Example Itinerary

Gems & Dolphins in Central Myanmar

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Myanmar

The center of Myanmar (Burma) combines the best of lush wildlife, exciting industries and diverse history, all waiting to be discovered on this exciting journey. This compact seven-day adventure itinerary takes visitors from the former British outpost of Pyin Oo Lwin and the local gem mining areas, to the Ayeyarwady river to meet the iconic Irrawaddy dolphins and enjoy a memorable two-night cruise. 

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

  • Mining in Mogok: For centuries, the world’s finest rubies have come from Mogok in northern Myanmar, and today travelers can tour the mines, visit with miners, and visit the central gem market in the city.
  • Ayeyarwady Cruise: A private boat on Myanmar’s most famous waterway, where travelers can take in the scenery from the comfort of sleeping cabins.
  • Freshwater Dolphins: One of the rarest of all freshwater cetaceans, the Ayeyarwady River’s dolphins can be experienced from the Kyauk Myaung village and Ngwe Nyein village, where fishermen use these friendly creatures to help their catch.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Pyin Oo Lwin

Arrive at Mandalay international airport and head two hours east to Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British military outpost located in the Shan Highland. Spend the afternoon exploring this picturesque town: visit former British stations; enjoy a local botanical garden; and take a pony cart around the forested outskirts.

Hotel Options
About

A beautiful colonial-style red and white lodge positioned atop a hill, this renovated hill station is a quaint retreat. The renovated series of lodges are nestled in among the trees.

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 2

Mogok

On the second day, head two hours north to Mogok, a city renowned for its mining and gemstones. Check in to the comfortable three-star Golden Butterfly Hotel and then visit the central gem market in the city - perhaps picking up a few precious finds. Spend the evening enjoying a sunset and panoramic views from Padamya Pagoda, an incredible monument that sits high above the city, or taking a dip in the hotel pool.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the heart of Mogok, a land celebrated for its abundance of rubies and a short distance from the famed Three Pagodas Village, the Golden Butterfly Hotel welcomes guests of business and pleasure alike. The hotel's 24 rooms and individual bungalows are spacious and offer stunning views of the valley.

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.

Mogok
Mogok

Day 3

Mogok

Today you’ll visit the mines to learn about the exciting gemstone industry. On the drive out of town, you’ll stop at the gem market once again, and then visit Kyat Pyin to see how it all works. Tour the mines and meet the miners themselves - perhaps you’ll even get to see them find some rubies! On the way home, you’ll stop at another gems market to see how the selection varies.

Day 4

Ayeyarwady River

Today, you’ll head out on an exciting cruise down the Ayeyarwady river. Enjoy the beautiful landscape on the four-hour drive to the river, then sit back and relax as you float down the Ayeyarwady valley. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board before we stop near Kyauk Myaung Village for the night, as the boat calmly rocks you to sleep under a star-blanketed sky.

Hotel Options
About

Explore the Irrawaddy River and the villages along its banks on a private live-aboard boat. The country’s largest river is a very important commercially, used for trade and transport as early as the sixth century.

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.

Ayeyarwady River
Ayeyarwady River

Day 5

Ayeyarwady River

After breakfast, your dolphin excursion will begin with visits to a local fisherman village, Kyauk Myaung village and Ngwe Nyein village to learn how fishermen interact with dolphins and use them to help with fishing. Get up-close and personal with these friendly animals - and perhaps watch as they help with that day’s catch! After the exciting day, you’ll spend another night on board.

Day 6

Mandalay

On the final day of your excursion, you’ll cruise down to Mingun, famous for its unfinished monument, the Mingun Pahtodawgyi - unfinished, the story goes, because an astrologer once said if the monument was completed, the King would die. Afterward, enjoy a final lunch on the boat before disembarking in Mandalay.

Hotel Options
About

With 206 guest rooms and suites featuring beautiful views of the Irrawaddy River and the Royal Palace, the Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel is a comfortable retreat located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Amenities include a fitness center, two tennis courts, a swimming pool, massage services as well as a number of dining options to choose from.

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

Being a boutique property this hotel prides itself on its high standards of Myanmar grace and hospitality. The hotel is a celebration of all things Myanmar, featuring teak furniture, fixtures and fittings made from rattan, mother-of-pearl and Myanmar marble.

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.

Mandalay
Mandalay

Day 7

Departure

Transfer to Mandalay airport for your flight onward.

Why Remote Lands?

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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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