MYANMAR KALEIDOSCOPE 10D

Mingalabar – Warm welcome to Myanmar!

Upon arrival to Mandalay international airport transfer 40km/1hr to Mandalay City where we spend rest of the day exploring the city highlights. Observe some of the traditional craftsmanship dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. We also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded using traditional methods. Next, we proceed to the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long past wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms; the Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone slabs and regarded as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.

Today explore the ancient royal capitals  near Mandalay. Drive 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. We cross over the Myint Nge River by ferry and explore the small roads of Ava by horse cart. We visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery building with its graceful curves and archways. We continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeryarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we enjoy magnificent views overlooking the river and hill side covered with countless pagodas. Sagaing being one of the most important Buddhist centers in Myanmar we take the opportunity to visit a monastery or nunnery and learn about daily life to the devotees.  We continue to another beautiful ancient capital city, Amarapura, famous for its weaving traditions and Ubein Bridge, a simple yet strong teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake. The bridge silhouetted by the setting sun is one of the most magical experiences in Myanmar and a photographer’s dream.

Morning transfer to Mandalay airport for flight to Bagan. Your local guide will welcome you at the Bagan airport.

Over the five centuries of Bagan empire more than 4000 brick temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed on dry plateau by the Irrawaddy River. Despite wars and earthquakes much of this wonder and world heritage has survived to modern day and is now open for visits. Get ready for an inspiring experience with this Bagan full day tour. Explore the best of Bagan’s history, culture and landscapes with experienced local guide. We start with panoramic view of Bagan’s archaeological wonders from an elevated vantage point and continue with exploring some of the most iconic and amazing temples of Bagan;  Ananda, Swezigon, Thatbinnyu, Dhammayangyi and Shwesandaw to name a few.  You guide will be happy to share his/her favourites and bring you to more off the beaten trails temples with less visitors.

We cap the day with a horse or ox carriage ride to witness a magical sunset by a pagoda or view point.

Enjoy a dinner with cultural show at local restaurant.

Spend another full day exploring Bagan. After introduction to Bagan’s architectural wonders we take a closer look at traditional arts and crafts of Bagan. Laquerware making skill have been passed down through generations in  Bagan we can visit one of the oldest family owned workshops, should you wish. The remarkable skill of the artisans is sure to impress.  We then continue to Gubyaukgyi Temple to marvel at the best preserved mural paintings found inside and admire the intricate exterior plaster carvings and visit nearby Manuha temple built by captive mon king.  A visit to the Nyaung U market, the largest market in the Bagan region, gives us a glimpse into local life. You will have some time to wonder around and practice haggling skills and later join your guide for a Burmese tea or coffee in a local fashion.

After lunch and rest break embark on a private river cruise on the legendary Irrawaddy River. Sit back, relax and enjoy riverside views and sight of all kinds of boats gliding by.  Short trail from the riverside leads us to the hidden Kyauk Gu U Min cave temple to explore the exquisite stone carvings and small meditation chambers where Buddhist monks meditate. On the way back to Bagan we stop at one of the sandbank islands to enjoy sunset with drinks and snack.

Enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the Nyaung U airport for the 30min flight to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. After checking into the hotel, we embark on afternoon explorations of Inle Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake.

Explore Inle Lake highlights by boat. We start the day with a visit to Inle Lake’s famous 5-day market (if near) which is held each day in a different village. Journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Inn Thein, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the Inn Thein archeological site we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago.

Rest of the day is for lake explorations, learn how the floating islands and cultivation are shaped and tended, marvel at lotus thread and garments making in Inn Phaw Khone village, visit the Ywama village known for its silver smith traditions. We end the day with scenic canoe ride propelled by Intha minority villagers.

Breakfast at hotel and we transfer to Loikaw airport for flight to Yangon.

Formerly known as Rangoon, or the garden city of the east, Yangon is the thriving economic heart of the nation and an epicentre of transformation in Myanmar. Yangon’s city centre is blessed with many fine colonial-era buildings and is an exotic mix of spiritual heritage and colourful street life that makes it one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities in Asia.  Starting from Mahabandoola Park and Sule pagoda we explore the quaint old quarter of Yangon and its colonial buildings and heritage. Your guide will share interesting insights into key events and architecture of the city’s landmarks. In the local fashion, we make a tea stop in a popular tea room to try typical Burmese tea and snacks. We stroll by the iconic Strand Hotel, old time classic and sister property of the Raffles in Singapore, a great spot to try their signature cocktail Strand Sour or one of the more recent creations (drinks at Strand are not included in tour).

By the Yangon pier, hop on a trishaw (bicycle taxi) for a short ride along the lively riverfront. Walk through the sprawling Chinatown and Indian quarter to Bogyoke Market main bazaar area and a maze of hundreds of shops selling all kinds of things from longyis to gemstones. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold-covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.

Breakfast at hotel. Free time until your transfer to airport to catch your onward flight.