Myanmar Highlights

Day 1: ARRIVE IN YANGON

Located in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, Yangon has an abundance of lush parks, peaceful lakes and historic architecture. Upon arrival in Yangon, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Yangon

Meals: None

Accommodation: Governor’s Residence/ Deluxe Garden View Room

Day 2: YANGON FULL-DAY TOUR

Although the city of Yangon has grown to accommodate over four million people, it has retained its former charm. 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. Relax and observe the locals at Mahabandoola park going about their daily activities before visiting the Kyaukhtatgyi pagoda, known for the reclining Buddha that measures 70 metres in length. Lunch is served in town before continuing to the National Museum, which is home to priceless ancient artefacts. Visit the Bogyoke Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays) then head to the Indian quarter for a different view of the city. End the day with a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon pagoda, where many local and Buddhists come to worship, before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Governor’s Residence/ Deluxe Garden View Room

Day 3: YANGON – BAGAN

Transfer to Yangon airport for a morning flight to Bagan, also known as Pagan. The ancient city of Bagan in central Myanmar is reminiscent of other great ancient cities such as of Angkor in Cambodia. Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, was the capital of several ancient Burmese Kingdoms. Approximately 2,200 of the originally 4,400 temples remain standing in Bagan.

Start your day with a visit to the Shwezigon pagoda, one of the four most significant buildings in Bagan which served as the centre of reflection and prayer. Continue to visit the Htilominlo pagoda, famed for its original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations which are remarkably well preserved. The temple stands 46 metres high and houses four Buddhas on the lower and upper floors. In the afternoon continue to the Mingalazedi pagoda, which is one of the few temples in Bagan with a full set of glazed terra cotta tiles. Later, visit the Dhammayangyi pagoda, Bagan’s largest temple. The temple is a large square, single story, pyramidal temple with six monumental ascending exterior terraces. The brickwork is perhaps the finest that can be found around Bagan. Enjoy sunset from one of the most scenic spots in town and return to the hotel in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Aureum Palace/ Lotus Villa- Temple View

Day 4: BAGAN FULL-DAY TOUR

Rising 1,518 metres from the plains of the surroundings of Bagan, Mount Popa is considered the sacred home of the spirits and is about a 1.5 hour drive from Bagan. Visit a palm village along the way to gain an insight into how palm sugar (jaggery) is produced. Continue to Mount Popa and visit Taung Kalat, the temple which sits atop like a plug in the volcano and holds significance in Myanmar’s history and religion. The monastery is home to the 37 nats (spirits) of Myanmar, which are displayed at the base of the temple. The views from atop are incredible and may reach as far as Bagan on a clear day. 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, which was built in 1882 and is nowadays a cultural heritage site. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the monastery is famous for its spectacular wood carvings. Return to Bagan late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The Red Canal Resort/ Chin Suite

Day 5: BAGAN – MANDALAY

Transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for the domestic flight to Mandalay. Mandalay was briefly the Burmese capital in the second half on the 19th century. It is home to about one million people and remains the economic, cultural and religious heart of upper Myanmar. Start the day with a 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, located close to Mandalay Hill, it is known locally as Shwenandaw and was built in the early 19th century, 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. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Red Canal Resort/ Chin Suite

Day 6: MANDALAY FULL-DAY TOUR

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. Continue 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 Amarpura. Board a horse carriage and ride to the wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. Return to Mandalay in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Red Canal Resort/ Chin Suite

Day 7: MANDALAY – HEHO – INLE LAKE

Transfer to Mandalay Airport for your domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Myanmar’s second largest lake, Inle, which measure 70km². Located at an altitude of 880 metres, the lake is also one of the highest in the country, with a cool climate and exceptional flora and fauna. Inle 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 the floating market and floating gardens. Lunch is served on the shores before departing for the southwest of the lake where the Indein pagoda complex is situated. Take the small covered path from the Pa O tribe village to a monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some hidden under vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surroundings and into the valley with the lake in the far distance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Inle Princess Resort/ Lake Front View

Day 8: INLE LAKE HALF-DAY TOUR

Rise early to visit the rural but bustling five-day market and observe locals and several minority groups wearing traditional costumes trading farm produce such as vegetables, fruits, dried tea leaves as well as animals. The vibrant atmosphere of the market makes it a jolly experience. (The date of this special market is set by the local people and the location changes every 5 days, your guide will inform you of the exact location). Return to your resort and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Inle Princess Resort/ Lake Front View

Day 9: INLE LAKE – HEHO -YANGON

Transfer back to the airport of Heho for your flight to Yangon, and reflect on your experience in Myanmar.

Meals: Breakfast

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