Exotic Myanmar with Inle Lake

Arrival in Yangon
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our guide who will be carrying a signboard which will note your name. 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 (1.5 hours)

Overnight in Yangon

Breakfast

Sightseeing in Yangon (full day) (10 hours)

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.

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. Afterwards, visit the National Museum (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays) to gain an insight into Myanmar. See the eight metre high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artefacts from Burmese history and culture. Enjoy a break at Bogyoke (Scott) Market, a pleasant covered market containing crafts from all corners of Myanmar, gems, fabrics and more. (The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).

In the afternoon, visit some of the more well-known pagodas, including Botataung Pagoda, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago. Visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, a reclining Buddha that is almost as large as the enormous figure of Shwethalyaung Buddha in Bago. It’s housed in a large metal-roofed shed on Shwegondaing Lan, only a short distance north-east beyond the Shwedagon Paya. Finally, continue to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight.

Overnight in Yangon

Special note: National Museum and Scott Market are closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Breakfast

ransfer (1.5 hours)

Arrival in Bagan

Transfer (5 kms)

Discover the Beauty of Bagan (9.5 hours)

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

Breakfast

Sightseeing in Bagan (6 hours)

Mahabodhi Temple: Inspired by the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India, this temple was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1211 to 1234). Temples of this nature only appeared during the Late Bagan period and the Mahabodhi is the only one of this style in Bagan.

Dhamayangi Temple: The brickwork of this temple is said to rank as one of the finest in Bagan. Built in the 12th century, it is not exactly clear which King actually started the construction. Some sources say it was King Narathu, others say it was constructed a little earlier, during the reign of King Alaungsithu.

Sulamani Temple: Built in 1181 by King Narapatisithu this temple is one of the best examples of the later, more sophisticated temple styles. Carved stucco on mouldings, pediments and pilasters represent some of Bagan’s finest ornamental work and are in fairly good condition.

Nandamannya Temple: This small, single chambered temple dates back to the 13th century. The mural paintings in the interior tell the story of the temptation of Mara.

Thatbyinnyu Temple: This temple rises up to 61 metres and is one of Bagan’s tallest monuments. It is also called the Omniscient temple and its enormous size makes it a classic example of Bagan’s middle period. King Alaungsithu built the Thatbyinnyu Temple in the 12th century.

Overnight in Bagan

Breakfast

Transfer (5 kms)

Arrival in Mandalay

Transfer (1 hour)

Sightseeing in Mandalay (4 hours)

The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual centre. Neighbouring Sagaing is home to over sixty per cent of the country’s monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar. Begin the tour at 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. Afterwards, head to 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. Visit 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 Tripitkata, 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.

Excursion to Mingun with boat trip (4 hours)

Just a boat ride away along the Ayeyarwaddy River is the little town of Mingun, which boasts some of the most impressive pagodas in Myanmar. We’ll be amazed by the ruins of the enormous Mingun Paya – never finished, its size would have dwarfed all contemporary pagodas. Equally as grand is the Mingun Bell, a 13-foot tall bronze bell weighing 90-tonnes.

Today’s Highlights: Boat to Mingun, Mingun Paya, Mingun Bell, Hsinbyume Paya

Overnight in Mandalay

Breakfast

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 in Mandalay

Breakfast

Transfer (1 hour)

Arrival in Heho

By vehicle from Heho to Inle Lake

Transfer by boat (1 hour)

Excursion by boat on Inle Lake

Enjoy a boat ride on Inle Lake and discover its calm serenity, still waters and colourful 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.

Overnight in Inle Lake

Breakfast

Excursion by boat on Inle Lake to Indein and Sae Ma Village (5 hours)

Travel by boat to the western shore of the lake to a stairway and walk to the hidden Indein temple complex. Located on the shore of the lake, this site consists of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens. Continue on foot past rice fields to the village of Sae Ma, stopping to explore the village. In the afternoon meet the village locals on the lake and travel to one of the monasteries to observe the monastic activities.

Breakfast

Transfer by boat (1 hour)

By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho (1 hour)

Arrival in Yangon

Transfer (1.5 hours)

Overnight in Yangon

Breakfast

Check out of the hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight back home.