Journey across Myanmar and Thailand 14-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 CITY TOUR (B,L)

At 08:30 AM, make our way to the colonial quarter of Downtown Yangon with extraordinary influences by the British: High Court Building, Inland Water Transport Offices, Customs House and the Law Court. We take a break and explore the local life of Burmese in China & India Town. During this trip, you are free to take some amazing photos of a nearby temple with hundreds of images depicting mythological scenes.

Next, 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 3 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 4 BAGAN EXPLORATION (B,L)

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 5 BAGAN - FLY TO MANDALAY (B,L)

In the morning at 8:30 AM, you will leave from Bagan to reach Mandalay on a charming and beautiful road. 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 6 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 7 MANDALAY - BANGKOK (B)

Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight out of Myanmar. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it. Your guide will come to meet you and transfer you to the hotel to check-in and relax. Overnight in Bangkok. 

DAY 8 BANGKOK CITY TOUR (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Be greeted by your English speaking guide and then start Bangkok City Tour. Today you will experience traveling around Bangkok by local transportations.

You will be taken via a few minute's walks to the nearest BTS station and then take 15 minutes to ride Sapan Taksin station.

Arrive at Sapan Taksin, experience a funny Chao Phraya Express ferry boat ride to Ratchawong pier. Stroll around the Chinese community and when you are trying to make your way through the hundreds of shops selling everything from toys to chopsticks and from typewriters to car engines. Different sections have different products and your guide leads you from one alley to the next. Next, we will be traveling by MRT, another mass transit to visit the wholesale flower market, Pak Klong Talad. Continue your trip to visit Ban bat Community, see the process of making monk’s bowl, they will do the bowl every day except Sundays.

Hopping a ferry boat from the nearby pier to Pratunam pier. On the way back to your hotel, you will be walking through Pratunam Market, a major market in Bangkok selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer retail prices for single pieces. Arrive at your hotel, rest of the day will be free at leisure.

DAY 9 BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA (B,L)

Pick up from hotel, depart Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Arrive at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace is beautifully decorated in both traditional Chinese and European style. Arrive at the Ayutthaya, the Ancient city, learn about a combination of both the ruins and the remaining historical attractions: Wat Maha That, Wat Na Phra Men and Wat Lokayasutharam. Depart Wat Lokayasutharam for boarding White Orchid River Cruise. The cruise leaves the pier and heads downstream toward Bangkok.

Buffet Lunch on Board: Delicious Meals served in a full menu of Thai and European cuisines, desserts, season fruits, coffee, and tea. Throughout the journey, you are able to watch the Chao Phraya River banks scenery from the White Orchid Cruise, either on deck in the fresh cool tropical air or from the refreshing air-conditioned passenger room. Arrive in Bangkok and transfer you back to your hotel.

DAY 10 BANGKOK - PHITSALOKE - DAY TRAIN TO SUKHOTHAI (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bangkok train station for boarding a Sprinter /day train no.#7 at 08.30 hrs. to Phitsanuloke. Arrive at Phitsanuloke train station, be greeted by your driver and then transfer to your hotel in Sukhothai. 

DAY 11 SUKHOTHAI - HALF-DAY CYCLING TO SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning. The cycling tour starts from a small village on Sukhothai's outskirts known as Ban Khuai. We take a dirt road passing through endless rice paddies with beautiful views of the Kao Laung Mountain range in Ramkhamhang National Park. Arriving at the Eastern Gate we will explore some of Sukhothai's famous ancient ruins. You will marvel at beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architecture and be exposed to some of the country's most stunning craftsmanship from a period known as Thailand's Golden Era. The tour offers the visitor a guided cultural experience, learning about Sukhothai's history and complex architecture as well as the story of Buddhism in Thailand. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Return back to the Hotel.

DAY 12 SUKHOTHAI - PHITSALOKE - DAY TRAIN TO CHIANG MAI (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 11:30 Am, you will be picked up and transferred by your driver to Phitsanuloke train station for boarding a Sprinter /day train no.#7 at 13.22 hrs. to Chiang Mai. Arrive at Chiang Mai train station, be greeted by your driver and transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

DAY 13 CHIANG MAI CITY TOUR (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Be picked up for a visiting Doi Suthep. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most important and famous temple in Chiang Mai. The tour begins with a pleasant wildly driving up 3,500 feet above sea level to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. You then ascend up the 306 steps to the temple gateway which guarded by two splendid Nagas (serpents). Walk around the grounds of Doi Suthep past golden pillars, six-foot gongs and rows of bells. A five-tiered parasol made of gold sat on display in the inner courtyard. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383, is the symbol of Chiang Mai. It is the most sacred temple in the city and contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha which is enshrined in the magnificent golden pagoda that can be seen for miles around. A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds. Return back to your hotel.

DAY 14 CHIENG MAI DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until transferring to the airport for flight to the next destination / back home. Tour ends.