Min Gala Ba! Welcome to Burma. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these to provide to your leader. To get your bearings and a taste of this wonderful city (the former capital), perhaps take a walk to Sule Paya and down to the Victorian Strand Hotel to admire both the colonial architecture and the bargaining mayhem of Bogyoke Market. 

This morning you will take a walking tour of some of Yangon's downtown sights. Your leader will take you to some of the buildings that originate in the period the city was known as Rangoon. You will also stop in at the Independence Monument, which is located in Mahabandoola Garden. From here you can get a nice view of City Hall and some of the British colonial buildings. The jewel in Yangon's crown, however, is Shwedagon Paya, the holiest of all shrines. Attracting pilgrims from across the globe, it's the most religious site in all of Myanmar, said to contain eight hairs of the Buddha. It's a real sight to behold as it overlooks the city, glittering with treasure such as gold, diamonds (some 5,500 of them) and many precious gems. When night falls, the lights go on and the stupa becomes a dazzling beacon.

Travel by road to Kyaiktiyo, the home of the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock (approximately 5 hours). Spending a night here is one of Myanmar's most spiritual experiences. On the way to Kyaiktiyo you will stop at Bago and visit the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and the immense reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha. After arriving at Kyaiktiyo's base camp at Kinponsakan, you will transfer to an open-air truck with basic wooden bench seating for the bumpy, steep drive up to Rathedaung (approximately 45 minutes). Then you'll walk to the summit (also approximately 45 minutes), situated at 1,180 metres above sea level. You will take a simple overnight bag with you while the rest of your luggage is stored on the bus back at base camp. The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a sight to behold, balanced precariously on a gilded boulder, jutting out from a mountain ridge. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. You will spend the evening walking around Kyaiktiyo (the name means 'pagoda borne on a hermit's head' in Mon language).

Take in the sunrise from the Golden Rock, then head back to base by truck. Drive to Hpa An (approximately 4 hours), travelling through picturesque countryside and sugarcane fields. On the way you will stop off at the Kawkune Caves to see the 7th-century stone carvings and clay Buddhas that are hidden inside. Most people don't know this place exists; it was only made accessible recently after a period of insurgency. Inside the cave there are countless images of Buddha carved out of the stone and they vary in size, shape and style. After arriving in Hpa An you will head out to the Shweyinhmyaw Pagoda. Here, if the weather's clear, you will bear witness to a spectacular sunset. 

Explore Hpa An in the morning. Spend some time at the delightful local market and interact with the stallholders – a mix of Chinese, Tamils, Bengalis among others. You will also visit Kyaikalatt Pagoda; then Lombumni Garden, with its one thousand Buddha images, located at the base of Mt Zwegabin. In the afternoon, depart for Mawlamyine (approximately 2 hours). Mawlamyine was British Burma’s administrative centre between 1872 and 1852 as well as the first British settlement in Myanmar. On your way there, stop in at U Na Auk's Monastery. The shrines here might not be as old as some others that you will see, but their allure lies in their interesting architectural styles which combine the traditional and modern. U Na Auk is famed for his business which ran in competition to the British during the colonial era.

Begin with a trip to the local markets, then enter the Seindon Mibaya Kyuang which was the last queen of Myanmar's residence. In the afternoon you can enjoy some free time. You might like to take this opportunity for a boat ride to Gaungse Kyun, also known as Shampoo Island. This pretty little spot derives its affectionate name from the fact that water from a spring on the island used to be used for the annual royal hairwashing ceremony. The stupa on the island is said to contain a hair of the Buddha. Those interested in this option can organise to visit the island as a group and split the cost of the transport. Tonight you will watch the sun go down at Kyaithalan Paya.

Travel to nearby Ogre Island (Bili Kyun) to witness some of the many cottage industries of the local communities. This area, mostly populated by Mon communities, is known for all kinds of crafts, such as pipes, walking sticks and hats. Coconut fibre is used in many of these crafts. Some villages on the island have their own particular specialty. After meeting some of the local craftspeople and snapping some photographs of the simple but charming surrounding landscapes, take the ferry back Mawlamyine to retire for the evening.

Begin your long day of driving today with a trip to Thanbyuzayat (approximately 1.5 hours). Here you will visit the Death Railway Cemetery (Death Railway is the informal term for the Thai–Burma Railway). This important site contains more than 3,000 graves of prisoners of war who were set to work under extremely harsh conditions on this international rail link during the Second World War. This site commemorates those who were lost during the construction of the Burmese portion of the railway. Most of these soldiers were Australian and British. After paying your respects, continue to Dawei (approximately 6 hours).

For a taste of Dawei (formerly known as Tavoy), you will stop in at the morning market for a browse. This lovely seaside town is rarely visited. Next you will travel by coach (approximately 90 minutes), then change to a light truck (approximately 30 minutes), heading for a fishing village on an offshore island. Here you will learn about the local way of life, including the local fish-drying industry. In the afternoon, make a visit to Maungmagan beach and enjoy plenty of time to relax before your trip across the border tomorrow. For dinner tonight, enjoy a home-cooked meal in the residence of a friendly local family.

Today's journey is long, approximately 8 hours in total, so be sure to come prepared with plenty of snacks! Most of the journey is along a winding dirt road (approximately 6 hours) which brings you to the Myanmar–Thailand border at Htiki. The distance between the two border-crossing points is around 5 kilometres. Say goodbye to your Myanmar leader at Htiki, then meet your Thai leader at the Baan Nam Pu Ron immigration point. From here it is a further 66 kilometres (approximately 1.5 hours) to Kanchanaburi, your final destination today.

Enjoy a leisurely day of free time. Active types might like to go kayaking; epicureans can take up a cooking class to learn some local kitchen secrets. Alternatively you might like to visit the Heritage Walking Street. Here you will find a collection of historic shops and other various buildings, with informative signs along the way which you can read for background information. Architectural styles range from Sino-Portugese to Thai and Vietnamese. There are also many war memorials in town, so take the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the Thai-Burma railway history.

Visit the Erawan Waterfall, a seven-tiered beauty nestled in a lush national park. Though it can get crowded here, these cool – and very photogenic – turquoise waters are well worth the trip. Then it's on to Hellfire Pass, where you will learn more about the history of the railway construction via detailed descriptions and recorded anecdotes from those who survived it. From there you will drive to Nam Tok train station for a rail trip along the Death Railway itself. On this excursion you'll see the famed bridge over the River Kwai. The journey takes you along scenic riverside tracks before crossing the original wooden viaduct that was built by prisoners of war over the river. In the evening, head back to Kanchanaburi.

Your final leg of the trip takes you to Thailand's capital, Bangkok (approximately 2.5 hours). Depending on the time of your departure and arrival, there may be free time for further activities in Bangkok before a final dinner with the group (these are optional). If you do find yourself with some hours up your sleeve, perhaps take a riverboat to Chinatown, wander down the frenetic Khao San Road, indulge in some Thai massage or visit the stunning Grand Palace. At any rate, be sure to seek out some delicious street food while you are here.

Your trip comes to an end today, with no more activities planned. You are free to depart the accommodation at any time.