Glide over the temples and stupas (shrines) of Bagan in an early morning hot-air balloon flight, an unforgettable spectacle. Weave through Bangkok, "the Venice of the East," on its many klongs (canals). Design Your DaySM in Yangon to discover Myanmar's Buddhist history or search for gems, jade and clothing on a shopping excursion.

Day 2: Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia, distinctly modern while keeping its Eastern flavor. It has been called the "Venice of the East" for its system of canals, or klongs, traversed by distinctive long-tailed boats. The city is divided into two parts by the Chao Phraya River, with Bangkok proper on the east side and Thonburi on the west. Your hotel is ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok
Explore Bangkok by boat, stopping at the magnificent Grand Palace, a complex of brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics dating back to 1782, when the city was founded. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Nearby is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Constructed at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, this splendid example of Thai aesthetics and religious architecture houses Thailand's most venerated image, the Emerald Buddha, made of green jade or jasper. Tonight, join fellow travellers for cocktails and a welcome dinner.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B L D

Day 4: Bangkok/Yangon, Myanmar/Heho
Depart Thailand for Myanmar, a profoundly Buddhist country that has kept many of its ancient traditions. Your journey starts in Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. The freshwater lake is set in the mountains of Myanmar's Shan State and is the second largest lake in Myanmar. It is also one of the highest in altitude. On arrival, travel by boat to your hotel.
Inle Princess Resort B L D

Day 5: Heho
Begin your day with a private cruise on Inle Lake and a visit to Phaung Dao U Pagoda. Next, admire the beautiful floating gardens that are typical of Heho. Afterward, watch the skills of local silk weavers at the Mya Set Kyar Ikat silk weaving factory. End your day at Ngaphechaung Monastery.
Inle Princess Resort B L D

Day 6: Heho/Mandalay
Fly to Mandalay, the country's major commercial center. Board the newly renovated 'Road to Mandalay' for lunch before exploring Mandalay's treasures, including Mandalay Hill, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda.
MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Day 7: Mandalay/Bagan
After a tour of Sagaing, continue along the Ayeyarwady River aboard your river cruiser, en route to Bagan, the 11th-century capital of the country and one of Asia's most extraordinary travel experiences.
MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Day 8: Bagan
More than 2,000 pagodas, temples and stupas (memorials commemorating Buddha or a Buddhist saint) cover the plains of Bagan, a treasure trove of Buddhist art history. Spend a full day exploring these incomparable treasures, returning for lunch on board between guided trips. Highlights include a visit to the 11th-century Ananda Temple, the best-preserved temple in Bagan, with four massive golden statues of Buddha and delicate murals depicting Burmese life from the 11th through the 13th centuries.
MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Day 9: Bagan/Mount Popa/Bagan
Disembark and drive to Mount Popa, a dormant volcano. The Buddhist monastery at its summit makes it a popular pilgrimage site. Local superstition holds that wearing red or black on Mount Popa angers the mountain nats, or spirits. Return to Bagan this evening.
Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort or Aureum Palace Hotel B L D

Day 10: Bagan/Yangon
Take an early morning balloon ride over Bagan, watching the sun illuminate the gold and sand-colored stupas that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Then fly to Yangon, a handsome city where contemporary and colonial Myanmar continue to co-exist decades after British departure. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, a fantasy of golden stupas, serene Buddhas and mythical beasts. Continue your visit to the third-century BC Sule Pagoda.
The Strand B L D

Day 11: Yangon
This morning, visit Bago. In the afternoon, Design Your Day with the activity of your choice from the below. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
Design Your Day - Yangon: Stroll with a guide through Scott Market to shop for gems, jade or clothing or discover more of Myanmar's Buddhist heritage at the Reclining Buddha, the National Museum and Botataung Pagoda.
The Strand B L D

Day 12: Yangon/Bangkok
An early afternoon flight takes you to Bangkok, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B

Day 13: Bangkok/USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
B

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