Memories Of Myanmar

Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia, distinctly modern while keeping its Eastern flavor. It has been called the "Venice of the East" for its system of canals, or klongs, traversed by distinctive long-tailed boats. The city is divided into two parts by the Chao Phraya River, with Bangkok proper on the east side and Thonburi on the west. Your hotel is ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Explore Bangkok by boat, stopping at the magnificent Grand Palace, a complex of brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Nearby is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. It houses the small but revered Emerald Buddha, made not of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper. Tonight, join fellow travellers for cocktails and a welcome dinner. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B L D

Depart Thailand for Myanmar, a profoundly Buddhist country that has kept many of its ancient traditions. Your journey starts in Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. The freshwater lake is set in the mountains of Myanmar's Shan State and is the second largest lake in Myanmar. It is also one of the highest in altitude. On arrival, travel by boat to your hotel. Inle Princess Resort B L D

Begin your day with a private cruise on Inle Lake and a visit to Phaung Dao U Pagoda. Next, admire the beautiful floating gardens that are typical of Heho. Afterwards, watch the skills of local silk weavers at the Mya Set Kyar Ikat silk weaving factory. End your day at Ngaphechaung Monastery. Inle Princess Resort B L D

Fly to Mandalay, the country's second city and a major commercial center. After a short tour of the city, arrive at the pier and board your elegant river cruiser. MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

After a tour of Sagaing, continue along the Ayeyarwady River aboard 'Road to Mandalay' en route to Bagan, the 11th-century capital of the country and one of Asia's most extraordinary travel experiences. MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

More than 2,000 pagodas, temples and stupas (memorials commemorating Buddha or a Buddhist saint) cover the plains of Bagan, a treasure trove of Buddhist art history. Spend a full day exploring these incomparable treasures, returning for lunch onboard between guided trips. Highlights include a visit to the 11th-century Ananda Temple, the best-preserved temple in Bagan, with four massive golden statues of Buddha and delicate murals depicting Burmese life from the 11th through the 13th centuries. MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Disembark and drive to Mount Popa, a dormant volcano with a Buddhist monastery at its summit, making it a popular pilgrimage site. Local superstition holds that wearing red or black on Mount Popa angers the mountains nats, or spirits. Return to Bagan this evening. Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort B L D

Start your day with an early morning balloon ride over Bagan, watching the sun illuminate the gold and sand colored stupas which stretch out as far as the eye can see. Then, fly to Yangon, a handsome city where contemporary and colonial Myanmar continues to co-exist decades after British departure. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, a fantasy of golden stupas, serene Buddhas and mythical beasts, as well as the third century BC Sule Pagoda. The Strand B L D

This morning, visit Bago. In the afternoon, Design Your Day with one of the following activities. Stroll with a guide through Scott Market shopping for gems, jade or clothing, or discover more of Myanmar's Buddhist heritage at the Reclining Buddha, the National Museum and Botataung Pagoda. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. The Strand B L D

An early afternoon flight takes you to Bangkok, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B