Essential Myanmar in Short Time – 7 Days

In the early hours of the morning, you will take a brief flight to Bagan. Upon your arrival, your tour guide will lead you through the stunning landscapes and remarkable architecture of this enchanting city.

Bagan is a captivating destination and a beloved spot for many travelers. Known as the "city of four million pagodas," it stands as one of Asia's most significant archaeological sites. Currently, over 2,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries can be found here, most of which were constructed during the Bagan Dynasty, established by King Anawrahta in 1044.

Our first stop will be the vibrant Nyaung U Market, where you'll have excellent opportunities for photography and the chance to interact with local Myanmar residents, observing their daily activities.

Embark on a drive to Mount Popa, which is the remnant of an extinct volcano that was active around 25,000 years ago. Often referred to as the ‘Mt Olympus’ of Myanmar, it is considered the dwelling place of the nation’s most powerful Nats (spiritual beings) and serves as a major center for Nat worship. The journey from Bagan takes about an hour, during which you'll pass through palm plantations. Along the way, stop to observe skilled toddy-palm climbers gathering the sap from the tops of the trees, as well as local artisans producing palm juice and jaggery (palm sugar).

While Bagan is renowned for its abundance of ancient temples, it is also celebrated for its beautiful handicrafts. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to a workshop where you can witness the meticulous and time-consuming process of crafting high-quality lacquerware. Some of the finest pieces are made from bamboo and twisted horsehair, showcasing remarkable flexibility.

Finally, we will drive to the jetty to spend the evening on a delightful sunset boat ride along the Ayarwaddy River.

Take a brief flight to Heho. Upon arrival, continue your journey to Pindaya by car. This drive offers stunning views of the hill stations as you pass through scenic landscapes. The large Banyan trees near the Pindaya caves are also a popular spot for photos.

Next, visit the Pindaya Caves, where you can admire a vast collection of Buddha images dating back to the late 18th century. The caves are renowned for their beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, explore the traditional cottage industry of umbrella making and visit Pone Ta Lote Lake. Finally, proceed to the hotel for check-in.

From the Taunggyi road, Inle Lake unfolds beneath you, surrounded by a vast expanse of lush greenery. The lake is home to stilt-house villages and floating gardens belonging to the Intha tribe. A distinctive feature of this culture is their leg-rowing technique, where one leg is wrapped around the paddle, propelling the boat in a sinuous motion.

During our boat tour on Inle Lake, you will discover a lifestyle that has been preserved through generations, while exploring the culturally rich areas that make this region of Myanmar truly special. Each passenger will be provided with a life jacket and a comfortable seat on the boat.

Your sightseeing around Inle Lake will include visits to:

• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most significant religious symbol in Shan State;
• Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, an attractive wooden monastery;
• Floating Villages (Innpaw Khone, Pouk Par, Ywa Ma, Khar Taw).

These visits will offer valuable insights into the livelihoods of the lake's inhabitants, showcasing unique one-legged fishermen, lotus and silk weaving, boat building, and the art of cheroot making.

After lunch, we'll head to Indein and embark on a short trek to Indein Pagoda. As you stroll through the area, you'll enjoy the tranquil ambiance while exploring the scattered ruins of 8th-century pagodas, which are embraced by trees and vegetation. You will also have the opportunity to observe the daily lives of the Intha tribe and visit the local market along the shore. Finally, we will return to the hotel.

You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Yangon, which takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel for check-in.

After a brief period of relaxation at the hotel, we will commence our sightseeing adventure.

• Take a stroll through the city center, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with street vendors and pedestrians, all while admiring the colonial-style architecture.

The day will include a concise tour of some of the city's most famous landmarks, including:

• KaRaWeik Hall and Royal Lake, perfect for a photo opportunity.

• A visit to BoGyoke Market (also known as Scott Market), which is the premier shopping destination in the country.

• Conclude the day by witnessing the stunning sunset at ShweDaGon Pagoda, one of Myanmar's most iconic monuments.

Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time until it's time to head to the airport for your departure flight. You will be transferred to Yangon International Airport three hours before your scheduled departure.