Myanmar is eager to share its charming reminders of colonial days and thousands of lovingly preserved pagodas with an appreciative world. Traveling by road, by air and on water; we discover why the country is often dubbed the Golden Land. Cruise journey on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River is one of life’s great travel experiences.
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.
Optional: Today you will have a unique opportunity to see the ancient city of Bagan from a different perspective. From a hot air balloon, you will get a magnificent aerial view of thousand-year-old pagodas and temples and rural villages nestled along the Irrawaddy River as you glide aloft for about an hour. A champagne celebration concludes our adventure. Return to the hotel for breakfast
Transfer to Jetty for 2 Nights Cruise on Irrawaddy River. This journey takes you into the heart of the Burmese culture. The Irrawaddy flows from north to south through the country of Myanmar. Welcome Cocktail and briefing in the Saloon or Sundeck followed by Lunch. In the late afternoon stop in typical river villages. Amazing Sunset view on the river and dinner on the cruise.
After breakfast – cruise will arrange organize shore excursion to some unique places. Return back to cruise for Lunch and some activities on board. Service is very important on board and the crew will do everything to make you feel comfortable on board and have a good rest. Dinner and performance on cruise.
Enjoy the sunrise. After an early breakfast, the passengers will disembark at Jetty in Mandalay, last capital of royal Burma, still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual centre. 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.
After breakfast drive (80 km – 2 hours) on a scenic route to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), principal hill station and summer retreat during the British colonial period, with its lovely lake, waterfalls, botanical garden and colonial era-buildings. Sightseeing in Pyin Oo Lwin starts with a visit to downtown colonial-era buildings and the central market.
Unique, brightly painted miniature stagecoaches, drawn by lively teams of horses, are waiting to carry travelers to the National Kandawgyi Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens of Maymyo. The cooler weather allows many flowers and fruits, commonly found in temperate climates, to thrive here. After lunch proceed to Peik Chin Myaung Cave, since ancient times a Buddhist shrine. Stop at a winemaking workshop before returning by road to Mandalay
Morning flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. From Heho 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
