Greeting guests upon arrival, a guide will help to oversee the transfer to the hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. This afternoon, transfer to Yangon Heritage Trust’s downtown office where their specially-trained guide will give a briefing about the progress, and challenges to come, of preserving the city’s buildings.  Afterwards, begin a 2.5 hour walking tour through central Yangon.  Two routes are offered:

Route A:  Strand Road to Scott Market

Starting at Yangon’s Heritage Trust Office on Lower Pansodan Road and ending at Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott Market), this route covers the city’s most important sites.  Highlights include Sule Pagoda, City Hall, the High Court and the former Burma Railways Company – one of Yangon’s oldest administrative buildings.

Route B:  East Downtown and the Secretariat

Starting and ending at Yangon Heritage Trust, this route not only includes the incredible Secretariat, but also unveils the most well preserved residential area in the city.  Highlights of the route consist of the former headquarters of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, the Armenian Church and Gandhi Hall. From here, 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 2500 years ago and was then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas, our guide will help visitors to discover the massive complex, and explain why this temple is so revered. Breathtaking views of the golden stupa can be enjoyed from the perfect vantage point.

Dinner at Shwe Sa Bwe.      

Overnight in Yangon

Notes:  Yangon Heritage Tour only available Wednesday, Saturday and Saturday.  On other days a colonial walking tour will be substituted.

Being Responsible:  Yangon Heritage Trust fee goes toward preserving Yangon’s historical buildings, developing sustainable policy options, providing research and taking part in conservation projects.  Shwe Sa Bwe is a training center for disadvantaged youth aspiring to work in hospitality.

Yangon Airport to Yangon city centre (20 km): 30 – 60 mins

The second morning begins with a trip to the Free Funeral Service Society, an organization dedicated to providing eternal rest to the less fortunate.  Founded by film director Thukha, the organization has helped fund 100,000 funerals. Take the opportunity to discuss the organization’s efforts with local staff.

The next adventure leads to the ‘Home for the Aged’. These free hospices are found throughout Myanmar and support elderly adults who have no family or no financial means to assist them as they get old. Spend time with the residents, chatting to them, sharing photos or assisting them as they go about their daily routines.  There is also the chance to help the staff with any tasks or projects they are working on.

Continue to AFXB, a small shop where handicrafts are sold. AFXB is a French organization working to provide skills training for disadvantaged women and has been working in Myanmar for more than a dozen years. Items sold in the shop are made by the programs participants and all proceeds go to support AFXB and the women involved.  Learn about the activities of the center and perhaps pick up a souvenir to take home.

Lunch is enjoyed at the LinkAge Restaurant & Gallery, situated in downtown Yangon.

The day’s final stop is at the Mary Chapman School for the Deaf. Learn about the activities of the center, including its history and ongoing projects that support the local deaf community and development of Myanmar braille. Then enjoy a therapeutic massage by one of the School’s trained masseurs, a perfect way to wind down after a day of touring.

Overnight in Yangon

Note: Mary Chapman School for the Deaf is open for massage on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On other days, a massage at the School for the Blind will be substituted.

Being Responsible:  All visits benefit local organizations assisting various segments of the community.  LinkAge Restaurant combines fantastic food and eye-catching artwork with the goal of empowering Yangon’s street children.  Associated with the Humanitarian & Development Projects, Linkage is a wonderful way to give back to Myanmar.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo).

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. 

After arriving, journey to an elevated temple from where spectacular panoramic views of the magnificent plains of Bagan may be enjoyed. Continue with a visit to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit  the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

This afternoon, transfer to Shwe Hlaing Village. This village makes its living by producing various items from the toddy palm trees. Observe the traditional production techniques of palm toddy—from the collecting of the liquid to the creating of the drinks and sugars.

Lunch will be enjoyed under the shade of Toddy Palm trees, and will consisting of delicious traditional Burmese cuisine, making for a memorable meal and a chance to experience local lifestyles.

From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.

Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

Dinner at Sanon.

Overnight in Bagan

Being Responsible:  Today’s lunch has been setup directly with the family running the toddy farm.  We do not use any outside catering service. Sanon Restaurant is a Social Enterprise. They train underprivaledged locals in the cooking and service industry and even offer English classes. Graduates of the course are then placed in service industry jobs throughout Myanmar.

Nyaung U Airport to Old Bagan (9 km): 20 mins

Nyaung U Airport to New Bagan (12 km): 20 mins

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Bagan - Start the morning with an incredible hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s temple-studded plains. Start the morning  on pastries and croissants,  sipping coffee and tea as the balloon is inflated.  Climb aboard before gently rising above thousands of gilded stupas and earthen temples all back-dropped by the impressive Irrawaddy River.  A truly unforgettable and unique experience. (Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting

After meeting the guide at the hotel, transfer to Nyaung U market with a shopping list prepared by our chef. Spend time exploring the stalls where fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats are for sale as well as chilies, pastes and other sauces used in local cuisine. The guide will explain the various ingredients and help to pick out the plumpest chicken, freshest fish and finest vegetables for the upcoming cooking class

Return to the restaurant where it is possible to meet the local chef.  A cooking area is set-up for the class. Under the direction of the chef, prepare the ingredients and use traditional techniques (such as mortar and pestle) to cook several Burmese favorites. During the demonstration, learn more about the cuisine of Myanmar, its influences and the typical eating habits of the local people.

After having prepared the dishes it’s time to sit down and enjoy a feast of freshly prepared delights.

This afternoon begin with a visit to a traditional lacquer ware workshop where it is possible to observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples.  Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed.

Next, explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier.  Board a local boat for a slow cruise down the Irrawaddy River, and gently travel the waters observing the lifestyle of the fishermen and riverside villagers as well as enjoying the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples.

Return to the hotel this evening.

Overnight in Bagan

Being Responsible: Today’s cooking class was established between EXO and a local restaurant owner in 2013.  Nearly all ingredients are procured from the market which directly benefits small farms in the area.

Early this morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Mandalay.

Depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Ava, and Amarapura.

This morning, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Ava, the capital between the 14th and 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will take visitors across the river to an awaiting horse and carriage. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins and traveling by horse and cart offers a superb glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside. Stop for lunch in Ava before returning to the car.

Return toward the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace and it is 1.2 kilometers in length making it the world’s longest teak span. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.

Overnight in Mandalay

Being Responsible:  We use horse and carriages owned by the driver and all monies are paid direct. 

Mandalay Airport to Mandalay city centre (41 km): 60 mins

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Mahamuni Face Washing - Wake up early this morning (around 0400) and catch a local taxi to Mahamuni Pagoda. Every morning before dawn, the monks wash the face of the ‘lumpy’ Buddha image with special fragrant water and brush its teeth. The ritual takes around one hour and is a unique insight into Buddhism. (without guide) Return to your hotel around 0730 for breakfast.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Mandalay – Rising against the backdrop of Mandalay Hill in a hot-air balloon leaves an unforgettable impression, the first site to greet visitors is 729 white pitaka pagodas housing the world’s largest book.  Drifting above the vibrant city, witness barefoot monks collecting alms, bustling morning markets, boats coming alive on the Irrawaddy River and U Bein Bridge in Amarapura.    

(Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting)

Begin a sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost ‘lumpy’ texture. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and through traditional workshops, learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:  Make a marionette - Visit a local craftshop, choose your marionette’s design (clothes, face, body) and make a unique souvenir. The entire process takes around 1 hour and is suitable for adults and children.

Continue the tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.

Afternoon at leisure.

Around 5 pm, begin the Mandalay Nights by Motorbike adventure.  Each person will have a private motorcycle with an experienced driver (helmets are mandatory).

Speed off into the cool and starry night. The first ride heads through a colorful vegetable market located at 41st Strand road. Afterwards, make a pit stop at Super 81 to try Mandalay’s best crispy duck with a choice of beer, water or soft drink.

If the time of year is right, make a visit a one of Mandalay’s local street festivals.  Neighbourhoods come together to celebrate with street food, local games, and the occasional tattoo shop.  Some of the larger festivals have singing contests.

After another ride around Mandalay’s dazzling streets, stop at Chinatown. This lively neighborhood serves the city’s best street food. Dozens of vendors set up satay, noodles and other snack stalls in the evening. Mingle with the locals while enjoying a few snacks and tasting a cold local brew.

Next, cruise along Mandalay’s kilometer-long moat where you’ll be treated to waving locals, beautiful views and cool breezes on the way to the Daw Ma Naing Marionette show. The small theatre, which was opened in 1986, holds nightly hour-long shows. The performances are mostly recreations of zat pwe (Buddhist Jataka tales) and stories from the Indian epic Ramayana. Traditionally, these cultural shows are used to educate and deliver the news. (Showtime from 8.30 – 9.30)

The last stop will be one of the city’s beer stations with unplugged music where plenty of beer and snacks are available…dancing is free!

After the night out on the town, transfer back to your hotel.

Being Responsible: We only hire motorbikes owned by the drivers themselves.

Overnight in Mandalay

After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay Airport for a flight to Heho.

From the airport, transfer to Kalaw, a former British hill station (approximately 50 km). The scenic drive journeys deep into the heart of the Shan State, passing pine forests, rolling hills and small towns along the way.

Kalaw is a charming little town with a mix of local and colonial-style houses. The slightly higher elevation means that the air temperature is usually much cooler than much of the country.

Upon arrival, drive to the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe village (the drive takes around 45 minutes).

A specialist guide from the camp greets all visitors before transferring everyone to the main camp base. Enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a briefing on the day’s activities, the background of the camp and the history of elephants in Myanmar.

Afterwards, embark on a short walk to the river, passing through a reforestation project set up by the camp and villagers. The elephants will likely be enjoying a refreshing swim in the stream and it is possible to join the mahouts and assist with bathing these gentle giants.

Return to the main camp for lunch. There is time in the afternoon to explore more on foot with the local trekking guide or interact with the elephants. In the late afternoon say goodbye to the elephants and mahouts and transfer back to Kalaw.

Overnight in Kalaw

Note: Due to weather and the nature of elephants this program may need to be altered and vary from the original proposal. Longer treks (from one hour to five hours) are also available.

Being Responsible:  Green Hill Valley Elephant is operated as a refuge for mistreated elephants previously living in zoos or logging camps.    

Heho Airport to Kalaw (31 km): 1 hr

Kalaw to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp (30 km): 45 min

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a stunning collection of Buddha images. Also on the cards is a stop in Nyaung Shwe for a short walk around town and a visit to the colorful market if it is being held that day.

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out on the water of one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.  Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 

Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.

From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.

If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Overnight on Inle Lake

Heho Airport to Nyaung Shwe (28 km): 45 mins

Nyaung Shwe Jetty to Hotel on Inle Lake (10 – 20 km): 30 – 60 mins

After breakfast, visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hilltribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: the market is daily except on dark moon and full moon day).

The next stop will be at Inthar Heritage House, a combination restaurant, vocational training center, organic garden and home for Burmese Cats.  The beautiful center is regarded as Inle’s most progressive enterprise with a focus on preserving the past, cherishing the present and preparing for the future.

The host and chef leads guests to the classroom where  they are presented with an apron and recipe book (both are to keep).  After a short briefing, forage through three different organic gardens, picking fresh vegetables and herbs. 

Following the foraging through the garden, it’s time to head to the classroom to begin preparing traditional Inthar and Burmese dishes.  The head chef will explain each step while students from the vocational training center assist with the cooking.   Some typical dishes include mint fish soup, long bean salad, fried spring onion and Burmese chicken and potato curry.  Once the dishes are prepared and aprons dirtied head to the adjoining dining room to taste the wonderful creations.  (Coffee/tea and one free soft drink, juice or beer is included).

Being Responsible:  Today’s cooking class helps train disadvantaged students learning vocational skills.  The Inthar Heritage House, in conjunction with Tharhara House, also helps preserve Inthar history and culture. 

Overnight on Inle Lake

This morning, transfer to Heho airport for flights to Ngapali beach. Upon arriving at Thandwe Airport, transfer to Ngapali Beach, a 20 minute drive.

Ngapali Beach is a quiet 3-kilometer stretch of white sands lined by coconut palms.  The warm, clear waters are perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and there are several small islands around which can be reached by boat.

Overnight in Ngapali

Thandwe Airport to Hotel area (3 - 10 km): 5 - 30  mins

Enjoy two full days at leisure in Ngapali. Daily breakfast is served and there are options for snorkeling, boat trips or bike rides.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Beach Safari at Maung Shwe Lay - We can also arrange, with advance notice, a visit to Maung Shwe Lay where it is possible to enjoy a ‘private beach’ for the day. This beautiful spot is a typical fishing village in the Rakhine State and, due to its remote location, rarely visited by tourists. It is also the location of an EXO Foundation-founded library, which provides books, journals and other materials and educational support to the residents of Maung Shwe Lay. (For more information visit www.exofoundation.com )

Being Responsible:  The optional Beach Safari was established by a family living in Maung Shwe Lay.  Donations are made to the monastery and library visited during the trip, local boats are rented and ox-carts are operated by the villagers.

Overnight in Ngapali

Today is time for relaxation before departing to Thandwe airport for onward flights to Yangon.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel

This evening, head downtown for a food safari by open air trishaw. The tour will begin at the historic Strand Hotel where trishaws will be waiting outside to begin the evening journey. Each client will get their own trishaw and local driver. Departing from The Strand, we’ll take a short ride through the downtown area and head to Pansuriya Restaurant. This establishment is part restaurant, part art gallery, and part antique store. Have a browse through the wares while your first course of the evening is prepared. Here, you’ll be enjoying your choice of starter. Choose from homemade fish crackers, soups, or a number of traditional Burmese salads, locally known as thoke. Salads here can be made with pretty much anything, but typically consist of thinly sliced vegetables mixed with any number of toppings such as peanuts, sesame, or dried prawns. Mixed with a little lime juice or fish sauce, these delectable treats become a great start to any meal.

From Pansuriya, you’ll take a ride past the former Minister’s Office. Once known as the Secretariat, this beautiful red brick building was built by the British in the late 1800s and takes up an entire city block. Famous as the location where national hero General Aung Sang was assassinated in 1947, the inside of the building has been closed to the public for over 50 years.

Our second stop will be Monsoon Restaurant. One of the most well-known restaurants in Yangon, Monsoon has been serving up delicious South East Asian cuisine for years. Tonight for our main, we’ll be trying a traditional Burmese curry. One of the central dishes in Burmese cuisine, these curries tend to be more savory and less spicy than those in neighboring countries.

Then it’s back on the trishaws and a stop at the Rangoon Tea House. A modern take on the classic corner tea shop, this restaurant is great spot for our final course, dessert.  Choose between local influenced treats such as chai cheesecake or the much more traditional falooda, an interesting smoothie like drink.

After dessert we’ll get back on the trishaws, heading past landmarks like Mahabandoola Park, city hall, and Sule Pagoda, lit up like a beacon in the middle of town. Finally, we’ll grab a night cap at our final destination, Yangon Yangon. Located on the top floor of the Sakura Tower in downtown, this spot offers amazing views of the surrounding area, including Shwedagon and Sule Pagodas.

Overnight in Yangon

Being Responsible: Trishaws are locally sourced and individually owned by the driver themselves. Pansayura offers a place for local artists to display and sell their work.

Today is spent at leisure before transferring to the airport for onward flights. time pemitting, we suggest joining one of our optional tours.

Circle Train: Transfer to Yangon Railway station to and take the local circular train journey to the outskirts of town (20-30 minutes ride). The slowly traveling train offers a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people.  Disembark to visit Kyi Myin Daing market where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares.  Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals before returning by road to Yangon.

Blessings Trail: Discover the rich mixture of cultures and religions in Yangon with this half day walking tour. Visit Hindu Temples, Synagogues, Churches and Mosques as well as unique Burmese spiritual places including nat shrines and fortune tellers. Along the way, markets, tea shops and other lively local sites in the busy downtown area may also be explored.

Bogyoke Market: formerly known as Scott’s Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods.  (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).