Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar

Your overseas adventures begin as you travel to Yangon, Myanmar. As your plane descends, take a look out your window to see lush forests and towering mountains. A local guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel. 

Take some time to unpack and relax; you have the afternoon free. Venture into the bustling capital, splash into the hotel infinity pool, or take a quick cat nap. It’s up to you! In the evening, you’ll meet for dinner with your local guide to enjoy authentic Myanmar cuisine. Take time to get to know your group and guides before tomorrow’s adventure.

Today is about exploring the Yangon city and becoming educated on how it, as well as the rest of the country, has evolved. The top attractions include Shwedagon Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Temple, and Sule Pagoda. Explore the national museum and shop for souvenirs in the local markets.

A professional specializing in women’s studies will guide your tour and educate you on the influence of Aung San Suu Kyi. This female human rights activist brought democracy to Myanmar with nonviolence and won a Nobel Peace Prize as a result. With a history of being a prisoner and being on house arrest, her resilience and leadership are truly inspiring and impactful. Despite recent controversy suggesting Kyi was complicit in the recent ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya minority ethnic group, she continues to serve as the State Counsellor of Myanmar. Keep her in mind throughout the rest of the trip as she has heavily influenced the culture and lives that you will learn about. 

Leaving the busy city, you will drive out in the early morning along the Ayeyarwaddy River to Salay. Stop at a local market for a halfway break, and shop for gifts and souvenirs. Finally, you will arrive at the Yokestone Monastery in Salay, which is situated on the river’s banks. Look for wood carving that dates back to the 1800s, the time of Burmese kings. Next, you’ll head to Mount Popa for breathtaking views of the volcano. Enjoy refreshments and lunch at a resort before visiting the Popa Taungkalat Shrine. It is believed to be home to spirits — spooky! Can you climb the 777 steps to reach the shrine? Keep a lookout for monkeys along the trek. 

Today you will experience rural Myanmar as you visit pottery studios, neighborhood markets, and pagodas. You’ll jump on a boat to cross the Twante Canal to potters’ village. Wave to the fishermen and riverboats along the way. Try your hand at the local craft of pottery with the guidance of locals, then  you’ll climb to the hilltop of Shwesandaw Pagoda for lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the area before heading back to your hotel. 

Today, you will witness remarkable Buddhist monuments. Approximately 2500 stupas, temples, and monasteries are situated in Bagan’s World Heritage Site. Learn about the rise of the Kingdom of Pagan in the 11th century while viewing architectural wonders. Explore large boulders, endless steps, plains, and awe-inspiring views. You’ll have a picnic lunch before heading back to the city hotel. 

You will take to the skies, today, for one last adventure in Myanmar. On a hot air balloon, you will spot thousands of Buddhist monuments from a birds-eye-view. You’ll lift off before dawn to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. Keep a lookout for wildlife in the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a tiger! Indeed, this tour will give you a whole new perspective and appreciation for Myanmar’s true beauty. As you touch back down onto the ground, enjoy a celebratory toast of champagne and snacks of fruit and pastries. 

It has been an incredibly adventurous and educational week in Myanmar, but the time has come for you to leave. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides. Discuss your favorite memories of the trip. Next, it’s off the airport to catch your departure flight.