Hidden Treasures

Take up the option of breakfast at the chic Rangoon Teahouse, then drive to the recently-opened Secretariat, perhaps best-known as the sombre location of General Aung San’s assassination, to explore the gutted interior of a colonial gem that’s long been off-limits. See social enterprise in action at the Yuwaddy Centre; YHT blue plaque conservation at the Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist; and local-led regenerated at ‘491-501 Merchant Street’, which now houses apartments, restaurants, tea shops and a hostel. Stop for lunch in one of the historic Lokanat Building’s international eateries; pop into the contemporary River Gallery; and visit the evocative Strand Hotel, along with many more of the city’s extraordinary buildings, before looking down over it all from the Independence Monument. Explore the Indian and China quarters, or relax at leisure back at your hotel.

Fly to Loikaw to visit the local monastery and nunnery, and enjoy the marvellous sunset view from Thirimingala Pagoda (Taung Kwe Zedi).

Begin your exploration of Loikaw by visiting Haw Nan Monastery, built during WWI by the Chief of Kayah, which is one of the oldest buildings in Kayah State, and still a working monastery. Leaving Loikaw behind, head to the settlement of Pan Pet, to gain insight into the life and culture of the world famous Padaung tribal community. Continue to the hamlet of Penmasong, to embark upon a moderately challenging uphill trek to Rang Ku village, as your guide repeats some of the stories shared by the community leader, and points out various edible and medicinal plants that grow here. Your reward at the summit will be a rarely photographed view of Pan Pet and its natural surrounds. Once you’ve taken it all in, set off back downhill to spend time with the locals in Rang Ku, before returning to Loikaw.

Spend a day deep in the mountain ranges south of Loikaw, and visit the remote Kayaw tribal village of Htay Ko. Take the slow drive along undulating mountain roads, stopping to take in the wild jungle scenery, before arriving in the village and heading to the community guide’s house – a local guide who can to translate the Kayaw dialect. There’s no set order of events, just a focus is on spending time with the villagers, visiting their homes and learning more about their traditional lifestyle, which could include anything from visiting the workshop of a jeweller (with the opportunity to purchase a personally engraved necklace) to discussing the meaning of life with a coffin maker. Enjoy a simple, locally sourced lunch of rice, foraged vegetables and a selection of meat, then bid farewell to the villagers and travel back to Loikaw.

Leave Loikaw by road, heading north to Phekhon to transfer to a private boat for your journey to Inle Lake. Stop en route in Sagar for an early lunch and to stretch your legs, then cross the lake to Nyaung Shwe. On the outskirts of town is your accommodation: A Little Eco Lodge. This aptly named, family-run property is committed to eco-tourism principles and was constructed entirely from locally sourced natural materials. It plays an important role in the local community, actively recruiting and training staff from nearby villages. After receiving a warm welcome, the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Take part in one of our favourite travel experiences: a cookery class treasure hunt. With a shopping list and a few basic Burmese phrases under your belt, you’ll head into the nearby village to collect instructions on what to do next from various local families, who’ll each give you the next envelope, along with tea, snacks and plenty of laughs! Having fully immersed yourself in the local community, collect a few last ingredients from the hotel’s organic vegetable gardens, then prepare the dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the afternoon head out of town to the haw (palace) of the last prince of Nyaung Shwe: a fine example of Shan architecture and a cultural museum. Continue to the picturesque Red Mountain Winery to explore the vineyard, learn about wine production in the region, and sample the wine.

Fly out early to Thandwe and transfer on to Zikhone beach and your unique accommodation: Arakan Nature Lodge. Billed as Myanmar’s ‘first true eco lodge’ it has been constructed using recycled wood and sustainable local materials and runs completely on green technologies and practice. Having checked in, the remainder of your day will be at leisure; take a leisurely stroll along the beach, soaking up the serene surroundings before dinner. Your stay at Arakan Nature Lodge can be as relaxed or active as you wish. Explore the surrounding hills on foot, cycle through the rural landscape and local villages, take a boat trip to nearby Gwa Island to snorkel in calm waters, or have a go at stand-up paddle boarding. Alternatively, you can while away the hours simply swimming in the crystal clear shallows or dozing in a hammock.

A few days at leisure

After a final hearty breakfast at Arakan Nature Lodge transfer with your local driver to Ngapali Beach, where you can unwind with a few days at leisure exploring, relaxing and laying back on those golden sands…

Your days will be at leisure to relax and reflect on your experiences.

Fly to Yangon in time to connect with your onward flight.