Explore Myanmar’s charming capital city, Yangon, and take a colonial smell of it, before heading to Mandalay that features fascinating Pagodas and local handicrafts. The former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing bring you to discover different monasteries. Sightseeing in Bagan, characterized by its colourful Nyaung Oo market and diversity of pagodas.
Highlights
Wandering the wide avenues of Yangon, past ancient trees and colonial buildings
Marvel at Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital, last Burmese capital before the
British took over
Visiting ancient capitals - Ava, Amarapura and Sagaing
Visiting Bagan and getting stunning with its spectacular massive ancient temples
Day 1: Yangon
After arriving Yangon Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a full day private tour to explore the colonial heritage of one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive capitals, basking in its unique spiritual atmosphere. We will drive through the city and stop at China town and India quarter to take a stroll to get a sense of the city - not just its wide boulevards and British colonial architecture - but the small alleys and byways lined with shops and stalls. Stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares - some familiar, some exotic. The tour continues to Chauk Htat Kyi, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa that Rudyard Kipling called "a golden mystery...a beautiful twinkling wonder." At the pagoda we observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda.
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay – Amarapura -Saging
Transfer to the airport for your flight to legendary Mandalay, a city of great cultural importance. It was the last Burmese capital before the British took over and moved the capital to Yangon. Upon arrive in Mandalay visit a 200-year-old teak bridge and famous Buddhist monastery, home to over 1000 monks.
This afternoon visit the second most sacred image in Myanmar next to the Shwedagon Pagoda is the Mahamuni Pagoda. Next visit Golden palace Monastery famous for its intricate woodcarvings. Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the world largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Then climb up to the Mandalay Hill and see the best view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay hill as the sun slowly sets.
Day 3: Mandalay - The Irrawaddy – Mingun
You cannot leave this enchanting country without getting to know its heart and soul - the magical Irrawaddy River. Boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun is about 11 km (one hour each way) upriver from Mandalay. Visit the Mingun Bell, weighing 87 tons and being the world's largest intact bronze bell, the unfinished Mingun Paya (built with the intention of being the world's biggest pagoda). After lunch, back to Mandalay.
Day 4: Bagan
After breakfast, fly to Bagan considered one of the greatest sights of Asia! Located on the lush delta plain, Bagan was once a great royal city with over 13,000 temples. Although the majority of the temples have been destroyed, ancient temples still dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of temples and pagodas, from simple to magnificent, spread over 40 square kilometers. Begin our exploration of Bagan by visiting a busy local market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan and continuing with visits to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples such as Ananda Temple, one of the largest, best preserved, and most revered temples in Bagan. Also visit a local lacquerware workshop, where we watch men and women ply their craft using traditional methods. Mid-afternoon enjoy lunch by the pool before venturing out again for our afternoon walk. We end our walk by climbing to the top of the Temple for sunset views. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.
Day 5: Bagan & Villages
Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting Phwar Saw Village. This village is a perfect example of how locals live, but most importantly you will be able to see the intimacy of the villagers toward one another, and any foreign guests. We will visit local home and observe their daily home cooking style. Late afternoon fly back to Yangon.
Day 6: Yangon - Departure
After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight.
* The itinerary above is designed to give you a flavor of what is possible and can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. This is simply a suggested itinerary, and can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests.
