Classic Myanmar from Yangon to Mandalay

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Yangon

  Upon arrival at the airport, your private guide will pick you up to the hotel. Have a short break before setting off for Sule Pagoda which has a long history about 2,500 years. Proceed to Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, one of the famous religious symbols in Myanmar. The following sightseeing through the Kandawgyi Lake by a royal floating barge will be a pleasant experience. End today's city exploration with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, a spectacular work of Burmese temple architecture.

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  • Yangon

• Day 2: Yangon - Heho - Inle Lake

  Travelling by Circular Train is a delightful way to discover a cross section of life in Yangon as it is a local vehicle running along the loops of Yangon Circular Railway, the commuter rail network. Enjoy the 20 minutes' sightseeing before getting off at Kyeemyindaing Railway Station. Next, visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, a major bazaar in central Yangon (closed on Mondays and holidays). Later, fly to Heho and continue a transfer to NyaungShwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. After arriving on the shore of the Inle Lake, take a canoe to your hotel located on the lake.

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  • Inle Lake

• Day 3: Inle Lake

  Take a motorized canoe to Khaung Daing Village, a native village on the northwestern shore of the Inle Lake and known for its production of soybean cakes and noodles. Visit Nga Phe Chaung Monastery noted for a rich collection of old Myanmar's Buddha images from different areas.

  Arrive at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda afterwards, the most highly revered monastery in the area. Reach Inpawkhone Village to see artisans using traditional techniques to weave silk into high quality fabrics that are sought after throughout the country.

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  • Inle Lake

• Day 4: Inle Lake

  In the morning, you will leave for Sagar Village by a canoe. It is a remote and quiet corner of Inle Lake and surrounded by the green scenic mountains. And then reach Thaya Gone Village, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Inthar people and known for its production of local rice wine. There is also the chance to climb to the top of a small hill, where there are great views of the lake and surrounding villages. Later, make a stop at SaeKhaung Village to see the crafting of oil and water pots as well as the natural and underground kilns used by the villagers.

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  • Inle Lake

• Day 5: Inle Lake - Kalaw (2 Hrs by Car)

  Today, walk across a local market and then continue to Thaleioo Village for a visit to a local school. The next featured village is Alae Myaung Village situated on the eastern bank of Inle Lake. The residents rely on the fertile soil to grow an abundance of vegetables and you can see native and migrating birds and local farming methods. After that, you will set off for Kalaw by car. Enjoy the vast, beautiful landscapes during the journey.

  Note: The local market doesn't open on the new moon and full moon days with an unfixed location from day to day.

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  • Kalaw

• Day 6: Kalaw - Popa - Bagan

  Begin to discover Mount Popa in the morning. You can climb up the 777 steps to the monastery at the top, where you will find a360-degree panorama and a labyrinth of shrines to explore. Continue the trip to Taung Kalat, a Buddhist monastery perched on top of Mount Popa. After lunch, transfer to Bagan by car for about 1.5 hours' drive and the rest of the day will be arranged by yourself.

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  • Bagan

• Day 7: Bagan

  This morning, start with a stroll through the colorful Nyaung U Market where you can have a glance at local people's life. Continue with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda glimmering in the sun with pure splendor. Followed is a visit to Gubyaukgyi Temple and stop at Bu Lei Thee Pagoda for a 360-degree view of numerous monuments in the area. Arrive at Htilominlo Temple known for its elaborate plaster moldings.

  In the afternoon, visit Minnanthu Village specialized in the production of sesame and peanut oil. Continue to discover temples of Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya. The day will end with a tour to Kyat Kan Monastery which is an underground cave monastery ideal for meditation.

  Optional: Ride a hot air balloon to have a bird's eye view of the world-famous archaeological site of Bagan's ancient kingdom on the plain in the morning. The activity is available from October through next March at your own expense.

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  • Bagan

• Day 8: Bagan

  Today, you will first visit the Tharabha Gate, the only surviving ancient gate of Bagan. And then go to the Ananda Temple considered to be one of the most surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture. Later, you will participate in a traditional Buddhist ceremony in a monastery and make food offerings to the monks. In turn, you'll receive a special blessing from the monks to render you good luck and happiness.

  In the afternoon, head for Manuha Temple, Nanpaya Temple and pay a visit to a lacquer factory at Myinkaba Village.

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  • Bagan

• Day 9: Bagan - Irrawaddy River Cruise

  Today, start your 3-day cruise tour along Irrawaddy River departing from Bagan for Mandalay. You will discover fishing villages, buffalos, wheat fields, floating markets on both sides along the river. First stop is the Shwe Pyi Thar Village, a quintessential village populated by peanut farmers, palm climbers and candy makers. After that, go back to the cruise to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • On Board

• Day 10: Irrawaddy River Cruise

  Continue the cruise along the peaceful yet rich cultured river. You'll then land at Yandabo Village, a village well known for the pottery making ability of its villagers. You will marvel at their skills of making 30 to 50 pots per person per day which are used for water or food storage. After that, re-embark the cruise sailing towards Mandalay.

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  • On Board

• Day 11: Mandalay

  Your cruise will end after arriving in Mandalay. You will first visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple which houses the Mahamuni Buddha image. Later, discover Mandalay craft workshops, which are reputed to be the finest in the country. After that, you'll leave for Ava by a ferry.

  This afternoon, visit Bagaya Monastery, Nan Myint Tower and Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery. After that, continue the journey to reach Amarapura and Mahagandayon Monastery. Later, walk across U Bein Bridge for most famous image activity at dusk: fishermen in the still waters, monks streaming crimson from one end to the other.

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  • Mandalay

• Day 12: Mandalay

  In the morning, climb up the Mandalay Hill, a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for nearly two centuries with Kyauktawgyi Pagoda located nearby. Later, explore Kuthodaw Pagoda known as the world's largest book for enlightening. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, an ideal place to get an in-depth knowledge of what the traditional Royal Palace must have looked like.

  After that, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

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