WHOLE MYANMAR – Heritage & Culture
(11 nights, 12 days)
Yangon – Mandalay - Bagan - Pindaya - Inle - Ngwe Saung - Yangon
Description
This escape will take you to the most popular destinations within Myanmar, offering an insight into rich, exotic culture and the history of Burmese civilization. During your visit, you will come across the most stunning cities established through different eras, animated with deeply traditional yet friendly locals. Intriguing experience of learning Burmese culture will be perfectly counter balanced at the end by simple relaxation at Ngwe Saung, the virgin beach, where the whole world is at your own pace.
Highlights
- Visit 2500-year-old legendary Shwedagon Pagoda, 98 meters (320 feet) high with a golden dome
- Wander around the Yangon city to see the lifestyle of the polite and pleasant locals
- Visit a large monastery complex with hundreds of monks to learn their way of life
- See the historical and religious establishment in Mandalay from past centuries
- Cruise down the Ayarwaddy river from Mandalay to the ancient City of Bagan
- Explore the history, archeology and architecture of Bagan in famous ancient temples
- Witness the process of making lacquerware at the workshop and buy a unique souvenir
- Take a horse-cart ride through the ruins of the 1200-year-old city in Bagan
- Catch the panoramic sunset view of Bagan from top of Shwe Zandaw Pagoda
- Drive to Pindaya, limestone caves, where several sacred images of Buddha lie within
- Experience the lifestyle of Inthar by boat ride across the Inle Lake to floating villages
- Taste the fresh and healthy, yet tasteful and distinctive cuisine of Inle
- Enjoy staying at luxurious hotel with serene views and peaceful surroundings
- Stroll or bicycle around the beach to embrace the simple lifestyle of fishing villages
- Relax and enjoy the peace of secluded beaches, winding down with perfect sunset at a luxury resort.
Program
Day 1. Welcome to Yangon
Arrive Yangon international airport, meet the local guide. Transfer to hotel where the guest may rest. After lunch, the travel guide will bring you for sightseeing of the 72m-long (236 feet) Reclining Buddha (Chauk Htat Gyi). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the downtown area of Yangon city. Then pay homage to Shwe Dagon Pagoda, the golden dome rising at 98 meters (320 feet) high. Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day 2. Yangon - Mandalay
Transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay. Mandalay is the centre of Myanmar culture and is the second largest city. Drive to Amarapura, an ancient city of Kongboung dynasty located 15 km (9 miles) from Mandalay to visit the Mahagandayon monastery, where more than 1000 monks live and study. After lunch, enjoy a visit to Ava (ancient city of Myanmar) across the Myintnge River. See the Bargayar monastery, the Menu temple and the Ava tower. In the evening return to Mandalay. Stay overnight in Mandalay.
Day 3. Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay
Transfer to Mingun city by boat to see the famous 90-ton Mingun bell, the world’s second largest bell. Visit the Mingun Phahtodawgyi Pagoda, the earthquake base of an unfinished pagoda and Myatheintan Pagoda. Enjoy a visit in Mandalay City after lunch and discover the Kuthodaw Pagoda, Sandamuni Pagoda, Atumashi monastery and Shwenandaw monastery. Experience stunning sunset view from Mandalay hill. Stay overnight in Mandalay.
Day 4. Mandalay - Bagan
Transfer for departure to Bagan, one of the biggest archaeological sites in Asia. Enjoy a nice boat cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River and arrive in Bagan to enjoy the sunset view from Mingalar Zedi. Stay overnight in Bagan.
Day 5. Bagan
After breakfast visit the Nyaung U market. Follow with an excursion to the Shwezigon pagoda, a prototype for the later Myanmar stupa and for other famous pagoda in Bagan. In the afternoon, visit a traditional handicraft lacquerware workshop. Stay overnight in Bagan.
Day 6. Bagan - Pindaya - Inle
Transfer to Nyaung Oo airport for a flight to Heho. Upon arrival, proceed by road to Pindaya cave through beautiful hilly scenery. Pindaya is renowned for its extensive limestone cave, a unique site housing 8000 ancient Buddha statues. Afterward, visit the traditional hand-crafted Shan paper and umbrella workshop. Drive to Inle Lake for check-in. Stay overnight in Inle.
Day 7. Inle
The day begins with a sightseeing boat trip on the stunning grand Inle Lake. The cruise along the shores is banked by tall hills and community of small villages. Pay a visit to local workshops, including silk weaving, silver smithing, cotton weaving and cheroot (Shan traditional cigar). After lunch, visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which accommodates a collection of legendary golden statues of Buddha. Stay overnight in Inle.
Day 8. Inle - Yangon
Transfer to Heho airport for a flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon and check in at the hotel. During the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour in the peaceful downtown area. Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day 9. Yangon - Ngwe Saung
Embark for a road trip to Ngwe Saung, a recently discovered beach that is located in the Ayeyarwaddy delta region and that faces the Andaman Sea. Stop for refreshments at the Pathein Hotel and continue your journey. On arrival at Ngwe Saung, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the peaceful overview of the sandy beach and blue sea in the Bay of Bengal. Stay overnight in Ngwe Saung.
Day 10. Ngwe Saung
Free time for leisure on the beach. Enjoy the tranquility and peace of the virgin beach, while sipping coconut juice. Overnight in Ngwe Saung.
Day 11. Ngwe Saung - Yangon
Departure for Yangon by road. When you arrive, check-in at the hotel. Then, visit Bogyoke Market or tour the city of Yangon. Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day12. Departure from Yangon
Free time before departure to make individual arrangements before your international flight departs from Yangon. Transfer to airport for departure.