Arrive Yangon

Upon your arrival at Yangon International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

Yangon, Myanmar’s capital, has a rich history shaped by its colonial past and spiritual heritage, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Somerset Maugham eloquently described it as “rising 326 feet, glittering with gold like sudden hope in the dark night of the soul” in his book “Gentlemen in the Parlor.” This ancient stupa is over 2,500 years old, with a golden dome towering 98 meters above its base. It is adorned with 60 tons of pure gold and embellished with precious stones such as jade, ruby, sapphire, and diamonds, including a remarkable 76-carat solid diamond crowning its peak.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Yangon, soaking in the aura of this magnificent city.

Yangon

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Embark on a city tour of Yangon, beginning with a visit to the Botataung Pagoda, revered for enshrining a relic of Buddha’s hair. As you journey along Strand Road and Mahabandoola Street, pass through vibrant India-town and China-town. Pause for photos near the Sule Pagoda, a striking golden stupa that serves as a prominent landmark in downtown Yangon. Admire the colonial-style architecture of City Hall, Immanuel Baptist Church, the High Court, and the central fire department, as well as the charming pastel-painted shops and apartments.

Later, explore Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott Market, a historic shopping complex established 75 years ago. Here, you can indulge in a shopping spree and discover a wide array of handicrafts and other items.

In the afternoon, visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see the colossal reclining Buddha image. Take a brief stop at the Royal Lake to admire the view of the Karaweik Hall, an ornate floating palace on the lake.

As a special treat, experience Myanmar Hi-tea at the historic The Strand Hotel in the afternoon. In the evening, wander through the bustling streets of China-town and enjoy Myanmar Beer with BBQ at a roadside restaurant (expenses on your own).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Yangon, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of the city.

Yangon – Bagan (By Flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Later, you’ll be transferred to Yangon Airport to catch your flight to Bagan. Upon arrival at Bagan Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the Bagan archaeological zone, exploring its rich history and architectural wonders. Highlights include Gawdawpalin, one of the largest and most imposing monuments in Bagan; Shwegugyi temple, showcasing transitional architectural styles from early to late Bagan periods; Thabyinnyu temple, the tallest monument offering panoramic views of the area; Shwesandaw temple, ideal for sweeping views of the entire ruins; Dhammayangyi temple, notable for its double Buddha image; Myingabar Gubyaukgyi, renowned for its exquisite mural paintings; Myazedi pillar inscribed in Myanmar, Mon, Pali, and Pyu languages; Manuha temple, featuring depictions of a captive king’s life; and Abeyadana temple, celebrated for its fine mural paintings depicting Mahayana Buddhism.

Visit a lacquerware workshop to observe the traditional craftsmanship of Myanmar souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a sunset experience from the newly built watchtower or one of the ancient ruins, soaking in the magical atmosphere of Bagan.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bagan, surrounded by the ancient splendor of this historic site.

Bagan – Popa – Bagan (Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Mt. Popa, located approximately 45 km away from Bagan, which is an extinct volcano known for its shrine dedicated to animist spirits called “Nats.” Along the way, observe local daily life activities such as extracting toddy palm juice, the process of making sweet balls (brown sugar), and hand-drilling edible oil production. For the adventurous, there’s an opportunity to climb the 777 steps to reach the shrine at the summit of the hill.

Return to Bagan and continue exploring some of the major archaeological ruins.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bagan, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s cultural experiences.

Bagan – Mandalay (Flight) & Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay (Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Later, you’ll be transferred to Bagan Airport to catch your flight to Mandalay. Mandalay, known as the last kingdom and the cultural heart of Myanmar, has a rich heritage of arts, crafts, and traditions, long revered for its skilled craftsmanship that once supplied the royal courts.

Upon arrival at Mandalay Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and proceed to Mayan Chan jetty. Board a local fisherman’s boat to cross the Ayeyarwady River to Mingun. Here, observe the world’s largest ringing bell, cast by Bodawpaya in 1080, weighing 55,555 viss (90 tons). Explore Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an immense unfinished stupa that remains a testament to King Bodawpaya’s ambition to create the world’s largest Buddhist monument. After visiting the beautiful Mya Thein Tan Pagoda, return to Mandalay and check in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit workshops to witness traditional handicraft processes such as wood carving, tapestry weaving, and gold leaf hammering. Proceed to the foot of Mandalay Hill to see the “largest book” at Kuthodaw Pagoda, where the entire Buddhist canon is inscribed on 729 stone tablets. Explore the Shwenandaw Monastery, also known as the Golden Palace Monastery, a fine example of Myanmar’s exquisite wooden architecture.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandalay, where you can immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this historic city.

Mandalay – Amarapura – Sagaing – Mandalay (Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to Phayagyi Pagoda to admire the revered Mahamuni Buddha Image, brought by King Bodawpaya in 1784 from Rakhine. This seated 4-meter-tall image, believed to have been cast in the 1st century AD, has grown 15 cm thicker over the years due to layers of gold leaf offerings. Explore the processes of stone carving, bronze casting, and silk weaving before continuing to the ancient capital of Amarapura, meaning “city of immortality.”

In Amarapura, visit Mahagandayon Monastery, where several hundred Buddhist novices and monks reside, and observe their lunchtime rituals.

In the afternoon, journey to Sagaing, known for its 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, and revered as the religious center of Myanmar. Sagaing Hill is home to approximately 6,000 monks, 100 meditation centers, and traditional bronze casting and silver smith workshops. Sagaing served as the capital of the Shan Kingdom after the fall of Bagan around 1315.

Visit Tilawkaguru Cave Temple, adorned with impressive mural paintings dating back to 1672, and Umin Thounzeh Cave Temple, housing a multitude of seated Buddha statues. Continue to Kaungmudaw Pagoda, a massive white dome rising 64 meters west of Monywa.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from the 200-year-old U Bein Teak Bridge spanning Thaungthaman Lake, a serene scene from the time when Amarapura was the royal capital.

Return to Mandalay for your overnight stay at the hotel, reflecting on the cultural richness and spiritual heritage experienced throughout the day.

Mandalay – Heho (By Flight) & Heho – Inle (Drive)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Later, you’ll be transferred to Mandalay Airport to catch your flight to Heho.

Upon arrival at Heho Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Inle Lake, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. Upon reaching Nyaung Shwe, board a traditional long and tall motorized boat for an exciting sightseeing tour of the lake. This journey is a delight for nature enthusiasts and offers a glimpse into the unique traditions of the Intha people. Witness the remarkable leg-rowing fishermen, floating farms, houses on stilts, and monasteries built over the water.

Visit the bustling Nampam market, held once a day on the shores of the lake. Explore the floating village of Ywama, considered the downtown and largest village on Inle Lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, dating back to the 11th century and housing five sacred Buddha images. Discover the weaving village of Inpawkhon, renowned for its traditional silk-weaving techniques, and Se Gaung Village, known for its skilled blacksmith work. Explore Nan Pan Village, where cheroots (traditional Burmese cigars) are made, and visit the boat-building dockyards.

Conclude your day with a visit to the famous Ngaphechaung Monastery, often referred to as the “jumping cat monastery,” which serves as a museum displaying old artifacts from many monasteries.

Transfer to your hotel and check in for your overnight stay at Inle Lake, immersed in the serene beauty and cultural heritage of this unique region.

Inle – Indein (Drive)

Inle – Heho (Drive) & Heho – Yangon (By Flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and the rest of the morning is free for you to relax and perhaps explore more of the surroundings at your leisure.

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Heho Airport to catch your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

Relax and unwind for the evening, reflecting on your memorable journey through Myanmar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Yangon.

Leave Yangon

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to Yangon Airport to board your onward flight. Safe travels and have a wonderful journey ahead!