Highlights Myanmar Tour – 12 Days
Experience on an unforgettable journey through Myanmar’s cultural and natural wonders on our Yangon-Mandalay-Amarapura-Ava-Mount Popa-Bagan-Pindaya-Inle Lake itinerary. From the vibrant streets of Yangon to the ancient capitals of Mandalay, Ava, and Amarapura, each day unveils a new layer of history and charm. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Popa, explore the mystical temples of Bagan, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Pindaya’s caves and Inle Lake’s floating villages. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, this itinerary promises an enriching adventure through Myanmar’s most captivating destinations.
Our tour guide will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at Yangon International Airport. Afterward, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in, and overnight in Yangon.
Today, the sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the old colonial-style city center, including City Hall, Mahabandoola Park with the Independence Monument, Pansodan Street, and Yangon Jetty by Car. Next, we proceed to Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market, (closed every Monday & Public holiday) famous for its shops offering souvenir, handicrafts, luxury item, foot wares, clothing, jewelary, food stuff and paintings.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a colossal reclining Buddha. We then explore Karaweik Hall (Royal barge) on the Royal lake and Kandawgyi Park for relaxation and photo opportunities. The final highlight of the day is the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the golden dome illuminated by the sunshine before sunset. Overnight in Yangon.
Breakfast at hotel, fly to Mandalay. Upon arrival in Mandalay, transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure.
In the afternoon, our exploration of Mandalay will include Mahamuni Pagoda, the most impressive Buddha image in Myanmar, surrounded by beautiful architecture. We will also visit a Gold leaf beating workshop, Royal Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery known as the “Golden Palace Monastery” for its finest Myanmar wooden architecture, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, surrounded by 729 inscribed marble slabs, famously known as “the world’s largest book”. Finally, enjoy the sunset view from Mandalay Hill. Overnight in Mandalay.
After breakfast at hotel, we will drive directly to Amarapura to visit the U Bein Bridge, a world-famous teak wood bridge that has stood for more two centuries, stretching 1.2 km across Taungthaman Lake.
Explore the Mahagandayon Monastery, to observe the monk’s school and the morning lunch process. Additionally, experience a traditional silk weaving workshop in Amarapura.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to visit Ava (Innwa), situated on an island between the Ayeyarwaddy and Myitnge Rivers. The tour includes exploring Ava by horse cart, where you can visit the Nanmyint Watch Tower, Sandamuni Temple, and the Maha Aung Mye Bonzan, also known as Me Nu Oak-Kyaung (Brick Monastery), built in 1822. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Bagaya Monastery, witness the lacquerware industry, and visit the Yadana Hsimi Pagoda and Inwa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River. Afterward, return to the hotel for overnight stay in Mandalay.”
After breakfast, drive to Bagan. En route, make a stop at a local small factory to observe the production of palm sugar and alcohol refinery, where you can witness how Jaggery is made. Then, continue your journey to Mount Popa. It is an extinct volcano rising 1518 meters (4981 feet) above sea level, nestled amid picturesque hills and forests. The Popa Taungkalat Shrine houses 37 Mahagiri Nats, or spirits, with statues depicting them at the shrine’s base. From the top of Taung Kalat, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Bagan.
In the late afternoon, proceed with the drive to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Breakfast at hotel, visit begin the day by exploring the colorful Nyaung U market and some of Bagan’s most famous pagodas and temples, including Shwezigon Pagoda. Although King Anawyahta built the first pagoda in Bagan in the 11th century, the most beautiful pagoda among the 2200 in Bagan is the Shwezigon Pagoda. Continue the tour with visits to the Htilominlo Temple and Gubaukgyi (Wet Kyi Inn) Temple, a 13th-century cave temple with fascinating frescoes depicting scenes from the Jataka tales.
In the afternoon, visit a Lacquerware home cottage, to study how to create the traditional method of generation by generation. Afterward, explore more pagodas around Bagan, including the Ananda Temple, renowned for its exquisite standing Buddha images from the 12th century. Continue to see the highest Thetbyinnyu Temple, the massive Dhamayangyi Temple, famous of its interlocking mortar thickest brickwork. Late in the afternoon, relax and enjoy sunset in Bagan with its beautiful scenery. Overnight in Bagan.
After breakfast this morning, continue exploring Bagan by either taking a horse cart or an E-bike ride.
In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the tranquil Ayeyarwaddy River and overnight in Bagan.
Optional Balloon Tour with extra cost
Early in the morning, the tour starts for surprise discover day to see the ancient city of Bagan form above. Clients will enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of thousand-year-old pagodas, temples and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River with “BALLOONS fly over Bagan”. It is a very exiting experience that clients will never forget. The Balloon is guided by a gentle wind, and providing a chance to witness the sunrise slowly.
Please note that the Balloon operate only from October 1st to April 10th each year. The extra cost is USD 180 per pax with Standard / Classic Service. Please be aware that during the peak season, from December 20th to January 10th each year, an additional charge of USD 20 per person will apply.
Embark on a scenic road trip from Bagan to Heho by private car. Enjoy approximately 6.30 hours of travel through picturesque landscapes. Arrive in Heho in the late afternoon, where you can check in at your hotel and relax.
After breakfast at hotel, embark on a drive through the hills and across the Shan Plateau to reach Pindaya Cave, a natural limestone cave. Along the way, you can see and feel the fabulous picturesque of colorful plantation.
Upon reaching Pindaya, explore the Pindaya cave and Shwe U Min Pagoda, which is full of Buddha images over 8000. Then, visit local handicraft workshop where Shan paper is produced, and traditional umbrellas are crafted, Gain insight into how the local people harmonize with nature.
In the late afternoon, take a moment to breath in the fresh air and capture photos of the magnificent banyan trees at the base of Pindaya Hill. Finally, continue to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, experience the enchanting atmosphere of Inle Lake by boat. Situated 1328 meters above sea level, the lake spans 22km in length and 11km in width. Inle Lake is renowned for its floating island and skilled fishermen. Sightseeing included a visit to the 5-day rotation market (available only on market days), the famous Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, Silk weaving and Lotus cotton weaving villages, Cheroot making and other cottage industries, as well as a Silversmith workshop.
Before returning to the hotel, explore the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, known for its beautiful Buddha altars crafted by native artisans and its abundance of teak posts. Enjoy the return journey to the hotel, passing by floating gardens. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Heho airport to catch a flight to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon airport, we’ll transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Yangon.
After breakfast, you’ll have free time for shopping and exploring on your own until it’s time to transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure.
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