CIRCUIT: THE GREATEST TREASURES OF MYANMAR

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Yangon

  Welcome to Yangon! You will be greeted by your guide, who will accompany you during your transfer to your hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a charming and peaceful city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes this city one of the most fascinating places in Southeast Asia. Although Yangon is no longer the official capital of the country, it remains one of the most dynamic cities in Myanmar. After lunch, we will visit the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi offers a good insight into Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of the Buddha. You will observe the statue's feet, carved with traditional symbols, and will often notice many locals coming here to pay their respects and pray. Then continue to a local tea shop to have the chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Choose from a range of snacks and enjoy a tea (or a coffee) while you sit among businessmen, friends, and families who gather at the tea shop to chat or talk business. Next, your guided tour takes you to Kandawgyi Park, one of the greenest places in downtown Yangon. Here, you will admire the sparkling Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, with the vast lake and the view of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the background. Depending on the day of your visit, Kandawgyi Park may be lively with local families who come here on weekends to relax and enjoy the fresh and invigorating air. From there, continue to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma. Although the origins of the pagoda are not clearly defined, local legend has it that the original structure was built about 2500 years ago, then renovated several times until it took its current form in the 15th century. The central eight-sided stupa, gilded with gold leaf, is 99 meters high and is surrounded by 64 small stupas. Your guide will show you around this massive and spectacular complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Then enjoy a breathtaking view of the golden stupa. Distances and travel time: To Yangon airport from downtown Yangon (20 km): 30 - 60 minutes Meals: NONE

• day 2

  YANGON - KYAIKHTIYO - GOLDEN ROCK

  Departure from Yangon early this morning for a trip to Kyaikhtiyo and the Golden Rock. Late in the morning, arrival at the Kyaiktiyo base camp (about 4/5 hours). Then, travel on the back platform of a truck along a winding route (45 minutes), followed by a short five-minute walk around the Golden Rock. This is a huge rock covered with gold leaf, delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. According to tradition, the rock was placed here by two "nats" (spirits) 2,500 years ago; it is said to be held in place by a single thread, one of the Buddha's hairs. The Golden Rock is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, and many Buddhists from across the country come here to pay homage. Overnight near the Golden Rock. Distances and travel time: Yangon-Kyaikhtiyo (167 km): 4h Meals: Breakfast

• day 3

  KYAIKHTIYO - BAGO - YANGON

  This morning, you can choose to enjoy the Golden Rock again to marvel at the sunrise, casting its first rays on the sacred rock. Certainly, a magical moment! Shortly before dawn, local pilgrims gather at the rock to make offerings in peaceful morning solitude. Return to the base camp by the same route on foot and on the back of a truck platform. Then, drive to Bago, the former capital of the Mon kingdom. Your visit to Bago begins at the local market for a short walk among the colorful stalls offering flowers, produce, and spices. Next, we visit the Shwethalyaung Temple, which houses a spectacular 55-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, as well as the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda is one of the most revered in Myanmar, reaching a height of 114 meters, and is therefore taller than the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards, visit a nearby Mon village, a beautiful, calm, and typical rural village. This place and its surroundings were once famous for the art of weaving, but since then, only a few traditional looms have ultimately endured. On the way back to Yangon, stop at the Taukkyan War Cemetery, near Taukkyan. This beautiful, peaceful military cemetery is the eternal resting place for more than 27,000 Commonwealth allied soldiers. Overnight in Yangon. Distances and travel times: Yangon-Bago (80 km): 2h Meals: Breakfast

• day 4

  YANGON - HEHO – INLE LAKE

  After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Oo airport for a flight to Heho. From Heho, drive for an hour through remarkable panoramas. You will arrive at Nyaung Shwe, the village that serves as the gateway to Inle Lake. On the way, stop at the Shwe Yan Pyay wooden monastery, which features beautiful carvings and a remarkable collection of Buddha images. Upon reaching the shores of Inle Lake, you will board a private motorboat. The fabulous and mystical Inle Lake is one of the most spectacular sites in Myanmar. Pass by villages built on stilts, inhabited by the local Inthar tribe. Observe the fishermen rowing with their legs and admire their incredible floating gardens, built on the water and firmly anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Continue to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the main sanctuary of the lake, which houses five magnificent sacred Buddha statues, covered in gold leaf. Optional activity: Prepare your lunch with a local family. This cooking class is a fun and interesting way to learn more about the traditional flavors and preparation techniques of Burmese cuisine. Join a local Inthar family in their kitchen to prepare typical local dishes, then enjoy these delicious foods sitting together as a family! Minimum 2 people. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, typical Burmese cigars made by hand. If time permits, enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages. Overnight on Inle Lake. Distances and travel times: From Heho airport to Nyaung Shwe (28 km): 45 minutes From Nyaung Shwe jetty to the hotel on Inle Lake (10 - 20 km): 30 - 60 min Meals: Breakfast

• day 5

  INLE LAKE - IN DEIN - INLE LAKE

  After breakfast, morning visit to the amazing "5-day market." Here, at Inle Lake, the markets operate on a 5-day cycle. In addition to the local Inthar people, a few women from tribes such as Pa'O and Pa Laung can also be seen at the market, selling their agricultural products, then returning to their mountain villages with the necessary purchases for their households. This is another great opportunity to take photos! (Note: the market takes place every day except on the day of the new moon and the day of the full moon.) In the middle of the lake, we will take a small canal leading to the Pa'O village of InDein. Discover the surroundings, stroll through the village and explore the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Here, you can climb the covered staircase to the top of a hill covered with picturesque ancient stupas, offering a magnificent view of the lake. After enjoying your visit to InDein, return to your boat. Continue along the lake for some additional sightseeing before returning to your hotel this afternoon. Overnight at Inle Lake. Meals: Breakfast

• day 6

  INLE LAKE - HEHO - MANDALAY

  Optional Activity: Biking and Wine Tasting Bike ride from Nyaung Shwe to the "Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery", a vineyard nestled in the Shan hills. The ride takes you along flat and peaceful roads (about 5-10 km depending on the location of the hotel). You will have the opportunity to see typical farms and villages. Upon arrival at the winery, enjoy a tour followed by an optional tasting of local wine. Return by bike to your hotel or join your car for the transfer to the airport. (Note: Maximum 10 people due to the availability of bikes) Around noon, transfer to Heho airport for the flight to Mandalay (about 1h30 flight). Upon arrival, your car and guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel (about 1 hour). Overnight in Mandalay. Distances and travel time: from Mandalay airport to downtown Mandalay (41 km): 60 minutes Meals: Breakfast

• day 7

  MANDALAY - SAGAING - AVA - AMARAPURA - MANDALAY

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the ancient capitals of Ava, Sagaing, and Amarapura. This morning, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Lined with more than 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is considered the religious center of Burma. It is home to more than 3,000 monks and over a hundred meditation centers. You will visit the most remarkable pagodas, such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. We will also explore the local Sagaing market, a typically Burmese market that few tourists visit. You will find a wide range of items for sale, including local pottery, silverware, and other beautiful handicrafts. We will also stop in a small potters' village to observe the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar. Next, continue south to the city of Ava, the capital from the 14th to the 18th century, where a short ferry ride will take us across the river to where your means of transport await. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. Many small villages are located among the ruins of Ava and, during the carriage ride, you will have plenty of time to observe local life in the Burmese countryside. Return to the city, then head down to Amarapura, a former capital whose name means "City of Immortality." First, visit a remarkable silk weaving workshop, which produces exquisitely fine handmade products. After visiting this peaceful site, continue towards the famous U Bein Bridge for a walk along this two-century-old teak bridge. It was built with teak columns salvaged from the old Inwa Palace, when the capital was moved from Amarapura to Mandalay. It consists of 1,086 beams and measures 1,200 meters, making it the longest teak bridge in the world. Enjoy a walk along this extraordinary bridge and admire the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and waterways. Return to Mandalay in the afternoon. Overnight in Mandalay. Distances and travel time: Mandalay-Amarapura (13 km): 30 minutes Mandalay-Sagaing (21 km): 50 minutes Meals: Breakfast

• day 8

  MANDALAY - MINGUN - MANDALAY

  After breakfast, transfer to the Mandalay jetty and board a private local boat for a one-hour cruise on the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Visit the main sites of Mingun, starting with the famous Mingun Pahtodawgyi. This colossal brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted that the king would die if the work was completed. In the 1800s, an earthquake left several large cracks in the structure. Continue your visit to the sublime white Hsinbyume Pagoda, whose distinctive style is said to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Buddhist mythology. Next, we will go to see the colossal Mingun Bell, which weighs 90 tons and is considered the largest uncracked bell in the world. Return to Mandalay by boat, enjoying a lunch served on board on the way back to the city. Then, visit the Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the most revered representations of the Buddha in the whole country. Covered daily with gold leaf, the years have given it a very particular grainy texture. Mandalay is well known for the quality of its craftsmen and, by visiting the traditional workshops, you will learn a lot about the city's craft industries. You will have the opportunity to observe the production of wood carvings, traditional embroidered Kalaga tapestries, and the delicate production of gold leaf. These techniques have remained identical to those used for Royal Court handicrafts, centuries ago. Optional activity: Make your own puppet! Join local artisans in their workshop to create your own unique puppet. Along the way, learn more about the local culture and create a memorable personalized souvenir! Continue your visit of Mandalay with a visit to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, erected in 1857. This pagoda is very famous for housing what can be considered the largest book in the world. Indeed, the pagoda and its 729 small pagodas form a gigantic book! Each small pagoda contains a page of the Tripitaka, a collection of Theravada Buddhist canons. Then continue to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining 19th-century building from the Royal Palace. This large teak building is renowned for its exquisite woodcarving. If you wish, you can head up Mandalay Hill to enjoy the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay. Meals: Breakfast

• day 9

  MANDALAY - MONYWA

  This morning, departure from Mandalay for a 3-hour journey to Monywa, a typical Burmese town located on the banks of the Chindwin River. You will stop along the way to stretch your legs and take the opportunity to take some photos. We will reach Monywa at noon and proceed to check in at the hotel. Take some time to freshen up before starting your tour around Monywa. (Lunch will be at the hotel or in town, at your own expense.) This afternoon begins with a visit to the Thanboddhay Pagoda, a colossal Buddhist temple decorated inside with more than 500,000 images of the Buddha. There will also be a stop at the Boditahtaung Pagoda, which houses the largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar, measuring over 100 m long and 27 m high. Nearby is the world's tallest standing Buddha, Laykyun Setkyar, with its 129 m height. After exploring the sites and landscapes of Monywa, we will then head to the riverbanks to admire the sunset. Return to your hotel this evening. Overnight in Monywa. Distances and travel time: Mandalay-Monywa (100 km): 3 h Meals: Breakfast

• day 10

  MONYWA - PO WIN TAUNG - PAKKOKU - BAGAN

  Departure after breakfast from Monywa to Po Win Taung (about 1 hour). This extraordinary complex consists of 947 sandstone caves carved into the hills and contains what archaeologists consider to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddhist statues in Southeast Asia. After visiting Po Win Taung, we continue a few hundred meters to Shwe Ba Taung. Take the time to explore this very interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved into narrow rocky cliffs. We will then take a less traveled path for about 1h30, passing through traditional villages where you can see farmers climbing palm trees to extract the juice from which they produce palm sugar. Stop at the village of Kiet Su Kin for the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle and culture of the rural inhabitants. Next, you will head to Pakokku (1 hour), arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense). You will then go to the Pakokku docks and board a local private boat for a two-hour cruise towards Bagan. After reaching the banks of Bagan, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bagan. Distances and travel time: Monywa - Po Win Taung (24 km): 45 minutes Monywa - Pakokku (86 km): 1h30 Pakokku - Bagan (42 km): 2h Meals: Breakfast

• day 11

  BAGAN

  Today's excursion will take you to visit a wide range of absolutely remarkable places, offering an excellent overview of the history, culture, and ways of life in Bagan. The journey begins at a temple located on high ground, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. It is a perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan's architecture. Then, you continue to the Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan, which enjoys a pleasant calm in the morning before all the buses arrive. Next, we will go to the village of Myinkaba and the Gubyaukgyi Temple, renowned for its beautiful murals on the interior walls and its well-preserved plaster carvings on the exterior. Nearby are the Manuha Temple and the Nan Paya Temple, two small temples with beautiful Buddha statues and interesting stonework. Afterwards, to learn more about local crafts, you will visit two workshops that produce Bagan's most famous items: woodcraft and lacquerware. Observe how artisans use techniques passed down from generation to generation to create dazzling objects. It will then be time to take a break for lunch and return to your hotel to enjoy a short rest, to escape the scorching heat of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon, you will take a horse-drawn carriage excursion across the plains. There you can admire many grand monuments, observe life in the fields and traditional dwellings. Finally, stop at a high temple and climb to its top to admire an unforgettable sunset over the majestic plains of Bagan. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Bagan. Meals: Breakfast

• day 12

  BAGAN – OPTIONAL TRIP

  Today, we offer you the choice of three excursions: - The legendary SweDaw La Su excursion: Discover one of Bagan's most famous legends, following in the footsteps of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant. By boat, car, and jeep, visit four sumptuous sites and travel through rural villages that bring the legend to life, while having the opportunity to observe local Burmese life. - The Mount Popa & Salay excursion: Take a break from the temple tour in Bagan to visit Mount Popa and Salay. Start with a visit to Chauk to explore the fabulous morning market, very lively and bustling, where locals buy and sell their products. Then continue to the village of Salay, an important Buddhist center, and visit its breathtaking wooden monastery, an imposing and wonderful solid wood construction. Head east and cross the countryside to reach Mount Popa, an extinct volcano considered the home of the "Nats", ancestral spirits revered by the Burmese. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside before heading back down to Bagan. (Note: Salay Monastery Museum closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays) - The cycling and community excursion: Discover rural Myanmar, its culture and traditions, by bike. Ride through temples and villages, stopping to enjoy a good tea and chat with the charming people of the country. After lunch in a local curry restaurant, continue to Nyaung U. Join the locals in a tea shop, observe the production of Bagan specialties (such as pea paste powder and plum jam) and watch the artisans at work. Overnight in Bagan. Meals: Breakfast

• day 13

  BAGAN - YANGON

  This morning, transfer to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you and take care of your transfer to your hotel for check-in. After freshening up, head to the city center and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historic buildings, many of which have a unique retro colonial charm in Asia. You will start at the post office, a lovely historic building, then walk to Sule Paya, in the heart of downtown, passing by the Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden, and the Independence Monument along the way. Next, visit the Little India and Chinatown districts, colorful mosaics of restaurants, temples, and markets. Then head to Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott Market, where it will be time to browse the dozens of stalls and shops. This is the best market in Yangon for handicrafts and other products. (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and public holidays.) Overnight in Yangon. Meals: Breakfast.

• day 14

  DEPARTURE FROM YANGON

  Today, free time until the transfer to the airport for your flight. If you have time, we suggest joining one of our (optional) excursions. Yangon Circular Train: You will be transferred to Yangon station to take the circular train to the outskirts of the city (20-30 minutes). As the train moves slowly, this gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the Burmese countryside people. Disembark to visit the KyiMyinDaing market, where a variety of street vendors offer all kinds of colorful products. Enjoy exploring the market to meet the friendly locals before returning by road to Yangon. Blessings Trail: Discover the rich mix of cultures and religions in Yangon with this half-day walking tour. Visit Hindu temples, synagogues, churches, and mosques, as well as unique Burmese spiritual sites, including Nat shrines. Along the way, we will also explore colorful markets, tea shops, and other lively local sites in the downtown area. Yangon for Foodies: Passport to Burmese gastronomy and culture with our half-day guided tour "Yangon for Foodies"! Visit some of the city's best fresh produce markets, taste delicious local pastries, sip a cup of tea with locals in a tea shop, and enjoy a traditional curry lunch. From delicious fried donuts to the unusual fermented tea leaf salad, you will have the opportunity to try it all! Pilgrimage Tour: Follow the path of a Yangon legend that stretches over 2000 years with our pilgrimage tour. Explore three stupas where, many years ago, sacred relics of the Buddha, brought back from India, were enshrined by two Mon merchant brothers. Join local pilgrims on this fascinating spiritual journey. (Note: although this program visits the Shwedagon Pagoda again, which we will visit in the morning during activities, please note that the atmosphere is very different in the evening.) Art Gallery Tour: Discover traditional and modern Burmese art with a guided tour of Yangon's art scene. Visit a selection of local galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and photographs by famous art pioneers and emerging young artists. Enjoy a cocktail at the Memories Restaurant House, a historic building once used as the headquarters of the country's independence movement and housing many relics from that era, including the famous typewriter of General Aung San. Meals: Breakfast