16 DAY BEST OF MYANMAR-CLASSIC

Mingalarbar and welcome to Myanmar. Upon arrival at the Yangon airport, our guide will meet and greet you. He will also take you to the hotel in Yangon and check you in. Filled with colonial buildings, many pagodas and busy streets, Yangon is becoming the newest hot spot in Asia. You will also notice the many upcoming buildings and skyscrapers slowly transforming Yangon into a modern city. Spend the rest of day at leisure as you prepare for an exciting day tomorrow to explore this historical city.

Total Transfer Time: 1 hour

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

After an early breakfast, start your sightseeing in Yangon formerly known as Rangoon. Visit the Sule Pagoda that is over 2000 years old, vibrant downtown area with its colonial-era buildings, Bogyoke Market, Indian quarter, the impressive reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, Kandawgyi Park and the royal floating barge Karaweik Palace. In the evening, pay a visit to the sacred and renowned Shwedagon Pagoda, the heart of Burmese people. Evening is a spectacular time to visit as the pagoda illuminates with light. Thereafter we will head to China town where you may enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner (own expense).

Total Transfer Time: 30 min

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 6 hours

Today we drive approximately 3 hours to visit the Kyaiktiyo pagoda also known as the Golden Rock. You will arrive at the base camp where you may stroll around the shops and have lunch. From here onwards, an open air truck will take you up the mountain (About a 45 min ride). Upon arrival check-in to your hotel located at the pagoda platform. As the evening approaches, it is a great sight to witness the lit up pagoda and the devotees paying their respect with incense and candles. Take your time, soak up the atmosphere and embrace the tranquillity before you head back to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1 hour

Wake up very early to another amazing day to capture the sunrise and the relaxing atmosphere. It is also a great opportunity for a memorable photo shoot. After a leisurely breakfast, we will start proceeding to our next destination, Hpa-An. En-route we will visit the Bayin-Nyi cave with hot-springs and many Buddha statues at the base of the hill.  Back of this cave holds a long corridor full of stalactites which is an attractive sight. Upon completion proceed towards Hpa-an. The Kayin state’s capital is located on the banks of river Thanlwin. This small and busy provincial town is favoured by farmers traveling in carts or trishaws and selling their products. Stroll through the market before visiting the Shwe Yin Mhyaw Pagoda at the river banks. Spend the rest of evening at leisure.

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 45 min

This morning, you will visit the sacred Mount Zwegabin. Be marveled by the several thousand identical Buddha statues along its base. From here visit the Kyauk Ka lat Pagoda. Comprising of a series of structures, stupas and shrines, the complex sits on a small island surrounded by a man made lake. Next, continue your tour with a visit to Kaw Gun Cave also known as the “Cave of the Ten Thousand Buddhas”. As you walk through the cave, you will see more than 2000 votive tablets of Lord Buddha and Mon inscriptions. Afterwards visit the YathePyan cave and famous Sadan Cave before heading back to your hotel.

Total Transfer Time: 1 hour

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours

A long drive is ahead as we drive back to Yangon. Take plenty of breaks and travel at your leisure and arrive in Yangon.

Total Transfer Time: 7 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

Today we will fly to Bagan, home to more than 2000 temples and pagodas. From the 9th to 13th centuries, this city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. Upon arrival we will visit the Nyaung U market. The market is divided into different sections trading a variety of items. Almost all kinds of goods can be found in Nyaung U market ranging from longyi (the traditional sarong of Burmese people) to types of modern clothes, products made of rattan, fruits, vegetables and many more. Market is full of colourful vendors and stalls. It is also a great sight to witness all the hustle and bustle. On completion of the market visit, head to the Minnanthu village to experience the rural lifestyle. Minnanthu Village specialises in peanut oil making, cigar rolling, cotton weaving, sand painting as well as making local artifacts. The tour will be conducted by a local villager giving you an insight into their daily lives.

Total Transfer Time: 2.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours

After a leisurely breakfast, we will visit the UNESCO heritage site in Old Bagan to explore the amazing temples and pagodas. Firstly, we will visit the Shwezigon Pagoda located farthest from rest of the pagodas.  Next visit the Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple before heading to Myingabar area to explore the Gubyaukgyi Temple, Mya Zedi inscription and the Manuha Temple. Upon completion on the morning session, head back to your hotel and spend at leisure. Around 3pm, we will proceed to explore rest of the key temples and pagodas. Visit the Dhammayangyi Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Sulamani Temple before completing the day by watching an unforgettable sunset over the plains from Bu Paya.

Total Transfer Time: 30 min

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 6 hours

A busy day is ahead as we drive approximately 4.5 hours to visit Mandalay, a former royal capital of Myanmar. On arrival check-in to your hotel and relax. Later in the afternoon, visit Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung monastery. It is a grand example of the 19th century Burmese teak architecture. Be inspired by this masterpiece that was once a part of the Royal palace. Next pay a visit to the Kuthadow Pagoda, where the world’s largest book is located. Kuthodaw was built during the 1860’s by King Mindon to house copies of the sacred Buddhist scripts. In the evening, climb up the Mandalay Hill to witness a breathtaking sunset view of the city before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Total Transfer Time: 4.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours

This morning visit the Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura region to witness the alms giving. You will notice hundreds of monks walking down to take the food offerings from local people. It is certainly a unique and a peaceful sight that resembles the tradition of the Burmese culture in hand with Buddhism. Upon completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of day at leisure.

Total Transfer Time: 30 min

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1 hour

Today we will visit the Jetty, take a 1-hour boat ride and head to Mingun Pagoda located in the Sagaing region. Mingun Pagoda is an incomplete pagoda that was once started by King Bodawpaya in 1790. History says that pagoda construction may have been abandoned due to the lack of funding and resources however it still remains as a significant pilgrim site for the Buddhists. Adjacent to the Mingun Pagoda is the Mingun bell, which is considered as one of the largest working bells in the world. Weighing nearly 90 tons and 4 meters high, it is also the work of king Bodawpaya. Be amazed by the sheer size of the bell. We will next visit the Hsinbyume pagoda that resembles the description of the mythological mountain Mount Meru. This pagoda was built in 1816 by prince Bagydaw to show his love and memory of his first wife’s death during childbirth in 1812, Princess Hsinbyume, the "Elephant Princess". Upon completion, we will take a boat back to the Jetty and drive another 30 minutes to U-Bein bridge to witness the spectacular sunset. Built in 1851 and 1,200 meters in length, it is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. It is said that when Burmese are in love, they will come to the U-Bein bridge to pray for love to last longer, so U-Bein Bridge is also called "Lovers Bridge" by the locals. Head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Total Transfer Time: 3 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2 hours

Have a delicious breakfast and fuel up with energy as we head to Mandalay airport for a flight to Heho, located near the Inle lake. Upon arrival, we will drive amongst the beautiful scenery and visit Pindaya Caves, a buddhist pilgrimage site that has around 8000 buddha statues with some of the earlier statues dating back to the 18th century. On completion, we will visit a Shan umbrella factory before heading for our overnight stay at Inle lake.

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Energise yourself with a healthy breakfast as you get ready for a full day trek around the picturesque Kalaw area. We will go through the valley passing tea plantations, Orange trees, Banana trees, Avocado trees and visit one of the minority Palaung tribe villages. As we reach the top of the mountain, we will stop for a nice lunch break. After lunch we will return back to Kalaw through the jungle walking trails. Upon return, you will be driven to Inle Lake area for the overnight stay.

Total Transfer Time: 1 hour

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 6 hours

Today, you will enjoy a full day tour of the beautiful Inle Lake featuring stilt houses and villages, floating gardens, fishermen using ancient techniques such as one leg-rowing. We will visit the famous 5-day market, Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda before a lunch stop. Then visit the Indein village to witness many pagodas and the village lifestyle. Thereafter visit the local family workshops which feature silversmiths, cheroot making, and weaving by the “Ring-neck ladies”.

Total Transfer Time: 30 min

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 8 hours

This morning, we will catch a flight and head to Yangon for the final day. Spend the rest of day at leisure, do some shopping or further explore this city on your own.

Total Transfer Time: 3.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

We hope you have enjoyed the stay in this enchanting country and take home some wonderful memories. Our guide will escort you back to the airport where you will leave us with a warm good bye.

Total Transfer Time: 1 hour

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A