The aspiration to unify the spiritual and the material is as old as civilization itself. In the sacred sites of Myanmar, we discover the merger of mind and matter, of stone and spirit, and we envision them as they were created, as they prospered and as they fell into ruin through the inevitable vicissitudes of time. As the sun sets over the thousands of pagodas in Pagan, the ancient monasteries and shrines, we realize the relentless passage of time and the irrepressible force of life and change dramatically embodied in the ancient stone.

Myanmar formerly known as Burma, is one of Southeast Asia’s most magical countries stretching from the islands of the Andaman Sea all the way up to foothills of the Himalayas. It is situated between the powers of India and China, overlooking the vast Indian Ocean. It is home to a diverse culture ranging from the capital city of Rangoon to the magical stupas of Pagan, the splendid monasteries around Mandalay, the fishing villages of Inle Lake and the remote hill tribes of the North.

Over the past few years, Myanmar has began to emerge as one the most desirable destinations in Southeast Asia. It is home to some of the most impressive Buddhist sites in all of Asia beginning with the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon which the writer Rudyard Kipling once called “a golden mystery… a beautiful winking wonder”!

Pagan, one of the countries most spectacular sites, was once home to 50,000 temples and pagodas where today 2,000 temples remain. A journey by boat along the Irrawaddy River takes you to Mandalay, home to Sagaing Monastery where silent orange robed monks make their morning alms rounds. A trek in the northern hills introduces you to the countries many ethnic groups and an overnight on the glistening shores of Inle Lake watching the fishermen return with their daily catch makes for a perfect ending of your journey.

For those travelers who would like to go off the beaten path, the ancient site of Mrauk-O makes the perfect destinations and for all the temple enthusiasts the rarely visited town of Monywa is a must see!

When traveling in Myanmar, you will be accompanied by our local guide Ms. Aye Aye and a private driver throughout. Deluxe accommodations are available in all the major cities. Itineraries designed for private tours range in length from one week which covers the main highlights to two weeks which includes short trekking excursions, and some time at beautiful Ngapali Beach.

Currently Authentic Asia does not offer any 2010 group trips to Myanmar. However, we would be happy to design an individual trip for you, your family or friends.