Experience the most famous sights of Myanmar on this guided journey. Your trip starts from British administration constructed capital city, Yangon (Rangoon); where we visit the magnificent gold plate and gemstone decorated Swedagon pagoda; take a stroll through quaint old quarter of Yangon enjoying sights and sounds of this bustling city. Our journey continues northbound to Ancient Kingdom of Bagan, the greatest archeological treasure of Myanmar with over 4000 pagodas and temples ruins located on the plains Bagan by the Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy). Bagan was during its heyday one the greatest kingdoms in the World and is truly a magical destination to visit. From Bagan we continue to Mandalay for exploring Ancient Capitals of Myanmar (Burma) all situated near current Mandalay City. We visit; the last remaining palace building; centuries old teak wood monastery; the sacred Mahamuni Buddha’s temple; observe traditional gold leaf ponding, carving, tapestry and weaving in local workshops. We explore ruins of AVA kingdom by horse carriage and enjoy spectacular sunset from the Ubein teak bridge. (weather permitting). From Mandalay we fly to Heho in Shan State, and explore the beautiful Inle Lake region inhabited by minority peoples. By Inle we visit Myanmar premier vineyard, markets, floating gardens and cultural highlights on the lake and vicinity...
Highlight
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Yangon HIGHLIGHTS
On arrival to Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by Travelloops guide with a sign board and your name on it. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. After freshening up we will visit some of Yangon’s highlights; the serene Nga That Gyi pagoda, Kandawgyi Park for a photo stop of Hamsa bird shaped Karaweik Hall a floating barge on Kandawgyi Lake. Continue to down town and explore quaint old quarter of Yangon, built during the British colonial era unveils many charming historical buildings that are still located here. During our stroll through bustling market streets full of merchants and food stalls, we can visit some art galleries displaying talented local artists works. Enjoy a tea break at local tea room and try out Myanmar sweet tea accompanied by the local favourite snack "La Phet" tea leaf salad or other snack.
Next walk or drive past one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the elegant Strand Hotel built by the Armenian Sarkies brothers like its sister property the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and continue through the city centre passing mosque, hindu temple and Jewish synagogue to Yangon's to the bustling Bogyoke (Scotts) market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of colour.
After market visit you will 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.
Notes:Please note that Scott’s market is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Our vehicle will be nearby at all times so you can opt for driving anytime instead of walking.
Overnight in Yangon
Meals: None
DAY 2: FLIGHT TO BAGAN & EXPLORING TEMPLES OF BAGAN
After breakfast at hotel, then transfer to airport and flight to Bagan. Where we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. The Swesandaw stupa is our first visit, providing panoramic views of the temple studded plains of Bagan. We continue to the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Not far from the stupa, the Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka re-incarnations. Next, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in Myingaba Village, and then visit Htilominlo Temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour ends with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands.
For sunset, a bullock or horse cart ride around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting).
Overnight in Bagan
Meals: Breakfast included
DAY 3: FLY TO MANDALAY &CITY IMPRESSIONS
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Bagan airport for a 30min flight to Mandalay. Transfer 40km/1hr to Mandalay City where enjoy a morning stroll through the lively Zegyo in the heart of the city and making stops at Burmese snacks and “thanaka” (make up) stalls. We continue to the artisan quarters, where some of the oldest craftsmanship is showcased dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. 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 highlights of Mandalay: the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long past wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms; the Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone slabs and regarded as 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.
Overnight in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast included
DAY 4: ROYAL CAPITALS AVA (INWA) – SAGAING – AMARAPURA & UBEIN BRIDGE
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a morning stroll through the lively Zegyo in the heart of the city and making stops at Burmese snacks and “thanaka” (make up) stalls. Next you will explore the ancient kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. First drive 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. Cross over the MyintNge River by ferry and explore the small roads of Ava by horse cart. We visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the MahaAungmyeBonzan Monastery building with its graceful curves and archways.
Continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we enjoy magnificent views overlooking the river and hill side covered with countless pagodas. Sagaing being one of the most important Buddhist centres in Myanmar we take the opportunity to visit a monastery or nunnery and learn about daily life to the devotees. On the way back to Mandalay stop at another beautiful ancient capital city, Amarapura, famous for its weaving traditions and Ubein Bridge, a simple yet strong teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake. The bridge silhouetted by the setting sun is one of the most magical experiences in Myanmar and a photographer’s dream.
Overnight in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast inlcude
DAY 5: FLIGHT TO HEHO & INLE LAKE BY BOAT
Enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the Mandalay airport for the 30min flight to Heho, a quiet transit town with one of the few airport links in the beautiful hills of Shan State. On the way to Inle Lake, we stop at a local family’s house to see Shan parasols and paper making using traditional methods and fibres of the mulberry tree. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields.
By Inle Lake embark on afternoon explorations by boat on Inle Lake, populated with floating islands and gardens made from the naturally tangled roots of water hyacinth plants and reeds. Delight in the picturesque sights of fishermen who balance and row with one leg, a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on Inle Lake. Visit the centuries old Nga PheKyaung monastery with beautiful Shan style Buddha’s inside.
Overnight in Inle Lake(Hotel built on stilts over the lake or on the shore)
Meals: Breakfast included
DAY 6: INLE LAKE & INN THEIN
After breakfast we journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach Inn Thein, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the Inn Thein archeological site we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. Rest of the day is for lake explorations, learn how the floating islands and cultivations are shaped and tended, marvel at lotus thread and garments making in Inn PhawKhone weaving village. Should you wish you can also visit the Ywama village known for its silversmith tradition. We end the day with scenic canoe ride propelled by leg rowers.
Overnight in Inle Lake(Hotel built on stilts over the lake or on the shore)
Meals: Breakfast included
Inle Lake markets
The colorful and bustling morning market is one of the highlights of Inle Lake. Local ethnic minority groups come near and far to trade their goods and this presents an opportunity to observe people in traditional costumes in an authentic market atmosphere. The market rotates five days a week, each day making its base in a different village (though closed on national holidays). Market visits can be included in any tour program if the market location falls within proximity of our travel itinerary
DAY 7: INLE LAKE – KALAW BY TRAIN
After breakfast short drive to ShweNyaung and board the slow morning train to Kalaw. During the 3hr ride the train will climb up to Shan highlands and plateau. Enjoy the scenery and mingle with locals of whom many are transporting local produce and live near stations that have poor road connections. You will arrive to Kalaw lunch time. Take a walk around Kalaw town, former summer hill station of the British and transfer to Heho airport 45min-1hr for your flight (1hr) to Yangon. In Yangon, transfer to hotel. Rest of day is free for your own Yangon explorations.
Overnight in Yangon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Departure YangoN
Enjoy having the lovely breakfast at the hotel then you will be free at leisure until transfer to Yangon airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Price: USD 1,159 Per Person
COST INCLUDED:
COST EXCLUDED:
This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result, the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for options of accommodation are Superior (3 star), Deluxe (4 star), Luxury (5 star) hotels.
The tour prices is privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK TRIP or CUSTOMIZE TRIP or GET a QUOTE buttons and fill in the form, after which one of our travel consultants will assist and offer the best value holiday for you.
REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Southeast Asia particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday.
All of our prices are calculated on a twin/double-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:
>>Superior Level (3-star hotels in good locations): > 35 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4-star hotels): > 60 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5-star hotels): > 150 USD/room/night
Additional info
SUBJECT TO PRICE CHANGES WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
Voucher info
Our confirmation letter (electronic letter) is equivalent to the voucher. You can present this letter/electronic voucher for this activity.
Starting point:
Yangon
Departure time:
Upon request the Travel Loops would suggest to depart for your tour at 08:00 am.
Duration:
08 days
Taste of Myanmar 8 Days
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