Stupas, Sanctuaries & the Andaman Sea

Your first stop is Burma’s former capital and largest city, Yangon (also known as Rangoon). Embark on a culinary tour of the region, enjoying everything from gourmet dishes at the Le Planteur restaurant – Yangon’s landmark restaurant – to street food along the alleyways and markets. Discover Yangon's intoxicating diversity, from the bustling Indian and Chinese quarters to the mystical fortune tellers on Sule Pagoda Road, who sit under the shade of the trees. Afterwards, engage in some pickled-snake hunting at the lively Theingyi Zei market.

As a cultural and religious hub, a visit to Yangon isn’t complete without a tour of its many religious sites, including the colourful Sri Kali Hindu temple and Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which is home to an impressive 72-metre reclining Buddha statue. Stay at the grand, Victorian-style Strand Hotel, which is only a 20-minute walk from many of the main attractions.

Bagan can only be described as one thing: stupa central. As the religious centre of Burma, you can see these fascinating Buddhist shrines in their thousands here – and even take in the sheer beauty of them onboard a hot air balloon, which is the classic way to see this city. Explore the animated  guided excursions to mystical temples and pagodas such as the Ananda Temple, built in 1105 AD, the Buddhist Shwezigon Pagoda (which houses a tooth and bone of the Gautama Buddha), and the Indian-style Gubyaukgyi Temple, with its painted murals about the life of Buddha, as well as a series of small monasteries where you can partake in the ceremony of offering donations to monks in exchange for their good wishes and blessings. Also unmissable is the animated and brightly-coloured Nyaung Market. 

Throughout your temple tour you’ll encounter many local farmers and families, giving you a taste of life in rural Bagan, and you'll also get to see how lacquerware and woodwork are skilfully made by local artisans before being whisked back to Bagan Lodge by a Victorian-style horse carriage, where you can indulge in a spa treatment or enjoy a round of golf.

Set sail on the legendary Irrawaddy River onboard the stylish Sanctuary Ananda, heading northwards towards Sagaing (a stupa-studded wonderland) on your way to Mandalay. You're guaranteed luxury and seclusion during your cruise, from suites featuring plush beds of Egyptian cotten and monsoon showers, to the beautiful ever-changing river views from your private balcony. 

In the evening, enjoy lectures and demonstrations of Burmese culture over delicious traditional dishes with strong local flavours like lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet chilli. Wake up to meditation and yoga on the deck, followed by a cooking class with the Sanctuary’s executive chef. Enjoy a tour of Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura by horse cart or coach, including trips to more monasteries and pagodas as well as local silversmiths and textile workshops. Back onboard, enjoy cocktails at sunset on deck.

Bond fans will love the stunning views of Phang Nga Bay’s craggy landscape – immortalised in the iconic film The Man with the Golden Gun. Limestone karsts protrude from the Andaman Sea to the sky, fringed by mangrove forests along the coast in a quintessential Thailand image. 

Stay right at the heart of this stunning location at the elegant COMO Point Yamu, which overlooks the sea, against a backdrop of hazy green mountains. The interior is light and airy, decked out with lobster-trap lamps and inviting chaise longues, with a turquoise colour palette which evokes the enticing blue of the ocean. With five nights here, there is plenty of time for Italian gourmet indulgence at the La Sirena restaurant and some serious pampering in the spa, not to mention some quality relaxation on the beach, snorkelling in the pristine waters and boat trips to your very own private island.