MYANMAR

Day 02 - Yangon

Start the day with a visit to the Sule Pagoda, originally an Indian structure, it is according to legend over 2,500 years old. Stroll through downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere and visit the beautiful post office. Then, visit the Kyaukhtatgyi pagoda, known for the reclining Buddha that measures 70 metres in length. 

This afternoon, visit to the National Museum, which is home to priceless ancient artifacts. Visit the Bogyoke Market then head to the Indian quarter for a different view of the city. End the day with a visit to the magnificentShwedagon pagoda, where many local and Buddhists come to worship.

Day 03 - Yangon / Bagan via morning flight

Take the early morning flight to Bagan, the fairy land with a thousand of temples.

First stop is Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the four most significant buildings in Bagan which served as the centre of reflection and prayer. Next, visit the Htilominlo pagoda, famed for its original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations which are remarkably well preserved. Then, visit the Dhammayangyi pagoda, Bagan’s largest temple. Right after, take a horse cart ride to Sulamuni Temple which has wall paintings by Buddhist monks and ride through the village and meetings its friendly people and observing their way of life. Then, visit of the day we go to Ywahaunggyi Temple where you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Bagan’s temples as we watch the sunset over the Ayeyarwady River. 

Day 04 - Bagan

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Myinkaba village and observe how traditional lacquer ware, one of Myanmar's most treasured handicrafts and a specialty of Bangan, is made. Visit the monuments of Myinkaba village including Manuha and Nanpaya temples, and Gubyaukkhi, an early period Pyu-style temple of Hindu influence with some of the oldest mural paintings in Bagan. 

In the afternoon, visit Minnanthu village, one of the least visited areas in Bagan. Observe the local farmers’ way of life while stopping by at some of the most interesting temples such as Payathonzu, with its unusual architecture and Tantric Buddhism influence, as well as Lemyethna and Nandamannya temples. Enjoy sunset from the top of Tayoke Pyay Temple then return to Bagan for the night.

Day 05 - Bagan / Mandalay via morning flight

After breakfast, take the morning flight to Mandalay.

Then, visit to Mandalay Hill, which is home to many religious sites, and enjoy the magnificent views from the 230m high summit. Continue to the Golden Palace Monastery, known locally as Shwenandaw, being famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths. 

Also at the foot of Mandalay Hill lies Kuthodaw pagoda, which was built in 1857 and is home to the world’s largest book. Visit the Maha Muni pagoda later in the day, which is regarded to as the holiest site in Mandalay and is not to be missed. 

Day 06 - Mandalay

Amarpura, Ava and Sagaing are all former capitals of the old kingdom of Myanmar. Start with a transfer to Amarpura, the 18th century capital where the country’s largest monastery is located; Maha Ghandayon. Next we visit to the magnificent teak bridge of U Bein, which is over 200 years old. It is the longest teak bridge in the world. Cross the Ayeyarwaddy River and head for the picturesque Sagaing Hill. The area houses an incredible amount of pagodas and monasteries, all painted white. It is regarded to as a religious centre in Myanmar and is home to over 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres. End the day with a visit to another ancient capital, Ava, which was the capital of Myanmar before Amarapura. Board a horse carriage and ride to the wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. 

Day 07 - Mandalay / Heho via flight

Take the morning flight to Heho. Then, spend an hour overland transfer to Myanmar’s second largest lake, Inle where is famous for its unique leg-rowers. This unusual style of rowing requires remarkable balance and definitely takes some practice.

Enjoy a boat trip on the lake and observe the beautiful surroundings en route to floating gardens. Visit the Indein Pagoda Complex and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas in Pa O Tribe Village, some hidden under vegetation. Return to your hotel in late afternoon.

Day 08 - Inle Lake

Pindaya a short 1.5-hour drive from Inle is renowned for its limestone caves, called the Pindaya Caves. The caves are a Buddhist pilgrimage site and house thousands of Buddha images. There are three caves on the ridge, which runs north to south, but only the southern cave can be entered and explored. There are about 8,000 Buddha statues on display in the cave, left by previous pilgrims. Visit a Shan umbrella and mulberry paper production home industry and return to Inle.

Day 09 - Heho / Yangon via flight 

Transfer (approx. 1hour) to Airport for your onward flight back to Yangon and connecting your next flight to another destination or your departure international flight returns your home.