Very Best of Myanmar - 10 Days

Upon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Welcome dinner.

Enjoy private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You’ll start at the Post Office – a lovely historic building passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit famous Chauk Htat Kyi, home to a 70-meter-long reclining Buddha. The feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. Photo stop at the Karaweik Hall Royal Floating Barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda with its glittering gold stupa. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon Pagoda.

Morning flight from Yangon to Mandalay. Upon arrival private tour of legendary Mandalay, last capital of royal Burma, still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual center.

Firstly, keep going to Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura, one of the biggest and most important monasteries in Myanmar. Then visit to local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, tapestries, woodcarving and marble carving. Many of the techniques used to create these have remained unchanged for those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.

In the afternoon visit the beautiful Golden Palace Teak Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as “the world’s biggest book” due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Before sunset visit a 200-year-old teak bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge built by Mayor U Bein, one of the most photogenic sights of the country and not to be missed.

After breakfast continue sightseeing in Mandalay and then drive from Mandalay to Bagan (about 4 hours). On the way stop at Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano that stands more than 1500 meters high. There are 777 steps from the base of the vertical pedestal taking you to a monastery honoring what has come to be known as the center of Nat Spirit activity in the nation. Upon arrival to Bagan – you will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visiting a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples.

Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. More than just temples, our tour introduces you to provide a great overview of Bagan’s history, culture and local lifestyles. Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan to view the local lifestyle. Continue sightseeing around Bagan and surroundings. This afternoon - visit to the traditional lacquerware workshop to observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains of Bagan from one of the elevated viewpoints. Sit back, relax, and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.

After breakfast drive from Bagan to Inle Lake (about 5–6 hours). On the way stop at some local villages and sightseeing. Upon arrival to Inle Lake transfer to your hotel for check in and rest at the hotel.

Enjoy the full day tour by private boat in Inle Lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way. Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages on the banks of the river. Pass the endless floating gardens, houses, monasteries built on stilts on the lake. Proceed to Nampan Village and see local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made) and canoe carving.

Begin your day with a visit to the local market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits – as they barter for goods and produce. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat through long, scenic channels. We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk through exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls. We’ll visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people who row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.

Morning flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon then enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 90-year-old market (closed on Monday and public holidays). At the market you will find a variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquerware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region. Interspersed in the tour are various religious sites such as the St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and over 100-year-old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with the Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish life in the Pagoda Land. Then visit Little India and Chinatown – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic. Farewell dinner.

After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.