An Example Itinerary

Southeast Asia for Families

Thailand

15 Day Itinerary

Best Time

December to March

Guide Price

£8,800pp

$10,500pp

Embark on the perfect family holiday to Southeast Asia. Delight in cultural explorations at Bagan and wildlife adventures at Inle Lake, all complemented by family friendly cooking classes. Conclude your journey in Thailand, where you can relax on unspoiled beaches.

Highlights

Explore untouched corners of Myanmar before relaxing on Thailand’s best beach
Soar into the skies in a hot air balloon over Bagan at sunrise
Temple hop around Myanmar to discover some of the most significant sites of worship
Learn to cook popular traditional Burmese and Thai dishes
Snorkel alongside giant manta rays in the turquoise Andaman waters

Day 1 - 3: Yangon, Myanmar

Day 3 - 6: Bagan, Myanmar

Day 6 - 9: Inle Lake, Myanmar

Day 9 - 10: Mandalay, Myanmar

Day 10 - 15: Phuket, Thailand

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – 3: Yangon, Myanmar

Day 3 – 6: Bagan, Myanmar

Day 6 – 9: Inle Lake, Myanmar

Day 9 – 10: Mandalay, Myanmar

Day 10 – 15: Phuket, Thailand

Day 1 - 3: Yangon, Myanmar

Learn to cook up your favourite Burmese dishes yourself in a cookery lesson
Hop on a bike and pedal to Yangon’s markets, selling everything from fabrics to fresh fruit

Yangon blends modern architecture and Buddhist monuments to create a city full of excitement – a great place to start in Myanmar.

Begin in Yangon, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to Belmond Governor’s Residence – your home for two nights. Once you’ve settled in, lounge by the pool and stroll through the manicured gardens filled with lotus ponds. We can arrange a family-friendly cooking class where you’ll learn to cook delicious Burmese dishes. Then learn Myanmar’s culture of astrology with a sunrise visit to Shwedagon Pagoda. Shop for local handicrafts at Scott Market before returning to Anawrahta Road Night Market to taste street food delicacies in the evening.

Day 3 - 6: Bagan, Myanmar

Look over Bagan’s iconic temple-filled skyline from the height of a hot air balloon at sunrise
Spot 900-year-old frescoes inside a cave temple

Bagan’s architecture makes it one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world.

Fly to Bagan, where you’ll spend three nights at The Hotel at Tharabar Gate. Once here, the culturally curious will enjoy wandering around the famous Nyaung Oo market to find every authentic Burmese product, from traditional longyi to rattan baskets. The whole family can get out exploring with temple hopping around some of Myanmar’s most important sites, including the Gubyaukgyi cave temple covered in frescoes. Tick off a bucket list experience by rising early to soar above Bagan’s iconic skyline on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Day 6 - 9: Inle Lake, Myanmar

Admire wildlife sightings from your room as thirsty water buffalo drink from the lake
Rise early to watch as the monks congregate for almsgiving outside the hotel

Switch the hustle and bustle of Burmese city life for a tranquil lakeside retreat in an untouched corner of the country.

Catch a domestic flight to Heho and you’ll be transferred to Villa Inle, situated on the calm waters of Inle Lake. For an authentic insight into the lives of Inle Lake’s villagers, set out on a wooden boat to explore the lake’s tomato plantations and learn how local farmers have built their own crops. Watch as the Intha fishermen catch fish whilst rowing with their legs. If you’re eager to explore the hustle and bustle of a local market, spend a morning browsing the five-day rotating market whose location changes on a weekly basis.

Day 9 - 10: Mandalay, Myanmar

Watch as the sun sets over the Irrawaddy River from atop Mandalay Hill
Read the marble walls of the ‘world’s largest book’

Mandalay is home to fabulous markets and truly comes to life alongside its working riverside.

Fly to Mandalay where you’ll spend a night at Rupar Mandalar Resort. For your final burst of Burmese culture, your private guide will take you pagoda hopping around the city, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the important sites but ensuring that the itinerary suits your family’s pace. See the revered gold leaf Buddha painting at Mahamuni Pagoda before the ‘world’s largest book’ at Kuthodaw Pagoda, where Buddhist scriptures are carved into the marble walls. Prepare to be amazed whilst watching local artisans make kalaga tapestries, gold leaf, stone carving and bronze casting by hand. End you evening atop Mandalay Hill and observe as the glass-walled temples reflect the glowing sunset.

Day 10 - 15: Phuket, Thailand

Head out to sea for the day to snorkel in hidden coves and spot giant manta rays
Feel like 007 as you visit James Bond Island

Fulfil your ultimate island fantasy on Phuket, with lush tropical jungle beaches and turquoise lagoons.

Finish your holiday on the world-renowned white beaches of Phuket with five nights at the family-friendly Six Senses Yao Noi – offering the perfect combination of relaxation and activities to keep all ages entertained. Once here, dip into your own private pool and soak up the enchanting views of Phang-Nga Bay’s limestone pinnacles. Spend a day on a scenic boat cruise where your own chef will prepare a delicious lunch whilst you all snorkel in the Andaman waters searching for giant manta rays. Whilst out at sea, live the life of a spy with a visit to James Bond Island. Back on land, experience island life whilst pedalling along a nature trail or touring the organic vegetable garden before a traditional Thai cooking class.

What is typically included

9 nights Bed & Breakfast
5 nights Half Board
All private guiding and entrance fees
Cultural visits, hot air balloon flight, boat trips, cooking classes, village tours, snorkelling
All domestic flights and transfers