Published on November 29, 2017
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace complex, Bangkok Thailand. Image © Tourism Authority of Thailand.
What You’ll Get
For 12 nights and 13 days, you'll explore the serene pagodas and bustling marketplaces of Myanmar and Thailand for a trip that will nourish both your body and soul.
Highlights
When you arrive in Myanmar’s largest metropolis, you’ll get immersed in Yangon’s emerging vigor – explore the sprawling Bogyoke Aung San Market with its thousands of shops, bustling Chinatown, and the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of the country.
Next, fly off to Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archeological sites where more than 2000 temples and pagodas remain. Soak in the spiritual sustenance of Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Thabyinnyu Pagoda, and Dhammayangyi Pagoda – with a visit to the colorful Nyaung Oo Local Market in between.
From Bagan, you’ll also get to climb the summit of Mount Popa, where you can visit the shrine dedicated to the Nats (spirits) and then take in the panoramic view.
When you arrive at Mandalay, the former royal capital, you’ll get to explore the ancient city walls where the Maha Aung Myae Bon Zan and Bagara monasteries are located, and your comprehensive sightseeing tour will include the wooden Golden Palace Monastery and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which contains the world’s largest book.
You’ll find even more pagodas and monasteries in Sagaing where they dot the picturesque hilly landscape. At the nearby town of Mingun, you’ll see life along the Ayeyarwaddy River while stopping at the huge pagoda, Mingun Paya. You’ll also get to visit Inle Lake, wherein a private boat will take you to see the serene lake where you’ll find floating gardens and Buddhist temples rising above the water.
You’ll fly out of Myanmar from Yangon and head to Bangkok in Thailand, where your first morning in the teeming Thai capital begins at the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where Sampan boats filled with all kinds of produce and food will sate your senses.
Then travel to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, which boasts stunning natural beauty, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful rivers, including one of the most famous rivers in the world, the River Kwai. You’ll also get to enjoy a Muay Thai training class in a Thai Boxing Camp before heading back to Bangkok.
Thailand’s dazzling metropolis reveals serene (though tourist-laden) spots in Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in the city with the giant Reclining Buddha; Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha draws in the crowd; and the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, the symbol and ceremonial heart of the Thai kingdom.
Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar. Image courtesy of Mike Aquino.
Royal Palace, Mandalay, Myanmar. Image courtesy of Mike Aquino.
