10 DAYS MYANMAR HIGHLIGHTS AND NGAPALI BEACH EXTENSION

Upon arrival to the Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by your Discovery DMC Myanmar guide and transfer to your hotel.

Our journey begins with an afternoon tour through the colonial-style city center of Yangon. We visit the golden Sule Pagoda – built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city – Chauk That Gyi temple to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. We visit Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.

After breakfast at hotel, then transfer to airport and flight to Bagan. Where we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. The Swesandaw stupa is our first visit, providing panoramic views of the temple studded plains of Bagan. We continue to the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Not far from the stupa, the Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka re-incarnations.

Next, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in Myingaba Village, and then visit Htilominlo Temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour ends with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands.

For sunset, a bullock or horse cart ride around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting).

After breakfast half day tour guided tour exploring back roads, villages and off the beaten trails temples of Bagan on E-bikes. E-bikes are easy and fun to drive. The ride will be mix of paved and small dirt roads to experience authentic local life. Afternoon will be free time for optional activities or own explorations and adventures in Bagan.

Morning flight to Heho and transfer 1hr to Inle Lake descending from higher Shan plateau to Inle Lake valley. Enroute to the Inle Lake, we make a stop to see how Shan umbrellas and paper are made by traditional methods using the fibres of the mulberry tree. In the afternoon we embark on a boat trip on the Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake.

After breakfast we journey out by boat and visit local morning market. The colorful and bustling morning market is one of the highlights of Inle Lake. This morning we will take a ride propelled by Inn Thar leg rowers in their small boats and enjoy a home cooked lunch at a local house built on stilts by the lake. From Inle Lake we follow the currents of a small river to reach the Inn Thein Pagoda Complex, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the complex, we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. Rest of the day is spent touring on the lake enjoying scenery, villages build on stilts making village stops to observe local arts and crafts men at work.               

               
Note: The market rotates five days a week, each day making its base in a different village (though closed on national holidays). Market visits will be included in any tour program if the market location falls within proximity of our travel itinerary.

Early breakfast at the hotel followed by a boat ride to Nyaung Shwe jetty, and then we will transfer to the Heho airport for the afternoon flight to Thandwe aiport. Upon arrival to Thandwe airport, you will be welcomed by your hotel transfer rep and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Thandwe airport for flight to Yangon. Upon arrival to the YANGON international airport, you will be welcomed by your Discover DMC guide and transferred to your hotel. We visit the quaint Yangon Old Quarter,  built during the British colonial era. Many charming historical buildings are still located here. During our stroll through bustling Market Streets full of merchants and food stalls, we visit a local pharmacy and learn about Myanmar traditional medicine, stop for a tea and snack in the fashion of locals, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Yangon. We continue to one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the elegant Strand Cruise built by the Sarkies brothers. Inside, we visit the RIVER ART GALLERY, where the works of some of the most famous and skilled Burmese artists are on display fitting of the grand surroundings.  

Breakfast at your hotel and free time until transfer to Yangon airport for your onward flight.