Myanmar in Depth

This morning you will go Golden Rock and on the way, visit to Bago by road. You will start visiting to Bago Market. After seeing over a thousand years old Shwemawdaw Pagoda which is higher than the Shwedagon Pagoda. You will proceed to the Kin Pun‘base camp’.

The tour will continue to one of Myanmar’s landmarks which is famous for its precarious position and religious importance: Kyaikhtiyo the ‘Golden Rock ‘. To reach the pagoda from Kin Pun Camp a steep 11 km long road leads to the upper staging point.  The journey is made in open trucks which are very crowded. (Private trucks are available at extra costs – please ask your guid to arrange).The ‘upper area’ must be traveled by foot, and the walk is approximately 4km (45 minutes) up a steep path which ascends some 500 m to the Golden Rock. On arrival you can enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Golden Rock.

After breakfast today, you’ll head to Hpa An, a small city with an eclectic culture and intriguing landscape. You’ll stop at BayintNyi and Kawgoon caves, along the way, and marvel at the ancient wall carvings that date back to the 7th-century. Once arrived in Hpa An, get acquainted with the city with a small sightseeing tour, checking out Kyaikalatt, a small rock hill shaped like a wine glass, and Lombumni Garden at the base of Mt. Zawekabin, which houses 1,000 Buddha images. Tonight, you’ll see a second magical sunset, this time over Shweyinmyaw Pagoda.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hpa An.

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive back to Yangon. This morning after breakfast, drive to Sadan Cave, Sadan means Royal Elephant and there are 2 stone elephants at the base of the stairway leading up to the cave. At the end of the cave you will find the lake and take a short boat ride around the cave and walk along the paddy fields to get back to the entrance. Then as the last stop, visit Kaw Ka Thaung Cave which is at Kaw Kyaik, east of the Zwegabin hill. There’s a long row of stone monks outside the compound, and lots of Buddhas inside. Then travel your journey back to Yangon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Yangon.

Drive to Yangon in the morning and upon arrival transfer to airport for flight to Heho. Upon arrival, we will drive to Kalaw, popular hill station in the British days, Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali. Thein Taung Paya: temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road. Aung Chang Tha Zedi: glittering stupa (Buddhist religious monument) covered in gold-coloured mosaics. Nee Paya: located west of the town, it features a gold lacquered bamboo Buddha. We will start a short trekking (3 hours to 4 hours) to Paine Pin village surrounding area and visit the hill tribes’ villages in their colorful costumes. Back to Kalaw and stay overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Kalaw.

Departure to NyaungShwe village, gate way to Inle lake, we will visit to Shwe Yan Pyay Monasteries. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit NgaHpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images. Continue to Phaung DawOo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.  Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. If the time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

Breakfast at hotel, continue Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 17th century pagodas.

Indein is one of the small villages of the Inle Lake located on the western bank of Inle Lake. A Buddha image has enshrined at a whitewashed stupa, which is on the summit of a hill. The pagoda hill is quiet and clam. One could feel the pleasant cool breeze with the sweet ring of the bell hanging at the umbrella of the stupa. Mesmerizing view from the pagoda hill releases the fatigue and refreshes everybody who ascends to the peak.

This mysterious place is at the end of the marvelous Indein creek, which connected with Inle Lake just after the PhaundDawOo pagoda. The creek is narrow with many twist and turns. Since the both side are paddy fields you can see the farmer ploughing and harrowing by water buffaloes. At many places in the creek the farmers dam up the water by bamboo barriers to irrigate the paddy fields. It is compulsory to see Novice Monk, buffalo’s boys and village girls wash and swim in the creek.

In the afternoon, take a car transfer from the jetty to Red Mountain Winery. Enjoy sunset from the mountain. Then transfer back to your hotel by boat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

We will transfer to the airport for flight to Mandalay.

Mandalay is the last capital of Myanmar Kingdom before the annexation of British in 1885. The period of kingdom was very short, but the name Mandalay becomes well known by “Rudyard Kipling”. The royal palace wall surrounded by the moat is one of the great things to see and it has been re-created after 1945, by 2^nd War World. We’ll drive former capitals of Amarapuraand visit U Pain Bridge, the whole bridge done with entire wood. We will visit Mahamuni pagoda, one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf for hundreds of layers. And then visit to Marble carving workshop and Gold- Leaf beating workshop.

In the afternoon visit Shwe Nan Daw Monastery, Ku ThoDaw Pagoda and enjoy the sunset at Mandalay hill.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Mandalay.

This morning we will visit MandalyZaygyo , locate center of the town . And then proceed to Inwa, the capital from 14^th to 18^th centuries and visit by horse and carriage the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and fort, and the MahaAungmyeBonzan and Htihlaing Shin Paya. In the afternoon cross the bridge over the Irrawaddy River and continue to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. After all back to Mandalay and visit to Jade Market.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Mandalay.

Overland drive to Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo), the British hill station with Victoria style houses. Visit to Local market and walk around the town to watch the old British style of houses that cannot be seen even in Britain.  And visit to Dat Taw Chaing. 

Visit to Pyin U Lwin market, and then continue to National Botanical Garden to learn the different species of trees, plants and flowers. Proceed to Pwekauk waterfall and Peikchinmyaung natural cave nearby PyinOoLwin.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Maymyo.

After breakfast, transfer to Pyin U Lwin railway station to take your train to Hsipaw. On the way, you have to cross the Gokhteik Viaduct which is a magnificent steel bridge spanning a 300 meter deep river gorge. On behalf of the British, the Pennsylvania Steel Company built the Gohteik Bridge over 100 years ago. Once you reach your destination, continue on by car to the historic town of Hsipaw and visit the most revered pagoda in Northern Shan – Bawku Pagoda. Spend a restful night in Mr. Charles Guest House in Hsipaw.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Pyin U Lwin.

Make it an early morning and explore the incredible, one-of-a-kind morning market hosted by the local ethnic tribes. The market starts at 3:30 AM and wraps up just three hours later

Begin the trip by soft trek through Farmer’s villages, paddies, seasonal crops, river, living style of Shan villages, Have Shan Noodle-break at tiny village mall. Afterwards, continue an hour by boat upstreaming river, through nice scenery with the mountain, valley, plantations along the river, visit and sightseeing at river confluence at which swimming is available on the individual wish.

On the way down-streaming by boat, go visit to a Shan village which has typical houses with a small charming  gardens and then return home by boat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hsipaw.

Journey back to Mandalay on a 5.5-hour car ride along the famous Burmese road well-trodden by Chinese and Burmese traders traveling between the two countries to exchange goods and other fineries. Pause your journey to visit the charming, small town of Kyaukme, a town settled by Shan, Chinese and Indian traders. Stop by the local houses to purchase traditional products created by the families living there.  Visit the Aung Thu KanThaPaya on the way back to Mandalay.
Enjoy rickshaw (Cyclo pousse) trip in the down town.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Mandalay.

After breakfast and you will be assisted to the Bus. Departure to Bagan, you can have sunburn offer the spectacular views of historical monuments. Arrived to Bagan in the middle of the afternoon, upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Free time in Bagan.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Bagan.

Visit to the vibrant Nyaung U Market, unveil the glory of Bagan’s history by visits to archeological treasures such as the Shwezigon Pagoda for its impressive bell-shaped stupa, Dhaman Yan Gyiand graceful Htilominlo Temple with its delicate plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. Continue to discover the ancient and most treasured handicrafts of lacquering by a demonstration from skilled artisan. Explore the amazing mural paintings under the protection of UNESCO at MyingabaGuByaukgyiTemple, and enjoy your soothing sunset at Shwesandaw Pagoda.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Bagan.

Transfer to Yangon airport. Enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 75-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole 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.

In the afternoon, board the local ‘circle train‘ which runs from Yangon’s main railway station in a circle around various neighborhoods in town and on the outskirts of town. The slowly traveling train gives you unique opportunity to enjoy observing the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people.

Disembark after 45 minutes – 1 hour in Insein township. One of the city’s best fresh markets is here, filled with vendors and piles of colorful items for sale. Spend time walking amid the stalls examining the fruits, produce and meats on sale as well as chatting with the friendly locals.

Transfer by car back to the city center of Yangon. Take a short walking tour through Chinatown and Little India, two fabulously diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of Yangon. You’ll see street markets, snack vendors and many places of worship as you walk along the street. Afterwards transfer to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Yangon.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Yangon.

Day at leisure at the hotel or explore the Yangon city on your own until transfer to the airport for your late departure flight.