Myanmar Explorer

Arrival in Yangon.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Yangon. 

Sightseeing of Yangon. 

Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885 when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.

Visit the colonial heart of Yangon (30 minutes)

Start the day in the heart of Yangon which features an interesting selection of monuments and colonial buildings. Among others, you will see the Independent Monument, the High Court, the City Hall and the Sule Pagoda (view from the outside only).

Visit Botataung Pagoda (1 hour)

The Botataung Pagoda was named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over 2000 years ago. This ancient monument was completely destroyed during Wwii. It was then rebuilt in a very similar style to its predecessor, however, this particular iteration is hollow and one can walk through it.

Visit the National Museum (60 minutes)

The National Museum hosts several interesting exhibits, especially the 8-meter high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king, and returned to Burma in 1908 by Lord Mountbatten. The main floor contains jewelry, old black and white photos of Mandalay Palace and Yangon, royal relics, Hintha opium weights, and inscribed tablets.

Visit Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market (Closed on Mondays and public holidays) (1 hour)

Explore the Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott Market, which contains over 2000 stalls and is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts.

Visit Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset (2-3 hours)

The highlight of any trip to Yangon is a visit to the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, which dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tonnes of gold leaf, which is constantly being replaced.

Overnight in Yangon

By vehicle from Yangon to Kyaikhto with sightseeing in Bago

Visit Htauk Kyan Allied War Cemetery on the outskirts of Yangon. Explore the main market and a typical local monastery in Bago to observe the daily lives of the monks, and then continue the highly venerated Shwemawdaw Paya, which has housed hair relics of the Buddha for well over 1000 years. Continue to Shwethalyaung Buddha, a huge reclining Buddha with a sign on the platform in front of the image giving the measurements of each body part. It is reputed to be one of the most lifelike of all reclining Buddhas. The Burmese say the image represents Buddha resting after attaining nirvana.

Overnight in Kyaikhto

Visit Kyaikhtiyo (the Golden Rock) (60 minutes)

Kyaikhtiyo: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, the shrine at the top of Mt. Kyaikto seems to defy gravity. Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff is a giant golden boulder topped with a gleaming stupa. The site is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise when a magical atmosphere envelops the shrine.

By vehicle from Kyaikhto to Yangon with sightseeing in Bago.

Visit the Hintha Gon Paya. This shrine has nice views over Bago from the roofed platform on the hilltop. According to legend, this was the one point rising from the sea when the mythical bird (the hintha) landed here. Continue to Kyaik Pun Paya, built in 1476 by King Dhammazedi, it consists of four 30m-high sitting Buddhas placed back-to-back around a huge, square pillar and Mahazedi Paya, originally constructed in 1560 Ad by King Bayinnaung, it was destroyed during the 1757 sacking of Bago and the reconstruction was only completed in 1982. Stairways lead up the outside of the stupa, and from the top, there are fine views over the surrounding area.

Overnight in Yangon

After breakfast transfer to airport to take flight o Bagan.

Discover the Beauty of Bagan.

Explore the vast and fascinating area of Bagan, and discover temples with unique stories, features, and architecture. The spectacular plain of Bagan stretches away from the Ayeyarwaddy River and is dotted with over 2,000 temple structures dating back over 800 years. Spend the day exploring the temples and hearing the fascinating history and stories behind these imposing structures. Have a chance to visit a lacquerware workshop to learn about the intricate process of lacquerware making and decoration. At the end of the tour enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the ancient pagodas. A selection of temples will be visited including Shwezigon Paya, a beautiful golden pagoda containing relics of Buddha. The site was started by Anawrahta but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha between 1086 and1090. The pagoda’s graceful bell shape served as a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, an early 13th-century temple with an Indian-style spire. The ceiling is covered with paintings depicting the previous life of Buddha. Ananda Pahto, one of the largest, most beautiful and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha who was inspired by Indian architecture. During the 1975 earthquake, Ananda suffered considerable damage but has been totally restored. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba, a 12th-century Buddhist temple famous for its well-preserved frescoes, considered to be the oldest original paintings to be found in Bagan. Manuha Temple, which was built, according to inscriptions, by the captive Mon King Manuha in 1067. It contains three seated Buddha images along with an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Shwesandaw Paya, a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda dating back to 1057. This 328-foot-high imposing structure is visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan. Enjoy sunset at one of the sunset hills or from Bu Paya.

(Shwesandaw Pagoda is not allowed to climb up until further notice due to some old bricks was fallen down)

Overnight in Bagan.

Excursion to Mount Popa (3 hours)

Visit Mount Popa, a cylindrical hill that rises sharply from the surrounding plain, and is considered to be the home of Myanmar’s most important nats (spirits). Ascend the mountain via a winding covered staircase watched by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex with shrines to the 37 nats, along with spectacular views.

Continue sightseeing from the previous day (4 hours)

Overnight in Bagan. 

After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Mandalay.

Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava).

This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere.  In the morning, drive to Amarapura, and visit Mahagandayon Monastery; every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, pay a visit to Sagaing, the spiritual center of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples, and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Sun U Ponya Shin Paya, U Min Thonsei Paya, and Kaung Hmu Daw Paya.

Cross the river by ferry to Inwa (Ava), situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa (Ava) is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely Horsecart Ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint Tower. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make their famous alms bowls out of iron.  Finally, return to Amarapura, to end the day At U Bein’s Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometer across Taungthaman Lake.  At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colors of the sunset.

Overnight in Mandalay

Sightseeing in Mandalay

The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar and a cultural and spiritual center.  Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country’s monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar.  In the morning, head to Mahamuni Paya. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of Gold-Leaf Beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares.  Before breaking for lunch, visit a Craft Workshop specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, wood-carving, or puppetry.

The afternoon’s tour includes some of the city’s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at Shwenandaw Kyaung or the Golden Teak Monastery. Built entirely of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen. Continue to Kyauktawgyi Paya, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Continue to Kuthodaw Paya, known also as “the world’s biggest book”. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, each housing a slab of marble Numbering altogether 729, these slabs are inscribed with the entire Tripitaka or Buddhist scriptures.  The final stop is at Shwe Kyin Old Monastery, an old monastery at the base of Mandalay Hill which was built during the period of King Mindon.

Visit Mandalay Hill at sunset

Visit Mandalay Hill and take an easy climb up sheltered steps to experience panoramic views over the palace, Mandalay and the paya-studded countryside. The famous hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the buildings on and around the hill in the years after the founding of the city.

Overnight in Mandalay

After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly Heho.

Upon arrival, we will drive to Kalaw which is about an hour distance from Heho.

Sightseeing in Kalaw

A popular hill station in the British days, Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar, and Nepali.

Thein Taung Paya: temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road.

Aung Chang Tha Zedi: glittering stupa (Buddhist religious monument) covered in gold-colored mosaics.

Dhamma Yon: a two-story temple which from upstairs has fair views of the town, Dhamma Yanthi Paya and the ruins of the Hsu Taung Pye Paya.

Hsu Taung Pye Paya: ruins and now a field of crumbling stupas behind the Dhamma Yon towards the Kalaw Hotel.

Nee Paya: located west of the town, it features a gold lacquered bamboo, Buddha.

Christ The King Church: a brick Catholic church under the supervision of the Burmese Father Paul, and the Italian Father Angelo Di Meo, who has been in Myanmar since 1931. The Christ figure over the altar came from Italy, and Father Angelo painted the mural background.

Overnight in Kalaw

Visit the local market.

By vehicle from Kalaw to Inle Lake with sightseeing at Pindaya

Pindaya Caves are ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the cavern, there are more than 8000 Buddha images made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer, and cement, and they are arranged in such a way as to form a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers.

Transfer by boat.

Overnight in Inle Lake

Excursion by boat on Inle Lake

Enjoy a boat ride on Inle Lake and discover its calm serenity, still waters and colorful brush strokes of floating vegetation and slow-moving fishing canoes. Rolling high hills hug the lake on all sides, as the lake’s shore and islands host 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and meditate on the one of a kind skill of the local fishermen who make use of their legs in a unique rowing technique to glide themselves gracefully around the lake. Visit the enchanting floating gardens, a teeming market and an Intha village around the lake. The day also includes a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inn Paw Khon Village (Lotus and silk weaving villages) and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.

Transfer by boat (1 hour)

By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho (1 hour)

Arrival in Yangon

Overnight in Yangon

After breakfast transfer you to the airport for your next destination.