Overland between Kunming and Bangkok via Burma

Visiting: Burma , China, Thailand

Overland between Kunming and Bangkok via Burma

Crossing 3 countries this epic month-long trip takes you right to the heart of magical Burma. The trip begins in the lush, tropical landscapes of Southern China, home to a complex mix of history, people and landscapes; you’ll visit stunning temples and relax in the lakeside town of Dali before crossing into Burma where you can sample South East Asia as it was 20 years ago. With this in-depth itinerary you will trek through tribal villages in Burma’s Shan state, explore the archaeological wonders of Pagan, relax on the Irrawaddy River and wander around the last Royal capital of Mandalay. You will visit the floating villages of Inle Lake, and the impressive golden-gilded Buddha's in Yangon before joining local pilgrims as they admire the sunset from Mount Kyaiktiyo. We head deeper into Burma’s Mon state until reaching the border of Thailand finishing this epic trip in bustling Bangkok.

 

 

There will be a group meeting at 18:00 PM. The rest of the evening is free to explore.

We overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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Today is free to relax and explore Kunming. There is plenty to see in Kunming itself of you could consider heading out to the Shilin Stone Forest, a remarkable landscape of strange limestone peaks a couple of hours from Kunming. 

Also make sure that you try a pot of 'over the bridge noodles' a local speciality that will get the taste buds tingling!

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Morning drive from Kunming to the small lakeside town of Dali (appox 320kms). The Afternoon is free to explore. We stay here for 2 nights, basing ourselves at a local hotel.

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A free day in Dali to enjoy the many adventurous activities that you can do in the area, including heading up in to the mountains behind the tow, or taking a boat ride out onto the lake.

Alternatively kick back, relax and watch the world go by from a friendly cafe in one of the traditional cobblestone streets.

We spend a second night in a local hotel.

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This morning we drive towards Yunnan's Baoshan county, famous for its hotsprings and the many volacanoes that surround the area.

Whilst here we have time to explore the hotsprings, volcanoes and waterfalls.

We will camp overnight near the town of Tengchong (approx 340kms). 

 

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This morning we have more time to explore Baoshan county. In the afternoon we head towards the Burmese border (approx 200km), ready for our border crossing tomorrow morning.

We will stay in a local guesthouse near the border town on Ruili.

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Border Information: Exit China at Ruili & Enter Burma at Muse.

We cross the border from China into Burma, spending the night at the town of Muse.

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Today we make our way to the laid-back Shan village of Hsipaw. The afternoon is free to explore this beautiful area; there are numerous options including trekking to surrounding villages, hiring a bike or visiting the nearby waterfalls, water caves and hotsprings.

Tonight we will camp near the village.

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Pyin U Kwin is a scenic hill town based in the Shan highlands. We use this as a base for further walks in this area.

We camp overnight.

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We have 2 days to explore the sites of Mandalay. On our second day we have a guided tour that includes Mandalay Hill.

We stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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We have 2 days to explore the sites of Mandalay. On our second day we have a guided tour that includes Mandalay Hill.

We stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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This morning we for drive around 3 hours to Monywa stopping off en route to visit the Thanboddhay Pagoda. Monywa is also our jumping off point for the boat cruise down the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady River).

We will spend the night in a local hotel in Monywa.

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After breakfast we make our way to the Irrawaddy, where we board a boat to take us on a journey that is rarely taken by travellers.

We will stay overnight in a hotel.

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Bagan is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River and is home to the largest cluster of pagodas, Buddhist temples, stupas and ruins in the world, a place that has to be seen to be believed.

During our time here we have a guided tour of the site.

We stay overnight in a local hotel.

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Bagan is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River and is home to the largest cluster of pagodas, Buddhist temples, stupas and ruins in the world, a place that has to be seen to be believed.

During our time here we have a guided tour of the site.

We stay overnight in a local hotel.

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This morning we have a short drive to the hill station town of Kalaw, a perfect place for trekking and escaping the heat.

There is plenty of time to explore the town and visit the market.

We will camp overnight.

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This morning we have a short drive to the beautiful Inle Lake, a real highlight of a visit to Burma. The area is full of amazing floating gardens and can be explored by bike or on a longtail boat.

Overnight in a local guesthouse.

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This morning we have a short drive to the beautiful Inle Lake, a real highlight of a visit to Burma. The area is full of amazing floating gardens and can be explored by bike or on a longtail boat.

Overnight in a local guesthouse.

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We will have the morning to relax and explore more of Inle Lake. This afternoon we drive south, stopping overnight in Bago.

We will camp overnight.

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This morning we drive to Yangon, with 3 full days to explore the city. On the second day we have a guided tour of the main sites.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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This morning we drive to Yangon, with 3 full days to explore the city. On the second day we have a guided tour of the main sites.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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Today we drive to one of the Myanmar's most spectacular sites and an important Buddhist pilgrimage shrine, Mt Kyaiktiyo.

We take a pick-up truck up the first two-thirds of the mountain, and then continue the final part of the ascent on foot along a steep and winding path. We end up on the top, next to the Golden Rock.

We camp overnight in the area.

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We spend the next 3 days overlanding through Burma's southern Mon state. We will be able to visit local markets, stop at some amazing temples and sample the local cuisine as we travel south toward the Thai border.

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We spend the next 3 days overlanding through Burma's southern Mon state. We will be able to visit local markets, stop at some amazing temples and sample the local cuisine as we travel south toward the Thai border.

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We spend the next 3 days overlanding through Burma's southern Mon state. We will be able to visit local markets, stop at some amazing temples and sample the local cuisine as we travel south toward the Thai border.

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Border Information: Exit Burma at Kawthaung & Enter Thailand at Ranong.

This morning we will cross over to Thailand. Once all the border procedures are complete we will continue our journey towards Chumphon.

We will wild camp overnight en route.

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Today we head for Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok. The drive is approximately 450 kms which means we arrive into Bangkok during the late afternoon. The evening is free to explore (and shop!).

Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

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Free day for optional activities.

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner