restaurant en route.
Check-in to your hotel in Hpa An.
Hotel options
Keinnara Hpa-An
Keinnara Hpa-An
Day 4
HPA-ANAfter breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel then, visit BAYINNYI and KAWGOON Caves. Both of these are set inside limestone rock formations, for which Kayin State is famous.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, stop at the LAKE KANTHARYAR for a nice view over the distant Zwekabin Mountain, Kayin state’s landmark.
Return to your hotel in Hpa An.
Day 5
HPA-AN - KYAIKHTIYOAfter breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive to Kyaikhityo (120 km – 3 1/2 hours) . The 'Golden Rock' is a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff.
Proceed to the KIN PUN 'base camp' (110 km - 3 ½ hours).
Lunch at a local restaurant en-route.
To reach the pagoda from KIN PUN base camp, a steep 11 km road leads to the upper staging point by open Trucks (45 minutes). You will be dropped off at the final junction camp to travel the distance to Golden Rock on foot (20 minutes walking to reach the Golden Rock Pagoda).
If you stop at the middle camp, you will have to walk 60 minutes to reach the Golden Rock Pagoda (in case you are staying in Golden Rock Hotel).
On arrival, you can enjoy great views over the surrounding hills and jungle and see a beautiful sunset.
Check-in at your hotel in Golden Rock.
Day 6
KYAIKHTIYO – BAGO - YANGONAfter breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and return to YANGON (194 km - 5 hours). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bago and continue sightseeing to the 55-meter long reclining SHWE THA LYAUNG Buddha, which is among the country's most impressive images. Along the way, visit the four giant Buddha images at KYAIK PUN PAGODA. Stop en route by an Allied War Graves cemetery near HTAUK KYAN and visit also a "Nat" tree shrine.
Check-in to your hotel Yangon
Hotel options
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon
Pan Pacific Yangon
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Yangon Excelsior Hotel with design that tells the story of Yangon features 74 stylish rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Spa and Gym, and meeting rooms.
Day 7
YANGON – DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, enjoy your leisure time at the hotel or stroll through BOGYOKE (SCOTT'S) MARKET (closed on Mondays and public holidays) with hundreds of food, clothes, handicrafts and gems stores.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Your driver will meet you at your hotel's lobby at transfer to the airport for your may next destination.
Keinnara Hpa-An
Keinnara Hpa-An
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Yangon Excelsior Hotel with design that tells the story of Yangon features 74 stylish rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Spa and Gym, and meeting rooms.
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Yangon Excelsior Hotel with design that tells the story of Yangon features 74 stylish rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Spa and Gym, and meeting rooms.
Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon
Unwind in style just heartbeats away from Yangon
A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, Governor's Residence is one of the most timeless luxury hotels in Yangon.
Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the hotel is truly magical at the end of a day spent visiting the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. Dinner is served alfresco in the balmy evening air by lantern-light, as tropical fragrances scent the breeze.
Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon
Unwind in style just heartbeats away from Yangon
A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, Governor's Residence is one of the most timeless luxury hotels in Yangon.
Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the hotel is truly magical at the end of a day spent visiting the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. Dinner is served alfresco in the balmy evening air by lantern-light, as tropical fragrances scent the breeze.
Pan Pacific Yangon
Relax in the heart of the city, while you take in stunning views of the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda from our luxury Yangon hotel. Enjoy endless comfort, quality facilities, and let us take care of all your needs at Pan Pacific Yangon.
Pan Pacific Yangon
Relax in the heart of the city, while you take in stunning views of the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda from our luxury Yangon hotel. Enjoy endless comfort, quality facilities, and let us take care of all your needs at Pan Pacific Yangon.
Keinnara Hpa-An
Keinnara Hpa-An
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Yangon Excelsior Hotel with design that tells the story of Yangon features 74 stylish rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Spa and Gym, and meeting rooms.
Yangon Excelsior Hotel
Yangon Excelsior Hotel with design that tells the story of Yangon features 74 stylish rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Spa and Gym, and meeting rooms.
Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon
Unwind in style just heartbeats away from Yangon
A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, Governor's Residence is one of the most timeless luxury hotels in Yangon.
Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the hotel is truly magical at the end of a day spent visiting the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. Dinner is served alfresco in the balmy evening air by lantern-light, as tropical fragrances scent the breeze.
Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon
Unwind in style just heartbeats away from Yangon
A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, Governor's Residence is one of the most timeless luxury hotels in Yangon.
Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the hotel is truly magical at the end of a day spent visiting the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. Dinner is served alfresco in the balmy evening air by lantern-light, as tropical fragrances scent the breeze.
Pan Pacific Yangon
Relax in the heart of the city, while you take in stunning views of the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda from our luxury Yangon hotel. Enjoy endless comfort, quality facilities, and let us take care of all your needs at Pan Pacific Yangon.
Pan Pacific Yangon
Relax in the heart of the city, while you take in stunning views of the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda from our luxury Yangon hotel. Enjoy endless comfort, quality facilities, and let us take care of all your needs at Pan Pacific Yangon.
North India Highlights
Visit India and explore the highlights of the north on this adventure tour from Delhi and Varanasi. Discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, witness the Mughai splendors of Delhi and Agra, and soak up the ambiance of holy Varanasi. This wonderful introduction to the magic of India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Bollywood blockbusters, and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with highlights, take time to discover the beating heart of India.
Cycling and Trekking Adventure in Flores – Indonesia
This five-day cycling and trekking tour of Flores’s bounty of natural beauty ticks all the boxes for active adventurers. Our exciting excursion starts with us heading to Moni, a quaint hill town that sits at the foot of the incredible Kelimutu Volcano. No trip to this spot is complete without a tour up this peak to stand in awe of the stunning three-colored crater lakes. Other breath-taking natural phenomenon includes the turquoise stones at Penggajawa Beach and cloud forests. Along the way, we soak up the island’s rich culture and make a stop at several traditional villages, including Luba and Bena, to get a glimpse into local life and be warmed by local hospitality. Adventure Asia can’t wait to take you on this thrilling cycling trip. See you there!
Bhutan Kingdom In The Sky
This tour of the sky kingdom will bring you right to the heart of western Bhutan, of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The importance of the tour is the visit of cultural sites, and experiencing the unique traditions and culture. All these aspects are directly reflected in its people, religion, culture and the natural environment. The spotlight of this tour is a visit to the Punakha Dzong (The palace of happiness) which is majestically located at the meetings of two rivers Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female). Enjoy riding beside rivers and through a mixture of rice fields, coniferous forests and hills dotted with chortens and monasteries. You can either ride or have the option to elect to drive at various places.
From Kyoto to Kojima in The Shadow Of Mountains
A Japan small group tour spending twelve days discovering the cities, cultural and coastal highlights of this unique country. Any Japan cultural tour has to include metropolitan and historical greats such as Kyoto, but this holiday also steps off the tourist trail to visit the country’s lesser-known coastal treats such as Kojima and Yunotsu as well, reminding you that Japan is actually a collection of Islands with eclectic, exquisite landscapes, seascapes, and Eco Escapes. Using Japan’s famous railway system, including bullet trains, to travel from one place to the next, staying in traditional Ryokan and Minshuku inns and having plenty of opportunities to literally immerse yourselves in Japan’s cultural highlights, the Onsen or thermal spring baths, the itinerary reveals many layers of Japan’s history too.
Walking in Myanmar: Villages, Temples and Tribes
As Myanmar opens up to an ever-increasing number of visitors, the challenge is to continue to develop tours that offer truly authentic and memorable experiences. This is exactly what we hope to have achieved with this trip, which spends much of its time away from the main roads, preferring to focus instead on village life in the stunning Burmese countryside. Spending more days primarily on our feet, we’ll take to the hills and visit a wide variety of the ethnic peoples that make up Myanmar. Each day’s trekking may have its own set of challenges, but this is not a trip about ‘bagging peaks’, rather this is an opportunity for those who prefer a slightly more active approach to experiencing a country and are willing to put in the effort required to reach some of the country’s remote areas. However, when all is said and done, no visit would be complete without taking in the famed areas of Bagan and Lake Inle and there will be ample time to enjoy these better-known highlights too.
Classic Myanmar Adventure
Exploring the mysterious nation of Myanmar (also known as Burma) often feels like setting foot on a foreign, untouched planet. With another few travelers contend with, the natural and man-made wonders of this under-explored part of Southeast Asia often feel like they’ve been placed here just for you. And what wonders they are: Inle lake’s unique floating gardens, the staggering imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, the incomparable palaces of Mandalay, and enveloping forests throughout. Unknown pleasures await- come find them.
Great Journey Of Myanmar
Find yourself drawn in by the allure of one of Asia’s most mysterious countries on this journey into Myanmar. This 14-day tour takes in Myanmar in all its diversity, from the glistening spires of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda to visiting the floating gardens and stilted monasteries of Inle Lake and ethnic tribes, the atmospheric pagodas of the forgotten capital, Bagan, legendary Mandalay and relaxing at the famous Ngapali beach. You will wander the streets of Yangon with its faded colonial architecture and admire the hundreds of Buddhist stupas. With an impressive itinerary of 14 days, you will discover a land of cultural richness and physical beauty. You will travel from Yangon to Bagan and Mandalay to Inle Lake. It’s a lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Naga Land Adventure tour
Located on the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh, Naga land is an amazing state which presents the heterogeneous picture of diversified color, custom, tradition, languages, cuisine, and people. Popular for ‘festival of festivals’, Hornbill Festival is a huge cultural meet which presents an astonishing glimpse of culture, tradition, folk dance and folk music. Apart from that, the capital city- Kohima, was one of the highlighted towns during the Second World War, making it a great spot of historical treasures in the present day. Also, the stunning range of mountains like Naga Hills makes this land an ideal destination for trekking, hiking, and mountaineering.
Essential Myanmar In 7 Days
This 7 days tour is perfect for those who wish to see the major cities but in a very short time. This tour will introduce you to the highlights of the most famous major cities. It allows you to explore Myanmar landscape, culture, and people. Get the chance to contemplate numerous pagodas and temples, spectacular sightseeing as well as learn more about the daily lives of local people covered in the main destinations throughout the country. In this Myanmar package tour, you will discover an enchanting country filled with historic temples, unspoiled lifestyles, and friendly people.
Putao 4-Days Adventure
This four days soft adventure tour is a great introduction to the unique nature and the cultures of the Myanmar Himalayan region. Putao valley and its surroundings were closed to foreign visitors for decades and have only recently been opened. The unique flora and fauna of Myanmar attract more and more nature enthusiasts every year, but due to hard accessibility, Putao has still kept its pristine purity. You will see some interesting villages, beautiful lush nature, and a journey along the river in this remote part of Myanmar. You will travel on a boat, jeep and by foot to experience some magnificent highlights around Putao Valley.
North India Highlights
Visit India and explore the highlights of the north on this adventure tour from Delhi and Varanasi. Discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, witness the Mughai splendors of Delhi and Agra, and soak up the ambiance of holy Varanasi. This wonderful introduction to the magic of India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Bollywood blockbusters, and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with highlights, take time to discover the beating heart of India.
Cycling and Trekking Adventure in Flores – Indonesia
This five-day cycling and trekking tour of Flores’s bounty of natural beauty ticks all the boxes for active adventurers. Our exciting excursion starts with us heading to Moni, a quaint hill town that sits at the foot of the incredible Kelimutu Volcano. No trip to this spot is complete without a tour up this peak to stand in awe of the stunning three-colored crater lakes. Other breath-taking natural phenomenon includes the turquoise stones at Penggajawa Beach and cloud forests. Along the way, we soak up the island’s rich culture and make a stop at several traditional villages, including Luba and Bena, to get a glimpse into local life and be warmed by local hospitality. Adventure Asia can’t wait to take you on this thrilling cycling trip. See you there!
Bhutan Kingdom In The Sky
This tour of the sky kingdom will bring you right to the heart of western Bhutan, of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The importance of the tour is the visit of cultural sites, and experiencing the unique traditions and culture. All these aspects are directly reflected in its people, religion, culture and the natural environment. The spotlight of this tour is a visit to the Punakha Dzong (The palace of happiness) which is majestically located at the meetings of two rivers Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female). Enjoy riding beside rivers and through a mixture of rice fields, coniferous forests and hills dotted with chortens and monasteries. You can either ride or have the option to elect to drive at various places.
From Kyoto to Kojima in The Shadow Of Mountains
A Japan small group tour spending twelve days discovering the cities, cultural and coastal highlights of this unique country. Any Japan cultural tour has to include metropolitan and historical greats such as Kyoto, but this holiday also steps off the tourist trail to visit the country’s lesser-known coastal treats such as Kojima and Yunotsu as well, reminding you that Japan is actually a collection of Islands with eclectic, exquisite landscapes, seascapes, and Eco Escapes. Using Japan’s famous railway system, including bullet trains, to travel from one place to the next, staying in traditional Ryokan and Minshuku inns and having plenty of opportunities to literally immerse yourselves in Japan’s cultural highlights, the Onsen or thermal spring baths, the itinerary reveals many layers of Japan’s history too.
Walking in Myanmar: Villages, Temples and Tribes
As Myanmar opens up to an ever-increasing number of visitors, the challenge is to continue to develop tours that offer truly authentic and memorable experiences. This is exactly what we hope to have achieved with this trip, which spends much of its time away from the main roads, preferring to focus instead on village life in the stunning Burmese countryside. Spending more days primarily on our feet, we’ll take to the hills and visit a wide variety of the ethnic peoples that make up Myanmar. Each day’s trekking may have its own set of challenges, but this is not a trip about ‘bagging peaks’, rather this is an opportunity for those who prefer a slightly more active approach to experiencing a country and are willing to put in the effort required to reach some of the country’s remote areas. However, when all is said and done, no visit would be complete without taking in the famed areas of Bagan and Lake Inle and there will be ample time to enjoy these better-known highlights too.
Classic Myanmar Adventure
Exploring the mysterious nation of Myanmar (also known as Burma) often feels like setting foot on a foreign, untouched planet. With another few travelers contend with, the natural and man-made wonders of this under-explored part of Southeast Asia often feel like they’ve been placed here just for you. And what wonders they are: Inle lake’s unique floating gardens, the staggering imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, the incomparable palaces of Mandalay, and enveloping forests throughout. Unknown pleasures await- come find them.
Great Journey Of Myanmar
Find yourself drawn in by the allure of one of Asia’s most mysterious countries on this journey into Myanmar. This 14-day tour takes in Myanmar in all its diversity, from the glistening spires of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda to visiting the floating gardens and stilted monasteries of Inle Lake and ethnic tribes, the atmospheric pagodas of the forgotten capital, Bagan, legendary Mandalay and relaxing at the famous Ngapali beach. You will wander the streets of Yangon with its faded colonial architecture and admire the hundreds of Buddhist stupas. With an impressive itinerary of 14 days, you will discover a land of cultural richness and physical beauty. You will travel from Yangon to Bagan and Mandalay to Inle Lake. It’s a lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Naga Land Adventure tour
Located on the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh, Naga land is an amazing state which presents the heterogeneous picture of diversified color, custom, tradition, languages, cuisine, and people. Popular for ‘festival of festivals’, Hornbill Festival is a huge cultural meet which presents an astonishing glimpse of culture, tradition, folk dance and folk music. Apart from that, the capital city- Kohima, was one of the highlighted towns during the Second World War, making it a great spot of historical treasures in the present day. Also, the stunning range of mountains like Naga Hills makes this land an ideal destination for trekking, hiking, and mountaineering.
Essential Myanmar In 7 Days
This 7 days tour is perfect for those who wish to see the major cities but in a very short time. This tour will introduce you to the highlights of the most famous major cities. It allows you to explore Myanmar landscape, culture, and people. Get the chance to contemplate numerous pagodas and temples, spectacular sightseeing as well as learn more about the daily lives of local people covered in the main destinations throughout the country. In this Myanmar package tour, you will discover an enchanting country filled with historic temples, unspoiled lifestyles, and friendly people.
Putao 4-Days Adventure
This four days soft adventure tour is a great introduction to the unique nature and the cultures of the Myanmar Himalayan region. Putao valley and its surroundings were closed to foreign visitors for decades and have only recently been opened. The unique flora and fauna of Myanmar attract more and more nature enthusiasts every year, but due to hard accessibility, Putao has still kept its pristine purity. You will see some interesting villages, beautiful lush nature, and a journey along the river in this remote part of Myanmar. You will travel on a boat, jeep and by foot to experience some magnificent highlights around Putao Valley.