Myanmar Upgraded
12 days
From
$ 3399
Duration12 days
Journey into the Land of the Golden Pagodas on a 12-day adventure in Myanmar (Burma). Cruise the mighty Irrawaddy River to the ancient city of Bagan, home to over 2,200 temples and pagodas. Drift to the floating villages on serene Inle Lake. Visit Kyan Sithar Umin monastery to meet a Buddhist monk, and climb Mandalay Hill for lovely views of the surrounding countryside. With its warm people and mystical culture, find enchantment in Myanmar.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 12 daysService level: Upgraded
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon
Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax and explore the city. Following a group meeting, we have an optional group dinner where you can sample some of the local cuisine.
Arrive any time today. An arrival transfer is included.
Please note that most nationalities requires a visa to enter Myanmar (Burma); please double check this with your travel agent or local Myanmar Embassy prior to your arrival.
Day 2: Yangon/Mandalay
Early this morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay.
Transfer to the base of Mandalay Hill and visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang (Golden Palace Monastery), which is noted for its intricate wood carvings and to Kayuk Taw Gyi Pagoda,, to view the huge marble Buddha.
Then visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘the world’s largest book’, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. We then continue to Mahamuni Pagoda which is known for its lumpy Buddha statue. You can also visit some of the craft shops in the area.
In the late afternoon head to Mandalay Hill to walk (or take the lift) to the top to see the views over the city, countryside and Irrawaddy River.
Transfer to the base of Mandalay Hill and visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang (Golden Palace Monastery), which is noted for its intricate wood carvings and to Kayuk Taw Gyi Pagoda,, to view the huge marble Buddha.
Then visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘the world’s largest book’, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. We then continue to Mahamuni Pagoda which is known for its lumpy Buddha statue. You can also visit some of the craft shops in the area.
In the late afternoon head to Mandalay Hill to walk (or take the lift) to the top to see the views over the city, countryside and Irrawaddy River.
Fly to Mandalay and explore this ancient city, including the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuyuk Taw Gyi Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and Mahamuni Temple. Climb Mandalay Hill for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Meals: B
Day 3: Mandalay
Embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery of this river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. We continue by road to Sagaing. After lunch we visit Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’.
Take a boat to the village of Mingun to visit the pagodas and local craftspeople. Visit the spiritual centre of Burma at Sagaing and the ancient royal capital of Amarapura.
Meals: B
Day 4: Mandalay
Take a scenic 2 hour drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo, now officially called Pyin Oo Lwin. Visit the local market in the center of the town where a colorful array of items are for salem including locally produced jam and fruit wines.
This afternoon is free to explore. We recommend a traditional horse and carriage ride through the town to see the historical houses including Candacraig, built in 1905. You can get your horse and carriage to drop you off at the 175-hectare Botanical Gardens where you can take a relaxing walk though the beautifully landscaped area.
This afternoon is free to explore. We recommend a traditional horse and carriage ride through the town to see the historical houses including Candacraig, built in 1905. You can get your horse and carriage to drop you off at the 175-hectare Botanical Gardens where you can take a relaxing walk though the beautifully landscaped area.
Go on an excursion to Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British hill station.
Meals: B
Day 5: Mandalay/Bagan
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty for the boat to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). The journey takes 7-11 hours depending on the time of year and water level. On board there is a small café selling drinks and light meals (sandwiches, snacks and instant noodles usually).
Relax and watch the sights on a full day cruise down the Irrawaddy River to ancient Bagan.
When water levels are insufficient for the boat, we will use the bus for that part of the journey. Boat cancellations typically happen between April and September.
Meals: B
Day 6: Bagan
Enjoy 2 days exploring Bagan, the first and most beautiful capital of the Burmese, which was founded in the 11th century. This is one the most important temples and pagoda complexes in Asia.
We set off on a full day exploration of Bagan where we'll wander local markets, historical pagodas, a handicraft workshop, a local monastery as well as various ancient temples. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
You have the option to take a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan.
We set off on a full day exploration of Bagan where we'll wander local markets, historical pagodas, a handicraft workshop, a local monastery as well as various ancient temples. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
You have the option to take a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan.
Explore the ancient sites of Bagan including the temples of Shwezigon Pagoda, Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi-in) cave temple, and Manuha and Nan Paya temples, to name a few. Receive a blessing at a local monastery and continue to a handicraft workshop and visit the Nyaung Oo local market.
Meals: B
Day 7: Bagan
At midday, transfer to the outskirts of town to a village in the middle of a toddy palm farm. Watch as the locals scale the trees and harvest the juice of the palm fruit and then process it into alcohol or molasses. This evening we are welcomed into a local family's home and enjoy a home cooked meal of traditional Burmese dishes. This is a memorable dinner and a chance to learn more about family life and traditions in Myanmar.
Visit a local village and toddy farm for demonstrations and lunch.
Enjoy a local lunch at a toddy Palm farm
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Bagan/Inle Lake
This morning, fly from Bagan to Heho and then travel by road to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. Also visit around Nyaung Shwe by cycle rickshaw, passing the many monasteries and cruising along quiet residential streets.
We then board a boat and set off down the canal toward the main part of the lake, passing villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.
We then board a boat and set off down the canal toward the main part of the lake, passing villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.
Travel by plane, bus, and boat to serene Inle Lake. En route, visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Nyaung Shwe by cycle rickshaw, and observe floating villages and gardens.
Meals: B
Day 9: Inle Lake
Depending on its location, we start with a visit to the morning market, which rotates locations on a 5-day basis. (note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days).
Our boat then takes us down a winding river to Inthien, with its one thousand stupas dotting the hillside. Back out onto the lake we visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main pagoda and monastery, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.
Our boat then takes us down a winding river to Inthien, with its one thousand stupas dotting the hillside. Back out onto the lake we visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main pagoda and monastery, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.
Explore the lake by boat and visit the floating villages, a cheroot factory and the daily market. Visit Phaung Daw Oo pagoda and Inthien temple complex.
Meals: B
Day 10: Inle Lake/Kalaw
Travel by boat and bus to the cooler air of this former British hill station. Opt for an afternoon trek.
Meals: B
Day 11: Kalaw/Yangon
Following breakfast, we drive to Heho airport for our flight over the length of Burma back to our starting point at Yangon. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda then the afternoon is yours to explore the markets and sights of Yangon with plenty of time for some last minute shopping before our final night dinner together.
Fly back to Yangon and visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. Enjoy free time to explore and shop in the old capital.
Meals: B
Day 12: Yangon
Depart any time today.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: LinkAge Restaurant, Yangon Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Arrival transfer
- Tour of Mandalay
- Boat trip and tour of Mingun village
- Visit Sagaing and the ancient city of Amarapura
- Irrawaddy River boat trip
- Guided tour of Bagan archaeological zone
- Toddy palm farm visit
- Taungkalat Monastery and Mount Popa area visit
- Visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery
- Tour Nyaung Shwe by trishaw
- Boat tour of Inle Lake including floating villages and markets
- Visit a cheroot factory
- Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Nge Phe Chaung Monastery
- Tour Shwedagon Pagoda
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private bus/van, Plane, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (11 nts)