Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

This 9-day journey visits two of Myanmar’s most captivating locations - the ancient city of Mrauk U and the idyllic coastal getaway of Ngapali Beach. You begin in Sittwe, on the Bay of Bengal, where you’ll cruise along the Kaladan River to the ruins and relics of Mrauk U. After exploring the fascinating history of this ancient kingdom via its centuries-old temples, palaces and pagodas, you’ll make your way to the beautiful Ngapali Beach. Here, you can kick off your shoes for a few days and enjoy a lazy beach lifestyle on the Bay of Bengal. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Cruise to Mrauk U: Take a boat down the Kaladan River to Mrauk U, the one-time capital of the 15th century Mrauk U Kingdom, where travelers will spot fishing villages and temple spires along the way and later visit the "Temple of 80,000 Buddha Images."
  • Chin Villages: Travel down the Lay Myo River and visit with Chin women who have had their faces tattooed in the traditional style.
  • Ngapali Beach: Relax on the palm-fringed sands of the Bay of Bengal at one of Myanmar’s lesser known beach destinations.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Yangon

You’ll begin your 9-day luxury Myanmar itinerary in the capital, Yangon. After being escorted from the airport to your hotel by your guide, you have the evening free to spend at your leisure. Yangon has some fantastic historic hotels. In the afternoon, consider visiting the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s must-see sites.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set in a historic 1920s colonial mansion in the sought-after Embassy Quarter of Yangon

Pool: Large fan-shaped swimming pool framed by lush tropical gardens and a lotus pond

Decor: Rooms and suites are adorned with traditional Burmese teak furniture and hand-woven Southeast Asian fabrics

Bathrooms: En-suite bathrooms have large sunken bathtubs and indulgent toiletries

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Governor's Residence Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

A Cultural Stronghold: With its stately, British-inspired architecture, glittering Buddhist pagodas, colorful markets, parks, lakes, and long riverfront, Yangon is a vibrant cityscape that’s ripe for exploration. Rosewood Yangon is an ideal starting point for those looking to tour the nearby markets, art galleries, bars, restaurants and historic sites.

Wellness at Your Fingertips: Sense: the Rosewood Spa, is second-to-none in the city of Yangon when it comes to its menu of massages paired with natural ingredients and several locally-inspired healing treatments. A private hair salon is also on site.

A Refined Sense of Aesthetics: Living spaces and facilities at Rosewood Yangon are well-appointed with touches like lavish furnishings, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Stimulating contemporary art pieces adorn the walls alongside tasteful glass shelving units.

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Rosewood Yangon Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Strand is located on the Yangon River in the heart of the shopping and diplomatic district of the city

History: Built in 1901, The Strand is Myanmar's most famous hotel, patronized by prominent 20th century figures.

Service: Butlers work 24/7 to ensure guests have everything they need.

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The Strand Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Sittwe

This morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to the coastal city of Sittwe, arriving in the early afternoon. Here you’ll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour, including a visit to Rakhine State Cultural Museum with its Rakhine-style Buddha statues and relics from the Mrauk U historic period. You’ll also see the stunning Payagyi Temple and tour the city’s various mosques. At sunset, you’ll enjoy the best views in the city at a place called “the point”, a platform overlooking the mouth of the Kaladan River where it merges with the sea. Check into your hotel in Sittwe for the night.

Hotel Options
About

A contemporary hotel with modern comforts, Hotel Memory Sittwe is Hotel Memory Sittwe offers a pleasant and convenient stay in Sittwe. Clean rooms are furnished with double or twin beds, ample luggage space, and Burmese red wood furniture, mini fridge, electric kettle, and ensuite bathrooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 3

Mrauk U

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking upon a luxury cruise up Kaladan River to Mrauk U, the exotic one-time capital of the powerful Mrauk U Kingdom. The journey takes a leisurely six hours, and along the way, you’ll pass through quiet scenery and sleepy fishing villages, spotting golden spires piercing the treeline here and there. In Mrauk U, you’ll check into your hotel, and then enjoy a half-day tour of this 15th-century kingdom, visiting the Shittaung Pagoda, the Andaw Pagoda, and the Dukkanthein ordination hall - all remarkable examples of ancient architecture. For sunset vistas, you’ll head to Haritaung Pagoda hill, where you can enjoy amazing views over the city. In Mrauk U, we recommend staying at the Mrauk Oo Princess, a luxurious resort built in traditional Rakhine style.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This peaceful property is nestled amid rice paddies against a backdrop of mountain ranges.

History: The village-style guest rooms reflect the heritage and culture of the Rakhine people.

Service: Traditional Myanmar hospitality coupled with five-star amenities provide a superior travel experience.

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Mrauk Oo Princess Preferred Hotel
Mrauk U
Mrauk U

Day 4

Mrauk U

Today you’ll see more of Mrauk U’s fascinating historic sites, exploring the ruins of Ko Thaung - an ancient palace where the remains of walls and stone carvings can still be seen. You’ll also visit Mahabandola Monastery, home to a collection of bronze and Rakhine-style Buddhas, as well as the “plate pagoda” - Laungbankpyauk Pagoda - so-named after the colorful tiles that line its front wall. Today you’ll also have the chance to visit some local Rakhine villages and see their traditional wooden houses. At sundown, you’ll head to top of Shwetaung Hill - the perfect vantage point for viewing the city as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. Return to your hotel in Mrauk U for the night.

Day 5

Mrauk U

Today you’ll visit a few different Chin villages, a 2.5-hour cruise away along the Lay Myo River. The are some 50 Chin villages in the southern Rakhine region, maintaining a distinct culture and traditional lifestyle. Today, you can meet the infamous tattooed-face Chin ladies and visit local weavers keeping this ancient tradition flourishing. After arriving back in Mrauk U via boat, you have the rest of the day free to spend at your leisure. The city is a trove of architectural relics, and there are plenty of temples, pagodas and even colonial ruins to discover.

Mrauk U
Mrauk U

Day 6

Ngapali

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel, then travel back to Sittwe by luxury boat. Sit on the deck and watch the scenery change as you draw nearer to the Bay of Bengal. In Sittwe, you have time to explore the main market to watch local fisher families and farmers ply their wares, before making your way to the airport to take the short flight to Thandwe. On the ground, you’ll be transferred to your resort in Ngapali Beach, a long stretch of golden sand fringed by palm trees and clear blue waters. 

Hotel Options
About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This sumptuous resort is shaded by coconut palms on the relatively un-spoilt sands of Ngapali beach. The 50 spacious villas and cottages set on six acres of land look across over tropical gardens to the glistening Bay of Bengal.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Ngapali

For the final days of your journey, enjoy free time on the beach. Ngapali Beach offers the type of tranquility that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find in Southeast Asia, and most guests here relish the opportunity to simply relax.

Ngapali
Ngapali

Day 8

Ngapali

Enjoy more beach leisure time today. Alternatively, for those seeking activity, the Bay of Bengal offers sailing, snorkeling and fishing, you can take a tour of nearby villages with a private guide, there are mangroves to explore, and there’s golf. If desired, we can help organize a romantic dinner on the beach.

Day 9

Departure

Today is the last day of your Myanmar journey, so be extra good to yourself. At your resort, you can also indulge in spa therapies, enjoy cocktails by the pool You’ll be transferred to the airport where you’ll catch your departing flight to Yangon.

Suggested Hotels For Day 1

Governor's Residence
Preferred Hotel

Governor's Residence

Located in a lotus garden not far from the Shwedagon Pagoda is The Governor's Residence. Once a governor's mansion, it has since been converted in to a 49-room hotel, a 30-minute drive from Yangon airport (RGN). Located in the hotel are two restaurants; the Mandalay Restaurant serves Asian and European cuisine and the Mindon Lounge is a comfortable spot to sit indoors overlooking the garden, or outdoors, and enjoy a refreshment. While there is a swimming pool and massage treatments are offered, there is no spa. The Governor’s Residence has a fitness center and WiFi is available anywhere on hotel grounds, in addition to having a business center for Internet and email access.

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Rosewood Yangon
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Yangon

The Rosewood Yangon's historic building on Stand Lane was originally built in 1927 as the New Law Courts, and in partnership with the Yangon Heritage Trust, it has been carefully restored it from the inside out to preserve its Burmese spirit and the grandeur of its past. The property offers 209 spacious rooms and suites with classic décor and high ceilings. There are five distinct dining venues including a residential-style tea lounge and patisserie, a modern Chinese restaurant, a convivial bistro, an intimate bar and cigar lounge, plus a panoramic rooftop bar boasting sweeping views of the city and the Yangon River.  Accommodations at Rosewood Yangon include a variety of room and suite types, all of which are elegantly appointed and feature touches like Juliet balconies, sun terraces, french doors, garden spaces, and more. Recreational options include Sense: A Rosewood Spa, a rooftop infinity pool and a fitness studio.  Meeting and function facilities include a ballroom, bridal suite, function salon, three meeting rooms and an outdoor deck.

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The Strand
Preferred Hotel

The Strand

This elegant 32-room colonial palace, built at the height of the British rule in Burma, is reminiscent of the romantic era of Graham Greene and W. Somerset Maugham. It remains an oasis of tranquility in an ever-changing and bustling Rangoon. The Strand was previously part of the Aman group, and is still of Aman caliber in its splendid suites, delicious food and superb service. It is now a part of the GHM Group, which is an Aman affiliate. The hotel offers two dining options, The Strand Café, which features Burmese cuisine, and The Strand Grill, which is said to be one of Yangon’s finest dining venues. A business center is available for Internet and email access with professional secretarial services. The hotel has The Strand Boutique for shopping and The Strand Spa Suite for spa treatments. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Yangon International Airport (RGN).

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Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Hotel Memory Sittwe

Hotel Memory Sittwe

A contemporary hotel with modern comforts, Hotel Memory Sittwe is Hotel Memory Sittwe offers a pleasant and convenient stay in Sittwe. Clean rooms are furnished with double or twin beds, ample luggage space, and Burmese red wood furniture, mini fridge, electric kettle, and ensuite bathrooms. Hotel facilities and amenities include a 24-hour front desk and room service, in-house restaurant and bar, bikes for hire, and complimentary wifi throughout the property. The hotel is approximately 3.5 miles from Sittwe airport.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–5

Mrauk Oo Princess
Preferred Hotel

Mrauk Oo Princess

This hotel has previously been described as one of Burma’s best kept secrets. The Mrauk Oo Princess superbly balances luxury and unpretentiousness. Situated on the banks of Mrauk Oo River, the hotel is surrounded by magnificent views of the blue mountain ranges, green rice fields and large pools punctuated with pink lotuses. The structural inspiration for the property was taken from the traditions and culture of the local Rakhine people. The hotel is laid out in the style of a traditional Rakhine village; each house boasts an eye-catching thatched, monastery-style, 7-tier roof. From the well-appointed spacious rooms, guest can look out from their own veranda to romantic views of the rice paddies, ponds and river. Rooms are furnished with traditional Burmese furnishings made from rich teak and other woods. The large bathrooms have his and her’s sinks and a separate bath and shower. The restaurant serves traditional Rakhine, European and vegetarian cuisine, and private candle light dinners are also available on request. The hotel has a delightful bar with an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. Those wishing to relax and indulge may head to the spa, which offers a range of treatments, using local aromatic and healing herbs. The hotel also offers guest the chance to try something different with their wood or stone carving lessons with local artisans.

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Suggested Hotels For Days 6–8

Amazing Resort

Amazing Resort

Amazing Resort is located on a prime stretch of Ngapali Beach. All villas in each of the three room categories (24 Deluxe Seaview villas, 10 Suite villas and three Amazing Suite villas) come with air conditioning, private baths with hot and cold showers, international direct dial (IDD) phones, satellite TV, a private verandah, and other standard in-room amenities. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, the Spa Thukha, a 9-hole golf course located five minutes by car from the resort, bicycles for rent, and more. Dining options include all-day dining at Zee Phyu Gone, where the focus of their Burmese and international cuisine alike is on fresh local ingredients, including seafood from local fishermen. Bar El Mar, meanwhile, offers panoramic views out over the Bay of Bengal. The Amazing Resort is just a five-minute drive from Thandwe (Sandoway) Airport, which itself is about a 55-minute flight from Yangon (RGN).

Sandoway Resort

Sandoway Resort

This sumptuous resort is shaded by coconut palms on the relatively un-spoilt sands of Ngapali beach. The 50 spacious villas and cottages set on six acres of land look across over tropical gardens to the glistening Bay of Bengal. This resort, designed in traditional South East Asian style, offers an idyllic escape from other, more bustling parts of the country. The stunning rooms do not have televisions or telephones to ensure complete relaxation. Built using local materials, various kinds of hard wood, stone carving and marble, guests will feel as though they are residing in a Burmese coastal palace. The resort even has its own cinema with comfortable seating, as well as a piano lounge bar and tranquil library. The onsite restaurant serves up delicious Italian, traditional Burmese and international cuisine and fresh seafood in an open-air veranda. Local activities include sailing, golf, fishing trips, boat excursions, snorkeling, cycling and sightseeing in the local town.

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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.

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