Mandalay - Discover the rich Burmese culture
Upon your arrival in Mandalay you will be welcomed by our representative and we start the day of visits to the main points of interest of Mandalay.
Mandalay was the last capital until 1885 when it fell into the hands of the English. Even today the city is the largest religious and cultural center of the country where one can appreciate the authenticity of an older Asia as well as the deepest religious beliefs of Buddhism.
First, we explore well-known markets in Mandalay, such as the Zay Cho market and the wholesale jade stone market.
Then, we will continue cultural visits, including the venerated Mahamuni Pagoda, the fantastic teakwood monastery, Shwenandaw, where the extraordinary Kuthodaw pagoda, and its hundreds of stupas containing the world's largest open book, carved on marble.
You will also have the opportunity to see many artisans very famous for their work on marble, wood, silver or gold leaf. The latter being intended for the worship of religious elements.
Finish the day with a beautiful sunset at the famous U-Bein Bridge (built around 1850), the longest in the world built in teak, stretches for 1.2 km on Lake Taungthaman.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day cruise to Bagan
The Mandalay - Bagan cruise is a wonderful choice for travelers who like to travel while sailing. This will allow you to discover unmissable destinations of Mandalay and Bagan which are on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
In the morning, you will be transferred to Lay Kyun Man Aung Jetty, Sagaing to check in at 11:30. The Mandalay - Bagan cruise is one from which you will see new discoveries by boat as well as on the shore.
The ship will go downstream at noon and then have lunch. In addition, you will learn more about some of the traditions rooted in Myanmar culture (Longyi, Thanaka and Culinary Demonstration).
At 7pm, you join the welcome party before dinner.
Night cruise at the village of Set Pan Gone.
Exploration of the villages
Early in the morning, continue downstream on the river. Join a short exploration of the small waterfront village of Yandabo known for producing water pots. Most are potters and others are peasants and fishermen. You will find different approaches to the production of pots. The villagers are mainly engaged in pottery and distribute them throughout the country. Then you will find an ecstasy stolen by the gifts of the travelers.
Then return to the cruise and continue to Pakkoku. En route, you will pass the confluence of the Chindwin River.
In the evening, visit Pakokku, which is 30 km north-west of Bagan by tuk-tuk. You will see tobacco shops, the local market as well as workshops of traditional blankets.
After the visits, return to the cruise and enjoy the cocktail before the farewell party.
End of Bagan cruise and visits to archaeological sites in Bagan
Very early in the morning, continue to Bagan. After embarkation, you will leave for a first archaeological contact, you will explore the oldest and most important temples of Bagan. For example, the Shwezigon, a prototype of the first stupas of Burma, the temple of Htilo Minlo and later, you can visit the Shwesandaw pagoda, an idyllic place for its panoramic views as well as the temple Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a temple from the 13th century with fine murals.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Sulamani Temple, built by King Narapatisithu; then the temple Dhammayangyi Pahto, a temple of the last period with one of the most beautiful masonry of Bagan, then the pagoda of Shwesandaw, an idyllic place for its panoramic views.
Finally, enjoy the famous Bagan sunset on a hill chosen by our guide or our private driver to enjoy the best views.
Overnight in Bagan.
After the visits, return to the cruise and enjoy the cocktail before the farewell party.
Hot air balloon in Bagan and free day
B agan is one of the world's most beautiful hot-air balloon destinations with a panoramic landscape. Fly over the temples and trees as well as the river, you will be amazed by the beauty of the temples and stupas.
This activity is operated from the beginning of October until mid-April. You will see the panoramic view during the sunrise over thousands of temples and stupas.
Early in the morning (before sunrise) a representative of the company will pick you up directly at the hotel. You will be accompanied on the launch list for your departure.
By flying over the unique region of Bagan, you will be amazed and amazed by the beauty and diversity of temples and stupas around. A snack and a glass of champagne will be offered en route to really appreciate this moment out of time in front of the first rays of the sun.
Then you will be transferred to your hotel to rest or explore the pagodas at your ease.
Flight to Heho and exploration of Inle Lake by dugout
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Nyaung U airport for the flight to Heho.
Upon your arrival, you will start your day visiting the Inle Lake, UNESCO World Heritage. This abundant lake is 900 meters below sea level, spreading over 20 km long and 10 km wide. The trips on the lake are realized by traversing the various villages and floating gardens, you will be able to admire the ability of the locals with their banks as well as to understand their way of life.
There are interesting and unique craftspeople such as Inpawkhone where, among other things, you will visit traditional silk weaving workshops and attend the treatment of lotus flowers to make tissues.
In addition, you will visit the village Nan Pan where you will witness the development of boats in the traditional style (everything is done by hand!). On the way, your riverbank will make many stops and you will approach the charming floating gardens of Inle, also passing through small villages and more remote. The main objective is to avoid tourist catches, such as the Inle Lake souvenir markets (such as some "5-day" markets) or souvenir shops, (to be avoided unless requested).
Other points of interest include Phaung Daw O Pagoda, the four highly venerated Buddha images and Ngaphe Chaung Monastery (surrounded by floating cultures).
Inle - free day
Today, you can explore the Inle Lake chambers at your leisure.
Exploring Yangon
In the morning you will be driven to Heho Airport for flight to Yangon. On arrival, our driver will pick you up for check-in. You will start your exploration by the great reclining Buddha of Chauk Htat Gyi, right next to Shwedagon, which is also a very important worship point.
You will continue your visit to the National Museum of Myanmar (closed on Mondays and holidays), a small museum with many relics of the glorious past of the Burmese empires. Including the lion's throne, witness of the last imperial dynasty of King Konbaung, the evolution of Burmese writing, a magnificent collection of images of Buddha or antique furniture incredibly carved on wood. In about an hour and a half, you will know much more about a good part of the heritage and history of Burma.
Then, visit downtown Yangon. You can walk around Pansodan Street with its beautiful colonial era buildings. It is also interesting to observe small markets of all kinds on the sidewalks, especially the posts that sell books, materials, food or other.
You will then drive to Bogyoke Aung San Market (also Scott Market, closed on Mondays and holidays), a vast complex built in 1926 and famous for its wide variety of handicrafts and other typical items from all over the world. Myanmar; an excellent opportunity to succumb to a last buying fever.
Before sunset, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Asia's finest pagoda jewels and the most revered monument in the country.
Departure from Yangon
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to join the international flight.
Thank you very much for your visit.
