Karaweik Barge

After breakfast we visit the Botataung Pagoda where one thousand military officers of the king were given the role as a guard of honour to guard the relics of the Buddha, transported from India more than 2000 years ago.

We stop at the famous Strand Hotel opened in 1901 and continue to the Bogyoke Aung San Market, or “Scott Market“, one of the largest bazaars in Yangon where over 2000 merchants sell clothes, precious stones, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

We continue to the Kandawgyi Park, from where we enjoy a stunning view of the Karaweik barge, the sumptuous palace built in the 70s on a royal barge. 

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Htilo Minlo – Bagan

Early morning transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Bagan, the ancient capital Arimaddanapura of the Pagan Kingdom between the 9th and 13th centuries.

Bagan was for many decades the centre of religious studies since the time of the Khmer Kingdom. Of the estimated 10,000 temples constructed, the remains of about 2,200 temples have survived over 700 years of history.

We visit the colourful and crowded local market: a unique opportunity to see the local folklore and to learn about the Burmese daily lifestyle. We carry on with the visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda, a prototype of the stupas later built in Myanmar, to get an insight into the rich historical heritage of Bagan’s archaeological complex.

Afterwards we visit the Wetkyi-In Gu-Byauk-Gyi temple, known for its wall paintings telling the story of the Jataka (previous births of Buddha), then on to the two-storey temple Htilo-Minlo, known for its plaster sculptures.

After lunch we continue to the Ananda temple, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of Bagan, built in the early Mon-Myanmar style. 

Next, we go to the That-Byin-Nyu temple built in the 12th century and the tallest in Bagan, then to the Dhamma Yangy temple known for its unique brick construction and to the Gawdawpalin temple. 

We end the day with a slow cruise on the Irrawaddy River to enjoy the romantic sunset while observing the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples and villages on the shore.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, sunset cruise, tickets, domestic flight and private transportation 

Mount Popa

Morning car transfer to the notorious Mount Popa, approximately 50 km from Bagan (1 h drive), located in the heart of an extinct volcano that was active approximately 2500 years ago. 

It is known for the popular animist belief that recognises Mount Popa as the home of the Nats: 37 god-like spirits feared and venerated by most of the Burmese people. The mountain rises to 1520 meters and to reach the top it takes around 45 minutes. 

Visit the Mahagiri Sanctuary, Mahagiri Shrine, dedicated to the Nats. A spectacular view of the valley awaits us at the summit. 

Afterwards, return to the hotel in Bagan.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Kakku Complex

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Heho.

On arrival transfer to Taunggyi for a visit to the Kakku archaeological site, one of the largest in Asia, with over 2400 stupas built over many centuries.

Legend has it that the site was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Alaungsithu, while some researchers, despite the absence of written records, date the primary buildings to between the 16th and 18th centuries. However, some structures are certainly much older.

On the way, visit the Phoebe Pwint Shwe Pagoda, located on a mountaintop east of town, from where there is an excellent view of Taunggyi.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, domestic flight and private transportation 

Inle Lake

In the morning we visit the quaint Myoma Taunggyi market where locals used to meet every five days to buy and sell local produce. Today it is a daily market and constantly crowded. 

Afterwards we stop at the Red Mountain vineyard to enjoy the amazing view and, for those who wish, taste the local wine.

Transfer to Nyaung Shwe pier to board on a private boat and we explore Inle Lake where we find ethnic and handicraft villages: a thrilling experience to see up close the iconic ‘one-legged paddling’ fishermen, farms, floating gardens and the islets in the lake.

We visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which houses the 5 most revered images of Buddha in Shan state. 

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, boat, tickets and private transportation 

After breakfast we visit May Taung village to meet the locals and learn about their genuine lifestyle. 

We have lunch in a local house and visit an orphanage and the monastery.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Indein Pagoda Complex

After breakfast we continue the visit to the southern part of Inle Lake.

We visit the floating market to observe the daily life of the minorities and their activities.

Afterwards we delve into the narrow canals of the lake, surrounded by a stunning natural environment and we head to a small village inhabited by the Pa O tribe.

From the village we continue along an old path that leads to a 13th century monastery and to the impressive ruins of the Indein Pagoda Complex, the astounding archaeological site housing hundreds of Buddhist Pagodas hidden under vegetation and dating back to the 14th-18th centuries. The main stupa, located on the top of the hill, offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding mountains.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, boat and private transportation 

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Mandalay. On arrival we go on to Pyin Oo Lwin. 

We visit the National Knadawgy Gardens and continue to the Peik Chin Myaung, also known as the ‘Maha Nandamu Caves‘: a limestone formation dating back approximately 230-310 million years, now adorned with several Buddha images of different sizes.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, domestic flight and private transportation 

Goteik Viaduct

In the morning we reach Pyin Oo Lwin railway station in time for the train excursion to Hsipaw (approx. 4h) via the Goteik Viaduct, through steep hills and breath-taking gorges. 

The bridge, the highest in Myanmar, was built in 1899 during the British colony to carry goods to Shan State, an important British ally after the conquest of Burma. It is considered an extraordinary work of engineering. It has 15 towers with a total length of 689. 

On arrival at Nwang Pang station we continue by car to Hsipaw.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

After breakfast an easy trek through Shan villages awaits us to observe the minority lifestyle and learn about local culture and customs. 

Afterwards we continue on a small boat on the river amidst a backdrop of mountains, valleys and crops. 

Continuing on foot for another 45 minutes through the orchards we reach the ancient Tai Monastery, built over 150 years ago.

In the afternoon we continue the excursion by boat. If you wish, you can take a refreshing dip in the river. 

We end the day at a Shan village where we visit some traditional farms.

At the end transfer to the hotel in Hsipaw.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

U Bein bridge

In the morning transfer by car to Mandalay, former capital of Myanmar and the best place to appreciate the Burmese art and traditions.

Visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda, a major pilgrimage site, known for its revered images depicting the life of Buddha. Continue to the Ku-Tho-Daw Pagoda – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – containing the world’s largest book in the form of 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the Buddhist scriptures. 

Afterwards we continue to the famous U-Bein Bridge over Lake Taungtaman. Built in 1850, its remarkable length of 1200 metres makes it the longest wooden bridge in the world. 

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Boat trip to Mingun

In the morning we travel aboard a private boat to Mingun, 12 km from Mandalay. 

We visit the Pon Daw Paya, Set Taw Ya Paya, the vaulted shrine housing a sacred footprint of the Buddha, the unfinished Mingun Pa Hto Taw Phaya Pagoda built with bricks, the famous Mingun Bell, weighing a considerable 90 tonnes, is the second largest bell in the world, and the Hsin Byu Me Phaya Pagoda. At the end we return to Mandalay. 

We continue to the Myatheintan Pagoda, considered to be the best representation of the Universe. We then proceed to Sagaing Hill, home to over 700 monasteries, and to the Kaungmudaw Pagoda.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, boat and private transportation 

Transfer to Amarapura, the ‘city of immortality’, twice capital of Myanmar in the 18th and 19th centuries, known today for its fine silk and cotton production. Visit Mahar Gandar Yon Monastery to deepen your understanding of the Buddhist religion and learn about the daily life of the monks. 

We visit Bagaya Monastery, built with 276 wooden columns, to see the famous collection of Buddha images and watch the silent procession of thousands of monks going to lunch, the last meal of the day. At the end we visit a craft workshop to learn about the ancient tradition of making ‘gold leaves‘ used by the faithful as an offering to the Buddha statues.

We continue to the Shwe Nandaw Monastery, ‘Golden Monastery‘, known for its precious wood carvings. We end the day with an exciting sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Following this, transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Yangon.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, domestic flight and private transportation 

Free time at disposal until the private transfer to Yangon airport in time for your departure.

Included : Hotel, breakfast and private transfer to the airport