Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you as you 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.

There are no activities planned for today, however should you arrive early optional excursions are available.

Overnight in Yangon

This morning we’ll head down town for our first walking tour. This 3 hour walking tour will cover 4-5 kilometres in the central districts of downtown. Many of the buildings visited are on the Yangon City Heritage List, a list of 188 man-made structures mainly consisting of religious landmarks and colonial-era buildings.  

Highlights include City Hall, the old railway station and the former Minister’s office where General Aung San was assassinated. Interspersed in the guided walk are various religious sites such as the St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and Botataung Pagoda.

By walking through the streets you’ll also have a chance to witness the lifestyles of the locals- from the busy bus and boat stations to the tea shops and hidden street markets. There are plenty of chances to interact with Yangon residents and learn more about the Burmese culture.

We’ll stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a local tea shop. Tea shops are central to Burmese culture; from morning to night locals fill these shops. If you are feeling hungry, try a Burmese pancake or one of several great noodle dishes (drinks only; food not included).

Then visit Bogyoke Market (also known as Scott Market) where you can peruse the stalls for local handicrafts and other goods.

Break midday to rest your legs and enjoy lunch (own account).

This afternoon we’ll continue with a spiritual-focused walking tour. Although Myanmar is predominately Buddhist, there are several forms of religion practiced in the country, most of which were introduced by immigrant populations. Exploring the diverse religions in downtown Yangon provides insight into the rich tapestry of cultures in Myanmar and unveils a side of the city rarely explored by tourists.

We start at Kheng Hock Keong Temple, Chinatown’s largest temple, and continue walking our way through western downtown. Along the way we will visit mosques, churches, Hindu temples and even a synagogue before finishing at Sule Paya. Your guide will explain the rich diversity of the religions in Yangon and teach you about offerings and blessings in each place of worship. Beyond the major regions, you’ll also discover local Burmese traditions such as ancestor worship, Nat worship, astrology and even the lottery!

While walking through this lively section of town we’ll also stumble upon local markets selling everything from fresh produce to temple offerings to traditional medicine.

Transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.                                                                   

Overnight in Yangon

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

From the 11th to 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. 

On arrival, your journey begins with a visit to an elevated temple from where you will have a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Continue to the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where every day the locals come to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods. Take a walk here to the local village where you will see the product of pone yeh gyi and other local treats.

Then continue to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan’s rich history. Continue to 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 begin with a visit to a traditional lacquer ware workshop where you can 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.          

From here, trade foot steps for hoof prints as you travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, 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.

Overnight in Bagan

After breakfast at your hotel, your  guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to embark on your exciting trip to Tant Kyi.

Tant Kyi is one of four temples entwined in the Shwe Daw Lay Su legend of King Anawratha. The tale states that the King was given a replica of Lord Buddha’s tooth, he placed this on a sacred white elephant’s back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four places around Bagan and later, the King built stupas at each of these locations. Thus the local Burmese believe that by visiting all four of these places in one morning your wishes will be fulfilled.

Begin with a scenic boat trip across the Irrawaddy River by private boat. Enjoy snacks and tea as you make your way past small boats and river islands. Upon arrival, take a short walk through the local villages- typical of the many villages that are found along the Irrawaddy- to the base of Tant Kyi.

You then will join the locals on the hike to the top. The walk takes around 1 – 1.5 hours and although it is uphill all the way, there are plenty of places to rest. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of the Irrawaddy and temple plains of Bagan in the distance. Similarly the views of Tant Kyi on the hilltop change as you get closer.

Upon reaching the top, spend time at the temple. Watch the locals as they make their offerings, enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and rest in the cool shade of the temple grounds.

Nearby are a few small caves with unusual Buddha statues resembling the style found in the Rakhhine state.

After your visit, return down to the base by car (around 25-30 minutes) where your boat will be waiting. Relax and enjoy as you cross back to Bagan. Transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.

This afternoon, take a 2 hour walk through the Bagan Archeological park, featuring some very unique temples with varied architectural styles as well as rare Buddha images. Seeing Bagan from the perspective of walking is a fabulous experience and allows access to temples often overlooked by tourists.

Continue to Myinkabar village. Along the way, outside of Old Bagan, visit several temples. Among the temples in this area are Nagayone, the oldest temple built by King Anawratha, and the unusual mural paintings at Ahpae Yadanar.

Then reach Myinkabar, a typical Burmese village but home to several smaller temples of historical interest. We’ll visit a few of the temples here including one with unusual stone inscriptions in four different languages.

Overnight in Bagan

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

Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen. Begin your tour by visiting some traditional workshops, where you will 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.

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

Then take a walk to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins. The walk covers around 900 stairs, takes around 30-45 minutes and passes many local shrines, temples and other religious monuments. You may also be joined by local tourists and pilgrims en route. Arrive at the top in time to watch the sunset and enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.

Overnight in Mandalay

It’s an early morning start today with your guide and driver picking you up at your hotel at 4.00. Transfer first to Maha Muni Pagoda, Mandalay’s most important religious sites. The main Buddha image here is more than 3.5 metres high and is coated with golf leaf applied by the local pilgrims- in fact, so much gold leaf has been applied over the years that the image is now distorted and appears lumpy in texture. Every morning at 4.30, the monks and locals gather at Mahamuni to wash the statue’s face with scented water and clean his teeth with a soft brush. This bizarre yet beautiful ceremony is worth getting out of bed for!

Next, it’s time to head to the morning market in central Mandalay for a walking tour. Covering several city blocks, the market is a hive of activity in the early morning hours with vendors selling mounds of fresh produce, meats, flowers and other items and shoppers arriving by trishaw or motorbike. You may even see monks and nuns walking through the market to collect alms or purchase items for the monastery. The setting is incredibly colourful and as you walk through the market, you are likely to see things you have never seen before- from exotic fruits and spices to dried meats and prepared sweets.

Finally it’s time for breakfast! We’ll visit a local tea shop- Sip a hot cup of coffee or try the local tea, a strong brew mixed with sweetened condensed milk. You’ll sample a bowl of local noodles- Mandalay is famous for its mee shay (noodles with pork or chicken, bean sprouts, toasted chickpea flour, rice flour gel, soy sauce and various herbs) and nan gyi toke or mont di (rice noodle with a chicken curry- the difference is the size of the noodles). You can also have mohinga or Shan noodles if you wish. Other dishes such as curries, rice and chappati are also available.

Continue to Paleik after breakfast. Most travelers visit Paleik to see its famous snake temple, but the real lure is its more than 300 temples. Built during the same period as Ava (14th century) the temples are abandoned, covered in ivy and connected by dirt paths. We’ll spend time walking amid the ruins, enjoying the blend of nature and man-made buildings as well as learning about the history of the area. There is a small village and two monasteries in the vicinity which we will walk through for a taste of local life.

Take a break at midday for lunch. (Client’s own account)

This afternoon, head to Taung Ta Man village. This quiet village is located across the lake from Amarapura. Walk through the village stopping at the local monastery and passing by the school and village, where, depending on the time of year, you may see weaving of cloth or palm-leaf weaving.

Continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk across 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.

At the end of the bridge you will reach Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. 

Relax and watch the sun set at U Bein then return to your hotel.

Overnight in Mandalay

After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay Airport for a flight to Heho. From Heho, a scenic 2-2.5 hour drive leads to Pindaya.

Upon arrival, drop your bags at your hotel and head for lunch at a nearby restaurant (own account)

Continue to the west side of town where you will be dropped at the base of the Pindaya caves. A light uphill hike takes you along a winding path to the entrance of these Buddha-filled chambers. Explore the caves, where thousands of statues of various shapes and sizes form an important shrine for the local pilgrims.

Afterwards, stroll back down the hill and visit a local craftshop making paper from the pulp of mulberry trees and then return to your hotel.

Overnight in Pindaya

Today starts with a visit to the Pindaya market, a typical rural market selling an array of food and dry goods.

Then take a short drive east of Pindaya where we will continue on foot to a small village. In the village you will get to observe the daily activities of the people. If it is dry season you may see the drying of cheroot leaves or weaving of cotton. In the rainy season you may see activities such as the weaving of wood or bamboo mats and making of brooms. This quaint village is filled with friendly locals and some curious kids who will welcome you to their town.

Next, continue to either the village head man’s house or a scenic field for a fun, interactive cooking demonstration. Learn about the local ingredients used in some of the regional cuisine (Danu, Shan and Pa-Oh) and the techniques used to cook the tasty dishes of the Shan State. You may also have a chance to visit a small plantation where some herbs or other ingredients are being grown.

After cooking sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch of your freshly prepared dishes.

From here continue with a drive to Nyaung Shwe, arriving in the mid or late afternoon.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

This morning starts with a walking tour of Nyaung Shwe.

Start near the canal where you will see boats coming and going from the lake’s farms to drop off fresh produce that is then distributed up country. Continue to the local market for a wander through the small, but charming, stalls and continue looping around to the ‘tomato house’. This warehouse is the main depot for transport of Inle Lake’s produce and is a fascinating visit for tourists.

Then walk on to the boat jetty. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, 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.

Return to Nyaung Shwe in the late afternoon and walk back to your hotel.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

Today begins with a light trek to a local Pa-Oh village. The walk takes 3-4 hours round trip and we’ll stop to have lunch in a family house.

This afternoon, return to the lake and visit the area of Indein. Indein is located on  the southwestern shores of the lake. The boat will travel down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque stupas and has magnificent views of the lake.

Then return to your hotel in Nyaung Shwe.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

This morning transfer to the Heho airport for your onward flight.