From the beguiling culture of the city to the rugged allure of the Mergui Archipelago, this holiday will take you into the very heart of Myanmar. In Yangon, you’ll experience an eclectic mix of dazzling pagodas and British colonial architecture. Next, it’s off to Wa Ale, the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Accessed only by a 2-hour speedboat and teeming with untamed habitats, this is a beachside glamping experience that takes ‘remote’ to a new level.
Your holiday starts with four leisurely days in which to explore Myanmar’s largest, and arguably most exciting city, Yangon. There’s no need to rush out and explore the sights on your arrival day; The Savoy is the perfect hotel to gently ease you out of jetlag. Either unwind with a book by the courtyard pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst listening to the live music in the renowned Captain's Bar.
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT // 4 NIGHTS AT THE SAVOY
Make time for tea! The many tea shops dotted across Yangon are well worth a visit. These popular little restaurants will ensure your teapot is always topped up and offer up a host of snacks and local delicacies to try. They are also wonderfully social hubs where all city folk meet for a casual catch up, so the perfect places to experience local life.
We have included two of our signature experiences in Yangon. On our walking tour, a local guide will introduce you to the city’s captivating history before a street-food dinner and Burmese beer at the Chinatown night market. Your second experience includes a trip on the Yangon Circle Train and a visit to Yangon’s crowning glory: the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.
ETG's Myanmar specialist Holly says, “This is my favourite hotel in Yangon: a charming little colonial relic full of antiques and heritage. I love the Captain's Bar: with live music most nights, it has a laidback, intimate vibe and is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail after a day exploring the city.”
Leaving Yangon, you will embark on your epic journey to Wa Ale island. It’ll take a bit of time, as the island is truly off-grid, but this is what makes it so exceptional. The first leg of your journey is a flight to Kawthuang, located at the very bottom tip of Myanmar. Here you’ll be greeted by a Wa Ale representative who will check you in and show you to the speedboat. At the end of your two-hour ride, an incredible private island awaits. How you choose to enjoy this slice of paradise is entirely up to you...
7 NIGHTS AT WA ALE ISLAND RESORT
Start the day right with yoga on the beach or a workout at the Jungle Gym. Take a one-hour hike to the pristine sands of Honeymoon Beach, or a longer trek with the resident naturalist. Go kayaking and paddleboarding through mangrove trails. In the evening, sip cocktails at the main pavilion, and swap stories with other guests over an exquisitely prepared dinner. With almost everything included during your stay at Wa Ale, the island is truly your oyster.
One of the most remarkable things about Wa Ale is their commitment to preserving the local environment. So, we have included a chance for ETG travellers to gain a personal insight into this founding mission. After a guided kayak through the serene mangroves you will reach Salet Galet, a small local village supported by Lampi Foundation - a foundation funded mainly by the hotel - where you'll experience their admirable social welfare and conservation projects firsthand.
From the moment you step onto the speedboat heading for Wa Ale, you know you are in for an adventure. Greeted by pristine waters and jungle-covered mountains, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back to a prehistoric land. The service and food are impeccable yet unpretentious, and every effort has gone into protecting the environment and using recycled resources. At night, “camping” in luxury beachfront tents, the sounds of the Andaman Sea brushing the shore become your lullaby. There's nowhere on earth quite like Wa Ale.
The rainy season in Myanmar makes it challenging to get to and from the islands of the Mergui Archipelago, and hotels shut down over this period. But the weather in Myanmar, any time from October through to April is perfect for travelling, and both locations will welcome you warmly during this time.
To heighten your sense of relaxation, you’ll receive a complimentary 60-minute treatment at the spa of Wa Ale island resort. We have also included a free guided kayak excursion to help you discover the local villages of the Mergui Archipelago and the work of the Lampi Foundation, as described above.
Revitalise is a culmination of 16 years’ work, research and client feedback. Our travel team take annual trips to each of our destinations, testing the experiences and inspecting the hotels (someone’s got to do it, right?). We are passionate travellers in our own lives, and we have all visited Asia with our friends, family or backpacks. Basically, we’ve done the legwork: we know travel. And that’s why these trips are nothing short of magical.
We understand that while you may be itching to travel again, committing to a trip right now feels daunting. That’s why we have introduced our COVID-19 promise. We promise that if you book a holiday with us, but for any reason cannot travel due to COVID-19, we will refund you the bulk of your money, up to the day of your departure. We hope that this will give our travellers a little peace of mind and help you enjoy the magic of travel anticipation once again.
An ETG experience cannot begin unless our travellers feel secure in every respect. Financially secure: we are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded. Fully supported: our friendly team is on hand to help 24/7 before, during and after your trip. Free from hassle: we will ensure your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, all our experiences are tried and tested by our discerning team, so you can rest assured every excursion you book with us is both worthwhile and ethically sound.
With ETG, the experience starts the moment you pick up the phone. We are committed to seamless service at every stage of your journey. Before you depart, your dedicated travel consultant will provide all the information and insider tips you need to get you prepared (and excited!). Your in-country experiences will be distinctive, tailored to you, and always reveal the fabric of the destination. And you will come home with memories to share - not just photos to show.