Ever felt like a true explorer? Rare is the 21st-century destination that can grant travelers a genuine feeling of revelation and discovery. But Myanmar is no ordinary place. A journey here is the very definition of time travel. Like opening a creaky door to an ancient and mysterious realm long concealed from the outside world. Unspoiled, utterly authentic and home to some of the most welcoming people on earth. We've been enamored by Myanmar for nearly 20 years and find it as magical now as we did the first time. Join us - before it finds its way onto the tourist map.
Day 1 Witness firsthand the exciting changes unfolding in Myanmar
Saunter through an eclectic mixture of historic architecture in colorful Yangon, from stately British colonial structures to ancient Asian merchant houses to the stunning 6th-century Shwedagon Pagoda Soak up the age-old ambience of this Buddhist temple, the nation's most sacred religious structure, as you join a monk for an evening candle-lighting tradition.
Days 2-3 Delve into an ancient era, strolling amid some 2,000 pagodas and temples in Bagan,
a place that will become an instant favorite for many visitors After exploring two of the grandest temples with a local archaeologist, hop aboard a horse-drawn cart and travel to a remote site for a marvelous sunset viewing Compared to the ruins of Angkor and Chichen Itza, the site of Bagan will feel wild and undiscovered Cruise by traditional boat down the Irrawaddy River to the 19th century wooden monastery of Salay.
Days 4-5 Feel welcomed by our local friends, who are proud to introduce you to their culture as Myanmar finally engages the world
Journey to the golden spires of holy Mount Popa - an extinct volcano - where powerful animistic spirits (known as nats) are said to dwell 
Feeling energetic? As macaque monkeys scamper nearby, join local Burmese on pilgrimage to the summit, tackling the steep climb up nearly 800 steps.
Days 6-8 Marvel at centuries-old pagodas, floating gardens and communities built on stilts upon beautiful Inle Lake
Discover markets and spiritual enclaves in the untouched mountains and valleys of the Shan State Venture into a cave containing a collection of Buddha statues and shrines, and savor some of the best noodles you've ever tasted at a remote mountain monastery Heavenly Inle Lake is a delight to explore by boat Visit silk weavers, silversmiths and a private home, each perched in the middle of the lake atop fixed platforms.
Trip Highlights
- Witness firsthand the exciting changes unfolding in Myanmar
- Delve into an ancient era, strolling amid some 2,000 pagodas and temples in Bagan
- Get to know our local friends, who are proud to introduce you to their culture
- Marvel at centuries-old pagodas, floating gardens and villages built on stilts upon beautiful Inle Lake
- Seize the opportunity! Explore Myanmar while it's still largely undiscovered by outsiders
Casual Inns
Governor's Residence (1 night): Step back in time and into the golden age of travel at this romantic Colonial-style mansion featuring broad verandas and tropical gardens with lotus pools.
Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (2 nights): Beautiful gardens, sweeping vistas and picture-perfect sunsets are yours to enjoy at this hotel on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. (pool)
Popa Mountain Resort (1 night): Set on a steep volcanic flank amid natural springs, exotic flowers and lush hills, this simple hotel offers a warm welcome.
Amara Mountain Resort Kalaw (1 night): Simple accommodations located in a historic Colonial home in this small mountain town, once a British hill station.
Inle Princess Resort (2 nights): Enjoy lake views from the comfort of your traditional wooden chalet, perched on stilts along the shore of Inle Lake in the Shan hills.
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/16-23 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1320 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
- 12/25-1/1 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1320 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/12-19 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $980 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $510
- 2/17-24 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $980 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $510
- 3/7-14 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $980 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $510
- 3/25-4/1 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $980 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $510
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
After 15 years of traveling through most of Asia, Burma is still my favorite travel experience. Why? It has such a deep and complex history and fascinating culture, yet remains so unknown to most of us. Because of that, every interaction - from visiting ancient ruins to having tea with a local - is revelatory. And for now, at least, it remains its own place. And the people are wonderfully hospitable, too!- Regional Manager for Asia