IndoChina: MYANMAR - Bridges Travel and Tours |

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Myanmar Classic 2, 9 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Arrive in Yangon and transfer to hotel for check in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with treeshaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Start to discover this exciting city by visiting the SULE PAGODA. The pagoda’s peculiarity is its octagonal-shaped stupa, which retains its shape as it tapers to the spire. Proceed to the KANDAWGYI LAKE, also known as the Royal Lake, which is a good place for strolling and picnicking. The lake is attractive at sunset when the glittering Shwedagon pagoda is reflected in its calm waters. Continue to BOGYOKE AUNG SAN MARKET, also known as Scott Market, this building contains over 2000 stalls and is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts. Finally visit the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon, this pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold-leaf, which is continuously being replaced. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon - Bagan \| Take a flight from Yangon to Bagan. Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Begin the sightseeing tour by visiting SHWEZIGON PAYA, a pagoda partly build by King Anawrahta to enshrine some relicts of Buddha. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi-Inn. This Temple with its distinguished architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Continue to ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. This temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls and has magnificent paintings considered to be among the oldest ones in Bagan. Thereafter visit the MANUHA TEMPLE which enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. Afterwards visit SHWESANDAW PAYA, the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan’s magnificent sunsets. Last but least take the opportunity to learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration in one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP in the villages around Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 03	Bagan \| Today’s excursion leads to MOUNT POPA, a curiously cylindrical hill rising sharply from the surrounding plain and is considered to be the home of the country’s most important nats (spirits). Visitors ascend up a winding covered staircase encircling the mountain, observed by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex, with shrines to the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 04	Mandalay \| Take a flight from Bagan to Mandalay, a city considered to be the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to AMARAPURA, and visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY. Every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, head to SAGAING, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, also known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of many Elephants. Cross the river by ferry to INWA, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to AMARAPURA, to end the day at U BEIN’S BRIDGE, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 05	Mandalay \| Continue to discover the fascinating city and begin the tour at MAHAMUNI PAYA. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. Afterwards, head to SHWENANDAW KYAUNG, also called the Golden Teak Monastery. Continue to KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA. Finally, visit KUTHODAW PAYA, known also as the world’s biggest book. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, housing altogether 729 slabs of marble inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, the Buddhist scriptures. In the afternoon take an excursion by boat to MINGUN. Enjoy the atmosphere of the river life - fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast MINGUN PAYA, a monument to human ambition. After visiting other nearby pagodas, return downstream by boat to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 06	Mandalay - Kalaw \| Transfer by vehicle from Mandalay to Kalaw, a popular hill station in the British days. Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali. Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 07	Kalaw - Inle Lake \| Discover the peaceful and idyllic town by visiting THEIN TAUNG PAYA, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road. Proceed to AUNG CHANG THA ZEDI, a glittering stupa covered in gold-coloured mosaics. Thereafter admire the DHAMMA YON two-storey temple and its fair views of the town, Dhamma Yanthi Paya and the ruins of the Hsu Taung Pye Paya. Continue to HSU TAUNG PYE PAYA and NEE PAYA with its gold lacquered bamboo Buddha. Finally proceed to the CHRIST THE KING CHURCH: a brick Catholic Church under the supervision of the Burmese Father Paul, and the Italian Father Angelo Di Meo, who have been in Myanmar since 1931. Discover the surrounding plateau by trekking to the villages inhabited by people of the Palaung and Pao tribes. Continue the journey by vehicle and boat from Kalaw to Inle Lake . Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 08	Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon \| The beautiful and calm lake, rimmed by high hills is located in Shan State and is dotted with idyllic patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. The lake’s shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. During the boat excursion, enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and an Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE, known for their Lotus and silk weaving skills and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY. Finally travel by vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho and from there take a flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 09	Yangon \| Transfer to airport. End of the tour.
***

Temples and Sands, 7 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to the hotel to check in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Start to discover this exciting city by visiting the SULE PAGODA, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centre of the city. Afterwards, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM to gain an insight into Myanmar’s history, art and culture other fascinating artefacts. Finally, continue to the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon – Bagan \| Transfer from hotel to airport for a flight from Yangon to Bagan. The city is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800- year old temple ruins. Start a day of sightseeing by visiting SHWEZIGON PAYA, a pagoda partly build by King Anawrahta to enshrine some relicts of Buddha. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi- Inn. This Temple with its distinguished architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Continue to ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. This temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls and has magnificent paintings considered to be among the oldest ones in Bagan. Thereafter visit the MANUHA TEMPLE which enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining Buddha image. Afterwards visit SHWESANDAW PAYA, the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan’s magnificent sunsets. Last but not least take the opportunity to learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration in one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP in the villages around Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 03	Bagan \| Today’s excursion includes a visit to MOUNT POPA and SALAY. MOUNT POPA is a curiously cylindrical hill rising sharply from the surrounding plain and is considered to be the home of country’s most important nats (spirits). Visitors ascend up a winding covered staircase encircling the mountain, observed by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex with shrines for the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region. Continue and explore the local life in the unspoiled Burmese town SALAY, the oldest surviving wooden monastery, with beautiful carvings of court life and scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to wander around the town, visiting the market and the Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery, which also serves as orphanage. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 04	Bagan – Ngapali \| Transfer to the airport for a flight from Bagan to Thandwe. Upon arrival in Thandwe continue to Ngapali to check in. Ngapali is named by homesick Italian sailors after their beloved Naples and is an unforgettably peaceful retreat. Overnight in Ngapali.
Day 05	Ngapali \| Free day at leisure. Overnight in Ngapali.
Day 06	Ngapali \| Free day at leisure. Overnight in Ngapali.
Day 07	Ngapali \| Transfer from hotel to airport and catch a flight from Thandwe to Yangon. End of the tour.
***

Myanmar Odyssey, 20 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel for check in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon \| Start to discover this exciting city by visiting the SULE PAGODA, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centre of the city. Afterwards, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM to gain an insight into Myanmar’s history, art and culture, such as the eight meter high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artefacts. Enjoy a break at BOGYOKE AUNG SAN (SCOTT) MARKET, a pleasant and lively market containing crafts, gems and fabrics from all corners of Myanmar. In the afternoon, visit a few of the well known pagodas, including BOTATAUNG PAGODA, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago, and NGADATKYI PAYA, with a giant seated Buddha image. Finally, continue to the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 03	Yangon - Heho - Pindaya \| Take a flight from Yangon to Heho and from there on continue by vehicle to Pindaya. Discover the fascinating PINDAYA CAVES, ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the cavern there are more than 8000 Buddha images arranged in such a way as to form a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers. Near by the caves, just below the ridge visit SHWE U MIN PAYA, a cluster of low stupas. Overnight in Pindaya.
Day 04	Pindaya - Inle Lake \| Take a trip by vehicle from Pindaya to the Inle Lake where one can enjoy a pleasant boat excursion. The beautiful and calm lake, rimmed by high hills is located in Shan State and is dotted with idyllic patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and an Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE, known for their Lotus and silk weaving skills and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 05	Inle Lake \| Today’s excursion by boat to the western shore of the lake, leads to a stairway to the hidden INDEIN temple complex. Located on the shore of the lake, this site consists of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens. Continue by foot past rice fields to the village of SAE MA. Take the opportunity to explore the village and the local school and in the afternoon meet the people of the villages on the lake. Before returning by boat to the hotel, visit one of the monasteries to observe the interesting monastic activities. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 06	Inle Lake \| Journey up into the mountains through beautiful landscapes, passing to Pa O villages and the opportunity to visit a market on the way. Explore the magnificent KAKKU TEMPLE COMPLEX, a collection of over 2000 Buddhist stupas that date from the 12th and 13th centuries concentrated in the space of one square km. Several Buddha statues lie scattered around the ruins, overgrown with vegetation. Return to Nyaung Shwe by vehicle and transfer by boat to the hotel. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 07	Inle Lake - Heho - Mandalay \| Take first a jetty back to the mainland and then a vehicle to Heho. From Heho take a flight to Mandalay. Relax in the afternoon and overnight in Mandalay.
Day 08	Mandalay \| While Yangon is the economic capital of the country, Mandalay is considered the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. In the morning, head to MAHAMUNI PAYA. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of gold-leaf beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Before lunch, visit a CRAFT WORKSHOP specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, woodcarving, or puppetry. The afternoon’s tour includes some of the city’s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at SHWENANDAW KYAUNG, also called the Golden Teak Monastery. Continue to KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA. Finally, visit KUTHODAW PAYA, known also as the world’s biggest book. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, housing altogether 729 slabs of marble inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, or Buddhist scriptures. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 09	Mandalay \| This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to AMARAPURA, and visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY, every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, head to SAGAING, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, also known as a living Bagan. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of Many Elephants. Cross the river by ferry to INWA, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to AMARAPURA, to end the day at U BEIN’S BRIDGE, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 10	Mandalay \| Travel upriver by boat to MINGUN, enjoy the atmosphere of the river life - fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast MINGUN PAYA, a monument to human ambition. After visiting other nearby pagodas, return downstream by boat to Mandalay. Back in Mandalay visit Zeigyo (Zay Cho) where just about everything made in Myanmar can be found, from everyday consumer goods to jewellery and fine fabrics. Finish this exciting day in a relaxing atmosphere on Mandalay Hill at sunset. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 11	Mandalay \| Journey northeast, across the plains, uphill twisting roads into the hills where one can enjoy a spectacular view. Discover the fascinating town PYIN OO LWIN, home to Nepalis and Indians due to its role as British hill station during the colonial era. It has a very pleasant climate because of the altitude and offers refreshing cool air even during the hot season. Visit the BOTANICAL GARDEN which was build up by Turkish prisoners during World War II. Admire the PURCELL TOWER, a clock tower near the town entrance which was a present from Queen Victoria. On the top of the hill at NAUNG KAN GYL PAYA enjoy a wonderful view on the idyllic town. Continue to the CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, a 100-year-old church featuring a large brick sanctuary, a bell tower with impressive vaulted wooden ceilings and a well appointed interior. Finally proceed to the PEIKCHIN CAVES. This large Hindu-Buddhist shrine cave was developed by local Nepalis and is adorned with modern Buddha images and models of Myanmar’s most famous pagodas. Return and overnight in Mandalay.
Day 12	Mandalay - Bagan \| Take a trip by vehicle from Mandalay to Bagan. Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 13	Bagan \| Start a day of sightseeing by visiting SHWEZIGON PAYA, a pagoda partly build by King Anawrahta to enshrine relicts of Buddha. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi- Inn. This Temple with its distinguished architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Continue to ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. This temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls and has magnificent paintings considered to be among the oldest ones in Bagan. Thereafter, visit the MANUHA TEMPLE which enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. Afterwards visit SHWESANDAW PAYA, the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan’s magnificent sunsets. Last but not least take the opportunity to learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration in one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP by the villages around Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 14	Bagan \| Today’s excursion includes a visit to MOUNT POPA and SALAY. MOUNT POPA is a curiously cylindrical hill rising sharply from the surrounding plain and is considered to be the home of the country’s most important nats (spirits). Visitors ascend up a winding covered staircase encircling the mountain, observed by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex, with shrines to the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region. Descent from Mount Popa and explore the local life in the nearby unspoiled Burmese town SALAY. It is the oldest surviving wooden monastery with beautiful carvings of court life and scenes from the Ramayana. Wander around the town, visiting the market and the Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery, which also serves as orphanage. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 15	Bagan \| The last full day in Bagan is filled with sightseeing highlights. Start at the MAHABODHI TEMPLE, that was inspired by the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India and was build during the reign of King Nantaungmya in the 12th century. Temples of this nature only appeared during the Late Bagan period and the Mahabodhi is the only one of this style. Continue to visit the DHAMAYANGYI TEMPLE, said to have one of the finest brickwork in Bagan but it is still unclear by which King the construction was started. Lastly proceed to one of the tallest monuments in Bagan, the 61 meters high THATBYINNYU TEMPLE built also in the 12th century by King Alaungsithu. Relax in the afternoon and overnight in Bagan.
Day 16	Bagan - Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo \| Take a flight from Bagan to Yangon and continue by vehicle west towards BAGO. Bago is a historic city originally founded in 573 AD by Thamala and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth. Visit a typical local monastery to observe the daily lives of the monks, and then continue to the lifelike SHWETHALYAUNG RECLINING BUDDHA, the highly venerated SHWEMAWDAW PAYA, housing hair relics of the Buddha for over 1000 years. Highlights also include the KYAIK PUN PAYA, with four giant Buddhas leaned back against a square pillar and the MAHA KALYANI SIMA, also called ‘Sacred Hall or Ordination’. Afterwards, continue the journey to Kyaikhtiyo and overnight in Kyaikhtiyo.
Day 17	Kyaikhtiyo - Mawlamyine \| KYAIKHTIYO is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, better know as the Golden Rock. The shrine at the top of Mount Kyaikto seems to defy gravity and local people believe the power of a Buddhist relic is what keeps the boulder in place. Proceed southwards by vehicle from Kyaikhtiyo to Mawlamyine and on the way make a stop to visit BAYING NYI NAUNG GU, a natural limestone cave with hot springs reputed to have healing powers. The springs are divided into three pools, one for monks, one for men and one for women. Afterwards, continue to HPAAN, the capital of Kayin State and a busy commerce centre, inhabited mainly by Kayin people. Farmers from all around the region come to town in horsecarts or trishaws with baskets of products to trade at the market. Stroll through the market, visit SHWE YIN MYAW PAYA, and finish at the town hall for the best view over the distinctively shaped MOUNT ZWEKABIN in the background. Overnight in Mawlamyine.
Day 18	Mawlamyine \| Travel by local ferry to BILU KYUN, also called ogre island. Continue to the local villages and visit home industries making pipes, ballpoint pens, rubber bands, coconut-fiber ropes and other items for everyday life. Overnight in Mawlamyine.
Day 19	Mawlamyine - Yangon \| Today’s excursion by boat leads to GAUNGSE KYUN, better known as the shampoo island. This picturesque island off Mawlamyine’s north-western end, earned its name because during the Ava period the annual royal hair washing ceremony customarily used water taken from a spring on the island. Continue by vehicle from Mawlamyine to Yangon and on the way pass THATON. Long before the rise of Bagan, Thaton was an important centre for the Mon kingdom that stretched from the Irrawaddy River delta to similar deltas in Thailand. The town’s centre is a leafy place, along the highway are colonial mansions and thatched-roof homes and a few older stupas on hillsides surrounding the town. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 20	Yangon \| Transfer to airport. End of the tour.
***

Explore Northern Myanmar, 13 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon - Myitkyina \| After checking out of the hotel, proceed to the airport for a flight from Yangon to Myitkyina. Arrival in Myitkyina, considered as a gateway to the natural beauties of the north of Myanmar. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 03	Myitkyina – Indawgyi Lake \| Take a pleasant journey down from Myitkyina to Indawgyi Lake, which is the biggest lake in Myanmar and stretches over 27 km in length and 14 km in width and is surrounded by mountains. This peaceful, remote area is home to many ethnic minority groups such as Kachin, Shan and Bamar as well as an extraordinary diversity of wetland birds. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Indawgyi Lake.
Day 04	Indawgyi Lake \| After breakfast, proceed for an excursion by boat on Indawgyi Lake. The sightseeing tour includes visiting to the floating Swe Mintsu Pagoda, the Mote Soe Ma Pagoda and the old teakwood monastery. Stop for a walk around Nyaung Pin Thar Village to observe their daily lifestyle before proceeding for bird watching and then a boat trip back to the hotel. Overnight in Indawgyi Lake.
Day 05	Indawgyi Lake - Myitkyina \| Drive through the mountain scenery in the remote north of Myanmar. On the way, passengers can stop at the elephant camp and observe the grey giants and mahouts at work. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 06	Myitkyina - Putao \| After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight from Myitkyina to Putao. Situated in the north of Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin state is surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Putao itself is a small, picturesque town and is predominantly Christian. Discover this fascinating little town by foot. Most churches are built in a style similar to the local houses. A small pagoda is located close to the market. Near the office of Myanmar Airways one can find Fort Hertz, founded by the British during the colonial period. Overnight in Putao.
Day 07	Putao \| Take an excursion to MA CHAN BAW. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Ma Chan Baw is reached by foot over the Maylihka Suspension Bridge. The Maylihka River itself is one of the two sources of the Irrawaddy river. Most of the inhabitants in the area are ethnic Lisu and Rawang. The Gubar Guesthouse offers an excellent view of the surrounding scenery. After a short trek reach the mysterious DRAGON STONE outside the village. Proceed by a pleasant boat ride along the Malikha river to KHAUNG MU LONE PAGODA. Return and overnight in Putao.
Day 08	Putao \| Today’s soft trek excursion leads to Mulashidi with the opportunity to visit nearby villages. MULASHIDI is mainly populated by Rawang and some Lisu ethnics. A small market is located close to the impressive Mulashidi Suspension Bridge. This huge suspension bridge can only be crossed by foot. On the other side of the bridge, after some trekking, several ethnic Lisu and Kachin villages can be visited to gather some insights into the rural lifestyle. Return and overnight in Putao.
Day 09	Putao - Myitkyina \| Transfer to the airport for a flight to Myitkyina. The town is located in a flat valley and good starting point for visits to the surrounding Kachin villages. First stop at the CENTRAL MARKET, a good place to see the local hill tribe people and the wide variety of fruit produced in this state. Proceed to HSU TAUNG PYE ZEDIDAW, a pretty, gilded, ‘wishfulfilling’ stupa on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Continue to the large ANDAWSHIN PAYA, which boasts a silver-plated zedi and is said to contain tooth relics and a Buddha footprint. Admire the PRAYING MOUNTAIN, a sacred site for Kachin and Lisu Baptists and the location of a bible school and seminary. Finally visit the KACHIN STATE CULTURAL MUSEUM, which was built in 1994 and displays costumes of the Kachin and Shan villages and contains artefacts, such as pipes, baskets, fishing nets, looms and musical instruments. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 10	Myitkyina \| Take an enjoyable excursion northwards to the confluence of Maikha and Malikha River that form the beginning of the Irrawaddy River. The afternoon is at leisure and overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 11	Myitkyina - Mandalay \| Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mandalay. Arrival in Mandalay and transfer to the hotel for check-in. While Yangon is the economic capital of the country, Mandalay is considered the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 12	Mandalay \| This day’s tour visits three former royal sites, each with its own unique atmosphere. Travel upriver by boat to MINGUN, enjoy the atmosphere of the river life - fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast MINGUN PAYA, a monument to human. After visiting other nearby pagodas, re-board the boat and start downriver towards SAGAING, a former royal capital and the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, also known as a living Bagan. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of many elephants. Continue by vehicle to INWA, another formal royal capital, now a quiet rural oasis situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Enjoy a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 13	Mandalay - Yangon \| Transfer to the airport for flight from Mandalay to Yangon. Arrival Yangon. End of the tour.
***

Myanmar on Rail & Road, 13 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to the hotel to check in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. Start to discover this exciting city by visiting the SULE PAGODA, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centre of the city. Afterwards, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM to gain an insight into Myanmar’s history, art and culture, and fascinating artefacts. Finally, continue to the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Retire back to the hotel and overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon - Mandalay \| Continue a day filled with sightseeing and begin by visiting BOTATAUNG PAGODA, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago. Proceed to CHAUKHTATGYI PAYA, this reclining Buddha is almost as large as the enormous figure in Bago. Finally visit BOGYOKE AUNG SAN MARKET, also known as Scott Market, this building contains over 2000 stalls and is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts. Afterwards transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Mandalay. Check in into the hotel and overnight in Mandalay.
Day 03	Mandalay \| While Yangon is the economic capital of the country, Mandalay is considered the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. In the morning, head to MAHAMUNI PAYA. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of gold-leaf beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Before lunch, visit a CRAFT WORKSHOP specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, wood-carving, or puppetry. The afternoon’s tour includes some of the city’s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at SHWENANDAW KYAUNG, also called the Golden Teak Monastery. Continue to KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA. Finally, visit KUTHODAW PAYA, known also as the world’s biggest book. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 04	Mandalay \| This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to AMARAPURA, and visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY, every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, head to SAGAING, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, also known as a living Bagan. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of Many Elephants. Cross the river by ferry to INWA, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to AMARAPURA, to end the day at U Beins’s Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay
Day 05	Mandalay \| Journey northeast, across the plains, uphill twisting roads into the hills where one can enjoy a spectacular view. Discover the fascinating town PYIN OO LWIN, home to Nepalis and Indians due to its role as British hill station during the colonial era. Visit the BOTANICAL GARDEN. Admire the PURCELL TOWER, a clock tower near the town entrance and from the top of the hill at NAUNG KAN GYL PAYA enjoy a wonderful view on the idyllic town. Continue to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a 100-year-old church featuring a large brick sanctuary, a bell tower with impressive vaulted wooden ceilings and a well appointed interior. Finally proceed to the PEIKCHIN CAVES, a large Hindu-Buddhist shrine cave. Return and overnight in Mandalay.
Day 06	Mandalay - Bagan \| Take a trip by vehicle from Mandalay to Bagan. Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800- year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 07	Bagan \| Start a day of sightseeing by visiting SHWEZIGON PAYA, a pagoda partly build by King Anawrahta to enshrine relicts of Buddha. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi-Inn. This Temple with its distinguished architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Continue to ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. This temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls and has magnificent paintings considered to be among the oldest ones in Bagan. Thereafter visit the MANUHA TEMPLE which enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. Afterwards visit SHWESANDAW PAYA, the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan’s magnificent sunsets. Last but not least take the opportunity to learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration in one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP by the villages around Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 08	Bagan - Mount Popa \| Today’s excursion leads to MOUNT POPA, a curiously cylindrical hill rising sharply from the surrounding plain and is considered to be the home of the country’s most important nats (spirits). Visitors ascend up a winding covered staircase encircling the mountain, observed by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex, with shrines to the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region. Overnight in Mount Popa.
Day 09	Mount Popa - Kalaw \| Transfer by vehicle from Mount Popa to Kalaw, a popular hill station in the British days. Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali. Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 10	Kalaw - Inle Lake \| Take a train from Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung and continue by vehicle and finally reach the jetty to Inle Lake. The beautiful and calm lake, rimmed by high hills is located in Shan State and is dotted with idyllic patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. The lake’s shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 11	Inle Lake \| Discover this peaceful lake with a boat excursion. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and an Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE, known for their Lotus and silk weaving skills and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 12	Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon \| Transfer from Inle Lake to Heho to catch a flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 13	Yangon \| Transfer to airport. End of the tour.
***

People of Myanmar, 13 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to hotel to check in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon \| Start to discover this exciting city by visiting the SULE PAGODA, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the centre of the city. Afterwards, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM to gain an insight into Myanmar’s history, art and culture and fascinating artefacts. Enjoy a break at BOGYOKE AUNG SAN (SCOTT) MARKET, a pleasant and lively market containing crafts, gems and fabrics from all corners of Myanmar. In the afternoon, visit a few of the well known pagodas, including BOTATAUNG PAGODA, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago, and NGADATKYI PAYA, with a giant seated Buddha image. Finally, continue to the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 03	Yangon \| Today’s exciting excursion leads to Dala and Twante. Cross the Yangon River by local ferry, observing the morning activity on the jetty and along the shores. After reaching Dala, take a trishaw ride past the local fish market, through green areas and past teashops. Visit the Shwesandaw Pagoda for a dose of local legend. From there, proceed by vehicle to Twante. After visiting the third tallest pagoda, also called Shwesandaw, explore the daily life of the town itself by stopping to see local cottage industries including bamboo raft making. End the visit of the town at the Oh Bo pottery quarter and observe a demonstration of the local pottery making techniques. On the way back to Yangon, visit the Indian inspired Paung Daw Gyoke Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 04	Yangon - Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin \| Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Mandalay. From there travel to Pyin Oo Lwin, home to Nepalis and Indians due to its role as British hill station during the colonial era. It has a very pleasant climate because of the altitude and offers refreshing cool air, even during the hot season. Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Day 05	Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay \| Discover the fascinating town with a visit to the BOTANICAL GARDEN which was build up by Turkish prisoners during World War II. Admire the PURCELL TOWER, a clock tower near the town entrance. On the top of the hill at NAUNG KAN GYL PAYA enjoy a wonderful view on the idyllic town. Continue to the CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, a 100-year-old church which features a large brick sanctuary including a bell tower with impressive vaulted wooden ceilings and well appointed interior. Finally, before returning to Mandalay, visit the JAPANESE WAR CEMETERY. This cemetery contains around 50 graves and each year during the months of December and January, friends and families of the deceased come from Japan to pay their respects. Return and overnight in Mandalay.
Day 06	Mandalay \| While Yangon is the economic capital of the country, Mandalay is considered the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. In the morning, head to AMARAPURA, also a former royal capital and visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY. In the morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Pause to enjoy the atmosphere of U BEIN’S BRIDGE, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake, and the highlight of any visit to Amarapura. From Amarapura, return to Mandalay and visit MAHAMUNI PAYA on the way. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of GOLD-LEAF BEATING, where gold is painstakingly hammered out into tissuethin squares. Continue to SHWENANDAW KYAUNG, also called the Golden Teak Monastery. Continue to KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble, and the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA. Finally, visit KUTHODAW PAYA, known also as the world’s biggest book. End this eventful day on the Mandalay hill and enjoy the sunset. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 07	Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya \| Take a flight from Mandalay to Heho and from there on continue by vehicle from Heho to Pindaya. Discover the fascinating PINDAYA CAVES, ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the cavern there are more than 8000 Buddha images arranged in such a way as to form a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers. Near by the caves, just below the ridge visit SHWE U MIN PAYA, a cluster of low stupas. Overnight in Pindaya.
Day 08	Pindaya - Inle Lake \| Take a trip by vehicle from Pindaya to Inle Lake where one can enjoy a pleasant boat excursion. The beautiful and calm lake, rimmed by high hills is located in Shan State and is dotted with idyllic patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. The lake’s shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and an Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE, known for their Lotus and silk weaving skills and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 09	Kathmandu \| Inle Lake - Heho - Kengtung \| Drive from Inle Lake to Heho and catch a flight to Kengtung. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and take a walking tour of Kengtung, a sleepy but historic centre for the state’s Khun culture. The town is surrounded by different ethnic villages and due to its location around a small lake, called NAUNG TUNG LAKE it is a very scenic place dotted with ageing Buddhist temples and crumbling colonial British architecture. NAUNG TUNG LAKE is located at the centre of town and a pleasant place to stroll around and to soak up the atmosphere of this sleeping town. Overnight in Kengtung.
Day 10	Kengtung \| Continue to explore the town by visiting WAT JONG KHAM, a tall gilded zedi topped by a gold hti inlaid with silver, rubies, diamonds, sapphires, jade, and hung with tiny gold bells. Proceed to WAT PHA JAO LUNG a 19th century temple. Visit the fascinating WATER BUFFALO MARKET on the outskirts of the town and end the journey at the YAN GONE POTTERY VILLAGE where one can observe the traditional Shan method of pottery manufacturing. Overnight in Kengtung.
Day 11	Kengtung \| Today visiting villages and getting insights into the traditional live, local customs and cultural differences is the main focus. Take the opportunity to get fascinating insights into the culture of the AKHA, WA and LAHU villages located in Ho Kyn. Observe and get to know these local hill-tribes with their unique manufacturing skills by trekking from village to village. The AKHA, for instance have no written language so their history was carried to this century on the backs of many colourful legends, proverbs and rituals handed down from one generation to the other. The LAHU women are skilled in weaving cloth, both on back-strap and foot-treadle looms, producing delicate patchwork trims, and unusual embroidery work. The WA on the other hand are darker-complexioned and stocky, one of the better known of the smaller ethnic groups. They used to practice headhunting as a part of their fertility rites until fairly recently. Overnight in Kengtung.
Day 12	Kengtung-Yangon \| The morning is spent at leisure and in the afternoon transfer to the airport to catch a flight from Kengtung to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 13	Yangon \| Transfer to airport. End of the tour.
***

Golf & Temple Tour 1, 12 days

Day 01	Yangon \| Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Yangon.
Day 02	Yangon – Golf at Yangon Golf Club \| Begin the day with a transfer to the golf course end enjoy a round of golf at the Yangon Golf Club. After a pleasant round discover the city by visiting the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 03	Yangon - Bagan \| Take a flight from Yangon to Bagan. Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Start a day of sightseeing by visiting SHWEZIGON PAYA, a pagoda partly build by King Anawrahta to enshrine some relicts of Buddha. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi-Inn. This Temple with its distinguished architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Continue to ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. This temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls and has magnificent paintings considered to be among the oldest ones in Bagan. Thereafter visit the MANUHA TEMPLE which enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining Buddha image. Afterwards visit SHWESANDAW PAYA, the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan’s magnificent sunsets. Last but not least take the opportunity to learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration in one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP in the villages around Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 04	Bagan – Golf at Bagan Golf Course \| Tee off at the Bagan Golf Course. The dry and hot conditions and the unique location within the temples make this 9-hole golf course a challenge for every golf lover. In the evening one can enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the pagoda platforms. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 05	Bagan – Mandalay – Golf at Shwe San Yar Golf Course \| Take a flight from Bagan to Mandalay, a city considered to be the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma. After arrival, transfer to the Shwe San Yar Golf Course. It is best played between October and February. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 06	Mandalay - Heho - Kalaw – Golf at Pine View Golf Course \| Take a flight from Mandalay to Heho. From there on continue by vehicle to Kalaw, a popular hill station in the British days. Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. Enjoy a round of golf at the Pine View Golf Club in the heart of Kalaw. Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 07	Kalaw - Taunggyi \| Today’s journey leads to Taunggyi and includes sightseeing at Pindaya on the way. Travel eastwards to the western edge of the Shan Plateau. Make a break at AUNGBAN, a small highway town and an important transport junction for cargo and passengers moving between Taunggyi and Thazi. The second stop is at the fascinating PINDAYA CAVES, ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking a lake. Inside the cavern there are more than 8000 Buddha images arranged in such a way as to form a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers. Proceed and overnight in Taunggyi.
Day 08	Taunggyi - Inle Lake – Golf at Aye Tha Yar Golf Club\| Taunggyi is the capital city of Southern Shan State lies 1,430 meters above the sea level and has a moderate climate. Begin the day with another pleasant round of golf at the Aye Tha Yar Golf Club. Afterwards get to know the peaceful town by visiting the CENTRAL MARKET. Located in the centre of town, it is a good place to see colourful hill tribe people and the popular local handicraft of basket making. Proceed to the cheroot factory, the hand-rolling technique is impressive. Continue travelling by vehicle from Taunggyi to Inle Lake. After a transfer by boat overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 09	Inle Lake \| Enjoy a boat tour on the beautiful and calm lake, rimmed by high hills and dotted with idyllic patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. The lake’s shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and an Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE, known for their Lotus and silk weaving skills and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 10	Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon \| Take first a boat back to the mainland and then a vehicle to Heho. From Heho take a flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 11	Yangon – Golf at Pun Hlaing Golf Estate \| Start in the day with a final round of golf at the Pun Hlaing Golf Estate. This is the only golf course in Myanmar with an impressive view of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 12	Yangon \| Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.
***

Mysterious Kachin, 6 days

Day 01	Mandalay - Myitkyina \| Take a flight from Mandalay to Myitkyina and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The pleasant town is considered as a gateway to the natural beauties of the north of Myanmar and is located in a flat valley, a good starting point for visits to the surrounding Kachin villages. First stop at the CENTRAL MARKET, a nice place to see the local hill tribe people and the wide variety of fruit produced in this state. Proceed to HSU TAUNG PYE ZEDIDAW, a pretty, gilded, ‘wish-fulfilling’ stupa on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Continue to the large ANDAWSHIN PAYA, which boasts a silver-plated zedi and is said to contain tooth relics and a Buddha footprint. Admire the Praying Mountain, a sacred site for Kachin and Lisu Baptists and the location of a bible school and seminary. Finally visit the KACHIN STATE CULTURAL MUSEUM, which was built in 1994 and displays costumes of the Kachin and Shan villages and contains artefacts, such as pipes, baskets, fishing nets, looms and musical instruments. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 02	Myitkyina - Indawgyi Lake \| Transfer from Myitkyina to Lake Indawgyi. The Lake is the biggest in Myanmar and stretches over 27 km in length and 14 km in width and is surrounded by mountains. This peaceful, remote area is home to many ethnic minority groups such as Kachin, Shan and Bamar as well as an extraordinary diversity of wetland birds. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Indawgyi Lake.
Day 03	Indawgyi Lake \| After breakfast, proceed for an excursion by boat on Indawgyi Lake. The sightseeing tour on the lake includes visiting to the floating Swe Mintsu Pagoda, the Mote Soe Ma Pagoda and the old teakwood monastery. Stop for a walk around Nyaung Pin Thar Village to observe their daily lifestyle before proceeding for bird watching and then return by boat back to the hotel. Overnight in Indawgyi Lake.
Day 04	Indawgyi Lake - Myitkyina \| Drive through the mountain scenery in the remote north of Myanmar. On the way, passengers can stop at the elephant camp and observe the grey giants and mahouts at work. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 05	Myitkyina \| Take an enjoyable excursion northwards to the confluence of Maikha and Malikha River that form the beginning of the Irrawaddy River. The afternoon is at leisure and overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 06	Myitkyina - Mandalay \| Transfer to the airport for flight Mandalay. End of the tour.
***