Myanmar continues to capture the hearts and minds of travellers. Its unique ambience harks back to more tranquil times. Ox-drawn carts trundle along dusty roads, monks worship at revered shrines and the charming locals greet travellers with warm and generous smiles. Enjoy comfortable and stylish accommodation as you explore all the country has to offer.
Day 1 – Arrive Yangon
Arrive at Yangon International airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure after checking in.
Stay two nights at The Strand Hotel (superior suite) in Yangon.
Day 2 – Yangon
Visit beautiful Kandawgyi Lake with the huge mythical birds of the Karaweik Barge in prominent view. On to Botataung Pagoda, located on Yangon harbour, where you will see many ancient Buddhist relics and artifacts. Then continue to Scott Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays). Built in 1926, this sprawling complex is filled with goods and handicrafts of Myanmar and is an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree. Afternoon sightseeing includes the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatgyi, and the National Museum (closed on Mondays and public holidays). End the day with a visit to the awe inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda. (B)
Day 3 – Yangon to Mandalay
Take a morning flight to Mandalay and upon arrival transfer from the airport toward Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom and a city rich in history and culture. Stop on the way at the ancient royal capital of Amarapura (a capital twice during the Konbaung period), and enjoy a walk on U Bein Bridge which stretches 1.2 kilometers over Lake Taungtaman. Built around 1850, it is the oldest and longest teakwood span in the world. Stroll in the vicinity of U Bein Bridge to see traditional silk and cotton weaving for which Mandalay in noted.
The afternoon sightseeing is in Mandalay city and includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda with its sitting Buddha covered in gold leaf. A particular highlight is the beautiful Shwenandaw Monastery, one of the last wooden monasteries in Myanmar. Visit the intriguing looking Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for the world’s largest book – 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures. If time permits, go atop Mandalay Hill for a view over the city and Ayeyarwaddy River. (B)
Stay two nights at the Hotel by the Red Canal (Shan suite) in Mandalay. (B)
Day 4 – Mingun and Mandalay
Transfer to Mandalay jetty to board a private boat for a short and pleasant ride up the Ayeyarwaddy River to the ruins of the Mingun Pagoda, the site of what would have been the world’s largest pagoda had not King Bodawpaya died in 1819 thus halting all further work. Later an earthquake in 1838 split the monument and reduced it to partial rubble. Nonetheless, the mammoth base of the unfinished pagoda is still a very impressive sight approached from the river. Visit the nearby Mingun Bell, moved from the pagoda after the earthquake and now hung in a new shrine building. It is said to be the largest hanging un-cracked bell in the world. Return by boat to Mandalay. In the afternoon visit to Shwe Inn Bin Monastery, built in 1954, then proceed to Shwekyin Monastery in time to see the monks at evening prayer. (B)
Day 5 – Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin
Drive to the former British Hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo), 42 miles northeast of Mandalay up a winding road and at an elevation of 1070 meters, enjoys a cool and pleasant climate. Once the summer capital of the Raj in Burma, the town still retains much of the hill station charm including horse drawn carriages and the Purcell Tower, a gift from Queen Victoria. The town is noted for the National Kandawgyi Gardens which cover nearly 400 acres. The gardens were laid out in 1915 by Sir Alex Roger and Lady Cuffe, a botanist from Kew Gardens in England and have a similar layout. In 1924 they were declared a national botanical garden and forest reserve. A great variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen along with hundreds of tree varieties and many bird species. There is also an impressive butterfly museum and the Nan Myint viewing tower offers views over the town. Among other sights are the bustling morning market and colonial era churches.
Stay one night at the Aureum Palace Resort (deluxe bungalow) in Pyin Oo Lwin. (B)
Day 6 – Pyin Oo Lwin – Naung Pein – Mandalay
Transfer to the train station to embark on a scenic two hour train journey. Cross the Goteik Viaduct on a long trestle bridge with views straight down into the gorge. After crossing the bridge disembark at the next village, Naung Pain, and drive back to Mandalay.
Stay one night at the Hotel by the Red Canal (Shan suite) in Mandalay. (B)
Day 7 – Mandalay to Bagan
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagan, one of Asia’s most stunning archaeological destinations with more than 2,000 pagodas dotting the plains along the legendary Ayerwaddy River. Your sightseeing includes the bustling Nyaung Oo market and some of Bagan’s most distinctive pagodas and temples. Also visit a Thanaka museum, dedicated to the tree bark and root of the Thanaka tree used in making the fragrant white paste locals wear on their faces. As the sun goes down, your guide will select an ideal viewing site for sunset views over Bagan Plain. Dinner this evening will be at the Nanda Restaurant with a puppet show.
Stay two nights at the Aureum Palace Hotel (lotus villa, temple view) in Bagan. (B,D)
Day 8 – Bagan
Take a short boat ride on the Ayerwaddy River to Kyun Thiri Island. Visit a farming village, interacting with the villagers and observing their way of life, then take tea at a monastery. Return to Bagan for a few hours of leisure before a late afternoon horse cart ride and more sunset views. (B)
Day 9 – Bagan to Inle
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho. Drive to magical Inle Lake, a large shallow lake surrounded by mountains and home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. Visit the Red Mountain Winery to see the wine making process and perhaps sample some Myanmar wines.
Stay three nights at the Inle Princess Resort (lake view chalet) in Inle. (B)
Day 10 – Inle Lake
Board a small private boat for a tour of the lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and nearby Inpawkhone Village where the homes are on stilts. See traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms into beautiful fabric. See other traditional craft making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat building. Continue by boat through Kaylar Village. See the floating gardens up close and Ngaphae Chaung Monastery. (B)
Day 11 – Inle Lake
Free day today to relax at the resort or to continue to explore your surroundings. (B)
Day 12 – Heho to Yangon
Transfer back to Heho airport for a flight to Yangon. Rest of the day at leisure in Yangon.
Stay one night at The Strand Hotel (superior suite) in Yangon. (B)
Day 13 – Depart Yangon
Transfer to the airport for your exit flight. (B)
InterAsia can combine this itinerary with cruises on Belmond Road to Mandalay or Belmond Orcaella – simply call to discuss your preferences and we will tailor a holiday for you.
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Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm all prices when booking. Surcharges apply over Christmas/New Year.
International airfares are not included in the tour price. Ask InterAsia for the current best value fare with our airline partners SINGAPORE AIRLINES, VIETNAM AIRLINES, THAI AIRWAYS, and MALAYSIA AIRLINES.
