Myanmar Beyond the Surface With Strand Cruise

Mingalabar! Welcome to Mandalay, the cultural center of Myanmar! Today, meet your guide at the airport and then transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Mandalay.

Meal: n/a

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay.

After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a trip to the serene Royal Lake for a short morning visit. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and breathe the fresh air surrounding the lake. Afterward, take a scenic drive to Amarapura where we visit the appealing U Bein Bridge – the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. It has been passed through 200 years and become one of the best places in Myanmar to gaze out at the daily life of Burmese people. Take a boat cruising on the lake, you will capture the best view of the bridge and people crossing the bridge. Next up, we come to Manhamuni Pagoda and the teak-carved monastery of Shwe Inn Bin which is also a great meditation site in Mandalay’s heart.

At mid-day, transfer to the jetty where we embark on the Strand Ship. The crew will welcome you on board with a delicious buffet lunch of Mediterranean dishes. After having lunch, the ship arrives at Mingun, a small charming village where we visit the largest yet unfinished Mingun pagoda by tuk-tuk. This is also where you will have a chance to witness Mingun Bell – the world’s second-largest ringing bell.

Later on, travel to Hsinbyume Pagoda, the super marvelous white-washed temple built in 1816 by King Bagyidaw in honor of Queen Hsinbyume, who unfortunately lost her life in childbirth. Before sunset, return to the ship and sail along the river. Relax on the sundeck and watch the gorgeous sunset with the signature cocktails of the Strand Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Overnight on the Strand Cruise.

This morning, your guide will take you to the ancient capital of the Burmese kingdom of Ava. On arrival, get on a horse cart to slowly capture the laid-back ambiance of the town. In the past, Ava used to be a renowned city but then devastated by war and natural disasters. To date, what we see is the ruins of its former glory. Stop at Yadana Shemee, Bopaya Monastery, and the brick monastery.

After that, return to the Strand Cruise and have lunch served in the Asian family style of the sundeck while the ship keeps sailing towards Bagan.
This afternoon, enjoy your leisure time onboard. Watch interesting traditional performances by local artists and entertainers, then finally a sunset cocktail.
This evening we stay the night near a remote section of the river. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner in the wild nature.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Strand Cruise.

In the morning, we reach Bagan and begin our Bagan Heritage Trail. The place is famous for the buildings’ astounding architecture and the designs of Burmese temples. We first visit Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Myanmar. Then we move to Shwezigon Pagoda, the stunning attraction famous for its fascinating gold-leaf decorations.

After lunch on board, we continue our Bagan trail with a trip to the incredible temple of Shwesandaw, the elegant Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi Temple.
Later on, return to the board and enjoy the sunset from the sundeck. This evening, enjoy your final farewell French dinner in the restaurant.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise

Rise before dawn this morning to capture the lovely sunrise of Bagan from the sundeck. Then, enjoy your final breakfast on board and disembark from the Strand Cruise to transfer to the hotel in Bagan. Let’s spend the whole day to discover the treasure of Bagan hidden behind magnificent temples. Head to Kyanzittha Umin, a tunnel with an interesting feature of exotic paintings. From here, proceed to Htilominlo Temple, an impressive 46-meter-tall sanctuary that is one of the largest monuments on the plains of Bagan.

Following your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to Dhammayangyi, the largest temple on the plains of Bagan. Our next stop is Nanpaya Temple, which follows the Mon-style architecture noted for its intricated stone carvings. Regarded by legend as the residence of King Manuha.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

The morning of day 6 is one of the most special days of your trip. Wake up early in the morning to take a hot balloon ride over Bagan (optional, on your own budget, required to book in advance). Be amazed by the incredible view of over 3000 ancient temples and ruins scattered on the plain. With the gentle Irrawaddy River to the west and the mountains to the east, the balloon ride will be your flight of a lifetime.

After a 45-minute ride over the morning ride, we will then have a small party to welcome you back with sparkling wine and fresh fruits.
As we return to the hotel, have breakfast, and then take a drive to Mt Popa, an extinct volcano with a spectacular view from 398 feet above sea level. Hike up to 777 steps to reach the top and learn more about the Nat worship in the Taung Kalat Monastery. Today overnight in Popa.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Popa.

This morning, say goodbye to Bagan to board a domestic flight to Yangon. On arrival, take a drive through the downtown city to explore the fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The street of Yangon is filled with many historical buildings which have faded somehow through time. We first visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha image. The feet of the statue carved with many traditional symbols are where people gather to pay homage.

Leaving the pagoda, we transfer to Karaweik Hall, an impressive royal floating barge located on the beautiful Kandawgyi Lake.
Highlight your city tour with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the greatest Buddha monuments in the world. As the sun immerses everything in golden light, take a stroll around the pagoda land to observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

After breakfast, say goodbye to Yangon and take a flight to Ngapali Beach via Thandwe airport. Well-known as the gem of Asia, Ngapali will enchant you with charming fishing villages and coconut trees. Overnight in Ngapali

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ngapali.

Day at leisure on the beach. You can lie on the white sand beach for sunbathing, swimming, or stroll along the white sand beach to touch the light breeze and enjoy the fragrance of the ocean. You can also get on a bike and cycle to the nearby village to explore the daily life of the local people.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ngapali

Enjoy your own free time on the beach.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ngapali

After breakfast, we take a flight back to Yangon. On arrival, enjoy a visit to Bogygoke Aungsan Market (Scott Market), the sprawling 75-year-old market. This is where you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquerware to jewelry. If you want to purchase some unique items, bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere.

Next up, drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region. Stop at the lovely St Mary Cathedral, the 2500-year-old Sule Pagoda, and Rangoon Synagogue where you will have an opportunity to meet with the Trustee to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land. Finally, visit Little India and Chinatown to soak up the bustling atmosphere and stop to greet the vendors and learn about the local wares.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

After breakfast, the day is at leisure until the driver comes to pick you up to transfer to the airport for an international flight. Trip ends. Thank you for traveling with us!

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a.