Myanmar Culture Itinerary 9Days Tour

DAY 01: MANDALAY ARRIVAL

Upon your arrival, enjoy the 1-hour drive to the city center, together with our tour guide and driver who welcome you to Mandalay. As the second largest city in Myanmar, Mandalay is also the last royal capital of the Burmese empire that could be described as “the most pristine, timeless, and attractive.” Nestled on the shores of Irrawaddy River, this city preserves the culture, tradition, music, food, etc., of Myanmar that keep pleasing guests.

From the city center, experience the afternoon drive to Amarapura (City of Immortality), which was a penultimate royal capital of Myanmar. Then, there will be time to discover a silk-weaving workshop and learn the local business. When it comes to the sunset time, make sure you reach the famous U Bein Bridge erected in 1782. It is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Built across Taungthamma Lake, U Bein Bridge is very photogenic at the twilight when the Burmese monks and residents head home. The beautiful time in the world-known Bridge will last long. Return to Mandalay city.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 02: MANDALAY AND EVENING CHANTS AT YANKIN HILL

The pleasant breakfast time will be followed by the religious trip to Mahamuni Pagoda that enshrines one of the most venerated and gold-covered Buddha statues in the country. Next, you’ll be fond of discovering Kuthodaw Pagoda that is often dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for the 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Buddhism lessons. What’s more, you will not want to miss the magnificent Mandalay Hill, and on the south of the Hill, there stands out the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda that enshrines the Great Marble Buddha Statue carved from a single block of marble. Later, spend time discovering the golden Shwenandaw Monastery that has the noticeable woodcarvings that can surprise almost all audiences.

Around 3km to the east of the Mandalay Fort, you will see the so-called Yankin Hill bordered by various monasteries that establish the stunning and placid vista. In the temple, it’s nice to learn about the monks’ monastic life. Then, you can challenge yourself by climbing 45 minutes to the peak of the hill. It’s a rewarding experience as you can feast eyes on the marvelous view. Descending the hill, you can attend the evening chants and pray for the best. At that time, worry will evaporate, and only peace remains. Drive back to the city.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 03: MANDALAY – BAGAN (304 KM, 5 HOURS 30 MINS)

Go for a morning walking tour around the beautiful Irrawaddy River and observe the locals’ life in the river. Also, visit a local market to get more insights about the Burmese. You will be introduced to the off-the-beaten-track trails for the 45-minute transfer to Paleik (the snake temple). With luck, it is possible to see a snake washing, which might symbolize good fortune according to the local belief. A short tour around Ava temples is memorable. Later, experience the scenic drive to Bagan that will take around 5 hours 30 minutes, and you will get there in the late afternoon.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Bagan.

DAY 04: BAGAN

The itinerary makes it a point to first see the Ananda Temple in Bagan today, before the crowds of other tourists. The early arrival will let you enjoy the splendor of ancient monuments in a peaceful way. After the temple sightseeing, proceed to the Myinkaba Village and the Gubyaukgyi Temple. There, you can marvel at the fantasy of the murals and sculptures. Furthermore, do homage to the Buddha images in the small Manuha and Nan Paya temples. The cultural expedition will go on the local workshops of lacquerware and wooden craft items. The well-preserved traditions of the skilled craftsmen can surprise you. Next, be fond of the horse-cart ride past the mid-12th-century Thatbyinnyu Temple (the tallest one in Bagan), the giant brickwork Dhammayangyi, and the splendid Sulamani Temple.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Bagan.

DAY 05: BAGAN – KALAW (7 HOURS)

The theme today is the rural Myanmar, which first starts with a drive from Bagan to Kalaw for around 7 hours. You will go past the Shan hills, the winding roads, the rustic countryside, and more. In the past, Kalaw was made an upper venue that British officials could gather to relax and escape the heat. At present, Kalaw town is a “holiday resort” featured with fresh air, green forest, remote trekking trails, and pleasant vibe. You will be in Kalaw in the afternoon when you can either explore the town or take a good rest after the long drive.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Kalaw.

DAY 06: KALAW – INLE LAKE

You will be happy with the visit to the morning market. Then, from Kalaw train station, experience a trip to Aung Ban station that will pass by the stunning mountainous landscape. From Aung Ban train station, you will take a drive to Inle Lake from which a private motorboat is waiting for you. Embark the boat for a voyage on Inle Lake that is famous for the spectacular scenery, calm water, floating gardens, fishing canoes, and the leg-rowing Intha fishermen. It will be your pleasure to observe the locals’ life activities, the stilted houses, floating vegetation, and more.

The voyage will bring you to Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery that enshrines numerous Shan’s Buddha statues. Next, you might ask for the major haven of the lake, then it is Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda that enshrines five venerated Buddha statues covered in gold leaf. And if time permits, you can stop at some local villages that are specialized in the unique woven products made from lotus silk, the boat builders, cigar-making workshops, etc. Cruise back to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

DAY 07: INLE LAKE – INDEIN

A nice day will begin at a local morning market near the lake that offers various chances to meet the lake’s inhabitants and other tourists. Then, embark a boat to cruise downstream the canal. Look at the western bank of Inle Lake, you will see the Pa-Oh village of Indein that welcomes you to go for an easy stroll. After that, climb uphill to arrive at the peak in which you can do homage to the Buddha statue that is kept among numerous religious ruins and the overgrown shrubbery. Feast your eyes on the enthralling and peaceful landscape. What’s more, the stupas covered by moss and greenery will ignite your spark of interest in mystery and legend about the Indein pagoda complex.

The next 45 minutes will be about a voyage trek to the remote Sae Ma village. You can relax by sightseeing the pristine Nature, bask under the bamboo shade, or just simply walk around the village to observe the rural lifestyle. On the return way, if time allows, the Inthar Heritage House will be a perfect stopover to study the history and culture of the indigenous people in the Lake. Drive back to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

DAY 08: INLE LAKE – YANGON

After breakfast, get the 1-hour transfer to Heho Airport for a domestic flight to Yangon.

In Yangon, you will be glad to visit the Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda that enshrines the 70m-long reclining Buddha statue. The pagoda sightseeing tour will be followed by a nice time in the Chinatown that offers the identical scenes of dragon-themed architecture and incense in the Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple. The Yangon tour cannot be complete without a visit to the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda that is encrusted with over 40 tons of gold leaf. If you access the eastern entrance, you will find some shops selling the religious items like the Burmese monks’ robes, alms bowls, incense, etc. As one of the most critical religious centers in Myanmar, Shwedagon makes a strong impression on the visitors.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Yangon.

DAY 09: YANGON DEPARTURE

Take a transfer to Yangon International Airport for your next flight.

Meals at your own expense.