Day 1: Yangon / Arrival

Upon arrival, we welcome you and transfer you to Yangon for sightseeing.

Start the tour by visiting Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70 meter long reclining Buddha statue around the size of a blue whale. Continue travelling downtown, where you will have a chance to explore the local life of Burmese in China Town.

Our next visit is at Shwedagon Pagoda. No Myanmar expedition can be considered truly great if it’s lacking a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. See the Shwedagon Pagoda in sunset when its gilded stupa is bathed in the fading rays of the sun and takes on a magical glow.

We transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon → Bagan

After enjoying your breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Bagan.

Your first port of call is the Ananda Temple – one of the most exalted of Bagan’s temples, enjoy the splendor of the temple in relative tranquility. Continue to various other temples dotted around the temple plains to experience a variety of architectural styles in the area as well as the artistic wonder of the 9-14th centuries.

Next, we visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products - lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch in amazement as the skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

Add-On: SUNSET CRUISE

Late in the afternoon, board a private wooden river boat. During the cruise, we pass several small villages, fishermen, local boats and of course many of the ubiquitous Myanmar Buddhist temples. Enjoy the sunset scenery on the river.

Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 3: Bagan

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to start your Bagan excursion.

ADD-ON: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN
An exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. Observe particular views of Bagan. You’re simply not going to find many other opportunities like this on Earth. (Available from October/November through March)

We visit the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. Next, visit Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. Travel over dusty lanes and tree shaded roads past temples and monasteries to a small village. At one of the monasteries, you will participate in a special traditional Buddhist ceremony.

Journey on by horse cart for an excursion that passes two impressive temple: Thatbyinnyu and Dhammayangyi. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the upper terrace of one of the surrounding temples.

Overnight stay in Bagan. (B)

Day 4: Mandalay → Bagan

After breakfast at hotel, we take a short flight to Mandalay. Arrive Mandalay, we drive to Amarapura, Myanmar’s penultimate royal capital. After that we visit Mahamuni Pagoda and Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, two well known pagoda.

Continue our visit at Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century.

Late afternoon, we move to the legendary U Bein Bridge, which was built in 1782, the longest teakwood bridge worldwide. Enjoy sunset in U Bein Bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay. (B)

Day 5: Mandalay

Morning, head off to Mandalay jetty and embark on a private boat for a relaxed 1 hour journey on the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. We start to visit three impressive and well known pagodas, Mingun Paya and Hsinbyume Pagoda and Sulamani Paya.

Afterwards hop on over to the Mingun Bell that weighs 90 tons and is claimed to be the world’s largest hung, uncracked bell still capable of ringing. Before returning to Mandalay by boat, we stop to see crafting traditional basketry.

Next, you will across the Irrawaddy River in to Sagaing where laid 600 ivory colored pagodas and monasteries. Visit some impressive pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin, U Min Thone Sae and Shin Pin Nan Gyaing. Continue to Sagaing’s local market, a less visited tourist site. And then head over to a small pottery village.

Back to hotel.

Overnight stay in Mandalay. (B)

Day 6: Mandalay → Inle Lake

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer you to the Mandalay airport for flight to Heho.

Upon arrival at the Heho airport, you will proceed to Nyaung Shwe village. Along the way, visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas. We also stop at a monastery of Shwe Yan Pyay to witness the intricate wood carving artwork and craftsmanship of the monks there.

Then, board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their ‘floating gardens’.

Proceed our visit at Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main haven, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf.

Then, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths. Return trip by boat back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Inle. (B)

Day 7: Inle Lake

After breakfast, you’ll pay a visit to the lake’s morning market where people come to sell and trade their wares.

A one-hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. We visit the Indein Pagoda complex, one of the most amazing sites around the shore of the lake. It consists of hundreds of small stupas.

On your boat ride back, should time allow and if you wish, you'll stop at the Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake's indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake.

Overnight in Inle Lake. (B)

Day 8: Inle → Ngapali

(Flight 09:00 – 09:55 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer you to airport for flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival, welcome by hotel’s staff for transfer to Ngapali beach.

Overnight in Ngapali. (B)

Day 9: Ngapali

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Ngapali.

Overnight in Ngapali. (B)

Day 10: Ngapali

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Ngapali.

Overnight in Ngapali. (B)

Day 11: Ngapali → Yangon / Departure

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time in Heho. Take a boat trip to jetty.

Transfer to airport for flight to Yangon and await for your departure flight. (B)