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Yangon / Golden Rock / Bagan / Mandalay / Pindaya / Inle Lake / Mrauk U / Yangon
16-Day / 15-Night
Highlights:
Experience the grand of Myanmar to the most
fascinating and picturesque destinations such as angon, the modern gateway, is a
must to visit for unique splendor of architecture around Shwedagon pagoda. some
dating back to the 14th century, the magic Golden Rock Pagoda or Kyaikhtiyo, as
major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, on top of the mountains surrounded
by tropical forests, Bagan, most important archeological site, its historic
attractions dated back to early 11 century, where thousands of Buddhist
monuments still well being restored, Mandalay, the last Myanmar royal capital as
well as cultural center of the country with many different well-preserved items
of local crafts, Pindaya, a small quiet town perched on the bank of the placid
Botoloke Lake; after that Inle Lake for the serenity and magnificent landscapes
amidst mountain ranges in Shan State in the East and Mrauk U, once the capital
of the powerful Rakhine Kings.
Details Itinerary:
Day 1. Yangon
Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and
transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. If you arrived by mid day
flight, we may proceed for lunch. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon,
a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and
high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd
century is a landmark in the city centre. late afternoon visit the magnificent
Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred
places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the
stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as
the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2. Yangon – Golden Rock by car
Early morning drive to Kyaikhtiyo, passing the World War II War Cemetery,
dedicated to the 27,000 Commonwealth Forces who died in Burma. Upon arrival at
the base camp, transfer to a special open truck for uphill toward the second
base camp and take a light trekking to the Golden Rock along the twisting
footpath through bamboo forest. At the summit is a small Pagoda insignificant in
size but unique for its position. The rock is completely covered by gold leaf
and delicately balanced on the edged of the cliff. Marvel the sunset on hilltop
and watch the evening activities at the shrine of the local pilgrimages before
descent trek to the Golden Rock Hotel for overnight.
Day 3. Golden Rock – Yangon by car
After breakfast, leave your hotel to take a downhill ride by special open
truck to the base camp where your private car is awaiting for you. Drive back to
Yangon via Bago. On the way, visit the cashew nut, rubber plantation and the
nearby an orphanage house. Make a short visit of Bago town tour including local
market; Shwetharlyaung, 55 meters long reclining Buddha Image and Shwemawdaw
Pagoda, its spire is even taller than the great Shwedagon Pagoda. Return to
Yangon through rural landscape of rice fields and small villages. Overnight at
the hotel in Yangon.
Day 4. Yangon – Bagan by flight
This morning we head for the airport to get the early morning flight to Bagan.
Check into the hotel and depart for a sightseeing excursion around the Bagan
Archaeological Zone World Heritage Area. A comprehensive exploration of Bagan
includes Nyaung Oo market; Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype of later Myanmar
stupas; Kyansittha Umin; Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple with exquisite mural
painting of 13th century and Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, after a visit
to lacquer ware workshops; continue to Manuha Temple built by exile King Manuha;
Nanphaya, said to have been the residence of King Manuha; Ananda Temple,
architectural masterpiece and Oak-Kyaung monastery decorated with multi colour
mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan.
Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 5. Bagan – Mt. Popa – Bagan
This morning, we will be watching sunrise over Bagan (optional) and back to
hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at hotel, we head to Mt. Popa about 48 km
south east of Bagan. Mt. Popa, known as the abode of Nats (spirits) - a
collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honoured by some Myanmar people
and the nat museum, which houses 37 life-size nat statues sculpted from teak.
It's time to climb for 777 steps to the summit. Proceed to Popa Mountain Resort
( 1hr drive ) for our lunch. The restaurant offer a great view to the Popa
summit that stands straight from the central plain. After lunch, return drive
back to Bagan. On the way back, enroute stop at village cottage industry to
learn the regional product as well as to watch the collection of juice from the
palm trees, and its conversion to brown sugar. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 6. Bagan – Mandalay by flight
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nyaun U airport for flight to Mandalay.
When you arrive at Mandalay airport, drive to ancient capital of Amarapura, the
city of Immortality for a visit to Bagaya Monastery with a famous collection of
Buddha images; weaving industries, two-century old U-Bein teak bridge on the
Taungtaman Lake and observe the lunch process of thousand of monks who take
their last meal of the day at 10:00 am in total silence. Proceed to Mandalay and
check in at the hotel. After refreshment, you will take a sightseeing tour of
Mandalay which includes Mahanumi, a life like Buddha image. Mandalay is the last
capital of Myanmar and that make her to be the best place to see all the
traditional arts and crafts. Start visiting gold leaf making work-place and see
how the gold leaf is being made by hand in a traditional way. Continue visit the
Old Palace grounds; Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world's largest book for its
729 marble slabs inscribed with the Buddha's Doctrine; Golden Palace Monastery,
noted for its exquisite wood carvings and enjoy the panoramic view of the city
from Mandalay Hill. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. Mandalay – Mingun – Inwa(Ava) - Mandalay
After breakfast, you will be transferred for Jetty for a private boat across
the river Ayeywarwaddy to visit Mingun. The dedications of King Bodawpaya such
as the unfinished Pathodawgyi Pagoda a brick counterpart of pyramid in Egypt and
the Mingun Bell, the second largest bell in the world are the most prominent
religious heritages. Then visiting the Myatheintan Pagoda, the best
representation of the Universe, will refresh your tiredness and fatigue. Return
to Mandalay After lunch, drive to Ava, 30-minute to the south of Mandalay, was
known in the west as the Kingdom of Ava. Stop by a tributary and cross it with a
ferry. Travel by pony-cart around Ava to Nanmyint leaning tower which gives a
birds' eye view of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River; Bagaya wooden monastery;
Aungmyaybonza Monastery made of brick and stucco. Though the Royal Palace has
gone, the Pagodas, Temples and Monasteries still remain. Return drive to
Mandalay and see the silversmith work place on our way back to hotel. Overnight
at the hotel in Mandalay.
Day 8. Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya by flight & car & boat
After breakfast, depart the hotel for flight to Heho on the Shan plateau.
Upon arrival, transfer by road to Pindaya (60km) about 90 minutes drive. After
check in at hotel, make an excursion to the caves which houses over 8,000 Buddha
Images of various sizes, made from teak, lacquer, marble, alabaster and cement.
In the afternoon, explore the district for it's famous traditional paper &
umbrella making home base cottage industry. Overnight at the hotel in Pindaya.
Day 9. Pindaya – Inle Lake by car
After breakfast at hotel, we are transferring by road to Inle Lake. We have a
leisurely morning to make our way down into the Inle basin and by “long-tail”
boat out across the lake to our Hotel right on the Inle Lake. In the afternoon,
we plan to spend the day visiting villages and sampling the spectacular array of
traditional handicrafts. You will see the unique method locals use to row their
boats, fishermen with their own style of fishing, floating farms and gardens and
a handloom weaving cottage with its own showroom. You will visit Phaungdawoo
Pagoda which houses the five most revered Buddha Images in the southern Shan
State. Overnight at the hotel on Inle Lake.
Day 10. Inle Lake boat excursions
After breakfast at the hotel, visit floating market which is a 5day rotation
market most fascinating to watch the daily life of the minorities and their
activities. Continue our excursion by motorized boat to Indein pagoda complex,
in the south-west of the lake. The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow
canal with a beautiful natural environment to continue to a small Pa O tribe
village. From the village, follow an old covered path to a 13th century
monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some
hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers
breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the
lake in the far distance. Return to your hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11. Inle Lake – Heho – Sittwe – Mrauk U (via Thandwe or Yangon)
We are heading back down country today to return to the airport at Heho for
our flight to Sittwe via Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon, connect your flight to
Sittwe. When you arrive at Sittwe, transfer to jetty to board a simple boat for
70 km (6 hours) up-river cruise to the ancient capital of Mrauk U with the view
of sunset. Upon arrival in Mrauk U, transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel in
Mrauk U.
Day 12. Mrauk U
After breakfast at hotel, sightseeing of ancient city includes remains of
walls, gateways and the unusual 16th century temples such as the maze-like
Shittaung Pagoda, Andaw Thein and Htukkan Thein Temples. Afternoon visit roofing
sheet making cottage with leaf of "Ra Own" tree, Toddy palm juice producing shop
and Rakhine traditional bronze Buddha Statue casting and stone carving workshop.
Enjoy sunset at Shwe Taung hill with overview of the Mrauk U city. Overnight at
the hotel in Mrauk U.
Day 13. Mrauk U
Head out by road to Sin Oh village through colorful paddy field. Villages in
this region are hidden under the trees of lemon, mango, lychee, etc. Farm of
corn, peanut, watermelon are fully grown on the fertilized soil of the river
bank. A boat trip to Kritchaung with the view of sunrise and breakfast on the
boat may be an unforgettable experience. Visit to a tattooed woman house and
observe the way she works, getting a basket of rice from paddy. Proceed to Sin
Gay, a bamboo-producing village. En route, you can experience the meandering
river like a snake, 90 degree vertical up right standing mountains, flying
birds, crystal clear water with pebbles and fishes. Picnic lunch in a bamboo
house in Sin Gay village and back to Mrauk U with the sunset on the river.
Overnight in Mrauk U.
Day 14. Mrauk U – Sittwe – Yangon ( by flight )
Early morning, depart Mrauk U by your private boat and enjoy down river
journey to Sittwe. Upon arrival, transfer to Sittwe airport for your return
flight to Yangon. Arrive Yangon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the
hotel in Yangon.
Day 15. Yangon
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Yangon cityscape. Tour
highlights include Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the
“pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Schwedagon
Pagoda; ; Chaukhtutgyi, a huge reclining Buddha image and National Museum where
precious collections are displayed. After lunch, visit to non-touristic site of
local glass making factory and we plan to visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market
(Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 16. Yangon Departure
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon International
airport for your return international departure flight.
Price in US$
per person: US$
Service includes:
- Hotel accommodation with twin room basic (all night
including breakfast)
- All transfer & sightseeing by air conditioned car with
driver service.
- Domestic flight tickets as mentioned in the programme.
- Entrance fees according to itinerary
- English Speaking as mentioned in the itinerary
Service excludes:
- International flight
- Visa fee
- Airport Tax (USD 10 per person)
- Meal (lunch/Dinner) according to the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expense
Hotel list for
Three Star Standard
- Yangon: Yuzana Garden
(*** Deluxe room)
www.yuzanahotels.com
-
Kyaikhtiyo:
Sein Lei Tin (***)
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Pindaya: Inle Inn
(***)
- Bagan: Kaytumadi Dynasty
(***, Superior)
www.kaytumadi.com
- Mandalay: Sein Sein
Hotel (*** local standard, Superior room)
- Inle Lake:
Amazing Nyaung Shwe
(***),
http://www.amazing-hotel.com
- Mrauk U: Nawarat Hotel
(***)
-
Sittwe: Shwe Thazin
Hotel (***)
Hotel list for
Four Star Standard
Hotel list for
Five Star Standard
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