13D GRAND MYANMAR JOURNEY

On arrival to Yangon airport, your local guide will welcome you by the arrivals hall exit with your name signboard. Transfer to your hotel (approx. 1hr) for check-in and freshening up.

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 tearoom 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 not included in tour). Next we hop on trishaws (bicycle taxis) for a short ride along the lively riverfront and small street market. Walk through the sprawling Chinatown and Indian quarter market streets to Bogyoke Market Bazaar, area and 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.

Early breakfast and transfer to Yangon airport for a morning (1hr) flight to Bagan. 

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. (Climbing up to temples terraces is no more permitted to prevent erosion)

Get ready for an inspiring experience with this Bagan full day tour. Join with a local guide to explore the best of Bagan’s history, culture and landscapes.   We start with exploration of thousand years old Swezigon Stupa purported to contain a holy tooth relic of Buddha and a “Nat” spirit shrine. Next we continue to Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple to marvel at the best preserved mural paintings in Bagan and visit the largest market of Bagan in Nyaung Oo.

In old Bagan we visit the most beautiful temple of all – Ananda, with symmetric four standing Buddha images inside. We cap the day with a horse or bullock carriage ride to witness a magical sunset (weather permitting) behind the temples stopping by one of the most impressive temples of Bagan, the Dhammayangyi known for its fine brick work and legend of evil king.

This evening enjoy Bagan style dinner in local restaurant with cultural performance.

DAY 3 : BAGAN

Another exciting day exploring Bagan. Today we venture off the beaten trails on backroads to explore the lesser known and hidden temples and villages of Bagan, tucked away from the crowds and tour busses. Experience typical village life of central Myanmar and meet the locals. Bagan’s temple groups and villages are connected by a network of small unpaved trails and paths perfect for cycling and e-biking explorations. On a school day we can stop by a monastic school where underprivileged children get free education and are always keen to practice English skills with visitors. Enjoy a home cooked lunch as a guest of a local family and continue a ride to monastery where we can meet Buddhist monk(s) and learn about the devotees daily routine and monastic life. This is perfect place to have a short meditation practice if you wish.

After a little rest break at hotel we take a closer look at traditional arts and crafts of Bagan and lacquerware making, a tradition that still thrives after 1000 years.  The remarkable skill of the artisans is sure to impress.  Then we are off to Ayeryarwaddy River for a private sunset cruise where views of the temple silhouettes and bustling shore can be accompanied by cocktails on board.

Drive to Mandalay (3.5hrs) and visit the ancient royal capitals Ava and Amarapura. Ava (Inwa) was the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. Crossing the Myint Nge River by ferry, the small roads of Ava are explored 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 Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, a  three hundred years old architectural wonder with graceful archways.

We continue to another beautiful ancient capital Amarapura  famous for its textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven. Continuing to the Ubein bridge, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake, we have the option to be rowed onto the calm waters. Ubein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer’s dream.

Today explore Mandalay on half day cycling tour, passing through fresh markets, lively neighbourhoods and head northeast of the city. In just a short pedal you’ll find yourself in the true countryside, where farmers tend to their fields and villagers go about the daily rituals that have remained unchanged for decades, if not longer. Water buffalo lazily roll in the mud, goats nibble at the foliage, and friendly locals wave from all directions. Along the way make some interesting stops, first at a fresh market to learn about the different produce on sale, continue on to see bamboo weaving which is used to construct everything from roofs and walls to fans. Stop for a walk through a typical central Myanmar village and learn about their way of life and their different crops. On the way back to town, stop at a tea shop for some tea and snacks. Return to Mandalay for lunch on your own and relax before your afternoon tour.

This afternoon board a boat for a 1-hour cruise across the Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) to the rural village of Mingun to view its massive unfinished pagoda dramatically cracked in half by an earthquake in the 1800s; Mingun’s bronze bell, believed to be largest uncracked one in the world and the beautiful Myatheindan pagoda which represents Mt. Meru and the abode of celestial beings. Return back to Mandalay enjoying sunset on board.