Exotic Journeys' Private Deluxe Tour of MYANMAR - 10 Days

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

DAY 1: Yangon, Myanmar

Welcome to Myanmar. Arrive independently in Yangon. A representative of Exotic Journeys meet in the arrival lounge of the airport and will assist and escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the famous 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.

Meals: Welcome dinner.

Overnight at:
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 not seen elsewhere in Asia. 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 over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land. Visit Jewish cemetery and Jewish sights.

Then visit Little India and Chinatown – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

DAY 3: Yangon – Bagan

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 visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples. In the late afternoon climbing to the top of the 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at:
Amata Garden Resort, Bagan
Thiripyitsaya Hotel, Bagan

DAY 4: Bagan & Villages

More than just temples, our tour introduces you to provide a great overview of Bagan's history, culture and local lifestyles. Today see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting villages near Bagan to view the local lifestyle. Then you will 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 giving a different feel of Bagan. In the late afternoon transfer to jetty where a private wooden river boat is waiting. Sitting under the shade or on the open-deck you’ll be treated to fabulous views as you cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Shwezigon Pagoda. A private boat tour on the river during sunset time will hopefully show you a spectacular sunset. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at:
Amata Garden Resort, Bagan
Thiripyitsaya Hotel, Bagan

DAY 5: Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura

Transfer to the airport for your flight to legendary Mandalay, a city of great cultural importance. This morning visit the second most sacred image in Myanmar next to the Shwedagon Pagoda is the Mahamuni Pagoda. Visit local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, woodcarving and marble carving. Next visit Golden palace Monastery famous for its intricate woodcarvings. Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the world largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Before sunset visit a 200-year-old teak bridge, the most photographic site in Myanmar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

DAY 6: Mandalay – 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 and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.After returning to Mandalay in the afternoon continues sightseeing and visits the ruined remains of the Royal Palace. This evening, enjoy a commanding overview of the city from the Mandalay Hill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

DAY 7: Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake

After breakfast, fly to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. From Heho drive to NyaungShwe where we pick our boat & transfer to your hotel for check in. Enjoy the full day tour by private boat in Inle lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local 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. Proceed to Nampan village and see local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made) and canoe carving.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at:
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 though long, 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 shop stalls. We’ll 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

DAY 9: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Heho airport. Take the morning flight back to Yangon. Then enjoy a visit to 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 & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere!

Balanace of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Farewell Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

DAY 10: Yangon / Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure.

Check out from hotel by noon. Transfer to airport. Depart on your onward journey..