Myanmar Nature & Culture Tour

DAY 1: MANDALAY ARRIVAL

Welcome to Mandalay, one of the capitals of the ancient Burmese kingdom, to which we will arrive at evening. At the airport, our local guide and car will be waiting to drive us to the hotel.

Meal: Non
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 2: AMARAPURA – INWA(AVA) – MINGUN SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Mingun a beautiful village nestled on the largest river in Myanmar and hiking between its traditional homes and special sites. We will visit, among other things, the unfinished pagoda a huge monument that was discontinued due to the death of the king who initiated the construction.

The unfinished pagoda Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a huge stupa in the center of Myanmar. The site Bagan to be established by King Budawapia in 1790 and even erected an observation post on a nearby island from which he could oversee construction. The construction was carried out by thousands of prisoners of war and slaves, and it was a burden on the entire people, until a demand to stop the project was raised. To this end, the residents were aided by the king’s strong belied and circulated a prophecy saying that “the day the pagoda is finished, the state will disappear”. “The pace of work did slow down and with the King’s death, it was completely stopped. If the pagoda was perfect, its height was 150 feet. To this day, the unfinished pagoda holds the pinnacle of the world’s largest pile of bricks.

Between the village houses we will walk to the White Pagoda, have tea at a local tea house and pass through the largest prayer bell in Burma (outer diameter about 5 meters and weighting nearly 91 tons) and through huge lion statues.

After lunch, we will spend half of the day visiting the island of Ava which served as the Kingdom’s capital for centuries.

Ava or Inwa is the capital of an ancient kingdom located in Mandalay province. The kingdom existed between the 14th and 19th centuries and during these years was demolished and rebuilt several times, until in March 1839 it was completely destroyed following earthquakes and abandoned by its inhabitants. The remains of the city are a popular tourist site and this is due to the beauty of the place.

Moving between the sites by horse-drawn carriages and between the rice fields, we will visit ancient monasteries, gilded pagodas and rural views.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 3: MANDALAY – BAGAN – SIGHTSEEING

In the early morning, take the short flight to Bagan. Once at Bagan, guide will take you around its wonderful scenery and architecture.

Bagan is a truly mesmerizing destination, and a favourite of many travellers. Renowned as the city of four million pagodas, this is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Today there are more than 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries — most built during the Bagan Dynasty, founded by King Anawrahta in 1044.

Firstly, we’ll go to lively Nyaung U Market. This Nyaung U Market provides great photo opportunity, and also the chance for tourists to mingle with the local Myanmar people, and watch how they conduct their daily lives. Then your guide will take you to must-see-temples, Sulamani, Ananda, Damangyi, Thatbyinnyu, Htilo Minlo, Shwe San Daw.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 4: BAGAN TEMPLES TOUR

Bite early in the morning on a balloon journey, over the huge complex of ancient Bagan temples. Both the journey itself in the hot-air balloon and the sight of the ball are a memorable experience.

Please note that the price of a hot air balloon flight is not included in the trip price. It can be ordered separately.

Bagan was the capital of the Bagan Kingdom between the 9th and 13th centuries. Bagan is the first kingdom to unite the regions that would later form modern Myanmar. The pinnacle of the kingdom was between the 11th and 13th century, at which time more than 10,000 Buddhist pagodas, stupa and monasteries were built on the plains of the city of Bagan, of which 2,200 temples and pagodas remain to this day.

Upon landing we will return to the hotel for a late breakfast and take a stroll through the thousands of ancient temples and into the main entrance. We will end this special day with a sunset view that paints the thousands of temples in reddish golden colors.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 5: BAGAN – HEHO – PINDAYA

In the early morning, take the short flight to Inle Lake. From here, we will proceed to Pindaya by car. This drive will give you delightful sceneries of hill station by passing through picturesque landscapes. Huge Banyan Trees near Pindaya caves are also well known for photo stop. Then visit Pindaya caves where one can enjoy countless number of Buddha images from late 18centuries. Well known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Next stop are traditional cottage industry to UMBRELLA MAKING and Pone Ta Lote Lake.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pindaya

DAY 6: PINDAYA – NYAUNG SHWE – BOAT TRIP

After breakfast at hotel, drive back to Nyung Shwe to sightsee in Inle Lake. We will visit a market (see below) before visiting all the attractions on the lake, the fishermen, the floating gardens, and many local workshops, producing cheroots, umbrella, boat, silk and silver workshops. These can make for very attractive and interesting photographs where all you have learnt can be applied! Lunch will be taken overlooking a canal which also offers some interesting shots. After that back to hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 7: INDEIN BOAT TRIP

Come to attend the local’s morning activities in the market near the lake. You are likely to meet many inhabitants of the lake and the surrounding people who gather to trade wares and fresh goods.

The theme of the itinerary today is Burmese culture. In that sense, let’s take the one-hour boat trip downstream the canal the hidden Pa-Oh village of Indein, located on the west of the lakeshore. Travel around the hamlet, and then climb up the moss-coated stairway toward the top of the hill. From the peak, you can first do homage to the revered Buddha statue which is enshrine amid hundreds of the ancient stupas. Also, award yourself the spectacular panorama. Spend the next 45 minutes for the trekking boat to the remote Sae Ma Village. Appreciate your beautiful journey to cherish the green vista and the basking under the shade of the bamboo grove. In the village, find joy in observing the village’s lifestyle and customs. Return to the hotel around noon.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 8: INLE LAKE – HEHO – YANGON SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast we will fly to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and its economic capital. Upon arrival, an introductory tour is made on the streets of this busy city. We will stop for a visit to the ancient Jewish synagogue.

The Synagogue of Salvation (Musmeah Yeshua) is the last remnant of Judaism in Burma. The synagogue is located between an Indian color shop and Muslim businesses on a small street, close to the city center. A plaque on the front of the building says that the current stone building was built from 1893 to 1896 to replace a small wooden house that was demolished in 1854. The small Jewish community remaining in its city of origin in Baghdad.

After the visit, we will stroll through the streets of the Indian Quarter to one of Myanmar’s richest markets.

In the borough, more than 1,000 different stores selling handicrafts ranging from precious rubies to teak made of teak wood-all from local production. After a shopping and lunch stop in the market, we will drive to the reclining Buddha.

The reclining Buddha is a huge statue of Buddha, in a special Buddhist reclining posture. Its sheer size and great historical and religious importance attracts many visitors.

Towards sunset women walked us to the holiest site in Myanmar – the Shwedagon Pagoda. The setting sun paints the huge complex, which is all coated in gold, in gorgeous colors.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, which many call the Great Shwedagon Pagoda, rises to a height of 99meters and is located on Singotra Hill. It is the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, and believers say it contains remnants of the ancient Buddha that resided on the site, including a piece from Kasapa’s robe and eight hair clips from Gautama’s head.

The complex is packed with various sacred buildings, among them many pilgrims walking around, lighting oil candles in honor of Buddha, kneeling in prayer and creating unforgettable sights and atmosphere.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 9: YANGON – HAP-AN SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast at hotel, begin a scenic 5-to-6 hour drive (293 km) to Hpa An. On the way, take rest stops at several interesting sites.

Arrive at Hpa An late in the afternoon and check in to the hotel. Take some time to explore this town’s unique charm independently or simply sit back and relax at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hpa-An

DAY 10: HPA-AN SIGHTSEEING – DRIVE BACK TO YANGON

After breakfast, Trek Mount Zwe Kabin. Transfer to the base 722 metre-high Mount Zwe Kabin, a sacred mountain with thousands of identical Buddha statues lining its base. A 4-to-5 hour out-and-back trek to the top of this mountain affords one of lower Burma’s most spectacular sights.

In the afternoon, visit Sadan Cave for an Indiana Jones-like experience. Typically only accessible from November to March, Sadan Cave starts off as a typical Burmese cave, full of Buddha images and even a reclining Buddha. On the way to the back of the cave, a natural tunnel comes into view. Follow a row of lights through the tunnel for about 15 minutes to get to the other side. At the end of the tunnel a magnificent view of a hidden lake and meadow come into sight, making for a spectacular photo opportunity.

Stop and have tea or coffee at the tea shop at the edge of the lake. From here, hop on a local boat for a tour around the lake and pass through another cave accessible only by boat.

On the route back to Hpa An, stop at Kyauk Ka Lat. This natural rock sculpture, surrounded by a manmade lake, offers spectacular views of Mt. Zwekabin and the surrounding area.

After that drive back to Yangon.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 11: FLY BACK HOME

Free morning to perhaps do some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting at the famous Scott Market and a late afternoon departure.

Meal: Breakfast