Welcome to 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 the hotel by air conditioned vehicle.
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 in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar - ending Mandalay's brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom. It served as the capital of Myanmar until 2006.
In the evening, visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The highlight of any visit to Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda dates back about 2.600 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the centuries. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold-leaf, which is continuously being replaced.
Overnight: Yangon
Start your exploration of colonial Yangon in the heart of the city, where you will see Sule Pagoda, the City Hall with amazing architecture of Myanmar, the Emmanuel Baptist Church, the High Court (formerly known as the Parliament for Justice) and the Mahabandoola Park. Continue to the Secretariat Building, a Victorian building, which housed the parliament from 1948-1962. It was the place where General Aung San, the father of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was assassinated in 1947. Afterwards, walk down to the Strand Road, on the way you will explore the Gandhi Hall, where the National League for Democracy drafted the Gandhi Hall Declaration, issued on July 29, 1990. Explore the Post Office, the legendary Strand Hotel, the Port Authority building and the Accountant General's Office. Then, as a final stop, walk to the office of the Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT), a non-profit organization that works to preserve and protect the city's rich urban heritage and displays the past and present photos of Yangon. 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. (Closed on Mondays and public holidays.) Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is the most well-known Buddhist temple in Yangon. It houses one of the most revered reclining Buddha images in the country. The Buddha image is 66 metres long, and one of the largest in Burma 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.
Overnight in Yangon
After breakfast, transfer to the airport by air conditioned vehicle and flight from Yangon to Heho. Upon arrival Heho, drive to Nyaung Shwe, the town is connected to the lake by several channel. Today we get to see the famous one-legged rowers on Inle Lake! This is no ordinary lake though. Inle is an enchanting world of villages on stilts and gardens that float on the surface of the lake (seriously!). One of the most photographed sights is the skilled Intha fishermen who balance on one leg, while using the other to maneuver the oar. We'll take a relaxing boat ride across Inle Lake, stopping to see these sights along with some pagodas and lakeside villages.
Overnight at Inle Lake
Then drive to Kalaw, former British hill station the driving time takes about one and half hours. Visit the British-built train station: here is a prodigious smattering of colonial architecture still in great condition. The red brick railway station just south of the town centre might as well have been plucked straight out of an English village. Visit a hilltop monastery for panoramic views over the town.
Overnight in Kalaw
After breakfast, check out from the hotel, drive to Bagan, it takes about 6 hours. On the way visit Mt. Popa. Today is all about spirits - fiery but drinkable spirits and a temple-topped volcano dedicated to the 'nat' spirits. The day starts in a local village where we enjoy Burmese tea in a local toddy palm hut. The locals will demonstrate how they climb the palm trees and use the sap to make palm sugar and fiery liquor. We continue our tour to Mount Popa, an extinct sheer-sided volcano that rises out of the plain. Topped by golden stupas, it is a famous pilgrimage site for locals who come to worship at the 'nat' (spirit) temples.
Bagan is a true bucket-list destination! Thousands of crumbling temples, pagodas and stupas rise from the ancient desert plain. These beautiful, other-worldly structures were built by the kings of Bagan in the 11th and 12th centuries. Words don't do this incredible landscape justice!
Overnight in Bagan
Today visit the temple in Bagan.
The Shwezigon Pagoda's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas all-over Myanmar, and the pagoda originally marked the northern end of the city of Bagan.
Ananda is one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the early Bagan period and the beginning of the middle period.
Gubyaukgyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn was built in the early 13th century and repaired in 1468. The vivid colourful paintings and the impressive architecture make this temple an interesting site for a visit. This temple is not to be confused with the Gubyaukgyi Temple in Myinkaba. The temples primary point of interest is most certainly the fine and detailed frescoes depicting scenes from the jatakas, Buddha's numerous past lives.
Shwesandaw Pagoda was built in 1057 by King Anawrahta following his conquest of Thaton. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa.
Depending on your interest and the time you spend in each temple, you are free to visit further temples and pagodas in the area. However, if you are looking for a change, we can visit the Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary in New Bagan. The sanctuary is home to over 4,000 endangered Burmese Star Tortoises.
Overnight : Bagan
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, drive by private car to Bagan (ca. 4 hrs driving time, we can include a quick stop in Myingyan: there is, among other things, a dead monk under glass who doesn't want to decompose). Once arrive to Mandalay, drive to the hotel and get some refreshment. Then we'll visit Mahamuni Paya, famous for its seated Buddha covered in gold leaf then visit leaf craft workshop. After this drive to the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the teachings of Buddha and the Golden Palace Monastery with its excellent teak carving. Finally we will enjoy the spectacular views and sunset on Mandalay Hill. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Mandalay
Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava) (7 hours)
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 centre 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 theit 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 kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset.
Overnight: Mandalay
Free leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Myanmar. Transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle.