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MYANMAR GOLDEN LAND
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Code: |
MYP 07 |
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Routes: |
Yangon -
Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura - Sagaing
- Pyin U Lwin - Bagan - Mount Popa -
Pindaya Cave - Inle Lake - Bago -
Kyaiktiyo. |
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Duration: |
11 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : ARRIVAL - YANGON
Day 2 : YANGON - MANDALAY - MINGUN
Day 3 : MANDALAY - AMARAPURA -
SAGAING - AVA
Day 4 : MANDALAY - PYIN U LWIN - MANDALAY
Day 5 : BAGAN
Day 6 : BAGAN - MOUNT POPA - BAGAN
Day 7 : BAGAN - HEHO - PINDAYA - INLE LAKE
Day 8 : INLE LAKE - YANGON
Day 9 : YANGON - KYAIKTIYO
Day 10 : KYAIKTIYO - BAGO - YANGON
Day 11 : YANGON -
DEPARTURE
There's much in Burma to capture the imagination
and win the heart: at Bagan the thousands of pagodas
studding a vast plain by the muddy Irrawaddy River; on
Inle Lake the delicate ballet of an Intha fisherman
leg-rowing his slender craft; and everywhere in this
magical land the gentle, generous and long-suffering
people who delight so in visitors from abroad.
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - YANGON
Arrive at Yangon Airport by flight. Welcome by our local
tour guide and transfer to Hotel for check-in. Lunch at
local restaurant. After lunch, sightseeing to SHWEDAGON
PAGODA - world famous golden stupa in the dome shape
rises 98 meters above its base and covered with 60 tons
of pure gold. Welcoming Dinner and Cultural show at
KARAWEIK PALACE FLOATING RESTAURANT built in a style of
Royal Barge used by the old days Kings. Your first night
of stay in Yangon.
DAY 2: YANGON - MANDALAY - MINGUN
Upon
leaving the town we catch a short flight to Mandalay .
On arrival we drive straight to the jetty for a boat
trip on the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively
waterfront with working buffaloes offers a spectacular
backdrop as we cruise upriver to Mingun. We wander
around this site, seeong the unfinished huge pagoda, the
world’s largest bell of Mingun and the beautiful white
Hsinbyume Pagoda. We then drive back to Mandalay City.
Here is plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni
Pagoda, the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called
"the world's largest book" and the wooden
monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still
standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of
the city. We include these sights in a half day city
tour which also gives us a chance to ascend Mandalay
hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding
areas. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
DAY 3: MANDALAY - AMARAPURA -
SAGAING - AVA
The great
cultural city of Mandalay was a former capital of Burma;
however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same
title at some stages in the past. Today we head out of
the town to one of these ancient cities, Amarapura. The
spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous
Mahaganda Monastery are a highlight of our visit to
Amarapura. We then cross over the mighty Irrawaddy River
to the picturesque Sagaing Hill. This lush area is
covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries,
and is therefore regarded as the religious centre of
Myanmar. After seeing Sagaing, we continue on to the
ruin of Ava and embark on a horse and carriage to
explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains
of the Royal Palace. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
DAY 4: MANDALAY - PYIN U LWIN -
MANDALAY
Heading
out of the town we make our way by a winding road to
Pyin u Lwin, formerly called Maymyo. The famous hill
station was established during colonial era, and is
today a crossroad for traders coming over from China. A
pleasant way to get around this hill station is on a
horse carriage. This local transport will take us to the
national garden of Kandawgyi and the botanical garden
where vegetables as well as "English" fruits still
flourish. We spend our time to walk around the downtown
seeing numerous colonial buildings and a colourful local
market. Close to the town is the picturesque Pwekauk
Waterfalls. We also visit this sight before driving back
to Mandalay. In the late afternoon we catch a flight to
Bagan, our base for exploring the central region. O/N
Bagan. (B)
DAY 5: BAGAN
An
interesting way of commencing our day is to walk around
Bagan at dawn. This enchanting town flourished from the
11th
till 13th century when religious fervors
launched a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas
and temples, many of which are still standing today on
the banks of the Irrawaddy River. We visit the vibrant
market of Nyaung U before taking a short drive to the
archeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to
explore many magnificent landmarks including Shwezigon,
Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani,
Dhammyangyi. These temples and pagodas bear statement to
a glorious past. The perfect way to round off the day is
watching the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace
of Myaukguni Temple. O/N in Bagan. (B)
DAY 6: BAGAN - MOUNT POPA - BAGAN
Today we
enjoy a half day tour of Bagan, seeing some temples
scattered around the tranquil village of Minnanthu.
These structures are Tayokepyay, Payathonezu and
Namdamanya which reveal some exquisite murals of the13th
century. The following sight is Kyat Kan Cave Monastery,
a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. Heading out of the
town, we make our way to the imposing Mount Popa. This
extinct volcano boasts the region's highest peak, but
the main attraction in this place is the smaller one,
Popa Taungkalar, dedicated to the local legendary "nat"
spirits. After a scenic drive, we arrive at this site
and ascend the Popa Taungkalar for a beautiful panoramic
view over the surrounding areas. There are 777 steps
which wind around the outcrop, leading to the gilded
stupa and monastery at the summit. O/N in Bagan. (B)
DAY 7: BAGAN - HEHO - PINDAYA - INLE
LAKE
After
breakfast we board a short flight to Heho. On arrival
we meet up with our vehicle and enjoy two hour drive
into the Shan Plateau, passing through the picturesque
countryside and the rolling hills towards Pindaya. This
magnificent cave in a tranquil setting of limestone
outcrops and scenic lakes, houses thousand Buddha images
of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by
devoted pilgrims. On arrival in Pandaya we enjoy a walk
exploring this sacred cave and seeing the traditional
production of Shan paper and parasols at a nearby
village. The journey continues on to Inle Lake, a famous
wonder of Myanmar. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)
DAY 8: INLE LAKE - YANGON
The picturesque
scenery blending with the sky and floating gardens
rising from the clear water of the lake is nothing short
of spectacular. Today we board our boat for a leisurely
trip on Inle Lake to explore some gardens and catch a
glimpse of the local Intha fishmen famous for their
rowing technique. These people power their narrow boats
by twisting their legs
around their oars, a remarkable feat of agility and
control. Along the way, we also anchor to visit the
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the Jumping Cat Monastery with a
beautiful collection of antique Buddha statues and the
rotating rural market. This colourful congregation is
held in different villages every five days, and attracts
numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the
surrounding villages to trade their goods. In the late
afternoon we take a flight back to the capital city. O/N
in Yangon. (B)
DAY 9: YANGON - KYAIKTIYO
An early
morning departure to Kyaiktiyo, one of Myanmar great
pilgrimage sites. The journey is very long, but we can
make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and take
photographs. On arrival at the base camp of Kinpun, we
board an open truck for a rugged drive before taking a
walk on a very steep pathway to the famous Golden Rock.
This huge boulder covered by gilded leaves and
delicately perched on the cliff has a very interesting
history. Our walk uphill is strenuous; however the
spectacular sunset view from the summit makes the
hardship all worthwhile. O/N in Kyaiktiyo. (B)
DAY 10: KYAIKTIYO - BAGO - YANGON
The following
destination of our trip is Bago which was once the
capital of a former Mon Kingdom. The colossal reclining
Buddha of Shwethalyaung boasts the most impressive sight
in this town while the pagoda of Shwemawdaw is extremely
venerated. We visit both landmarks as well as the four
giant Buddha images at
Kyaikpon Pagoda before wandering around the vibrant and
colorful central market. The return trip to Yangon
begins as we depart this town and pass through the
scenic countryside. Along the way, we make stop over at
the Commonwealth War Cemetery near Htaukkyan and the
woven bamboo factory. O/N in Yangon. (B)
DAY 11: YANGON - DEPARTURE
There is a
free time for your own visit to Bogyoke Market, full of
traditional art and craftwork as well as souvenirs from
all over the country or walk along the bustling streets
of Indian town and Chinatown. The trip ends after
transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure. (B)
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HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP |
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CITY/ AREA
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Standard Class
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First Class
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Superior Class
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Yangon
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Panorama hotel, Yuzana Garden hotel or
similar one
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Summit Park View hotel or similar one
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Grand Plaza Park Royal
, Kandawgyi Palace or Nikko hotel
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Bagan
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Thirimarlar hotel or similar one
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Thazin Garden hotel or similar one
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Bagan Golf Resort , Bagan hotel
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Mandalayy
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Wood Land Hotel or similar one
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Swan hotel or similar one
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Mandalay Hill Resort, Sedona hotel
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Inle Lake
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Paradise Ny. Shwe hotel, Royal Orchid hotel
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Shweinntha hotel or similar one
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Paradise Inle Resort, Golden Island Cottages
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Kyaiktyio
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Golden Rock hotel (
standard room) or similar |
Golden Rock
hotel ( deluxe room) or similar
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HOTEL NOTES
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+ The higher hotel category in Yangon, Bagan
, Madanlay and Inle Lake can be
arranged upon request. + The hotels in
Inle Lake and Bagan do not match tour
classification since some of them may be
simple but remember that Myanmar is a
developing country.
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