After breakfast, transfer to airport for a flight to Bagan. Formerly known as Pagan, it was the capital of several ancient Burmese Kingdoms. Upon arrival, make a visit to the Dhammayangyi pagoda, Bagan’s largest temple. Next, continue to the Mingalazedi pagoda, which is one of the few temples in Bagan with a full set of glazed terra cotta tiles. In the afternoon proceed to the Htilominlo pagoda, famed for its original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations which are remarkably well preserved. Later, enjoy the sunset from one of the most scenic spots in town and check in your Bagan hotel.
Day 6: Mt. Popa and Salay
Rising 1,518 meters from the plains of the surroundings of Bagan, Mount Popa is considered the sacred home of the spirits. Visit a palm village along the way to gain an insight into how palm sugar is produced. Visit Taung Kalat, the temple which sits atop like a plug in the volcano and holds significance in Myanmar’s history and religion. Enjoy lunch and continue to the colourful old religious centre of Salay - home to a large number of monasteries and colonial buildings. Visit Yoke-Sone-Kyaung, a cultural heritage site. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the monastery is famous for its spectacular wood carvings.
Day 7: Balloon over Bagan – Trishaw tour
Fly over the vast plains of Bagan in a hot air balloon (Subject to availability). Witness thousands of temples that were built between the 11th and 13th century from a bird’s eye view. Champagne and breakfast are served when partaking in a morning flight. In the late afternoon, start at the hotel and then transfer by car to colorful Nyaung U market. Take one round for sightseeing and discover the local goods before enjoying a one hour tour by trishaw, sights include the Shwezigon pagoda, one of the four most significant buildings in Bagan which served as the centre of reflection and prayer; then stop at Gubyaukgyi Temple which is noted for its beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior.
Day 8: Bagan – Pakkoku - Monywa
In the morning, drive to Bagan Jetty where a local boat awaits you. Depart for a 3h cruise on the Ayeryarwaddy to reach Pakkoku, well-known for the production of tobacco but also palm sugar jaggery, thanakha logs, longyis and blankets called "Anyar Saung”. Visit Pakhangi monastery which was built by King Mindon in 1886. Enjoy lunch along the way and upon arrival in Monywa, check-in at your hotel.
Day 9: Monywa - Mandalay
Early morning, drive to Po Win Taung. In Myanmar language this name means Mountain of Isolated Solitary Meditation. Continue the journey at Shwe Ba Taung caves, just a few minutes’ walk from Po Win Taung. Return to Monywa, in time for lunch then drive to Bodhi Thataung statues – the second-tallest statue in the world, at a total of 129 metres. You will reach Mandalay late in the afternoon, after passing through Sagaing hills.
Day 10: Amarapura – Ava - Sagaing
In the morning, head to Amarapura, the 18th century capital where the country’s largest monastery is located; Maha Ghandayon. Continue to the magnificent teak bridge of U Bein, which is over 200 years old. Cross the Ayeyarwaddy River and head for the picturesque Sagaing Hill. 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. Return to Mandalay in the late afternoon.
Day 11: Around Mandalay
In the morning, visit Mahamuni Temple – one of the most famous temples in Myanmar. Next, we’ll head to the Cultural Museum which boasts a nice collection of articles, artifacts, costumes & furniture of royalty. Continue on to Shwenandaw monastery - originally part of the royal palace complex of King Mindon and made entirely of teak wood. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Atumashi Monastery also built in 1857 by King Mindon. Next head to the Kuthodaw Temple, right at the foot of Mandalay Hill. In the evening, enjoy the puppetry show in Mandalay.
Day 12: Mandalay – Heho (Flight) - Pindaya
This morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho. Upon arrival, drive to Pindaya, renowned for its limestone caves, called Shwe U Min. Wander around the cave and allow some time to explore the town, which is beautifully situated at a small lake and surrounded by mountains. Continue the journey by visiting a Shan umbrella and mulberry paper production home industry before check in your hotel.
Day 13: Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe – Inle Lake
Leaving Pindaya for long trip drive to Nyaung Shwe, where Inle Lake is situated. The lake is most famous for the extraordinary lives of the people who live on and around it, known as the ‘Intha’. They are famous for their boat rowing technique; using only one leg! After lunch in Nyaung Shwe, enjoy a boat trip on the lake to observe the beautiful surroundings. Pass by the floating markets and floating gardens and houses on stilts. Later return to the hotel.
Day 14: Five days market – Indein pagoda
Rise early to visit the rural but bustling five-day market (Subject to availability) and observe locals and several minority groups wearing traditional costumes trading farm produce such as vegetables, fruits, dried tea leaves as well as animals. In the afternoon, head towards the Indein Pagoda Complex located on the western bank of the lake. Return to your hotel after the trip & enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as local life along the way.
Day 15: Heho – Yangon (Flight) – Circle train – China town
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight to Yangon. Later on, board a local train in Yangon that runs on a loop from the main railway station through various neighborhoods. Observe the colorful and rural life outside of the city centre and strike up a conversation with the locals on board.. Visit the Chinese quarter where you can choose to sample authentic Myanmar food and mingle at the food stalls with the local people. Visit the colorful night bazaar and soak up the authentic nightly atmosphere before heading back to the hotel later at night.
Day 16: Departure
The morning is free at leisure until transfer to airport for the flight home.
*This is sample itinerary with no selected accommodation suggested unless otherwise stated. International airfares are not included unless otherwise specified within the detailed proposal – please contact our team to tailor this itinerary to your personal specifications.
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