Myanmar (or Burma, if you prefer, which we often do) is a country that quickly inspires great affection. Quietly beautiful, not much blessed by its recent history, it nonetheless presents itself with what H. G. Wells called “obdurate humor.” The Burmese, despite their woes, are eager to see us and proud to showcase their country (we would not go there if we thought otherwise).

This twelve day journey gives us a fine, in-depth look at Burma’s wonders. We begin with some heady sightseeing in Yangon before striking out for Mandalay, Golden City of Myanmar’s last dynasty, where Kipling’s “flyin’ fishes play / An’ dawn comes up like thunder outer China ’crost the Bay!” We continue with an engaging cruise on the Irrawaddy River to Bagan and the Plain of Temples, looming “huge, remote and mysterious out of the mist of the early morning like the vague recollections of a fantastic dream,” Somerset Maugham wrote. We include a visit to Mount Popa, home of the gods, before ending at magical Inle Lake, wandering its pagodas, floating gardens, and haunting ruins, marveling at the leg rowers and hill-tribe people who inhabit this delicious spot.

Day 1: arrive in Yangon • Day 2: Yangon • Day 3: fly to Mandalay • Day 4: excursion to Ava, Amarapura, and Sagaing • Day 5: cruising the Irrawaddy River • Day 6: arrive in Bagan • Day 7: Bagan • Day 8: excursion to Mount Popa • Day 9: fly to Shan State • Days 10 & 11: Inle Lake • Day 12: depart Inle Lake via Yangon.

Angkor Extension is available for this trip

Beyond the Last Village is available for this trip

Hiking in Shan State: Kengtung is available for this trip

Hiking in Shan State: Pindaya is available for this trip

Laos Extension is available for this trip

Maymyo and Hsipaw is available for this trip

The Golden Rock is available for this trip

The Lost Kingdom of Arakan is available for this trip