Among the Sea Gypsies

Your journey begins in Chiang Rai, gateway to the mystical Golden Triangle region in the north east of Thailand, where you will be staying at the fabulous Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – a luxury resort surrounded by cool bamboo jungle. Wake up to the sun rising over Thailand, Laos and Burma before setting out to enjoy your choice of included cultural, wildlife or spa experiences. Visit the award-winning elephant camp and come face-to-face with these gentle giants and even train as a mahout. Dara Camp houses elephants rescued from ill treatment and provides a comfortable environment and the utmost care for over 20 elephants.

You may also like to spend a day immersed in the rich culture of the fabled Golden Triangle and learn about indigenous hill tribes, or discover the secret recipes of the region’s exotic cuisine at the interactive Spice Spoons Cooking School.

After arriving by air into Burma, discover Yangon’s colonial heritage and religious legacy with a city tour. Make a photo stop at Sule Pagoda, one of the iconic sights downtown, shop for gold on Shwe Bontha Street and consult fortune tellers hanging out under the trees. Of course, a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda will be made, where your guide will explain the objects and rituals associated with Buddhist culture. The Strand Yangon, your hotel for two nights, is a national landmark owing to its grand colonial exterior which is particularly enchanting when illuminated after dark. Its timeless charm extends to the legendary Strand Bar, spacious suites and exceptional service.

Travel south to Kawthaung, the gateway to the Mergui archipelago, where you will spend a night at the Victoria Cliff Hotel & Resort, located approximately 3km from the bustling town centre and perched above the Andaman Sea. Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the pool or venture out to visit the Maliwan waterfall and natural hot springs area.

From Kawthaung, you will be boarding the SY Meta IV for a five-night sail around the unspoilt Mergui archipelago. This largely uninhabited collection of 800 tropical islands in Burma’s remote south is the epitome of paradise – dazzling white beaches fringed by dense jungle abound with wildlife. Beneath the surface of the calm azure waters awaits a colourful marine world, perfect for snorkelling between beach stops. With your journey led by the experienced yacht crew, spend your days kayaking, fishing, swimming and taking dinghy excursions into mangrove forests in search of monkeys and birdlife. Barbecue freshly caught tuna on deserted islets and meet the ethnic minority group that inhabits the region, occasionally referred to as sea gypsies due to their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Visit the Moken people in their villages to sample their food and watch men building dugout canoes using traditional methods. Your six day sailing trip will reveal just how special this undiscovered region is.

Return to dry land and back to Yangon for your final night, where you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into its multicultural heritage with glistening gilded pagodas and colonial buildings nestled alongside scenic lake shores. Alternatively, rejuvenate with a traditional Burmese massage at your hotel, The Strand, before flying home.