Myanmar cultural tour, 16 days

Planet

Travelling by bicycle or on foot for many of the excursions means that environmental impact has been kept to a minimum for this trip, whilst offering the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside in a relaxing manner and the famous temples of Myanmar from a unique and personal perspective.

In Kalaw, you will visit a small and exemplary ethical elephant sanctuary, where your day will consist mostly of observation and education, leaving the elephants to enjoy their natural environment with minimum disturbance or intervention, whilst supporting their on-going care and wider conservation efforts. Here you can also take the opportunity to plant a tree to help support the local environment.

Our suppliers are focused on improving sustainability and reducing plastic waste. We are working together with them and the local guides to offer refillable water bottles and reduce offers of other single-use items such as wet wipes or straws on a more widespread basis.

People

Like everyone, we’ve been shocked by the harrowing reports emerging from Rakhine State in Myanmar about the persecution of the Rohingya people and the subsequent humanitarian crisis that has developed across Myanmar’s border in Bangladesh. There are a number of issues that this raises for those considering travelling to Myanmar. On balance, we believe that, ethically, visiting Myanmar remains the right thing to do, specifically for the huge impact your visit can have on the people whose livelihoods depend on tourism, in a country where there is no economic or social safety net.

This tour focuses on involvement with local communities and celebrating tribal cultures throughout Myanmar, highlighting the cultural diversity and traditions to be found across the country, whilst ensuring profits go directly to the locals involved in your trip, rather than to the government. The experience is immersive, adventurous and educational, whilst giving back to those that share their stories with you along the way and enjoying the opportunity to connect with locals in a way that modern tourism often doesn't allow.

Throughout this trip you will visit local villages and tribes, learning traditional customs, crafts, and even some of the language, improving cultural exchange and ensuring an authentic and mutually beneficial journey.

We recommend buying crafts, home wares and gifts from selected organizations that we can suggest for you, so you can help support local communities and their skills and you also know that your money is directly benefiting the local economy.