international perspective, stellar performance
Experience Myanmar’s History, Culture and Tradition.
Destination Coverage: Yangon / Bagan / Mandalay / Inle / Kalaw
Validity: November 01, 07 to October 31, 08
Upon arrival at Yangon airport you will be welcomed by your Interstar guide and transferred to your hotel. Your Myanmar journey begins with an afternoon tour through Yangon’s colonial-style city centre. Visit Sule Pagoda, built over 2,000 years ago; the magnificent reclining Buddha Chauk Htat Gyi, and the Karaweik Hall, a 'hamsa-bird-shaped' floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. Stroll through the Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, with hundreds of food, clothes, handicrafts and gems stores. Complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming golden pagoda which dominates the skyline of the city, where legend records that hairs of the Buddha are enshrined.
After early breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Bagan, capital of an ancient Burmese kingdom, where pagodas and other monuments stretch over a vast area of land beside the majestic Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawady) River. Upon arrival, visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its panoramic view of the area’s numerous monuments, and Ananda Temple, with four magnificent standing Buddha images. In the afternoon learn of manufacturing Myanmar’s most treasured handicrafts and visit a lacquerware craftsmen’s workshop in nearby Myinkaba Village. Later continue to Manuha Temple, built in Mon style in 1059 and explore the Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument which according to legend was the palace site of King Manuha of Thaton, captured by King Anawrahta and brought to Bagan as a prisoner with thousands of his people and priceless Buddhist relics. Visit the Archeological Museum housing countless beautiful Buddha images made of bronze, stone and lacquer. Complete the day by watching the sunset over the river from a temple top.
After breakfast, visit the site of Tayokepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village; Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples, noted for exquisite murals of the 13th century; and Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. Farming villages around Bagan will give you an insight into the lives of the local people. After lunch at a local restaurant in Bagan, a colourfully decorated ox-cart, the traditional mode of transportation in Myanmar's countryside, is waiting to show you more of Bagan's ancient temples. Enjoy the sunset over the plains and mountains of Bagan while cruising on the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Optional Extra: Experience the magic of Bagan and a thousand years of history from the platform of a hot air balloon. ‘Balloons over Bagan’ offers visitors exclusive sunrise champagne flights over the ancient pagodas of Bagan from late October to April. (Details available on request.)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, a scenic drive (80km - 2 hours) will take you to the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), a delightful small town of colonial-style buildings, markets and a botanical garden. After lunch, visit the Peik Kyin Myanung Caves, and the Pwe Kauk Falls, a favourite picnic spot for local people. Stop at the famous Candacraig Hotel, an old British mansion built in 1906, for sunset drinks, before retiring to your hotel.
After breakfast, visit the local market and the magnificent botanical gardens. After lunch at a local restaurant, return by road to Mandalay, arriving mid-afternoon. Experience the sights and sounds of Mandalay, including some of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar; the Mahamuni Pagoda; the Shwe Ibin Monastery; the Golden Palace Monastery, a superb example of traditional woodwork, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the world’s largest book, made of marble. Visit the summit of Mandalay Hill, overlooking the city, for sunset viewing.
After breakfast, excursion to Amarapura, 15 km from Mandalay to visit Mahagandayon Monastery where more than a thousand monks live and study. Time permitting you will have the opportunity to observe the monks having their last meal of the day in total silence. Continue to 200-year-old U Bein teak bridge, built in 1782 during the era when Amarapura was the Royal capital. Already from the early days the city was known for its silk and cotton weaving. Visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop before proceeding to Bagaya Monastery, a compound with a superb collection of Buddha statues. After lunch at a local restaurant, embark for a short boat ride over a river and start exploring the former Royal Capital Inwa (Ava) by horse cart. Visit Nanmyint Watch Tower, the remains of the ancient palace building, also known as "The Leaning Tower of Ava"; Maha Aungmye Bozan Monastery, built of brick and stucco; and Bagaya Monastery, famous for its impressive ornate woodcarvings and teak posts. Continue to Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees.
After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for a domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival, proceed by road to Pindaya (65 km – 2 ½ hours) and visit Pindaya Caves, a unique site housing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims and devotees over the centuries. After lunch at local restaurant, continue on a narrow, winding road (50km – 1 ½ hour) through the Shan Hills to Kalaw, a fresh and delightful hill station, on the rim of the Shan Plateau, which is a market centre for ethnic minorities from surrounding regions.
After breakfast, drive (62 km, 2 ½ hours) to Nyaung Shwe for a full day excursion by boat on Inle Lake. See the famous Inntha leg rowers, floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and magnificent scenery. You will visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most sacred shrines in Myanmar, dating back to the 18th century; the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, famous for its jumping cats trained by monks; the weaving village of Inpawkon, and one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region (on market days only).
After breakfast depending on the water level, board a boat to the Western Shore of Inle Lake, where you will find the beginning of a stairway leading to the well-hidden Inn Thein Pagoda complex. After lunch, you will be transferred to Heho Airport (32 km – 1 1/3 hour) for a domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Savoy Hotel (****, Deluxe room) or similar in Yangon.
After breakfast, complete your Yangon impressions with a visit to the fascinating Yangon Glass Factory to watch the production of mouth-blown glass in the old-fashioned way. Proceed to admire the 8 metre high Golden Lion Throne as well as the Mandalay Royal Regalia at the National Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant proceed to the famous Strand Hotel, from where we will take you for a guided walk through Yangon’s old colonial city centre (approx. 1 ½ hour), to see the bustling life of the city and the riverside jetties.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Itinerary is subject to changes depending on flights, road conditions and availability of rooms.
© Interstar Tours
Web Design by Yoma Technologies