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Yangon

 

Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and home to one of the finest temples in the Far East, the totally beguiling Shwedagon Pagoda.

Yangon is located at the confluence of the Yangon and Bago Rivers and is one of Asia’s least developed major cities.

There are some great old colonial buildings in Yangon and the Strand Hotel is one of the Far East’s great heritage hotels. Most people touring Myanmar spend at least a night in Yangon as it’s the only real international gateway.

 

Discover Yangon

The Loft Hotel

Smart and stylish in a great central location, The Loft is a great alternative to the run of the mill Yangon hotels.

32 room stylish hotel
Modern Boutique Hotel
3 Nights from
£770pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Sule Shangri-la

A larger luxury hotel in Yangon offering high Shangri-la standards in a superb central Yangon location.

Great Central Location
Luxury Yangon Hotel
3 Nights from
£790pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Yangon Excelsior

The Excelsior Yangon is a brand new luxury hotel in Yangon with immaculate rooms and bags of character.

Brand New 2019
Highly Recommended Luxury
3 Nights from
£810pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Savoy Hotel

Small luxury hotel in Yangon, homely and full of character, an ideal base to start or finish a tour of Myanmar.

Tailor Make Your Trip
Colonial Style Boutique
3 Nights from
£945pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Belmond Governor's Residence

Centrally located two-storey historic mansion now a boutique hotel, part of Belmond (formerly Orient Express).

Book Early - Limited Availability
Luxury Historic Mansion
3 Nights from
£995pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Rosewood Hotel Yangon

Immaculate redevelopment of a heritage building into a majestic luxury hotel in central Yangon.

Restored Heritage Building

Luxury Heritage Hotel
3 Nights from
£1095pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

The Strand

One of Asia's iconic colonial era hotels and undoubtedly one of the top hotels in Myanmar.

Book Early - Limited Availability
Luxury Colonial Hotel
3 Nights from
£1140pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Yangon City Stays

Visit Yangon and the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of South East Asia's most amazing sights.

Book Early - Limited Availability
2, 3 & 4 night packages
2 Nights from
£155pp
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Hotel, Transfers, Tours included

Southern Myanmar

Short private journey through the best of the south of Myanmar including the Golden Rock, Hpa An and Mawlamyine.

Private Car, Driver & Guide
Best of the South
4 Nights from
£735pp
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Package from Yangon

Myanmar Highlights

Browse a selection of Myanmar Tours from 9 night Highlights of Myanmar to 14 nights Classic Myanmar Tours.

8 - 14 night Myanmar Tours
Classic Myanmar Tours
9 Nights from
£1650pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Burma Family Adventure

This family oriented Burma holiday covers Yangon, Burma, Inle Lake and Kalaw and includes local experiences and some easy trekking, cycling and kayaking.

Explore, Trek, Cycle
Unique Active Holiday
9 Nights from
£2150pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Best of Burma

See the best of Burma at an easy pace, including all the main sights plus a 2 night Irrawaddy River Cruise.

Includes River Cruise
Relaxing Burmese Journey
12 Nights from
£2275pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Irrawaddy Cruises - Pandaw

9 - 24 night Irrawaddy Cruise holidays in Myanmar on Pandaw Cruises including pre and post accommodation and flights.

PANDAW CLUB DISCOUNTS
River Cruise Holiday
10 Nights from
£2295pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Irrawaddy Delta Cruise - Pandaw

Discover the creeks, wetlands and channels of the Irrawaddy Delta on a boutique river cruise holiday with Pandaw Cruises.

PANDAW CLUB DISCOUNTS
Pioneering Irrawaddy Cruise
10 Nights from
£2395pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Myanmar Adventure

This adventurous trip includes the best of Myanmar with plenty activity and some off the beaten track exploration.

Tailor Make your Trip
Adventure and Culture
16 Nights from
£2395pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Myanmar Explorer

Myanmar is one of South East Asia's least-known and most fascinating destinations. Discover Myanmar on a Classic Tour.

Tailor Make your Trip
Includes the Golden Rock
12 Nights from
£2450pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Jewels of Burma

See the best of Burma at an easy pace, including all the main sights, a 2 night Irrawaddy River Cruise & Inle Lake extension.

Includes River Cruise
Yangon to Inle Lake
14 Nights from
£2550pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Peoples of Myanmar

Myanmar is one of South East Asia's least-known and most fascinating destinations with a remarkable ethnic diversity.

Tailor Make your Trip
Cultural Journey
12 Nights from
£2595pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Burma in Style - Strand Cruise

Stay at the best hotel in Yangon, enjoy a luxury Irrawaddy Cruise on the Strand Cruise and enjoy tranquil Inle Lake.

Stay at the Strand Yangon
Luxury River Cruise
10 Nights from
£2790pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Myanmar Heritage Cruise - Paukan

Cruise Myanmar on one of RV Paukan's 4 superb boutique river cruisers.

Tailor Made River Cruise
Boutique Cruise Ship
11 Nights from
£2995pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

The Road to Mandalay

Cruise Myanmar aboard the luxurious Belmond Road to Mandalay and see the best of Myanmar. Choose from 2 - 3 week tailored itineraries.

2-3 week itineraries
River Cruise & Tour
12 Nights from
£2995pp
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Flight Inclusive price from UK

Voyage to Nagaland - Pandaw

Cruise the furthest navigable reaches of the beautiful Chindwin River in Burma on a Pandaw Cruise to Nagaland.

Expedition Cruise in Burma
Pandaw Chindwin River Cruise
7 Nights from
£3125pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Chindwin River Cruise

Get off the beaten track in Burma on a relaxing Pandaw Chindwin River Cruise.

PANDAW CLUB DISCOUNTS
Pandaw Expeditionary Cruise
10 Nights from
£3195pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Myanmar in Depth

Choose one of our Myanmar in Depth itineraries and discover one of Asia's least known destinations.

Tailor Make your Trip
Myanmar in Depth
19 Nights from
£3450pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Burma Coastal Voyage - Pandaw

From Yangon, explore Myanmar’s barely visited Mergui Archipelago aboard Pandaw Cruises classic motor yacht, the MY Explorer.

Undiscovered Burma
1960's Motor Yacht
11 Nights from
£3750pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Andaman Crossing - Pandaw

10 night Andaman Sea crossing Burma to India with Pandaw Cruises including flights, cruise, 1 night Ranong, Thailand.

Unique Ocean Crossing
Thailand to Andaman Islands
11 Nights from
£4250pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Spice Route Voyage - Azamara

22 night Luxury Cruise Journey from Dubai to Singapore on the Azamara Quest via India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand & Malaysia.

Dubai to Singapore Boutique Cruise
Luxury Boutique Cruise
22 Nights from
£4550pp
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Flight Inclusive Price from the UK

Architectural Walking Tour

This walking tour focuses on Yangon’s incredible architecture: golden temples, local houses, iconic sites and faded colonial buildings, plus Yangon’s quiet side streets which reveal much of Yangon’s daily life.

Your guided walking tour meets in the lobby of Sakura Tower in downtown Yangon at 08.30. Before departing your guide will give you a map and provide a short briefing of your route.

The 3-hour walking tour will cover 4 to 5 kilometres in the central districts of downtown Yangon. Many of the buildings visited are on the Yangon City Heritage List, a list of 188 man-made structures mainly consisting of religious landmarks and colonial-era buildings.  

Highlights include City Hall, the old railway station and the former Minister’s office where General Aung San was assassinated. Interspersed in the guided walk are various religious sites such as the St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and Botataung Pagoda.

By walking through the streets you’ll also have a chance to witness the lifestyles of the locals in Yangon, from the busy bus and boat stations to the tea shops and hidden street markets. There are plenty of chances to interact with Yangon residents and learn more about the Burmese culture.

Before returning to Sakura Tower, stop for a cup of tea or coffee at Lat Ywae Sin, a favorite tea shop with the locals. Busy from morning until night, this shop roasts its own coffee and has unique woodcarvings on its wall.

If you are feeling hungry, they are famous for their semolina cake and also offer great noodle dishes (drinks only; food not included).

Return to Sakura Tower around midday. If your feet are tired we recommend heading to the 6th floor for a rejuvenating foot massage performed by local blind masseurs who have been trained in traditional Japanese reflexology (additional cost).

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From £18pp

Railway Market by Train

Get up early to visit for the lively local market at Danyingone Market, known as “Railway Market”. The Market is situated in Danyingone, on the outskirts of Yangon. Transfer to Yangon Railway Station and wait for the daily circular train heading to Danyingone Market.

Here you are likely encounter vendors and hawkers carrying vegetables to sell at the local markets.

Enjoy the circular train ride for about 90 minutes. Pass through Insein station, where there are green paddy fields, small wooden houses and some factories signaling the edge of Yangon.

Danyingone market station is full of locals, vendors and hawkers selling & buying vegetables, meat, local snacks and flowers.

Some of the vendors and hawkers sell on the railway tracks and whisk the goods they are selling away every time a train approaches, returning once the train has passed through.

Also enjoy a walk around the main market where you will see locals buying, selling and carrying the vegetables with motorcycles, trishaws, tuk tuks and various kinds of modified patched together vehicles.

Discover local dishes in the main market. Mohinga is a rice-noodle with fish soup, an essential Burmese dish and a typical Burmese breakfast.

Afterwards, return back to Yangon by car.

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From £28pp

Morning in Yangon

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a morning tour of Yangon. Join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda, venture to hidden markets and dig into a bowl of Myanmar’s famous breakfast noodles in a popular teashop.

Depart your hotel at 08.00 for a morning tour of Yangon.

Start with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the country’s holiest sites. In the morning hours the pagoda is busy with local pilgrims, monks and nuns coming to pay their respects to the Buddha and say their prayers.

Spend time walking around the platform and learning about Burmese beliefs such as the astrological system and its role in the daily life of the locals. The faint tinkling of bells, sounds of chants and early morning light create a magically serene atmosphere.

After exploring Shwedagon, descend the eastern stairway to find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items. Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As you browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people.

Next turn down a hidden laneway to discover a busy market tucked amidst a labyrinth of small alleys. Fresh produce, rice, noodles and a variety of dry goods are on sale in this atmospheric little market.

Having worked up an appetite it’s time to head to a local tea shop, an open-air tea shop busy from morning till night with local office workers, businessmen and families who come to enjoy a meal and a chat with their friends.

Sample a cup of sweet tea or local coffee along with some breakfast. The famous mohinga noodles are one of the most popular dishes but more than a dozen other meals are available including mee shay noodles, nan gyi, chappati-style bread with dips, cakes and savory pastries.

Transfer back to your hotel for around 11 am.

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From £32pp

Hidden Treasures by Circular Train

Hop onto Yangon’s circular train and discover some of the city’s best kept secrets – a shattered glass factory and a serene leafy oasis. From the colonial-style Yangon Railway Station, buy a circular train ticket to Hledan Station.

As the train rumbles along the bumpy track, enjoy the passing landscape and the commotion at each station as the food hawkers hop on and off.

On arrival in Hledan, walk to the bustling local market to see the array of fresh vegetables, flowers and other produce on sale.

From here travel by vehicle to the surreal ruins of the Nagar Glass Factory, torn to shreds by the Nargis Cyclone in 2008.

A winding overgrown path leads you through the trees to the remains of this forgotten glass factory.

Scattered all over the ground are piles of glittering clear and coloured bottles, bowls, glasses and statues – some broken, some still intact. More can be found on the shelves and in the old cupboards in the remnants of the factory.

Pick up what you like and hand it to the old Burmese lady who will recondition the glassware for you, before you buy it to take home.

As the factory is no longer operational, you can be secure in the knowledge that you have purchased a one-of-a-kind souvenir, to be found nowhere else in the world.

Next visit Sein Lann So Pyay Garden, hidden between Inya Lake and Inya Road. Quiet, calm and serene, this garden restaurant has wide patches of green fields.

Gaze on the beauty of the lake and garden as you enjoy lunch at the restaurant.

Return to your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle.

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From £35pp

Historic Yangon by Elephant Coach

Travel back in time and discover the sights of Yangon from the luxurious seat of a lavishly restored post-Colonial Chevrolet bus. It’s hard to believe that these shiny red, white and gold Chevrolet buses were once used by the British army during colonial rule.

Completely restored inside and out, the Elephant Coaches now boast new engines and mod cons such as air conditioning, electric sockets and UPS.

The elegant interiors have been decked out with parquet floors, comfortable teak wood armchairs, Shan cotton fabrics and detailed wood carvings.

So sit back and relax and enjoy the passing sights including the former diplomatic quarter, the majestic Strand Hotel, the Post and Telegraph Office, and the Yangon Port Authority and Customs Department.

Stop at the National Museum to see the eight-metre-high Sihasana Lion Throne as well as intricate pieces of jewellery, old black and white photos of Yangon, royal relics, Hintha opium weights and inscribed tablets.

End the tour at the Sule Pagoda whose stunning octagonal-shaped stupa rises for 48 metres and overlooks the city.

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From £35pp

Art & Antiquities

Step back in time and discover the rich culture and history of Myanmar with this guided day trip through Yangon’s art and antiques scene. Visit shops filled with remnants of Myanmar’s past and seek out hidden gems.

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning for a full day of exploring Yangon’s art and antiques scene.

Start in the area of Yangon known as ‘Golden Valley’ at New Treasure Gallery, a gallery established by Min Wai Aung, a Burmese artist famous for his paintings of monks.

Then visit two antiques shops, Augustine’s and Madame Thair. Both shops are filled with curious and some real hidden gems from various periods of Myanmar’s history. The exuberant Madame Thair will be sure to entertain you with her charm and ‘everything is for sale’ pitch.

Next it’s on to Dhamazedi Road where a row of small shop houses are packed full of antiques. Hidden among the dusty shelves are many treasures from the colonial era and before.

Stop for lunch at House of Memories Restaurant, an old colonial style mansion set in a beautiful garden. Once used as the BIA (Burma Independence Army) and BDA (Burma Defense Army) Head Quarters, the building is full of memories of the people who embarked on the long walk toward gaining independence for Myanmar.

Wander through the house looking at the historic remnants on display including a room named after General Aung San, which was once his office and still contains his desk and typewriter.

This afternoon head downtown to visit at least three art galleries. (The itinerary may vary depending on opening hours, current exhibits and your personal interests).

Start at River Gallery, located adjacent to The Strand Hotel, which aims to bring Myanmar art to a wider audience. River Gallery showcases the city’s widest range of contemporary art, representing more than 30 artists at any given time.

Next visit Lokanat Gallery, a non-profit gallery that features a small collection of traditional works as well as rotating exhibits of current Burmese artists.

Then continue to Pansodan Arts to view works of art covering the traditional period up to modern, abstract styles. The knowledgeable curator will show you upstairs to the storeroom where hundreds of paintings are tucked away, including war-time propaganda, neo-classical works created as European influences began to reach Myanmar and classic line drawings and photographs.

Before leaving downtown visit the newest addition to Yangon’s arts scene, Sule Eain. Located adjacent to Sule Paya, this loft-style space features rotating exhibitions of contemporary painters.

Then it's time to transfer back to your hotel.

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From £50pp

Yangon Life

Enjoy a full day of 'living like a local' in Yangon, observing the lifestyle and culture of the Burmese people and gaining a real insight into local life, including a visit across the river to green and leafy Dhala.

Transfer to Yangon Railway Station and board the slow moving circle train. The 20-30 minute ride is a real taste of local life with the scenery and activities inside the train equally entertaining to the outside landscapes of small villages and traditional markets.

Disembark at Kyee Myin Dine station, a neighbourhood in the northwest part of Yangon. Shrouded in a rural and urban atmosphere, Kyee Myin Dine is home to friendly people. Visit the market where you can see colourful vendors and shopkeepers as the locals go about their daily shopping.

Transfer to downtown's vibrant Chinatown area. Begin at the 17th and 18th street markets where you'll see noodle making and rice paper making. Continue with a walk towards Latha Street, stopping to visit a Chinese temple and local food shops where delicacies such as roasted pork are on offer.                             

At midday, stop for lunch at 203 or Danu Phyu Daw Saw Yi, curry shops which are very popular with the locals. Enjoy a range of delicious foods and soak in the local atmosphere.

Continue your 'local' exploration with a trip to Nanthida Jetty to board a ferry to cross the Yangon River to Dhala. The jetty is often buzzing with activity as a mini-street market is there to sell snacks and other items to ferry passengers. The boat ride to Dhala takes 15 minutes and offers great views of the waterways as well as a fun chance to interact with curious locals as they make their way across the river.

On reaching Dhala, travel by local trishaw through this green and scenic town which is remarkably different from nearby Yangon.

Return by boat to Yangon, observing life along the river and reflecting back on your excursion to Dhala. On arrival at the Yangon jetty, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

This day excursion is accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

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From £55pp

Full day Yangon

Enjoy a Full Day excursion in Yangon and discover the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Scott’s Market, Sule Pagoda and the National Museum. This private day tour covers the best of Yangon in a day.

Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops.

Start the day at the Sule Pagoda, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centre-point of the city. Afterwards, visit the National Museum to gain an insight into the culture of Myanmar.

See the 8 metre high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artifacts. Enjoy a break at Bogyoke (Scott’s) Market, a pleasant covered market containing crafts from all corners of Myanmar. (The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).

In the afternoon, visit some of the better-known pagodas, including Botataung Pagoda, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago.

Visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, the reclining Buddha which is almost as large as the enormous figure in Bago. It's housed in a large metal-roofed shed on Shwegondaing Lan, only a short distance beyond the Shwedagon Paya.

Finally, continue to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during sunset, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight.

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From £58pp

Thanlyin Cycling

Take an excursion across the river to Thanlyin, which was a base during the 16th and 17th centuries for the notorious Portuguese adventurer Philip De Brito. Explore 5 local villages on an escorted cycling trip.

Walk around colourful Thanlyin Market before departing by bike.

Cycle along a rustic dirt road through at least five villages and discover the life of the villagers.

Take a stroll around one of the villages after a local lunch at a traditional bamboo house.

Continue to more villages and visit a seasonal fruit garden, full of pomelo trees, areca palm, jack-fruit, papaya and jasmine.

Here also observe pottery, tofu and bean sprout production before visiting a nearby revered Buddha Statue.

Continue to Kyauktan with a break for refreshments at Yele Paya before visiting Kyaik Hmaw Wun, the "mid-river" pagoda, named because of its location on a tiny island in the middle of the river.

After walking around the local market and the jetty, pack up the bikes and travel by vehicle back to Yangon.

The total riding time is 4-5 hours, cycling along flat roads for about 30 km.

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From £110pp

Off the Beaten Path Cooking and Culture

Today is all about food - buying fresh produce from a local market, cooking and tasting authentic cuisine, and making food offerings to the monks. In the early morning, explore a local market in Thanlyn to buy ingredients for today's activities.

Mix and mingle with the stall owners as you negotiate the best prices for the fresh produce.

At a small village monastery, meet for a talk with the chief monk, and then present gifts of food to the monks in the same way that the locals do.

From here make your way to a village house in Thanlyn where you will learn how to cook up some tasty traditional Myanmar food.

Try your hand at making meals that are eaten almost daily in homes all across Myanmar including soup, salads, meat and seafood dishes along with side servings of stir-fried and blanched vegetables.

In addition you will also be shown how to make cuisine served on ceremonial occasions such as herbal rice and delicious local desserts.

When all the dishes are complete, it's time for lunch and your chance to taste your authentic Myanmar cuisine.

After lunch head out into Thanlyn and explore the ancient Portuguese Church which dates from the 18th century.

Finally take a boat along the river to discover Kyauktan Yayle, an exquisite pagoda built on a tiny island in the middle of the water.

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From £120pp

Shwedagon Pagoda

Truly one of the most spectacular sights in all of Asia, the magnificently gilded Shwedagon Pagoda is the spiritual and cultural epicentre of Burma and a great place to people watch.

The best time to visit is late in the afternoon, an hour or so before sunset, when the sun has lost some of it's strength and the light is beautiful on the marble walkways and golden stupas.

Sule Pagoda

The focus of pro-democracy demonstrations in years gone by, Sule Pagoda is a major landmark in the central commercial district of Yangon.

Not on the same scale as the Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda is nevertheless one of the main sights in Yangon, and over 2,500 years old.

Yangon Top things to do

People watch at the Shwedagon Pagoda

Stroll around Scott's (Bogyoke) Market

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Strand

Enjoy street food

Take the ferry to thesuburb of Dhala

Admire the relics of British colonial architecture

Ride the Yangon Circular Train