Burma Highlights + Ngapali Beach Extension 17 Days

This morning's exploration will take us on foot and by vehicle to some of Rangoon's most significant landmarks, beginning with the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, the most esteemed temple in Myanmar, which many Burmese Buddhists aspire to visit at least once in their lives. The pagoda houses the relics of the four previous Buddhas, and its central spire rises to an impressive height of 100 meters, adorned with gold leaf and 4,531 diamonds, making it a dominant feature of the city's skyline. Next, we head to downtown Rangoon, where we will stroll along Pansodan Street, taking in remarkable examples of British colonial architecture and passing vibrant street markets. The years of isolation in Burma have allowed Rangoon to retain the highest concentration of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Our next destination is the Chaukhtatgyi Paya, home to a colossal reclining Buddha that measures 70 meters in length. This tranquil figure is crowned with a headpiece embellished with diamonds and other precious gems. In the afternoon, we will take a brief flight to Heho, followed by a drive to the picturesque Inle Lake, where our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Nyaung Shwe for the next few days.

Inle Lake is set in a stunning high-altitude location on the Shan Plateau, encircled by hills and inhabited by the Intha people along with other ethnic groups such as the Shan, Taungyo, Pa-o, and Danu. The local communities are devout Buddhists residing in simple stilt houses constructed from wood and woven bamboo, elevated above the water. Primarily, they are fishermen, skilled craftsmen, and self-sufficient farmers who cultivate vegetables on floating gardens made from grass and seaweed. Notably, the fishermen are famous for their unique rowing technique, where they balance on one leg at the back of their boat while using the other leg to grip the oar. We will spend time with these village communities, exploring their cottage industry workshops and appreciating their craftsmanship in silk and cotton weaving, as well as paper and silver production. Additionally, we are likely to visit a local market during our day’s activities.

This morning, we embark on a boat journey along a narrow creek in the western area of the lake, heading towards Indein village. There, we will explore a site featuring approximately 1,000 stupas of different sizes, constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries. We’ll have the opportunity to stroll among these ancient, overgrown ruins before heading back to the hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might consider an optional trip to one of Burma's pioneering wineries, or perhaps indulge in a traditional massage in the town.

This morning, we will embark on a vibrant train ride, traveling alongside locals to reach the town of Aung Ban. Although the journey is expected to take around two hours, a leisurely schedule and occasional delays can extend our travel time. However, this only adds to the charm of the experience, as the breathtaking landscapes we pass through more than compensate for any delays. Afterward, we will drive to Kalaw, perched on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. Once a favored hill station during the British colonial period, it offered a refreshing retreat from the intense summer heat. Today, Kalaw retains its quaint charm reminiscent of that era and serves as a perfect starting point for hilltribe treks. The remainder of the day is yours to either explore the town or simply savor the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings.

Today, we are set for a leisurely four-hour trek through the heart of the Kalaw tribal region. We will begin our journey in the village of Say Wingabar, ascending through a pine forest toward Lu Pyi village. The path will lead us through scenic rural landscapes, offering stunning views of the valley, which is a beautiful mosaic of rice paddies and vegetable fields. Along the way, we may encounter tribal villagers tending to their farms or heading to the market with their harvest. At the end of our trek, we will visit Myinmathi Cave to admire its numerous Buddha images and small stupas. After enjoying a lunch break, we will have a brief transfer back to the hotel, where you can unwind for the remainder of the day. For those who prefer not to join the trek, you can opt to relax at the hotel instead.

Spend the morning at your own pace before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to our hotel, where you can choose to relax or explore the city for the remainder of the day.

We kick off the day with a tour of Mandalay. Our first destination is Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book, which is inscribed on 729 marble slabs. Next, we visit the stunning Shwenandaw Monastery, originally a royal palace from the 19th century, celebrated for its intricately carved teak panels depicting Buddhist legends on its walls and roofs. We then proceed to Mahamuni Paya, the city's most sacred temple, where we can observe locals honoring an ancient Buddha statue by applying gold leaf. We’ll also make stops at local craft shops, where artisans create gold leaf, elaborate tapestries, and detailed wood carvings.

After lunch, we enjoy a short and scenic boat ride up the river to Mingun, home to what was intended to be the world’s largest pagoda, which construction halted in 1819 due to the death of King Bodawpaya. The impressive remnants include the enormous base of the brick pagoda, dramatically fractured by an earthquake in 1838, and soaring 50 meters above the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River. Originally, it was designed to reach three times this height. Nearby, a shrine holds the massive 90-ton bell that was meant to hang in the completed structure, now recognized as the largest uncracked bell in the world. As the sun sets behind the hills, we make our way back down the river. Upon returning to Mandalay, we have the chance to stroll through the bustling evening fish market near the jetty, offering a captivating glimpse into local life.

After a relaxed morning, we set out on a drive four miles southwest of Mandalay to explore the ancient capital of Inwa (Ava), which served as a royal capital for an impressive duration from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Our journey takes place in horse-drawn carts along rugged dirt paths. During our visit, we will make stops at the striking yellow-stucco Manu Ok Kaung Monastery and the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, renowned for its towering teakwood pillars. Our final destination here is the Leaning Tower of Inwa, aptly named for its tilt, a result of an earthquake in the 19th century.

Following lunch at a local eatery (not included), we proceed to Amarapura, located just seven miles south of Mandalay. This city served as Burma’s second-to-last royal capital from 1783 to 1863. We will stroll through the peaceful grounds of the expansive Mahagandayon Monastery complex, where we may catch a glimpse of monks engaged in their evening rituals. Our day concludes at U Bein Bridge, a 1.3 km-long teakwood structure. Here, we’ll join the locals for their evening walk across the lake as the sun begins to set.

Tours scheduled between October and April will utilize the express boat service from Mandalay Port to Bagan. While this requires an early start, participants can anticipate a leisurely day-long cruise along the legendary Irrawaddy River, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of life along the riverbanks. However, from May to September, and occasionally in April, low water levels may prevent this boat journey, necessitating a flight to Bagan instead. If traveling by boat, we will arrive in Bagan by early evening, allowing for a couple of days to explore this breathtaking site. Many travelers consider it the highlight of the tour, often expressing that their photographs fail to capture Bagan's grandeur and expanse. Undoubtedly one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures, its sprawling landscape is dotted with thousands of ancient temples and stupas, some over a thousand years old. From the 9th to the 13th centuries, Bagan served as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, a precursor to modern-day Burma. At its peak, between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 structures were built here, with more than 2,200 still standing today. The scale of this site is truly remarkable, as it boasts more temples, stupas, and pagodas across this Manhattan Island-sized plain than the number of medieval cathedrals found in Europe.

Before exploring the temples today, we will make a stop in Phya Saw village to learn about traditional lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged over the years. Here, we can interact with local residents as they carry out their daily tasks, such as hand-weaving cotton, grinding peanut oil with the help of oxen, and tending to various village animals.

Next, we’ll proceed to the temples of Bagan, where we’ll focus on visiting some of the most iconic and unique sites. Our itinerary includes Shwezigon, a model for later Burmese stupas; Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a 13th-century cave temple featuring fascinating frescoes; and the Ananda Pagoda, renowned for being one of the largest, finest, and best-preserved structures in Old Bagan. We may also visit Ananda Ok Kyaung, a former monastery adorned with stunning 18th-century wall paintings.

In the late afternoon, we will ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the temple complex, allowing us to appreciate the vastness of the site more fully. As we journey through the seemingly endless array of temples and stupas, it's easy to see why Bagan is often referred to as 'The City of Four Million Pagodas.' We hope to conclude our day by enjoying a breathtaking sunset from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

We begin our day with a stunning panoramic view of the temple-dotted plain, offering a fantastic photo opportunity before we embark on our exploration of the most captivating sites. Among these are Manuha Temple, constructed by King Manuha to express his frustration over captivity; Nanpaya, which is recognized as Bagan's first cave-style shrine; and Gubaukgyi Temple, an early temple known for its beautifully preserved paintings.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might opt for a bike ride around the ruins, take a sunset cruise, or continue exploring the temples at your own pace. Alternatively, consider an optional excursion to Mount Popa, located approximately 30 miles from Bagan. Rising 1,518 meters above the tropical landscape, Mt. Popa is famously known as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods). Local superstition advises against wearing red, black, or green during your visit to avoid offending the Nats. If you decide to climb the 777 steps to the magnificent gold-tipped monastery at the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. This trip also includes a visit to a local toddy farmer, where you can observe the production of toddy palm juice and sugar.

Today, we bid farewell to the temples and pagodas of Bagan as we take a flight to Thandwe. Our tour leader will return with the group to Rangoon, meaning that the beach extension will be without a guide. Upon arriving at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel located on the tranquil Ngapali Beach.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, and what better way to spend it than by unwinding on the pristine white sandy beaches that stretch alongside the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal?