(Departures September – July)
Delve into Myanmar (Burma) on a journey that uncovers the essence of this incredible country at highlight sites, like the thousands of majestic temples filling the Bagan Plains, but also reveals hidden gems such as a light trek to the villages beyond Inle Lake. Full of surprises, discover jumping cats and floating gardens, giant Buddha statues and the World’s Biggest Book. The people of Burma welcome you to their home, with genuine warmth and a friendly smile.
This is a small group tour with Travel Indochina
DAYS 1-2 – Yangon
On arrival in Yangon transfer to your hotel before meeting your tour leader and those you will share your adventure with at a welcome dinner. Walk through the winding city streets and discover the British-colonial architecture and the golden Sule Pagoda. The Indian and Chinese quarters offer an insight into local life in the city. Get a closer look at the Shwedagon Pagoda, seen from much of the city, as the sun sinks in the sky.
Hotel: Summit Parkview Hotel
DAYS 3-4 – Bagan
A short flight brings you to Bagan, where horse-cart ride is a unique way to get your first glimpse of the thousands of temples dotting the plains here. A more in-depth exploration is afforded the next morning on a two hour bicycle ride, stopping at the Thagyar Pone Temple with stunning views over the plains. There will be a back-up vehicle for non-cyclists. Visit the Ananda temple and see the mural paintings and carvings of Gubyaukgyi Temple. Learn more about traditional handicrafts at a local workshop before a boat ride on the Irrawaddy River. Disembark for a temple built against a cliff-side then return to Bagan by boat.
Hotel: Thanzin Garden
DAYS 5-7 – Mandalay
An early morning flight brings you to Mandalay. Board a horse and cart for a tour around Ava, the old capital and see the ancient, wooden Bagaya Monastery. Visit the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. Mandalay Hill is the city’s namesake and has an abundance of pagodas and monasteries. Wonder at the intricate carvings at the Golden Palace Monastery and the huge marble Buddha at Kayuktawgyi Pagoda. This is also the home of the World’s Largest Book, a collection of over 700 stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.
Wander the morning market, and buy food to take to a local nunnery for lunch. Watch the beautiful sight of many robed monks collecting alms in the morning and walk along a 200-year-old teak bridge, spanning over two kilometres. At Sagaing Hill, see hundreds of pagodas painted white. With over 3,000 monks this is widely regarded as the religious centre of Burma. Board a boat to Mingun to hear the giant Mingun Bell and see the whitewashed Hisnbyume Pagoda. Meet local craftsmen at a small neighborhood nearby.
Hotel: Mandalay City
DAY 8 – Pindaya & Kalaw Hill Station
Fly to Heho and transfer to the Pindaya caves, filled with Buddha statues from the 18th and 19th century. Spend an afternoon at leisure in Kalaw, a charming old hill station with British-colonial architecture.
Hotel: Hill Top Villa Resort
DAYS 9-10 – Inle Lake
Get a taste for life in the region at a morning market, before a fun train ride to Shwe Nyaung, a real local experience. Explore a nearby town before an afternoon to relax. A tour of Inle Lake begins with the morning market which is a chance to meet some of the people who gather here from the surrounding hilltribe villages. At the Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery meet the cats that have been taught to jump by the local monks, then continue by boat to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary. Learn about local crafts at a weaving village, silversmith and see how typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. In the afternoon, visit a local village and find some ruined ancient stupas.
Hotel: Inle Resort
DAY 11 – HILL TRIBE TREK
A full day of light trekking takes you to Intha and the Pak-oh villages in the hills beyond Inle Lake, or if you prefer not to trek you could choose to swim, cycle, visit an orphanage or even a local vineyard.
Hotel: Inle Resort
DAYS 12-13 – Yangon
A morning flight to Yangon leaves you a full day to explore this magical town at your own pace, with the option to visit some of the great markets in town. On the last day, enjoy free time before your departure transfer.
Hotel: Summit Parkview Hotel
