Myanmar Explorer – 15 days

Mingalabar! Welcome to Myanmar, the undercover landscape of Southeast Asia.
Today, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport. We understand there will be a bit tired after the flight so our driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy a private tour through the downtown to explore the charming city. A scenic drive from the lovely Post office will take you through an array of historical buildings which shows a very first look at the fantastic mix of Burmese and colonial architecture. Take a street food tour at the stalls surrounding Mahabandula Park, Little India, and China Town to taste the local flavor. Then we proceed to Bogyoke Aungsan Market (Scotts), the largest and most vibrant local bazaar in Yangon where you will find a variety of food, handicrafts, clothes, and gems stores.
Leaving the market, follow your guide to Karaweik Hall, one of the most impressive landmarks in Yangon. Get your camera ready because you will love to take many photos of the beautiful scenery of the site and around.

Finally, highlight your city tour with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous attraction in the city. Its main stupa made from 16 tons of pure gold is where to keep many sacred relics of the Buddha. Spend your time wandering around the pagoda area to observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotion and admire the golden light radiating in the majestic sunset.
Meal: n/a

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Leave Yangon this morning to take a flight to Loikaw, the picturesque capital of Kayan State. On arrival, spend the whole day discovering the lifestyle of the local people. You will first visit Hta Nee La Leh, a farming village. Follow your guide to the Hta Nee La Leh community center to share your own cultural experience with the locals. Then proceed to the Kaetoebo site and Hunting Shrine where you will learn about the local beliefs and spiritual life.

After that, head to the Lotus pond or the scenic 7 Lakes (also known as Kan Khon Na Sint). Relax and enjoy the forested and spectacular mountain scenery before driving back to Loikaw. We then visit a weaving center to observe how the artisans create beautiful Kayah longyi patterns. Check in at the hotel at noon and enjoy a short break. Then follow your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to Taung Kwe Zeti, a dramatic pagoda perched on a hillock overlooking the vast expanse of the environs. Climb to the top to marvel at the magnificent landscape surrounding.
Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Loikaw.

This morning, take a scenic drive to the Demawso market (open on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). Take a stroll through the market area to observe tribes from the surrounding area come to sell local unique items.

Leaving the market, we head to the countryside for an easy walk through local villages to visit the “long neck” Padaung tribe in Pan Pet village. Take this chance to interact with the people and listen to the story about the big rings around their necks. You will be welcomed by a local family and you will have a chance to taste the local snack and tea. Then take a stroll through the village to indulge in the peaceful scenery in the countryside. Along the way, your local guide will show you special cultural and natural sites which are important to local people and their way of life.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at homestay

After breakfast, drive to Phekon from there we board a scenic boat trip to Sagar villages through the mesmerizing landscape of Bilu River. Stop at several villages along the way to get a glimpse at the daily life of the local people.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

A full day to explore the natural beauty of Inle Lake. Get on a private boat trip to get around the lake. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, and traditional practice along the way. Make a first visit of the day at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most sacred religious site in southern Shan State.

Then continue our visit to the Shan and Intha villages to gain more insight into the life of the people in Inle Lake. Passing through the breathtaking floating gardens, houses, and monasteries built on stilts, you will stop at Nampan village to discover the local cheroot factory and canoe carving.
Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at Inle Lake

After breakfast at the hotel, say goodbye to Inle Lake to take a domestic flight to Mandalay, the cultural capital of Burma. On arrival, visit local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, woodcarving, and marble carving. Why don’t try your hands at making the gold leaf under the guidance of the artisans? From there proceed to Shwenandaw Monastery, an impressive wooden monastery that used to be a part of the Royal Palace. Highlight your trip at Kuthodaw Pagoda, widely known as the world’s largest book which is carved on 729 marble slabs.

Before sunset, head to U Bein Bridge, the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world. Throughout 200 years, the bridge has gently curved across the serene Taungthaman Lake and created one of the best places to watch the sunset in Myanmar. Get your camera ready to save the best shot at sunset time. Finally, enjoy a commanding overview of the city from Mandalay Hill.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in a Mandalay.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat trip up the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, an ancient village that is home to several must-see attractions while traveling to Mandalay. Visit Hsinbyume Temple, the gorgeous white-washed temple built by Bagyidaw for his Queen Hsinbyume who unfortunately lost her life while giving childbirth.

Take a leisure walk to Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest ringing bell, and Mingun Pagoda, the dramatic ruin of the world’s largest unfinished pagoda.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pyin Oo Lwin (about 80 km), a breathtaking hill town that will bewitch you with its beautiful colonial buildings and a variety of flora and fauna. Soak up the local market to get a glimpse at the trading and see the real life of people. Spend your time wandering around the market area to witness an array of local fresh products, souvenirs, and clothes, etc.

After that, visit the botanical garden, one of the finest local gardens in Southeast Asia where you will indulge in the breathtaking atmosphere. Take a leisure walk in the beautiful scenery of flora, and fauna surrounding the picturesque lake. Following your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to Peik Chin Myaung Cave, a stunning cave that is noted for stunning stalactite and filled with many Buddha statues. Today overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up to the train station to transfer to Hispaw – a mesmerizing valley which is subdued by the stunning scenery of plantation and spectacular mountain ranges. As you reach Hsipaw, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hsipaw

Wake up in the sound of bird-singing this morning. We will start the day by a short walk through the rice field to visit an ancient pagoda and Shan royal tomb. Then, if you want to swim in the cold water of Nam Tok waterfall, remember to bring extra clothes. As you walk back to Famer’s villages, behold the country panoramic scenery and learn the living style of Shan villages. Here you will have a chance to have Shan rice noodles with the local guide at a small local village mall.

Afterward, get on a boat trip up the streaming river. Passing through nice scenery with dramatic mountain backdrop and plantations. An opportunity to swim at the river confluence is available on the individual wish..
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hsipaw

Today will be a day of traveling back to Mandalay. After breakfast, say goodbye to Hispaw and we transfer to Mandalay by bus. On arrival at Mandalay, the rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Today will be a day of traveling back to Mandalay. After breakfast, say goodbye to Hispaw and we transfer to Mandalay by bus. On arrival at Mandalay, the rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

A full day to unlock the mythical beauty of Bagan. Wake up early this morning to visit the hustle and bustle Nyaung U market. Here you will capture different colors of traditional clothes of the local people who come to buy and sell products.

After that, your guide will lead you to some of the most famous temples in the region. First head to Shwezigon Pagoda, the most popular sight in Bagan for tourists and local pilgrims. Listen to your guide to know more about the 9 wonders of the pagoda and the architecture as well. Then you might visit Ananda Temple, the man-made masterpiece that features a combination of Indian and Mon architecture.

The next highlight is Gu Byauk Gyi, a temple with dramatic murals of Jataka scenes and Khay Min Ga, which provides a panoramic view of the area’s numerous monuments. What’s a better way to learn more about local production than visiting a local lacquerware workshop to observe the skillful artisans create the finest lacquerware? Take this chance to see how people using traditional methods to make beautiful items.
Before sunset, transfer to a sunset hill in the region where you can sit back and enjoy the majestic sunset immersing everything in golden light.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

This morning, take a scenic drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano offering a spectacular view from 1518 meters high. On the top of the mountain is Taung Kalap Monastery where you will learn about the Nat worship of Burma.

On the way back to Bagan, stop at a local family to interact with the people and experience their simple way of life. Later on, transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight to Yangon.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yangon

After breakfast, wait for the driver to pick you up and transfer to the airport to take a departure flight. Trip ends. Thank you for traveling with us!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a