Adventure Myanmar (II) [12 Days / 11 Nights]

Destinations : Yangon, Mandalay, Hsipaw, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kalaw, Inle, Indein

Day 01, Arrival Yangon (By AM Flight) Excursion Yangon (By Car)

Welcome to the garden city, Yangon, Myanmar !

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you are welcomed by our esteem guide with your name board and transfer to the hotel for check in. After a short refreshment, visit Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda which is 72 meters long reclining Buddha image. Then proceed to City Hall, one of the most beautiful examples of mixed British colonial and traditional Burmese architecture. Sule Pagoda, over 2000 years old ancient shrine, the High Court, colonial-era Indo-Saracenic Architecture, including its clock tower and its red-bricked exterior and then visit Mahabandoola Park with its independence monument. Thereafter, visit Bogyoke Market - a shopping market with more than 2000 shops selling all kinds of products but of special mention is the beautiful exotic “Shan Bag '' velvet slippers, lacquer ware, Gems shops and all sorts of handicraft.,. [Bogyoke market is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.] 

Then visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda  located on top of Singuttara Hill, where many locals and Buddhists come to worship. The over 2500 years old pagoda was renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15 century. All Buddhist people believe that the relics of four enlightened Buddha were enshrined in the Shwedagon pagoda.[Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

(Yangon has a population of over five million people, Yangon is the bustling former capital of Myanmar. The city boasts verdant parks, beautiful colonial buildings and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Yangon was declared the capital of Myanmar in the late 19th Century by the British. They rebuilt the town after a fire destroyed it in 1841, hence the colonial influences in the architecture. The British renamed the city Rangoo, however it has been restored to its original Burmese name of Yangon since 1989 when the country was also renamed Myanmar (replacing the British name of Burma.)

Day 02, Yangon – Mandalay (By AM Flight), Excursion Mandalay (By Car)

This morning, our driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer to the Yangon International airport for your flight to Mandalay. 

Upon arrival at Mandalay International airport, our friendly guide will greet you by holding a name board. Then make a visit to Mahar Myat Muni Buddha Image the most ancient Buddha image castled in bronze in Myanmar and continue to the handicraft workshops such as bronze in Myanmar. 

This afternoon visits Mya Nan San Kyaw Palace (Royal Palace); this golden palace represents Myanmar’s Sovereignty and independence and can arouse a national patriotic spirit amongst the people of Myanmar. The Royal Palace was destroyed by a British forces air raid in March 1945 but was finally renovated and restored faithfully into its original structure in September 1993. The 89 main halls were re-built with reference to the original photographs, pictures, palm-leaf manuscripts and a miniature model.

Later head to Shwenandaw Monastery, famous for its teak carvings of Buddha myths, which adorn its walls and roofs. It is the single remaining major original structure of the original Royal Palace of today. The tour continues to Kuthodaw Pagoda, often called the world's largest book (a set of 729 huge stone slabs on which the Buddhist scriptures are inscribed). Finish the day with a visit to Mandalay Hill to watch sunset over the city plains. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

(Mandalay is located 668 km north from Yangon and the last capital of the Burmese Kingdom. Mandalay embodies all the elements of Myanmar’s ancient educational, social and cultural system yet the city is also heavily influenced by many Chinese who have relocated here since Burmese foreign trade restrictions were eased.)

Day 03, Mandalay –  Hsipaw (By Car)

Have early breakfast, meet with our esteem guide and morning drive to Hsipaw; 200 km north-east of Mandalay. On the way, we will enjoy the scenery along the road. Arrive in the late afternoon, hotel check in. Afternoon activities include; visiting a waterfall; over 100ft height and a nice pool at the base, “Little Bagan '' and a colorful Nat shrine; an important local shrine for traditional nat (spirit being) worship. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully] 

Day 04, Excursion Hsipaw (By Car & Boat)

After breakfast, meet our friendly guide at the hotel and take a boat trip upstream river for nice scenery with the mountain, valley and fruit plantations along the river. Then top boat riding to take a short trek up the hill to various farms for 45 minutes to visit an old local monastery.  

On the way back from the boat ride, visit the former place of the Last Sky Price of Hsipaw, a Shan village which has typical houses with a small charming garden. Then back to Hsipaw. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

(Note; Sawbawas of Hsipaw lived in the Shan Palace at the northern endof the town. The last Sawbwa disappeared during the military coup in 1962 and the place is cared for by his nephew and his nephew’s wife.  ‘Mr. Donald’ (Sao Oo Kya), the nephew, was in jail, apparently for saying bad things about the military, but was released several years ago during a general amnesty. Since then, he has had to be very careful not to give the regime a chance to re-arrest him. For several years after his release, he and his wife lived in Taunggyi, the major Shan administrative center. However, recently his wife has returned to the palace in Hsipaw. She is determined to tell the story of the Shan State over the last 50 years or more and welcomes visitors from overseas.) 

Day 05, Hsipaw – Pyin Oo Lwin (By schedule train & car)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our esteem guide and leave for a visit at Hsipaw local market then ahead to railway station to Pyin Oo Lwin; a popular hill station about 69 km away from Mandalay and well known for its colonial style houses with large gardens and pine trees. 

The train will cross the famous Gok Hteik viaduct which was the second highest railway bridge in the world before exiting the railway in the Mountains of Lhasa in Tibet and was built over the deep gorge (300m) by Pennsylvania Steel Company on behalf of the British over 100 years ago. The scenic view along the viaduct is breathtaking and you can also experience the way of life along the railroad. The train stops at some local stations and passes, very slowly, over the Goikteik Viadut for photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, arrive at Pyin Oo Lwin station, get off the train. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 6, Excursion Pyin Oo Lwin – Mandalay (By Car)

After breakfast, meet with our friendly guide at the hotel and Mahar Ant Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda; home to a Buddha image originally bound for China, Pwe Kauk Waterfalls and National Kandawgyi Garden; Botanical garden, about 50-acre in size containing, 4840 trees mostly pine varieties, 575 different floral species and many exotic fruits and flowers) and Chinese temple, Tower clock. You can explore the beautiful town by horse carriage riding. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 7, Mandalay – Heho (By AM Flight) , Heho – Pindaya – Kalaw (By Car)

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet you and transfer to the Nyaung Oo airport for your flight to Heho which is the gateway to Pindaya, Kalaw and Inle Lake. 

Welcome by our esteem guide with the name board and will be transferred to small charming town Pindaya. It is an interesting drive up into the hills and across the Shan Plateau, through fields of mountain rice. Pindaya is famous for its many Banyan trees, many of which are around 250 years old.  Tour overview explore in the small town of Pindaya, home to the Danu tribe, and famous for its limestone caves and beautiful lake. On arrival in Pindaya explore the ancient Pindaya Cave set deep in the limestone ridge overlooking the lake. This winding maze of caves and caverns is filled with more than 8,000 gilded Buddha images of all ages, carved from alabaster, teak, marble, brick and lacquer. Visit the workshop of a local family who produces the famous Shan paper. Learn how the paper is made and watch the artisans crafting the paper into beautiful umbrellas, fans and other handicrafts. Lunch is taken in an idyllic spot on the shore of a private lake nestled at the foot of the hill. Enjoy traditional Shan cuisine while taking in the stunning views, and then stretch your legs with a walk through the surrounding plantations. Then stroll around Ponetaloke Lake to see the local women washing their clothes and the children swimming in the water. 

Thereafter, drive back to Kalaw which is a former British hill station and is located at an altitude of 1,320m above sea level. Kalaw, was a popular hill station during the British days. It sits at an elevation above 4000-feet, on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. If the time allowed, visit Bamboo Strips' wish fulfilling pagoda, Thein Taung Pay, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the main road and proceed to the viewpoint that has a small shop of Nepalies nation. At the view point you can enjoy beautiful scenery and panorama views. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 08, Kalaw – Inle Trekking 

Have early breakfast at the hotel, first visit at Kalaw train station, which was built during the colonial era, the oldest tracks and locomotive engines that are available for visitors at the display. Then drive to the trekking starting point. You will work about 4 hours to get to Khone Hla village (lunch point) by passing Lamine village, Nang Orh village and Paw Kei village. In the afternoon, continue to Pattu Pauk and Hti Thein. Arrive at Htin Thein, take a short refreshment and enjoy your dinner. [Overnight sleeping in monastery or local home]

Day 09, Kalaw – Inle Trekking 

Have fresh breakfast, trekking to Kyauk Su village, Nang Yoke village, Than Kha Mauk village and lunch stop at Inndein village. Depending on your available time, visit Indein Village; the hidden treasure of Inle lake. It is ShweIndaing pagoda complex that is newly open to International travelers where one will be totally amazed by ruined stupas as from the 13th century.  On the way, you will enjoy the natural beauty on the way like vegetable gardens, child and young monks (novices) enjoying their morning bath in the clear stream, water buffaloes and people among the paddy fields etc. After a nice stroll among the pagoda complex, walk back along the bamboo forest to the jetty. Then transfer to the hotel for check in. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

[Along the 2 days trekking way, you can see Danu, Taung Yoe, Pa-O and Intha enthnics group and you can enjoy Shan plateau, lovely landscapes and plantation of rice, potato, cabbage, ginger, mustard and other seasonal plants.]

Day 10, Cycling in Inle area (By Bicycle)

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Shwe jetty and start your cycling tour around the villages. Visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery; an amazing 19th century red teak decorative structure with large oval windows, eastern part of the lake to explore more villages and then ride to the outskirts of Nyaung Shwe, streets become shadier and farms line the roads. After riding a short uphill ride, reach Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery where you take a short refreshment and wine tasting. Thereafter, cycle back to Nyaung Shwe. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 11, Excursion Indein  (By Boat)

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will greet you to transfer to the jetty for a private boat to the Ywama village for the weaving factory. Then visit Indein Village; the hidden treasure of Inle lake. It is ShweIndaing pagoda complex that is newly open to International travelers where one will be totally amazed by ruined stupas as from the 13th century.  On the way, you will enjoy the natural beauty on the way like vegetable gardens, child and young monks (novices) enjoying their morning bath in the clear stream, water buffaloes and people among the paddy fields etc. After a nice stroll among the pagoda complex, walk back along the bamboo forest to the jetty. Drive back to the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 12, Heho – Yangon (By AM Flight), Departure Yangon

After breakfast at the hotel, meet our driver and transfer to the Heho airport for your flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival at Yangon airport, relax at the lounge till your international flight time. 

**** End of Services *****

 Service Includes

• 11 nights’ accommodation at hotels (Twin/Double sharing basic) with Breakfast
• Transfer & sightseeing in private vehicles
• Private boat fees for Hsipaw, Indein visit 
• Overnight trekking package for Kalaw to Inle [meal will be provided as per mention in the program]
• Bicycle rental free around Inle area
• Schedule train ticket fee for Hsipaw to Pyin Oo Lwin 
• Entrance fees
• English-speaking THROUGHOUT Guides
• Bottles of mineral water per person per day on car

Service Excludes

• Meals
• Personal expenses, Camera/ video camera fees, Tips, etc.
• Services that do not mention in the service include