Tour Overview
Myanmar is a land of unsurpassed beauty with the Buddhist religion being the focal point of countless Pagoda’s and Buddha images. An astonishing sight is to see how the developing city of Yangon has harmoniously built itself around the culture heritage of the Burmese. Each of the many destinations throughout this destination offers something unique to even the most experienced travelers. Once you have traveled to Myanmar one of the most unforgettable experiences that any traveler will encounter is the times they have spend amongst the people of this magnificent country. Whether it is enjoying a cup of tea with and elderly silk weaver or discussing the Buddhist religion with a monk, the generosity and kindness of the people is an experience one will not soon forget!Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Yangon, MyanmarYangon the capital city is the main gateway to Myanmar. Although the population is around five million, the city gives a different impression from other Asian capitals of similar size. It seems full of trees and shade, even old growth teak, with some outlying neighborhoods refreshingly overgrown, taking on a more provincial feel rather than that of an international city. Upon arrival to Yangon, your iExplore representative will take care of your luggage and guide you to a private air-conditioned car for your private transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome drink and check-in formalities. First explore the downtown area of Yangon where the ghost of the British colonial influence still remains. Begin at the Sule Pagoda that marks the center of the city, and continue through the streets of Yangon. Home to some of the most splendidly maintained colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas, Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Lunch will be at a local restaurant to sample Myanmar’s cuisine. Visit Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha; (this colossal 68 meter long) reclining Buddha Statue is one of the largest images in Myanmar.
The historic Shwedagon pagoda towers almost 98 meters (326 feet) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have built more than 2500 years ago. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a single 76 carat Diamond. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Yangon
Day 02: Yangon - Mandalay - Amarapura
After breakfast transfer to the Yangon Airport for the morning flight to Mandalay. The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is situated in central Myanmar 668 km due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial center and a repository of ancient culture. Upon arrival in Mandalay visit Amarapura, one of the capitals of the third empire. Photo stop at U Bein Bridge, which made out of teak wood across Taungthamen Lake, and Mahagandayone Monastery, home to over 1,000 monks. Return to Mandalay for lunch at local restaurant, followed by a transfer to hotel for check-in. Afternoon visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, so named after the holy image, "Maha Muni" housed therein. Visit the second most sacred image in Myanmar next to the Shwedagon Pagoda is the Mahamuni Pagoda. The Image is said to have cast in the lifetime of the Gautama Buddha and that Buddha embraced it 7 times thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image. Next visit Shwe Kyaung (Golden palace Monastery) famous for its intricate woodcarvings. Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the world largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. See the best view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay hill as the sun slowly sets. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Mandalay Day 03: Mandalay - Irrawaddy River (Thursday departures from January to April and October to December; alternate itinerary is available from May to September)
Transfer to the jetty to board the famous Pandaw Cruise to Bagan. The Irrawaddy Flotilla has recreated the Pandaw legend and offers luxury, finished in teak wood and each cabin has its own veranda area. This combined with the luxury dining room, bar and viewing areas make the Pandaw a great way to travel between Bagan and Mandalay. The Pandaw also has the ability to dock anywhere along the journey enabling guests to explore villages well off the beaten track. Depart Mandalay in mid-morning and explore Yadabo Village on the way.
This is a rarely visited small village with no road access to the world. Dependent on riverside economy, this village is famous for the production of terrace pottery made from riverbank mud. You will be invited into people’s homes and have a chance to visit the local monastery. Yadabo is famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1855 between The Burmese King and The British, and is now a center of pottery production.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pandaw Cruise Day 04: Irrawaddy River - Bagan
After your relaxing cruise on the Irrawaddy River, arrive in Bagan mid-morning, disembark the cruise and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Known as the city of four million pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Here, one can find over 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries built during the Bagan Dynasty founded by King Anawrahta in 1044A.D. Bagan is a truly mesmerizing destination, and often the favorite of seasoned travelers. Bagan can only be described as amazing and enchanting. The most amazing component of Bagan is the thousands of ancient Pagodas scattered throughout. You will visit the Pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best-preserved including the Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda temple. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. Bagan is not only famous for the profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and local Lacquer-ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen. Visit local Lacquer-ware workshop where the process of making each piece can be seen and observe the art of Bagan Lacquer-ware which done! Finally, enjoy sunset in Bagan from the top of a Pagoda. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas. Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional puppet show during the meal.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Bagan Day 05: Bagan
Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting Phwar Saw Village. This village is a perfect example of how locals live, but most importantly you will be able to see the intimacy of the villagers toward one another, and any
foreign guests. We will visit a local home and observe their daily home cooking style. On the way to village, visit Nyaung Oo market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant. Late afternoon, see Bagan from a different perspective as you explore the area by pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter, giving a different feel of Bagan. This evening relax at Bupaya on the banks of the Irrawaddy to watch the life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Bagan Day 06: Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake
This morning transfer to Bagan Airport for domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival in Heho transfer to Inle Lake; the prime attraction of the Shan state, this vast, 22 km long and 10km wide lake along with hosting islands. Inle Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) with a unique way of rowing with their legs. At the northern end of the lake is a small town called Nyaung Shwe, gateway to Inle Lake. Continue to your hotel for check-in. After lunch at local restaurant, visit Nampan village to see local cheroot (cigar) and canoe making, and the silk weaving village of Inn Paw Khone, to see how intricate the design and manufacture of silk products are. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inle Princess Resort Day 07: Inle Lake - Indein
This morning visit the 5-Day Market to observe colorful, local tribes buying and selling life. At these markets you will see a variety of ethic minorities dressed in their traditional costumes buying and selling produce at the market. Also visit the beautiful temples of Indein - situated through covered passage to the summit overlooking the lake - it is a peaceful and tranquil place. These temples are unusually similar to Khmer in style and date back to 17th & 18th century Shan Pagoda. Walk along the corridor leading to the temples with giant columns lining the way. The series of temples has been left in its natural state; the view is enough to take your breath away. Lunch will be at local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel stop to see some of the fishermen on the lake skillfully row with one leg whilst fishing at the same time. Visit a floating farm and see how the farmers make their produce in the middle of the Lake. This evening is at leisure to take in the picturesque surroundings. After dinner at the hotel, enjoy an evening canoe ride around the floating gardens near hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inle Princess Resort Day 08: Inle Lake - Yangon
Morning transfer to Nyaung Shwe and continue to Heho for the return flight to Yangon Arrive Yangon, transfer to hotel for check-in. This afternoon, enjoy a visit Scott Market (Bogyoke Aung San Market) the sprawling 70-year-old Scott Market (Bog yoke Aung San Market.) At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry (which are available at reasonable prices), make sure you bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! In the early evening, visit the vibrant fresh fruit market and stroll through the Chinatown area of town to experience first hand the exciting market atmosphere of Yangon. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at the finest French Indochine restaurant in Myanmar. Indirect lights shadowed by gigantic traditional Shan umbrellas will light up the garden. Coconut, palm and beetle-nut trees surrounding the area will be illuminated by torchlight. Enjoy a candle lit dinner in the garden of the restaurant as you soak up the amazing atmosphere surrounding you.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Yangon Day 09: Yangon - Depart
Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure.
Breakfast
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