MYANMAR PACKAGE, 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

(YANGON-MANDALAY-BAGAN-INLE LAKE-YANGON)

Introduction: Myanmar is a political pariah, but its people and tourists sights are incomparable. The geographical features of the country are diverse, ranging from the hot delta of the Ayerawaddy to the snow-capped mountain of Hkaka Razi in the far north bordering the Himalayas. Myanmar’s history is a fascinating kaleidoscope of battles and conquests. Peopled by the ancient Pyus who left no traces of their culture and the Mons who came after them, Myanmar found its golden age in the reign of King Anawratha of Bagan. He subdued the Mons of Bago and unified the country except for the border areas. The archaeological sites of Bagan are stupendous attestations to the glory and power of the Bagan dynasty. The Inle Lake in the Shan hills is so scenic it is unbelievable. The city of Mandalay still holds vestiges of its former royal status began by good King Mindon. And Yangon is struggling to keep pace albeit hopelessly with its neighbours. Our tours of Myanmar expose gems of Burmese culture and wonderful places relating directly as much as possible with the local people. (We avoid staying in government hotels and eating in government restaurants and doing as much as possible not to put our dollars into government coffers.)

Day 1 :  YANGON (L,D)
Arrive at Yangon International Airport, meet and and transfer to hotel.

Excursion to Bago (the former Pegu) founded by the ancient Mons and was the former capital of Myanmar’s Second Dynasty about 80 km north of Yangon. Tour highlights are: Shwemawdaw Pagoda (the tallest pagoda in the country), Shwethalyaung Pagoda with its huge reclining Buddha image, Klyani Sima and Kyeikpon Pagoda of four gigantic Buddha images.

Lunch in a restaurant in Bago. Return to Yangon in the late afternoon.

Dinner and show at one of Yangon’s leading theatre-restaurants (Karaweik floating restaurant).

Overnight at Hotel Plaza or Kandawgyi Palace, Yangon.

Day 2 : YANGON-MANDALAY (B,L,D)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay, the former capital of King Mindon. Sightseeing of Mandalay to include the Maha Muni Pagoda, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monastery, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda and then lunch.

Dinner in a restaurant.

Overnight at Mandalay Swan / Sedona Hotel, Mandalay.

Day 3 : MANDALAY - BAGAN (B,L,D)
At 05:30 hours transfer to Gaw Wein Jetty to board the Shwekainnayi on a 9-hour cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy River to the ancient city of Bagan to discover its glorious history and culture. Boat departs at 06:00 hours.

Breakfast and lunch on board.

Arrive in Bagan jetty at about 15:00 hours, meet and transfer to hotel.

At 18:00 pick up at hotel to go to Mingalazedi to climb up its terraces and watch the sun set over the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Proceed from thence to Nanda Restaurant for dinner and a puppet show.

Overnight at Tharabar Gate Hotel or Bagan Hotel, Bagan.

Day 4 :  BAGAN (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing of Bagan visiting the more interesting pagodas like the Ananda Temple, Htilominlo, Shwezigon, Thatbyinnyu, Bupaya and others. See the arts of Bagan in its lacquerware shops and factories, puppet making, shoulder bag sewing, and cheroot production by hand.

Lunch of Burmese food in a local restaurant.

Continue sightseeing of Bagan until late afternoon.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight at Tharabar Gate Hotel or Bagan Hotel, Bagan.

Day 5: BAGAN - INLE LAKE (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure from Bagan to Mt Popa, abode of Myanmar’s 37 Nats. On the way see sugar-palm making in the traditional way. Arrive at Mt Popa, climb the steep steps of the shrine to the top for a view of the extensive plain below. Pilgrims come from around the countryside bringing offerings of flowers, fruits and joss to intercede for good luck and cure their maladies. 

Lunch at the Mt Popa Resort’s restaurant. Transfer to Bagan airport for the flight to Heho. Upon arrival transfer to the Inle Lake.

Check into hotel and be free until time for dinner.

Overnight at Princess Inle Lake Resort, Inle Lake.

Day 6 : INLE LAKE   (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to the very holy Phaungdaw-Oo Pagoda on the Inle Lake by boat. See the unique one-leg rowers fishing the waters, floating villages and vegetable gardens, silk weaving, ngaphe making and the floating market.

Lunch in a floating restaurant on the lake. 

Free afternoon to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the lake.

Dinner in a restaurant.

Overnight in Princess Inle Lake Resort, Inle Lake.

Day 7 : INLE LAKE -YANGON (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing of Taunggyi market where one can see the various hill tribes from around Taunggyi come to buy and sell their home-grown and home-made products.

Lunch in a restaurant . Then transfer to Heho airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival in Yangon airport, transfer to hotel. View the Shwedagon Pagoda in the fading light for its unique ambiance. 

Farewell dinner at the famous Shan Kan restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel Grand Plaza or Kandawgyi Hotel, Yangon.

Day 8: YANGON - DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Free until time to transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

  End of Programme.

Cost Inclusive of:
- domestic airfares for Yangon-Mandalay, Bagan-Heho-Yangon
- 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast in good class hotels
- transfers & transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- boat fares for Mandalay-Bagan, Inle Lake
- meals (full board as stated in the programme)
- sightseeing with English speaking guide
- all entrance fees

Cost Exclusive of:
- Yangon International airport tax
- tips & drinks other than what is served at table
- other personal expenses like use of hotel’s minibar, laundry, phone, etc.
- Visa to enter Myanmar. (This visa can now be applied Online by going into the
 Myanmar Embassy website and paying with a credit card.)