General Information
Duration: 13 days/12 nights
Tour Routine: Mandalay – Mingun – Mt Popa – Bagan – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Indein – Yangon – Ngwe Saung beach – Yangon
Intended Travel Date: No Fixed Departure, Anytime You Wish
Start/End: Mandalay/Yangon
Tour Style: Landscape, In-depth Cultural
Guides: Myanmar Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private First-class Air-conditioned Vehicles
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Mandalay (-)
Day 2: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun (B)
Day 3: Mandalay – Mt Popa – Bagan (by car) (B)
Day 4: Bagan (B)
Day 5: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Day 6: Inle Lake (B)
Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho – Fly to Yangon (B)
Day 8: Yangon City Tour (B)
Day 9: Yangon – Ngwe Saung beach (B)
Day 10: Ngwe Saung (B)
Day 11: Ngwe Saung (B)
Day 12: Ngwe Saung – Pathein – Yangon (B)
Day 13: Yangon Departure (B)
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Mandalay (-)
Mingalabar! Welcome to Mandalay – the Royal capital of Myanmar!
On arrival at Mandalay International Airport, welcome by Go Myanmar local guide and then transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic boat trip up the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, an exotic village which is home to magnificent Buddhist temples, monasteries, and meditation centers.
As you reach Mingun, take a leisure walk to Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest ringing bell which was once intended to be used in a gigantic pagoda constructed in 1808 by King Bodawpaya but then he couldn’t complete the pagoda. From here head to Hsinbyume Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Myanmar. It was built-in 1816 by Bagyidaw as a way to show his love to his first wife, Queen Hsinbyume, who unfortunately lost her life while giving childbirth.
Next up, follow your guide to Mingun Paya, which was intended to build as the largest Buddhist pagoda in the world but then left to unfinished due to a prophecy. After centuries, it was left to abandonment and damaged by many earthquakes. You will see huge cracks on the wall of the pagodas which caused by the earthquakes.
Leave the pagoda, stroll around the village where you will have a chance to explore the crafting traditional basketry and several artistic items.
After returning to Mandalay, visit Mandalay Palace where the last Burmese King lived. You will discover the fantastic design of the palace in Myanmar and have a chance to marvel at the panorama view from the watchtower in the palace.
In the late afternoon, get on a drive to head up to Mandalay Hill where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and admire the beautiful design of the pagoda on the top of the hill
Day 3: Mandalay –drive to Mount Popa – Bagan (B)
This morning, transfer by car from Mandalay to Mount Popa, a spectacular extinct volcano which is the headquarters of Myanmar’s most powerful Nats (Burmese natural spirits). Among the Nats, Four of these Buddhist spirits worshiped by the Burmese people are considered to have their home here. There are 37 statues of the Nats stand at the base of the mountain. Through time, the Kings of Burmese commencing reign had to consult with the spirits such is their importance in Myanmar heritage.
You will climb up to 777 steps to the shrine at the top of the pick to contemplate the incredible view to Bagan and learn more about the Nat worship in the Taung Kalat monastery.
Later on, leave the pagoda, we continue driving to the hotel in Bagan for check-in.
Day 4: Bagan (B)
Welcome to Bagan – one of the greatest archaeological sites on earth. After breakfast this morning, you will start the day with a visit to Nyaung U Market, an authentic local market where you can taste the local flavor. Stroll around the market, you will see how lively the atmosphere is. Take this chance to see how people conduct their daily lives. Be amazed by an array of local staples such as flowers, vegetables, and Tanaka – the traditional makeup of Burmese women.
Leave the market, ready to take a full day temple tour to unlock the hidden treasure of Bagan. You will visit the most famous temples and pagodas to discover interesting stories about them. First visit Shwezigon Temple, the most popular attraction in Bagan to learn about the Buddhist teaching, 37 Nats of Burma, and the fabulous architecture; Ananda Temple, the most beautiful temples in Bagan followed the design of Mon and Indian style; Dhammayangyi, the largest pagoda in Bagan. Look at a distance, the temple has the shape of the early pyramid of Egypt. You will then visit Htilominlo, an elegant multi-story construction
In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through countless stupas to a sunset hill in Bagan where you will sit back and enjoy the stunning sunset of the day.
Day 5: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
This morning, say goodbye to the magical Bagan to transfer to the airport to take a domestic flight to Heho Airport. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive through the scenic landscape to Pindaya, a breathtaking hilltown noted with the laid-back atmosphere, impressive lake, and the magnificent Pindaya Caves. We will visit the cave where housing thousands of golden Buddha images inside thereby pilgrims and devotees over the centuries. Be amazed by the exotic allure of the cave and then we drive to Nyaung Shwe to take a private boat trip to the hotel on the shore of Inle Lake.
Day 6: Inle Lake (B)
Inle Lake – the unique watery world of Myanmar. It is where the Intha fishermen row a boat by one leg and the farmers do agriculture on water. Today is a full day to explore the natural beauty and sacred sites in Inle Lake. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your private boat trip to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most sacred religious site in southern Shan State. You will pass through narrow channels and floating villages where you will have a very first glimpse at the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms, and traditional blacksmith methods. From the pagoda, head to the Shan and Intha villages to learn more about their daily life and traditional practices. Fulfill your Inle Lake tour with a visit to Ngaphechaung Monastery, the largest wooden monastery on Inle Lake built on 625 pillars.
Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho – Fly to Yangon (B)
This morning, visit the local market which rotates every five days. Be excited about the colorful and traditional outfits of the hill tribe people. Stroll around the market area to see an array of local products and people barter for the goods.
After that, enjoy your private boat trip to pass through narrow channels to reach the ancient village of Indein. Here spend time exploring the complex of more than 1000 thousand ancient stupas in different shapes and sizes. Wander along the colonnade of the pagoda, there are many shop stalls shelling exotic souvenirs.
After that, we visit the long neck women who live harmoniously with nature and keep many unique customs in their home. Discover their traditional weaving and learn about the story of the big necklaces around their necks.
In the late afternoon, check out at the hotel and our driver will take you to the airport to take a flight to Yangon.
Day 8: Yangon City Tour (B)
Welcome to Yangon – the most exciting city in Myanmar. Today is a full day to explore the timeless charm of Yangon.
Take a scenic drive to the downtown city to gaze out at the fabulous mix of architecture and sites. You will have a chance to admire the great mix of Burmese and colonial architecture faded on the city’s historic buildings. Stop at Chauk Hat Gyi Pagoda, home to the massive 66 meters long reclining Buddha image. At the feet of the Buddha are carved with many traditional symbols and it’s where local people often gather to pay homage and pray.
After that, transfer to Karaweik Palace, one of the most prominent landmarks situated on the serene Kandawgyi Lake.
Finally, make your way to our highlight of the day – Shwedagon Pagoda, a glittering pagoda made of 16 tons of pure gold, topped with over 7000 sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. It has gone through 2500 years and become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for locals for housing many sacred relics of the Buddha.
Day 9: Yangon – Ngwe Saung beach (B)
Today, say goodbye to Yangon and we take a 5-hour drive to Ngwe Saung Beach – one of the most untouched beaches in Myanmar famous for its white sand and quiet beach. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day on the beach at leisure.
Day 10 & 11: Ngwe Saung (B)
Enjoy your leisure time at Ngwe Saung beach.
Day 12: Ngwe Saung – Pathein – Yangon (B)
After breakfast, enjoy your morning on your own. Have a cozy lunch at a local restaurant and check out from your hotel and we drive back to Yangon.
Day 13: Yangon Departure (B)
After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure until the driver comes transfers you to the airport to take your departure flight. Trip ends.
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