Tour 8 Day Hidden Charms Of Myanmar

Meals

Daily Breakfast

Accommodation

•Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room YANGON -Esperado Lake View Hotel 3*, Superior or similar -Jasmine Palace Hotel 4*, Deluxe or similar -The Rose Garden Hotel 5*, Deluxe Room or similar BAGAN -Bagan View Hotel 3*, Superior or similar -Amata Bagan Resort 4*, Deluxe or similar -Aureum Palace Resort Bagan 5*, Deluxe or similar MANDALAY -Sakura Princess Hotel Mandalay 3*, Superior or similar -Ease Hotel 4*, Superior or similar -Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort 5*, Superior or similar INLE -Royal Inlay Hotel Nyaung Shwe 3*, Superior Room or similar -Amata Hotel Inle Lake 4*, Deluxe or similar -Aureum Palace Hotel Inle 5*, Mountain View Villa or similar

Guide

•Local station English speaking guides

Transport

•Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle •Private boat to visit Mingun, Inle Lake

Flights

Domestic flights are included

Others

•02 Domestic flights: Yangon – Heho, Heho – Nyaung U •Entrance fees •Water and tissues •Service charges and taxes

Not included:

Others

•International flights •Other meals which do not mention •Early check-in & late check-out hotel •Myanmar eVisa (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm ) •Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...) •Transport on the way if it is necessary •Compulsory personal travel insurance •Compulsory Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner at hotel if required •Others not mentioned

Optional

Other activities and services not mentioned

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Yangon Arrival - Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangon Arrival - Sightseeing

Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival at the airport you will be warmly welcomed by your guide who will take you to your hotel for check in (note: check in time is 14.00. Early check in is subject to availability).

Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70 meter long reclining Buddha statue around the size of a blue whale. You continue uptown in order to make a quick stop by the Royal Lake located in Kandawgyi Park which is very popular with local residents, especially in the early morning and around sunset. Catch a view of Karaweik Hall, a reproduction of a royal barge and enjoy a spectacular view of the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda. No Myanmar expedition can be considered truly great if it’s lacking a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda.

Ready for an amazing experience? The visual delights present there alone, are worth the trip. Witness the colors transform on the 100-meter chedi which is literally enclosed in over 40 tons of gold leaf. You will start at the eastern staircase where you will find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items. Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As your browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people. Shwedagon is largely considered to be the most important religious site for the Burmese; most visitors report that the trip is extremely memorable and still etched into their minds.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Yangon.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Yangon, English speaking guide, entrace fee, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 2 Yangon - Fly To Heho - Inle Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangon - Fly To Heho - Inle Lake

This morning return to the Mandalay airport for the flight to Heho, in the heart of the Shan State. Upon arrival at the Heho airport, you will proceed to NyaungShwe village. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas.

Then you will board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Along the way you will pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their ‘’, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to floating gardens the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles. Finally, proceed to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf.

There are also many traditional crafts originating on Inle Lake and, should you wish, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Inle/Nyaung Shwe, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, boat to visit Inle, Inle zone fee, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 3 Indein Exploring
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Indein Exploring

After breakfast you’ll pay a visit to the lake’s morning market (the market is open every day apart from dark moon and full moon calendar days). The market’s location rotates between the lake’s villages in a 5 day schedule and is also visited daily by the lake’s inhabitants as well as the surrounding natives who also come to sell and trade their wares. A 1-hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the village before ascending to the top of a hill. Once you’ve arrived at the summit, you will be greeted buy an iconic Buddha image which sits enshrined among hundreds of stupa ruins and overgrown shrubbery. Here, from the peak, you will also be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the placid surroundings. The Indein Pagoda complex is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sites around the shore of the lake and it consists of hundreds of small stupas which are overrun by moss and greenery. Then it’s time to embark on a 45 minutes trek to Sae Ma village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the area while basking under the shade of the bamboo grooves in the area. Upon arrival at the village, observe the daily lifestyles of the rural inhabitants. On your boat ride back, should time allow, you’ll stop at the Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake’s indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake (snack break not included). As an exciting day comes to close transfer back to your hotel for some well deserved relaxation.

Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Inle/Nyaung Shwe, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 4 Heho – Fly To Bagan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Heho – Fly To Bagan

Wake up early this morning to transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bagan. Welcome to Bagan, known to be one of the greatest architectural sites in Asia. When Bagan was the centre of Myanmar from the 11th to 13th centuries the monarchs built multitudes of massive stupas and pagodas, scores of which are still present on the shores of the Irrawaddy River. The majesty of Bagan with more than 4000 red brick temples on a plain of the size of Manhattan Island is one of the highlights of a Myanmar holiday that will soothe the eye of every traveler.

It’s off to the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. From here you will have a look around the Old Bagan starting with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial.

Afterwards you’ll continue to Ananda Temple, which is considered to be an architectural work of art and is certainly one of Bagan’s most gorgeous temples. Constructed in an earlier “Mon” style, Ananda houses two distinctive Buddha images. Their expressions also appear to transform, according to the space from which the statue is seen. Visit Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, gigantic Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and of course, Sulamani Temple. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the small hill with overview of Bagan.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Bagan.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Bagan, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, Bagan zone fee, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 5 Bagan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bagan

OPTIONAL: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN (FROM 20 OCT – 10 APR)

The morning will start off with an exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. You will observe one-of-a-kind views when the sun begins to rise over the Irrawaddy River and various stupas in the region. You’re simply not going to find many other opportunities like this on Earth. (Only available from 20 October through 10 Apr)

Drive through Bagan’s countryside to the rustic village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s less visited regions; it’s very tranquil and isolated. You will discover temples such as Payathonzu with its strange structural design, Lemyentha and Nandamannya as well. Also, be sure to head over to Kyat Kan Cave monastery, which is an extremely important meditation retreat. There are also plenty of farming villages around Bagan if you’re interested in studying their particular way of life. Continue with a drive to Myinkaba village where you will also have the chance to examine the village itself as well as the local craftsmen. Learn more about the local culture with a visit to workshops producing Bagan’s most famous product: lacquer ware. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

You’ll also visit the Gu Byaukgyi Temple with its beautiful frescos before a chance to see Manuha Temple (constructed in 1059!). Investigate Nanpaya Temple, one of the oldest temples in the region. Nanpaya is reputed to have been built in the eleventh century by the Mon King Manuha and has several Buddha images. Your next stop is scheduled to be the Myazedi (Jade) Stupa a pace of worship for Buddhist due to the relics held within. Here you can see the twelfth century inscriptions written in Burmese, Pyu, Pali and Mon, giving rise to the stupa’s sometime nickname of ‘Myanmar’s Rosetta Stone’.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Bagan.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Bagan, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 6 Bagan – Drive To Mandalay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bagan – Drive To Mandalay

08:00am, after breakfast, we will take about 4 hour drive from Bagan to Mandalay.

Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar and one of the ancient royal capitals is often perceived and described in literature as Asia at its most traditional, timeless and alluring but those who go meet a booming and vibrant city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. However, despite the energy and thriving business it’s where the cultural heart of Myanmar lies and tradition of music, dance and drama are still alive.

Your orientation tour of Mandalay will kick off with a walk up to Mandalay Hill, rising 240 meter above the city. At the top the reward is a full panoramic view, the hazy blue outline of the Shan Hills to the east, the Mandalay Palace (and the city sprawl) to the south and the Irrwaddy River to the west. Proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings.

(Note: check in time at hotels is 14.00; early check-in is subject to availability)

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Mandalay.

Service included: Private car, hotel in Mandalay, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, Mandalay zone fee, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 7 Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura

This morning, we head off to Mandalay jetty and embark on a private boat for a relaxed 1 hour journey on the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Experience the sights and sounds of Mingun, starting with the celebrated Mingun Paya, which would have been the world’s largest (if King Bodawpaya hadn’t died before it was finished). The construction of this enormous brick building was halted after a fortune-teller predicted the King’s death upon completion. An earthquake that hit in the 1800’s, split the monument and reduced it to partial rubble – it’s possibly the world’s largest pile of bricks. From the flat top you have a fine view of the Hsinbyume Paya, Mingun village and the river. Carry on to the gorgeous alabaster Hsinbyume Pagoda, an unusual stupa with a couple of stories behind it. It’s supposedly a representation of the Sulamani Paya which according to the Buddhist plan of the cosmos, stands atop Mount Meru (the mountain that stands at the centre of the universe). Afterwards hop on over to the Mingun Bell that weighs 90 tons and is claimed to be the world’s largest hung, uncracked bell still capable of ringing.

Your Mandalay guided tour continue in the afternoon with a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees.

There are also many craft workshops in Mandalay and, should you wish, we can stop for a visit to one making gold leaf, tapestries, wood carvings or marionettes if you are interested and if time allows.

Next drive to Amarapura, Myanmar’s penultimate royal capital. Amarapura means “City of Immortality”, though its period as capital was relatively brief. You will start Mahagandayon monastery, home to more than a thousand young monks and renowned as a centre for monastic study and strict religious discipline. Continue on foot or by bus a short distance to the legendary U Bein Bridge, which was built in 1782 when Amarapura was the Royal center of attention. It spans 1.2 km across the shallow Taungthaman Lake and is said to be the longest teakwood bridge worldwide.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Mandalay.

Service included: Private car, Private boat to visit Mingun, hotel in Mandalay, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, entrance fee, 01 bottle of water/person
Day 8 Mandalay Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mandalay Departure

Free until transfer to Mandalay International Airport to take your departure flight home. Ends of tour services.

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Service included: Private car, English speaking guide, breakfast at the hotel, 01 bottle of water/person

8 days tour

8 Day Hidden Charms Of Myanmar

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 8 Day Hidden Charms Of Myanmar

Yangon Arrival - Sightseeing

Yangon - Fly To Heho - Inle Lake

Indein Exploring

Heho – Fly To Bagan

Bagan

Bagan – Drive To Mandalay

Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura

Mandalay Departure

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