Five years of research from five country experts culminates in a series of unique and unforgettable holidays

Since Myanmar (Burma) opened for tourism in 2011, bespoke travel experts Experience Travel Group have been at the forefront of finding out more about this fascinating country and how best to explore it.  After sending their five country experts on a number of reconnaissance missions to get under Myanmar's skin over the past five years, they are excited to launch a new programme of holidays, created to suit the most intrepid and curious of travellers.  

Despite bordering Southeast Asian travel hotspots Thailand, Laos, Thailand and China, the largely Buddhist nation of Myanmar has remained relatively untouched by mass tourism due to its political situation. It now warmly welcomes visitors who wish to explore its remarkable landscape and fascinating culture: from combining a holiday there with tried, tested and truly-loved Thailand, to getting completely off the beaten track in the north of the country, Experience Travel Group's new holidays perfectly showcase a country to cherish and visit again. 

The following three tours demonstrate just some of the unforgettable experiences these new holidays offer.

Myanmar Highlights and Beyond
Eschewing domestic flights in favour of boats and trains, this well-paced three-week itinerary ensures visitors experience the must-see sights of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Lake Inle in a different way way and discover less-known spots like Loikaw, Kalaw and the remote villages along the Irrawaddy River.  Highlights include seeing 100 Buddhist stupas rising out of the lake at Sankar during the boat transfer to Lake Inle, climbing to the top of Popa Taung Kalut for superb views towards Bagan and the extinct volcano of Mount Pop and rattling through the Shan Hills on a local train journey from Lake Inle to Kalaw. In Bagan, there is also the option to partake in a cookery class at a 'rough around the edges' but completely charming school, which Experience Travel Group is proud to be working with as the only UK tour operator.

From £4,750 per person, including all accommodation, experiences, a number of meals, entrance fees, guides, transport, flights, 24-hour in-country back up and access to a dedicated travel expert in the UK.

 Myanmar's Undiscovered North
An 18-day itinerary ideal for second time visitors to Myanmar who want to explore the country further, or first time travellers with a keen sense of adventure, this tour takes visitors north to the Shan and Kachin states to discover the villages in the foothills of the Himalayas and the source of the Irawaddy River. Highlights include taking a train over the Goteik Viaduct, spotting a vast variety of rare birds at the Moeyungyi Wetlands and Myanmar's largest lake and nature reserve, Indawgyi Lake,  and a number of tranquil boat trips to take in unexplored lakes, rivers and villages.  

From £5,200 per person, including all accommodation, experiences, a number of meals, entrance fees, guides, transport, flights, 24-hour in-country back up and access to a dedicated travel expert in the UK.

Simply Myanmar and Thailand
This gently-paced 18-day holiday allows a relaxed exploration of some of Myanmar and Thailand's most captivating sights, and ends with a stay on one of Experience Travel Group's favourite 'hidden' Thai islands.  It is perfect for families and couples alike. Highlights include exploring Yangon by train and on a walking tour, seeing Bagan's remarkable temples by bicycle, and relaxing into the pace of village life on the banks of the river Irawaddy, before heading to the dazzle of Mandalay, and the bustle and life of Chiang Mai.   Koyao Island Resort takes tranquillity to the next level, ensuring travellers finish this tour feeling nourished on all levels.

From £4,650 per person, including all accommodation, experiences, a number of meals, entrance fees, guides, transport, flights, 24-hour in-country back up and access to a dedicated travel expert in the UK.

 Find out more about Experience Travel Group's new Myanmar holidays, including its brand new river cruises, here.

Experience Travel Group specialises in bespoke holidays for passionate travellers. Offering adventures in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Borneo, Indonesia and India, Experience Travel Group expertly tailor-makes trips that enrich their clients' travel experiences.

 For more information about Experience Travel Group, please visit the website, or find out what the team has been up to recently by checking out their blog or Twitter page.

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Notes to Editors:

Founded in 2004 by Tom Armstrong and Sam Clark, Experience Travel Group has grown from featuring Sri Lanka to also specialise in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), Maldives, the 17,000 islands of Indonesia and India. Intimate knowledge of these destinations, combined with its engaging, enriching service ethos and an ability to create extra-ordinary local experiences, sets Experience Travel Group apart from the rest.

Experience Travel Group is a fully bonded ATOL agent (ATOL number 9324); a member of ABTA (membership number Y544X); and a member of AITO. The company's Sustainable Travel Policy is about continual improvement, monitoring and evaluation, and is available online at www.experiencetravelgroup.com/info/responsible-travel.

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Bacall Associates   Web: www.bacallassociates.co.uk  Tel: 020 7630 2880