Destination

Bagan

For several centuries, Bagan was the capital of the eponymous Bagan kingdom, a powerful empire that first conquered and consolidated the territory of modern-day Myanmar. During this time, Bagan became a prosperous, cosmopolitan city, drawing visitors and travelers from across Southeast Asia. Additionally, over 2,000 ancient temples, stupas, and palaces were erected by the Bagan Empire - many of which still stand today, concentrated on a single plain along the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

Highlights of any trip to this city include cruises on the Irrawaddy River, long a vital artery of the region; a hike up Mount Popa, whose 4,000 foot (1,219 meter) summit is adorned with temples; and viewing the myriad temples through the morning mist.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Ananda Temple

With its stunning glided spire, the Ananda temple is nearly 1,000 years old and is famous for its four statues of different manifestations of the Buddha, corresponding to the cardinal directions. Though the original structure was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1975, the temple has been completely restored to its former glory.

Hot-Air Balloon over Bagan

A hot-air balloon ride is a perfect complement to ground touring and is arguably the single best way to take in the full splendor of Bagan’s temple-studded landscape.

Irrawaddy River Cruise

Board a simple, private boat and cruise up the Irrawaddy River, a scenic stretch with vestiges of bucolic Burmese life on the riverbanks. Stop at Sae Lan, one of the riverside villages where the residents’ main source of livelihood is farming and fishing.

Kubyaukkyi Temple

Dating back to 1113. Kubyaukkyi Temple is best known as the home of the Myazedi Stone, also known as “Burma’s Rosetta Stone.” Discovered in 1887, the stone contains inscriptions in the four 12th-century languages – Burman, Mon, Pali, and Pyu – and allowed the translation of the latter for the first time ever.

Mount Popa

Visit Mt. Popa, a soaring volcanic peak dramatically crowned with gold stupas, monasteries and shrines believed to be the abode of the powerful nats, or animist spirits. The devout worship of these animist spirits coexists with Buddhism, and Buddha is considered the greatest of the 37 nats. Mt. Popa is an important destination for pilgrims, who must remove their shoes before climbing the 777 steps to the summit rising almost 4,000 feet above the desert.

Nyaung-U Market and Private Cooking Class

Visit Bagan’s vibrant Nyaung-U market, where a wide range of exotic fruits, vegetables, fish, and more are sold. Select ingredients and then proceed to one of Bagan's best restaurants, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy, for a private cooking class where you'll learn how to prepare traditional Burmese dishes.

Shwezigon Temple

One of the oldest pagodas in Bagan, Shwezigon was built as a center of prayer and reflection for the new Theravada faith, established here in the 11th century. It encompasses three tiered terraces, with four 12-foot high bronze Buddhas surrounding the terrace stairs, and includes replicas of Buddha’s footprints.

Myanmar Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Bagan Itineraries

All Itineraries

Multi Country

Intrepid

Classic Myanmar

Take a 10-day journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious countries: Myanmar. You’ll discover the charming nation’s most adored destinations, flying in a hot-air balloon over Bagan’s temple-studded plains, observe expert leg-rowers at Inle Lake, circumambulate gilded temples, and get to know the people and their livelihoods.

Interest Architecture

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $7,400

See Itinerary

A Journey Through the Sacred Sites of Myanmar

Experience the heart of both Buddhism and Myanmar’s enriching heritage on this 12-day expedition across the country, whether you are witnessing a breathtaking sunset at the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, marveling over the carvings decorating the walls of the Kawgun Cave, or discovering enlightened Buddhist meditation practices at the Pha Auk Forest Monastery.

Interest Spirituality

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Price Per Person: From $9,900

See Itinerary

Ancient Bagan to Hedonistic Ngapali

Experience mysterious Myanmar from top to bottom on this thrilling 14-day journey through its hotspots. You’ll take in the temples of ancient Bagan, interact with locals at a local silk weaving factory, and cruise down the calm waters of Inle Lake, all the while spending your nights in some of Myanmar’s best hotels.

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $10,200

See Itinerary

Cultural Highlights and Himalayan Foothills

Explore Myanmar’s great outdoors on this exhilarating 14-day adventure. You’ll make friends with local villagers, check out Bagan’s 2,000 temples, cruise down the legendary Inle Lake, raft the exciting Malikha river, and stay in some of Myanmar’s most luxurious hotels, like the iconic Governor’s Residence.

Interests Amazing Landscapes, Heritage

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,700

See Itinerary

Exploring the Tattooed Tribes of Chin State

This 6-day luxury Myanmar adventure will take you to remote ethnic villages in the Northwest of the country. Make friends with members of the Mon Chin, Dai Chin and Magan Chin tribes, whose female members have intricate facial tattoos. You’ll trek alongside scenic rivers and farms, and stay in luxury hotels.

Interest Tribal

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Price Per Person: From $3,500

See Itinerary

Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Interests Heritage, Architecture

Destinations Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $93,100

See Itinerary

Mountains & Tribes of Myanmar's Chin State

Leave the hustle and bustle behind: in Western Myanmar's Chin State, one of the least-developed areas of the world, you’ll come face-to-face with traditional tribal culture and pristine and untouched natural landscapes, from rivers to waterfalls to the incredible Mount Victoria.

Interest Tribal

Destination Myanmar

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Price Per Person: From $3,600

See Itinerary

Anavila Bagan

Bagan, Myanmar

Anavila Bagan is a five-star property comprised of seven exclusive villas, designed to reflect Bagan's UNESCO-accredited heritage. Each of the riverside villas and residences are unique in interior and space, with chosen decor showcasing Burmese and wider Asian cultures, and antique pieces set against a contemporary aesthetic. All accommodations include panoramic windows as well as a private veranda and/or roof terrace, which look out over the treetops to the temples and river nearby. Hotel facilities include an outdoor infinity-style saltwater swimming pool with a bar, The Clubhouse restaurant and a traditional Burmese teak house, where guests can see local craftspeople at work and learn about Burmese cooking.

See Hotel

Aureum Palace Hotel

Bagan, Myanmar

Set back in 27 acres of lush, tropical gardens, The Aureum Palace Hotel is a tranquil retreat in the heart of Bagan. Spacious villas lace the resort’s expansive gardens and are lavishly appointed with hand-crafted teak furnishings, antiques and local artifacts. Dining options are extensive. For traditional Myanmar and Thai cuisine, visit The Shan, or for Italian cuisine and wines, dine at Casa D’Enzo. Casual cocktails and lighter fare are available at the resort’s many outdoor patios and cafes and poolside dining is available throughout the day. The Spa at the Aureum Palace offers aromatherapy treatments and massage by appointment. There is a swimming pool and fitness center, as well as a business center for Internet access.

See Hotel

Road to Mandalay

Bagan, Myanmar

The Road to Mandalay cruisers offers the opportunity to explore Myanmar in style, aboard a beautiful, sumptuous, floating accommodation. Spend three to 11 nights aboard the Road To Mandalay and experience the treasures of the Ayeyarwady River. This boat offers spacious, airy en-suite cabins, tastefully designed with guests’ comfort in mind. Breakfast is available in the room, while full buffet lunches and exquisite international dinners are served each day in the restaurant with delicious wine pairing options, to add a splash of indulgence. What’s more, there are talks from well-heeled guides and the chance to explore the stunning landscape of Myanmar, not to mention daily entertainment from resident and guest musicians and dancers. There is a well-equipped gym and fitness area while less active guests can relax with a drink on the observation deck or take a dip in the pool to unwind as the world sails by. This is one of the best ways to travel Myanmar.

See Hotel

Sanctuary Ananda

Bagan, Myanmar

The Sanctuary Ananda seeks to truly cater to guests’ every need whilst delivering gorgeous, uninterrupted views of the stunning Burmese scenery, in tastefully decorated, elegant surroundings. A choice of 20 cabins, all of which face outwards with a balcony, are all equipped with air conditioning and WiFi, with en-suite bathrooms featuring top quality toiletries. Guests can enjoy local and international cuisine, buffet and a la carte, al fresco or in the Talifoo restaurant; drinks can be enjoyed in the lounge or out on the deck at sunset. There are activities to suit all tastes, from sunrise yoga and swimming on the deck, body maintenance in the gym and lectures and demonstrations about local culture and history in the lounge, to complement the daily excursions into Myanmar. What’s more, Thambyadine spa offers all manner of pampering and treatments. Travelers will be mesmerized by the temples and pagodas of Myanmar aboard this floating palace.

See Hotel

Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel

Bagan, Myanmar

Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel is a grand property situated on the banks of the evocative Irrawaddy River, in the ancient city of Bagan. This charming, classically decorated hotel was originally established thirty years ago by the Myanmar government, and the property is now under Japanese management. The hotel has since undergone extensive renovation, upgrading and expansion. Set in a beautiful riverfront location, amongst 24 acres of well-landscaped gardens, this hotel is a truly luxurious sanctuary. The Resort has been host to international political and business leaders and celebrities, and is considered to be Bagan’s foremost hotel. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed. Every room is thoughtfully decorated in a traditional Myanmar style using local materials and teak wood. The hotel boasts superlative cuisine, a spa, a lounge bar, a coffee shop, Jaccuzzi and the biggest outdoor pool and sundeck in the area. A choice collection of Myanmar souvenirs is offered at “The Thiripyitsaya Boutique," located next to the Reception. Hand-woven lotus fabric, antique lacquer ware, originally designed jewellery, photographs and artwork, handicraft, silverware, longyi, books and postcards, as well as film, sunblock, bathing suits and other practical goods are available.

Multi-Country Specialists

Myanmar Goes Well With

Cambodia

Laos

Vietnam

Thailand

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Trekking the Shan Hills with the Palaung People of Northern Myanmar

Author: Elisha Donkin

A trek through the Shan Hills of Myanmar leads to incredible scenery, historical perspective, and a deep, abiding understanding of the Palaung of Northern Myanmar.

Read Article

The Jews of Yangon: A Look at Myanmar’s Smallest Religion

Author: Ronan O'Connell

The Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue serves a small, tight-knit community of 20, but the story and heritage of this site draws travelers from around the globe.

Read Article

Four Luxe Riverboat Cruises in Myanmar

Author: Jim Algie

Myanmar riverboats have been traveling the Irawaddy since Burma's colonial days, and these four are the premier luxury options for discerning travelers.

Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

Clate and Philip, Greenwich CT

Remote Lands certainly adds an amount of comfort and ease that cannot be rivaled in terms of transitioning locations and feeling safe. They definitely know where to send the traveler.

Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia