As Myanmar just recently opened up to worldwide tourism after years of isolation and war, now is the right moment to visit this extraordinary land of pagodas. We start our journey in Yangon, Burma’s former capital city and travel on to the picturesque Inle Lake. In the ancient city Mandalay we visit the Inn Thein Pagoda complex before we take a river cruise for two nights that let you admire the natural beauty of Myanmar and lets you see some amazing sunsets in this tropical land from the top deck. After our days on the cruise we reach Bagan. Over 10,000 Buddhist temples were constructed in the history of Bagan alone of which 2,200 still survived to the present day. This life changing Tour is for every traveler who wants to immerse in the authenticity and culture of this gem in Southeast Asia.

TOURS SUMMARY

Day 1: Yangon

Day 2: Yangon - Heho - Inle Lake

Day 3: Inle Lake

Day 4: Inle Lake - Mandalay

Day 5: Mandalay

Day 6: Mandalay - Minigun (Rv Paukan Cruise)

Day 7: Sagaing - Yandabo (Rv Paukan Cruise)

Day 8: Yandabo - Bagan (Rv Paukan Cruise)

Day 9: Bagan - Popa - Bagan

Day 10: Bagan - Yangon

Day 11: Yangon

DAY 1: YANGON

Upon arrival to the Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you’ve got your luggage you will be transferred to your hotel. For the rest of the day your time is your own and you are free to go explore as you wish.

Overnight in YANGON. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 2: YANGON - HEHO - INLE LAKE

After breakfast, we transfer to Yangon airport for the domestic flight to Heho, a quiet transit town in the beautiful hills of Shan State, northeast of Yangon. Visit the bustling main Heho market, a meeting point for different ethnic groups of the surrounding areas to trade handmade goods and locally grown produce, especially on market days. En route to Inle Lake, we stop at a local family workshop to learn how Shan umbrellas and paper are made by traditional methods using fibers of mulberry trees. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. After checking into the hotel, we embark on afternoon explorations of Inle lake, visit Phaungdaw oo pagoda, the home of some of the country’s most sacred Buddha statues covered in gold leaf. We also make a visit to the Inpawkhon weaving village to learn how local silks, linens and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted. 

Overnight in INLE LAKE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 3: INLE LAKE

After breakfast we journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Indein pagoda complex, a site that makes us feel as if we have stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the complex, we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. We boat back to Inle Lake and we stop at a house for Burmese cats built over the lake, where we see the conservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare pure breed of felines to Myanmar. At Nampan village, local craftsmen show us how Burmese cigars, or “cheroots,” are traditionally packed and rolled. 

Overnight in INLE LAKE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 4: INLE LAKE - MANDALAY

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the ancient kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. Upon arrival, we proceed to the highlights of Mandalay: the sacred MAHAMUNI PAGODA, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long past wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms; the GOLDEN PALACE MONASTERY, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the KUTHODAW PAGODA, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone slabs and regarded as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on MANDALAY HILL, the highest point of the city.                 

Overnight in MANDALAY. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 5: AVA - AMARAPURA - SAGAING

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. We transfer 15km to AVA (INWA), the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese kingdoms for over four centuries. Crossing the Myit Nge River by ferry, the small roads of Ava are explored by horse-drawn carts. We visit the BAGAYA TEAK MONASTERY, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the NANMYIN WATCH TOWER, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the MAHA AUNGMYE BONZAN MONASTERY, a 300-year old architectural wonder with graceful archways. We continue to the ANCIENT KINGDOM OF SAGAING, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the SAGAING HILLS, we enjoy views of the hillside dotted with countless pagodas and pay a special visit to a monastery to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees. We continue to another beautiful ancient capital, AMARAPURA, famous for its textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven. Continuing to the UBEIN BRIDGE, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake, we have the option to be rowed onto the calm waters. Ubein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer’s dream.

Overnight in MANDALAY. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 6: MANDALAY - MINIGUN (RV PAUKAN CRUISE)

After breakfast, we transfer and board the ship at Gawein Jetty (11.30-12.00 hrs). While enjoying our welcome cocktail we have our briefing in the saloon or sundeck followed by lunch. After cruising upstream for two hours we arrive at the Mingun Pagoda Complex. Our English speaking manager (or your private guide) will accompany the guests during the visit Moor Overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner you can enjoy a dance and drama performance by the Mandalay Arts School on the sundeck (if available).

Overnight on the RV PAUKAN CRUISE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 7: SAGAING - YANDABO (RV PAUKAN CRUISE)

Early in the morning cruise downstream. During the two hours journey the passengers can admire the natural beauty of the river and the life of its banks while relaxing on the sundeck or just sitting outside their own cabin. Enjoy the sunrise over Sagaing Hill.

After breakfast, passengers wishing to visit Sagaing can go ashore with the assistance of our Ship Manager or their own guide. We resume our downriver voyage at 10.30 hrs and we will sail all day long. In the late afternoon we stop at Yandabo, a village specializing in Pot-Making. Also the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed here on Feb. 24, 1826. We visit the Pot workshops, the monastery and the school. Moor overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint.

Overnight on the RV PAUKAN CRUISE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 8: YANDABO - BAGAN (RV PAUKAN CRUISE)

Morning disembark at Aye Yar Jetty around 9:00 am. Upon arrival in Bagan, we begin our journey to the gilded Shwezigon stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. And then Kyansitha umin, a cave temple, the long dimly lit corridors are decorated with frescoes, some believed painted by Tartar invaders during the Mongol occupation after 1287.Next, we visit Gubyaukgyi (Wet-Kyi-Inn), this 13th-century ‘cave temple’ has an Indian-style spire like the Mahabodhi Paya in Bagan. It is interesting for the fine frescoes of scenes from the Jatakas. Then to Htilominlo temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour continues with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic Ananda temple with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands. Then we visit Dhamayangyi temple, the largest temple of Bagan with the thickest walls and the Sulamani temple. Finally, proceed to Bupaya or Shwesandaw pagoda to watch the sunset over the famous Ayeyarwaddy River.

Overnight on BAGAN. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 9: BAGAN - POPA - BAGAN

After breakfast, a 1,5hrs drive takes us to Mount Popa, along the way we’ll stop at a small village where the locals make a variety of treats from the juice of the palm tree. Watch farmers climb the tall Toddy trees and tap the fruit, returning to land to boil the liquid into wine and sweet molasses. Kids can also help grind rice and corn, guiding the oxen as they pull the stone grinder.

We continue to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano, which dominates the area. Mt. Popa was for centuries where kings of central Burma made pilgrimages to confer with the sacred statues about the future of their reigns and the Burmese spiritual epicenter for those who worship the pantheon of nat spirits and martyrs. After paying respects to the Nat shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, we climb nearly 800 steps to the pagoda perched on top of the mountain to admire the views of the surrounding plains and farmlands.

Overnight on BAGAN. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 10: BAGAN - YANGON

After breakfast, we transfer to Bagan/Nyaung U airport for the domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, we embark on a journey to explore Yangon highlights. Starting from colonial-style city center and one the landmarks SULE PAYA stupa – built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city –Chauk that gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” on Kandawgyi (Royal) lake. We visit Bogyoke (scotts) market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legend has it that strands of sacred Buddha’s hair are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed. (Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and on public holidays)

Overnight on YANGON. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 11: YANGON

After breakfast, we will bring you to Nyaung Oo/Bagan airport for your domestic flight back to Yangon. From there you will board your international departure flight.

We wish you a comfortable journey home and we are sure you will take some wonderful memories of Myanmar with you. When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (Day 11) is not included.

PRIVATE TOUR

*Accommodation & Transportation is subject to availability at booking moment & Tour price is subject to seasonal fluctuations

Included:

• Private tours and transfers with air conditioned vehicles as specified in our itinerary
• 2 bottles of water & 2 refreshing towels per passenger per day
• All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking station guide (different guide in each region)
• Boat rental in Inle Lake
• Boat rental and Horse cart ride in Ava
• 3Days 2Nights RV Paukan Cruise
• Breakfast only for the whole trip
• Luggage handling fees at airports
• Domestic Flight (Yangon – Heho  -Mandalay/ Bagan - Yangon)

Excluded:

• International air fares (always mentioned separately)
• Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary
• Early check-in, late check-out. Normal check out time from hotels in Myanmar is 11am or 12 o’clock noon
• Expenses of personal nature
• Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending
• Travel insurance & Tips & gratuities
• Balloon ride in Bagan (separate)
• RV Paukan Cruise (Peak Season 01~30 Nov'16 & 01 Jan~28 Feb'17) (Supplement)
• Compulsory Xmas and New Year Eve dinner