Highlight of Myanmar 12-Days

DAY 1 YANGON ARRIVAL

Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! The former capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, remains Myanmar largest city and continues to be the country's the most important commercial hub and gateway for most of its international visitors. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at the airport you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check in. Check-in time: 14:00 (early check-in is subject to availability)

DAY 2 YANGON - FLY TO NYAUNG U - BAGAN (B,L)

In the morning, transfer to take the flight from Yangon to Bagan – The Plain of Thousand Pagodas. From here you will have a look around the Old Bagan starting with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. Travel over dusty lanes and tree shaded roads past temples and monasteries to temples and monasteries to a small village.

Passing through, we stop at Htilominlo Temple on the side of the road with the iconic hti (umbrella tips). Visit the Upali Thein opposite with fascinating faded murals that still retains the old time artistry. Afterwards you’ll continue to Ananda Temple, which is considered to be an architectural work of art and is certainly one of Bagan’s most gorgeous temples. Constructed in an earlier “Mon” style, Ananda houses two distinctive Buddha images. Their expressions also appear to transform, according to the space from which the statue is seen. You’ll also visit the Gu Byaukgyi Temple with its beautiful frescos before a chance to see Manuha Temple (constructed in 1059. Your next stop is scheduled to be the Myazedi (Jade) Stupa a pace of worship for Buddhist due to the relics held within. Then we move to Bu Paya on the shore of the Irrawaddy River to watch the sunset.

DAY 3 BAGAN TOUR - OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR (B,L)

Optional Balloon Tour

The morning will start off with an exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. You will observe one-of-a-kind views when the sun begins to rise over the Irrawaddy River and various stupas in the region. You’re simply not going to find many other opportunities like this on Earth. (Only available from October until early April)

After breakfast at 8:30 AM, it’s off to the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. (Note: Skip if we take the balloon ride) Drive through Bagan’s countryside to the rustic village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s less visited regions; it’s very tranquil and isolated. You will discover temples such as Payathonzu with its strange structural design, Lemyentha and Nandamannya as well. There are also plenty of farming villages around Bagan if you’re interested in studying their particular way of life.

In the morning start with a drive to Myinkaba village where you will also have the chance to examine the village itself as well as the local craftsmen. Learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan's most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. From here you will journey on for an excursion that passes Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, gigantic Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and of course, Sulamani Temple. Return back to your hotel in the late afternoon. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the hill nearby.

DAY 4 BAGAN - MANDALAY (B,L)

In the morning at 8:30 AM, you will leave from Bagan to reach Mandalay on a charming and beautiful road (4-5 hour trip). Follow the east bank of Irrawaddy and cross the charming villages along the road and we will reach Mandalay in the afternoon.

In the afternoon, your Mandalay guided tour starts this morning with a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees. Continue to the legendary U Bein Bridge, which was built in 1782 when Amarapura was the Royal center of attention. Enjoy this very special atmosphere as the late afternoon sun casts long shadows and illuminates the local people heading home. As a stunning day comes to an end head back to Mandalay for the night.

DAY 5 MANDALAY - MINGUN - MANDALAY (B,L)

At 08:30 AM, head off to Mandalay jetty and embark on a private boat for a relaxed 1-hour journey on the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Experience the sights and sounds of Mingun, starting with the celebrated Mingun Paya, which would have been the world’s largest (if King Bodawpaya hadn’t died before it was finished). Afterwards hop on over to the Mingun Bell that weighs 90 tons and is claimed to be the world’s largest hung, uncracked bell still capable of ringing. Carry on to the gorgeous alabaster Hsinbyume Pagoda, an unusual stupa with a couple of stories behind it. It’s supposedly a representation of the Sulamani Paya which according to the Buddhist plan of the cosmos, stands atop Mount Meru (the mountain that stands at the centre of the universe).

Proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings. Next, make way to the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, known as the pagoda of the Great Marble Image. At sunset, make our way up to Mandalay Hill for a fantastic panoramic view.

DAY 6 MANDALAY - FLY TO HEHO - PINDAYA - INLE LAKE (B,L)

In the early morning, you take the transfer to the airport for a short flight to the domestic airport of Shan State, Heho. From Heho, you will experience a lovely scenic one-hour drive (32km – 1 hour) which leads to Nyaung Shwe, gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas. Upon reaching the edge of the lake, take a short orientation tour of Nyaung Shwe, a small town of narrow streets dotted with temples, monasteries, tea shops and local houses.

Then, you will board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Along the way you will pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their ‘floating gardens’, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles. You will also visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses loads of early Shan Buddha Images. In the past this temple was known for its ‘jumping cats’ but these days there are only a few felines roaming around and none are jumping any more. Yet the Buddha images are still worth the visit. Proceed to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main haven, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf. There are also many traditional crafts originiating on Inle Lake and, should you wish, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths. The day will come to a close with a return trip by boat back to your hotel.

DAY 7 INLE LAKE - INDEIN - INLE LAKE (B,L)

After breakfast at 8:30 AM, you’ll pay a visit to the lake’s morning market (the market is open every day apart from dark moon and full moon calendar days). The market’s location rotates between the lake’s villages in a 5 day schedule and is also visited daily by the lake’s inhabitants as well as the surrounding natives who also come to sell and trade their wares.

1-hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the village before ascending to the top of a hill. Once you’ve arrived at the summit, you will be greeted buy an iconic Buddha image which sits enshrined among hundreds of stupa ruins and overgrown shrubbery. Here, from the peak, you will also be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the placid surroundings. The Indein Pagoda complex is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sites around the shore of the lake and it consists of hundreds of small stupas which are overrun by moss and greenery.

Then it’s time to embark on a 45-minute trek to Sae Ma village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the area while basking under the shade of the bamboo grooves in the area. Upon arrival at the village, observe the daily lifestyles of the rural inhabitants.

DAY 8 INLE LAKE - FLY TO THANDWE - NGAPALI BEACH (B)

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Thandwe.

Arrive in Thandwe, the hotel staffs will transfer you in a shared shuttle to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 9 FREE DAY AT LEISURE (B)

You can have this day free at Ngapali Beach.

DAY 10 FREE DAY AT LEISURE (B)

You can have this day free at Ngapali Beach.

DAY 11 NGAPALI BEACH - YANGON - CITY TOUR (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred in a shared shuttle by the hotel to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon, your journey continues downtown to the delightful Bogyoke (or Scott) market. Here you can stroll around the craftwork and cloths stalls and perhaps buy a souvenir of your stay in Myanmar – some jewelry, a longyi maybe, anything that will remind you of this amazing country.

Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha statue around the size of a blue whale. Last highlight of the day is Shwedagon Pagoda, the pride and jewel of Myanmar. Gilded and topped with a diamond tip, this magnificent structure is always lively and full of followers. Watch as the last lights of the day reflect upon the glowing pagoda.

DAY 12 YANGON DEPARTURE (B)

Free time until transfer to Yangon Airport for the flight out.