Welcome to Chiang Mai, capital of Lanna Kingdom!
Upon arrival at the airport, our guide will meet you and assist with immigration formalities and luggage handling. Then transfer to the hotel located in a quiet part of town. The rest of the day/evening is free at leisure - you may enjoy the tranquility of the resort or relax in hotel's Spa.
As a prelude to your journey to Myanmar we recommend stay at the opulent Four Seasons Resort.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
One of the main highlights of any journey to the Northern Rose, Chiang Mai, is a visit to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain located in the outskirts of the city. Doi Suthep (1.676 m) is one of the twin peaks of mountains located west of Chiang Mai, the other peak is known as Doi Oui. We will visit the top of Doi Suthep were we will have a breathtaking view of Chiang Mai city. One of the most beautiful temples in North Thailand is located on top of Doi Suthep. The much sacred Wat Phratat Doi Suithep was founded in 1383 and is a great symbol of the Buddhist traditions in Northern Thailand. A road to the temple was built in 1935 by the Karen people.
After our visit to Doi Suthep we will make a stop at the bottom of Doi Suthep to see the beautiful Huay Kaew Waterfall which is a fascinating 3-stage waterfall and 10 meters height with rising water year round. Driving from the waterfall we will follow Huay Kaew road and pass by the campus of Chiang Mai University and then visit the Studio Naenna Gallery. Studio Naenna were founded by Patricia Chessman in 1987 and displays handmade one-of-a-kind textiles based on decades of tradition. The studio is well renowned and Mrs. Chessman acts as an advisor for the Thai Art Department at Thammasat University. You will have an opportunity to watch textiles been made and purchase items on display. Hereafter we will drive to the non-touristic Nimmanhaemin Road, which is the main dining and shopping area for the young and middle-aged generation in Chiang Mai. Here we will find some of the best restaurants in town and there will be a chance to do some shopping or just soak up the atmosphere on one of the many small and charming cafes. We will eat our lunch in a nice restaurant were the clients will have the opportunity to try some of the delicious local dishes. After lunch and free time at Nimmanhaemin Road we will drive to the Old Center of Chiang Mai to explore its lively market streets and China town. Continue to Wat Chai Mongkol. This isn’t perhaps the most famous temple of Chiang Mai, but we like to visit here to get a glimpse of typical Thai temple life and daily practices.
Time permitting and if you wish to continue by boat we can take a boat ride along Mae Ping River 45min-1hour and finish at local farmers house where after some snack and refreshments we will transfer back to your hotel for rest.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
IF flying PG 12:05 flight to Yangon we will omit this morning programme in Chiang Mai.
Meeting with our guide at the hotel and then transfer to Wat Srisodain, where we will start experiencing an urban lifestyle offering alms to Buddhist monks in the early hours of the morning, just before breakfast at the hotel. From there, we will go to the ruins of the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, where we will walk in a horse carriage. Transfer back to the hotel for leisure until transfer for your international departure flight to Yangon.
Upon arrival to Yangon transfer to your comfortable hotel the Strand, a land mark and luxury hotel built by Armenian Sarkies brothers a century ago like its sister property The Raffles in Singapore.
Meet Ma Thanegi for an afternoon tea and discussions – on arts, politics, local culture, food etc. She is well known Burmese author, artist and former assistant to current State counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Tonight dinner could be arranged at the hotel, dishes are prepared by a renowned French Executive Chef.
After breakfast join a private heritage walk with colonial history expert who will lead us though the old quarter of Yangon. Enjoy sights of beautiful old buildings, book merchants, food stalls and various kinds of shops. We will make a stop at the Sofaer building, renowned for the being the centre for trade in its heyday. We will enjoy a late lunch nearby at the Rangoon Tea House, where all ingredients are made in-house and traditional Burmese recipes handed down through generations.
After lunch if you would like, we can stop by at the nearby Hla Day store, a volunteer run gift shop selling locally produced handicrafts and items produced by minority and disadvantaged groups. Our next stop could be River Art Gallery where we meet curator and Burmese art expert to learn about the evolution of contemporary art in Myanmar. This gallery is recognized as the best in the country, housing the works of some of the most talented local artists that have received praise both overseas and at home. Other notable galleries in town include Pansodan and Lokanat.
Later in the afternoon a new highlight awaits us - we have now the opportunity to visit the Yangon’s grand dame, the Secretariat, old parliament building on a private tour. At the time of writing the Secretariat is being restored to its former glory and will be opened soon to the public. In the plans is to convert part of the venue into the art exhibition space, so much needed for the emerging cultural scene in the city.
We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.
Return to hotel late afternoon in time for a sun downer cocktail and spa treatments.
Enjoy breakfast and morning swim at the hotel before transfer to Yangon airport for your (approx. 1hr) flight to Bagan.
Today journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan by Elephant Coach, a luxury replica of 1930’s colonial era Chevrolet coaches that were still used in Myanmar until 10 years ago.
During the six centuries of reign Bagan became one of the greatest kingdoms in South-east Asia region with trade relations to China, India, Arabia and Europe. Over 3000 thousand pagodas and temples remains are scattered around the arid plains by the Irrawaddy River. Our Bagan visits are adjusted to individual preferences as most people have certain temples on their bucket list. Our recommended sites include the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha; the Archeological Museum; 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 reincarnations. 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 and a pyramid shaped Dhammayangyi Temple built by cruel king, and famous for its fine brick work. 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).
Please note that climbing up temples and stupas is no more permitted in Bagan due to erosion.
Rise and shine! and start the day early with private sunrise hot air balloon flight. The balloons crew will pick you up from your hotel approximately 5:00 am and transfer to the balloons launch site.
Imagine . . . floating over thousand-year-old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun rises slowly from the distant horizon. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. After 45min to 1hr flight you will be served celebratory glass of champagne and light snack before transfer back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit the best lacquerware makers house in Bagan and learn about ancient art or lacquerware which Bagan is famous for. Traditional methods and hand etching are still practiced here. Continue to Bagan's museum and meet former director or archeology department to tour around and learn about Bagan's history and efforts to protect the heritage site and on going challenges and process of obtaining Unesco World Heritage status for Bagan.
We will take time to visit some more highlight temples OR if you wish and the Nyaung Oo market, main bazaar of Bagan before lunch.
Your lunch today will be a local experience. Enjoy home-cooked Myanmar food served under the shade of tamarind trees by pagodas and monasteries. This is a peaceful and quiet location just outside of one of the traditional villages by Bagan which has not yet been overtaken by tourist crowds. Time permitting we can visit the old monk in charge of the monastery and gain an insight into monastic life and daily practice in Myanmar.
After lunch return to your hotel for rest. This is the hottest time of the day and the perfect time for a dip in the pool or a rejuvenating massage at your hotel spa.
Late afternoon pick up from your hotel and transfer to Irrawaddy River (15-20min) where our team will be ready to bring you on a private sunset cruise. Cap the day with a wonderful sunset (weather permitting) accompanied by refreshments and snacks.
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the Nyaung U airport for your flight to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State.
Next, from Heho airport, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. If you wish we can make a stop at local craftman's house to see how parasols and Shan paper are made.
By Inle Lake Indewi boat, luxury version of typical Inle boats will be waiting for you. We journey out to a surprise lunch location on the lake where we will arrange catering from the best restaurant on the lake and will have a selection of wines at hand (drinks will be to your own account). This surprise lunch is on a rice barge boat converted to dining venue. One boat will have the dining table, another boat has the cooking team and third boat that will arrive bit later will have a toilet.
After lunch continue exploring Inle Lake - populated with floating islands and gardens constructed of 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.
Take a stroll through a local village and mingle with the friendly locals. We may see rice crackers making, boat building, silversmiths, Myanmar cigars rolling and other typical activities in the villages.
Marvel at villages built on stilts and continue to your cozy hotel on the eastern shore of the lake just in time for enjoying sunset.
Fun and active day at Inle Lake with some optional activities.
Visit the morning market by boat (on market days only) - Inle region is famous for its rotating 5-day market, which takes place in different location on each day. It is here where the tribal hill folks and Inn Thar from the lake meet and trade their produce. If you wish to be physically active we can take various hikes or mountain bike rides to explore some of the charming villages of the region.
Before lunch time we will bring you along small canal to idyllic Inn Thar minority village where houses are built on stilts over the lake. Most of the people here are fishermen and farmers. You will be welcomed by local family to their home for a simple but delicious meal. Learn about life of the Inn Thar and how they farm and fish and then continue with smaller boats/canoes paddled by the villagers to visit along their home canals.
After bidding farewells to our hosts we continue by motorized boat to main lake for some more sightseeing. We may visit Inn Phawkone weaving should you wish where lotus fibres are woven to garments by local ladies. Time permitting we may also stop by at the Inle Heritage house to say hello to pure breed Burmese cats and then return back to your hotel before dusk.
Optional & something special for the evening.. (this is not included in current cost)
Then transfer to a local village on shore where you will be welcomed by a local family to their house for a home cooked meal. Enjoy a cocktail and relax or join for the cooking. A delicious Inn Thar and Shan dinner will be served in the house. You will be given local attire to wear for this themed dinner. After the meal and dusk – we will join the local villagers for a bonfire celebration accompanied by Shan music and dance performance. Transfer back to your hotel in the evening.
(We should ideally have at least 3-4 travelers to arrange this as it will be a festival for the whole village as well. We will sponsor them meal and beverage and some contributions. We may have furniture made from Burmese cigars for the house and arranged some other specials to have totally unique concept and experience depending on available budget for the evening.)
Enjoy breakfast at your resort and then some time for leisure at the resort. We then transfer to Heho airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, your guide who will take you to the hotel for check-in. After some freshening up, we drive short distance within city center to the bustling Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color.
If you are curious and dare enough to find out what awaits you in the future don’t miss a chance to visit a famous Myanmar fortune teller and palmist U San Zarni Bo. Spend rest of the day browsing Yangon’s antique shops, art galleries or whatever your interests are. There are also many gems boutiques in Yangon where Burmese rubies and sapphires are on display.
Recommended farewell dinner venue. For over a decade charming Le Planteur has been considered the best restaurant in Myanmar. It is charming property on the shore of Inya Lake and is owned by Swiss Chef, Boris Granges.
We will book a table for you and arrange transportation for you to return to hotel late in the evening.
Free morning for own exploration of the city highlights or simply relax by the hotel's open air pool. Depending on the time of your international departure we will arrange transfer to the airport.
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