Upon your arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Today, begin your sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf, giving it an almost ‘lumpy’ texture. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remain unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.
This afternoon, continue your tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura.
This morning, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers and you will visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae.
You’ll also visit Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Here you will find a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts. You will also stop at a small pottery village to see the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar.
Then continue south of the city to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will take you across the river to where horse and carriage are waiting for you. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins and as you travel by horse and cart you’ll get a glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside.
Return toward the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace. It is 1.2 kilometers in length, making it the world’s longest teak span. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.
Today you are met and transferred to Mandalay harbor on time to board your cruise to Bagan. Afternoon cruising.
Morning walk round the pottery village at Yandabo and to see the Pandaw School. Evening tour of Pakokku by Trishaw.
You will be meet and greet by your guide at the jetty and start the Bagan tour.
From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
On arrival, your journey begins with a visit an elevated temple from where you will have a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Continue with a visit to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit to nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
This afternoon begin with a visit to a traditional lacquer ware workshop where you can observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed.
From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.
Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
After breakfast, visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods. Continue to Myinkaba village and take a short walking tour to explore the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya.
This afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least visited areas. Here you will explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier.
Around 16.00 you’ll head to the local boat jetty for a sunset cruise. The boat takes us out to a sandbank in the middle of the Irrawaddy where a table and chairs are set up. Enjoy snacks and a drink on your private ‘island’.
This morning, transfer to the Airport for your flight to Heho.
From Heho, a scenic drive to the start point of your trek and spend the day hiking over undulating hills. As you walk along, pass through local hill tribe minorities and observe their unique cultures. The landscape is beautiful with gentle rolling green hills alternating with farms and villages.
En route, enjoy lunch in a local house.
After your trekking continue to your hotel in Kalaw.
(Trekking time 4-6 hours depending on route and fitness level)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer from Kalaw to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe village (the drive takes around 45 minutes). Upon arrival, a guide from the camp will greet you and transfer you to the main camp. Enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a briefing on the day’s activities, the background of the camp and the history of elephants in Myanmar.
Following this, embark on a short walk to the river, passing through a reforestation project set up by the camp and villagers. Be greeted by the elephants – the guide will explain their name, age, and how they ended up retiring at the camp. Trays of bananas and sugar cane will be brought out and some time will be enjoyed feeding the elephants. Afterwards, get dressed in traditional Shan garments to prepare for the elephants bathing. Walk to a natural pool, located between two small falls in the stream, where you’ll join the elephants for a bath.
Return to the reforestation area to plant a tree before heading to the main camp for lunch. There is time in the afternoon to explore more on foot with the local trekking guide or interact with the elephants.
In the late afternoon say goodbye to the elephants and mahouts and transfer back to Kalaw.
Time: 0800-1600 (Trekking time 15-30 minutes or 45-90 minutes depending on fitness level)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Kalaw hotel before departing for Inle Lake.
From here, a scenic two-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.
Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.
If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
After breakfast, you’ll start with a visit to the morning market, which rotates locations on a 5-day basis. (note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days) This daily market attracts people from all over the lake’s shores who gather to buy and sell their wares- if you are lucky you may see Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people in their traditional outfits. Wander amid the stalls where your guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale.
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Climb the covered stair way to the top which is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
Should time allow, you’ll stop at Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake’s indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake (snack break not included).
Early this morning you will be transferred to the small lakeside of village of Kyae Sar Gone. This small village is famous in the region for its treats such as soybean crackers and tofu cakes. Kyae Sar Gone is an accurate glimpse at the everyday lives of the local people, a lifestyle that has remained relatively unchanged for generations.
At the Kyae Sar Gone monastery, your guide and boatman will unload your kayaks and you will get a few minutes to test ride before entering Kyae Sar Gone’s elaborate canal system. Although Inle Lake is the 2nd largest lake in Myanmar, the water is shallow allowing the local tribes to build entire communities on stilts ‘floating’ over the water. You will cruise through small waterways, under and around these traditional floating homes.
Before leaving Kyae Sar Gone, you will paddle through a series of Inle Lake’s floating gardens. The floating gardens are built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
After paddling through the small channels of a tiny local village, the canal will open up and you’ll be face to face with the vastness of Inle Lake. Cruise alongside local canoes as they commute through their daily routines before heading to the village of Lin Kin. Along the way, stop at a local house on the water for a cup of the local brew along with a few snacks.
After cruising through the waterways of Lin Kin and meeting the locals, you will conclude the trip at Lin Kin Monastery. Your long tail boat will be waiting to transfer you to your lakeside hotel.
“An itinerary may at times be altered by our guides due to local conditions, the skill of participants and other unexpected circumstances. Our priority is always the experience and safety of our clients.”
After breakfast you will be transferred to Heho airport for a flight to Thandwe.
Upon arriving at Thandwe Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to Ngapali Beach. (20 minute drive).
Ngapali Beach is a quiet 3-kilometer stretch of white sands lined by coconut palms. The warm, clear waters are perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and there are several small islands around which can be reached by boat.
Enjoy two full days at leisure in Ngapali. Daily breakfast is served. There are options for snorkeling, boat trips or bike rides.
Today you are met and transferred to the airport on time to board your flight to Yangon.
Upon your arrival you’ll visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great overview of Buddhism with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The feet of the statue are carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray.
Next your guided tour goes to Kandawagyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here you will see the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon in the background. Depending on the day of your visit Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come here on the weekend to relax in the fresh air.
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and you’ll venture downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You’ll start at the post office – a lovely historic building- and walk to Sule Paya in the middle of downtown, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit Little India and Chinatown, a colorful cacophony of restaurants, temples and markets.
Afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods. (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea as you sit amid businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the International airport for your onward departure flight.
