Enchanting Myanmar the Road to Mandalay Adventure Tour

- Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Heho - Inle Lake - Kalaw - Mandalay
- Bagan - Mt. Popa - Yangon

About the Program:
Length: 16 days
Min/max: 10/25
Tour type: cultural adventure

More than most other Asian countries, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has preserved its culture and traditions. Myanmar has unimaginable beauty, an extraordinary history,and among the friendliest, most likable people in all of Asia.

Myanmar's unique cultural heritage goes back over 5,000 years. In the 11th century, the Bagan dynasty gave rise to the culture which has prevailed to this day.

Myanmar is a deeply religious Buddhist country, famous for its countless temples and shining pagodas sparkling with gold and precious gems. Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs - the “World's largest book”, a rare and splendid sight.

This is a country blessed with natural scenic beauty. Its great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most imposing, mystical and idyllic places to be found on earth.

Kipling once said, “In all the World, there is no place like it...”

Discover this magical but little-known land before the rest of the world does!

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1, Sun. Arrive Yangon
Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to the home based Na Gar glass which produces hand-blown glass products ranging from the local street lamp covers to beer mugs and all manner of decorative designs. Then visit the city's main attraction: the legendary Shwe Dagon Pagoda, 98 meters high, built on a hill overlooking the city.
B/L/D Traders Hotel

Day 2, Mon. Yangon
City tour of Yangon, visiting Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and the National Museum.
B/L/D Traders Hotel

Day 3, Tue. Yangon/Kyaikhtiyo
Drive to Bago. Visit the most venerated pagoda in Myanmar, Shwemawdaw Pagoda, and the huge reclining Buddha of Shwethalyaung. Continue on to Kyaikhtiyo.
B/L/D Golden Rock Hotel

Day 4, Wed. Kyaikhtiyo/Yangon
The Golden Rock of Kyaikhtiyo is the most-visited sight in Myanmar. Its round shape leans precariously over a deep gorge. Enjoy sunrise at the Golden Rock, with views of the many pagodas and monasteries nearby. Return to Yangon
B/L/D Traders Hotel

Day 5, Thu. Yangon/Heho(flight)/Inle Lake
Transfer from the airport by car to our hotel on Inle Lake. Afternoon sightseeing will include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens, and a memorable visit to Indian village with its 16th century pagodas in an 'Indiana Jones' type setting.
B/L/D Shwe Inn Tha Hotel

Day 6, Fri. Inle Lake
Today we will make a morning visit to the colorful Taung To Market situated on the edge of the lake at the foot of a hill of pagodas. Afterwards visit a nearby village where they make Lotus blossom products. Visit the silk weaving village of Inpawhon famous for its 'Ikat' weaving method.
B/L/D Shwe Inn Tha Hotel

Day 7, Sat. Inle Lake/Kalaw
Drive to Pindaya and the Pindaya Caves,
containing more than 8,000 Buddha images. We will view the process of Shan umbrella making using the bark of the mulberry tree. Continue southwards to Kalaw.
B/L/D Hill Top Villa

Day 8, Sun. Kalaw/Heho/Mandalay
Drive from Kalaw to Heho, a fascinating overland trip with views of rice fields, small villages, mountains and rivers.
Fly to Mandalay.
B/L/D Sedona Mandalay Hotel

Day 9, Mon. Mandalay/Mingun/Mandalay
Morning trasfer to Mandalay jetty for a boat ride upriver to the massive ruins of the unfinished Mingun pagoda. Afternoon visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and Arakan Pagodas, among the most important Bhuddhist monasteries, and imposing Mandalay Palace. Climb Mandalay Hill, which affords magnificent views of the city and Ayeyarwady River.
B/L/D Sedona Mandalay Hotel

Day 10, Tue. Mandalay/Amarapura/Inwa/Sagaing/Mandalay
Morning visit to the Shwe Sin Taing silk weaving workshop. Afterwards excursions to the historical capitals of Amarapura and Ava on the outskirts of Mandalay. Visit Sagaing, the religious center of Myanmar, with more than 600 monasteries and pagodas and 100 meditation centers.
B/L/D Sedona Mandalay Hotel

Day 11, Wed. Mandalay/Pyin U Lwin/Mandalay
Drive across the plains and up to the old British hill station, Pyin U Lwin (formerly Maymyo). Its pleasant climate made this location a refuge for Europeans fleeing the hot season, and the colonial flair is still omnipresent. City tour including the Botanical Garden, Chinese Temple and a local market. Return to Mandalay.
B/L/D Sedona Mandalay Hotel

Day 12, Thu. Mandalay/Bagan
Enjoy a boat ride on the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to Bagan. The boat leaves Mandalay early in the morning and chugs leisurely along Myanmar's vital communications artery. Evening arrive in Bagan, 193 km south of Mandalay.
B/L/D Thiripyitsaya Hotel

Day 13, Fri. Bagan
Bagan is one of the richest archeological sites in Asia and a veritable graveyard of medieval Burmese culture and religion. Known as the “city of the four-million pagodas”, more than 13,000 pagodas were built during the Bagan Dynasty founded by King Pyinbya in 849 A.D. Spend the day visiting some of Bagan’s most important pagodas. Evening Puppet show.
B/L/D Thiripyitsaya Hotel

Day 14, Sat. Bagan/Mt. Popa/Bagan
Excursion to Mount Popa, a steep-sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary “nat” spirits of Myanmar. Visit a local toddy palm farmer en route. Enjoy the glorious view from the imposing temple on its summit.
B/L/D Thiripyitsaya Hotel

Day 15, Sun. Bagan/Yangon
Morning transfer to Bagan Airport and flight to Yangon. City sightseeing includes a visit to the Yangon riverside jetty, with a stop at the famous Strand Hotel. Visit the sprawling Scott Market with its many artifacts and handicrafts of Myanmnar, perfect for some last-minute shopping.
B/L/D Traders Hotel

Day 16, Mon. Depart Yangon
Transfer to airport for your flight home.