Myanmar Discovery – 9 Days

In the early morning, you'll take a brief flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, your tour guide will lead you through the breathtaking scenery and remarkable architecture of the area.

Bagan is an enchanting destination that many travelers cherish. Known as the city of four million pagodas, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Asia. Today, 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, a fantastic spot for photography where you can interact with the local Myanmar community and observe their daily activities.

Today is your day to relax and enjoy some leisure time in Bagan.

Consider taking a half-day excursion to Mt. Popa, which is the heart of an extinct volcano that was active 25,000 years ago. This site is often referred to as the ‘Mt Olympus’ of Myanmar, serving as the home to some of the country’s most influential Nats (spiritual beings) and a significant center for Nat worship. On your journey to Mount Popa, you can stop to watch skilled toddy-palm climbers harvesting palm wine from the tops of trees, as well as visit local cottages where toddy palm juice and jaggery (palm sugar) are produced.

For your afternoon, you might rent an e-bike to explore more of Bagan’s temples and immerse yourself in the authentic local culture. As the sun sets, consider taking a boat ride along the majestic Irrawaddy River to enjoy the stunning views.

You will travel to Mandalay in a private vehicle, taking in the authentic local lifestyle of Myanmar along the way. The journey will last approximately four hours. Upon your arrival, you can check into the hotel for a brief refreshment before we head out to explore the city of Mandalay.

Today is your day to relax and explore Mandalay at your own pace.

Ideas for your free time:

Consider taking a day trip to nearby towns such as Mingun, Sagaing, Inwa (Ava), and Amarapura. Alternatively, if you're interested in visiting a hill town, you might explore Maymyo, also known as Pyin Oo Lwin, located approximately two hours from Mandalay at an elevation of 3,510 feet.

In the early morning, board a short flight to Inle Lake. Upon arrival at Heho, you'll meet your transfer team. From there, enjoy a picturesque one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the entrance to the stunning Inle Lake, where you'll check into your hotel. After settling in, we’ll begin our exploration of Inle Lake.

This boat excursion will take you to:

• Phaung-Daw-OO Pagoda, a significant religious symbol of Shan State.

• Nga-Phe-Chaung Monastery, a charming wooden monastery.

• Floating Villages (Inn Paw Khone, Pouk Par, Ywa Ma, Khar Taw).

Visiting these locations offers a profound understanding of the livelihoods of the lake's inhabitants. You will also witness the unique one-legged rowing fishermen, as well as traditional practices like lotus and silk weaving, boat making, and cheroot crafting.

Today, you have a free day to enjoy at your leisure in Inle Lake.

Suggestions for how to spend your time:

Inle Lake offers a variety of activities to suit your preferences—whether you want to relax or engage in more adventurous pursuits. You can rent bicycles and explore the countryside, riding through charming villages and vineyard gardens. Along the way, you’ll see water buffalo, farmers tending to their fields, children at play, and trucks filled with young monks. It’s a picturesque area brimming with opportunities for exploration. Additionally, you might consider taking a day trip to the Pindaya Caves or Kakku.

You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Yangon, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, we will drive to the hotel for check-in.

After some time to unwind at the hotel, we’ll begin our sightseeing tour.

• Start with a stroll through the city center, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere created by street vendors, pedestrians, and colonial-style architecture.

The entire day is dedicated to a brief exploration of famous landmarks, including:

• A photo stop at KaRaWeik Hall and Royal Lake.

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

• Enjoying 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.