Best of Myanmar & Beach – 14 Days

Today, we delve into Yangon, which was formerly the capital of Myanmar. Although it no longer serves as the administrative center, it continues to be the commercial and spiritual core of the nation. In the morning, we will explore the city's religious landmarks, starting with the serene Sule Pagoda located in the city center, followed by a visit to Botahtaung Pagoda. This riverside complex features a 40-meter-tall golden stupa that has stood for 2,500 years. We’ll also take a stroll through Maha Bandoola Park, a lovely green space surrounded by colonial architecture and historical sites, including the Independence Monument, City Hall, and the High Court.

You can savor a traditional cup of tea along with some crispy gourd or flaky savory pastries. Afterward, we’ll visit Bogyoke (Scott) Market to browse through various handicrafts. Our next stop is Chaukhtagyi Pagoda, home to the impressive 70-meter-long reclining Buddha, adorned with a crown set with diamonds and other precious stones.

In the evening, we will visit the breathtaking Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist temple. The central stupa, towering at 90 meters and covered in gold leaf, dominates the city skyline and is visible from much of Yangon. An iconic symbol of Myanmar, it draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Join the locals in making offerings, praying, and paying their respects as the shimmering gold stupa transforms into a stunning display of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds at sunset.

This morning, we will take a flight to Mandalay, which served as Myanmar’s final royal capital before the onset of colonial rule. Just to the south lies Amarapura, an ancient city that once held the title of capital. Here, we will visit the Mahagandayon Monastery, the largest teaching monastery in the nation. As we make our way into Mandalay, we'll explore the Royal Palace, the historic Shwenandaw Monastery, and a local handicraft workshop where we can observe the traditional crafts of bronze sculpting, gold leaf application, and wood carving.

The afternoon is yours to unwind before embarking on an evening outing to Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the largest book in the world, followed by a visit to Mandalay Hill, a natural viewpoint overlooking the city. Enjoying the panoramic views of Mandalay, especially as the sun sets in a clear sky, is a perfect way to conclude the day.

This morning, we embark on a cruise along the Irrawaddy River heading toward Mingun. Here, you’ll find what was meant to be the world’s largest pagoda, constructed under King Bodawpaya, though it was left unfinished upon his death. Currently standing at an impressive height of 50 meters out of the intended 152, it remains an awe-inspiring sight, featuring a dramatic crack that runs down its center as a result of the 1838 earthquake.

Continuing our journey to Sagaing Hill, we are treated to breathtaking views of the river and the undulating hills adorned with numerous pagodas and stupas. While on the hill, we will visit the historic Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin pagoda, the remarkable Thirty Caves Pagoda known for its thirty doorways, and the dome-shaped Kaungmhudaw Pagoda.

In the afternoon, we return to ancient Amarapura to observe the weaving of traditional fabrics at a cottage industry workshop. Following that, we’ll visit the renowned U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Taungthaman Lake, we will witness the bridge in all its stunning glory during sunset. Afterward, we’ll head back to Mandalay for a leisurely evening.

This morning, we will transfer to the jetty to embark on an Irrawaddy Riverboat for our journey south to Bagan. Enjoy the scenic ride along the tranquil Irrawaddy River, which flows from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Along the way, you'll witness daily life in Myanmar, with stilted villages, bullock carts rolling along the roads, and the majestic spires of pagodas peeking through the trees. The journey takes around 9 hours on the MGRG Express riverboat.

Upon our arrival in Bagan, you'll have some free time to relax at our hotel for the evening. Please note that from April 1 to July 31 each year, the river's water level is at its lowest, which halts cruise operations. These dates may vary based on rainfall and river conditions. If you travel with us during this period, we've included the cost of a flight from Mandalay to Bagan in the tour price. On Day 5, you will have the morning free in Mandalay before transferring to the airport for your flight to Bagan, where we will spend the night. Additionally, please be aware that only breakfast is included when flying to Bagan.

This morning offers a chance for those who have booked the Ballooning over Bagan add-on to experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Bagan. The view of countless stupas scattered across the dusty plains is truly unforgettable. With over 2,000 temples and pagodas that date back approximately 800 years, Bagan boasts one of the most remarkable skylines in the world.

Our exploration begins in the vibrant river town of Nyaung-U, where we’ll visit the lively local market and the shimmering Shwezigon Pagoda. We will also check out the Kyansittha Cave Temple and Manuha Temple, which features colossal Buddhas. Nearby, the Nanpaya Temple, constructed by the captive King Makuta of Thaton Kingdom, and the Ananda Temple—an outstanding example of Mon architecture with four golden Buddhas—await our visit.

The imposing Thatbyinnyu Temple offers excellent photo opportunities, followed by a visit to Dhammayangyi Temple, a grand 12th-century structure that dominates the Bagan landscape. Known for its well-preserved state, this temple holds intriguing inner passageways and a tumultuous history marked by death and intrigue. Its reputation may explain why it has not been restored or looted like many others.

Finally, we’ll conclude our day at the stunning Mingalazedi Pagoda, an exemplary piece of Burmese architecture featuring a bell-shaped dome and beautifully detailed Jataka tiled terraces, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of Bagan.

Today, we journey to Kalaw, making a stop at Mount Popa en route. This extinct volcano, which hasn’t erupted in approximately 250,000 years, is well-known for being the home of 37 Burmese spirits known as nats, depicted by statues located at the base of the volcanic formation. The highlight of Mount Popa is the Popa Taungkalat Monastery, a revered pilgrimage destination for locals, situated atop a prominent rocky outcrop with its golden temples gleaming in the sunlight.

Reaching the summit involves a challenging climb up 777 steps, but the breathtaking 360-degree views that await are well worth the effort, extending across the verdant forested landscape. Along the ascent, there are several temples and shrines where you can take a moment to rest and catch your breath.

Afterward, we continue our drive to Kalaw, arriving in the tranquil former British hill station by the afternoon. This charming colonial town offers plenty to explore, including a visit to Thein Taung Pay Pagoda, which provides excellent views of the bustling market area below.

We begin our day with an early start, setting off on a gentle trek through the picturesque Palaung Hills. This leisurely trail takes us through the stunning Burmese countryside, showcasing tea and cheroot plantations along with expansive rice paddies, eventually leading us to Painaebin, a quaint village inhabited by the indigenous Danu people.

Upon returning to Kalaw, we continue our journey to the serene town of Pindaya, where we can admire the breathtaking landscapes en route. Pindaya is renowned for its vast system of caves nestled within a limestone hill, housing thousands of Buddha statues from various periods, beginning with the early 18th-century Konbaung dynasty up to the present day. The afternoon concludes with visits to a remarkable 250-year-old Banyan tree and small local workshops that create Mulberry paper and bamboo hats.

Today, we embark on a drive to the stunning Inle Lake, a vast freshwater body surrounded by marshlands and adorned with stilt-house villages, floating gardens, ancient stupas, and Buddhist monasteries. As we navigate the lake in wooden boats, we witness daily life unfolding around us. We observe Intha fishermen employing their remarkable one-legged paddling method, skillfully balancing at the front of their boats while using their other leg to maneuver the oar and catch fish with their conical nets—a captivating sight.

As we continue, we glide past floating gardens, where Intha farmers paddle through mats of vegetation to tend to their crops of fruits and vegetables. A visit to Nga Pe Chaung Monastery, famously known as the "jumping cat monastery" because of the cats that leap through hoops during scripture recitals, is also on our itinerary. This floating pagoda houses a remarkable collection of ancient Buddha images within its large wooden meditation hall.

Our exploration of Inle Lake also includes visits to silversmith and silk weaving workshops, culminating at the area’s largest pagoda, Paungdaw Oo, where the five Buddhas have gradually gained a more rounded appearance over the years due to the generous application of gold leaf by worshippers. Day 10 is reserved for leisure in Inle Lake, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You can take advantage of the lush surroundings by canoeing or cycling, or choose to visit Indein village to learn about the region's ethnic tribes. Alternatively, you may opt for an excursion to Kakku, home to a valley filled with over a thousand stupas showcasing intricate ancient carvings. Other possibilities include visiting Taunggyi, the capital of the Southern Shan state and a former British hill station, or traveling to Sagar to view the sunken stupas that are partially submerged for part of the year, with local village visits along the way. All of these activities can be booked and paid for locally.

Following a relaxed breakfast, we depart from the Inle Lake area and head to Heho Airport for our flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel in Ngapali, where we’ll be staying for the next three nights. Ngapali boasts stunning natural beauty, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and gently swaying palm trees providing an idyllic setting for unwinding after a culturally enriching journey. You can indulge in a beachside massage, arrange a boat trip that includes snorkeling stops, and savor some of the freshest seafood available.

This morning, we take a flight from Ngapali to Yangon. Arriving at Yangon Airport signifies the conclusion of our journey. From this point, you can catch your onward international flight home. Please ensure that international flights are scheduled for after 2 PM.