From June 16 to 27, Viajar returns with a celebrated expedition crafted by Navy Travel. This journey ventures into a Southeast Asian landscape rooted in Buddhist tradition, guiding travelers through the awe-inspiring temples of Bagan, ending each day with unforgettable sunsets over gilded stupas, and offering moments of reflection on Yangon’s colonial architecture. The route weaves through ancient monasteries, visits local towns along Inle Lake, and revisits Mandalay to honor its storied royal past.
The expedition will be accompanied by photojournalist Tino Soriano, a recipient of the World Press Photo Foundation award for travel photography books and a multiple winner of Fotopress honors.
Buddhist experiences
After a brief welcome in Yangon, the convoy moves to Mandalay for a close-up look at the city’s spiritual core. There, travelers visit the Mahagandayon Monastery to witness the daily routine of more than a thousand monks, and they contemplate the world’s largest book at the Kuthodaw Pagoda. The Mahamuni Pagoda stands as one of Myanmar’s most important pilgrimage sites, crowned by a four-meter-tall Buddha statue. The Shwenandaw Monastery, crafted entirely of wood, is an architectural jewel within the former royal complex.
Next, a scenic ride ferries visitors to Ava, where a horse-drawn carriage delivers views of the MahaAungmyeBonzan Monastery and the Nanmyint Clock Tower. The area also includes a visit to Mingun, home to the Mingun Bell, the largest seamless bell on earth, and the grand, unfinished Mingun Pagoda.
In Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2019, travelers will see the Shwezigon Pagoda from the 11th century, the prototype for later Myanmar pagodas, along with the Ananda Temple, renowned for Mon architectural style and its well-preserved 18th-century murals.
Diving into popular tradition
Beyond Buddhist mysticism, there is time to explore the bustling Nyaung-Oo market, where fragrances and colors mingle with local crafts. A tranquil cruise along the Ayeyarwady River reveals the riverside way of life and offers a unique perspective on Bagan’s temple skyline from the water.
Dream snapshots
The journey continues with a flight to Heho and a transfer to Nyaung Shwe by boat. The lake area is famed for its leg-rowers and calm waters framed by floating vegetation and traditional fishing canoes. Here, visitors explore local craft workshops—umbrella making, Burmese cigars, and boat building—and pause at pagodas such as Phaung Daw Oo, the holiest site in the southern Shan State. Chauk Htat Gyi features a massive reclining Buddha, and nearby sits the Shwedagon Pagoda, a monumental 2,600-year-old stupa adorned with thousands of gems. The on-site oil-lighting ceremony offers a memorable cultural moment—an enduring ritual that resonates with visitors.
A tribute to great journeys
Myanmar becomes a fresh frontier for Viajar magazine’s legendary expeditions, led by scholars, archaeologists, and travel writers who guide participants through an experience that hasn’t been repeated in years. The mission and passion here is to explore the world with curiosity and care.
In addition to Myanmar, previous expeditions have explored Argentina and Chile’s Patagonia, Iran, the Silk Road, India, and Antarctica. These trips emphasize deep interaction with local culture, cuisine, history, and traditions.
Information about flights, accommodation, pricing, itinerary, and the full schedule is available online. Prospective travelers can inquire through the official expedition portal to learn more about how to participate and what is included in the package.