EJIG's Myanmar - 10 Days Deluxe Tour

Yangon • Bagan • Mandalay • Amarapura • Irrawaddy River • Mingun • Mandalay • Heho • Inle Lake • Indein • Heho • Yangon

DAY 1 - Yangon

Arrive Yangon, Myanmar. A representative from Exotic Journeys will meet you in the arrival lounge and escort you to your hotel. 

Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight:
Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon
Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Wyndham Grand Hotel, Yangon
Pullman Hotel, Yangon

DAY 2 - Yangon

Enjoy private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm. You’ll start at the post office – a lovely historic building, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit famous Chauk Htat Kyi, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. The feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. Photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight:
Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon
Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Wyndham Grand Hotel, Yangon
Pullman Hotel, Yangon

DAY 3 - Yangon - Bagan

Take an early morning flight to Bagan. Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. You will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visiting a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples. Then get to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan's most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. In the late afternoon, climb to the top of the a temple for sunset views. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient pagodas.

Overnight:
Amata Garden Resort, Bagan
Thiripyitsaya Hotel, Bagan

DAY 4 - Bagan & Villages

More than just temples and pagodas, our tour will provide you a great overview of Bagan's history, culture, heritage and lifestyles. Today you will witness the real way of life of most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan. You also take a ride on a pony cart to explore Bagan area. Later on a private boat tour on the river Irrawaddy during the sunset will take you to Shwezigon Pagoda.

Overnight:
Amata Garden Resort, Bagan
Thiripyitsaya Hotel, Bagan

DAY 5 - Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura

Fly to legendary Mandalay, a city of great cultural importance. Visit the second most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, Mahamuni Pagoda, local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, woodcarving and marble carving. Next, visit Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the world largest “book” because the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Before sunset visit a 200-year-old teak bridge, the most photographic site in Myanmar.

Overnight:
Shwe Pyi Thar Hotel, Mandalay
Eastern Palace Hotel, Mandalay
Yadanarbon Dynast Hotel, Mandalay

DAY 6 - Heho - Irrawaddy River – Mingun

After breakfast you’ll board a private local boat for a trip up the Irrawaddy to Mingun (45 min each way). Visit the Mingun Bell which weighs more than 87 tons and being the world’s largest intact bronze bell, the unfinished Mingun Paya (built with the intention of being the world’s biggest pagoda). Mingun's other highlight is the Hisnbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Throughout Mingun there are small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items. You will have time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals. You will return to Mandalay in the afternoon and continue exploring the ruins  of the Royal Palace. This evening, you will enjoy a commanding overview of the city from the Mandalay Hill.

Overnight:
Shwe Pyi Thar Hotel, Mandalay
Eastern Palace Hotel, Mandalay
Yadanarbon Dynast Hotel, Mandalay

DAY 7 - Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake

Fly to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. Transfer to your hotel in the Inle Lake by car and private boat. You will visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy site in southern Shan State, local workshops of handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way. Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages on the banks of the river. Pass the endless floating gardens, houses, monasteries built on stilts on the lake. Stop at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery then proceed to Nampan village and see local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made) and canoe carving.

Overnight:
Novotel Inle Lake Hotel, Inle Lake
Inle Lake View Resort, Inle Lake
Amata Inle Resort, Inle Lake

DAY 8 - Inle Lake - Indein

Begin your day with a visit to the market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits — as they barter for goods and produce. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat through long and scenic channels.  We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shops.  We will  visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.

Overnight:
Novotel Inle Lake Hotel, Inle Lake
Inle Lake View Resort, Inle Lake
Amata Inle Resort, Inle Lake

DAY 9 - Heho - Inle Lake - Yangon

Fly back to Yangon.  Visit Scott Market, the sprawling 75-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems and jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region. Intersperse in the tour are various religious sites such as the St Mary's Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish life in the Pagoda Land, Little India and Chinatown.  

Overnight:
Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon
Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Wyndham Grand Hotel, Yangon
Pullman Hotel, Yangon

DAY 10 - Yangon - Departure

Day at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.

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Thank you for travelling with Exotic Journeys International Group
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