6-Day Northern Shan State and Mandalay Tour from Yangon

6-Day Northern Shan State and Mandalay Tour from Yangon

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If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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About this experience

Join this private 6 days tour, explore Northern Shan State with its remote village life and walk your way through the jungle, take the train over the Gokteik Viaduct and discover the former British Hill Station Pyin Oo Lwin before winding down the road to Mandalay.

A perfect combination of selected excursions giving real insight to the local cultures and a portion of freedom to follow your own instinct of discovery. Enjoy a wonderful train journey through the Shan mountains after getting to know Hsipaw and Kyaukme with its surroundings and unique hill tribes.

A truly diverse soft adventure experience.

Available options

6-Day Northern Shan State and Mandalay Tour from Yangon

Pickup included

What's included

Professional English speaking local guide

4 nights accommodation and 1 night on the public bus

Bottled water

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Local taxes

What you'll see

Day 1: Transfer to Hsipaw in Northern Shan State from Yangon by bus at 4pm. We will overnight on the public bus.

Day 2: Arrived Hsipaw. Upon arrival, walk to your hotel (hotel is only 5-minute walking distance from Khaing Ta Pyay bus station). The room is ready for check-in. In the late afternoon your guide will take you for a walk through a panoramic scenery of paddy fields and other seasonal crops passing small creeks, Shan villages and local schools and monasteries. The guide will explain in detail about Shan life around Hsipaw and show you some home industries like cheroot (cigar) rolling and bamboo weaving and the local people in Northern Shan state. Overnight at Hotel – Nice wooden bungalows in a beautiful garden.

Day 3: A day for yourself. After breakfast, you will explore the town on your own. Overnight at Hotel - Nice wooden bungalows in a beautiful garden.

Day 4: Completely plunge in rural life with your local guide. Your guide will be waiting for you at the final bus stop to take you to the guesthouse where you will spend the night. Embark on a full day trekking through the mountains surrounding Kyaukme during which your guide will give you a fascinating insight into the life of the Palaung people living in these remote hills. We have lunch in one of the Palaung villages. Today is a great day out in the nature in an area where you can still find people who have rarely seen western foreigners before and who live according to centuries old traditions. Overnight at Hotel – basic Guesthouse with private facilities.

Day 5: A train journey over a bridge, 820 feet (250m) high. The train departs at 11:05am from Kyaukme station and will pass the Gokteik Viaduct at around 1:30pm. Through spectacular mountain scenery the train will slowly move forward over the old railway track passing small villages and towns where vendors will enter the train to sell drinks and local snacks. Expected arrival time in the Pyin Oo Lwin – the former summer capital for the British colonial administration. On arrival at the colonial train station transfer on own arrangement to your hotel.

Day 6: Car-pooling from the scenic hill town to Mandalay. A shared taxi will pick you up at the hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin and drive you down the hill towards Mandalay. In Mandalay the shared taxi will drop you at your hotel.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Important notes

We will deliver all the travel documents required to your hotel before departure.

About Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and its commercial capital. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon offers a rich blend of tradition and modernity. The city's relaxed pace and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination in Myanmar.

Top Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. It is said to contain relics of the four Buddha's and is covered in gold leaf.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Bogyoke Aung San Market

This bustling market is a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's also a good spot to try local street food.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary by item

Chauhtatgyi Buddha Temple

This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar. The statue is 65 meters long and 16 meters high.

Religious 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Kandawgyi Lake

This beautiful lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It's surrounded by lush gardens and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Sule Pagoda

This ancient pagoda is located in the heart of Yangon and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mohinga

A popular rice noodle soup made with fish, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It's often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains fish, can be made vegetarian with tofu

Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)

A traditional Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients. It has a unique tangy and savory flavor.

Snack Vegetarian (if no fish sauce is added)

Samosa

A popular street food item, samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and sometimes meat. They are often served with a tangy tamarind sauce.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Shan Noodles (Nan Gyi Thok)

A popular noodle dish from the Shan state, made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, and a flavorful gravy. It's often served with pickled vegetables and a fried egg.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made with chicken or pork

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby national parks Boat tours on the Yangon River Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying a traditional Burmese massage Exploring historic sites and temples Attending traditional performances and festivals Fishing trips Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the cool and dry season, making it the most pleasant time to visit. The weather is ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Burmese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Burmese Kyat (MMK)

Time Zone

GMT+6:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Yangon is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid political demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Yangon International Airport • 15 km (9.3 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, YBS (Yangon Bus Service) Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Yangon. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Yangon Kamayut Dagon

Day trips

Bago

80 km (50 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Bago is an ancient city with a rich history and many historic sites, including the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Kyaik Pun Pagoda, and the Bago Palace.

Thanlyin

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Thanlyin is a historic town with a rich past and many interesting sites, including the Kyaik Kauk Pagoda, the Ancient Ships Museum, and the War Cemetery.

Twante

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Twante is a small town known for its pottery and traditional crafts. It's a great place to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the local way of life.

Festivals

Thingyan (Water Festival) • April (dates vary by year) Tazaungdaing Festival (Festival of Lights) • October/November (full moon of Tazaungmon) Kason Festival (Water Festival) • April/May (full moon of Kason)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Burmese, such as 'Mingalabar' (hello) and 'Kayzu tin bar de' (thank you), to show respect and make a good impression.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs to ensure a safe and reliable ride.
Carry small denominations of cash, as change can be difficult to come by, and bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors.
Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities, and support sustainable and responsible tourism practices.