Tour Overview
When you mention Myanmar a puzzled look comes across most faces… Myanmar, I have never thought of traveling there…. For those who are lucky enough to have done so Myanmar is truly a land of beauty and inspiration. Unfortunately the only knowledge most have of the country is of the shaky political background that has haunted the destination for many years, the country does in fact offer so much more! Myanmar is a land of unsurpassed beauty with the Buddhist religion being the focal point of countless Pagoda’s and Buddha images. An astonishing sight is to see how the developing city of Yangon has harmoniously built itself around the culture heritage of the Burmese. The Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, is a jewel amongst this glorious city scattered with British Colonial architecture spanning back from the British occupation ending in 1948. Although Yangon is the major city and gateway to Myanmar, travelers will be amazed by the lush green surroundings of the city reflecting an image unlike many other Asian cities. Each of the many destinations throughout the destination offers something unique to even the most experienced travelers. Of even greater beauty than the Golden Paya’s in Yangon, the sheer Beauty of Bagan and the serene atmosphere of Inle Lake are the people and culture of Myanmar. Once you have traveled to Myanmar one of the most unforgettable experiences that any traveler will encounter is the times they have spend amongst the people of this magnificent country. Whether it is enjoying a cup of tea with and elderly silk weaver or discussing the Buddhist religion with a monk, the generosity and kindness of the people is an experience one will not soon forget! “This is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about”Rudyard Kipling, Letters from the East (1898)
Day by Day Itinerary
What to expectExpect a world that is different to your own, expect a culture steeped in tradition and respect, and expect to find practices being used that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. In Myanmar one can find a land of astonishing beauty and rich cultural heritage. A land that has become trapped in time, a land that has not changed for years, a land that is rich in natural resources. Expect to find people with devout followings to the Buddhist way of life, expect a conservative and modest race of people. Expect kindness and friendliness that is unparalleled in any other part of the world. Expect to be the focal point of local conversation and the center of attention. Expect a place like no other; expect beauty that far exceeds your every expectation. Expect to be greeted by a smile everywhere you go! Expect a developing world that is very much unlike your own, expect something different. After all isn’t that why you came in the first place??? “Myanmar has… an atmosphere- a something undefined which has appealed irresistibly to all who have fallen under its influence. The appeal lies no doubt in the happy gaiety of the people, the kindly tolerance of their customs… and their grace” C.M. Enriques, A Burmese Wonderland (1922)
Day 1: Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon the capital city is the main gateway to Myanmar. Although the population is around five million, the city gives a different impression from other Asian capitals of similar size. It seems full of trees and shade, even old growth teak, with some outlying neighborhoods refreshingly overgrown, taking on a more provincial feel rather than that of an international city. Upon arrival to Yangon, your iExplore Myanmar Representative will take care of your baggage and guide you to your private air-conditioned car for the transfer to your hotel. The modern Traders Hotel is part of the Shangri-La Group and has an ideal location very close to key local attractions such as the Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market and Chinatown. Traders Hotel features a blend of sophisticated elegance, international facilities and warm hospitality. The rooms offer perfect modern facilities and amenities. Each of the guest rooms and suites have been tastefully decorated and designed to give you maximum comfort, privacy and relaxation during your stay. First, explore the downtown area of Yangon where the ghost of British colonial influence still remains. Begin at the Sule Pagoda that marks the center of the city, and continue through streets of downtown. Home to some of the best maintained colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas, Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Lunch will be at a local restaurant to sample Myanmar’s Cuisine.
After lunch, visit Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha; this colossal (68 meter long) reclining Buddha statue is one of the largest images in Myanmar..
Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city of Yangon. The historic Shwedagon pagoda towers almost 98 meters (326 feet) above the green cityscape of Yangon. One of the wonders of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have built more than 2500 years ago. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a single 76 carat Diamond. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Lunch, Dinner
Traders Hotel Day 2: Yangon
Morning photo stops at Kandawgyi Park and Karaweik Royal Barge. The next stop is Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to 1000 monks. In his lifetime a Myanmar male is expected to spend some time of his life serving as a Monk to learn the ways of Buddhism. Each morning Myanmar is scattered with thousands of Monks roaming the streets collecting Alms for their meals. Today you can observe this morning meal procession. Lunch will be at local restaurant. After lunch, visit the 70-year-old Scott Market, or Bogyoke Aung San Market. At this market you will find a wide variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewellery (which are offered at reasonable prices), make sure you bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere. In the early evening partake in the vibrant fresh fruit market as you stroll through Chinatown and experience first hand the market atmosphere in Yangon. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Traders Hotel Day 3: Yangon- Bagan
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon Airport for your flight to Bagan. Known as the city of four million pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Here, one can find over 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries built during the Bagan Dynasty founded by King Anawratha in 1044. Bagan is a truly mesmerizing destination, and often the favorite of seasoned travelers. Bagan can only be described as amazing and enchanting. The most amazing component of Bagan is the thousands of ancient pagodas scattered throughout Bagan. You will visit the Pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved, including the Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda Temple. Enjoy lunch today at a local restaurant. Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master-craftsmanship of lacquer ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. Visit a local lacquer ware shop where the process of making each piece can be seen. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is at sunset from the top of a pagoda to see the panoramic views of the temples surrounding you. Sit back and relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient pagodas. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant with a traditional Burmese puppet show.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tharabar Gate Hotel Day 4: Bagan
Today see the real way of life for most people of Myanmar by visiting Phwar Saw Village. This village is a perfect example of how locals live, but most importantly you will be able to see the intimacy of the villagers toward one another and any foreign guests. We visit a local home and observe their daily home cooking style. On the way to the village, we will visit Nyaung Oo Market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere of Bagan. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, explore Bagan from a different perspective as you explore the area by pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter, providing a different feel of Bagan. This evening, take a sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River for majestic panoramic views of Bagan and witness life along the waterfront.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tharabar Gate Hotel Day 5: Bagan- Amarpura- Mandalay
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met and transferred to Bagan Airport for your flight to Mandalay. The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is situated in central Myanmar, 668km due north of Yangon. It is the second largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial center and a repository of ancient culture. With the remains of the old Royal City and with many old monasteries, Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art & architecture of the 19th century. It is also noted for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth and other traditional craft products. When you arrive in Mandalay, first visit Amarapura, one of the former capitals of the third Myanmar Empire. It is situated about 11km south of Mandalay. Here we pause for a photo stop of U Bein Bridge, which is made out of teak wood and crosses Taungthamen Lake. After that, you will return to Mandalay for lunch at a local restaurant and then off to your hotel for check in and refreshment. The Mandalay Hill Resort lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill with panoramic views of a myriad of pagodas. It also faces the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace and its beautiful moat. Your visit, enhanced by the fun loving, hospitable people of Myanmar whose lives remain simple and relaxed, will become treasured and timeless memories. All of the 206 rooms offer individual air-conditioning, fully stocked mini-bar, safety deposit box, 24 hour satellite TV, IDD telephones. Rooms either overlook the Mandalay Palace or the sacred ground of Mandalay Hill. This afternoon start a visit to the Mahamuni pagoda, which is so named after the holy image, “Maha Muni” housed therein. This is the second most sacred image in Myanmar after the Shwedagon Pagoda. The image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of Gautama Buddha and that Buddha embraced it 7 times thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image. Also visit the Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace) Monastery, famous for its intricate woodcarvings and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the worlds largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Finally, enjoy the best view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun slowly sets.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tharabar Gate Hotel Day 6: Mandalay- Heho- Inle Lake
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Mandalay Airport for the flight to Heho. On arrival in Heho, transfer to Inle Lake, the prime attraction of the Shan state. Inle Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) with a unique way of rowing with their legs. At the northern end of the lake is a small town called Nyaung Shwe, gateway to Inle Lake. Arrive Nyuang Shwe and transfer to your hotel via private boat for check in and refreshment. The Inle Princess Resort lies on the east bank of Inle Lake near Magyinzin Village. The architecture of the Inle Princess Resort draws from the history, tradition and culture of the Shan State. The garden area is peacefully decorated with colorful trees, small water ponds and beautiful exotic flowers. In front of each room a large picture window provides a light-filled living and sleeping area. The bed is usually positioned in the center of the chalet beneath the high ceiling. Lake View Chalets feature an opening from the living and bedroom area to a terrace facing the lake. First sightseeing will be the five Buddha images of Phaung Daw U Pagoda, the holiest in Inle Lake. The images have been covered in so much gold they look like balls of solid gold. Lunch today will be at one of the finest traditional local restaurants. After lunch visit Nampan Village to see local cigar (cheroot) making and canoe making and the silk weaving village, Inn Paw Khone to see how intricate the design and manufacture of silk products.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inle Princess Resort Day 7: Inle Lake- Inndein
This morning visit the 5-Day Market, which on this particular date, is being held at one of village to observe local colorful tribes buying and selling life. At these markets you will see a variety of ethic minorities dressed in their traditional costumes buying and selling produce at the market. Also visit the beautiful temples of Inndein - situated through covered passage to the summit overlooking the lake - it is a peaceful and tranquil place. These temples are unusually similar to Khmer in style and date back to 17th & 18th century Shan Pagoda. Walk along the corridor leading to the Temples with giant columns lining the way. The series of temples has been left in its natural state; the view is enough to take your breath away. Lunch will be at local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel stop to see some of the fishermen on the lake skillfully row with one leg whilst fishing at the same time. Visit a floating farm and see how the farmers make their produce in the middle of the Lake. This evening is at leisure to take in the picturesque surroundings. After dinner at the hotel, enjoy evening canoe riding around the floating gardens near hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inle Princess Resort Day 8: Inle Lake- Heho- Yangon
Today the morning and afternoon will be at leisure, and lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon you will be transferred to Nyaung Shwe and continue to Heho for the return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon you will be met and transferred to the Traders Hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner at Le Planteur, the finest French Indochine restaurant in Myanmar, which is located in the historical residence of former ministers, and was built in 1932. Walk in the path of Mick Jagger, Jane Barkin and Aung San Su Kyi by dining at le Planteur. The surrounding tropical garden will be illuminated by a thousand candles, torchlight’s will shimmer… you’ll enjoy a candle lit dinner in the garden of the restaurant as you soak up the amazing atmosphere surrounding you.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Traders Hotel Day 9: Depart Yangon
Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure.
Breakfast True adventures in travel can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected changes in conditions, itineraries and occasionally your accommodations. Participants should travel with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. Remember to pack your patience and sense of humor! Be willing to look past self-imposed ideals of Western amenities and do not compare these new experiences with your life back home. Travel often includes visiting destinations with modest infrastructures and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm. Participants should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.
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