Myanmar — known formerly as Burma — is an enigma to most Western travelers. Until very recently this relatively large, politically socialist and profoundly Buddhist country had voluntarily shut itself off from the rest of the world. Then slowly, cautiously, the doors began to open. Because entry was restricted for so long, Myanmar is still largely unspoiled by modern influences and retains much of its Old World charm. Buddhist shrines abound everywhere in this country. You will discover a people who are spiritual, compassionate and soft-spoken living in a land of both abundance and poverty. Through its arts, crafts, history, cuisine, and amazing sights, you’ll come to appreciate much about this beautiful and mysterious land. This is a special opportunity to visit an extraordinary place.
The centerpiece of our journey to Myanmar is a 3-night cruise aboard the Orient-Express ROAD TO MANDALAY. Setting the standard for today's excellence in travel, Orient-Express offers an elegant sophisticated way to explore the most remote areas of Myanmar. This is an indispensable part of our journey.

Day 1 -- BANGKOK - YANGON

Fly from Bangkok to Yangon. (Flight departs about 8:00am)

Arrival at Yangon airport in the morning. Transfer to hotel. Lunch at Green Elephant Restaurant.  In the afternoon, drive through the colonial style buildings downtown, the Chinatown area and the Indian quarter. Visit Sule Pagoda with its golden chedi, which makes a useful landmark in downtown Yangon. Stop alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to take photographs over the lake towards Shwedagon. Enjoy the sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, famous world wide - its golden stupa is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offerings at Shwedagon, and it's a fascinating place to spend time watching the world go by. Dinner and accommodation at The Governor's Palace.

Day 2 -- YANGON
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, drive to China town and walk through 17^th and 18^th street to see the vegetable and fish/meat market. Walk up one of the small side streets and see old Chinese buildings with its wooden stair cases. Have a look at one of the houses and see how Chinese noodles and Dimsum are produced. Continue to walk to Indian town and visit the Indian market, where all kind of spices are sold. Continue; visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see a huge reclining Buddha image.  Enjoy lunch at Monsoon Restaurant.

Afterwards, a stop at Bogyoke (Scott) Market gives you the opportunity to see Myanmar's wide range of handicrafts. Also visit the adjoining FMI center. Later, take a walk along Yangon River to see the busy harbour area, from where ferries leave for Pathein in the Delta and for upcountry towns along the Ayeyarwady River. Continue, drive to Botathaung Pagoda, located close to Yangon River and said to contain Buddha relics.  Enjoy Sunset at Botathaung Pagoda. Dinner at Le Planteur restaurant and accommodation at The Governor's Palace.

Day 3 -- YANGON - HEHO - INLE LAKE
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, transfers to Yangon airport for domestic flight to Bagan (approx: 0645/0900 hours – via Bagan). Transfer from Heho airport down into the valley to Nyaungshwe on the edge of Inle Lake and board your own local boat to take you to your hotel. Lunch at Orchid Restaurant.  

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Inle Lake – a photographer's dream, its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect backdrop.   See the lake's unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State.  See traditional handicrafts - silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop.  Pass endless floating gardens, where fruit and vegetables are grown. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake. One can see ancient Buddha statues which are more than 200 years old.  Dinner and accommodation at Lake View Resort, at Inle Lake. (Deluxe room)

Day 4 -- INLE LAKE - INDAING - INLE LAKE
Breakfast at hotel.  Explore one of the 5-day markets. By visiting 5-day markets, clients will get insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha inhabitants who came to these markets to sell their goods. Then visit Myenigone traditional village to observe the rural life on Inle Lake. Lunch at Nampan Restaurant.

In the afternoon, we enjoy another boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the Lake. The boat takes you through a long channel where you watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Dinner and accommodation at Lake View Resort, at Inle Lake. (Deluxe room)

Day 5 -- INLE LAKE - HEHO - MANDALAY - EMBARK Road To Mandalay
Breakfast at hotel.  Leave your hotel by boat/car and transfer to Heho Airport for domestic flight to Mandalay (approx: 1155/1225 hours – direct).  Transfer to the jetty and embark to Road To Mandalay Cruise.  

After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.  Return to Road To Mandalay stopping en route to admire sunset over the river.  Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.

Day 6 -- MANDALAY - BAGAN
After an early breakfast visit the Sagaing Hills, the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silver and silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did.  The ship gets underway mid-morning, and begins its journey south.  The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board observing the local river life from the top deck.  An on-board guide lectures on local places and customs.  Dinner and local entertainment. Overnight on board.