General Information

Duration:

8 Days

Location Start:

Yangon

Location Finish:

Yangon

Phone:

026360360

Payment Types:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Cheque
• Travellers cheque
• Paypal
• Wire Transfer

We Speak:

Italian, French, English, German

Last updated: 10/29/2008

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Yangon

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to the Chatrium Hotel. In the afternoon, revel in the impressive spiritual and colonial heritage of Yangon (Rangoon), a city that has remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades.

Proceed to the National Museum and the 70m long reclining Buddha at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda before catching the magnificent sunset over the gilded dome of the holy Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight in Yangon. (B)

Day 2

Yangon - Bagan

Today, a flight northwards will bring you to Bagan (Nyuang Oo). A visit to Tayokye Pyay will offer you a stunning overview of the plain of Bagain.

Discover the resplendence of Bagan's archaelogical treasures at the Shwezigon Pagoda with its impressive bell-shaped stupa, the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi cave temple with its exquisite jatakas murals paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Templed famed for its fined plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

You will visit Ananda Okkyaung, an architectural masterpiece and one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period. Ending in Ananda, a horse carriage tour among the temples will then lead you to Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan and the colossal Dhammayangyi Temple celebrated for its remarkable brickwork and Sulamani.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the upper terraces in Bagan as the setting sun casts golden hues across this ancient site.

Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 3

Bagan

Option: From October to March, seek an unforgettable experience of flying in a hot-air balloon at sunrise and enjoy a bird's eye view of Bagan plains and its 3000 sites.

Following breakfast, stroll through the lively Nyaung Oo Market. We will bring you to visit Myinkaba village that houses interesting local sites such as Dubyaukgi with old mural paintings, Manuha and Nanpaya and witness the traditional handicrafts of lacquer ware production in one of the local family workshops.

In the afternoon, head for Bagan's least frequented temple area at the countryside village of Minnanthu, where you can explore the unusual architecture at Payathonzu and discover Tantric Buddhism influences in Lemyethna and Nandamannya.

Enjoy a slow cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy on a local boat as the sun sets.

Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 4

Bagan - Mandalay

Today, you will fly to Mandalay. Begin with Mandalay's iconic landmark at the holy Mahamuni Pagoda and pay homage to the highly revered state of Buddha covered with gold leaf.

Visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, noted for housing the world's largest book with the sacred Buddhist scriptures inscribed on its 729 marble stone slabs, as well as the Shwenandaw Monastery, a significant yet fragile teak architecture. In the evening, enjoy a commanding overview of the city from the Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay. (B)

Day 5

Mandalya - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Mandalay

Experience the grandeur of Burmese history as you visit the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. In Amarapura, witness the long procession of monks and novices lining up for lunch at Mahagandayon, the largest monastery in Myanmar before visiting a silk weaving workshop.

Moving on to Ava, the ancient capital from 14th to 18th centuries, discover the superb collection of Buddha statues at the wooden Bagaya Monastery and the crumbling Royal Palace on a horse carriage.

Crossing over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing Hill, you will explore Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda, U Min Thone Sae' Pagoda and Shin Nan Gyaing Pagoda in a city widely regarded as the country's religious center.

In the evening, enjoy the setting sun as you tread across the world's longest teak bridge at U Bein Bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay. (B)

Day 6

Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake

Upon arrival in Heho after your flight from Mandalay Airport, we will take you to the wooden Shew Yan Pyay Monastery en route the scenic drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake.

As you head out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most enduring destinations, behold the sight of the Intha fishermen and their unique one-legged rowing styles as you cruise past the local villages on a private motorboat.

Visit the Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, a simple wooden temple perched by the lake famous for their jumping cats before witnessing the production of traditional Intha silks and Burmese cigars in the cheroot factory at Inpawkhone weaving village.

Overnight on Inle Lake. (B)

Day 7

Indein - Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon

After breakfast, experience the local lifestyle as you explore the bustling floating market, which rotates around the waterside villages in a 5-day rhythm. Sail along a small canal leading to the Paoh village of In Dein.

A leisurely walk through the village will bring you to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou with its vegetation-covered stupas that overlooks the breathtaking Inle Lake. In the afternoon, transfer to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon. (B)

Day 8

Depart Yangon

In the morning, walk through the streets and immerse in the faded colonial atmosphere and bustling everyday life in downtown Yangon. (B)

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Services of an English speaking guide throughout the trip (from Yangon to Yangon)

Exclusions -

International ticket to/from Yangon

Extras -

The price is a guideline and will vary according to travel dates and room availability. The price is based on two people travelling together during high season and sharing a twin or double room.