Arrive Yangon

Upon arrival in Yangon International Airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your pre booked Hotel

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Yangon

Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. After breakfast at the hotel, your journey begins with walking 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. Then, visit Kandawagyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here you will see the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge. Continue to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 70-meter reclining Buddha. Late this afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, it is believed that the original structure was built in the11th century then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 90 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa and the city skyline from this vantage point.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Yangon

Yangon – Mandalay (By Flight)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out

Later you are transferred to Yangon Airport to board flight for Mandalay. Upon arrival in Mandalay you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel.

Later 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, have 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 remained 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.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Mandalay

Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Mandalay

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Begin your morning attending a special ceremony in Amarapura. Witness the alms collection at Mahagandayon monastery, when over one-thousand monks gather to collect their daily meal from the local Buddhists. After this beautiful spectacle, continue to a nearby silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. Continue to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, and travel by traditional horse and carriage to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the town’s Royal Palace and fort.As the sun begins to set, walk along U Bein Bridge for fabulous views. This 200 year-old bridge is constructed entirely from teak and spans over 2 kilometers in length.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Mandalay

Mandalay (Gawein) and Mingun

After breakfast transfer to Gawein Jetty.

The embarkation time is 12.00 noon at Gawein jetty and cast off after half an hour time.
Welcome Cocktail and briefing in the Saloon or Sundeck followed by Lunch.

After cruising upstream for two hours we arrive at Mingun where we visit the impressive unfinished pagoda and the largest working bell in the world. Our English speaking manager (or your private guide) will accompany the guests during the visit.

Moor Overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner guests can enjoy a Dance and Drama per-formance by the Mandalay Arts School on the sundeck (if available).

Overnight on Cruise

Mingun – Sagaing and Yandabo

Early in the morning cruise downstream. During the two hours journey the passengers can admire the natural beauty of the river and the life of its banks while relaxing on the sundeck or just sitting outside their own cabin. Enjoy the sunrise over Sagaing Hill.

After breakfast passengers wishing to visit Sagaing can go ashore with the assistance of our Ship Manager or their own guide.

We resume our downriver voyage at 10.30 hrs and we will sail all day long.

In the late afternoon we stop at Yandabo, a village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed on Feb. 24, 1826. We visit the Pot workshops, the monastery.

Moor overnight near the village of ShweNann Tint.

Overnight on Cruise

Arrive Bagan

Cast off early in the morning for the last leg of our journey.

Enjoy the sunrise near Bagan. Passengers will disembark at Koe Lone Ye Kin jetty around 9:30 hrs. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, your sightseeing begins with a visit 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 passingThatbyinnyu, 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.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Bagan

(***Due to earthquake on 24th August 2016, about 350 temples were slightly damaged & about 15 were severely damaged . Regional administrative has stopped permission to go up sunset watch temples, such as Pyattadagyi Temple, ShwesandawPagoda,etc. But since more than 3500 temples, stupas and monasters and other structures accommodated in Bagan, you will be taken to one of the special place to watch the famous sunset of Bagan.***)

Bagan

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later begin your visit with a stop at the colourful NyaungOo Market where everyday the locals come to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods. Continue to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to 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, your sightseeing starts with a visit to a workshop where you can observe the detailed production of lacquer ware, one of Myanmar’s best known and most traditional handicrafts. Continue to Myinkaba village and take a short walking tour to explore Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka murals and the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Bagan

Bagan – Mount Popa – Bagan

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later drive to Mount Popa located about 48 km southeast of Bagan (1 Hour Drive). On the way, stop in a traditional village passing small settlements where men climb up the palm trees to collect the juice to make jaggery or liquor. Visit around the village and observe how to make jaggery (Myanmar’s Candy) and liquor at toddy climber’s hut. After that, resume your journey to Mt. Popa by car. As you leave Bagan’s outskirts, begin the uphill climb to Mount Popa. Mount Popa is an extinct volcano over 1,500m tall and is believed to be the home of the nats, Burmese ancient animist spirits. Thus the volcano’s shrine plays an important role in the culture as the local people travel here to worship the 37 nats. Visit the shrine and join the pilgrims as they climb to the volcano’s top which offers beautiful views of the surrounding plains. Return to Bagan in the afternoon and 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 as well as observing the farmer’s way of life.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Bagan

Bagan – Heho (By Flight and Heho – Inle Lake (Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out

Later you are transferred to Bagan Airport to board flight for Heho. Upon arrival in Heho Airport a scenic one-hour drive leads to NyaungShwe, 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 NgaHpeChaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’ who jump through hoops in the air! Continue to PhaungDawOo 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 them.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in InleLake.

Inle Lake – IN Dein – Inle Lake

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day). 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, visiting a local school, and wander through the beautiful AlaungSitthou area. Climb the covered stair way to the top which is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below. After enjoying your visit to In Dein, return to your boat. Continue along the lake for additional sightseeing before returning to your hotel this afternoon.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in InleLake

Inle Lake – Heho (Drive) – Thandwe (Flight) & Thandwe – Ngapali Beach (Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later drive to the Heho Airport for the flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival in Thandwe Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to Ngapali Beach, a 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 snorkelling and there are several small islands around which can be reached by boat.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Ngapali

Ngapali Beach

Breakfast at the Hotel
Day at Leisure on the Beach

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Ngapali

Ngapali Beach

Breakfast at the Hotel
Day at Leisure on the Beach

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Ngapali

Ngapali – Thandwe (Drive) &Thandwe – Yangon (By Flight)

Breakfast in the Hotel
Morning at Leisure.

Later in the afternoon you are transferred to Thandwe Airport to board Flight for Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Yangon

Leave Yangon

Today you are transferred to Yangon Airport to board flight back home