Myanmar Trip with Leisure Beach Break

DAY 01: MANDALAY ARRIVAL

Our staff will be present at the airport to welcome you to Mandalay – the second largest city and the last royal capital of the Burmese monarchy. The destination can be described as “most traditional, timeless, and fascinating” in literature. Situated on the banks of Irrawaddy River, the city looks very charming and vibrant for sightseeing and photography throughout the year. Besides the thriving business, the ancient buildings and the traditions of food, music, religion, dance, etc., are alive.

Getting to Mandalay, you will take the one-hour drive transfer to the hotel. Rest in your own room.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense
Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 02: MANDALAY FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Mandalay. The first attraction should be Mandalay Palace that was constructed between 1857 and 1859, resulting in the antique and magnificent architecture today. Next, discover the so-called Marble Buddha Pagoda or Kyauktawgyi Pagoda which enshrines the great Buddha image carved from a colossal block of marble. At a later time, you will arrive at Kuthodaw Pagoda (aka “The World’s Biggest Book”) recognized for a stockpile of 729 marble slabs engraved with the Buddhist teachings. A noteworthy attraction to end your morning tour will be the golden Shwenandaw Monastery that wins compliments on the remarkable woodcarvings.

In the afternoon, the guided tour will go on to Mahamuni Pagoda which enshrines one of Myanmar’s most venerated Buddha statues, entirely encrusted with gold leaf applied by the male devotees on a daily basis. Also, there will be some opportunities to stop by the local workshops and learn how the locals produce the gold leaf, tapestry, woodcarving, and marionette if time permits.

In the next hours, you will arrive at Amarapura – a penultimate royal capital of Burma that is also named “The City of Immorality.” Travel to Mahagandayon monastery to witness the antique religious center in which more than a thousand young monks are studying the monastic life as well as the strict discipline. From this spot, you can choose to continue the on-foot journey or get on a short-distance bus to reach the extraordinary U Bein Bridge – the world’s longest teakwood bridge. With 1.2-km span built over the Taungthamma Lake since 1782, the teak Bridge is so unique and beautiful that attract photographers all over the world. Especially, during the sunset, it’s wonderful to observe the scenes that the Burmese monks and the residents are heading home. Catch your opportunities to take as many amazing shots as possible. Drive back to Mandalay.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense
Hotel in Mandalay

DAY 03: MANDALAY – FLY TO BAGAN (B)

As scheduled, you will take a morning flight from Mandalay to Bagan. With more than 4,000 temples and pagodas scattered across the vast plain, Bagan is called the world’s largest temple city and one of Asia’s greatest architectural sites. There, it’s easy to spot the 11th-13th-century religious monuments, which provide the “lost temple world” atmosphere. The itinerary today will include both the temple sightseeing tour and the cultural experience. In that sense, enjoy every second of the program that will provide you with interesting stories to tell, stunning scenes to photography, new places to discover, and friendly people to meet.

Getting there, you can try ascending an eminent temple for the splendid panorama of the whole century-old city and the immense plain. As one of the most exalted sites in Bagan, Ananda Temple is surely worth your contemplation. To cherish the monument in a non-crowded setting, you will need to arrive at the temple quite early so that the splendor of the temple and its placid surrounding will be in their best conditions. Go for a tour around some other temple ruins to savor the architectural style and the artistic concepts of the 9-14th centuries. The tour will also let you observe the countryside life in this temple city where some farmers and families are working amongst the age-old brick wonders.

Get back to the hotel around afternoon. Relax in your own room.

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

DAY 04: BAGAN (B)

OPTIONAL CHOICE: HOT-AIR BALLOON OVER BAGAN – (Valid from October to March/10 April)

• Golden Eagle: Standard Service USD280 per pax/ Premium Service USD380 per pax (Extra USD20 per pax for a period from 18 Dec to 10 Jan)
• Balloon Over Bagan: Standard Service USD295 per pax / Premium Service USD395 per pax (Extra USD20 per pax for a period from 18 Dec to 10 Jan)
• Oriental Ballooning: USD285 per pax (Extra USD20 per pax for a period from 18 Dec to 10 Jan)

This exciting tour will cheer you up with the aerial journey over the vast Bagan plain dotted with thousands of ancient temples and pagodas. It’s the hot-air balloon ride that brings you up for the uninterrupted and wonderful panorama of the wonders. Watch the amazing sunrise over the Irrawaddy River, and then numerous monuments for the second-to-none experience that is only best in Bagan.

In this good morning, you will head to the vibrantly cultural Nyaung Oo Market. Packed with the local merchants and shoppers who come for fresh goods, the market lets you know more about the Burmese people and their market customs. Next, go for a stroll around Old Bagan, and pay a visit to the early 11th-century Shwezigon Pagoda. The on-foot journey past the tree-shaded trees will lead you to several other monasteries, and then a little village. Take your time exploring the locals’ lifestyle. And if there is still time, you can start a short tour across a series of the small-scale temples for the deeper insights about the unparallelled Bagan temples.

At a later time, take a horse-cart ride to reach the monuments namely Thatbyinnyu temple (the tallest one in the destination), Dhammayangyi Temple (with the striking brickwork), and the venerated Sulamani Temple. Stand at an upper spot for the awesome sunset watching.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense
Hotel in Bagan

DAY 05: BAGAN – FLY TO HEHO – INLE LAKE (B)

You will be transferred to the Bagan Airport for a morning flight to Heho. Arriving at Heho, take the one-hour drive (32km distance) to Nyaung Shwe village – a gateway to the spectacular Inle Lake. As one of the most expected activities, the Inle Lake boat trip will begin today. You will embark a private motorboat for the exciting voyage past the floating gardens, fishing canoes, stilted houses, hill backdrop, and the Intha fishermen’s leg-rowing. The beautiful time on Inle Lake will shower you with peace of mind, marvelous sightseeing, and remarkable photographs.

The voyage will continue to Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery in which many early Shan Buddha statues are well-enshrined. Next, you will approach the major haven of the lake that is Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda that wins respect for the five holy Buddha images encrusted with gold leaf. What’s more, cultural experiences in the Lake are so rich that you will be glad to discover the authentic villages. Upon your visit, the villagers will show you their traditions of weaving from the lotus silk, building boats, making cigars, blacksmith, or silversmith. Cruise back to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Inle Lake or Nyaung Shwe.

DAY 06: INLE LAKE – INDEIN (B)

Come to attend the locals’ morning activities in the market near the Lake. You’re 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 to 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 enshrined 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 villagers’ lifestyle and customs. Return to the hotel around noon.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Inle Lake or Nyaung Shwe.

DAY 07: HEHO – FLY TO THANDWE – NO GUIDE (B)

Take a morning drive transfer to Heho Airport for a domestic flight to Thandwe. In Thandwe, the hotel representative will welcome and give you an escorted tour to the lovely Ngapali Beach. After the hotel check-in, be free at your pleasure to use the facilities or savor the serene beach.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Ngapali

DAY 08: NGAPALI FREE – NO GUIDE (B)

Enjoy the free hours and minutes in Ngapali in which you can unwind to the fullest with the water sports, the white-sand beach, diving in the crystal-clear water, or cycling to the nearest village. Also, watch how the fishermen return from their fishing trips. The tradition, lifestyle, and colorful costumes of the villagers will build your interest.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Ngapali

DAY 09: NGAPALI FREE – NO GUIDE (B)

It is wonderful to have another free day in Ngapali Beach. Let’s make today special by the boat trip, activities of snorkeling or diving to discover the underwater life in some offshore islands. The mystery, diversity, and color of the underwater life will amaze you all. Note that these activities are not included; therefore, surcharges will be required upon your booking.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Ngapali

DAY 10: THANDWE – FLY TO YANGON (B)

After breakfast, take a drive to Thandwe Airport for a morning flight to Yangon. From Yangon Airport, our guide and driver will be present to greet and transfer you to the hotel. Relax in your own room.

In the afternoon, you will begin the Yangon city sightseeing tour. The first attraction should be Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda that owns the 70m reclining Buddha statue. Next, get interested in exploring the Chinatown right in Yangon for a change of view of the dragon-themed architecture and the incense in Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple. You will pass by some colorful street stalls of fruits, vegetables, food, etc.

Later, feast eyes on the splendid royal barge in Kandawgyi Park. When it comes to the sunset, the sparkling Shwedagon Pagoda will attract your eyes. Upon your arrival at Shwedagon, walk to the eastern entrance to find some shops that sell religious objects such as alms bowls, monks’ robes, incense, and more. When you reach the major platform of the Pagoda, just relish the 100m gold-encrusted construction that looks amazing during the twilight.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Yangon

DAY 11: YANGON FREE (B)

A free day in Yangon for you to further discover the city with your own ideas.

Lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Hotel in Yangon

DAY 12: YANGON DEPARTURE (B)

Let’s make your farewell to Myanmar till the transfer time to Yangon Airport for your departure flight.

Meals on your own expense.