Burma Revealed – 13 days

Discover the intriguing city of Yangon as you admire its finest British colonial buildings and wander through the vibrant Indian and Chinese neighborhoods. Later, you'll visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, stroll along the scenic promenade by Kandawagyi Lake, and witness the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda illuminated by the sunset.

Catch a flight to Bagan. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse cart ride through the breathtaking temples and pagodas of Bagan as the sun sets.

In the morning, embark on a bike tour to explore the temples of Bagan, including Thagyar Pone and Ananda Temple. Cycling through the area allows you to discover some lesser-known temples off the beaten path. Afterwards, travel to Myinkaba village to visit the Gubyaukgyi, Manuha, and Nan Paya temples, and witness local artisans crafting traditional handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the Irrawaddy River to admire the exquisite carvings at Kyauk Gu U Min. During the journey, make a stop at the picturesque Sae Lan village and savor the sunset on the river as you head back.

In the morning, take a flight to Mandalay. On your way to the city, stop to explore Ava, which served as Burma's capital from the 14th to the 18th centuries, via a traditional horse cart and visit a local school. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mandalay, which will include visits to Mandalay Hill, Shwe Nandaw Kyuang, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known for housing 'the world’s largest book.

In the morning, explore a local market to purchase ingredients for lunch at a nearby nunnery. Afterward, head to the Mahaganayon monastery in Amarapura to witness the morning alms giving. Then, stroll along the historic U Bein Bridge, a 200-year-old teak structure, before proceeding to Sagaing for lunch at a local nunnery. Finally, discover Sagaing Hill, which is adorned with approximately 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries.

Set off on a boat journey along the river from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun. Explore the Mingun Bell, the 17th-century Mingun Pagoda, and the Hsinbyume Pagoda. You will also have the opportunity to visit local artisan workshops where traditional basketry and handicrafts are created. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Take a morning flight to Heho, followed by a drive to Pindaya, where you can explore its multi-chambered caves adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues. Then, continue your journey through picturesque rolling hills and verdant farmlands to Kalaw, a former British hill station.

Experience a local train journey through the stunning landscapes of the Shan Hills to Shwe Nyaung. From there, travel by road to Nyaung Shwe, situated on the shores of Inle Lake. Explore the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery and take some time to relax before heading to your hotel, which is located in a peaceful area by the lake.

This morning, you’ll explore the vibrant local market, popular among various ethnic minority groups from Burma. Afterward, continue your journey on the lake to observe the innovative floating gardens and visit Nga Hpe Chaung, commonly referred to as the 'Jumping Cat Monastery.' Next, head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the primary sanctuary on the lake, and take a tour of a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are crafted by hand. In the afternoon, proceed to Pa-oh village in In Dein to admire the stunning ruins of the ancient stupas at Alaung Sitthou.

Spend the day trekking through the villages surrounding Inle Lake, where you'll encounter various ethnic minorities, including the Intha and Pa-O communities. For those not interested in trekking, there are plenty of options to explore around Inle Lake—consider joining a Shan cooking class, visiting a local orphanage, or even exploring a nearby winery.

Travel to Heho for your return flight to Yangon. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Today, you will be taken from your hotel to the airport for your next flight.