Culture Myanmar [20 Days / 19 Nights]

 Destinations

Yangon » Bago » Mandalay » Mingun » Amarapura » Ava » Sagaing » Monywa » Pokokku » Bagan » Mt. Popa » Sale » Pindaya » Kalaw » Inle Lake » Ngapali Beach,Sittwe » Mrauk Oo

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, ahead to Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda which is 72 meters long reclining buddha image and then visit the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma, 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. Enjoy your sunset and drive back to the hotel. [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, Excursion Yangon (By Car), Morning walking tour in the heart of city 

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide. Your morning walking tour starts at Pansodan Road, the tour passes through leafy Bank Street, lined with fascinating historic buildings. We then visit key sites in the city’s central area, including City Hall; one of the most beautiful examples of mixed British colonial and traditional Burmese architecture, Sule Pagoda; over 2000 years ago ancient shrine, the High Court; colonial-era Indo-Saracenic Architecture, including its clock tower and its red-bricked exterior and the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue while exploring historic residential streets. After that, we will go for a walk to Kandawgyi Park. 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.,. [The Synagogue is only open in the morning and closed on Sundays.  Bogyoke market is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.]

Afternoon visit The National Museum of Myanmar, the five-story museum has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, work of art, inscriptions and historic memorabilia, related to history, culture and civilization of Burmese people.  In the evening, enjoy Myanmar’s national treasure puppet show, a unique place where Myanmar traditional and cultural heritage of string puppetry can be seen or learned. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully] 

Day 03, Yangon – Bago – Yangon  (By Car) 

In the morning, meet with our esteem guide at the hotel and will bring you to Bago, which was the central city of the Mon Kingdom of lower Myanmar during the 15th century. (will have an adequate look at this country’s religion and culture as well as rhythm of the peaceful town) Today visit include; Kyat Khat Wain Monastery where hundreds of monks are dedicated to following Buddha’s teachings, Kyaik Pun pagoda; the home to the four secated Buddha shrine, a 27m statue depicting the for Buddhas in the open-air surroundings. Afterwards we’ll continue on to the energetic Bago local market as well as Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. The spire here rises to a height of 114m and is even more impressive than the one at Shwedagon Pagoda. The gigantic Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha; the second largest reclining buddha in the world which dates back to the 9th century is the most realistic and adored of all the reclining images. Make a stop, should you be feeling energetic, to walk to the top of HinTharGone pagoda for a unique perspective of Bago as well as a chance to learn more about the worship of nats as the temple is home to various nat shrines. Depending on your available time, on the trip back to Yangon you will have an opportunity to visit the Allied War Cemetery located close to Htaukkyan, the final resting place for over 27,000 allied soldiers. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully] 

Day 04, 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 05, Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura – Mandalay  (By Car & Boat) 

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our esteem guide and transfer to Mayanchan jetty to embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery of this river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. Unlike Ava and Amarapura, Mingun was not a royal capital yet it has many interesting sites to see. Visit Mingun Bell; at 90 tons it reigned as the largest ringing bell in the world until 2000, just south of the bell you’ll also visit Mingun Pagoda, a giant brick structure built in the late 1700s and although it was unfinished due to economic troubles it is still an impressive site. Mingun’s other highlight is the Hisnbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Throughout Mingun there are small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals. Then return by boat to Mandalay. 

Afternoon, continue to Amarapura the old name means 'City of Immortality'. Start visit with  Mahagandaryone Monastery; the largest teaching monastery in Myanmar. Each day at around 10:30 close to 700 monks queue up for their morning meal ritual. Then continue U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace and it is 1.2 kilometers in length making it the world’s longest teak span. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous sunset views of the surrounding farms and streams. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 06, Mandalay – Sagaing – Ava – Mandalay (By Car & ferry boat)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide and cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar.  It is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers and you will visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. We’ll also visit Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Here you will find a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts. We will also stop at a small pottery village to see the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar. 

Then continue south of the city to Ava, the capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will take us across the river to where our horse and carriage are waiting. Visit by native horse carriage to the old wooden Bargayar Monastery which is famous for its wood carvings and teak posts, Mainu Brick Monastery; one of the finest specimens of Myanmar architecture during the Konboung Period (19th century) and old watch tower; the only remaining section of the royal palace. Then return to Mandalay. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 07, Mandalay – Monywa  (By Car)

In the morning, meet with our esteem guide at the hotel and drive to Monywa is a city in central Myanmar and situated on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River Mandalay Division. It lies 136 km north-west of Mandalay along the Mandalay-Budalin branch railway line. Monywa serves as a major trade center for India and Burma through Kalay yo road and Chindwin River. After hotel check in, we’ll cross ChinDwin river to visit Hpo Win Hill; famous for its sandstone cave and unique Buddha images and precious paintings that have been dated to between the 14th and 18th centuries and  Shwe Ba Hill; famous for its sandstone cave and unique Buddha images and precious paintings that have been dated to between the 14th and 18th centuries. Then drive back to the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 08, Monywa – Pakokku – Bagan  (By Car & By Boat)

Morning visit the Thanbuddhay where a half million of Buddha images exist, Bodi Tahtaung where a thousand of Bo trees or Banyan trees and a 300-foot-long reclining Buddha image. Then drive about 2hrs to small town Pokokku, famous for cotton blankets, visit the local market, weaving industry, peanut snacks making cottage and continue to the 19th century town of Pakhangyi. Explore Phakangyi’s monasteries, the oldest wooden monasteries in Upper Myanmar. The monastery is built with 254 teak pillars.  

Then take a private boat to Bagan and we enjoy the scenery of riverside along the Famous Ayeyarwaddy River. In the early evening, we arrived at Bagan Jetty and hotel check in.

Day 08, Excursion Bagan (By Car) [Evening horse cart riding + sunset boat]

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel and start your fully excursion like, Nyaung-U to see the local market and Bagan’s most important reliquary shrine, the Shwezigon Pagoda; a sacred Buddha religious place, is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha and the simple Kyansittha Cave Temple with interesting 12th century frescoes. We continue to the Manuha Temple to see the gigantic Buddhas housed inside and the sandstone carvings of the nearby Nanpaya Temple; it was built using mud mortar, stone, and brick, and was used as the residence of Manuha, Ananda Temple; a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing gold-leaf Buddhas. Then stop for a photo opportunity at the towering Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest temple in old Bagan city. At a local lacquer workshop, we witness how local craftsmen skillfully prepare Bagan’s most famous handicraft. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred by horse card to the jetty where we embark for the sunset boat. Sit back and relax aboard a traditional teak boat for the perfect way to end a day exploring Bagan’s temples. Then drive back to the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

(Bagan with the advent of the 11th century and till the end of the 13th century, kings, generals and dignitaries spared no effort to have brick put upon brick, to build temples and pagodas one after the other with the solitary aim of favorably influencing their re-incarnation. It is believed as many as 12,000 temples and stupas once stood in the area; however, invasions, war and natural disasters have reduced most of these to rubble. Despite this, Bagan is home to more than 2,200 standing ancient temples today and as such, is Myanmar’s greatest architectural site. As there are more than 2000 temples & stupas. Indeed, it is difficult to cover all temples within a limited time. Therefore, we have carefully selected only some major temples for you in order to avoid hectic tourism. But if you want to see more temples, just let your guide or driver know. They can show you as many temples as possible within your stay.)

Day 9, Bagan – Salay – Mt. Popa – Bagan (By Car)

After breakfast, our guide will greet you at the hotel and drive you to Salay, 55 kilometers from Bagan and a short stop at Chauk Market and you will have a chance to capture the Chauk oil field on a coach. Your Salay visit will include Yoke-son Monastery decorated with wood-carvings depicting scenes for moral lessons. Then a short walk through the ruined old monastery to Lacquerware Buddha Image and the ancient monastery. 

Thereafter, the tour proceeded to Mt. Popa, also known as Popa Taung Kalat through the countryside, have a chance to see Toddy Farmers’ life like collecting toddy wine, making molasses, and making handmade oil. When you arrive at the foot of the Popa Taung Kalat, you can find the home of 37 NATs (spirits) who have been worshiped all over Burma for many centuries. After climbing a stairway of 777 steps, you will find the greatest view of the surrounding area and if the weather is clear, you can also see as far as Bagan and the Irrawaddy River. There are many shops selling various items and monkeys everywhere that are always on the lookout for food along the stairway to the top. Then drive back to Bagan. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 10, Bagan – Heho  ( By AM Flight ) Excursion Pindaya – Kalaw (By Car)

This morning, our driver will meet you at the hotel 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 11, Kalaw – Inle (By Car), Excursion Inle Lake (By Boat)

After breakfast at the hotel, continue by road (approximately one hour) to Nyaung Shwe Jetty, this drive will be uphill on a winding road over the Shan Plateau; Inle lake is located 1,328m above sea level and is approximately 22 km long and 11km wide at its widest point. The lake is most famous for the extraordinary lives of the people who live on and around it known as the ‘Inntha’. They are famous for their boat rowing technique; using only one leg! There are many villages surrounding the lake and several temples and floating gardens. 

After hotel check in, enjoy a boat ride on Inle Lake for the day. Your sightseeing will start with a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which features beautiful carving and a collection of four revered golden Buddha images that have been laden with gold leaf by devotees. The next must-see stop is Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, an attractive wooden monastery built on stilts over the lake at the end of the 1850’s. Today’s sightseeing will conclude with a visit to local workshops: silverware workshop, silk and lotus workshop, cheroot making factory, boat making factory, blacksmith, etc. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

(Inle Lake is located 1,328m above sea level and is approximately 22 km long and 11 km wide at its widest point. The lake is most famous for the extraordinary lives of the people who live on and around it, known as the ‘Inntha’. They are famous for their boat rowing technique; using only leg! There are many village surrounding the lake and several temples and floating gardens.)   

Day (12), 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 (13), Heho – Thandwe (By Flight) – Ngapali Beach (By sharing vehicle) – Relaxing at Beach

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will greet you to transfer to Nyaung Shwe jetty then transfer to the Heho airport for flight to Thandwe. 

On arrival at the Thandwe airport, transfer with a sharing vehicle to the hotel. You can relax under a palm tree and go swimming occasionally. Water is very clear and the white sand on the beach won't disappoint either. The beach looks west, meaning that there will be not so much sun in the morning but a beautiful sunset in the evening. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (14), Relaxing at Ngapali Beach (Half day boat trip + beach activities)

After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up and depart to the starting point. Before enjoying the fantastic activities, receive a safety briefing and equipment  for the half day boat trip visiting Pearl Island and White Island. Today beach activities include snorkeling, fishing, exploring the tropical colorful marine life and fish, and visiting the LightHouse. After relaxing at the white sandy beach, return to the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (15), Relaxing at Ngapali Beach 

The whole day is free at leisure. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (16), Thandwe – Sittwe (By AM Flight), Excursion Sittwe (By Car)

After breakfast, take a leisurely stay at the hotel till the flight time and then transfer with a sharing vehicle to the Thandwe Airport for your flight to Sittwe. 

Upon arrival, our friendly guide will meet you and transfer to the hotel for check in. Then visit Rakhine State Culture Museum, an extensive collection of displays and exhibitions explaining the culture and history of Rakhine people [Museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Public Holidays.], evening stroll along the strand road and enjoy the sunset at the view point. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (17), Sittwe – Mrauk Oo (By Boat), Excursion Mrauk Oo (By Car)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide and visit the Sittwe fish market to observe the rural river life of fishmongers. Then transfer to the jetty for your boat trip to Mrauk U. Along the 6 hours boat trip enjoy the natural scenery and rural river life. 

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and take a short refreshment. Then visit Shitthaung Temple mainly built of stone, Andaw Thein Temple, Ratanabon Stupa and Htaukkanthein Temple, dating back to 15th and 16th centuries. Enjoy the sunset at Harre Taung Hill by observing the panoramic view. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (18), Excursion Mrauk Oo – Chin Tribe Villages (By Car & Boat)

After breakfast at hotel, meet with our esteem guide and transfer to Ramung Bridge Jetty and take a boat trip to Phontha Chaung River to visit Chin tribal villages to discover Chin Tribe with different form of vanishing tattoo on their faces and studying their ways of life in the villages as Khwa Sone village, Zaydiyan village which are taken about 15 minutes boat rides between one to another village. After, proceed to Kyay Ma village which takes about 30 minutes by boat. Drive back to the hotel. Balance on time; visit some of the interesting temples which you haven’t visited. 

[Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (19), Mrauk Oo – Sittwe (By Boat), Sittwe – Yangon (By PM Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty for you to drive back to Sittwe. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the riverine lifestyle of local people in Rakhine state. 

Upon arrival at the jetty in Sittwe, transfer to Sittwe airport for your flight to Yangon. 

Arrival in Yangon, meet with our driver and transfer to the hotel for check. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day (20), Departure Yangon 

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our driver and transfer to the Yangon International Airport for your flight back to your home country or next travel destination country. 

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

 Service Includes

• 19 nights’ accommodation at hotels (Twin/Double sharing basic) with Breakfast
• Domestic airfares
• Transfer & sightseeing in private vehicles
• Private boat fees for Mingun, Inle, Pokakku, Indein, Mrauk U Visit
• Schedule ferry boat for Ava visit
• Private sunset boat fee for Bagan
• Horse cart rental fees for Bagan
• Half day boat trip to island near Ngapali
• Entrance fees
• English-speaking STATIONED Guides
• Bottles of mineral water per person per day on car

Service Excludes