Inside Myanmar

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destination: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake
Category: Culture, History
Class: 4 Stars
Description: Enjoy a varied and rewarding Myanmar experience with visits to the main historical destinations and a full day boat ride down the fabled Ayeyarwaddy River.

ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVE YANGON (-)

Arrival at Yangon international airport by flight. Sightseeing in Yangon featuring Chaukhtatkyi; a colossal reclining Buddha, a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake, the Shwedagon Pagoda; arguably the world’s most impressive golden stupa. Overnight in Yangon

DAY 02: YANGON - BAGAN (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Bagan. Our sightseeing tour of one of Asia’s most popular archeological destination highlights busy Nyaung Oo Market; and Bagan’s distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas; Wetkyi-in- Gubyaukgyi, a 13th century ‘cave temple with interesting fine frescoes; Ananda Pagoda, one of the finest, largest and best persevered in Old Bagan; and next to it we visit Ananda Ok Kyaung, one of the few surviving brick monastery buildings from the Early Bagan period and Htilominlo Temple which is known to be the last Myanmar Style temple built in Bagan.

Afternoon sightseeing highlights includes Sulamani Temple built in by King Narapatisithu, Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan and Thatbyinnyu Temple  which towering above the other monuments of Bagan. As the sun goes down we will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide for a panoramic sunset view over the temples. Overnight in Bagan

DAY 03: BAGAN - MANDALAY (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Mandalay. We will go to Mandalay jetty where we take a short and pleasant ride upriver to Mingun, the site of what would have been the world's largest pagoda had not King Bodawpaya died in 1819 thus halting all further work. Later an earthquake in 1838 split the monument and reduced it to partial rubble. Nonetheless, the mammoth base of the unfinished pagoda is still a very impressive sight as we approach from the river. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell, moved from the zedi after the earthquake and now hung in a new shrine building. It is said to be the largest hanging un-cracked bell in the world. Return to Mandalay.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mandalay includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda; a gold leaf hammering craftshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the World's largest book for its 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures, and if time permits Mandalay Hill for a view over the city and Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight in Mandalay

DAY 04: MANDALAY - MAYMYO (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pyin Oo Lwin  which is 42 miles away from Mandalay (about a one and a half hours drive) and was a former British Hill Station. The town was originally renamed Maymyo after British Colonel May who established the towns beautiful botanical gardens built by Turkish prisoners of war during WWI. It is on the way to Lashio and to the Chinese border town of Muse. The sightseeing highlights of Pyin U Lwin include Purcell Tower, which was a present from Queen Victoria; the morning vegetable market; the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Botanical Garden; Naung Kan Gyi Paya where you can see a panoramic view of the town; B.E waterfall, Peik Chin Myaung Cave and Maha EntHtoo Kanthar Pagoda, wish fulfilling pagoda. Overnight in Maymyo

DAY 05: MAYMYO - NAUNG PAIN - HSIPAW (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to the station to take a local train on a scenic ride over the famous Goitek Viaduct which crosses a deep gorge. We will disembark the train at Naung Pain Village and continue drive to Hsipaw. Overnight in Hsipaw

DAY 06: HSIPAW - MANDALAY (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy sightseeing in the town, Bawgyo Pagoda and watch the panorama from the top of Theintaung hill. After that drive back to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay

DAY 07: MANDALAY - HEHO (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Heho. Today we are driving to unique and magical Inle Lake, located about 1000 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide. Arrive Nyaung Shwe jetty and start our sightseeing by long tailed boat to Innpawkhone Village where you can see lotus and silk weaving industries. Next visit Nanpan to see the traditional boat making, cheroot (Burmese cigar) making factory. And then continue our visit to Phaungdaw U Pagoda and if we have time, take a short visit to Leshae Village where you can see the making of Buddha image from dried flower powder. Later visit to Nga Phae Chaung Monastery (‘jumping cats’ monastery) and floating gardens. Overnight in Inle

DAY 08: SHWE NYAUNG - HEHO - YANGON (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Shwe Nyaung railway station to take a train to Heho. Arrive at Heho then transfer to the airport to take a flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon

DAY 09: DEPART YANGON (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. We will go to famous Scott Market; which is noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provide an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree before a visit in China town. We will visit Botataung Pagoda, which is hollow and through which you can walk and see many ancient relics and artifacts.

TOUR PRICE IN US DOLLARS
On a per person basis

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

SUPPLEMENT

Supplement for fuel surcharge during water festival (13-17 Apr 2012) is to be advised.

COMPULSORY GALA DINNERS

Chtarium Hotel
Christmas’ Eve compulsory dinner -TBA
New Year’s Eve compulsory dinner -TBA

Myanmar Treasure Resort (Bagan and Inle Lake)
Christmas’ Eve compulsory dinner is USD 33 per person
New Year’s Eve compulsory dinner is USD 50 per person

Mandalay Hill Resort (Pool Side Gala Dinner)
Christmas’ Eve compulsory dinner is USD 65 per person
New Year’s Eve compulsory dinner is USD 80 per person
Christmas Day & New Year Day buffet at Yadanabon or Kinsana USD 39 per person

INCLUDED

Hotels accommodation with daily breakfast
Domestic flights tickets
Entrance fees and zone fees for the visits
All transfers as per program
English speaking guide service throughout the trip

NOT INCLUDED

International air tickets
International airport departure tax
Drinks
Visa Fees
Insurance and
Any other services not mentioned above