Highlights of Myanmar

Welcome to Myanmar! Yangon- the former capital of Myanmar is now an attractive tourist destination that no one will ignore when exploring Southeast Asia. Reaching the airport and then getting into the city, you could immediately feel a very different space which you can find nowhere else in the world. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to Mandalay city.

In the afternoon, proceed to Amarapura- the former capital of Myanmar. First, pay a visit to a silk weaving workshop to admire traditional techniques handed from generation to generation. As the sun casts long shadows, stroll along the famous U Bein Bridge -the longest and oldest wooden bridge in the world. This is an ideal place to watch sunrise or sunset. Finally, head back to Mandalay.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Mandalay.

Start your new day by visiting Mahamuni Pagoda. Mahamuni Temple is a famous Buddhist relic in Burma; and this is also an important pilgrimage destination of Buddhists in the country. Continue onto Kuthodaw Pagoda. The unique characteristic of this ancient pagoda attracting pilgrims around the world is its world largest book. The book consists of 1460 pages, made up of stones which look like small caves. Pay a visit to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda. This is one of the biggest marble Buddha Images in Myanmar with a height of 11 meters and a weight of over 600 tons. Close your morning journey with a stop at Shwenandaw Monastery- one of the most mysterious and attractive temples on all aspects: a perfect ancient architecture in every detail along with the legendary history and survival.

In the afternoon, take a journey east of the city center towards Yankin Hill. The trip will pass through rice fields and small villages dotted along roadside. Upon arrival in the region, make the first stop at one of monasteries where you have chance to interact with monks and learn more about their daily life and beliefs. Then, take a walk to the top of the hill where you will be treated a stunning panoramic view of Mandaly and surroundings at sunset. Returning to the monastery in time you have chance to see monk chanting, listen and end the day peacefully. Return to Mandalay.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Mandalay.

In this morning, take a short walk along the Irrawaddy River to soak into the daily atmosphere of the local on the riverside. Visit a local market where all kinds of food are for sale. It is a great way to get a glimpse of local way of life.

Afterwards, take a short car transfer to Paleik- home to snake temples. Make a stop at the temple of Paleik to explore its unique Buddha statue. Take some time to discover Ava-era temples around Paleik before continuing your scenic drive on the new road to the ancient land of Bagan.

Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Bagan.

Today, you have plenty of time to discover the majesty of Bagan with various visits to splendid Bagan temples, workshops and an unusual cave temple. You first stop is an elevated temple which offers a great panoramic view over Bagan plains. Then, transfer to the spectacular Ananda Temple. Built in 1090, the Ananda Temple features magnificent Buddhism artworks. Take your time to immerse into historical ambience of various temples dotted around the plain.

Transfer to a small village on winding roads lined by trees and temples. Visit one of the monasteries to take part in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. You will have chance to make food offerings to the monks who then give you a special blessing of happiness and luck.

Make your way to the village of Myinkaba to marvel at the beautiful murals and sculptures of the Gubyaukgyi Temple. You will also visit some other lesser-known temples of Manuha and Nan Paya.

The next stop in your exploration is a visit to two workshops famous for its lacquer ware and wood crafts throughout the country. This is a great experience to watch and learn more about traditional handicrafts with amazing products made by skillful hands of artisans.

Afterwards, take a horse drawn cart to explore several other temples including the tallest temple in Bagan- Thatbyinnyu, Dhammayangyi Temple and Sulamani Temple.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Bagan.

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport a one hour flight to Heho. From the airport, take another scenic one hour drive to Nyaung Shwe town- the gateway to the majestic Inle Lake. En-route you will be enchanted with a visit to rural workshops where traditional Shan paper and distinctive handcrafted umbrellas are made. Upon arriving to the lake, take a short tour around the town lined with temples, local houses and shops.

Afterwards, take a private motorboat to the lake- the jewel of the region. The lake attracts numerous tourists around the world to visit because of its attractive and rustic charm. Along the way, you will pass several floating gardens and stilt villages of Intha people and observe interesting activities of fishermen rowing by one leg. Make a visit to Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery -the largest and the oldest monastery on Inle Lake. It houses a large collection of Buddha images with different styles, including Shan, Bagan, Inwa, and Tibetan.

Continue onto the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda- an important religious site in the Shan State. The center shrine in the main hall of Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda houses five small golden Buddha images covered with many gold leaves. If you wish, you can make a stop at a workshop on the lake to admire incredible items made by experienced artisans. As the day comes to a close, head back to your hotel.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Inle Lake

This morning, begin your journey with a lively morning market taking place right on the lake. This is a vibrant morning market with a cycle of 5 days where a wide range of traditional local goods with different kinds are for sale. Not only inhabitants of the lake but surrounding natives could take part in this traditional market.

Take an hour boat ride down a small canal to Indein village- a mysterious village with various ancient stupas. The village is best known for its many ancient pagodas in many shapes and sizes and in various states of preservation. Take a leisurely walk around the village to explore meticulous texture carved on arched-shape doors of each stupa. Make you way to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with stunning views over hundreds of stupas and peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings. On the way back to your hotel, stop at the Inthar Heritage House if possible to get to know more about the culture of the region while enjoying a fabulous cup of coffee and cake (snack break not included).

Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

This morning, travel to the airport for a domestic flight to Yangon. Upon your arrival, set off your exploration to the city. First, make a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. It is the pagoda containing the world's largest Buddha statue with 70 meters long. Continue your trail uptown to make a stop at the Royal Lake where you can immerse into daily activities of residents especially in the early morning and around sunset.

Do not miss out on the famous legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. This is one of the most well-known religious architecture in the world. Located on the hilltop of Singuttara in Yangon, on the north of Kandawgyi lake, majestic Shwedagon is considered the pride of Myanmar and is assessed as one of masterpieces of the world. It will be an incomplete part when travelling to Myanmar without making a visit of the pagoda with the oldest history in the country.

After sunset, transfer to Chinatown to visit Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple and mingle with bustling atmosphere of street stalls with diverse colorful fresh fruits, vegetables or just take a leisure walk around the little China town.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Yangon

Today is at your leisure until being transferred to the airport for your international flight. This morning, travel to the airport for a domestic flight to Yangon. Upon your arrival, set off your exploration to the city. First, make a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. It is the pagoda containing the world's largest Buddha statue with 70 meters long. Continue your trail uptown to make a stop at the Royal Lake where you can immerse into daily activities of residents especially in the early morning and around sunset.

Do not miss out on the famous legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. This is one of the most well-known religious architecture in the world. Located on the hilltop of Singuttara in Yangon, on the north of Kandawgyi lake, majestic Shwedagon is considered the pride of Myanmar and is assessed as one of masterpieces of the world. It will be an incomplete part when travelling to Myanmar without making a visit of the pagoda with the oldest history in the country.

After sunset, transfer to Chinatown to visit Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple and mingle with bustling atmosphere of street stalls with diverse colorful fresh fruits, vegetables or just take a leisure walk around the little China town.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Yangon

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