Artistic Traditions of Thailand and Burma

Experience overview

This two-week program offers connoisseurs of elegance a brilliant overview of the aesthetic highlights of Thailand and Burma. Start with five nights in Bangkok, exploring the Grand Palace, the National Museum, the exquisite decor of Jim Thompson's house, and the gem-like Suan Pakkard Palace. The Prasart Museum is an essential stop in Bangkok for any art lover. Tour Ayuthaya, Thailand's capital for four centuries, and one of the highlights of a visit to Thailand. Fly to Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, and one of Southeast Asia's finest archaeological sites. At one time, Sukhothai was a realm of palaces, temples, and monasteries. Today, the unique sculptural style of sensual, walking Buddhas still adorns the ancient wats. From Sukhothai, drive to Chiang Mai, touring the traditional towns of Lampang and Lamphun en route. Chiang Mai is your base for exploring surrounding villages where superb silver jewelry and distinctive textiles are made. Return to Bangkok, from where you will fly to Yangon. Visit the Shwedagaon Pagoda in the evening, when Yangon's residents flock to the temple to make offerings and socialize. Fly to Bagan, one of the most awe-inspiring sites in Asia. Tour the many temples along the Irrawaddy, as well as Mt Popa, with its sweeping views. Also visit Salay, with its excellent lacquerware workshops. Travel to Mandalay, considered by many to be the center of Buddhism in Burma today. Monasteries and pagodas abound, and splendid views of the city can be enjoyed from the peak of Mandalay Hill. Spend two days touring the city and surrounding highlights such as Amarapura and Mingun. Also visit nearby craft villages famed for puppetry, silver and gold smithing, paper-making, and antique shops. This region is rich in ancient stupas, and offers a window into traditional village life in Burma. Return to Yangon, to tour the city, and the nearby village of Twante, with its excellent pottery workshops. Fly to Bangkok for a final night before your international departure.

Highlights

  • Explore Bangkok: Spend five nights in Bangkok, visiting the Grand Palace, National Museum, Jim Thompson's house, Suan Pakkard Palace, and the Prasart Museum.
  • Tour Ayuthaya and Sukhothai: Visit Ayuthaya, Thailand's former capital, and Sukhothai, an ancient archaeological site with temples and walking Buddhas.
  • Discover Chiang Mai: Drive to Chiang Mai, exploring Lampang and Lamphun on the way. Discover traditional villages known for silver jewelry and textiles.
  • Experience Yangon and Bagan: Fly to Yangon to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, then travel to Bagan to explore its temples and Mt Popa. Visit Salay for its lacquerware workshops.
  • Explore Mandalay and Surroundings: Visit Mandalay, a center of Buddhism, and tour monasteries, pagodas, and craft villages. Explore Amarapura and Mingun.
  • Return to Yangon: Return to Yangon to tour the city and Twante village, known for pottery workshops.
  • Final Night in Bangkok: Fly back to Bangkok for your final night before departing internationally.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Culinary highlights

Beach holidays

Exotic islands


Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok;
Day 2: Morning tour;
Day 3: Full day tour;
Day 4: Day at leisure;
Day 5: Day excursion to Ayuthaya;
Day 6: Fly to Phitsanulok;
Day 7: Tour Sukhothai, drive to Chiang Mai;
Day 8: Morning city tour:
Day 9: Craft village tour ;
Day 10: Fly to Yangon;
Day 11: Fly to Bagan;
Days 12-13: Full days touring Bagan, Mt. Popa, and Salay village;
Day 14: Fly to Mandalay;
Day 15: Mandalay tour;
Day 16: Fly to Yangon;
Day 17: Day trip to Twante;
Day 18: Fly to Bangkok;
Day 19: Depart Bangkok
   

Day 1
Call us
All our experiences are tailored to meet your every need.
+1 (315 ) 998 1998
Tailor-Made this tour
Icon
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on firsthand knowledge of the destionation.
Icon
Authentic Experience
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing you destination to life with care and passion.
Icon
Responsible Travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that priorities travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
It is easy to customize your Artistic Traditions of Thailand and Burma tours with us

Client Reviews: Find out what our clients have said about their experience.

Melinda & John
Nov 2016
star star star star star
Not only were we treated royally and terribly spoiled, but we felt we got a sense of the Japanese people, their history and their culture. It is a trip that we will always find joy in remembering. Thank you so much for all you did to make it such a memorable time for us.
Sarah & Evan
April 2016
star star star star star
We had no idea what a Microlight was going into our honeymoon, and seeing it when we arrived admittedly made us weak in the knees… But it ended up being the highlight of Zambia for us and we can’t imagine experiencing the magnitude of Victoria Falls any other way!
Tracy & Matt
April 12, 2016
star star star star star
It was a life changing experience and we couldn't be happier to have done it, learned so much, seen so much, and escaped from work for a couple of weeks!
Scott Eirinberg
March 2017
star star star star star
If you don't have a friend overseas, Absolute Asia is like the next best thing. We found their guides so friendly and knowledgeable, that we even traded recipes and photos with a couple of them after the trip.
Geoff & Annie
April 2018
star star star star star
Absolute Asia nailed every aspect of our trip, immersing us in the folklore and dramatic wild beauty synonymous with the magical land, while also fitting in five star luxury…
Nina Greenberg
May 2018
star star star star star
The level of service and the itinerary were all spot on. I left feeling that within a two week time period I had seen and experienced the best of Kenya!
Seth & Nicole
Oct 2018
star star star star star
The planning process was excellent. My biggest concern at the outset was a lack of deep conversation from other agencies. My expectation was that someone would take the time commensurate with the cost and Jessica did exactly that
Alfond Family
Nov 2018
star star star star star
We brought our two grandchildren, ages 12 and 14, to South Africa to fulfill a long-held dream of ours. Attention was paid by Daniela and her colleagues to every detail and every nuance of our trip, and after all of our raves, it’s inevitable that we shall have to come back with our other seven!
Nathan Battle
Dec 2018
star star star star star
Absolute Asia packed our trip with hidden secrets, insider experiences, and top notch local guides-transforming our vacation into a a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Superb!
Stefanie Rubin
Dec 2018
star star star star star
Absolute Asia has been an invaluable partner to American Jewish World Service (AJWS). AJWS has been able to provide high-end philanthropy travel to our donors because of Absolute Travel’s attention to detail, flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile to meet our needs. Thank you for helping us to elevate our program to new heights of excellence.
Kim & Heb
Dec 2018
star star star star star
Absolute Asia showed us sides of Morocco we would not have discovered on our own. Thank you for designing an unforgettable trip.
Dan & Meg
Dec 2018
star star star star star
Thank you so much for all of the help. It was a trip we’ll never forget and you made it so easy...
Lori & Bill
Dec 2018
star star star star star
I must say our 2 weeks in Asia has truly been the best experience of my life thus far! We truly appreciate you planning that for us.
Gary Fischman
Dec 2018
star star star star star
You know, when expectations are sky high, as they were for this trip, there is a very high risk of disappointment. Still, this trip exceeded our expectations. It was truly an incredible, awesome experience. Thanks again for your expertise in putting together this trip. We’ll most definitely go to Africa again in the future.
AMAZING experience. There is no way that we would’ve had the same experience if we planned this trip ourselves. Absolute Asia treated us better than we would’ve treated ourselves!
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 3247 reviews on
Tripadvisor