Day 1: Yangoon
The beginning of an exiting 10 days tour in the land of golden pagodas and golden dreams starts with a tour in the amazingly green city of Yangon.
Day 2: Yangoon - Heho - Pindaya (1/2 Day Trekking)
Yangon Air will take you to Shan State, some call it "Switzerland of Myanmar" (?)…A half day trekking around Pindaya will bring you to the villages of Danu and Taung Yoe.
Day 3: Pindaya - Nyaung Shwe
A visit of the Pindaya caves, hosting more than 8,000 Buddhas will compensate you for the three and a half hours ride on a bumpy road! Late afternoon you will arrive by car to sleepy village of Nyaung Shwe. The old Shan Palace of the last Shan Prince who was Myanmar's first President will bring you back to the times of the old Burman.
Day 4: Inle Lake
Don't forget your sun lotion! A whole day excursion in a long-tailed sampan on the Inle Lake, rimmed by blue mountains, will show you that life here still follows ancient, traditional patterns. Floating gardens, one leg-rowers, villages on stilts and all around, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and wonderful monasteries, and the reflection of the cotton wool clouds - that's magic!
Day 5: Nyaung Shwe - Heho - Amarapura - Mandalay
Morning flight by Yangon Air will take you to the city of Myanmar Kings. Breathe the unpolluted air on the wooden U Bein Bridge in Amarapura and visit the famous hand weavers: How exiting to watch the skill of the threads being tied! Back to Mandalay, a visit to Mahamuni Buddha image will realize you why Myanmar is known to be the Golden Land. Excursion to the handicraft centers like wood carving, marble carving, tapestry work, gold leaf making and bronze casting and…and…and…you are back to the centuries before industrial revolution.
Day 6: Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay
"Men may come and men may go, but I flow on forever"... the Ayeyarwaddy is humming. Don't ask why the King didn't finish the biggest temple in the world, the Pahtotawgyi Pagoda. Just be happy to see the world's largest ringing bell! In the afternoon don't miss the revered Mahamuni Buddha image and the 729 stone slabs of Kuthodaw Pagoda with the entire Buddhist scriptures. The climb of 1,729 steps to the Mandalay Hill will reward you with a firm and sound sleep.
Day 7: Mandalay - Sagaing - Mandalay - Bagan (Flight)
In the morning, drive to Sagaing, 21 km southwest of Mandalay, You can visit the lively market of Sagaing. Then proceed to Kaunghmudaw, an enormous dome shape Pagoda and after a short visit to the silversmith home industry proceed to Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees with numerous Pagodas, monasteries and nunneries. In the afternoon transfer to Mandalay airport for the flight to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 8: Bagan
Enjoy the whole day at the most extensive archaeological site in Asia. Among the 2,000 temples you will see Ananda, Shwezigon, Thatbinnyu, and, and, and... Some you can walk to, others are best visited by bicycle or pony cart. Walking, bicycle or pony cart - finally now you know that you must go barefooted in all pagodas.
Day 9: Bagan - Yangoon
Today Yangon Air will bring you back to the modern city of Yangon, leaving the tranquillity behind you. Busy street scenes dominate the city. Botataung and Sule Pagoda in the hub of the city, the sprawling Bogyoke Market, China Town - but at sunset you will find your rest at the Shwedogon Pagoda, the highlight of your wonderful journey.
Day 10: Yangon - Departure Day
A visit to the outstanding National Museum with its ornate treasures will give you the impression that you haven’t seen enough. Well - always welcome again. |
