Photography Tour 2023 P3

DAY 1: YANGON ARRIVAL

Arrive at Yangon airport by flight and be welcomed by Photography guide. Transfer to the hotel and check in only. Overnight.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 2: YANGON TO BAGAN BY MORNING FLIGHT – BAGAN SIGHTSEEING

In the early morning, transfer to airport and leave for Bagan – the place also known as the “City of Four Million Pagodas.” Many of the pagodas and temples are small and simple—but the number of them is staggering. Although Bagan’s centuries-old shrines, pagodas, and stupas do not actually total in the millions, there are well over 2,000 of them scattered along the remote 16-square-mile plain, flanked on one side by the Irrawaddy River. This qualifies Bagan as the largest temple city on the planet, as well as one of the most important archaeological areas in all of Asia. The majority of ruins in Bagan were constructed between the eleventh and 13th centuries, a time when Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire.

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to ShweSandaw Pagoda for the first shots and panorama view of over thousands of mysterious pagodas in Bagan. This is one of the highest points in Bagan, so you can have the great overview of Bagan area.

After that we will take the tour to Bagan. Firstly, visit of village market in the town of Nyaung-U: a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and wander among stalls that feature locally-grown crops, rattan items, tea leaves, and colorful traditional clothing – the perfect place for candid shots. Then we make a short stop to see ShwezigonPaya, a beautiful gold-domed pagoda constructed early in the twelfth century that is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. After lunch in local restaurant, we will have time for resting in the hotel before continue the tour to visit Anada Temple – one of the finest in architecture and most revered temples with its four standing Bagan style Buddha images and huge carved teak doors from thousand years ago. There are different Pagodas to visit today but the will be no repetition, as they all beautiful, interesting and different. Then our guide will take you for the walk to the complex of Pagodas and Stupas in Bagan for some photo shooting there. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to a nearby jetty, where we’ll board a boat to gain a new vantage of the Irrawaddy (also called the Ayeyarwady). The people and the country’s economy depend on this natural resource, as you will undoubtedly observe by the countless number of barges, bamboo rafts, and fishing boats that ply the waters around us. From on board, we will be able to observe how everyday life plays out along the riverbanks as well as taking the great shot of sunset on the river.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 3: BAGAN SIGHTSEEING

We will wake up early today to get to ShweSandaw Pagoda – the best location where we can have the amazing panorama views of Bagan and it’s pagodas and Stupas in the dawn. This is also the best place for taking photos of Bagan. Witnessing the morning sun illuminating the ancient temples of Bagan is an unforgettable experience.

Then we will have very pleasant walk to discover the area of Khayminga Temple for a panoramic view and visit of the beautiful complex of the Pagoda and Stupas on the beautiful site in the dawn in the great harmony with nature. After that, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Our day will continue by the visit of Dhammayangyi Temple – the widest temple in Bagan. From a distance it resembles the early step pyramids of Egypt. The sides at the base of the structure are almost 78 meters long, while the central core of the temple measures 25 meters long. There are four entrances that each contain a seated Buddha image on a pedestal, the main entrance is the Eastern one. The Western sanctum contains images of the Gautama Buddha and the future Maitreya Buddha, side by side. The temple grounds are surrounded by a wall with huge arched gates that lead to the pagoda. To prevent further deterioration the terraces of the temple are closed to the public.

After that, we will take the excursion to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano, located 50 km south-east of Bagan and a one hour drive on the road to Mandalay. Climbing 777 steps to the summit takes about 45 minutes and you can visit the Mahagiri Shrine dedicated to the “Nats” (spirits), stupas and a picturesque complex of monasteries at the top where there is a wonderful panoramic view. On the way back to Bagan, observe the natives collecting the juices from the palm trees, palm sugar making technique as well as palm wine. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure for you to take your own photos in old Bagan. There will be lots of the photos opportunities that will be easily keep you busy until it get dark.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 4: BAGAN TO MANDALAY BY MORNING FLIGHT – AMARAPURA SIGHTSEEING

After early breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay. On arrival, drive to Amarapura, located 11km south of Mandalay. Amarapura had been the royal city twice in Myanmar’s monarchic time. Visit BagayaKyuang, the largest monastery in Burma. It is a huge 19th century, wooden monastery with a large population of monks. See the famous U Beinbridge, a Magnificent teakwood structure spanning Taungthaman Lake for a distance of about 1 kilometer. Built in 1849, it comprises 1060 teak posts, most of which are original. Although historic, it is still in daily use by local villagers. Proceed take a tour to the Venerable Mahamuni Pagoda including a traditional gold leaf workshop. Sightseeing tour include SHWE INBIN, one of the most outstanding monasteries in the country, SHWE NAN DAW KYAUNG or GOLDEN PALACE MONASTERY, a superb example of a traditional wooden building, KUTHODAW PAGODA known as the world’s largest book consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 5: MANDALAY – HEHO – INLE LAKE BOAT TRIP

Inle Lake is so rich for photography by popular demand we have added an extra day to the tour here.Upon your arrival at Heho airport, you will proceed on a comfortable 45 minutes to an hour ride by road to InleLake.Inle Lake is a fresh-water lake in the State of Shan with a surface area of 116 square km and is inhibited by about 70,000 majority Ethnic Intha people, many living in simple stilt houses of timber or bamboo in villages bordering and on the lake. Here an excursion by long tail boat awaits you. You will be greeted by the stunning and serene beauty of Inle Lake and its friendly and obliging inhabitants.The long tail boat weaves smoothly through floating gardens, Burmese cheroot making and traditional weaving ‘factories’ as well as numerous villages on stilts. We will not miss pulling up alongside the famed local fishermen rowing with one leg wrapped around the oar, and simultaneously fishing with the cone shaped net. All these will present countless magical moments to capture on camera.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 6: INLE LAKE BOAT TRIP

After breakfast, take a boat for a cruise on the lake. Pass villages built on stilts in the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Along the way observe the leg‐rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built from strips of water hyacinth and mud, anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles.In the afternoon, visit Nga HpeChaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha statues. Continue on to PhaungDawOo 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 weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, Where typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 7: INLE LAKE TO SAGAR LAKE

After breakfast, early morning proceed to Sagar which is the main attraction in Sagar is the sunken stupas, 108 old stupas often flooded by water, but it is the natural beauty, friendly people, local lifestyles and serene waterways that make this day trip an unforgettable adventure.Set off this morning for your lakeside hotel for Sagar, the far southern region of Inle Lake. Very few tourists make the trip down to this region yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the Shan State with the mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages And fishermen on the water. The area was only recently opened to tourists in 2003.The boat journey takes 2.5‐3 hours but is full of fabulous views and home to many unique species of birds, both indigenous and migratory. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Around 2.30 the boat will begin its journey back to the main section of Inle Lake. Traveling back in the afternoon the light has shifted and the route looks much different on the return, with different activities occurring on the water and in the villages.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 8: HEHO – FLY BACK TO YANGON – YANGON SIGHTSEEING

Morning take a flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon transfer to the hotel for check in.

We will start our tour today in Yangon by the visit of ChaukvHtatGyi, a huge reclining Buddha image – housed in a large metal – roofed shed and Shwedagon Pagoda (100 meter high), is one of the wonders of the world. The feet of the Buddha wear a very readable with the 108 sacred marks. Definitely not miss this colossal image. Then we will visit Kandawgyi Park, one of the most scenic places in the city with beautiful lake, lovely wooden bridges, green and impressive vegetation. This is also can be the ideal place to mingle with local people.

You also will have time to visit Bogyoke Aung San – the central market of Yangon with interesting collection of Jade, Petrified wood and local handicraft. This is also the best place for your shopping in town.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Yangon

DAY 9: FLY BACK HOME

After breakfast, free time at leisure. You can be relaxing at the hotel or discover Yangon on your own until the departure time to the airport for the flight home

Meal: Breakfast