Legendary Myanmar 7-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 A DAY IN YANGON - CITY TOUR (B)

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)

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 DAY TOUR (B)

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)

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)

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 DEPARTURE (B)

Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight out of Myanmar.