Highlights of Myanmar

Day 1: WELCOME TO YANGON

Upon arrival in Yangon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Should you have any problems locating your arrival assistant, please contact the local Myanmar emergency number contained within your pre-departure information.

ACCOMMODATION 1 night JASMINE PALACE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior Room 341 Pyay Rd Myanmar (Burma) Tel: +95 1 230 4403

Day 2: YANGON TO MANDALAY

This morning transfer to Yangon airport for your onward flight to Mandalay. Start your exploration of Mandalay with a visit to the flower market (near MaYan Chan Jetty) where you can buy fresh flowers to donate to Mingun Pagoda. Continue to Ayeyarwaddy river where you will board your boat and cruise to Mingun. After disembarking, visit the magnificent Settawya Pagoda, built by King Bodawpaya in 1811. Then, wander over to Mingun Pagoda which is also home to the grand Mingun Bell. Finally, stop at Hsinbyume Pagoda before returning to Mandalay by boat. Continue with an afternoon city tour including the Royal Palace, Shwe Nandaw Kyuang or ‘Golden Palace Monastery’ noted for its intricate wood carvings and Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘The World’s Largest Book’, a collection of some 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. End your day from the top of Mandalay Hill with sweeping views of Mandalay and its surroundings. Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 2 nights RITZ GRAND HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior Room 42nd Street Between 60th and 62th Street Township 05031, Myanmar (Burma) Tel: +95 2 284 8118

DDay 3: MANDALAY

Today, head out to the ancient capital of Amarapura. We will visit and observe Bronze casting workshops which can be studied at a place called Tampa Waddy between Mandalay and Amarapura. This is home for many buddha images, bells, gongs and images of the nats (spirits). Continue to U Bein Bridge – a 200 year-old teak bridge which spans over 1.2 kilometres and offers fabulous views of the surrounding farmlands and streams. Later, cross the Ayeyarwaddy river and take a very local ferry to visit Innwa (Ava). A fitting way to visit Innwa is by taking a horse-cart ride. You will visit Maha Aungmye Bonzan Kyaung, Bagaya Kyaung and Bagaya monastery. Your sightseeing will continue to Soon U Ponya Shin Paya and U Min Thounzeh Pagoda in Sagaing. From Sagaing Hill take in the panoramic view at dusk before returning to Mandalay. Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION RITZ GRAND HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior Room

Day 4: MANDALAY TO BAGAN

Start your day with a visit to Nan Shae Market which is buzzing with traders and workers – great for people watching and a feel for local life! After a short visit start leisurely walking to Thu Ye Zay (Thu Ye Market), a colourful local market located on the train tracks. This market is a one-of-a-kind market full of local produce, vegetables, flowers, meat and fish. Leave Mandalay behind to reach Popa. there is no better vantage point than the terrace of Popa Mountain Resort, whence you can enjoy the most prestigious views of Popa, and mainly of Taungkalat itself. Later, sit back and relax as you start your drive to Bagan, pass a local village and experience what local Burmese life is like before continuing on to Bagan. Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 2 nights ROYAL PALACE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe room No.6, Anawyathar Road Bagan 11111, Myanmar (Burma) Tel: +95 1 230 5072

Day 5: BAGAN

Start your discovery of Bagan with some of this magnificent ancient city’s most important monuments such as significant pagodas and temples. Stop at a popular lacquer ware workshop which produces the most famous handicrafts of Bagan. Later this afternoon, take in the stunning sunset view of this vast ancient city whilst on a tuk tuk. Breakfast included.

ACCOMMODATION ROYAL PALACE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe room

Day 6: BAGAN TO INLE LAKE

This morning catch a flight to Heho airport before continuing to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Later, stop at a neighbourhood workshop or two to see how some of the local handicrafts are made such as cigars and boatbuilding. You will then make a couple of stops at villages known for their local crafts such as the weaving village of Inpawkhone, a Silversmiths’ village or a community which specialises in the production of hand-made ‘cheroot’ (typical Burmese cigars), before transferring to your hotel. Breakfast included.

ACCOMMODATION 2 nights NYAUNG SHWE CITY HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Royal Deluxe room No.20, Win Quarter Nyaung Shwe Southern Shan State , Inle ., Nyaungshwe 11101, Myanmar (Burma) Tel: +95 9 44440 6959

Day 7: INLE LAKE

Start your day like a local as you glide through narrow channels as you travel by canoe to Kaylar Village, which is located in the middle part of Inle Lake and famous for its floating gardens. Here you will see fresh tomatoes as well as peas, chilies and flowers which are all grown on the floating markets. Later, get into a long tail boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung, a monastery famous, primarily of interest for its extensive collection of Buddha images made of different materials, and in various styles and sizes. Continue down the lake until you disembark at Inndein jetty and visit the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area (Indein Temple Complex). Return to your hotel late afternoon. Breakfast included.

ACCOMMODATION NYAUNG SHWE CITY HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Royal Deluxe room

Day 8: INLE LAKE TO YANGON

This morning, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon. Begin your day in Yangon with a walking tour taking in a number of the best examples of the city’s magnificent colonial architecture. Wander the fascinating backstreets of the downtown area, teeming with local life and stop along the way. Then, end up at bustling Chinatown with its many shops and stalls offering every thinkable commodity one can get. Finally, end the day at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s crowning glory. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner. Breakfast and Dinner included

ACCOMMODATION 1 night JASMINE PALACE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior Room 341 Pyay Rd Myanmar (Burma) Tel: +95 1 230 4403

Day 9: DEPART YANGON

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels. Breakfast included.