Travel In Myanmar

We meet you on arrival at Yangon International Airport and transfer you to the domestic airport for your connecting flight to Nyaung U. On arrival in Bagan, the tour begins. There are thousands of ancient monuments, so our local guide plans the time to see the most interesting pagodas and temples: Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century, and Ananda Temple, with four large standing Buddha images and numerous seated figures in niches around the galleried interior. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Bagan.

After breakfast at the hotel, you visit the local market and Lawkananda Pagoda on the Ayeyarwady River, Bupaya Pagoda or Mingalazedi Stupa, and Upali Thein. You continue to Htilominlo Temple, known for its plaster carvings; Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest building on the Bagan plain; Manuha, the temple of King Manuha; Dhammayangyi Temple, the most massive temple; and other sites. You then go to Shwesandaw Pagoda to watch the sunset and take photographs from the upper platform of the old temple. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Bagan.

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to Nyaung U airport for the domestic flight to Mandalay. On arrival in Mandalay you begin a full sightseeing tour, including Mahamuni Pagoda, with its Buddha image covered in thick layers of gold leaf; Shwe In Bin, one of the finest monasteries in the country; Shwe Nandaw Kyaung, the Golden Palace Monastery, a fine example of a traditional wooden building; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world's largest book, with 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. You watch the sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill, with views over Mandalay city and the Shan Plateau. You then drive to Amarapura, 11 km south of Mandalay, an ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty from 1783. You visit Maha Gandayon Monastery, a well-known monastic school, and U Bein Bridge, a 2 km wooden bridge across Taungthaman Lake. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mandalay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you visit the former royal capital of Inwa (Ava), around 20 km from Mandalay. You see the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the remains of the ancient palace buildings, also known as the Leaning Tower of Ava; Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, built of brick and stucco; and Bagaya Monastery, known for its ornate woodcarvings and teak posts. In Sagaing you visit several rural villages on the way. These typical Myanmar villages are known mainly for their cottage industry (bankon). You then visit Sagaing Hill before returning to Mandalay by car. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Mandalay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to Mandalay airport for the flight to Heho. Our guide meets you and you begin a boat trip on Inle Lake, where you see the well-known leg-rowers, the floating gardens, local fishing methods and village life. You visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and other sights. Dinner and overnight at a hotel at Inle Lake.

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon. The sightseeing tour includes the old colonial city centre and Sule Pagoda, the landmark of the city centre. This octagonal pagoda, 46 metres high, stands in the heart of Yangon and enshrines a hair of the Buddha; it is said to be 2,000 years old. You then make an extended visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world's most impressive religious monuments. Its golden dome rises 98 metres above its base and is covered with 60 tonnes of pure gold. The tour continues to Chaukhtatgyi, a very large reclining Buddha image, followed by Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on Mondays), with hundreds of shops, and a visit to a gem shop. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a hotel in Yangon.

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer in the morning to Yangon International Airport for your departure.