Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
9 days from $3595.00Arrive Yangon, Myanmar
Welcome to Myanmar! You are met upon arrival at the Yangon airport and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Enjoy time to relax after your flight.
Yangon is a city filled with shaded boulevards, and shimmering stupas that seem to float above the treetops. Later this afternoon, meet your guide to tour some of the Yangon highlights. Start with a visit to the Sule Pagoda, an octagonal pagoda and gleaming center point of the city. See the 27-foot high Sihasana Lion Throne, and visit the National Museum for an orientation to the culture of this mystical country. And explore the historic Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming gold spire that towers above the city; it is the most sacred Burmese pagoda.
Yangon to Bagan
Today, fly from Yangon to Bagan, where vast riverside plains are dotted with thousands of 800-year-old temples and pagodas. This is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia.
In Bagan, your guide has you investigate inside some of the more significant pagodas. Explore the Shwezigon Paya Pagoda, built in 1090 - its stupa's unique bell shape became a prototype for most all stupas over Myanmar. Next visit the Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, built in the early 13th century, to see the great colorful painting about the early life of Buddha; and then see the Gubyaukgyi Temple at Myinkaba, built earlier in the 12th century, and famous for the well-preserved Stuccos on its exterior walls. Its magnificent paintings date from the original construction, and may be the oldest in Bagan. (B)
Bagan
Enjoy a full day touring the city, continuing to explore more of Bagan’s pagodas and historic sites, as well as the local markets.
The villages around Bagan are known for producing the best lacquerware in Myanmar. You visit a local lacquerware workshop to learn about their unique, painstaking process for making and decorating lacquerware, a craft that first appeared in the 12th century.
This evening enjoy dinner and a puppet show. (B,D)
Bagan to Amanpura & Mandalay
This morning, fly to Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural and spiritual center. Upon arrival you are taken on an excursion to explore nearby Amanpura, the "City of Immortals," and the capital of upper Burma (Myanmar’s former name) until 1850.
Tour the Mahagandayon Monastery and Buddhist learning center, home to a thousand monks who line the streets each morning to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Explore the famous temples of Tupayon Paya and Hsinmyashin Paya, the “Pagoda of Many Elephants.” Then take the ferry across the river to Inwa, once a royal capital, and explore the region on a horse cart ride. Take a walk on the U Bein Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge that extends almost a mile across Taungthaman Lake. It is the longest teak bridge in the world, constructed of salvaged wood columns from the old palace.
Arrive at your relaxing Mandalay hotel by early evening. (B)
Mandalay
The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is one of the largest cities in Myanmar, as well as its cultural and spiritual center. During your touring of this expansive city, visit the Mahamuni Paya Temple, with its image of Myanmar covered in 6 inches of gold leaf. Then observe and learn about the laborious process of Gold-Leaf Beating (how gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares), when you stop at a local craft workshop. (B)
Mandalay to Inle Lake
This morning fly from Mandalay to Heho, located in the cool, green highlands. Upon arrival you are driven to Inle Lake, set 2,900 feet above sea level.
Enjoy a boat excursion on beautiful Inle Lake - calm waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. Witness how the male Inthars (residents of Inle) have a unique way of rowing while standing, allowing them to see above the reeds, and are thus called "leg rowers." Along the lake’s shore and on its islands, there are 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Visit Ywama village, and Inn Paw Khon Village (known for lotus and silk weaving), as well as the floating market and the floating gardens. (B)
Inle Lake
Today travel by boat across the lake to the western shore, and to the hidden Indein temple complex, famous for its collection of ancient, ruined pagodas. Climb the stairs to see hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens.
Take time to relax this afternoon and enjoy the scenic lake environment. (B)
Inle Lake to Yangon
This morning travel by boat and then drive back to Heho for your flight south to the fertile delta of the wide Yangon River - to the city of Yangon.
The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore more of Yangon on your own. (B)
Depart Yangon
Today you are transferred to the Yangon airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
Sule Shangri-La, Yangon
Sule Shangri-La is conveniently located in downtown Yangon, the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities, only minutes away from sacred sites like the Shwedagon Pagoda. Each of the spacious rooms overlooks historic Yangon at the river, lush tropical trees and shining pagodas. Relax in serenity in the midst of Yangon’s modern metropolis at the Sule Shangri-La.
The Strand Hotel, Yangon
The Strand Hotel is a 1901-built three story Victorian that is considered one of Southeast Asia's grand colonial hotels and still one of its most awe inspiring. High ceilings and vast spaces are among the now rare luxuries in each of the thirty-one Suites that will remind guests of times gone by. Teakwood floors, hand carved wood frame beds and ceiling fans round out the colonial charms, tastefully balanced by Burmese lacquerware and antiquities in the bedroom and separate sitting area. Near floor to ceiling windows let in Yangon’s abundance of natural light during the day while our team of dedicated butlers attend to guests’ needs around the clock. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Bagan
Set within Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone amongst the ancient temples of the Kingdom of Bagan, this expansive resort offers the ultimate in relaxation for guests seeking a unique experience for the historical traveler. Antiques, artifacts and local arts uniquely adorn each property, complementing the majestic ambiance of the resort and surrounds. Bedrooms are spacious and elegant with all modern facilities, and bathrooms are large and lavishly equipped with luxurious amenities for ultimate repose.
Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, Bagan
Bagan Thiripyistaya Sanctuary Resort is situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy, Myanmar's river of history and legend. The Resort sprawls over 24 acres of landscaped gardens, which is home to mature tropical trees and flowering plants, as well as native birds and a number of small tame animals. Oriented towards the west, the Resort revels in panoramic river views, glorious sunsets and silver moonglow, and a pervading atmosphere of profound peace, warmth and comfort. Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort was established 30 years ago as the Governments guesthouse for elite visitors. In 1996, it was taken over by Japanese investors and managers and has since then undergone extensive renovation, upgrading and expansion. The Resort has been host to international political and business leaders and celebrities, and is considered to be Bagans foremost hotel. Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort has a total of 76 guest rooms, from superior rooms to lavish suites. Each one is decorated in Myanmar style, with an abundance of wood and local materials. All conceivable comforts are provided for guests ease and convenience, from personal safes, mini-bars, individual air-conditioning controls, satellite television channels to kimonos and hair dryers.
Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel, Mandalay
Myanmar is like no other place on earth. This former capital city of the Myanmar Kingdom is a spectacular destination for historical and cultural travelers. Mandalay Hill Resort lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas and faces the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace and its beautiful moat. Just one hour by air from Yangon and a twenty minute flight from Bagan, Mandalay lies within reach of some of most remarkable archaeological sites in the world, sites that have inspired visitors for nearly a thousand years.
Rupar Mandalar Resort, Mandalay
Rupar Mandalar is a romantic hotel, set within 1.8 hectares of natural vegetation. Modern facilities combine with traditional materials, natural wooden decor and touches of bright colour and exotic flowers throughout the 16 guest rooms and public spaces. An outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and health and beauty spa provide all you need for activity or relaxation. Three restaurants and two bars serve a variety of Thai, Chinese and European cuisine and local seafood delicacies in beautiful casual or more formal settings.
Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Inle
Aureum Resort and Spa offers unsurpassed luxury villas built over the waters and shores of one of Myanmar's most stunning natural and cultural wonders, Inle Lake. Each expansive villa is elegantly decorated with generous space and lavishly equipped with amenities. With private outdoor terraces for viewing a spectacular sunset over the lake and hills beyond, Aureum Resort is the perfect location to explore the wonders of this unique destination.
Inle Lake View Resort, Kaung Daing Village
The Inle Lake View Resort is the only deluxe boutique hotel of international standard on the shores of Inle Lake, built on 15 acres of lush land of trees and flowers, ideally located in a picturesque area overlooking the Inle Lake. The resort is just 40 minutes drive from the Heho's airport and with direct access to the lake from the hotel's jetty. Located on the western edge of the lake, the hotel offers luxury and elegance throughout. The restaurant serves some of the finest wine and cuisine to be found in Myanmar, and the spa center is beautifully designed and able to cater to the most discerning visitor. The Inle Lake View Resort offers 38 rooms, large and spacious, all with private balcony and excellent views on to the Lake, tastefully decorated in Burman-Asian style furniture and soft tropical hues.