Myanmar Tours

After forty years, Myanmar (Burma) is suddenly opening up to the world. What once was a secondary destination for our travelers is often now a first choice for those eager to get off the beaten path and experience a completely unspoiled country in what is otherwise is a popular, well-traveled region. Our travelers who have traveled in Southeast Asia almost without exception mention Myanmar as their favorite place of all. Only a one-hour from Bangkok, yet this is one of the last places still untraveled, providing a refreshing glimpse of how life was in much of Asia decades ago.

Inle Lake

Unique trips in a very unique place: we've been organizing one-of-a-kind private custom trips in Myanmar since 1992, from classic overland tours, the first cycling tours of Myanmar, classical sightseeing, our annual Digital Photography Series, festivals, to escapes to an unforgettable honeymoon retreat nestled against the Himalayan foothills. Our newest focus is on the artist community in Yangon (see below).

Our travelers are amazed by the wonderful scenery and sights, but especially surprised by the incredible friendliness and warmth of the the people. As a primarily Buddhist country, there are many pagodas, (thousands in fact), and also many tranquil monasteries, but there is much to see beyond these religious centers, though they are the central core of life in Myanmar. Local tour manager in Yangon, Doug Graham, ensures our travelers time in country goes smoothly as possible.

Our Myanmar tours emphasize highlights such as our favorite place, Inle Lake, as well as everyday life, visiting villages, craft shops, historical old colonial buildings from the British period, famous rivers, scenic farm lands, vast forests, colorful markets, pristine beaches, a rich diversity of ethnic groups and much more.

Myanmar Art Encounter

Myanmar Art Encounter

When we began our first arts tours of Vietnam, it was a period during which artists and indeed the industry were still emerging. What few artists were scraping a living from their work were centered in Hanoi. What a difference a decade makes: Vietnam's artists are now thriving and their works have been firmly placed on the international stage. Myanmar is much like Vietnam was that early period, with a small group if artists spread widely over Yangon.

It's an exceptional time to visit, and for private encounters with these artists and gallery owners. We can arrange these visits as well as focus on the arts and impressive craftsmen in other cities, such as the renowned silversmiths in and around Mandalay. Read More on our Art Encounter Tours.

When to visit?
The most pleasant weather in Myanmar is October though March, when it is cooler at lower elevations, but our Myanmar tours can be enjoyed nearly year round, escaping to the higher, cooler elevations such as the beautiful Kalaw Highlands.

Our Myanmar Bicycing Tour

The vibrant festival season in Myanmar runs through October and November is an outstanding time to visit and worth planning your visit around, but you should plan to do so well in advance, flights and accommodations can fill up to a year in advance.

Pull up our weather chart for more information on the weather in Myanmar and throughout the region. Dispite press that seems contrary, Myanmar is a safe, welcoming place to travel.

Getting Started
Let us plan your trip to this remarkably untouched place during this special window in time when Myanmar is just opening up to the world. We can recommend when to travel, possible festivals to attend, as well as arrange your international airlines and take care of that all-too-difficult Myanmar visa.

Call us at (888) 681-0808 to begin planning or fill out our online Myanmar Tour Request Form for a comprehensive recommended itinerary for your tour in Myanmar.

Myanmar Highlights

Myanmar Tour Recommendations
No visit to Myanmar is complete without pausing, even briefly, in Yangon, Mandalay, and of course the magnificent plain of Bagan. Although most travelers visit these places, we'll ensure your time is spent adequately canvasing the highlights but the most enjoyable aspect of travel in Myanmar — the myriad of fascinating cultures and picturesque landscape that make our travelers claim the country as their all-time favorite.

Download our Myanmar Tour Catalog (pdf)

If you've enough time, we'll also recommend spending one or two days touring sublime Inle Lake, our favorite place of all in Myanmar. For longer travel, we recommend traveling overland seeing the authentic places in between, such as Monywa where one will discover the real heartland of Myanmar. Honeymooners may want to consider the ultimate escape, Putao, lounging in a resort nestled in the foothills of the Himalayans. Adventure travelers and even those who enjoy leisurely cycling should consider our bicycle tours we pioneered in the country through our adventure wing, VeloAsia, or simply adding a day or two of trekking and biking.

In general, we recommend at least eight days to tour Myanmar, and 12-14 being optimal for a classic itinerary. More adventurous trips, including overland travel through areas north of Mandalay can easily fill up to three weeks of travel in the country. For more of an overview on travel in Myanmar, please download our Myanmar Travel catalog (PDF, 889K).

Myanmar Touring Map