13D TREASURE & RUBIES OF MYANMAR

Meet your expert guide and explore the quaint old quarter of Yangon with its colonial buildings and heritage. Your guide will share interesting insights to key events and architecture of the city’s landmarks.  If you are interested in arts there are several galleries showcasing local artists works.  Indulge and relax with a signature cocktail at the nostalgic Strand Hotel which was built century ago by Armenian Sarkies brothers like her sister property, the Raffles in Singapore.  Next marvel at Yangon’s old post office and take a trishaw (bicycle taxi) ride along Yangon’s riverfront.

Immerse in rich culture and traditions of the communities in Chinatown and Indian quarters and explore life along hidden back streets, temples and bazaars. Explore the bustling Bogyoke (Scotts) market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of colour.

Time permitting we can hop on a local commuter train to experience the sights and sounds along the tracks circling Yangon and travel like the locals do.

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. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.

Today we journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Inn Thein pagoda complex, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the complex, we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. We boat back to the lake and visit Phaungdaw Oo pagoda, the home of some of the country’s most sacred Buddha statues covered in gold leaf by devout followers. We also make a visit to the Inpawkhon weaving village to learn how local silks, linens and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted. As an extra treat, we stop at a house for Burmese cats built over the lake, where we see the preservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare pure breed of felines to Myanmar. At Nampan village, local craftsmen show us how Burmese cigars, or “cheroots,” are traditionally packed and rolled. We end our day with magnificent sunset canoe ride with boatmen who gracefully navigate and row perched on one leg.

DAY 4 : KALAW

Today’s tour will start with a pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Nyaung Shwe town (if you are staying on the lake) from where we drive to Shwe Nyaung junction the terminus of Kalaw railway line. This nostalgic 3-hours rail journey contours mountain slopes and climbs up to Shan highlands and plateau. Mingle with the friendly and curious local villagers and enjoy the scenery. You will pass through some isolated communities villages that have been only accessible by train until recently.  Enjoy packed lunch on the train and arrive to Kalaw around 1pm. (timings are subject to change)

Surrounded by pine tree covered hills, Kalaw is a typical old time British hill station town. It was former summer capital of the colonial British Burma. Kalaw has laid back atmosphere and surprisingly large Nepalese Gurkha community. You will find  some Victorian style houses, tennis courts and a golf course left as heritage from the British.Spend rest of the afternoon exploring the town or take an afternoon walk to the hills around Kalaw.

This morning visit Kalaw’s lively bazaar and market where hill tribe ladies gather for trading. Join in the ubiquitous tea culture of the Myanmar people at a local tea shop, where we sample local pastry “Ei Cha Que” and have choice of three types of sweet milk teas. Then we continue our journey to Mount Popa, the centre for worshippers of the pantheon of Burmese ‘Nat” spirits. We visit the Nat shrine at the foot the Popa mountain and climb 777 steps to a pagoda at the top of the mountain for great views over the surrounding farming land and plains. In the afternoon, we continue drive to the ancient kingdoms of Bagan and make a stop en-route to observe the process of making the toffee-like palm sugar.

After check-in enjoy Bagan style dinner with marionette show and cultural performance in a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we drive 4hours to Mandalay.

You will arrive to Mandalay by lunch time. After check in, we visit to the Artisan quarters, where some of the oldest craftsmanship are showcased dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. We observe 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. Next, we proceed to the major highlights of the city: the sacred Mahamuni pag oda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in wars between competing kingdoms; the Golden palace monastery, the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly. If time permitting, we continue visit to the Kuthodaw pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and regarded 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.