Myanmar Delights 8 Days

You will be greeted by a driver at the reception area who will take you to the airport for your domestic flight to Bagan. This ancient city is situated in central Myanmar, just southwest of Mandalay, along the eastern banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Bagan is renowned for its archaeological site, which boasts over 2,000 Buddhist monuments spread across its verdant plains, making it one of Myanmar's top tourist destinations. The Ayeyarwady River flows through the northern and western regions of the city.

Upon your arrival, a guide will welcome you and lead you on a comprehensive sightseeing tour. You will begin with a visit to the Nyaung Oo Market, followed by the Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi temple, known for its stunning murals. Next, explore the city gate and the Ananda Temple, considered the most beautiful place of worship in Bagan, featuring four enormous standing Buddha images and numerous seated figures in niches throughout its galleried interior. You'll also visit the Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed by King Alaung Sithu in the early 11th century, which stands as the tallest temple in Bagan.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to see a traditional lacquerware workshop and learn about the creation of one of Myanmar’s most famous handicrafts. Later, you will explore the villages of Minanthu and Phwasaw to experience the typical rural life of Myanmar. In the evening, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Ayeyarwady River from either Shwesandaw Pagoda or Bupaya Pagoda. You will spend the night in Bagan.

Meet your driver at the reception and proceed to the airport for your flight to Mandalay, the former royal capital of northern Myanmar. Upon your arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to the town. On the way, you'll stop in Amarapura, an ancient capital established based on astrological guidance. Here, you'll visit the Mahagandaryone Monastery, where you can observe the daily routines of the monks. You'll also see the U Bein Bridge, which spans Taungthaman Lake and holds the title of the longest teakwood bridge in the world. During the dry season, it can feel quite high, but after the mid-year rains, the water gently laps at the floorboards.

Once you arrive in Mandalay, your full-day sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the Mahamuni Temple, home to one of Myanmar’s most venerated Buddha images. This statue has been adorned with so much gold leaf by pilgrims that it has developed a distinctive 'lumpy' texture. Take the time to admire this iconic image and explore the temple grounds, absorbing its unique spiritual atmosphere.

Next, you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of traditional workshops. The tour will also include visits to Mandalay Palace, the Shwenandaw Monastery, famous for its intricate wood carvings, the Atumashi Monastery, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which houses the world’s largest book. Conclude your day by enjoying the sunset from Mandalay Hill. You will spend the night in Mandalay.

Drive to Sagaing Hill, a renowned center for meditation, where you will find hundreds of pagodas, monasteries, and nunneries nestled within the surrounding hills and valleys. Your visit will begin at the U Min Thoneze Pagoda, which features a stunning array of Buddha images arranged in a crescent-shaped colonnade. The Sun Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda, built in 1312, provides breathtaking views of Sagaing. Next, you'll visit the Kaungmudaw Pagoda, an impressive dome-shaped structure constructed in the 16th century.

You will also have the opportunity to observe some intriguing pottery and silversmith workshops. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant (not included) recommended by your guide, you will embark on a boat trip to Mingun, home to the world’s largest bell. Marvel at the colossal unfinished Mingun Pagoda, along with the Settawya Pagoda and the Hsinbyume Pagoda, which was built by King Bagyidaw in 1816 in honor of his beloved wife, showcasing striking and unique architecture.

Explore Mingun village and its surroundings before concluding your day with a scenic drive back to Mandalay, taking in the sunset over the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River. You will spend the night in Mandalay.

Depart from Mandalay and catch a flight to your next stop: Heho. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a tour representative. From there, embark on a scenic road trip to Pindaya, traveling through one of Myanmar’s most intensely cultivated regions. A key highlight of this journey is the renowned Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda, an expansive limestone cave adorned with thousands of gilded Buddha statues.

Afterward, continue your trip to Nyaungshwe, the entry point to the famous Inle Lake, and check into your hotel. You will have the remainder of the day to explore at your own pace, immersing yourself in the charm of this enchanting area. The Inle Lake region is among Myanmar’s top attractions, characterized by its vast, tranquil waters surrounded by marshlands and floating gardens, where stilted villages and Buddhist temples rise gracefully above the lake. You will spend the night in either Nyaung Shwe or on Inle Lake.

Enjoy a relaxed boat ride on Inle Lake, which stretches an impressive 18 kilometers and sits at an elevation of 889 meters. As the second-largest lake in Myanmar, it is renowned for its unique communities of lake dwellers and leg-rowing fishermen. Your boat journey will take you to a floating market (available only on market days, occurring every five days) and to the iconic Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the most sacred religious site in southern Shan State.

Following that, explore the village of Inpawkhone, known for its traditional silk-weaving looms, and visit the Ngaphechaung Monastery, one of the oldest on the lake, famous for its trained cats that perform tricks like jumping through hoops. You will also learn about traditional fishing methods and uncover the secrets of the floating gardens. Additionally, visit several intriguing workshops, where you can see silk weaving, cheroot (mild cigar) production, silverware crafting, and the creation of sacred robes from lotus fibers. You will spend the night in either Nyaung Shwe or on Inle Lake.

Heading back to Heho Airport for your flight returning to Yangon. Upon arrival, en route to your hotel, you'll stop by the Loka Chantha Abhayalabhamuni Buddha Image, an impressive statue carved from over 600 tons of white marble, measuring an astonishing 11 meters in length.

After lunch (not included), explore the Bogyoke Market, previously known as Scott's Market, which is the largest market in Yangon. Here, you can browse a diverse array of Burmese handicrafts and other items (please note that the market is closed on Mondays and public holidays). In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown, where you can indulge in some shopping and pick up various Myanmar products and tropical fruits. Spend the night in Yangon.

Take the opportunity to enjoy your final day in Myanmar at your own pace. You might choose to take a leisurely stroll around Yangon or unwind at the hotel. When it’s time to depart, your transfer will take you back to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.