Myanmar Culture And Nature 15Days Tour

DAY 1: YANGON ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR

Upon arrival in Yangon International Airport by morning flight, you will meet our guide transfer to the hotel. After check in the hotel and refreshment, we will start orientation tour in Yangon. First, we will visit Sule Pagoda. Well-known as the Land Mark in city centre, legend said that the Pagoda is 2,000 years old and the central Stupa is still enshrining a hair of the Buddha. Then from Pagoda, we will take the walking tour to the charming and interesting area with its old colonial architecture buildings such as City Hall, High Court, etc. This area is really reflecting the special identity of the city from old British colonial time.

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.

Evening great sunset at marvellous Shwedagon Pagoda& its pagoda bazaar. The massive and magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda (100 meter high), is one of the wonders of the world. It was built 2500 years ago and enshrined with hair relics of the Buddha and is the holy place for local people to meet devoted Buddhists at meditation and pray.

Meal: Non
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 2: YANGON- BAGAN – WHOLE DAY SIGHTSEEING IN BAGAN

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 hotel.

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. Then we make a short stop to see Shwezigon Paya, 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. 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 3: BAGAN – MT POPA – BAGAN SIGHTSEEING

This morning, we will wake up early today to get to Shwe Sandaw 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. After that, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then 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.

Afternoon visit in Bagan including Myinkabar Gubyaukgyi Temple and Myinkabar Village for Traditional lacquer ware workshops to watch how craftsmen produce these beautiful handicrafts. In the late afternoon, visit 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.

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 sunset time in the great harmony with nature.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

DAY 4: BAGAN – MANDALAY

Morning is free at leisure in Bagan. Afternoon transfer to the airport for the short flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, transfer for checking in to your hotel in Mandalay.

OPTIONAL TOUR : Indulge yourself in the magical experience of gaping at surrealistic landscape of Bagan from a hot air balloon (available from late October to March). For details or further information on Balloons Over Bagan (BOB), please contact Care & Share.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 5: MANDALAY SIGHTSEEING

In the morning, we take a short drive to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Upon our arrival, we’ll visit the world’s longest teak bridge. The U Bein footbridge stretches almost three-quarters of a mile over Thaungthaman Lake, and is heavily utilized by the local monks in maroon robes who carry alms bowls back and forth to monasteries. Constructed of more than 1,000 teak posts, the U Bein has withstood the elements for over two centuries. Then we can observe the life of over 1000 monks at Mahagandaryon Monastery. It is not only the most reputed and well-known monastery in Myanmar but also known by all tourists from all over the world for its unique value like a person with good perfume attracts people all around without being seen. The name of the monastery means “The sense of perfume”. Drive back to Mandalay.

We’ll explore several highlights of Mandalay, which briefly served as capital of the last Burmese kingdom in the mid-19th century. We first visit the Mahamuni Paya, home to a highly venerated Buddha image, one of the most sacred in Burma. Over the centuries, devout Buddhists have been applying gold leaf to the 13-foot-high seated Buddha; that gold surface is now estimated to be about six inches thick.

We will also come to visit Jade market – the biggest market for wholesales selling Jade and precious stone in Mandalay. This is unique and very interesting market o discover.

After lunch, we will visit Shwenandawkyaung or Golden Palace Monastery – a very magnificent building beautifully carved in wood, dating back to 19thcentury. It is of great interest, not only as a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, but also as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace that had been totally destroyed by bombs. And then visit to Kuthodaw Paya – the world’s largest book of 729 marble slabs inscribed the entire Tripitaka, that have been recognized by Guinness book.

Late afternoon, we will come to visit Mandalay Hill 230 meters in elevation, is the natural landmark of Mandalay, a vantage-point for a full panoramic sunset view of the city.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 6: MANDALAY- SAGAING-INNWA (AVA)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit to Sagain sightseeing . Kaung Hmu Daw Pagoda: built in 1636 by King Thalon to commemorate Inwa’s establishment as the royal capital of Myanmar) , visit picturesque Sagaing Hill, where hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. This is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today.

Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda nearby was constructed in 1312, U Min Thonzeh Pagoda, U Min Chaukzeh Pagoda & U Min Koezeh Pagoda.

Afternoon sightseeing For Innwa. Firstly you take by small boat across the Ayeyearwaddy River. Start sightseeing: Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery (aka) Me Nu Oke Kyaung : a brick and stucco monastery built by Nanmadaw Me Nu, the chief queen of Bagyidaw, of her royal about U Bok (Nyaunggan Sayadaw) in 1822 & located on the south bank of Ayeyawaddy River and north edge of Inwa, Bagaya Kyaung : the largest measures 60ft in height and 9ft in circumference, Nanmyint Hmyawzin (Nanmyint watchtower) : you can’t see panoramic view at the places because now not allowed for climbing .

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 7: MANDALAY – PYIN OO LWIN – MANDALAY

After your breakfast, we will transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), a former British Hill Station. The road winds steeply through flower, fruit and vegetable gardens. You arrive at Pyin Oo Lwin then visit Pwe Kauk waterfall and enjoy the countryside. You can also around the village by horse drawn “stage coach”, giving you the chance to admire the brick and timber houses, complete with English style gables, turrets and chimneys.

In the afternoon, visit Peik Chin Myaung Waterfall and Caves, filled with Buddha images. The road from Maymyo is very bumpy but the scenery is worth for your effort. And then you can also visit the National Kandawgyi Gardens, which were laid out by Sir Harcourt Butler, the former governor of Burma – flowerbeds are similar to those you would find in an English country garden! The garden is recently renovated and the name has changed to “Kandawgyi National Botanical Garden”.

Return to Mandalay in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 8: MANDALAY – HEHO-PINDAYA

In the morning transfer to Mandalay Airport for the short flight to Heho Airport. Upon arrival, take the 2 hour drive to the small quiet town Pindaya. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside along the road to Pindaya. Visit Pindaya Caves: these caves are ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the cavern there are more than 8000 Buddha Images-made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer and cement and are arrange in such a way as to from a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers. Then proceed to Shwe U Min Paya. This is a cluster of low stupas just below the ridge near the Pindaya Caves

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pindaya

DAY 9: PINDAYA – NYAUNGSHWE – INLE LAKE

In the morning we will drive to Nyaung Shwe village – the starting point of the trip into the Inle Lake. Embark to boat then passing through breath-taking scenery in many ways, with great panoramic picturesque landscaping. You can see the local fish men fishing on the traditional boat with typical way of rowing their boat by one leg – the most well-known image of Inle Lake, witnessing the local traffic on the lake as well as other ways of fishing by local people. Inle lake is vast area but you always can see some activities on your on your boat ride. It is ideal way for taking the photos of the lake. We will cross the lake then take the brief visit of Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda – famous for 800 years old Five Buddha statues which are enshrined in the center of the building. Millions of local people have come to pray and stick the gold leave around the Buddha statues. Images that are so laden with gold their features are unrecognizable.

The boat then will take you to visit the workshop of weaving by the Padaung tribe – very famous as long neck lady tribe. They came from their village on the other side of the lake, but you can meet, interact as well as learning about their interesting custom in this workshop.

In the afternoon, visit Nga Hpe Kyaung – a stunning wooden Pagoda and monastery built on the stilts with beautiful selection of Buddha statues inside. From the pagoda, you also can have the great view of the floating garden – very amazing way of local people growing their vegetable on the surface of water with very well-known tomato farm. Then we continue to Nampan, a village built on stilts over the water. Here, we’ll visit workshops to learn about cheroots, popular cigars made by hand and wrapped in tree leaves, and see how Inle Lake canoes are built. We also will come to visit one of the typical families living on the house on the stilts in the village before cruising to In Paw Khone village- well-known for silk weaving workshops and the technique and creation of the fascinating design of the silk products from unique material from special silk taken from lotus stem.

Transfer to hotel by private boat and check in.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 10: INLE LAKE – INDEIN – INLE LAKE

The day will begin with a visit to the floating market. Then we will cross the lake and its canals to the south-west coast to Indein province populated by ethics Padaung (female giraffes).

You borrow a covered alley lined on both sides of a thousand pagodas. Continue on foot by a long covered staircase to discover the magnificent complex Alaung Sithu in beautiful scenery of ancient Stupas buried in vegetation with a panoramic view of the lake.

The last place to visit in our long but interesting day on Inle Lake is Mine Thauk Brige – over one kilometer wooden bridge built by local people on the side of the lake. It is very scenic place for watching the sunset, taking photograph and mingles with local people. Coming back to the boat station across the lake again in the sunset time.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 11: INLE LAKE – SAGAR – INLE LAKE

This morning you will leave the boat for the southern part of Inle Lake, Sagar region. It is the city of Shan prices from sixteenth century and surrounded by green hills along the route to Sagar.

Back to the hotel and the afternoon free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

DAY 12: INLE LAKE – HEHO – YANGON SIGHTSEEING

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

And then your day in Yangon starts with ChaukHtatGyi, a huge reclining Buddha image – housed in a large metal – roofed shed. 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.

Enjoy evening sunset at Botahtaung Pagoda, which is hollow type, like maize inside decorated with glass mosaic and it means the Pagoda guarded by one Thousand vanguards. It is located by the river bank and close to Harbor, attracted by the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. You can visit Nathida Jetty and its surrounding to discover the daily working life of Myanmar People.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 13: YANGON – GOLDEN ROCK

Early morning departure by car and drive to Kyaikhtiyo (114 km, 5 hrs from Yangon). On the way visit in Bagon including highlights: Shwemawdaw Pagoda, stands as a landmark of Bago and it is the highest pagoda in Mon state with the elevation of 114 meter high, built over 2000 years ago; Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha which is one of the most elegant reclining Buddha images, stretching 55 meter long and 16 meter high and was built during 9th century.

The excavation site and restoration work at KanbawzaThadi which is noted for the famous palace of King Bayinnaung (1551 – 1581 AD) and Four giant Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda (28 meter high), built by King Damazedi in 15th century. a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaves and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. The gold-plated boulder is said to maintain its balance thanks to a single hair of the Buddha being enshrined inside the pagoda and offering one of the most stunning panoramas of the entire Myanmar. And then heading to Kyaikhtiyo and arrive at the Kinpun “base camp” -the starting point of the road going and onward to Kyaikhtiyo . And then, you take the truck ride, which lasts 45 minutes to reach the terminus of the road “Rathedaung”, the golden rock is only 1 hour to climb on foot or by chair holders (to rent on site). Once at the pagoda, one can enjoy a spectacular view, which is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyaikhtiyo

DAY 14: GOLDEN ROCK – BAGO – YANGON

In the morning we will take back a walk to transit place “Rathedaung” and then a truck ride to reach Kinpun base camp. On the way visit in Bagon including highlights: Shwemawdaw Pagoda, stands as a landmark of Bago and it is the highest pagoda in Mon state with the elevation of 114 meter high, built over 2000 years ago; Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha which is one of the most elegant reclining Buddha images, stretching 55 meter long and 16 meter high and was built during 9th century. The excavation site and restoration work at Kanbawza Thadi which is noted for the famous palace of King Bayinnaung (1551 – 1581 AD) and Four giant Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda (28 meter high), built by King Damazedi in 15th century – a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaves and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. The gold-plated boulder is said to maintain its balance thanks to a single hair of the Buddha being enshrined inside the pagoda and offering one of the most stunning panoramas of the entire Myanmar. In the evening drive back to Yangon and you can visit Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetery on the way. Arrive Yangon and transfer to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

DAY 15: YANGON – DEPARTURE

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. End of Myanmar Tour 15 Days.

Meal: Breakfast