ITINERARY

11 Days/ 10 nights

Day 1 –  Arrival Yangon (Lunch)

Yangon is the main gateway and capital city of Myanmar. Although the population hovers around five million, the city gives a different impression from other Asian capitals of similar size.

It seems full of trees and shade, even old teak growth, with some outlying neighborhoods refreshingly overgrown, taking on a more provincial feel rather than that of an international city.

Upon arrival Yangon, your guide will take care of your baggage and to your private air-conditioned coach for transfer to your hotel.

First explore the downtown area of Yangon where the ghost of the British colonial influence still remains. Begin at the Sule Pagoda that marks the centre of the city and continue through the streets of the downtown area. Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient Pagoda’s; Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past Today lunch will be at local restaurant to taste your first Myanmar cuisine.

After lunch, next visit will be Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha; this colossal (68 meter long) reclining Buddha Statue is one of the largest images in Myanmar and photo stop at Kandawgyi Park and Karaweik Royal Barge.

Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city of Yangon.

The historic Shwedagon pagoda towers almost 98 metres (326 feet) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have built more than 2500 years ago. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a single 76 carat Diamond                                       Dinner on your  own account.   Overnight in Yangon. –   Chatrium Hotel                    .

 Day 2 –  Yangon – Bago – Yangon (Breakfast & Lunch)

This morning drive to visit an ancient capital, Bago. Bago is an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom in the 13^th Century. It is situated 80 km from Yangon and was reputedly founded by Two Mon princes in 573 AD.

On the way to Bago, visit Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery, where 2,700 stone-graves of Commonwealth and Allied Forces Fallen Soldiers in the Myanmar campaign of World War Two are honourably kept. Arrive Bago, first visit will be the highest pagoda in Myanmar (114m) the Shwemawdaw Pagoda; it is said to be over 1000 years old and was built by two merchants ‘’Taphussa’’ and “Bhillika’’, but has been repeatedly damaged and rebuilt in its history due to earthquakes and natural disasters.

The glittering golden top of the Stupa reaches 14 m higher than the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and with its shady trees around the base makes it a pleasant place to stroll or to simply sit and ponder.

 Day 3 – Yangon/Mandalay (Breakfast & Lunch)

This morning transfer to Yangon Airport for the morning flight to Mandalay.

With the remains of the old Royal City and with many old monasteries, Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art and architecture of the 19th century. It is also noted for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth, and other traditional craft products.The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is situated in central Myanmar 668 km due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial centre and a repository of ancient culture. Upon arrival Mandalay, check-in to your hotel.

Lunch will be at local restaurant. Afternoon sightseeing will be Mahamuni Pagoda, which was so named after the holy image, "Maha Muni" housed therein. Visit the second most sacred image in Myanmar next to the Shwedagon Pagoda – the   Mahamuni Pagoda The Image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of the Gautama Buddha and that Buddha embraced it 7 times thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image..Today you will enjoy another local transport form Cyclo (Trishaw) ride you could join to get real taste of Burmese life. Trishaws, it is a popular form of transport for short distances.

A trishaw is a bike with a sidecar.  The sidecar has a front and back seat with the passengers sitting back-to-back- one facing forward, one backward.  Proceed to Tea Shop visit to get more local experience in Mandalay Region.After that continue to visit the Shwe Kyaung (Golden palace Monastery) famous for its intricate woodcarvings and the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is known as the world largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs.   See the panoramic view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay hill.

Dinner will be your own account.  Overnight in Mandalay                     Accommodation: Mandalay Hill Resort (Superior)

Day 4 – Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Sagaing (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast drive to Amarapura, situated about 11 km south of Mandalay.

Visit U Bein’s Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar; it crosses the Taungthaman Lake and is curved to withstand the wind & waves In here, you will be able to have a chance riding Sampan seeing the marvelous view background with the mountain ranges and Taungthaman Lake..Continue to visit the Mahagandayone Monastery home to over 1,000 monks After lunch at local restaurant, visit Ava, on of the Mandalay side of the Ayeyarwady River close to the Ava Bridge, a few kilometers south of Amarapura. Ava was the capital of Burmese Kingdom for nearly 400 years during the Second Myanmar Empire..  Visit picturesque ruins, villages and quaint country monastery by pony cart through the peaceful countryside.

Continue to the surrounding area of Sagaing Hills. Observe monks and nuns ways of life by visiting Monasteries. Sagaing is considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and the hundreds of monasteries reverberate with the echoes of cymbals, gongs and pagoda bells.     Overnight in Mandalay     Dinner will be your  own account.          Mandalay Hill Resort (Superior)

Day 5 – Mandalay ~ Bagan (Breakfast & Lunch)

Explore on the way. During the journey you will witness much activity; villages on the shores will pass by along with numerous trade and ferry boats. The Irrawaddy is the backbone of Myanmar.Morning transfer to Mandalay Jetty to join small Cruise to Bagan. 

Late afternoon, arrive Bagan and transfer to your hotel for check-in Known as the city of four million pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. There, one can find over 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries built during the Bagan Dynasty. . 

If the time is permitted, enjoy a sunset on the banks of the river from the Bupaya Pagoda.Bagan can only be described as amazing and enchanting, guests will experience the essence of Myanmar in a place still largely unaffected by the 21st century - nobody leaves disappointed, only engrossed. Dinner will be your own account.  

Overnight in Bagan:  Bagan Thande Hotel (D/L)            

Day 6 – Bagan (Breakfast & Lunch)

Morning visit Nyaung Oo market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan.Today we have arranged for  special guests to contribute and become a part of Myanmar forever in Food Donation Ceremony to be held at one of village monasteries in Bagan.In his lifetime a Myanmar male is expected to spend some of his life serving as a Monk to learn the ways of Buddhism. Each morning Myanmar is scattered with thousands of Monks roaming the streets collecting Alms for their meals. According to Buddhist beliefs Monks only eat twice a day, early morning and mid morning.

See the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting Phwar Saw Village. We will visit local home and observe their daily life style. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is at sunset from the top of a Pagoda to see the panoramic view of the temples surrounding you. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.On occasions a family will make a donation to the Monastery, as they make the donation they are able to serve the Monks their food in order to gain merit. Destination Asia can make a donation on the client’s behalf to allow guest on this tour to participate in the morning ceremony and help feed the Monks their final meal of the day.After the ceremony a tour will be given around the Monastery to observe the every day life of the Monk.This village is a perfect example of how locals live, but most importantly you will be able to see the intimacy of the villagers toward one another, and any foreign guests. Lunch will be at one of the houses in village in Bagan. Having Lunch at local village house experience is one of the most unforgettable moments one can hope to experience in this Mystical land.The most amazing component of Bagan is the thousands of ancient Pagodas scattered throughout Bagan.You will visit the Pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved including the Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda temple  Dinner will be your own account.  Overnight in Bagan.      Bagan Thande Hotel

Day 7 – Bagan – Mt. Popa – Bagan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This early morning enjoy Optional Balloons Over Bagan Ride.

After breakfast at your hotel, day excursion to Mt Popa. In 442 B.C., a great earthquake roared through central Myanmar - and from out of the barren Myingyan plains raised Mount Popa.During the month of Nayon (May/June) the annual Festival of the Spirits is held here, it is said at that time the abbot of the Popa monastery runs the largest hotel in the whole of Myanmar. This is an easy days touring with those with a more adventurous flair can continue to the SummitYou could visit either summit or Sandalwood Forest, Museum and Medicinal herbs garden to see birds and butterflies. On the way to Popa, visit Palm trees plantations to get relaxation break and chance to observe local working life with Palm trees. .At the foot of mountain, you could observe Nat Shrine contains a display of mannequin like figures representing the 37 Nat and is a major pilgrimage destination.Lunch will be at Popa Mountain Restaurant. After that, return back to Bagan.  Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master - craftsmanship of lacquer-ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. .Visit a local Lacquer-ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen Late afternoon, explore Bagan from a different perspective as you explore the area by Pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter giving a different feel of Bagan. .This evening take a relax at one of the temples to see sunset view and watch the life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background.Tonight Dinner will be at local restaurant. (We will create surprised private dinner near temples, our guide won’t inform clients in advance)          Overnight in Bagan.         Bagan Thande Hotel  

Day 8 – Bagan /Heho – Inle Lake (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon airport for the morning flight to Heho.

On arrival Heho, transfer to Inle Lake; the prime attraction of the Shan state is Inle Lake, this vast, 22 km long and 10km wide with hosting islands. Inle Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) with a unique way of rowing with their legs. At the northern end of the lake is a small town called Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Arrive Nyaung Shwe, transfer to your hotel for check-in via private boat.First visit the five Buddha images of Phaung Daw U Pagoda, the holiest in Inle Lake. The images have been covered in so much gold they look like balls of solid gold.  Lunch will be at local restaurant. After lunch, visit Nampan village to see local cigar (cheroot) making and canoe making and the silk weaving village, Inn Paw Khone to see how intricate the design and manufacture of silk products. Dinner will be your own arrangement. Overnight in Inle Lake Area.    Accommodation:  Inle Resort Hotel

Day 9 – Inle Lake – Inndein (Breakfast & Lunch)

This morning visit 5 Day Market, which on this particular date, is being held at one of village to observe local colourful tribes buying and selling life.At these markets you will see a variety of ethic minorities dressed in their traditional costumes buying and selling produces at the market.Also visit the beautiful temples of Inndein - situated through covered passage to the summit overlooking the lake - it is a peaceful and tranquil place.These temples are unusually similar to Khmer in style and date back to 17th & 18th century Shan Pagoda.Walk along the corridor leading to the Temples with giant columns lining the way. The series of Temples has been left in its natural state; the view is enough to take your breath away. Today Surprised Lunch will be in the Bamboo forest of Inndein.On the way back to the hotel stop to see some of the fishermen on the lake skillfully row with one leg whilst fishing at the same time.Visit a floating farm and see how the farmers make their produce in the middle of the Lake.Evening canoe ride around the floating garden near your hotel. Dinner will be own arrangement.Overnight in Inle Lake Area.Accommodation:   Inle Resort Hotel

Day 10 – Inle Lake – Heho/Yangon (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning transfer to Nyaung Shwe, on the way visit the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. Drive to Heho for the return flight to Yangon.

Arrive Yangon, visit the National museum to gain an insight into the history of Myanmar. Here you will find several interesting exhibits, especially the 8-meter height Lion Throne, used by King Thibaw, the last Burmese King.  Lunch will be at local restaurant.After lunch, visit Scott Market, 70-year-old Scott Market (Bogyoke Aung San Market).  At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewellery (which are available at reasonable prices), make sure you bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! In the early evening partake in the vibrant fresh fruit market as you stroll through the China town area and experience first hand the market atmosphere in Yangon.Tonight enjoy Farewell Dinner at Le Planteur; the finest French Indochine restaurant in Myanmar, which situated at the historical residence of former ministers, has been built in 1932.Walk in the path of Mike Jagger, Jane Birkin and Aung San Su Kyi by dining at le Planteur. Atmosphere will be indirect lights shadowed by gigantic traditional Shan umbrellas will light up the garden.Surrounding tropical garden will be illuminated by a thousand candles, torchlight’s will shimmer… Guests will enjoy a candle lit dinner in the garden of the restaurant as they soak up the amazing atmosphere surrounding them. The Best Cuisine Dainty, crossing the best local flavor with French Culinary Refinement makes all special guests to satisfy. Overnight in Yangon.          Chatrium Hotel

Day 11 – Yangon/Departure (Breakfast) (Transfer Only)

Leisure time until transfer to airport for departure flight back to U.K.

Hotels 

Yangon:  

CHATRIUM HOTEL is located along the shore of Royal Lake and just 10 minutes away from central Yangon.The hotel is ideally situated with many attractions at the doorstep.The Shwedagon Pagoda is just 10 minutes walk from the hotel.The naturual seting around Royal Lake is a sanctuary.

bagan: 

BAGAN THANDE HOTEL is located in old Bagan with 37 chalet type bungalows set amidist a beautiful and scenic garden with over 50 varieties of birds. The two storey building was built in 1922 for the Prince of Wales when he visited Bagan. An unforgettable dinning experience can be had at the river-side terrace. 

mandalay:  

MANDALAY HILL RESORT: It lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas. It also faces the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace and its beautiful moat. Your visit, enhanced by the fun-loving hospitable people of Myanmar whose lives remain simple and relaxed, will become treasured and timeless memories. All of 206 rooms offer individual air-conditioning, fully stocked minibar, safety deposit box, 24 hour satellite TV, hairdryer, IDD telephone lines. Rooms either overlook the Mandalay Palace or the sacred ground of Mandalay Hill. An Executive Floor is available offering an even more personalized service while you enjoy the luxury of your private suite.

inle lake area:  

INLE RESORT (ROYAL VILLA): Perfectly situated in the Inle Lake this latest boutique resort hotel has been open since 2005 and is one of the finest resorts in this unique tourist destination.

BALLOON OVER BAGAN: 

Visitors to Myanmar can view what Marco Polo described as “one of the finest sights in the world” – from the unique platform of a hot air balloon basket. Your flight will take place early in the morning, at sunrise. Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed, the speed of the balloon and the length of the flight are governed by the strength and velocity of the wind. After flight duration averages 45 minutes, we touch down in a field, or maybe on the banks of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. Cold towels and champagne bring us back to earth. Everyone recounts his or her feelings.

THIS ITINERARY IS PROVISIONAL AND EXAMPLE ONLY..  HOTELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BUT OF A SIMILAR STANDARD.