Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide. 

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. 

Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-metre long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great overview of Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The feet of the statue is carved with traditional symbols, and locals can often be seen gathering here to pay homage and pray. 

Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea while sitting amongst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.  

Next, the guided tour goes to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here, see the glittering Karaweik Barge, a replica of the Royal Barge, with the vast lake and views of Shwedagon in the background. Depending on the day of the visit, Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come on the weekend to relax in the fresh air.

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, local legend states that the original structure was built 2,500 years ago then renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 metres tall, gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead around this massive complex and learn why this temple is so revered.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon

Day 2: Yangon / Nyaung U – Bagan (B) 
Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Yangon airport for your flight to Bagan (Nyaung U).Indicative time subject to modification: morning flight
Arrival in Bagan.

From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.  

On arrival, the journey begins with views of the magnificent plains of Bagan on the way to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to a traditional lacquerware workshop and observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples.  Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distances from which they are viewed.  From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple. 

Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel. Note: since January 2018, it is forbidden to climb temples in Bagan.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan

Day 3: Bagan (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the colourful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods. Continue to Myinkaba Village and take a short walking tour to explore the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya.  

Explore more temples in the area, visit more craft shops or return to the hotel for a break to relax from the midday heat. 

In the afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least-visited areas.  Here, explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier.  Board a local boat for a slow cruise down the Irrawaddy River.  While cruising, observe the lifestyle of fishermen and riverside villagers and take in the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples. 

Return to the hotel in the evening. 

Meals at your disposal.
Overnight in Bagan

Day 4: Bagan – Nyaung U / Mandalay (B)
Breakfast at your hotel then transfers to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Mandalay.

Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with so much gold leaf by revellers that it has attained a unique and iconic ‘lumpy’ texture. Get a good look at this famous Buddha image and walk around the temple grounds for a feel of its unique spiritual vibes. 

Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen and, while touring traditional workshops, learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf, where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court. 

This afternoon, continue the tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak wood building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.

Then head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River from the highest vantage point in the area. 

The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meals at your disposal.
Overnight in Mandalay

Day 5: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Sagaing – Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar.  It is home to more than 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres. Visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae.
Then, visit Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Here, one can find a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts. We will also stop at a small pottery village to see the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar.

Then continue south of the city to Ava, the Burmese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will head across the river to a waiting horse and carriage. While taking this charming form of transportation, visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins and, while travelling by horse and cart, get a glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside.

Return to the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200-year-old teak wood bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak wood posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace.

At 1.2 kilometres in length, it’s the world’s longest teak wood construction. That’s not what the bridge is most famous for, though. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, get ready for a truly unforgettable experience. The entire area becomes bathed in a vivid golden light. As traditionally-dressed locals pass over the bridge, be sure to snap some photos of the bridge’s iconic silhouette -widely considered to be one of Asia’s best photo opportunities. Afterwards, head back to the hotel in Mandalay. 

Return to Mandalay at the end of the day.
Meals at your disposal.
Overnight in Mandalay

Day 6: Mandalay / Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Breakfast at your hotel then transfers to Mandalay airport for your flight to Heho.

From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. We will also stop in Nyaung Shwe for a short walk around town and visit the colourful market if it is being held that day. 

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.  Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.  

Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.

If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Meals at your disposal.
Overnight on Inle lake

Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho / Yangon (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Today the sightseeing starts at 08:00 with a visit to the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5-day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: the market is daily except on dark-moon day and full-moon day). 

From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.

After today’s tour, drive to the Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon.
Arrival in Yangon and transfer to your hotel. 
The rest of the day is free at leisure (no driver, no guide).

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon

Day 8: Yangon – Departure (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Free time at leisure (no guide, but car and driver at your disposal) until transfer to the international airport of Yangon for your return flight.

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon

Day itinerary the same as previous itinerary.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon

Day 2: Yangon (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Be immersed in everyday life of Myanmar’s largest city with an insightful half-day guided tour of Yangon. Board the Yangon circle train which runs from Yangon’s central railway station in a circle around various neighbourhoods in town and on the outskirts of town. Sit alongside local commuters, watching as vendors hop on and off to sell snacks and cold drinks to the passengers. Gaze out the windows to observe the lively streets while the train slowly chugs along.
 
After around 45 minutes disembark in Insein Township. One of the city’s best fresh markets is here, filled with vendors and piles of colourful items for sale. Spend time walking amid the stalls examining the fruits, produce and meats on sale as well as chatting with the friendly locals.
 
Then transfer by car back to the city centre of Yangon for the last visits of the day. Take a short walking tour through Chinatown and Little India, two fabulously diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods of Yangon. Explore street markets, see snack vendors and admire colourful houses of worship while walking alongside the local guide.
 
In the afternoon, visit Bogyoke market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods, so be sure to pick up a souvenir or two while there!  (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon
 
Day 3: Yangon / Mandalay (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Transfer to Yangon airport for your flight to Mandalay.
 
Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with so much gold leaf by revellers that it has attained a unique and iconic ‘lumpy’ texture. Get a good look at this famous Buddha image and walk around the temple grounds for a feel of its unique spiritual vibes.
 
Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen and, while touring traditional workshops, learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf, where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.

This afternoon, continue the tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak wood building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.
 
Then head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River from the highest vantage point in the area.

The rest of the day is free at leisure.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Mandalay
 
Day 4: Mandalay – Mingun – Sagaing – Ava – Amarapura – Mandalay (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
This morning embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery of this river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. Unlike Ava and Amarapura, Mingun was not a royal capital yet has many interesting sites to see.
 
You’ll visit the Mingun Bell which weighs more than 87 tons and is more than 3.7 metres tall. This is the world’s largest uncracked bell. Just south of the bell you’ll also visit Mingun Pagoda, a giant brick structure built in the late 1700s and although it was unfinished due to economic troubles, it is still an impressive site. Mingun’s other highlight is the Hsinbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Throughout Mingun, small neighbourhoods are crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items, and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.
 
Then continue south of the city to Ava, the Burmese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will head across the river to a waiting horse and carriage. While taking this charming form of transportation, visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins and, while travelling by horse and cart, get a glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside.
 
Return to the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200-year-old teak wood bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak wood posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace. At 1.2 kilometres in length, it’s the world’s longest teak wood construction.
 
Return to Mandalay at the end of the day.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Mandalay
 
Day 5: Mandalay / Nyaung U – Bagan (B) 
Breakfast at the hotel.
 
Transfer to Mandalay airport for your flight to Bagan (Nyaung U).
Indicative time subject to modification: morning flight
 
Arrival in Bagan.
 
From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.   
 
On arrival, the journey begins with views of the magnificent plains of Bagan on the way to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
 
In the afternoon, pay a visit to a traditional lacquerware workshop and observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples.  Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distances from which they are viewed.
 
From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.
 
Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.

Note: since January 2018, it is forbidden to climb temples in Bagan.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan
 
Day 6: Bagan (B) 
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the colourful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods. Continue to Myinkaba Village and take a short walking tour to explore the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya. 
 
Explore more temples in the area, visit more craft shops or return to the hotel for a break to relax from the midday heat.
 
In the afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least-visited areas.  Here, explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier.  Board a local boat for a slow cruise down the Irrawaddy River.  While cruising, observe the lifestyle of fishermen and riverside villagers and take in the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples.
 
Return to the hotel in the evening.
 
Meals at your disposal.
Overnight in Bagan
 
Day 7: Bagan – Popa – Bagan (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Get a taste of local culture with an excursion to Bagan’s countryside. Travel to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano that rises more than 1500 metres high. Mount Popa is believed to be the home of the nats, 37 guardian spirits worshipped by the Myanmar people.
 
Arrive at the base of Taung Kalat, a volcanic plug where a massive shrine has been constructed. Get a glimpse into this unique form of worship at a small museum where statues of each nat are displayed.  Then climb the stairs to the top of the shrine, joining local pilgrims on the way. On the way, learn more about the nats and the role they play in Myanmar culture. Upon reaching the top, relax and enjoy the views.
 
On the return journey, stop at Shwe Hlaing. Explore this local village which is famous for its toddy palm trees. See how the ingenious farmers use the trees to produce everything from tables to sweet molasses and even strong wine.
 
The return to Bagan, arriving late in the afternoon.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan
 
Day 8: Bagan – Nyaung U / Heho – Inle Lake (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Transfer to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Heho.
Indicative time subject to modification: morning flight
 
From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. We will also stop in Nyaung Shwe for a short walk around town and visit the colourful market if it is being held that day.
 
Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.  Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 
 
Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.
 
If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight on Inle lake
 
Day 9: Inle Lake – Sagar – Inle Lake (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Board a long tail motorboat for a journey to Sagar, a sleepy village at the far southern reaches of Inle Lake. The boat trip takes 2.5-3 hours and passes through stunning scenery, with lush mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages and fishermen on the water. Relax and enjoy the passing views.
 
Arrive at Sagar and start exploring the various sites on the water’s edge. Visit the iconic ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar, a collection of 108 stupas dating back to the 16th century. Several months a year, the water level rises and partially submerges the stupas thus giving them their nickname. Go ashore near to the stupas and take a walk through the compound and its neighbouring village.
 
Continue to the village of Thaya Gone, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Intha people. The village is famous for its high-quality, homemade rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brews. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to a hilltop for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding villages.
 
Nearby is Sae Khaung, a small pottery village. Take a walk through the village to see the underground kilns and traditional tools needed to create oil and water pots. One last stop will be made in Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas set on the western shores of the lake.
 
Around 2.30 the boat will begin its journey back to the main section of Inle Lake. Although the route is the same as in the morning, the trip takes on a different feeling. The afternoon light casts a distinct glow on the lake, and there is usually more activity in the villages.
 
Arrive at the hotel in time to freshen up and watch the sunset.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight on Inle lake

Day 10: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho / Yangon (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
 
Transfer to Heho airport for your flight to Yangon.
Indicative time subject to modification: evening flight
 
Arrival in Yangon and transfer to your hotel.
 
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon
 
Day 11: Yangon – Departure (B) 
Breakfast at your hotel.
 
Free time at leisure (no guide, but car and driver at your disposal) until transfer to the international airport of Yangon for your return flight.

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon

Day itinerary the same as previous itinerary.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon

Day 2: Yangon / Mandalay (B)
Breakfast at your hotel then transfers to Yangon airport for your flight to Mandalay.

Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with so much gold leaf by revellers that it has attained a unique and iconic ‘lumpy’ texture. Get a good look at this famous Buddha image and walk around the temple grounds for a feel of its unique spiritual vibes. 

Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen and, while touring traditional workshops, learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf, where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court. 

This afternoon, continue the tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak wood building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.

Then head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River from the highest vantage point in the area. 

The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Mandalay

Day 3: Mandalay – Mingun – Sagaing – Ava – Amarapura – Mandalay (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

This morning embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery of this river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. Unlike Ava and Amarapura, Mingun was not a royal capital yet has many interesting sites to see. 

You’ll visit the Mingun Bell which weighs more than 87 tons and is more than 3.7 metres tall. This is the world’s largest uncracked bell. Just south of the bell you’ll also visit Mingun Pagoda, a giant brick structure built in the late 1700s and although it was unfinished due to economic troubles, it is still an impressive site. Mingun’s other highlight is the Hsinbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Throughout Mingun small neighbourhoods are crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items, and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals. 

Then continue south of the city to Ava, the Burmese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will head across the river to a waiting horse and carriage. While taking this charming form of transportation, visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins and, while travelling by horse and cart, get a glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside.

Return to the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200-year-old teak wood bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak wood posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace. At 1.2 kilometres in length, it’s the world’s longest teak wood construction.

Return to Mandalay at the end of the day.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Mandalay

Day 4: Mandalay / Nyaung U – Bagan (B)
Breakfast at the hotel then transfers to Mandalay airport for your flight to Bagan (Nyaung U).

Arrival in Bagan.

From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.  

On arrival, the journey begins with views of the magnificent plains of Bagan on the way to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction into Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its beautiful plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to a traditional lacquerware workshop and observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples.  Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distances from which they are viewed.  From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple. 

Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel. Note: since January 2018, it is forbidden to climb temples in Bagan.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan

Day 5: Bagan (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the colourful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods. Continue to Myinkaba Village and take a short walking tour to explore the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya.  

Explore more temples in the area, visit more craft shops or return to the hotel for a break to relax from the midday heat. 

In the afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least-visited areas.  Here, explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier.  Board a local boat for a slow cruise down the Irrawaddy River.  While cruising, observe the lifestyle of fishermen and riverside villagers and take in the unique perspective of Bagan’s temples. 

Return to the hotel in the evening. 
Meals at your disposal.
Overnight in Bagan

Day 6: Bagan – Popa – Bagan (B)
Breakfast at your hotel. 

Get a taste of local culture with an excursion to Bagan’s countryside. Travel to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano that rises more than 1500 metres high. Mount Popa is believed to be the home of the nats, 37 guardian spirits worshipped by the Myanmar people. 

Arrive at the base of Taung Kalat, a volcanic plug where a massive shrine has been constructed. Get a glimpse into this unique form of worship at a small museum where statues of each nat are displayed.  Then climb the stairs to the top of the shrine, joining local pilgrims on the way. On the way, learn more about the nats and the role they play in Myanmar culture. Upon reaching the top, relax and enjoy the views. 

On the return journey, stop at Shwe Hlaing. Explore this local village which is famous for its toddy palm trees. See how the ingenious farmers use the trees to produce everything from tables to sweet molasses and even strong wine.

The return to Bagan, arriving late in the afternoon.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan

Day 7: Bagan – Nyaung U / Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Breakfast at your hotel then transfers to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Heho.

From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. We will also stop in Nyaung Shwe for a short walk around town and visit the colourful market if it is being held that day. 

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.  Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.  

Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.

If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight on Inle lake

Day 8: Inle Lake – Sagar – Inle Lake (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Board a long tail motorboat for a journey to Sagar, a sleepy village at the far southern reaches of Inle Lake. The boat trip takes 2.5-3 hours and passes through stunning scenery, with lush mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages and fishermen on the water. Relax and enjoy the passing views.

Arrive at Sagar and start exploring the various sites on the water’s edge. Visit the iconic ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar, a collection of 108 stupas dating back to the 16th century. Several months a year, the water level rises and partially submerges the stupas thus giving them their nickname. Go ashore near to the stupas and take a walk through the compound and its neighbouring village.

Continue to the village of Thaya Gone, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Intha people. The village is famous for its high-quality, homemade rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brews. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to a hilltop for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding villages. 

Nearby is Sae Khaung, a small pottery village. Take a walk through the village to see the underground kilns and traditional tools needed to create oil and water pots. One last stop will be made in Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas set on the western shores of the lake.
Around 2.30 the boat will begin its journey back to the main section of Inle Lake. Although the route is the same as in the morning, the trip takes on a different feeling. The afternoon light casts a distinct glow on the lake, and there is usually more activity in the villages. 

Arrive at the hotel in time to freshen up and watch the sunset.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight on Inle lake

Day 9: Inle Lake – Indein – Heho / Yangon (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.

Transfer to Heho airport for your flight to Yangon.
Arrival in Yangon and transfer to your hotel.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Yangon

Day 10: Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Departure by road to one of the most famous sites in Myanmar: Kyaikhtiyo, also called Golden Rock (5-6 hours).
Note: each participant can prepare a small travel bag to take for this excursion. The main luggage will remain at Yangon hotel.

Arrival after lunchtime to Kin Pun camp, the starting point of the short trek to Kyaikhtiyo mount. Transfer to your hotel in a local truck (not privatised for individuals). You will make the last kilometres walking, on a small road, to reach the top of the mountain.

A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's most important pilgrimage sites. The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha, and Buddhists from across the country come here to pay homage.  

Return to your hotel walking.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Kyaikhtiyo

Day 11: Kyaikhtiyo – Hpa An (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Return to Kin Pun by local truck where you will meet your driver.

Transfer to Thaton for about 2 hours with stops along the way to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Continue by road to Hpa An, the capital of Kayin state (about 3 hours). Along the way, we will stop to visit Kawt Gone cave and discover this site with thousands of tablets describing Buddha’s lives.

We will arrive in Hpa An in the late afternoon.  As we approach the city, the mountains surrounding Hpa An will slowly come into view.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Hpa An

Day 12: Hpa An (B)
Breakfast at your hotel.

Today’s first stop will be the local morning market where inhabitants from Hpa An and around are coming to exchange their goods.

You will then visit Sadan Cave. This cave will bring out our inner Indiana Jones. Sadan starts off as a typical Myanmar cave, full of Buddha images and even a reclining Buddha. As we make our way to the back of the cave, a natural tunnel comes into view. Follow the row of lights through the tunnel for about 15 minutes to get to the other side. As we reach the end, a magnificent view of a hidden lake and meadow come into sight.

Afterwards, transfer to Kawt Ka Thuang cave. Nearby the cave, you will find a small pond where the locals use to swim and play. This is the best place to enjoy a snack or lunch at one of the stilted restaurants around.

Transfer to Kyauk Ka Lat. This natural rock sculpture, surrounded by a manmade lake, offers spectacular views of Mt Zwekabin and the surrounding area.
There should be time to visit Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda. This pagoda is the perfect spot to watch the sunset across the Thanlwin River.

Meals at leisure.
Overnight in Hpa An

Day 13: Hpa An – Yangon – Departure (B)
Breakfast at your hotel then transfers from Hpa An to Yangon airport for your return flight.