Discovering Myanmar - 2017

Day1
Yangon, Myanmar - Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, a quiet and colourful city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.


    Chatrium Hotel

Day2
Yangon
Join the locals for a ride on the Yangon Railway, a circular train that brings you through the outskirts of town. This slow travelling train gets you up-close to the vibrant lifestyle of the people. Disembark at the Kyi Myin Dain market for time to explore and interact with the friendly locals. This afternoon, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2,500 years ago, then renovated several times, finally taking shape in the 15th century. At dusk, witness the illumination of hundreds of small oil lamps around the base of the golden temple alongside worshipers.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Chatrium Hotel

Day3
Yangon - Kalaw
A short flight this morning brings you to Heho. Embark on a scenic journey to Kalaw, a former British hill station. Feel the cool air and laid-back atmosphere in this charming hilltop town. A diverse number of ethnic hill tribes reside in small villages among the hills including Palaung, Danu, Pa-O and Taung Yo. Don your walking shoes as you traverse undulating hills, passing through their villages where you can observe their unique culture and way of life. You will be invited to join a family in their home for lunch.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Pine Hill Resort

Day4
Kalaw - Nyaung Shwe - Inle Lake
Your first stop today will be at the town of Aungban for a visit to its “wholesale” market*. Discover an array of colourful regional produce piled high. Continue your drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Pause for a moment at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. This unique building is built on stilts along the edge of the lake and features large oval windows, ornate carvings and a collection of Buddhist images. Board your private motorboat and head out on tranquil Inle Lake and be surrounded by one of Myanmar’s most spectacular panoramas. Pass villages built on stilts which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Inle Lake is the only place in the world where you can find people who propel their boats by "leg rowing." Intha farmers grow flowers and vegetables in floating beds of water hyacinth and grasses, staked to the shallow lake bed with bamboo poles. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and visit a cheroot factory where typical Burmese cigars are rolled by hand.

    Breakfast & Lunch

    Pristine Lotus Spa Resort

Day5
Inle Lake - Indein - Inle Lake
Spend time at the lake’s morning market. This rotating market moves around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rotation. It is frequented by village inhabitants and surrounding hill tribesmen who come to sell and trade their wares. Continue down a small canal to the Pa-oh village in Indein where you will have the opportunity to meet the “long neck” women of the Padaung hill tribe and learn about their ancient tradition of wearing brass ornaments around their necks and limbs. Get ready to explore, taking time to visit a school and to wander through the stunning Alaung Sithu area filled with ancient spired pagodas.

    Breakfast & Lunch

    Pristine Lotus Spa Resort

Day6
Inle Lake - Pyin Oo Lwin
Fly to Mandalay and ascend the plateau to a height of over 3,000 feet above sea level to the charming former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (also known as Maymyo). Discover its many colonial-era elements including brick and timber houses. Feel like you have stepped back in time during a horse-drawn carriage ride. There is an interesting mix of residents here including various ethnic tribes as well as many Nepalese and Hindu who migrated here during the British occupation. Explore the peaceful botanical gardens, reminiscent of Britain, featuring 432 acres of botanical species from all around the world.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin

Day7
Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay
Board your train for a scenic journey across the Gokteik Viaduct. Take in spectacular scenery as you travel over a nearly 100-foot-deep gorge in the Shan mountains. Continue on to Mandalay. Make a stop in the traditional village of Amarapura, a former capital of Myanmar whose name means “city of immortality.” Make a stop at the picturesque U Bein Bridge, a 200-year-old bridge constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace, making it the world’s longest teak span. End your day in Mandalay, the ethnically diverse commercial hub of Myanmar.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Mandalay Hill Resort

Day8
Mandalay
Behold the impressive Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images. Over the years, grateful worshipers have covered the statue with gold leaf, giving it a bumpy texture. Continue to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scripture have earned it the title “World’s Biggest Book.” Enjoy some leisure time to explore Mandalay on your own before heading to Mandalay Hill. As the sun begins to set, soak up the magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Mandalay Hill Resort

Day9
Mandalay - Bagan
A short flight brings you to Bagan, the capital of Myanmar during the 11th - 13th centuries. Its rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Have time at the Shwezigon Pagoda with its elegant bell-shaped gilded tower. During your visit, gain insight into Bagan’s rich history. Your next stop is at the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite Jataka frescos and an Indian-inspired spire. Then, discover the amazing Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Climb aboard a horse cart and pass Thatbyinnyu, the region’s highest temple; the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork; and the impressive Sulamani temple. Pause to take in the unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hotel At Tharabar Gate

Day10
Bagan - Popa - Bagan
Drive through the plains to Mt. Popa, an imposing sight of sheer rock topped with golden stupas from the monastery that sits on its peak. Walk the nearly 900 stairs to the top to see this amazing structure. Learn about nats (spirits) and nat worship as you climb past shrines and see local pilgrims. Pause for a traditional Burmese lunch under the shade of toddy palm trees. Later, visit the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s most remote regions. Explore the local temples before boarding a boat for a relaxing cruise down the Irrawaddy River. Tonight, say farewell to this magical region during dinner featuring a traditional puppet show.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hotel At Tharabar Gate

Day11
Bagan - Yangon - Depart for Home
Return to Yangon, catch up on some last minute shopping at Bogyoke Market**, formerly known as Scott’s Market, and have some time to relax before departing for home.

    Breakfast

    Chatrium Hotel