The Best Burmese Road Trip [ 27 Days / 26 Nights ]

Destinations

Yangon, Kyaikhtiyo, Hpa An, Mawlamyine, Bago, Moeyungyi, Pyay, Magway, Minbu, Pwint Phyu, Salay, Popa, Bagan, Kalaw, Pindaya, Inle, Indein, Mandalay,  Ava, Amarapura,Sagaing, Mingun, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Hsipaw

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 – Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) (By Car & Public local open truck)

After breakfast, our friendly guide will meet you at the hotel and drive ahead to Kyaikhtiyo [also well-known Golden Rock] about 160 km from Yangon, standing on a gilded boulder precariously perched on the edge of a hill. On the way, visit Htauk Kyant war memorial cemetery compound in which 27000 stone graves of commonwealth and allied forces fallen soldiers in the Myanmar campaign were honorably kept. Our car will stop at Kinpun Base camp. Thereafter we have to use a local open truck which is normally used for hilly track up to the rock. Arrive at Golden Rock, make a hotel check in and then enjoy the beautiful sunset overlooking the panoramic view of the Sittaung river valley, green forests and beautiful mountain ranges. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 03, Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine  ( By Car)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our guide and drive to Mawlamyine; famous as the second busiest seaport as it lies on the mouth of the Thanlwin River. Arriving at Mawlamyine, visit Yadanabonmyint Monastery [also known as Queen Seindon Monastery]; a popular ancient monastery with its royal craftsmanship and motifs, Win Sein Taw Ya; the largest reclining Buddha in the world. Enjoy the sunset time at Kyaikthalan Pagoda, known as the Kipling Pagoda; the city's tallest and most visible Pagoda.  [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 04, Mawlamyaing – Hpa An, Excursion Hpa An (By Car & Boat)

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel and ahead to Hpa-An; the Kayin State, quaint capital. Upon reaching Hpa An, visit Saddan cave; a massive and appreciating natural beauty cave [takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the other end of the cave, take a short boat trip back toward the entrance], Kawkathaung cave. Enjoy your sunset at Shweyinmhwae pagoda; situated at the eastern bank of Than Lwin River. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 05, Excursion Hpa An  (By Car & Boat)

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel and start your second day sightseeing in Hpa An. Today's sightseeing includes Yathaepyan cave; Numerous trails with Buddha lead up to the cave entrance and follow the cave through the mountain to the other site, where an elevated trail made of iron bars allows an incredible view over the plain and the river. [on the other end of the cave, take a short boat trip around the mountain back toward the entrance], Kawgun cave; also known as the ‘Cave of the Ten Thousand Buddhas’, along the cave see more than 2000 votive tablets of Lord Buddha and Mon inscriptions. One inscription is so ancient that, to this day, no scholar has been able to interpret it, Lumbani garden at the base of Mt. Zwekabin; the housed 1000 Buddha images. Enjoy your sunset at Kyaukkalat pagoda; a small rock hill shaped like a wine glass. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 06, Hpa An – Bago (By Car), Excursion Bago

Have early breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide and head 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) 

Upon reaching Bago, visit Kyat Khat Wain Monastery where hundreds of monks are dedicated to following Buddha’s teachings, Kyaik Pun pagoda; the home to the four seated Buddha shrine, a 27m statue depicting the four 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. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 07, Bago – Moe Yun Gyi – Yangon  (By Car & Boat) 

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide and head to the natural splendors of the Moe Yun Gyi Wetlands, not only an important migratory stop but also a feeding grounds for both migratory and millions of bird species. As a protected reserve directly on the East Asian-Australian flyway, Moe Yun Gyi is a vital shelter for waterfowl of many different varieties. Take a boat excursion through the wetlands and discover the buffalo bathing in the shallow and see a vast number of birds. 

Thereafter, proceed to Hlawga National Park, was established with joint-funding by the UNDP and the government according to the nature conservation and natural park project from 1981-1982, safari area of the Hlawga National Park is 818 acres, the mini zoo has 62 acres, the buffer zone is 660 acres wide. Home of the 25 species of Mammals, 9 species of Reptiles, 192 species of Birds, 54 species of Amphibian, 103 species of Butterfly and 23 species of Fish. You can feed monkeys, deers, buffaloes and elephants along the park. Then a short visit at a small zoo onsite with some larger mammals. Then drive back to Yangon and overnight at the hotel peacefully. 

Day 08, Yangon - Pyay, Excursion Pyay (By Car)                      

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our friendly guide and drive to Pyay; also known as “Prome '' in colonial times. This quiet, stupa-studded Irrawaddy riverside town is located 290 km north of Yangon. En route stop visit at the Shwemyethman Pagoda; also known as Shwe Daung Pagoda or the ``Golden Hill Pagoda'' famous for its Buddha image with golden spectacles. Arrival Pyay, check in at the hotel. [Overnight at the hotel peacefully]

Day 09, Pyay - Akauk Mountain - Pyay (By Car & Boat)                      

Have early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Htone Bo village and embark for your boat trip to unique Akauk Mountain; the view of hundreds of Buddha images curved on the cliff of Akauk mountain which can be seen from the boat is marvelous. After taking about a 20 minute boat trip, arrive at the pagoda’s jetty then take a short trek to the top of the mountain. Then drive back to Pyay and have a short refreshment at the hotel. In the sunset time, visit ShweSandaw Pagoda; one the largest pilgrimage sites in Pyay, it is said to contain a couple of the Lord Buddha’s hairs. Enjoy the panoramic views of the river and lush surroundings. [Overnight at the hotel peacefully] 

Day 10, Pyay - Hmawza Village - Pyay (By Car)                      

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Sriksetra Archaeological site Museum located at Hmawza village, 8 km south of Pyay, exhibits the artifacts of SriKsetra era between 500 and 900 AD. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Baw Baw Gyi pagoda; lying respectively to the south, north-west and north of the city wall, 153 feet height assumes a cylindrical shape above five low circular terraces of which two are buried under the debris. It is said to be the oldest Buddhist monument in Myanmar. Rahanta Cave pagoda; which you can enter through a small entrance to see a series of Buddha images carved into niches, Lay Myet Hna monument; where we sprung a guy who had been sleeping on the roof. A completely brick monument, the lower structure has been reinforced with a metal framework to keep it from collapsing and The Royal Cemetery, where  a half-dozen sandstone urns were found, leaving archaeologists to conclude this was once a cemetery for royalty, though there is little to see here anymore. Then drive back to Pyay. [Overnight at the hotel peacefully]  

[UNESCO provides the World Heritage designation to cultural and natural sites that are of invaluable importance to humanity and need to be protected for the sake of future generations. At present, Myanmar has 2 sites included in this list – Bagan, added in 2019, and Pyu Ancient Cities, included in 2014. The 3 Pyu cities – Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra – extend from south-central Myanmar to northern Myanmar.These cities are well connected to all the major cities of the country by road. You can hire a taxi or travel by bus to see the cities. Halin is in the Sagaing Division, Beikthano is in the Magway Division and Sri Ksetra is in the Bago Region. There are specialized tours that take you around the towns, explaining the history of the place. The three Pyu ancient cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are remnants of the golden days of the Pyu Kingdoms, which flourished from 200 BC to 900 AD. The cities were founded once the Tibeto-Burman-speaking Pyu people migrated southward and created settlements on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Starting off as villages, the settlements slowly grew into urban areas with fortifications and central palaces. Soon, they became a center for Theravada Buddhism. Today, you can see the remnants of these towns – palace structures, broken walls and evidence of human settlement.]

Day 11, Pyay - Baikthano -  Magway  (By Car)                      

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Magway, located 200 km away from Pyay. Along the way enjoy the beautiful rural scenery dotted with small towns. On the way, stop for your second Pyu ancient city visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beikthano. The Beikthano Museum features the prehistoric artifacts of the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. You can also observe skeleton pots, iron tools, Pyu Era coins, stone beads, bronze cups, statues and bells discovered in the old city. The moat, fort and palace models, ancient city maps, evacuation maps and zone mappings are displayed at the museum as well. Thereafter, continue to Magway and check in at the hotel. [Overnight at the hotel peacefully]  

[Magway is the capital city of the Magway Region (formerly Magway Division) of Myanmar and situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The Myathalun Pagoda, where many pilgrimages across the country go there, the beauty of Magway, located in the north of the city, is the landmark of Magway. Magway Region is famous for the cultivation of sesame and many kinds of nuts. Besides, there is Beikthano, an ancient city that was built 2000 years ago, where the Pyu lived, and now in ruin.]

Day 12, Magway -Magyikan Village -  Salay - Bagan  (By Car)                      

After breakfast at the hotel, visit to Myathalun pagoda, the landmark of Magway located on the riverside of the Irrawaddy. Then ahead to Bagan. En route visit Magyikan village, one of the Community Based Tourism (CBT) in Myanmar. Welcome by community leader and receive the introduction and purpose of the project. Visit around the village and experience the authentic local life. Thereafter, drive ahead Salay 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. Arrival Bagan, check in at the hotel. [Overnight at the hotel peacefully]  

Day 13, Excursion Bagan               

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 cart 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 14, Yangon – Bagan , Excursion Bagan [Horse-cart riding & Sunset boat] 

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel and ahead to second day ancient city excursion. Today's visit includes: Lawkananda pagoda; an important Buddha-tooth replica, was erected on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River house, an important Buddha-tooth replica. Apyeyardana Temple; with its beautiful view over the river, Lemethna Temple; topped by an Indian-style spire similar to Ananda. , Damayangyi Temple; is the most massive structure in Bagan  Sulamani Temple; one of Bagan's great two-storied Bamar style temple which has 4 seated Buddha images, Then, the three shrines of Payathonzu; which are connected by passages adorned with Mahayanist or Tantric mural paintings, Nandamanya Temple; with fine frescoes and an unexpectedly erotic mural, Nagayon; an elegant structure belonging to the earlier type attributed to Mon workmanship Temple.  In the late afternoon, enjoy your horse-cart riding among the ruins of ancient city and transfer to Bu Phaya Jetty where you take a private wooden boat trip over the Irrawaddy River. The sun gets lower towards the horizon and sets peacefully over the river. Drink and light Burmese snacks will be served on boat. Then, drive back to the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 15, Bagan- Kalaw 

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel and ahead to Kalaw, approximately 270 km (6 hr) away from Bagan. Along the way to Kalaw, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and allow you to breathe in some of the freshest air nature has to offer. Upon arrival at Kalaw, check in at the hotel. 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] 

[Kalaw 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.]

Day 16, Kalaw – Elephant Camp – Inle Lake (By Car)

After breakfast, meet with our friendly guide at the hotel and go straight to elephant camp. Safety instruction will be given before interacting with elephants. Walk to elephant village and see the life of mahouts with their families. Introduce the elephant and observe the elephant feeding system and then lead to the river where the elephant bathes and you can enjoy washing elephants like your owned pet. Thereafter, join the elephant camp’s forest recovery efforts activity by planting one reginal tree. Lunch will be provided at the main camp. After lunch, direct drive to Inle Lake and transfer the hotel for check in and free at your leisure. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 17, Excursion Inle Lake (By Boat)

After breakfast at the hotel, continue by road (approximately one hour) to Nyaung Shwe Jetty, 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, and 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 ‘Intha’. They are famous for their boat rowing technique; using only legs! There are many villages surrounding the lake and several temples and floating gardens.]

Day 18, 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  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 Nyaung Shwe jetty. 

Upon arrival, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer to the hotel for check in. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

Day 19, Inle - Pindaya - Ywarngan - Mandalay (By Car)

Have early breakfast, our guide will greet you at the hotel and drive ahead to Pindaya. On the way, visit Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery; where you take a short refreshment and wine tasting. Upon reaching 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. Depending on your available time, you have a chance to visit some famous spots around Ywar Ngan village. In the evening, arrive at Mandalay and check in at the hotel. [Overnight at the Hotel peacefully]

[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.]

Day 20, Excursion Mandalay

After breakfast, our friendly guide will greet you at the hotel. 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 21, 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 22, 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 23, 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 24, 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 end of 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 25, 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 26, 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 27, Departure Mandalay

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

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