Burma Highlights 14 Days

Today’s exploration begins with a combination of walking and driving to the key attractions of Rangoon, starting with the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda—Myanmar's most sacred temple that every Burmese Buddhist aspires to visit at least once in their life. This impressive structure houses relics from the last four Buddhas and features a central stupa that stands 100 meters tall, adorned with gold leaf and 4,531 diamonds, creating a breathtaking sight that dominates the skyline.

Next, we head to the downtown area, strolling along Pansodan Street, where we can admire remarkable examples of British colonial architecture while passing through bustling street markets. The long period of isolation in Myanmar has allowed Rangoon to maintain the largest collection of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Our following stop is Chaukhtatgyi Paya, which houses a colossal reclining Buddha measuring 70 meters long. Its tranquil expression is highlighted by a crown adorned 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 we will set up our base in the charming town of Nyaung Shwe for the next few days.

Inle Lake is situated in a breathtaking high-altitude location on the Shan Plateau, encircled by hills and inhabited by the Intha people, along with various ethnic groups such as the Shan, Taungyo, Pa-o, and Danu. The local communities, who are deeply devoted to Buddhism, reside in simple wooden and woven bamboo houses elevated on stilts above the water. Many of them are engaged in fishing, skilled craftsmanship, and self-sustaining agriculture, cultivating vegetables on floating gardens crafted from grass and seaweed.

Notably, local fishermen are recognized for their unique technique of rowing, which involves standing on one leg at the back of the boat while wrapping the other leg around the oar. We will take time to immerse ourselves in these village communities, exploring their cottage industries where we can appreciate 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 region of the lake, heading towards Indein village. At this destination, we explore a collection of approximately 1,000 stupas of different sizes, constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to roam among these ancient, overgrown structures before we head back to the hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might consider an optional visit to one of Burma's earliest wineries, or indulge in a traditional massage at a local spa.

This morning, we embark on a vibrant train journey to the town of Aung Ban, traveling alongside local residents. While the trip is planned for two hours, the relaxed schedule and occasional delays can extend the travel time. However, this leisurely pace only enhances the experience, as the breathtaking landscapes we pass through more than compensate for it. Afterward, we will drive to Kalaw, located on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. This charming town, which became a favored hill station during British colonial times for its refreshing escape from the intense summer heat, has retained its quaint atmosphere reminiscent of that era. It now serves as a perfect starting point for hill tribe treks. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the town or to simply unwind in the serene surroundings.

Today, we can anticipate a leisurely four-hour trek through the heart of the Kalaw tribal region. We begin our journey in the village of Say Wingabar, where we will climb through a pine forest toward Lu Pyi village. The trail meanders through the rural landscape, offering stunning views of the valley, which is a beautiful mosaic of rice and vegetable fields. Along the way, we may encounter local tribal villagers tending to their farms or heading to market with their harvest. At the end of our trek, we will visit Myinmathi Cave to admire its numerous Buddha statues and small stupas. After enjoying lunch, we will take a short drive back to the hotel, where you can unwind for the rest of the day. For those who prefer not to join the trek, you are welcome to spend the day relaxing at the hotel.

As we leave behind the stunning landscapes of the Shan mountains, we set off on an intriguing land journey to Mandalay, reminiscent of Kipling's renowned trek to the north. Given that some portions of the road may be in poor condition, we anticipate that the 160-mile trip will take approximately 9 hours in total. We will make brief stops whenever possible during our journey. Mandalay, known as the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom, is regarded as one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in Myanmar. Here, we will take time to explore its rich heritage, which is prominently reflected in the exquisite local arts and crafts.

We kick off the day by delving into the sights of Mandalay. Our first stop is Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the largest book in the world, where the complete Buddhist scripture is inscribed on 729 marble slabs. Next, we visit the stunning Shwenandaw Monastery, originally a royal palace from the 19th century, renowned for its intricate teak carvings that depict Buddhist legends on its walls and roofs. Mahamuni Paya, the holiest temple in the city, offers a chance to observe locals showing their reverence by applying gold leaf to an ancient Buddha statue. We’ll also visit local craft shops, where artisans skillfully create gold leaf, elaborate tapestries, and detailed wood carvings.

After lunch, we embark on a short and enjoyable boat ride upriver to Mingun, the site of what was intended to be the largest pagoda in the world—an ambitious project that was halted in 1819 upon the death of King Bodawpaya. What remains today is the immense core of a brick pagoda, dramatically split by an earthquake in 1838 and standing 50 meters tall above the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River. The original design would have resulted in a structure three times its current height. Nearby, a shrine holds the 90-ton bell cast for the pagoda, now recognized as the largest uncracked bell in the world. As the sun sets behind the hills, we return downriver, with a chance to stroll through the bustling evening fish market near the jetty—a vibrant and fascinating spot to explore.

We begin our morning with a visit to the 17th-century Kuang Madaw Pagoda, renowned for housing the largest dome in Myanmar, modeled after the Mahaceti in Sri Lanka. After a leisurely start, we drive four miles southwest of Mandalay to explore the ancient capital of Inwa (Ava), which served as a royal capital from the 15th to the 19th centuries, making it the longest-serving capital in Burmese history. Our exploration is conducted via horse-drawn cart along bumpy dirt roads, with stops at the yellow stucco Manu Ok Kaung Monastery and the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, notable for its impressive teakwood foundation pillars. Our final stop in Inwa is the Leaning Tower, which, as its name implies, tilted due to an earthquake in the 19th century.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant (not included), we proceed to Amarapura, located just seven miles south of Mandalay, which was the second-to-last royal capital of Burma from 1783 to 1863. Here, we take a peaceful walk through the expansive Mahagandayon Monastery complex, where we may witness monks engaging in their evening rituals. We conclude our day at U Bein Bridge, a remarkable 1.3 km-long teakwood footbridge. As the sun sets, we join the locals for an evening stroll across the bridge, enjoying the beautiful lake views.

The next part of our journey begins with a bus ride to Chaung U village, where we start cycling. Riding along tranquil backroads toward the bustling river hub of Monywa allows us to explore some of Myanmar’s most unique Buddhist sites. We will see a towering 128-meter standing Buddha and a 95-meter reclining Buddha overlooking Bodhi Tataung, a garden featuring over 1,000 seated Buddhas, all oriented in the same direction. A little further into the villages, we arrive at the fascinating Thanboddhay Paya complex, born from a monk's dreams, which features a stunning pagoda adorned with 582,363 Buddha images. We continue our cycling journey and arrive at our hotel by mid-afternoon, where we can unwind beside the lake. The cycling route for the day is mostly flat, with one long, gentle ascent and descent, covering a total distance of approximately 33 kilometers, with a total accumulated ascent and descent of 70 meters.

Tours scheduled between October and April will utilize the express boat service from Mandalay Port to Bagan. Although this requires an early departure, we can look forward to a leisurely, full day of cruising 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 typically arrive in Bagan by early evening, where we can anticipate a couple of days to delve into this remarkable site. For many of our guests, Bagan stands out as a highlight of the tour, with numerous travelers commenting that their photographs fail to capture the site's true grandeur and scale.

Undoubtedly one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures, Bagan’s expansive plain is adorned with thousands of ancient temples and stupas, many of which are over a thousand years old. From the 9th to the 13th centuries, Bagan served as the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, a predecessor to modern Burma. During its peak between the 11th and 13th centuries, more than 10,000 structures were built, with over 2,200 still standing today. The sheer scale of Bagan is impressive; this island-sized plain boasts more temples, stupas, and pagodas than there are medieval cathedrals across all of Europe.

Before exploring the temples today, we will make a stop in Phya Saw village to gain a deeper understanding of traditional lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. We are likely to interact with the local community as they engage in their daily activities—hand-weaving cotton, using oxen to grind peanut oil, and tending to various animals around the village.

Next, we will proceed to the temples of Bagan, where we plan to visit some of the most iconic and unique structures among the multitude available. Highlights will include Shwezigon, a model for later Burmese stupas; Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a 13th-century cave temple featuring intriguing frescoes; and Ananda Pagoda, known for being one of the largest, finest, and best-preserved temples in Old Bagan. We are also likely to explore Ananda ok Kyaung, a former monastery renowned for its stunning 18th-century wall paintings.

In the late afternoon, a horse-drawn carriage will transport us through the temple complex, allowing us to fully appreciate the vastness of the site. As we journey amidst what seems like an endless array of temples and stupas, it becomes clear why Bagan is referred to as "The City of Four Million Pagodas." We aim to conclude our day with a breathtaking sunset view from an upper terrace of one of the temples.

We begin our day with a breathtaking panoramic view of the temple-dotted plain, offering an excellent photo opportunity before we embark on visits to some of the most fascinating sites. Our itinerary includes Manuha Temple, constructed by King Manuha as an expression of his dissatisfaction with captivity; Nanpaya, the first cave-style shrine in Bagan; and Gubaukgyi Temple, an early-period temple known for its well-preserved murals.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can opt for a bike ride around the ruins, take a sunset cruise, or explore additional temples at your own pace. Alternatively, you might consider an optional excursion to Mount Popa, located approximately 30 miles from Bagan. Rising to a height of 1,518 meters, Mt. Popa stands out dramatically in the tropical landscape. Renowned as the home of the Nats (Spirit Gods), local superstition advises against wearing red, black, or green during your visit to avoid offending them. If you decide to tackle the 777 steps leading to the magnificent gold-tipped monastery atop the mountain, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas. This excursion also includes a visit to a local toddy farmer, where you can observe the process of extracting palm juice and producing sugar.

This morning, we depart from the temples and pagodas of Bagan and board a flight back to Rangoon. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vast city further. You might want to check out the expansive Bogyoke Market, previously referred to as Scott's Market, which is a great spot for souvenir or gift shopping. However, keep in mind that it is closed on Mondays, during full moons, and on public holidays. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Shwedagon Pagoda one last time.

Today, there are no scheduled activities, allowing you the freedom to leave Yangon whenever you wish. Should your flight be later in the day, you can store your luggage at our hotel. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary airport transfer, please ensure that your departure is from Yangon International Airport (RGN).