ITINERARY

D1: UK to Yangon.

D2: Welcome Yangon Arrival & Golden Pagoda Excursions (L/D)

Min ga la ba! Welcome to Myanmar, one of the fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. We are met at Yangon International Airport by our local guide and we learn a bit about this fascinating country on the way to our hotel. Our journey begins with an afternoon tour through the colonial-style city centre of Yangon. We visit the golden Sule Paya stupa – built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city – Chauk Htat Gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha.
We visit BOGYOKE (SCOTTS) MARKET, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of colour. (Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and on public holidays.
Proceed to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments in the world rises majestically over Singuttara Hill to the city Yangon, casting its golden gleam over the low-lying capital. This 2,500-years old structure, which contains the relics of four Buddhas, is the guardian temple of Yangon and the most sacred site for the people of Myanmar. Start from the Eastern entrance of Shwedagon Pagoda and walk through the small shops where monk accessories, Buddha statues, flowers etc. are sold. The entrance is always very busy with sellers and local pilgrims. You'll learn about the daily life of the local people who reside in the immediate surroundings and gain a deeper insight into the Buddhist religion as you provide offerings to the monks. Then, walk along the pagoda platform clockwise, as is tradition, around the main Pagoda. During this interactive walking tour of the pagoda, explore walkways and hidden gems that are unknown to most visitors. Stopping in one of the pavilions to prayer, you might get a chance to meet a Buddhist monk and talk about Buddhism and meditation or simply contemplate. Continue through the back door of Shwedagon Pagoda and discover its fascinating history. As you walk the magnificent grounds and interior and even you can visit a local fortune-teller (if time permits) and learn about the ancient spiritual beliefs.

D3: Yangon – Golden Rock (B/L/D)

After breakfast, proceed to Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock). Located about 160 km from Yangon, Kyaikhtiyo is the largest domestic tourism centre. It stands on a gilded boulder precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 3615 feet above sea level. There are many legends about the pagoda and Nat (Spirit Gods) shrines along the way from the base camp to the pagoda. There is also a popular belief that a person gains in wealth every time he climbs the hill. It is a test of one’s endurance and is very exhilarating once a person has reached the summit. Kyaikhto Hotel located on the hillside with the full view of the pagoda. The season of pilgrimage is from October to May. Your coach has to stop at Kinpun Basecamp. From there you have to use an open truck which is normally used for hilly track up to the hermit “Yathae Hill”. It can also reach by trekking from the base camp. Porters and palanquins are available to carry luggage and pilgrims for those who are too old or weak. Overnight at Mountain Top Hotel.

D4: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon (B/L/D)

After breakfast, return to Yangon. Before proceeding on to Yangon sightseeing at Bago, the ancient Mon Capital, 80 Kilometres northeast of Yangon. Sightseeing tour highlights include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar, Shwethalyaung, the world’s most beautiful Reclining Buddha; Wood-carving industry and Kyaikpun Pagoda. On the way back to Yangon you will also visit the Allied War Cemetery at Htaukkyant. Drive back to Yangon. Overnight at Hotel.

D5: Yangon Full day excursion - Mandalay (B/L/D)

We visit the quaint YANGON OLD QUARTER, built during the British colonial era. Many charming historical buildings are still located here. During our stroll through buzzing MARKET STREETS full of merchants and food stalls, we visit a local pharmacy and learn about Myanmar traditional medicine, stop for a tea and snack in the fashion of locals, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Yangon. In the late afternoon, transfer airport from flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, dinner at local restaurant.

D6: Mandalay – Innwa – Sagaing – Amarapura (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. We transfer 15km to AVA (INWA), the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. Crossing the Myint Nge River by ferry, the small roads of Ava are explored by horse cart. We visit the BAGAYA TEAK MONASTERY, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the NANMYIN WATCHTOWER, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the MAHA AUNGMYE BONZAN MONASTERY, a 300-year old architectural wonder with graceful archways. We continue to the ANCIENT KINGDOM OF SAGAING, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the SAGAING HILLS, we can enjoy views of the hillside dotted with countless pagodas and pay a special visit to a monastery to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees. We continue to another beautiful ancient capital, AMARAPURA, famous for its textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven. Continuing to the UBEIN BRIDGE, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake, we have the option to row on the calm waters. Ubein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer’s dream.

D7: Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin (B/L/D)

Morning after breakfast, we will drive to Pyin Oo Lwin, approximately 65km/1,5hrs away from Mandalay. The tranquil beauty of the town captured the minds of the British Administration, who developed it after defeating the last king of Myanmar. Burmese know the town for the flowers, fruits, and vegetables that grow so well in its cooler climate. On the way, we stop at 21 miles, viewpoint, and Aung Chan Thar village where you can see many residence-cum-shops selling fresh fruits and vegetables from their own gardens. If you wish you can study their vegetable gardens near the houses. Sightseeing in Pyin Oo Lwin, BE waterfall and take a local carriage pulled by horses to historic Candraig hotel which was popular in the British colonial time.
Lunchtime break.Then visit the huge 237-acre Botanical Garden and return back to your hotel.

D8: Pyin Oo Lwin Train Gokhteik Viaduct – Naung Pain – Mandalay (B/L/D)

After Breakfast, transfer to Maymyo Train Station (The local train will leave about 08:00 AM then take a journey 3 hours to Naungpein village) we board a local train and journey 3 hours to Naungpein Village. Enroute, the train crawls slowly across Gokteik Bridge, the scenic highlight of the day as the bridge spans over a 300m deep gorge. The Gokhteik bridge was built in 1901 by the Pennsylvania Steel company under contract for the British. Disembark the train next station Naung Pain Village and drive back to Mandalay. Lunch break on the way back.
Overnight in Mandalay.

D9: Mandalay Fly Bagan (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we transfer to Mandalay airport for a 1hr flight to NYAUNG U/ BAGAN. Where we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. The DHAMAYAZEKA ZEDI is our first visit, providing panoramic views of the temple-studded plains of Bagan. We continue to the ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and the gold gilded SWEZIGON STUPA, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Not far from the stupa, the MYINGABA GU BYAUKGYI TEMPLE is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best-preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka re-incarnations.
Next, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in MYINGABA VILLAGE, and then visit HTILOMINLO TEMPLE to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour ends with a 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 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 temple ruins (weather permitting).

D10: Bagan – Salay – Popa - Bagan (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we begin the full day’s excursion with a drive to Salay Village (35miles/1,5hrs) and visit the 300-year-old Yoke Sone Teakwood Monastery. The monastery houses largest lacquerware Buddha image in the country and is one of the best-preserved Teak wood monasteries with intricate carvings adorning its walls and railings. Next, a 1.5 hrs drive takes us to Mount Popa, the Burmese spiritual epicentre for those who worship the pantheon of Nat spirits and martyrs. After paying respects to the Nat spirits shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, we climb the 700 and some steps leading to a pagoda on top of a volcanic plug mountain rising above the surrounding farming lands. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Bagan with a stop at local palm sugar makers hut. If lucky we might see him climbing up the palm trees to collect toddy and how the sweet juice is processed to jaggery caramel-like toddy candies.

OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER BAGAN ($290 Per person)

Imagine . . . floating over thousand-year-old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun sinks slowly behind distant mountains. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Now, Balloons over Bagan affords visitors a unique opportunity to see this ancient kingdom, as it has never been seen before. The sunrise and sunset champagne flights take off daily from October through to the end of March. ( Each person’s weight to be informed to the balloon company prior to booking).

D11: Bagan Fly Heho Pindaya – Inle (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport departure for Heho by morning scheduled flight. Arrive Heho Airport and first explore Heho Market (if Market Day of the week) where ethnic minority groups gather for trading. We join in the ubiquitous tea culture of the Myanmar people at a local tea shop, where we sample local pastry delicacies and have the choice of three types of sweet milk teas. Our drive takes 1.5 hours to cross the Shan highlands and reach the Pindaya Caves. The Cave is unique in housing thousands of Buddha images donated by Buddhist devotees alongside caverns filled with numerous stalactite formations ...with a stunning view of this charming, picturesque town. For centuries Shan artisans have been turning the bark of the mulberry tree into wonderfully textured paper and lustrous parasols. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at this traditional craft and see how they make the amazing traditional Myanmar umbrellas. We continue driving to Inle Lake for another 2.5 hours.

D12: Inle (B/L/D)

Today after breakfast, we have a full day Inle Lake explorer. On this beautiful lake, we will discover tranquil villages on stilts and floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles, Inthas fishermen with their unique one-legged rowing skills who steer their boats with incredible balance, fishing canoes using special methods for fishing and collecting seaweed, lakebed mud to make floating gardens.
We will then visit the well-known Nga Pe Chaung monastery, a simple wooden temple perched by the lake famous for its dozens of Shan Buddha statues with a lot of resident cats. Following this, there are quick visits to some traditional handicraft villages: Cheroot making the factory, boat making carpentry workshop, silk weaving factory. We finish our interesting day by taking a visit to Paungdaw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary, which contains 5 sacred Buddha images and authentic local interaction with very friendly local while driving back to Nyaung Shwe.

D13: Inle Lake – Heho – Thandwe – Ngapali Beach (B)

After early breakfast at our hotel, we head out to the airport for our short flight to Thandwe (Sandoway). On arrival, we will transfer to Ngapali – this unspoiled beach stretches over 3 km.
The rest of the day is free at our own leisure.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach.

Ngapali – Myanmar’s tropical paradise and premier beach resort

Ngapali Beach is a tropical paradise of pristine sand, clear blue waters, and groves of picturesque coconut palms. Over 10km of white sand beach runs along the Bay of Bengal, with a smattering of only a dozen or so resorts to create a sense of seclusion and hidden discovery. The limited development and the small number of visitors mean the beach never feels crowded, a dream come true for lovers of the sun, sea, and sand. Besides the usual sunbathing and swimming, leisure activities include snorkeling, sailing, scenic walks, and bike trips. Far away from tourist crowds, Ngapali Beach is still a truly undiscovered paradise. The long beach is dotted with charming boutique style resorts built in local materials, the architecture blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. There are no high rises, no noisy roads, no booming discotheques, no jet skis and no packed rows of oiled bodies baking in the sun. The stretch of white sand, natural beauty of the blue sea, swaying palm trees and quiet privacy are guaranteed ingredients of an exquisite beach holiday.

D14: Ngapali Beach (B)

Breakfast at our hotel. Rest of the day is for enjoying pristine beaches of Ngapali, relaxing in the shade of palm trees by the sea. Active visitors can choose from visiting the colourful local market in Thandwe (Sandoway), biking along the coast to surrounding villages, or hiring a boat to go fishing or sailing against the coastal backdrop of the Rakhine hills.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach.

D15: Ngapali Beach (B)

Free at leisure.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach

D16: Ngapali Beach – Thandwe – Yangon – London (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Thandwe airport to take your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, catch your connecting flight back to London.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International Flight London to Yangon and all Domestic Flights
- Accommodation in twin/double room at 4* Hotels (check in and check out around noontime)
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Tour Manager from London and Local ENGLISH speaking Guide
- All entrance fees as program
- Kyaikhtiyo Open Truck Coach ( Base camp to Hill v.visa )
- Inwa Ferry Boat and Horse Cart
- Train Ticket from Pyin Oo Lwin – Naung Pain
- Inle Lake Boat Excursion by private boat
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food)
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day (on days of transfer and sightseeing only)

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visas to Myanmar
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- Compulsory Dinner For X’mas Eve and New Year Eve at Hotel
- All not mentioned above