Start the day with a two-hour scenic drive east of Mandalay, stopping off for a short coffee break en route to admire Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall and its green surrounds.

NOTE: The stop at Dat Taw Gyaint is optional and coffee is not included.

Although Colonel May and his fellow colonial settlers may have long gone, Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) has managed to retain much of its history, charm and grandeur. This is particularly noticeable along the south end of the circular road, with 19th century country mansions occupying large patches of green, private and manicured estate. As you pass the brick and timber fronts of Candacraig, Craddock Court (Nan Myaing Hotel) and Croxton (Gandamar Myaing Hotel), it shouldn’t take long to get a sense of how extravagant the lives of the lucky few were back then. Although a lot less elaborate in style, a stop at old post office (1916) and All Saints Anglican Church (1913) also comes highly recommended.

NOTE: Some companies suggest exploring Pyin Oo Lwin’s colonial highlights using a horse and cart but due to us not being able to guarantee the condition of the horses, we do not currently recommend exploring this way.

Having feasted your eyes on the town’s architectural highlights, we’ll next drive to Purcell Tower, a clock tower built in 1934 to commemorate King George V’s 25th year on the throne. Having stopped the car nearby, walk along the colourful shop facades towards the central market; here you’ll find a mind-boggling variety of items ranging from jumpers, woolly hats, jams and fruit wine.

One aspect of Pyin Oo Lwin life we particularly like is the town’s cosmopolitan feel; for over a century, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus have peacefully co-existed in tight-knit communities, thus explaining the high concentration of Hare Krishna temples, mosques, churches and monasteries.

Having surely worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

NOTE: The cost of lunch is not included. Feel free to ask your guide for a recommendation or use the car to drive to a place of your own choosing.

The remainder of the afternoon will be spent exploring the National Kandawgyi Botanical Garden, a 440-acre green expanse established in 1915. Originally modelled on Kew Gardens of England, the garden is home to 344 species of forest trees, 42 species of indigenous orchid, 25 species of rose and 6 species of lily. Inside, you’ll also find three museums; the fossil museum, petrified wood museum and butterfly museum.

Having circled the immaculately landscaped grounds, transfer back to Mandalay by car.