Upon arrival to airport, you will be welcomed and meet by our guide.
We start with a morning stroll through Zegyo market, visit locals’ favorite salad shop to see how national dish tea leaf salad is made, next we’ll head to monks’ accessories street and a "Thanaka" make up store and a traditional medicine dispensary if open. We continue to the Artisan Quarter, where some of the oldest artisanship are showcased dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. We observe the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. We also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded.
Next, we proceed to the major highlights of the city: the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in wars between competing kingdoms and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and regarded the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay hill, the highest point of the city.
Salutation to your first sunrise in Myanmar! After morning Yoga session in the hotel garden and swim enjoy sumptuous breakfast and get ready for the days' sightseeing.
We will start with a visit to Paleik village with a cool snake temple, old pagoda ruins dating back to Ava kingdom time which ruled the region for over 5 centuries. This is one of our favourite places near Mandalay with very few tourists and a unique charm as if we had stepped through a time portal to a different era and place that existed long ago. Nearby we can visit local weaving factories clacking away with their loom machines, making Myanmar longyis.
Next we continue over bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River to Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing. Where we will enjoy lunch prepared by local nuns. Meet the ladies and chat about their lives and buddhism. Sagaing is one of the most important centres for Buddhism where tree covered hill sides are littered with white and goldend temples, stupas and monasteries.
We can hike up or drive to the top of the Sagaing Hill range for panoramic views from a pagoda terrace and take small trails down through monastic compounds to the riverside.
We could arrange meditation session in one of the buddhist monasteries in Sagaing
We cap the days sightseeing with sunset spotting by the iconic Ubein bridge which is over 1km long and was built from Amarapura kingdom palaces teak posts.
This evening we explore Mandalay local style with Tuk Tuk three wheeler taxis and stop by at the local evening market, popular eateries and a tea room or beer station. This is your chance to try popular local drinks Mandalay Beer or Mandalay Rum.
We start the day with merit making - charitable and noble acts. Mandalay people are told to be most generous in all Myanmar for every morning donating food for lines of monks and novices that flow out as safron ribbons to the streets from their monasteries on daily alms collection circuit. Your will have the food items prepared for you to hand out.
We will return back to hotel garden or poolside for morning Yoga and breakfast.
We continue with a drive Bagan (4 hrs approx) and stop at Minsontaung turtle conservation project to learn how the endangered turtles are bred and released back to the habitat in near by forest. Lunch will be on the way to Bagan.
In the afternoon we reach Bagan and explore the archeological wonderland of over 3000 pagodas built by kings over five centuries. We 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 archaeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temples ruins (weather permitting).
Today Bagan E-bike journey starts from your hotel ,and start Bagan ride will lead us to small hidden neighborhoods and trails to experience authentic local life of Bagan and some of the lesser known temples as well as some of the most famous sights of Bagan. We make stops at the shining gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. In Taung Bi village, which is a typical Bagan neighbourhood we make stops to learn how rice noodles and Myanmar cigars "cheroots" are made. We continue to well-preserved Ananda temple often cited as the most beautiful temple in Bagan.
Late afternoon private boat excursion on the Irrawaddy river to a sandbank island where we will have a Yoga class and some refreshments after the session.
This evening we will treat you to a Bagan style feast with marionettes and cultural show.
After breakfast transfer to Bagan airport for flight to Yangon and drive 2 hrs/80km to Bago.
Afternoon visit to Bago highlights: Shwemawdaw Pagoda entices you into the city with its monumental spire etched in over 1.5 tons of gold leaf. Cracks and ruined staircases roll around the pagoda, sprouting incense sticks and bizarre carving. The nearby Shwethalyaung is home to a 55-meter reclining Buddha, whose backside is painted with the story of Buddhist conversion.
We will stay in lovely countryside resort with gardens and great space for Yoga. We could have longer Yoga session this late afternoon / early evening.
This early morning you will have the opportunity to join magical optional tour of hot air ballooning over Bagan temples.
Depending on train times we may hop on local train in Bago to experience local travel and to mingle with the friendly locals on their daily commute. The train ride takes 2.5hrs and brings us to the heart of Yangon.
Through centuries Yangon has been at the confluence of old trading routes and diverse cultures. It’s population and neighborhoods are a fascinating tapestry of different faiths, cuisine and diverse culture. On this tour Discovery DMC expert guide will unveil the mysteries and the soul of the city.
The 2-3hr walk ends with a cocktail at the nostalgic landmark hotel, The Strand.
Your lunch today will be at the Rangoon Tea House where we savor tasty Bamar food recipes sourced from grandmothers’ time.
Spend rest of the day exploring and browsing Yangon’s art galleries and antique shops. Have a chat with art curators and local artists and explore the colourful backstreets and hidden markets of Yangon.
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 the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.
Those who would like to experience Yangon by night we have prepared a list of hip bars and eateries to explore.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport for flight to Kawthaung. Arrival in Kawthaung and boat transfer to your island resort.
Time for yoga sessions, swimming and enjoying the beach.
Time for yoga sessions, swimming and enjoying the beach.
Time for yoga sessions, swimming and enjoying the beach.
Breakfast at the island resort and boat transfer to Kawthaung and Ranong where we cross the border to Thailand. Ranong is much more developed and has more variety of food choices and some hot springs. We will enjoy hot baths
Breakfast at your hotel. Boat transfer to Kawthaung and cross border to Ranong, Thailand. Transfer to hotel in Ranong. This evening we will enjoy bathing in hot springs and sumptuous Thai style farewell dinner.
