Mandalay - Discover the rich Burmese culture
Once in Mandalay, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport. You will start the day with a visit to the main points of interest of Mandalay.
Mandalay was the last imperial capital until 1885 when it fell into English hands. 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 discover cultural visits, including the venerated Mahamuni Pagoda, the fantastic teak monastery, Shwenandaw, where the extraordinary Kuthodaw pagoda, and its hundreds of stupas containing the world's largest open book, carved on marble.
Finish the day under a beautiful sunset on Mandalay Hill, enjoying panoramic views of the area, including the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Mingun
We will drive you to Mandalay Pier, where you will start a short and pleasant cruise to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (11 km, 1 hour). Here is the site of what would have been the biggest stupa in the world if it had been finished. However, all work was stopped in 1819 after the death of King Bodipaya, then an earthquake followed in 1838, which greatly deteriorated the monument. Nevertheless, the base of this 50-meter stupa still remains very impressive when you approach it from the river by boat.
Nearby, you can also visit the Mingun Bell, which is believed to hang from the top of Mingun Pagoda, but now hangs in a new shrine. It is said that it is one of the largest hanging bells in the world. It remains in a very good state of conservation.
Then you will be driven to Bagan (about 3 hours by car). This will allow you to observe the agricultural landscape that extends around the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Overnight in Bagan.
Exploration of the archaeological site by e-bike
Bagan, one of the most impressive archeological sites in Asia with more than 2,200 pagodas pacing the plains throughout the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River.
You can explore the most ancient and important temples of Bagan in E-bike. For example, 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 temple Thatbyinnyu which predominates the monuments of Bagan, as well as the pagoda Dhammayazika or Shwezigon, a prototype of the first stupas of Burma .
Finally, enjoy the famous Bagan sunset on a hill to enjoy the best views.
Note: The sunset on the top of a lot of temples is forbidden since September 2017.
Overnight in Bagan.
(Note: E-bikes will be available from 8 am to 6 pm)
Fly to Heho and visit Pindaya
Fly to Heho, a small airport in the western zone of the picturesque and abundant Shan State. After your arrival, you will be taken to Pindaya, a small predominantly agricultural village and much less touristy compared to the rest of the points of interest of the Shan state. Its small lake, its mountains, its enormous tamarinds, its inhabitants, its stupas, its monasteries and in particular its two markets (the daily and the market of 5 days), deserve a stop of at least one night.
Famous by its caves with nearly 8000 Buddha images that have been placed there over the centuries, elaborated with various materials and different sizes, the statues fill every corner of the numerous cavities. In addition, people from the area usually attend to pray, being an important place of worship for Burmese.
After the visits, you will be transferred to Inle.
Night in Inle.
Private pirogue tours on Inle Lake
You will start your day visiting Thaleoo, a small farming village on the lake where you can see real scenes of local life. Farmers grow a lot of different products depending on the season. It is surely one of the most charming villages on Inle Lake. The peasants are particularly smiling and kind to the walkers.
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.
Points of interest include Phaung Daw O Pagoda, the four revered Buddha images as well as the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery (surrounded by floating cultures) or the Nan Pan Village where you will witness the development of traditional-style boats. (Everything is handmade !). 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).
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. However, many stores in this area are dedicated to selling souvenirs.
Night in Inle.
Sagar - Phekhon (by boat), Phekhon to Loikaw (car)
Today, you will travel by boat to the impressive archaeological site of Sagar and Thakong, with its stupas and sculptures immersed in water (depending on the time), the oldest dating from the sixteenth century. This day will allow you to know a less visited part of the lake, where the landscape is authentic and spectacular.
This part of the lake is remote (about 3:30 of a boat in total).
If you wish, you will have time to enjoy a small pottery industry in the village of Kyauktaung, where some Pa O and Shan live in a very traditional way. They also make rice liquor at this location.
You will continue towards the south (at 1:30 of Sagar) until Phekong, the first important city of this remote and little known part of Burma. Our representative will pick you up for transfer to Loikaw, the state capital of Kayah, open to tourism in 2011, representing a part of the country still very little developed.
The landscapes of this day excursion are among the most extraordinary and remote of this beautiful region. Depending on the time available, you will have time to make the first visits to Loikaw.
Night in Loikaw.
Kayan village tour
A good start to the day should always start with a visit to the local Loikaw market (depending on the day, there are other markets of interest). From there, you will drive inland to Kayah, about an hour, to start a day of exploration and walks through the small villages of the Kayan ethnic group (they do not appreciate being called Padaung), where you will meet families during their daily activities. This place of Burma has remained closed to tourism for a long time. Therefore, the traditions and lifestyle are still intact with landscapes are of great beauty.
At lunchtime, the local community will prepare a typical meal, a very special moment that represents the thanks of the kayans for visiting them.
You have different possibilities of hiking (between 45 minutes and 4 hours of walking), always passing through several villages and meeting locals to learn more about their trades, customs, rituals and development projects. Kayah is undoubtedly one of the Myanmar territories that has the best support projects for local communities, very serious, without crowds or tourists. The goal is to preserve their culture and share the benefits of tourism in a fair way to the entire community.
Hta Nee La Le and Kayah villages
You will continue by visiting one of the villages of the Kayah minority tribe (very different from Kayan), to get to know again the way of life of a very minority ethnic group. The animistic beliefs of these villages are mixed with Christianity and Buddhism that varies from village to village. Just next door, Hta Nee La Le, or the area of the seven lakes. The landscapes are extremely beautiful. It's a great place to end a nice day with a beer or a local tea.
Once back, you will stop at the incredible Taung-gwe pagoda, very different from the rest of the country's pagodas, built on the top of two different rocks, where you will witness a very special sunset.
Finally, return to the hotel Loikaw to rest.
Night in Loikaw.
Fly to Yangon and discover the charms of the city
In the morning, you will be driven to Loikaw Airport for your flight to Yangon.
Yangon, the first city of the country, was the capital until 2005. You will head to the station to make a small tour with the Yangon circular train. During this journey, you will have a unique perspective on the daily life of the city and surrounding areas. It is a unique and very pleasant experience. Do not hesitate to interact with the vendors and the local population, always happy to interact with the visitors.
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, you can visit Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful pagoda jewels in Asia and especially the most revered monument in the country.
Overnight in Yangon.
Flight to Kawthaung - free day
Today, you will be driven to Yangon Airport for your flight to Kawthaung.
Once arrived you will be transferred to the hotel. So you can rest in the afternoon or enjoy the city of Kawthaung, the most southern of the country.
The soul of the latter is undoubtedly linked to its economic activity with Thailand. Its ethnic diversity, the welcome of the inhabitants and its markets of all kinds are very famous there.
Night in Kawthaung.
Transfer to Boulder Island by boat
In the morning we will accompany you to the Kawthaung Jetty from where you will be transferred by boat to the eco-lodge on Boulder Island. Start in the afternoon to enjoy the wonders of this wild island.
Free day at Boulder Island
Enjoy all the activities available at the resort while discovering this paradise island and its jungle. Finally, you will not get tired of fresh produce and different cuisines that you will be served on the small restaurant of the island.
Overnight at Boulder Bay Eco Resort.
Free day at Boulder Island
Enjoy all the activities available at the resort while discovering this paradise island and its jungle. Finally, you will not get tired of fresh produce and different cuisines that you will be served on the small restaurant of the island.
Night at Boulder Bay Eco Resort.
Departure for Ranong
After breakfast you will be taken to Kawthaung Pier and transfer to Ranong Airport. You will arrive at the airport between 14 and 15h.