The Best of Myanmar

Itinerary

1. Day 01

   YANGON – ARRIVALUpon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by ou...
   YANGON – ARRIVALUpon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.  Enjoy private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You’ll start at the post office – a lovely historic building, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit famous Chauk Htat Kyi, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. The feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. Photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda. Please note! Hotel check-in time is around 14.00 Depend on your arrival time, the program will be adjusted accordingly.   
2. Day 02

   YANGON – MANDALAY – AMARAPURA MYANMAR'S ENCHANTING OLD CAPITALS (B/-/-)
   Morning flight from Yangon to Mandalay. Upon arrival – private tour of legendary Mandalay, last capital of royal Burma, still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual center. This morning visit to Mahamuni– the pagoda, one of the country’s most revered Buddha images in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf.   Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen.  Visit local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, tapestries, woodcarving and marble carving. Many of the techniques used to create these have remained unchanged for those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.   In the afternoon visit the beautiful Golden palace teak monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace.  This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.  Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as “the world’s biggest book” due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs.  Before sunset visit a 200-year-old teak bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge built by Mayor U-Bein, one of the most photogenic sights of the country and not to be missed.  
3. Day 03

   MANDALAY – CRUISING THE GREAT IRRAWADDY – MINGUN (B/-/-)
   After breakfast transfer to Jetty and you’ll board a private local boat for a trip up the Irrawaddy to Mingun (45 min each way). Visit the Mingun Bell, the world’s largest intact bronze bell, the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (built with the intention of being the world’s biggest pagoda).  Mingun's other highlight is the Hisnbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru.  Throughout Mingun there are small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.  Back to Mandalay and continue sightseeing around the city.  
4. Day 04

   MANDALAY – BAGAN – EXPLORING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE BY PRIVATE CAR (B/-/-)
   After breakfast drive from Mandalay to Bagan (about 4 hours) on the way stop at Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano that stands more than 1500 metres high.   There are 777 steps from the base of the vertical pedestal takes you to a monastery honoring what has come to be known as the center of Nat spirit activity in the nation.    Upon arrival to Bagan - You will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples.   
5. Day 05

   BAGAN & VILLAGES – MYSTIQUE AND CHARM IN ANCIENT BAGAN (B/-/-)
   Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan.  More than just temples, our tour introduces you to provide a great overview of Bagan's history, culture and local lifestyles. Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan to view the local lifestyle. Continue sightseeing around Bagan and surroundings.   This afternoon - visit to the traditional lacquer ware workshop to observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts.  Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples.  Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from one of the elevated viewpoint. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.  
6. Day 06

   BAGAN – HEHO – INLE LAKE (B/-/-)
   After breakfast drive from Bagan to Inle Lake (about 5-6 hours). On the way stop at some local villages and sightseeing. Upon arrival to Inle Lake transfer to your hotel for check in and rest at the hotel.   
7. Day 07

   INLE LAKE (B/-/-)
   Enjoy the full day tour by private boat in Inle lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way. Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages on the banks of the river. Pass the endless floating gardens, houses, monasteries built on stilts on the lake. Proceed to Nampan village and see local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made) and canoe carving.   
8. Day 08

   INLE LAKE – INDEIN (B/-/-)
   Begin your day with a visit to the market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits — as they barter for goods and produce. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat though long, scenic channels.  We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls.  We’ll visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.  
9. Day 09

   INLE LAKE – HEHO – YANGON (B/-/-)
   Morning flight back to Yangon.  Then enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 75-year-old Market. At the market you will find variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region. Intersperse in the tour are various religious sites such as the St Mary's Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land.  Then visit Little India and Chinatown – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic.
10. Day 10

    YANGON – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
    After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight. End of service.  Please note! Hotel check-out time is around 12.00.

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