Myanmar’s diversity of attractions is promising to sustain tourism interest and keep visitors to explore beyond the “classic four” of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. Beside classic four this tour covers: Mt. Popa (2,500 feet off the ground on a massive volcanic formation in central Myanmar.) – Monywa (town on Chindwin River and has the second-tallest statue in the world) – – Kalaw (British colonial hill station) plus smaller towns/villages.
Upon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Enjoy private tour and drive through 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. Learn about the fascinating history of the city as well as get a taste for the more modern side of the city.
Then visit famous Reclining Buddha Pagoda, 70-meter long, and the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. In the late afternoon set off to see the sunset at the breathtaking Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful sacred sites in all of Myanmar. The exterior of the stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold slabs, its tip set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and topaz. A huge emerald sits in the middle to catch the first and last rays of the sun. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda.
Morning flight to Bagan. Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. You will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples.
This afternoon – visit to the traditional lacquer ware workshop to observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from one of the elevated viewpoint. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.
After breakfast drive (45 km drive)to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views, 4981 feet above sea level. Here you will see the colorful image of all the 37 Nats (Spirits). 777 steps lead up to the Buddhist shrine place on the top of the Popa peak. On the top of mountain there are monasteries, pagoda and shrines indifferent style. After lunch back to Bagan in the afternoon.
More than just temples, our tour introduces you to provide a great overview of Bagan’s history, culture and local lifestyles. Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan to view the local lifestyle. Continue sightseeing around Bagan and surroundings.
In the late afternoon – transfer to jetty where a private wooden river boat is waiting. Sitting under the shade or on the open-deck you’ll be treated to fabulous views as you cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Shwezigon Pagoda. A private boat tour on the river during sunset time will hopefully show you a spectacular sunset. Relax and enjoy the scenery.
After breakfast drive from Bagan to Pakkoku (about an hour drive) , an un-spoiled small town famous as a tobacco trading centre and for its weaving shops. This journey is interesting because you see all types of local villages. Arrive Pakokku and visit the local market and see genuine indigenous regional open-air market. Then continue drive (approx. 2-3 hrs) to Monywa. Arrival Monywa and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.
After brekfast visit Thanboddhay Pagoda. Inside you will see thousands of Buddha images (reportedly over 500,000) decorating every wall, archway and niche. Then visit Laykyun Setkyar Buddha towers, the second tallest in the world. Then visit Pho Win Daung temple (approx: 1 hour) where more than 450,000 sandstone Buddha’s were carved in the hillsides in caves, alcoves, or tiny niches. The cave murals are still intact with indigo blues and soft pastels.. After that drive to Mandalay (2-3 hours drive). Overnight in Mandalay.
This morning visit to Mahamuni– the pagoda, one of the country’s most revered Buddha images in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen. Visit local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, tapestries, woodcarving and marble carving. Many of the techniques used to create these have remained unchanged for those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.
In the afternoon visit the beautiful Golden palace teak monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.
Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as “the world’s biggest book” due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Before sunset visit a 200-year-old teak bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge built by Mayor U-Bein, one of the most photogenic sights of the country and not to be missed.
Morning flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. From Heho drive about an hour to Kalaw, an old hill station with a laid back atmosphere, refreshing climate and scenic views. Sightseeing around this charming town – Kalaw has a few relics of crumbling British colonial architecture. If interested visit tribal villages nearby.
After breakfast visit Kalaw local market then drive about an hour to Nyaung Shwe city Jetty where we pick our wooden boat & transfer to your hotel for check in. Enjoy the full day tour by private boat across the lake, passing through villages with stilted houses and floating gardens. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way.
Proceed to Inn Paw Khone Village, meeting with residents to witness the traditional silk-weaving techniques with the stems of lotus flowers. Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages where you interact with locals, immersing yourself in village life.
After breakfast begin your day with a visit to the market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits to come and sell local products. We continue sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat though long, scenic channels. We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls. We will visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.
Morning flight back to Yangon. Drive through the city and observe the influences of diversity other cultures in the region: St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and over 120 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land. Then walk around Little India and Chinatown – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic.
Then enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 90-year-old Market (closed on Monday and public holidays). At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere!
After breakfast – day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight.
This private tour can be arranged for single traveler, couple, family and group tour. Prices vary according to hotel standard, when you travel, how many people you travel with, the level of private guiding required and the overall arrangements. We can easily customize the itinerary based on your budget, interests and schedule. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements
