MYANMAR FAMILY TRAVEL
They’ll Never Forget
Elephant Jungle Safari – Hot Air Balloons – A Magic Lake – An Endless Beach
A fun stop for families with children up to about age 13, is the oddly named (there’s a lot of that in Burma) “National Races Village”. This is not car or boat racing, but an interactive museum showing many of the country’s more than 100 ethnic tribal minorities. Kids can try on colorful costumes, play with traditional children’s toys, and even take the tools of village life for a test drive.
Bagan and its thousands of ancient temples is a surreal & spectacular sight for any age, but even more so when experienced with a child’s imagination. You’ll see the temple-scape by horse-drawn carriage, accompanied (if you wish) by an English speaking guide expert on the history. You and your kids will be able to climb and explore numerous temples, often times being the only tourists inside!
For sample itinerary please click Game Plan above. For more destination details, see Myanmar Destinations.
Day 1: Arrive Rangoon
Luminous Journeys will meet you at the airport to assist with your luggage and currency exchange needs. The new bank kiosks offer the same rate as in the city. From there it’s about 30-minutes leisurely drive to your hotel near Shwedagon Pagoda. We will assist with check-in and when you are ready, perhaps after lunch and ice cream (Sharkey’s has the best ice cream in Myanmar!) we’ll show you the highlights of this fascinating city. Dinner aboard the golden Karaweik on Royal Lake, and enjoy a wonderful cultural show.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
Following breakfast it’s back to the airport for the short flight to the incredible pagodas & temples of Bagan. Tour the area by horse & carriage, by bike or on foot! Lunch with locals near the amazing Ananda Pagoda. After, enter its marvelously preserved cool interior, which holds four giant gold Buddha’s, each of a different style in a different room facing each of the four cardinal points. Later, take in the surreal sunset from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda for a sight you and your children will always remember.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloons Over Bagan – Temples & Local Villages – Yangon
An exhilarating aerial adventure aboard a hot air balloon over one of the most exotic landscapes on the planet, is not to be missed! Not to worry, the balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons Limited, UK, the world’s largest manufacturer, and the highly skilled pilots are British as well. Take breakfast back at the hotel and then visit local market and crafts villages. Bagan world renowned for its lacquerware, made by generations of artisans in family owned & operated workshops.
Day 4: Yangon Departure
You’ll wake up in the heart of city this time, near the Yangon River, Sule Pagoda, and the 2,000 shops of Scott Market, which is perfect for some serious last minute shopping! If there is time we could take you on a walking tour of British Colonial Rangoon, or for a ride on the Circle Train. When you’re ready, we will drive you to the airport and see you off with traditional parting gifts for your kids. You’ll miss this place!
BAGAN FAMILY ADVENTURE
Starting at $495 per person, double occupancy
4 Days / 3 Nights
Deposit required to secure reservation
Top Rated English speaking guidesLuminous Journeys “Swag Bag”Airport welcome & farewellAll Accommodation with breakfastMeals according to your personalized planAll in-country airfare, airport taxes, air porter feesAll itinerary based transport, inc. private car & driverAmple bottled water throughoutEntrance and zone feesDonations to Luminous Journeys’ micro-NGO Charitiesinternational airfareany personal transportation unrelated to the itinerarytrip/medical insurance, medical expensesEarly check-in or late check-out chargespersonal expenses, such as telephone, laundry, alcohol, etc.tips for hotel porters or wait staffcamera feesguide or driver gratuitiesMyanmar visa fee (Visa on arrival may be obtained via Luminous Journeys)Myanmar’s best elephant experience is an actual working rainforest camp where your kids will learn all about the close relationship between man & elephant. Since a full jungle safari may be a bit much for little ones, you may choose a half day “expedition” along the river where they will get plenty of adventure. It’s great fun that neither you, your children or the elephants will ever forget!
Your last stop will be magical Lake Inle on the Shan Plateau. You’ll see Intha fisherman standing & rowing skiffs with a single leg wrapped around an oar, with conical fish baskets on the stern.
For sample itinerary please click Game Plan above. For more destination details, see Burma Destinations.
Day 1: Yangon Arrival – Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon is more known for the golden magnificence of Shwedagon Pagoda than for the city itself. What most people miss passing through is the fascinating culture and history, along with the colors, sights, sounds and smells. It’s populace could not be more ready to smile and welcome you with that inimitable Burmese charm. No big city in the world makes a traveler feel more positive or engaged.
We’ll greet you at the airport and assist you with your luggage — and your children! We will also see your through the currency exchange, which is best done here. After hotel check-in, it’s off to the National Races Village, and then to the 2,500 year-old majesty of Shwedagon Pagoda. The 325-foot tall Buddhist monument is the spiritual apex of the nation. You will see families here from all parts of Burma, as well as monks in maroon robes and nuns in pink – many of them young novices your kid’s age! Everyone is free to participate in the various rituals if they so desire, no matter their religion.
Dinner and culture show on Royal Lake aboard the golden dragon, Karaweik Palace.
Day 2: Yangon – Lake Inle
After breakfast it’s off for the Magic Lake!
The Magic Lake, really? Or is it just travel hype? You’ll soon find out for yourself! The tranquility almost envelops you from the start, and the feeling will always be a part of you. At least it is for us and we have never heard it denied. Think of Inlay twenty years after your visit, and the feeling is still there, all warm and tingly.
Things to see and do include a visit to the Jumping Cat Monastery, a long-tail boat ride to the ruins of mysterious Nyaung Oak; photographing the ever friendly Intha fisherman, who row their skiffs with one leg wrapped around a single oar; meeting the long-necked women of the Padaung tribe; drifting through colorful floating markets, gardens and pagodas; seeing how they make exotic lotus silk shawls and other beautiful ethnic textiles and other Inle cottage industries, like parasol making/hand-painting; and giant cheroot rolling! The lake also happens to be home to some wonderful boutique hotels with fabulously exotic spas.
Day 3: Inlay Lake – Indein – Mysterious Ruins of Nyaung Oak
The 5-day market at Indein is the largest and most colorful on the lake. You’ll cross the expanse in a long-tail boat and cruise a narrow channel through wonderful bucolic scenes of life on the water’s edge. At Indein you see many different ethnic tribal groups gathered to buy and sell their produce, wares, textiles and more.
It’s a marvelous scene. From the market it’s a short walk to Nyaung Oak, where 1054 zedi’s lie in ruin, overgrown with flora. From there a climb to the old monastery on top of the hill, offers exhilarating views over the vast emerald waters. Return in time to glide through a floating village and take tea in an Intha lake house, where they make rice noodles for delicious Shan style pasta dishes. Sunset on your hotel veranda over the water.
Day 4: Inlay Lake – Temples of Bagan
After a good night’s rest and breakfast it’s time to return to the airport at Heho for the short hop to see the 4,000 temples of Bagan. Have junior count them.
You’ll hit the temples by horse & carriage for a good half-day of Indiana Jones exploration. Then, from on top of Shwesandaw Pagoda, you’ll stand in awe of perhaps the most exotic, surreal sunset you will ever see.
Day 5: Hot Air Balloons Over Bagan – Mandalay to Elephant Rainforest Camp
If you have so chosen, an exhilarating aerial adventure aboard a hot air balloon over one of the most exotic landscapes on the planet awaits. The balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons Limited, UK, the world’s largest manufacturer, and the highly skilled pilots are British as well. Each balloon and it’s passengers is insured for USD 3,000,000. There has never been an accident.
Back on earth it’s time for breakfast at the hotel, and then a very short flight to Mandalay. From Mandalay it’s a 5-hour scenic drive to the elephant camp. You’ll overnight at the camp, falling asleep to the cacophony of the jungle.
Day 6: Elephant Safari!
Spend the morning meeting, feeding, preparing and learning about these gentle giants before heading out on a half day safari in and along a shallow river cutting through the jungle. Animals to be seen and/or heard include a wide variety of exotic birds species, wild Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Sun Bear, Oriental giant squirrel, Indian Giant Squirrel, Hog Badger, monitor lizards, macaques, and Barking Deer.
You will return to camp on a different route through the jungle in the afternoon, then assist with the most joyful part of the day for both human and pachyderm, bathing them in the river! A campfire dinner follows, and your kids are sure to nod off early and sleep deeply.
It’s an early rise tomorrow for the drive back to Mandalay in time to take in the sunset at Amarapura, where stands the longest and most photogenic teak bridge in the world — the U Bein. Dinner and traditional puppet show round out the day.
Day 7: Mandalay – Yangon Departure
In the city center near the Yangon River, Sule Pagoda, and the 2,000 shops of Scott Market, is perfect for some serious last minute shopping! If there is time we could take you on a walking tour of British Colonial Rangoon, or for a ride on the Circle Train. When you’re ready, we will drive you to the airport and see you off with traditional parting gifts for your kids. You’ll miss this place, but you’ll be back!
TEMPLES, ELEPHANTS & A MAGIC LAKE
Starting at $1095 per person, double occupancy
7 Days / 6 Nights
Deposit required to secure reservation
Top Rated English speaking guidesLuminous Journeys “Swag Bag”Airport welcome & farewellAll Accommodation with breakfastMeals according to your personalized planAll in-country airfare, airport taxes, air porter feesAll itinerary based transport, inc. private car & driverAmple bottled water throughoutEntrance and zone feesDonations to Luminous Journeys’ micro-NGO Charitiesinternational airfareany personal transportation unrelated to the itinerarytrip/medical insurance, medical expensesEarly check-in or late check-out chargespersonal expenses, such as telephone, laundry, alcohol, etc.tips for hotel porters or wait staffcamera feesguide or driver gratuitiesMyanmar visa fee (Visa on arrival may be obtained via Luminous Journeys)This extended Family Fantastic allows for a somewhat more leisurely pace while adding a two day relaxer on the “endless silver beach” of Ngwe Saung. The nearby Ngwe Saung Elephant Camp is built for half day visits, as the elephants are let loose in the jungle every afternoon, returning only early the next morning to say hello to you! Do not expect to see many tourists, this is not Thailand yet!
In Bagan, in addition to what has already been described in the above Family Fantastic journeys, we’d be happy to take your kids to a local village to visit children their age attending school with a chance to interact.
For sample itinerary please click Game Plan above. For more destination details, see Myanmar Destinations.
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Luminous Journeys will meet you at the airport to assist with your luggage and currency exchange needs. The new bank kiosks offer the same rate as in the city, and are more convenient. It’s approximately a 25-minute drive to your hotel near Shwedagon Pagoda. We will assist with check-in and when you are ready — perhaps after a delicious lunch and ice cream at Sharkey’s — we’ll show your family the highlights of this very welcoming city.
Dinner aboard the Karaweik Palace on Royal Lake, which has a wonderful cultural show to get you into a Burmese state of mind.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
After breakfast it’s off through time and back into ancient history to see one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, the 4,000 pagodas and temples of Bagan. Have one of kids count them. Actually about 2,000 remain in good standing, with the other 2,000 lying in ruin much as Kublai Khan and his marauding hordes left them almost eight centuries ago.
You’ll take in the temples by horse & carriage for a good half-day of Indiana Jones exploration. Then, from on top of Shwesandaw Pagoda, the family will stand in awe looking over the most exotic, surreal sunset you have ever seen.
Day 3: Bagan Dawn – Hot Air Balloons!
If you have so chosen, an exhilarating aerial adventure aboard a hot air balloon over one of the most exotic landscapes on the planet awaits. The balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons Limited, UK, the world’s largest manufacturer, and the highly skilled pilots are British as well. Each balloon and it’s passengers is insured for USD 3,000,000, but in 15 years and tens of thousands of flights, there has never been an accident.
Finish the temple tour begun yesterday, then return to the hotel for a midday swim and lunch by the pool. Cool & refreshed, the afternoon will include visits to local market and crafts villages. Bagan is world famous for its extraordinary laquerware designs, no doubt due to centuries of ongoing family craftsmanship. Dinner this evening features a traditional and very entertaining Burmese puppet show.
Day 4: Bagan – Inle Lake
Your morning flight to the Shan Plateau and magical Lake Inle is a short one. The drive from the airport at Heho to the lake is a bit longer. Before reaching the jetty at Naungshwe, you’ll have a chance to stop to visit the adorable novice monks at a teak monastery on stilts. Your kids are welcome to wander inside to see them at study or work, and see their living quarters. Posing for pictures with them is always great fun. Lunch in one of Naungswhe’s excellent Shan style pasta restaurants before hitting the lake.
Your charming staff at your floating hotel will be out to greet you as your private boat arrives at the dock. Settle into the hotel and have a rest before your boatman takes you out for an afternoon of wonder on the water. You’ll see floating pagodas, floating gardens, and visit with the monks at the Jumping Cat Monastery, among other things.
Day 5: Inle Lake – Indein – Mysterious Ruins of Nyaung Oak
The 5-day market at Indein is the largest and most colorful. You’ll cross the lake in a private boat and then cruise a narrow channel through beautiful pastoral settings of living on the water’s edge as if it were 100 years ago. At Indein market you’ll see various tribal groups coming from the hills and the lake, all gathering to buy and sell their produce, wares, textiles and trinkets. It’s a wonderful scene loaded with personality.
From the market it’s a short walk to Nyaung Oak, where 1054 zedi’s slump in partial ruin, half reclaimed by the forest. From there a climb to the old monastery on top of the hill offers fantastic panoramas. Return in time to glide gently through a floating village, take tea with an Intha family and see how they live & work. Enjoy the sunset from your hotel veranda overlooking the lake.
Day 6: Lake Inle – Endless Silver Beach on the Bay of Bengal
Ngwe Saung means Silver Beach, and it isn’t exactly endless, but it may as well be. Maybe the kids will be up for exploring all 14-kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, but not many parents will! “This is a vacation, not boot camp!”
Day 7: Silver Beach – Elephant Camp – Ngwe Saung Jungle
It’s less than an hour to the Elephant Camp, but you’ll have to get up early. The elephants are released every night to go out and feed in the rainforest, and they return early each morning to report for work. After a half day of learning & play capped by a mini-safari, you’ll be back at your beach front hotel by mid-afternoon.
Day 8: Silver Beach – Yangon
After a morning of relaxation, it’s time pack up the mugwumps and head back to Yangon. Tonight will be a special farewell dinner at the House of Memories, which once housed the office of General Aung San, father of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. His office is much as he left it, on the second floor. This is best Burmese food in the city, and also serves excellent Thai dishes. Their Western menu is just average.
Day 9: Yangon Departure
In the city center near the Yangon River, Sule Pagoda, and the 2,000 shops of Scott Market, is perfect for some serious last minute shopping! If there is time we could take you on a walking tour of British Colonial Rangoon, or for a ride on the Circle Train.
When you’re ready, we will drive you to the airport and see you off with traditional parting gifts for your kids. You’ll miss this place, but you’ll be back!
BEACHES, ELEPHANTS & ICE CREAM
Starting at $1395 per person, double occupancy
10 Days / 9 Nights
Deposit required to secure reservation
Top Rated English speaking guidesLuminous Journeys “Swag Bag”Airport welcome & farewellAll Accommodation with breakfastMeals according to your personalized planAll in-country airfare, airport taxes, air porter feesAll itinerary based transport, inc. private car & driverAmple bottled water throughoutEntrance and zone feesDonations to Luminous Journeys’ micro-NGO Charitiesinternational airfareany personal transportation unrelated to the itinerarytrip/medical insurance, medical expensesEarly check-in or late check-out chargespersonal expenses, such as telephone, laundry, alcohol, etc.tips for hotel porters or wait staffcamera feesguide or driver gratuitiesMyanmar visa fee (Visa on arrival may be obtained via Luminous Journeys)