Journey Through Myanmar & Bhutan

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Bangkok, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro

This is the ultimate cultural journey—two weeks in two of the world's most fascinating destinations.

Begin in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. See atmospheric British-colonial architecture, the spectacular golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda and the enormous reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Temple while touring with your private guide and driver. Browse sprawling Bogyoke (Scott) Market for traditional Burmese crafts such as lacquerware, baskets and longyis. Visit Little India, Chinatown and other dynamic neighborhoods that reflect Yangon's diverse cultural influences. Depending on your interests, other touring options include visiting art galleries, the National Museum, Myanmar's only synagogue, or other architectural, cultural and culinary highlights.

Next, fly to awe-inspiring Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of pagodas and temples cover arid plains along the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River. During private touring, learn about Bagan's history as a major Buddhist center between the 11th and 13th centuries, and see the most interesting temple ruins and their Buddhist frescoes and sculptures. Also meet with local artisans who produce Bagan's revered traditional lacquerware. One evening, enjoy sundowner cocktails during a relaxing private sunset cruise on the river. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as a spectacular hot-air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan at sunrise; a visit to a local Buddhist monastery; and a private excursion to other local villages or Mount Popa, an important pilgrimage site.

Next, tour beautiful Inle Lake and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a private traditional boat ride on the lake and through canals to visit villages built on stilts over the water and floating gardens that the local Intha people use for growing crops. Also visit a local winery in the hills, the ancient pagodas of In Dein and active monasteries. Meet locals who produce lotus silk weavings, woodwork, cheroot cigars and other distinctive Inle Lake crafts. With a local fisherman, try the traditional fishing method using distinctive conical baskets. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a private cooking class, biking and other activities and excursions in this fascinating region.

Fly through Yangon to Bangkok, Thailand for an overnight stay before continuing to Bhutan.

During comprehensive private touring in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, experience cultural highlights such as important Buddhist sites, local markets, and various museums specializing in textiles, folk heritage, and traditional arts and crafts. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a meeting with a local astrologer, an important figure in Bhutanese daily life, as well as a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive traditional fortress that houses the Bhutanese civil government. If desired, enjoy a private hike to rural villages and monasteries tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a private Bhutanese cooking lesson at a local home or a private meditation session with monks.

Next, enjoy a scenic transfer through the mountains to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula Pass to see its 108 chortens and take in views of the Himalayas. Descend into Punakha, a subtropical valley filled with rhododendrons, citrus trees and banana plants. During private touring, enjoy peaceful walks through rural farming villages, light a butter lamp at a local temple, opt to hike up a mountain for beautiful panoramic views of the valley, tour the stunning Punakha Dzong, and visit a Buddhist nunnery overlooking the valley. Accommodation will be at a luxurious hotel overlooking the Mo Chhu River set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.

The tour concludes in Paro, a picturesque town in a verdant river valley with a charming main street brimming with shops and cafes. During private touring, visit the National Museum, browse for locally made crafts and Buddhist items, and take an excursion to breathtaking Tiger's Nest, a cliffside Buddhist monastery that's a highlight of Bhutan. Also enjoy a private lesson in archery, Bhutan's national sport. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as yoga, a biking excursion, or traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

Throughout the tour, enjoy flexible touring with your own guide and driver and accommodation at some of the world's most luxurious hotels. Upon request, we can incorporate activities such as overnight treks, meetings with local specialists, farm visits, monastery visits, soft-adventure activities (hiking, biking, archery, rafting or golf), shopping, cooking classes, blessings and meditations led by monks, and more.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world