Arrive in Yangon and meet your guide at the airport to transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel or take a stroll in the nearby streets of this historic city.

Overnight in Yangon 

Although Yangon is no longer the official capital of the country it is still one of the most dynamic, and busiest, areas of the country. Start the day in with a stroll in the park surrounding Kandawgyi Lake, then pay a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda. This is the most important Buddhist site in the country and is said to hold strands of Buddha’s hair and other relics. The spire reaches up to 110m and is encrusted with diamonds and covered by gold plate, so that it glistens in the light.

Grab a bargain at Scott Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays), pass by the Town Hall and wander the old streets lined with colonial buildings. After a quick spin through the streets of Yangon from your hotel, begin your evening exploration of the city at Sule Pagoda. This glistening landmark is the heart of the city and the perfect starting point for a stroll along the orderly streets of downtown Yangon. As we approach our destination, 19th street in Chinatown, the smell of BBQ grows stronger and the clink of beer glasses increases.

Peruse stall after stall piled high with ready to grill skewers of all varieties and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Sit down at our vendor of choice and refresh with a cold beer or soft drink. Let your knowledgeable guide pick out the best BBQ choices and make some suggestions of your own from the wide variety of meats and vegetable pairings on offer. The whole fish is especially delicious! When your food arrives at your little plastic table, BBQ-ed to perfection, take the time to savour every bite while chatting about local life with your guide. End the evening with a short stroll to the fruit vendors for dessert.

Overnight in Yangon

Meet your guide at your hotel for your transfer to the airport. Hop on a short flight to Bagan, where the landscape is a sea of stupas and temples. This ancient city and important archaeological site once held more that 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. With the ravages of time only 2,200 temples survive, but exploring the remaining temples today is still awe-inspiring.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the Aye Yar Jetty. Cruise up river for a short time to reach a quiet part of the river, where fewer boats go. Choose from a selection of drinks to enjoy while floating down river as the sun sets. Admire the glistening reflections on the calm waters and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Chat with your guide about life on the river and then transfer back to your hotel as the sky darkens.

Overnight in Bagan

Meet your guide at your hotel, and then make the 1.5 hour drive to Salay. Your first stop is Yoke Sone monastery, famous for its spectacular woodcarvings. Wander the complex and marvel at the intricate designs. There are over 50 monasteries in this small town so its a great time to take the opportunity to chat with the monks and learn a little about Buddhism in Myanmar. Wander on to see the collection of untouched British colonial buildings and to Man Paya to admire the largest lacquer Bhuddha in Myanmar.

On the way back to Bagan, stop for lunch at West Phwa Saw village. Sit down to eat in a local home and chat with the family about their lives, before a demonstration of how to apply Thanaka and how to wrap a Longyi. These traditional forms of make-up and clothing will be very familiar by the time you leave Myanmar!

Overnight in Bagan

Heading out of Bagan to Mount Popa, stop by the local cottage industries to see how palm juice is collected for the making of toddy wine and palm candies. Sit down for a green tea and traditional snacks, like tea leaf salad, before continuing on. Fruit and flower stalls line the roads up to Mount Popa, selling the beautiful golden Champac flowers which are a symbol of the area. When you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of the valley. On a clear day you can see all the way out to the Ayeyarwady River.

Lunch at Popa Mountain Resort and then take time to enjoy the facilities of this beautiful hotel. Sample a fresh cocktail (or mocktail) and take a swim with equally good views of the surrounding area.

Overnight in Bagan

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Connect with your evening departure flight.