Thailand and Burma are two of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. With warm, welcoming cultures and infinite sites of interest, these countries will captivate your heart and awaken your senses. From its jagged, misty peaks to its jutting limestone islands, Thailand is a land of natural wonders. Rich rainforests and cascading waterfalls are home to swooping gibbons and wild elephants. Saffron-robed monks mindfully make their way down quiet streets in the days’ early light, collecting morning alms. A humble rice farmer catches an afternoon snooze in the cool shade of a bamboo hut, while water buffaloes wade in the river beyond. High in the mountains Hill Tribe women sit in a stilted house, weaving and stitching intricate crafts, while a cool mountain breeze tickles the leaves of a teak tree. Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Taste mouthwatering food, gaze at the magnificent Buddhist temples, engage with locals from several different ethnic groups, and sink your toes into fine white sands beside aqua marine waters.

The adventure begins in Bangkok, where traditions of yesterday and developments of tomorrow groove seamlessly. Catch a glimpse into local life as you walk the friendly streets--flavoring fresh fish filets, weaving between hot-pink taxicabs, and moving along with the ebb and flow of foot traffic.  Discover the dichotomy of this city--historically notable for the longest reigning monarchy in history, yet fresh, innovative, and developed.  Hop on the sky train, riding above the sprawling streets and beneath buildings stretching into the sky. Weave in and out of the many different temples, intricately designed and equally majestic at the Royal Palace.  Then float along Chao Phraya River for a behind the scenes look into the culture of this bustling city.  Next, you’ll have a chance to explore Ayutthaya, the Ancient capital of Thailand. This historic site was the epicenter of a flourishing empire for many centuries.  Check out the well-preserved ruins of this mighty Empire, and feel the immense history of this place.

Next, it’s time to change gears and hit the beach!  You’ll head straight down to Phuket, and enjoy the breathtaking vista at Kata Noi. Dive into the marine life, snorkeling into the crystal waters.  After checking out these world-famous beaches, you’ll catch a boat ride over to legendary Koh Phi Phi.  Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the teeming reefs of the area while snorkeling and doing some optional scuba dives. The last stop will be in Northern Thailand, the most culturally diverse region of the country. Visit Hill Tribe villages seldom seen by outsiders, step into the simple life here with a home-stay experience, and hike to pristine waterfalls. Feel the cool vibe of Chiang Mai, shop at the country’s best markets, and take some deep breaths and stunning photographs at serene mountaintop temples. You will not want to leave, but your adventure to Burma awaits!

From Chiang Mai, you’ll fly via Bangkok to Yangon.  You’ll settle into our hotel and prepare for an amazing journey through amazing Burma. The journey begins our journey with a visit to one of the holiest sights in the Buddhist world, the Schwedagon Pagoda, which according to legend holds eight strands of Buddha’s hair. 

Following a full day in Yangon, you’ll catch a morning flight to Bagan.  The plains east of the Ayeyarwaddy River are home to over three thousand ancient temples.  The area is truly stunning with wide rivers, dusty roads, palm and sesame farms, and ox-drawn carts pulling goods to market.  You’ll take a day trip to Mt. Popa.  Here, you’ll learn all about the Nats of Burma, which are leprechaun like spirits who rule over the day-to-day life here. As the saying goes, “I respect the Buddha, but I make friends with the Nats”. 

Next, the adventure continues with an overnight riverboat ride to Mandalay, where you’ll walk over the worlds longest teak bridge and watch as over a thousand monks eat their daily meal in silence.  From here, you’ll head high into the mountains to Pyin-Oo-Lwin or Maytown, the traditional colonial retreat for the British during the hot summer months in Mandalay.  The Pyin-Oo-Lwin of today is an incredible cultural melting pot at the crossroads of Asia, and also home to the largest military academy in the country.  It is truly a great place to wander a market with a camera, and then cool off at a local waterfall.
The next stop of the adventure will be to the Northern Shan State to the beautiful town of Hsipaw.  Here, you’ll have the chance to head out into the rice fields to explore some small Shan villages. A full day of travel will then get us to Inle Lake.  This is a “must see” on any classic Burma itinerary – just imagine floating gardens and villages, with all of the locals moving about on simple wooden canoes. You’ll also visit a local Hill Tribe market where villagers come from miles around to seel their goods and wares, and buy the supplies they need. Inle Lake is yet another place that you will not soon forget!

Finally, well wrap up the trip in style.  From Inle we’ll travel to Yangon then on to Ngwe Saung.  No trip to Burma would be complete without a visit to the tropical Andaman Coast.  We’ll spend a couple of days enjoying the beach, snorkeling and taking it easy and digest the amazing month that you’ve just experienced. You’ll hop a quick flight back to Bangkok, and on to your next Gap Year adventure.

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com. 

 

 
ROAD TRIP through mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, visit Hill Tribe villages, ride friendly elephants, and cool off in tumbling waterfalls.
EXPLORE Thailand’s uninhabited islands and enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region.
VISIT the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, and then take a long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya canals in Bangkok, Thailand’s ‘City of Angels’.
DISCOVER thousands of temples as you bicycle through the ancient ruins of Burma’s famous Bagan.
TRAVEL past floating villages and learn about the Shan State as you cruise the waters of Inle Lake.
CATCH a glimpse of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
   
 

$3,275* + Internal Air*
Departs
Returns
1 January
31 January