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Day 1: Yangon
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Venture downtown to explore the city centre: pass by the glittering Sule Paya, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument. Finish the day at a local teashop, a great place to soak in the local culture.
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Day 2: Yangon – Heho – Inle Lake
A morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Upon reaching the lake, board a private boat passing stilted villages inhabited by the local Intha people. Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, then continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, containing five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Take time to explore the local crafts of the area. B.
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Day 3: Inle Lake
Visit the morning market then head to the village of In Dein where you can explore the area on foot. Continue cruising the lake before return to your hotel. B.
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Day 4: Inle Lake – Heho – Mandalay
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Around midday transfer to Heho Airport for the flight to Mandalay. After relaxing and freshening up, head up Mandalay Hill to watch the sun set over the town. B.
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Day 5: Sagaing – Ava – Amarapura
After breakfast, depart for an excursion around Mandalay. Cross the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing, also visit Sagaing’s local market and stop at a small pottery village. Continue to Ava, and board a horse and carriage to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. Return toward the city and stop at Amarapura to visit a silk weaving workshop, Mahagandayon monastery, and the 200 year-old U Bein Bridge. B, L.
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Day 6: Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay
Awake very early this morning 4am and transfer to Mahamuni Pagoda to witness the ritualistic washing of the Buddha’s face. After breakfast, transfer to the Mandalay jetty and board a private local boat for a one-hour cruise on the Irrawaddy River to Mingunand then return to Mandalay and learn of the production of various crafts such as wood carvings and tapestries. End the day at Kuthodaw Pagoda, and Shwenandaw Monastery. B.
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Day 7: Mandalay – Monywa
It's a three-hour drive to Monywa, a typical Burmese town on the banks of the Chindwin River. En-route stop at Thanboddhay Pagoda, a huge Buddhist temple, and Boditahtaung Pagoda. This afternoon, proceed to Po Win Taung by local open-air jeeps. Continue a few hundred metres away to Shwe Ba Taung, an interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved out of rocky narrow cliffs. B.
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Day 8: Monywa – Pakkoku – Bagan
Depart Monywa along a ‘road less travelled‘ past traditional villages, stopping at Ah Nyeint, Ah Myint and Ma U Ah Le villages. Pakokku has a rich craft work tradition and produces handmade goods such as colourful woven blankets and traditional sandals. Enjoy a short rickshaw ride through town before boarding a private boat for a leisurely cruise downriver to Bagan. B.
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Day 9: Bagan
The journey begins exploring a series of important temples in and around Bagan. Then get to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Take a short rest before a horse cart ride through the temple area and to watch the sun set over the plains. B.
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Day 10: Bagan
Take a break from temple touring in the morning with a visit around Bagan’s local villages. Observe how Cartwrights make a traditional bullock carts, still used by farmers and locals throughout the country. In the afternoon, take time to shop or relax by the pool. B.
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Day 11: Bagan – Yangon
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon, where you will enjoy the city sights, including the most revered Buddhist temple of Shwedagon Pagoda, as well as be introduced to an intergral part of Burmese life – drinking tea! B.
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Day 12: Yangon
Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport. B.