Day 1 : Mandalay (Arrival day)

Meal: (Nil)

You will be picked up at Mandalay International Airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in (early check-in may be subject to a surcharge).

After freshening up, meet in the lobby to start your evening tour. First, explore Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, renowned for being home to the world’s largest book. Spend some time here learning about the story and scriptures from your knowledgeable guide. Then, head to Mandalay Hill nearby and ascend to the top at the height of 790 feet for a magnificent view over Myanmar’s second-largest city and former capital. The ascent is made with the assistance of a vehicle and escalators. From the top visitors can see the square of Mandalay’s former Royal Palace, several pagodas dotted around the area, and the Irrawaddy River running through agricultural land surrounding the City. It is a peaceful place where many friendly locals come to view the sunset.

After the sun has set return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep to recover from your international flight.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 2 : Sagaing- Innwa- Amarapura, and Mingun

Meal: (B, L)

This morning at 08:00 you will be picked up from your hotel by our guide and private car. Then drive towards Sagaing by crossing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River and continue to Mingun village along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. After a 1½ hour scenic drive along the riverside in a whole, you will arrive at Mingun village. Upon arrival in this village, the first monument that will attract your attention is the awe-inspiring Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an enormous stupa which would have been the biggest in the world if it was completed. Take some time to look around this magnificent site and then walk to the Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, which is believed to weigh some 200,000 pounds. Then continue by foot to the white-washed Hsinphymae Pagoda with its notable architecture and history. A visit to Mingun’s unique pagodas and historical relics will surely be one of the highlights of your time in Mandalay.

After discovering Mingun return on the same way back to Sagaing for a tour of the three ancient royal capitals surrounding Mandalay: Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura.

Sagaing is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar, and this is evident upon observing the hundreds of white and gold Stupas covering the green of Sagaing hill – a truly enthralling representation of the importance of religion in this country. Sagaing is also home to more than 3,000 monks and over 100 meditation centres.

Lunch will be enjoyed along the way, either in Sagaing or Ava, depending on your preference.

Then drive towards Ava where you will take a short boat ride across the river and board a horse-cart for a leisurely ride around the capital city from the 14th to the 18th century. This traditional form of transportation allows you to directly support the horse cart owners who have been dealing with decreasing income over recent years. Stop off for visits to the remains of the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the famous Maenu’ brick monastery.

Later in the afternoon, visit Amarapura, the royal capital from 1783 until 1859. Highlights here include a visit to a traditional silk-weaving workshop and the world’s longest teak footbridge – U Bein Bridge, which crosses the shallow Taungthaman Lake. This is a fantastic place to take beautiful photos and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bridge as the sunsets.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 3 : Mandalay – PyinOoLwin

Meal: (B, L)

This morning we will escape the warm temperatures of Mandalay and travel up the hills surrounding the city to the quaint town of Pyin Oo Lwin, once the capital of British Burma. During that period the town was called Maymyo so you may still see references to that name during the day. Pyin Oo Lwin is only 67 km from Mandalay at an altitude of 1,070m, and the scenic drive takes around 1½ hours. This hill station is famous for its colonial buildings and beautiful botanical gardens.

Upon arrival in the late morning, we will take a walk around the town to explore its landmark sites, including British-era brick and timber houses, the famous clock tower in the heart of the town, and the local market. The market here sells a wide range of unique items produced locally using the many fruits that grow around Pyin Oo Lwin – taste the fresh jams and sweet wines, trying to guess which fruits they are made from.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant close to the market before taking a traditional horse cart ride which has become synonymous with this colonial hill station. The horse cart is a very different style to the one you experienced in Ava. It will allow you to discover more of the town’s colonial past before ending at the Botanical Gardens in the late afternoon when they are at their most lively.

The 175-hectare gardens are a pleasure to walk around, to take in all the sights and smells. The landscaping is beautiful, and nature enthusiasts can readily spend up to two hours wandering around before heading to the hotel for the night.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Day 4 : PyinOoLwin – Gokehteik – Hsipaw

Meal: (B, L)

Wake up early this morning in anticipation of one of the most exhilarating train rides that Myanmar has to offer. After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for the short transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin train station. Here, you will start a bumpy yet safe ride towards the Gokehteik Viaduct, over which you will cross and feel like you are submerged in mid-air.

When completed in 1900, this steel structure was one of the largest of its kind in the world and considered a tremendous feat of engineering. To ensure travellers’ safety, the train crosses over the viaduct at snail’s pace, which is just as well because you will be more than happy to take the time to figure out the perfect angle for one of the most memorable photos of your trip. Although this part of the ride only lasts around 15 minutes of the total 4 hours, there are plenty of other attractions along the way. The scenery on both sides is stunning throughout as your cross the Shan hills. The train is also a fascinating place to observe local people from different villages as they get on and off with their numerous wares.

We will prepare a packed lunch for you to enjoy on the train as you admire your surroundings.

After 4 hours of train entertainment, you will disembark at Naung Paine station where our car and driver will be waiting to drive you to Hsipaw. The drive takes approximately 2 hours, and when you arrive at Hsipaw in Shan State in the late afternoon, you will have the evening to explore this beautiful riverside town, easy enough to do on two feet.

Overnight in Hsipaw.

Day 5 Hsipaw

Meal : (B, L)

Today you will swap the train for a boat. After breakfast, our tour guide will meet you to take you to a jetty on the Dothawaddy River to start a relaxing half-day boat ride. During the boat tour, you will have the opportunity to step on to dry land to explore a charming Shan village on the banks of the river. Here you will discover the traditional architecture of local houses and be able to stretch your legs during a 45-minute walk crossing pineapple plantations and farmland where various other crops are growing. Stop for a chat with a local farmer (with the linguistic assistance of our guide) to find out exactly what they are growing. You will have the chance to enter a small monastery to learn about the lives of local monks as well.

Afterwards, return to the boat and head back to Hsipaw, where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon will be spent in town discovering its most impressive sights. Begin with a visit to the historically significant Shan Palace to the north of Hsipaw. This was the residence of the last Sawbwa (Shan Prince) of Hsipaw. The palace is sometimes occupied by a descendant of the family who is happy to accompany visitors on a short tour to explain the history of the palace. You will also have the chance to explore an atmospheric collection of pagodas dubbed Little Bagan, and a Nat shrine.

End the day at a hilltop pagoda affording magnificent views over the river and valley below, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Hsipaw.

Day 6 Hsipaw – Mandalay

Meal: (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before checking out and meeting our guide and driver for a visit to Hsipaw’s local market. The market is a central meeting point for people in towns across Myanmar, with each having its own individual allure. After wandering around and picking up any items of interest, it is time to temporarily depart nature and return to the city with a 4-hour drive back to Mandalay.

We will stop at various villages along the way so you can stretch your legs and meet local people. Upon arrival in Mandalay in the afternoon, the rest of the day is at your leisure to prepare for an early start the next morning to continue the road trip to Monywar and the archaeological gem of Bagan.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 7 : Mandalay – Monywar – Bagan

Meal: (B)

Wake up for an early breakfast this morning before getting back on the road to drive to Monywar, situated on the banks of the Chindwin River 136 km west of Mandalay. The drive will take around 3 hours so you will have time for a nap to recover from the day’s early start.

Monywar is famous for Thanboddhay Pagoda and Bodhi Tataung Laykyun Sekkya standing Buddha. Thanboddhay Pagoda is not like any other pagoda you will see during your Myanmar journey as it houses a staggering 500,000 Buddha images and features hundreds of golden spires. If you are visiting in November, you may be lucky enough to experience the pagoda festival. The standing Buddha statue is the second tallest in the world standing at 129 metres high. You can climb up several floors of the statue with regular viewpoints over the surrounding countryside as you go up. In front of the statue is an important religious site with Bodhi trees, hundreds of sitting Buddhas and an enormous reclining Buddha.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant when you are in Monywar city.

Afterwards, it is a 25km drive to the other side of the Chindwin River to reach Phoe Win Taung Cave. This complex is made up of over 900 intricately decorated caves carved into a sandstone outcrop that was built between the 14th and 18th centuries and contain mural paintings depicting the Jataka stories (the story of the life of Buddha).

Following this exploration of Monywar, we will drive on to Bagan for approximately 3½ hours in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle. Bagan is the most famous attraction in Myanmar for a perfect reason – its hundreds of ancient pagodas will amaze you!

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 8 : Bagan

Meal: (B, L)

Start early this morning to avoid the heat for an exploration of the most beautiful and historically significant temples with your tour guide, who will give you detailed insights and stories about the most iconic sites, as well as the lesser-known areas that those without a guide would struggle to find. Highlights of the morning include Ananda Temple, one of Myanmar’s most revered temples, and Shwezigon Pagoda, a centre of prayer and reflection.

During your tour of the temples, you will notice that it is now forbidden to climb the temples at this UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to help conserve them. Don’t worry, though, your guide will take you to one of the other elevated viewpoints dotted around the temple complex for a panoramic view of this ancient site.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant close to the temples of Bagan.

In the afternoon, you will have a chance to visit a traditional lacquerware workshop and buy unique, finely-crafted, locally-produced handicrafts. Later on, enjoy a fantastic sunset from a boat on the Irrawaddy River with your guide, who will happily point out sites from earlier in the day. This is the most relaxing and beautiful way to end a day in Bagan. Drinks and snacks will be served on board to create an unforgettable evening experience.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 9 : Bagan – Mt. Popa

Meal: (B)

After breakfast, our guide will accompany you on a half-day tour just outside of Bagan to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano with the sacred Popa Taungkalat Monastery perched dramatically on a large rocky outcrop. The drive there takes about one hour, and upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to walk the 777 steps up to the top if you are feeling adventurous. It is an entertaining walk as you cross paths with many worshippers and monkeys along the way. The view from the top is well worth the effort and an obstacle course of macaques – on a clear day, you can see all the way to Bagan’s temple complex.

The monastery is famed for being home to Myanmar’s legendary 37 Nats, or spirits, which form an essential part of Buddhist beliefs in the country. Learn about some of these Nats at the base where several of their statues are present, including one to whom believers make offerings of alcohol!

After this spiritual visit, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (client’s own account) before returning to Bagan for a couple hours of free time at your hotel. Then a short e-bike (electric scooter) tour before sunset to see the temples during one of the most beautiful times of the day on one of the most exciting forms of transport for getting around the complex. Ride on main roads and smaller dirt paths to reach a beautiful spot from which to view the sunset.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 10 : Bagan – Inle Lake (by bus)

Meal: (B)

This morning transfer to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake, by public VIP Bus. The journey takes more or less 7 hours and is an eco-friendly alternative to flying. The bus ride includes at least one stop at a service station for a meal (on your own account) and to freshen up. Another advantage of travelling by road is the opportunity to meet local people who regularly travel around the country with this form of transport.

Upon arrival in Nyaung Shwe, you will be dropped off at the hotel where you will be spending the night. This evening is at your leisure to explore the town on your own two feet. We highly recommend visiting the night market in the evening as it is a buzz of activity where local people and tourists can interact.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Note: The public VIP Bus (sometimes called Express Bus) is very comfortable with air-conditioning. It usually features reclining seats, and 2+1 or 1+1 seating (as opposed to the usual 2+2).

Day 11 : Inle Lake

Meal: (B)

This morning you will experience the unique life of a farmer on Inle Lake’s floating gardens. Our guide and comfortable motorboat will pick you up at your hotel and take you just north of Nam Pan village where the Inn-Thar (the name given to the people from Inle Lake) grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers for their consumption and distribution all around the country. The tomatoes of Inle Lake are particularly popular and tasty. These gardens are a great example of local farmers harnessing nature to develop their livelihood activities. The gardens you will see are the work of many generations. You will have the opportunity to join these expert farmers in their daily activities and, if the season is right, even pick some fruits and vegetables yourself.

After seeing the source of many of the fresh ingredients you have been eating throughout your trip until now, you will have built up quite an appetite, so it is time to head to a local restaurant for lunch surrounded by the Lake’s water.

After lunch, it is time to see some of Inle Lake’s other famous products in Inn Paw Khone village. Depending on your interest, we will visit a silversmith’s, lotus weaving and cheroot making workshop for you to admire the intricate work done by local producers and pick up some beautiful, locally-made products to take back home. Once you’re done shopping, it is time to head back to the hotel.

Day 12 : Inle Lake – Indein

Meal: (B, L, D)

After breakfast, our tour guide will lead you on a boat tour to Indein village, which is famous for its numerous and significant small pagodas located in picturesque surroundings on the west bank of Inle Lake. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a soft trek to discover the rural life of the people that call Kyae Paw Khon village home.

In the afternoon, you will further explore this unique living lake, full of atmosphere and fishers simultaneously fishing and rowing while balancing on one leg. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a famous shrine in the middle of the lake housing five sacred Buddha images that have become almost round in shape due to the sheer volume of gold leaf applied by devotees. Producing gold and silverware is a long tradition of local people in this area. Other work done here includes lotus weaving and cheroot making – you can visit the workshops producing these handicrafts to learn how they are made close-up.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant on the lake and rest awhile at your hotel after lunch.

After your afternoon break, we will get back in the boat towards Inn Paw Khon village, a peaceful escape from the main part of the lake and its noisy motorized boats. In this village you will be able to take part in one of two optional activities:

Optional activity in the afternoon: Learn from a local fisherman the unusual technique of one-leg rowing which involves impressive balance and has come to be the symbol of Inle Lake. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing canoeing trip on a quiet part of the lake.

Note: The additional charges for these activities put money directly into the hands of a local family (approximately 10000 Kyats per person) and allow you to learn about local traditions.

After this immersive cultural experience enjoys watching the sunset from a nearby stilted restaurant as you sip on locally-made wine while enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the restaurant.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe or on Inle Lake.

Day 13 : Inle – Heho – Yangon

Meal: (B)

This morning transfer from your lake hotel (if staying overnight on the lake) to Nyaung Shwe by boat before switching to a private car for the 45-minute drive to Heho Airport. Fly to Yangon and be greeted upon arrival by a local guide and private car to visit the highlights of Yangon – Myanmar’s largest city and its culturally diverse commercial centre.

We will explore the downtown area of the City on foot. This is where most of Yangon’s colonial architecture is located, with each building telling its fascinating history of the City that exists today. Amongst others, discover City Hall, the post office, and the Myanmar Port Authority building, all in the heart of the City.

After the tour of downtown, enjoy a lunch of traditional Burmese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, it is time to explore another part of the City which focuses more on the religious and spiritual side of it. First, we will go to Chaukthatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 65-meter-long reclining Buddha image. This visit provides an excellent overview of Buddhism as various murals depict the life of the Buddha to give you a better understanding of his life on earth. Locals often gather here to pray and pay respects. Next, the guided tour goes to nearby Kandawgyi Park, which is a popular hangout for local people on the weekend and offers beautiful views of Shwedagon Pagoda.

As the sun begins to set over Yangon, it is time to visit the City’s most iconic site – Shwedagon Pagoda. This is the most revered site for Buddhists in Myanmar, with each one making it their lifetime goal to pay their respects here at least once. Legend has it that the original structure was built over 2,500 years ago. It took its current shape in the 15th century, and what you see today is a stunning, gold-plated pagoda that glitters in the Yangon sky. Despite the significance and popularity of this monument, the atmosphere is very peaceful, and the slow-burning of incense creates a sublime air of serene spirituality to end the day.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 14 : Yangon – Golden Rock

Meal: (B, L)

After breakfast this morning begin your adventure into southern Myanmar, commencing with a 4-hour drive from your hotel to the spectacular Golden Rock (Mount Kyaiktiyo). Along the way, we will stop at Htaukkyant World War II Cemetery, which commemorates Allied soldiers who died during the Burma Campaign.

Around midday, we will arrive at Kyaiktiyo base camp at the foot of the mountain and enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants around.

Take a bit of a break after eating before we set off on a hair-raising ride by public open truck up to Golden Rock. It is the only way to ascend since private vehicles are not permitted on the mountain; however, it is an eventful and extremely scenic experience. The curves along the road will thrill you while the views all around are awe-inspiring. After 30-45 minutes you will reach the top and rub shoulders with hundreds of pilgrims who flock here given that Golden Rock is one of the three most religious sites in Myanmar alongside Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay.

Our tour guide will take you around ensuring you avoid the crowds and tell you about the history of this glimmering rock on the edge of a mountain which seems to only still be standing by virtue of some miracle. The top of this mountain is where you will be able to take another of the most memorable photos of your trip so take the time to wander around and absorb the enchanting atmosphere before the short walk to your hotel close to famous Golden Rock.

Overnight at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo.

Day 15 : Golden Rock – Mawlamyine

Meal: (B, L)

This morning, if you are keen to wake up for sunrise, you will see Golden Rock at its prettiest and most peaceful as the day visitors are yet to arrive. Then, enjoy breakfast with a magnificent view over the surrounding hills at your hotel before we descend back down the mountain by the same public open truck that brought you up.

Our driver will meet you at the base of the mountain to take you on another 4-drive by private vehicle into Mon State to visit its capital city Mawlamyine, which is also the third-largest city in Myanmar. Don’t let that deter you though, and it is a beautifully green city with a river running through the centre, making it seem more like a countryside town that a city.

Mawlamyine (formerly known as Moulmein) was once a thriving teak port and the administrative capital of British Lower Burma. Therefore, it is a city unsurprisingly full of historical attractions which we will spend the afternoon exploring after a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Mawlamyine is widely regarded as the home of Myanmar’s best cuisine, so make sure you try all the local delicacies.

After lunch, you will be able to check-in to your hotel for the night to freshen up before first visiting the Mon Cultural Museum (closed on Mondays) to get an overview of the state you are in. We will then visit a number of places of worship for you to observe the religious diversity of the city, including a Baptist church, Seindon Mibaya Kyaung Monastery and Kyaikthanlan Pagoda which is the perfect place to end the day with a short uphill walk rewarded by a fantastic sunset view from where you can see the green city and river below.

Overnight in Mawlamyine.

Day 16 : Mawlamyine – Hpa-An

Meal: (B, L)

The road trip south reaches its final leg this morning as we get back in the private vehicle to drive to Hpa An, the capital city of Karen State. Along the way there we will visit a well-known cave (Kha Yon) and monastery (U Nar Oak). Upon arrival in Hpa An, we will stop at a charming local restaurant to enjoy an early lunch before checking in at the hotel to freshen up.

With a full stomach, it is time to discover one of the caves that Hpa An is famous for. We will start by driving to Sadan Cave, which opens into a gigantic cavern filled with Buddha images and statues. You can walk all the way through the cave and take a small wooden ferry back to the entrance, making for a lovely round trip.

Then we will drive towards Mount Zwekabin, stopping at Kyauk Kalat along the way. This a sight not to be missed in Hpa An due to its truly unique nature. It is a small pagoda perched atop an unusual rock formation which has a short staircase leading to the top. The best photo opportunities, however, are from the bridge leading to Kyauk Kalat from where you can capture the unique pagoda with Mount Zwekabin in the background.

Before sunset, we will arrive at the base of Mount Zwekabin whose foothills are lined with thousands of identical Buddha statues. Spend some time wandering around the green surroundings here before returning to your hotel for the night.

If time permits this afternoon, we will also try to visit Yathapyan and Kawgun Caves, two picturesque caves on the west side of the Than Lwin River running through Hpa An.

Overnight in Hpa An.

Day 17 : Hpa-an – Bago – Yangon

Meal: (B, L)

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out for a visit to Hpa An’s local market. The vibrant colours and styles of the traditional Karen clothing on sale will undoubtedly attract your attention. They would be a great souvenir to take back home while also directly supporting a local seller.

After shopping, return to your private vehicle to head back north for the 6-hour drive to Yangon, stopping at Bago about 4 hours into the journey to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore some of the sites of this ancient capital of Myanmar, known as Pegu during the British colonial period. Bago is most renowned for its religious sites, and we will visit as many as time permits.

Start with the massive Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the tallest in the country at 114 metres high. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting in late March/early April, there is a chance you will be present during the pagoda festival here which features a range of famous theatrical shows. Following this visit, we will also go to Kanbawza Thardi Palace and Shwe-Tha-Lyaung Pagoda.

Following the religious tour, we will get back in the car to continue the drive for another two hours to Yangon for your last night in Myanmar.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 18 : Yangon – Departure

Meal: (B)

Enjoy your breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel to prepare for your departure. We will arrange a transfer service to the airport (no guide) for your international departure flight.