Golden Four of Myanmar – 9 Days

You will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay. Upon your arrival, we will drive you to your hotel for check-in.

After a brief relaxation period, we will begin our sightseeing tour of Mandalay, visiting many of the city's remarkable historical and cultural landmarks, including:

• KuThoDaw Pagoda, recognized as the world's largest book;
• ShweNanDaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery), renowned for its exquisite wood carvings;
• Mandalay Royal Palace, the last royal residence of the final Burmese monarchy;
• MaHaMuNi Pagoda, famous for its lifelike Buddha statue.

Following our explorations, we will head to the iconic U Bein Bridge to witness a breathtaking sunset. Stretching 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) and constructed around 1850, U Bein Bridge is considered the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world, offering a delightful experience for a stroll at sunset.

Your day will commence with a stunning sunrise viewed from the upper deck of the RV PANORAMA, where you can savor breakfast while basking in the warm sunlight and gentle breeze. As we journey downstream from Mandalay to Bagan, visiting a traditional village along the Ayeyarwaddy River will create lasting memories. A delicious lunch featuring Myanmar cuisine will be served, and you’ll have the opportunity to relax and sunbathe on the deck. Additionally, our crew will showcase various ways to wear the Myanmar Traditional Longyi (a garment typical of Myanmar) and Thanatkha (a fragrant paste derived from the bark of the Thanatkha tree). End your day by enjoying the beautiful sunset as we approach our destination.

Bagan is an enchanting destination that captivates many visitors. Often referred to as the city of four million pagodas, it stands as one of Asia's most significant archaeological sites. Currently, there are over 2,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries, the majority of which were constructed during the Bagan Dynasty established by King Anawrahta in 1044.

To begin our journey, we will visit the bustling Nyaung U Market, which offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to interact with the local Myanmar community while observing their daily routines.

Today is a day for you to enjoy at your own pace in Bagan.

Suggestions for how to spend your free time:

Consider taking a half-day excursion to Mt. Popa, 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 regarded as the home of the most powerful Nats (spiritual beings) in Myanmar and serves as a significant Nat worship center. On your journey to Mount Popa, you can stop to watch skilled toddy-palm climbers gathering wine from the top of the trees, as well as visit a cottage that produces toddy palm juice and palm sugar (jaggery).

In the afternoon, you might rent an e-bike to explore more of Bagan's temples and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. As the day comes to a close, consider taking a boat ride along the majestic Irrawaddy River to enjoy a stunning sunset.

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Heho. Upon arrival, you will continue your journey to Pindaya by car, which takes approximately two hours. This scenic drive will provide you with stunning views of the hills as you pass through charming landscapes. Be sure to stop for photos near the impressive Banyan Trees close to the Pindaya caves.

Next, you will visit the Pindaya Caves, home to countless Buddha images dating back to the late 18th century, along with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to explore a traditional cottage industry specializing in umbrella making, as well as visit Pone Ta Lote Lake.

Your next destination will be Red Mountain for a wine tasting experience surrounded by breathtaking views. At the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards and Winery, you can admire the stilted villages of Inle Lake while sampling local wines and learning about the various grape varieties cultivated on the estate. Finally, you will drive to your hotel for check-in.

From the Taunggyi road, Inle Lake unfolds below as an expansive blanket of greenery. Scattered across the lake are stilt-house villages and the floating gardens belonging to the Intha tribe. One of the most distinctive features of the Intha people is their leg rowing technique, where they wrap one leg around the paddle, propelling it through the water in a smooth, serpentine motion.

On our boat tour of Inle Lake, you will discover a unique lifestyle that has been preserved through generations while exploring the culturally significant areas that make this region of Myanmar so captivating. Each guest will be provided with a life jacket and a comfortable seat on the boat.

Your sightseeing on Inle Lake will include visits to:

• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the key religious symbol of 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 how the lake’s inhabitants sustain their livelihoods, showcasing unique practices such as one-leg rowing, lotus and silk weaving, boat crafting, and cheroot making.

After lunch, you will head to Indein and embark on a short trek to Indein Pagoda. Along the way, immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance as you stroll among the scattered ruins of 8th-century pagodas, enveloped by trees and foliage. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the lives of the Intha villagers and explore the local market along the shoreline. Finally, we will return to the hotel.

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

After a brief relaxation at the hotel, we’ll begin our sightseeing by strolling through the city center. This walk will give you a chance to experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with street vendors, pedestrians, and colonial-style architecture.

The entire day will feature a concise tour of notable landmarks, including:

• KaRaWeik Hall and Royal Lake for a photo opportunity.

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

• Witnessing the sunset at ShweDaGon Pagoda, one of Myanmar's most magnificent monuments.

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