On arrival at Yangon International airport, you are welcomed by our friendly company tour guide and transferred to your hotel. On the way, firstly we visit to;

(1) Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (one of the biggest marble Buddha Images in Myanmar with a height of 37ft/11m and a weight of weighs over 600 tons). You will also see the white alive elephants at this Pagoda compound and then proceed to hotel. After refreshment, start on a city tour including;

(2) Chauk-htat-kyi Phaya; a huge life-like reclining Buddha statue surrounded by Buddhist monasteries.

(3) Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” floating barge on Kandawgyi royal lake with a great view of Shwedagon Pagoda.

(4) A visit to the magnificent and world famous Shwedagon Pagoda, known for its religious significance and artistic beauty. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz - a stunning sight as the sun sets and an unforgettable place to begin your trip in the "Golden Land". Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon
Meal: Nil

DAY 2: YANGON-MANDALAY (by flight) (transfer + sightseeing)

After breakfast at hotel, you are transferred to Yangon International airport for the morning flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival you are welcomed by our local tour guide and transferred to hotel. After refreshment begin the days’ tour with:

(1) Maha Muni, The holiest Buddhist site in Upper Myanmar: a Buddha image of great beauty and witness the reverence and worship of the local people.

(2) Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar is the best place to see all the traditional arts and handy crafts workshops such as making of gold leaves, wood carvings, marble carvings, tapestries etc…. .

(3) Afterwards, we visit Mandalay Palace and the nearby, Shwe Nandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) - noted for its exquisite wood carvings and Kuthodaw Pagoda - known as the world biggest book for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Buddha's Dhamma or Doctrine.

(4) We finish the day’s tour by visiting Mandalay Hill to experience a tropical sun-set with panoramic views of the city and the Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: MANDALAY-MINGUN-INWA (AVA)-AMARAPURA-MANDALAY

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel, today’s tour including;

(1) We go to Mandalay pier, embarking on a private boat upstream to visit Mingun, famed for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and MingunBell; a 90 ton ringing bell and largest of its kind in the world and Myatheintan Pagoda, a representation of the Buddhist universe.

(2) Afterwards, proceed to Inwa (Ava) which was the capital of a Burmese kingdom for some four hundred years – longer than any other capital. Once in the town getting around the town may be by horse-drawn cart if that sort of transportation appeals to you. The carts do a tour of sights such as the 27 meter high masonry tower called Nanmyint Tower and the Bagaya monastery which is made completely of teak.

(3) Then drive to the ancient capital of Amarapura, the city of Immortality for visits to Maha Gandar Yone Monastery with a famous collection of Buddha images, local weaving cottage industry of traditional cotton cloth, the two-century old U-Bein teak bridge on the Taungthaman Lake and enjoy the spectacular sunset. Drive back to Mandalay and overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: MANDALAY-PYIN OO LWIN (by private A/C vehicle)

The cooler temperatures make Pyin Oo Lwin (named May Myo by the British) a popular place during the hot months of March to May when many tourists and locals alike, will visit this hill town to have a break from the heat on the plains.

The former British colonial-era town enjoys cool and pleasant weather the whole year round. We drive 1 ½  hrs from Mandalay to Pyin Oo lwin 1,100 meters in elevation located 69 km on the Shan Hills north-east of Mandalay. Upon arrival firstly we visit to;

(1) The Botanical Garden, 14 hectare gardens established in 1915 where temperate plants and flowers can be walked through and enjoyed and also modelled on the gardens at Kew, England.

(2) Governor’s House a small museum complete with waxwork figures

(3) Pwe-Kauk Waterfall and nearby Maha Ant Htoo Kan Thar Buddha Image, carved out of a single block of white marble

(4) Evening at leisure by taking a horse-drawn carriage to explore the small town. Overnight at the hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Accommodation: Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: PYIN OO LWIN-GOKTEIK (VIADUCT)-PYIN OO LWIN-MANDALAY

After breakfast, depart hotel for a morning slow train to Gokteik bridge which can be reached by taking a train from Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin north towards Naung Khio where the bridge is located about 3 miles (5 kms) further east on the Shan plateau. Located in the center of the country about 60 miles (100 kms) northeast of the largest city of Mandalay, the rail line was constructed as a way for the British Empire to expand their influence in the region.

Along the way you have chance to take a very wonderful scenic beauty of Northern Shan plateau landscapes and you’ll have a good new experience. Our driver & car will be waiting for you at Naung Pein village. And then drive back to Mandalay via Pyin Oo Lwin. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6: MANDALAY-SAGAING-MONYWA (by private A/C vehicle)

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel depart from Mandalay and drive to Monywa.

(1) On the way firstly visit to the Sagaing Hills across the Ayeyarwaddy River Bridge and see the spectacular scenic view on approach to these pagoda-dotted hills. We visit Umin Thonze pagoda and Soon Oo Ponnyashin pagoda from where fantastic views of the pagoda –studded Sagaing Hills and the Ayeyawaddy River are seen.

(2) Then continue on to Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, an enormous dome-shaped pagoda (said to be the shape of a queen’s breast) built in the 16th century.

(3) Afterwards proceed to Monywa: about 136 km to the west of Mandalay, the commercial centre of Chindwin valley. Places of interests are; Thanbodde Pagoda adorned with over 500,000 Buddha images, Bodhi-Tataung (One thousand Bo trees), Ledi Monastery; a teaching monastery where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 806 stone slabs, the huge standing Buddha image Laykyun Setkyar built by Bodhi Tahtaung Sayadaw (a venerable monk). It is the second tallest Buddha Image in the world at 116 meters. The image has become one of the main tourist attractions in upper Myanmar. Overnight at the hotel in Monywa.

Accommodation: Hotel in Monywa
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7: MONYWA-PO WIN HILL-PAKOKKU (by car) + BAGAN (by boat)

For today’s tour:

(1) In the morning, we cross the Chindwin River and visit to Pho Win Hill; an extraordinary complex containing 947 sandstone caves dug out of the hills said to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddha statues in South-East Asia.

(2) Explore the nearby Shwe Ba Hill; where monasteries and temples are carved out of narrow cliffs.

(3) Then, proceed to Pakokku. (If time allows) Visit local market, weaving industry, peanut snacks making cottage. And then transfer to the jetty by a chattered private wooden boat to Bagan which is situated in Central Myanmar, on the east bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8: BAGAN (full day sightseeing)

After breakfast at hotel, start a full day of Bagan excursion around the Archaeological Zone Heritage area with;

(1) A morning visit to the interesting local Nyaung Oo Market where you can buy some cotton clothing or local woven fabrics and souvenirs.

(2) Shwe-Zi-Gon; completed in 1084, noted for its glazed plaques depicting scenes from the Jatakas, the prototype of later Myanmar stupas.

(3) Wet-kyi-Inn Gubyaukgyi Temple with its exquisite mural paintings of 13th century

(4) The majestic HtilominloTemple; built in 1211 AD and one of the largest temples, noted for its fine plaster carvings on the arch pediments and friezes.

(5) In the afternoon proceed to Minnanthu farmer village and lacquer-ware workshop to learn about the fascinating technique of this art

(6) Ananda Temple, 1090AD, a masterpiece of early period temple-architecture with four huge standing Buddha Images.

(7) Manuha Temple built by exile King Manuha (a captured king's impression of life in prison)

(8) Nam Phaya an earliest masterpiece with its fine stone carvings (photo stop at Seinnyet Nyima Pagodas, a temple and a stupa with exquisite design)

At the end of the temples tour, drive to a view mound in order to enjoy the spectacular sunset over Bagan ancient monuments. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9: BAGAN-MT.POPA-BAGAN (by private A/C vehicle)

After breakfast at hotel, we leave for Bagan temples and take a short drive to Mt. Popa.

(1) Upon arrival, we join local pilgrims on a 777-step winding staircase ascent of the Mt. Popa and see the Nat (spirit) shrines that line the walkway along with the monkeys that live on the mountain. Mt. Popa is known as the abode of Nats (spirits) - a collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honoured by some Myanmar people and you can also see the Nat museum, which houses 37 life-size Nat statues sculpted from teak.

(2) On the way back to Bagan we will experience the traditional toddy palm sugar and peanut oil production. We may stop several places for making the photos and knowing the countryside.

One hour before sunset drive to the jetty in Old Bagan to take a short boat ride for the sunset along the mighty Ayeyawaddy River. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10: BAGAN-HEHO (by flight)-PINDAYA-KALAW (by car)

After breakfast at hotel, you are transferred to Nyaung U airport for the morning flight to Heho on the Shan plateau. On arrival at Heho airport you are welcomed by our local tour guide and start the day’s tours including;

(1) We transfer by road to Pindaya (60km) about 90 minutes drive and enjoy the marvelous landscapes of hilly region with vegetables plantation, terrace landing cultivation, etc… We take an excursion to the Pindaya natural cave which houses over 8,000 Buddha Images accumulated over the centuries. In the afternoon, explore the small quiet town for its famous traditional Shan paper & parasol making cottage industry.

(2) Then proceed to Kalaw: a beautiful colonial hill station a peaceful summer resort with fragrant pine woods. The road from Pindaya to Kalaw (38 km) passes through a countryside of tranquil scenic beauty. Upon arrival explore the Kalaw hill station market and town where hill tribes’ people in their colorful costumes can be seen. Overnight at the hotel in Kalaw.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kalaw
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11: KALAW (trekking) + INLE LAKE

In the early morning, your trekking guide will come and pick you up at the hotel and start trekking trip to Palaung hill tribes, about 3 ½ hrs hiking through valleys and mountains to Pinna Bin village. Enjoy your trekking and explore orange, tea and cheroot-wrapper leaf plantations along the way. Lunch at Palaung village. Observe the ways of life of Palaung families who live in long houses together. Return to Kalaw, (3 ½ hrs trekking). Then transfer to Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel in Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12: INLE LAKE-INDEIN (full day boat excursion)

After breakfast at hotel, begin the day’s tours with;

(1) A boat excursion on Inle Lake, a delight to all with a camera ,its calm water dotted with floating vegetation on floating Islands and small fishing boats, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect back-drop. See the “Intha” (Lake-dwelling people) also known as the unique “Leg-Rowers” who use one leg to stand on the boat while the other leg is wrapped around an oar and rows. Observe floating Gardens, with vegetables and flowers grown on them, and the lake way of life at ‘Kay La Village’.

(2) Ngaphe Chaung Monastery (Jumping cat Monastery)

(3) Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in Southern Shan State which has five small Buddha Statues so heavily gilded with gold that the original Buddha images are unrecognizable.

(4) Observing the Lake Inle cottage industry workshops such as silk & lotus fabric weaving with wooden handlooms at “Inn-Paw- Kone” Village, traditional ‘mild-cigar –making’ (cheroot Factory at “Se’ Kaung Village” and traditional silver and gold smiths, paper umbrella –making at ‘Ywa-ma’ Village. You will also see Padaung hill tribe ladies (ladies with elongated necks from wearing brass rings around their necks) in that village.

(5) We then continue our excursion by motorized boat to the Indein pagoda complex, on the south-west of the lake. The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow canal to a small Pa O tribal village. From the village, we follow an old path to a 13th century monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the lake in the far distance. Return to your hotel and overnight at the hotel in Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel in Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: BAGAN-YANGON (by flight) (transfer + sightseeing)

After breakfast, we drive Nyaung U airport for the morning flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to the hotel. After refreshment, start on a city tour including:

(1) Explore Downtown Yangon where the British colonial influence is still evident with a visit around Sule Pagoda which is located at the heart of the city and proceed to a range of beautiful colonial style buildings such as the City Hall, the High Court, former Immigration Offices and the Independence Monument in the green Mahabandoola Park. Afterwards, proceed to the Central Post Office at Pansodan Street which is famous for some of Yangon’s most impressive colonial buildings and then have a look at busy life of Pansodan Jetty on Yangon River. Take a short tea break at Strand Hotel by own account.

(2) Botahtaung Pagoda, a famous landmark pagoda beside Yangon River, with a walk-in internal a sacred hair relic chamber of Buddha and its wish-granting Bo Bo Gyi and Mya Nan Nwe’s Nat Shrine.

(3) The National Museum where you will see the regalia of Myanmar Kings and the Lion Throne of Myanmar returned from the Albert and Victoria Museum in England by Lord Mountbatten of Britain on Myanmar’s independence in 1948.

(4) Bogyoke Aung San Market (named after the father of Aung San Suu Kyi and formerly known as the Scott Market) to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts if you wish. There are gems, fabrics, lacquer ware, wood sculptures, paintings etc… the range of wares is fantastic and don’t forget to bargain!

(5) Complete the day with an extended visit to China Town, noted for its fruit market, delicious street foods and old world atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: DEPARTURE YANGON

After breakfast at hotel, morning is at leisure until you are transferred to Yangon International airport for your return international departure flight.

Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

 

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