Journey to the heart of Myanmar

17 Days Tour Experience Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the most magical and undiscovered destinations in the world: A golden land of breath-taking beauty and charm that is steeped in fascinating history and traditions. Myanmar has only recently (2011) opened its borders to the rest of the world. Whilst the country is rapidly changing due to the sheer demand of tourism footfall the way of life is still very laid back. A must visit destination in the next few years before it changes completely.

Prices from £1984.00 per person based on 6 People
Including International and Domestic Flights, Ground Transfers and Accommodation with Breakfasts

ITINERARY

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: London - Mandalay
Day 2: Mandalay Arrival & Amarapura
Day 3: Mandalay – Ava – Sagaing
Day 4: Mandalay Fly Bagan
Day 5: Bagan – Mt.Popa – Bagan
Day 6: Bagan – Kanpetlet
Day 7: Kanpelet – Mt.Victoria - Mindat
Day 8: Mindat
Day 9: Mindat – Bagan
Day 10: Bagan Fly Heho – Inle
Day 11: Inle – Sagar – Phae Khone - Loikaw
Day 12: Loikaw
Day 13: Loikaw Fly Yangon
Day 14: Yangon- Golden Rock
Day 15: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon
Day 16: Yangon
Day 17: Yangon Departure

Day 1: London-Mandalay

Take the flight to Mandalay, the last capital of then-Burma’s Konbaung Dynasty until its decline in 1885 at the hands of the British.

Day 2: Mandalay Arrival

Min ga la ba! Welcome to Dynasty Mandalay from MYANMAR!
On arrival to Mandalay, meet and greet with our local English speaking guide and transfer to visit the beautiful ancient capital, Amarapura, famous for its textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven. Continuing to the Ubain Bridge, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake, we have the option to be row onto the calm waters. U Bein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer’s dream dinner at the local restaurant. End the day with a visit to the highly-revered Mahamuni Pagoda.
Highly recommended to visit the Pagoda before dinner because it’s open until 8 pm and too dark to see clearly for architecture on the wall of Pagoda. Overnight at Hotel in Mandalay

Day 3: Mandalay- Ava – Sagaing – City Immersions ( B/-/-)

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. We transfer 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. Crossing the Myint Nge River by ferry, the small roads of Ava are explored by horse cart. We visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the Maha Aungmye Bonza Monastery ( also called Me Nu Oak Kyaung – Mae Nu’s brick monastery ) , a 300-year old architectural wonder with graceful archways. We continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, located across by the bridge of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we enjoy views of the hillside dotted with countless pagodas and pay a special visit to a monastery to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees.
Drive to Mandalay, explore Mandalay Dynasty City Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone slabs and regarded as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area.
We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.
Overnight at Hotel in Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay Fly Bagan ( B/-/D)

Breakfast at Hotel, we transfer to Mandalay airport departure for Bagan about 1hr flight to Nyaung U/ Bagan. Arrive Nyaung U Airport, luggage handling then towards the car to begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. The Dhamayazeka Zedi is our first visit, providing panoramic views of the temple-studded plains of Bagan. We continue to the Archeological Museum and the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Not far from the stupa, the Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best-preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka re-incarnations.
Check in Hotel and leisure at your own time for the break.
Next, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in Myingaba Village, and then visit Htilominlo Temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour ends with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands. For sunset, a horse cart ride around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting).
This evening enjoy dinner at Nanda Restaurant with traditional puppet show performance.
Overnight in Bagan.

Day 5: Bagan – Mt.Popa – Bagan ( B/-/-)

Option: sunrise hot air ballooning over the temples of Bagan, with champagne breakfast (USD 290.person ).
Head southeast from Bagan by road to Mount Popa, which rises 1,518 meters from the surrounding plains. The famous Popa Taunkalat Monastery is perched dramatically atop a volcanic plug on the mountain’s slopes, and can be reached by climbing 777 steps – and skipping around hundreds of sometimes overly-confident macaques! The monastery offers stunning views of the mountain and back across to Bagan and is famed for being home to 37 nats (Burmese spirits), which have a fascinating history.
Returning to Bagan, we will stop at a locally-owned shop to see the process of making toddy palm juice (htan ye in Burmese), with the chance for a tipple!
Overnight at Hotel in Bagan

Day 6: Bagan - Kanpetlet ( Tribal Chin State ) ( B/L/D)

After breakfast, head into the untouched mountainous wilds of Chin State with your local Chin guide, who was born and raised in this remote part of the country and speaks the language – and will be your companion for the next four days. It is 7 hours by car to the small mountain town of Kanpetlet, and along the way we will take in market towns and villages, with lunch at a roadside tea house.
Arrive in Kanpetlet in the late afternoon and wander around the simple homesteads and churches of this quiet rural backwater; you will stay at one of the eco lodges higher up the mountain.
Overnight at Hotel in Kanpetlet.

Day 7: Kanpetlet – Mt.Victoria - Mindat ( B/L/D)

CLIMB MOUNT VICTORIA
Following a hearty breakfast at your eco Lodge, drive to the trailhead for Mount Victoria (known as Nat Ma Taung in Burmese or Khonuamthung in the local Chin language). From here it is a straightforward 5-hour hike to the summit and back, along the way observing many forms of fauna and flora – including rare native and migratory birds and unusual species of butterflies, rhododendrons, and butterflies.
Return to the trailhead and we then drive northwards to Mindat, taking in local village life and dramatic views along the way – including the town itself, which is spectacularly situated along a mountain ridge.
Overnight at Local Guest House in Mindat.

Day 8: The Tatoo-Faced Tribes of Mindat ( B/L/D)

In and around Mindat, you will find members of the indigenous Dai, Upu, and Ya tribes, of which the older womenfolk all have distinctive full facial tattoos – the designs of which are different from each other, indicating which village they are from.
You will have the chance to meet the locals and visit their homesteads and small rural businesses, then drive to Kyar Do village and hike about one hour to an even more remote outpost, where will see a traditional Chin graveyard and meet a famed local hunter whose trophies are proudly mounted in his home.
Finish the day with a trip to Mindat’s market, where you can buy traditional Chin wares – from the combined knife and wine holsters (!) to delicate embroidery.
Overnight at Local Guest In Mindat.

Day 9: Return to Bagan ( B/-/-)

Head back down from the mountains to the plains in time for a late afternoon and evening in Bagan, with a chance for some further exploration – or simply enjoy a meal and drink by the pagodas.
Finish your day by witnessing one of Bagan’s famously dramatic sunsets, watched from the top of a temple specially chose by your guide with the best views, whilst avoiding the crowds.
Overnight at Hotel in Bagan.

Day 10: Bagan Fly Heho – Inle Lake ( B/-/-)

Fly from Bagan to Inle Lake. In the fresh air of the Shan hills, take a sightseeing trip of the floating villages and gardens on a long-tailed boat - visiting locally-owned silk weaving and lotus industries in Innpawkhine village before stopping in Nanpan to witness work at a Cheroot (traditional Myanmar cigar) factory.
We continue our tour to see the revered Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda and, if we have time, stop at Leshae Village to witness the making of a Buddha image through the use of dried flour powder.
Overnight at Hotel in Inle Lake.

Day 11: Sagar – Phae Khone – Loikaw ( B/-/-)

Take the scenic and off-the-beaten-track trip south to Phae Khone by boat, on the way visiting Sagar – offering an insight into a less-visited part of Inle Lake and allowing you to interact a little more with the local people who call the lake their home.
The final one and half hour stretch to Loikaww is done by car, as a sluice gate blocks the river route. Arrive in the late afternoon in the sleepy capital of scenic Kayah State, until recently off-limits to foreigners.
Overnight at Hotel in Loikaw.

Day 12: Kayah Community Explore ( B/-/-)

Most famous for the distinctive ‘long-necked’ women of the Kayan tribe, this areaa has one of Myanmar’s best-established Community-Based Tourism programs, offering fascinating insights into local life and culture - and activities were developed based on special elements of local life which community members feel proud and comfortable to share with guests.
We will head by car to Pan Pet village, located in the beautiful, jagged mountains to the south. Here you will be met by a local Kayan villager trained in community-based tourism practices, who will be your guide. You will have the chance to go on a hike in the mountains and visit the villages, meeting the ‘long-necked’ Kayan women, known for the brass rings that they sport around their necks, and buy handicrafts from their local stores.
Overnight at Hotel in Loikaw.

Day 13: Loikaw Fly Yangon ( B/-/-)

B’fast at Hotel. Free and Leisure at Hotel before departure time. After then, transfer to Loikaw Airport departure for Yangon by afternoon scheduled flight. Arrive Yangon and transfer to your Hotel.
Relax at your own time.

Day 14: Yangon – Bago - Golden Rock ( B/-/-)

Morning pick up and drive 1.5hrs/80km to Bago, one of richest archeological sites in Myanmar and the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom. On the way, we visit a Nat Tree Shrine dedicated to famous nat spirit at the base of a grand tree, and a Cottage Industry that produces intricate woven bamboo crafts.
Visit the Allied War Cemetery at Htaukkyant.
In Bago, we take a stroll through a colorful Bago Market and stop for a cup of tea or coffee in the local tea shop like the locals do ( by your own account and if desired ). We continue 3.5hrs/110km to Kin Pun base camp to change our mode of transport to an open truck. The ride is shared with local pilgrimage makers for the next 11km to Yathetaung base camp, located 500m below the summit ridge.
A further 1hr hikes up a part of the steep road and the paved trail leads us to the summit. The Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo as the Burmese call it, is a fascinating sacred boulder covered in gold leaf and balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. Crowning the boulder is a small shrine believed to contain Buddha's hair relics, the source of the gravity-defying magic.
A continual stream of pilgrims from Myanmar and Asia come to witness the wonder at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy the tranquil sunset, soak in the unique atmosphere and share in wonder with the fellow monk, nuns, and lay pilgrims.
Overnight at Hotel in Golden Rock.

Day 15: Golden Rock – Bago - Yangon ( B/-/-)

After breakfast, return to Yangon. En route, we visit Bago, the ancient Mon Capital, 80 Kilometres northeast of Yangon. Sightseeing tour highlights include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar, Shwethalyaung, the world’s most beautiful Reclining Buddha; Wood curving industry and Kyaikpun Pagoda. On the way back to Yangon in the late evening.
Overnight at Hotel in Yangon.

Day 16: Island Explore & Yangon City Immersions ( B/-/-)

Meet your guide at biking city (49th street, 10 minutes’ walk from Sule Pagoda), choose your bike and helmet, get a short briefing about the tour and introduction to the bike (gears …)., and off we go!
After a short 10 minutes cycling through downtown Yangon, we reach to the Pansodan jetty, where we board the big ferry to Dala, across the Yangon river. We’ll be exploring the little-visited neighborhoods and backstreets of Dala and also visit the famous golden monk.
Back at Warden jetty, we cycle on a separate bike lane past the colonial buildings on Strand road towards our office on 49th street, where refreshing drinks and snow towels are waiting for the finishers!
This is an easy and enjoyable tour, which can be handled by everyone who is healthy and knows how to ride a bike - no prior biking experience needed. The tour leads through villages and rice fields, across rivers - perfect for everyone who wants to catch a glimpse of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta area, without heading out too far!
Conclude the visit of Yangon with a pleasant walk from Kandawgyi lake to Shwedagon. Our tour guide will introduce you the uniqueness and how important Shwedagon pagoda is to the life of Yangon people. Sunset by this golden spire is simply very remarkable before you return to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Yangon.

Day 17: Yangon Communities & Departure to London ( B/-/-)

Depending on your flight time, visit Bogyoke Aung San Market. Half a day could easily be spent wandering around this sprawling covered market, sometimes called by its old British name, Scott Market. It has more than 2000 shops and the largest selection of Myanmar handicrafts and souvenirs you’ll find under several roofs, from lacquerware and Shan shoulder bags to puppets and jewelry. It's also a good place to find tailors.
Transfer to airport departure for next destination by afternoon flight.

***All touring schedules and activities are flexible and will be adjusted to guests’ wishes***

Costs

Prices From per person based on 2-4-6-8 Persons traveling together Extra Seasonal supplements may apply during National Holiday periods and will be advised at time of inquiry.

Price Details
TOUR PRICE: From 01 Oct 2019 - 31 Dec 2020

4*HOTEL 2 Pax4 Pax6 Pax8 PaxSingle Supplement
Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 (High Season) Fr. £2837.00 pp Fr. £2500.00 pp Fr. £2295.00 pp Fr. £2293.00 pp £549.00
Apr 2020 - Sep 2020 (Low Season) Fr. £2526.00 pp Fr. £2190.00 pp Fr. £1984.00 pp Fr. £1982.00 pp £446.00
Oct 2020 - Dec 2020 (High Season) Fr. £2837.00 pp Fr. £2500.00 pp Fr. £2295.00 pp Fr. £2293.00 pp £549.00

Rates Might Be Changed In Case of Any Changes in Governmental Taxes Or Fuel Surcharges.

Blackout date: 13-16 April 2020 (Myanmar Water Festival Days) During these days, transportation will be double or 50% charge more than normal price. Christmas and New Year Eve Dinners are TBA.


QUOTE INCLUDES:

- International Flights and Domestic Flights - 15 nights’ Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below-indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax):
o 1-2 pax: Saloon car or similar
o 3-6 pax: Hi-ace car or similar
o 8 pax: Mini-Bus ( 18 Seats )
- English Speaking Station Guide
- All entrance fees as program
- Inwa Ferry Boat & Horse Cart excursion
- Bagan Sunset Boat
- Open Truck Coach Fees for Golden Rock ( up / down )
- Trekking Guide in Mt.Victoria Trip
- Inle Lake – Shan Long Tail Boat Excursion by private boat till Phae Khone Jetty
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food):
o Daily breakfasts at hotels
o 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners for Mt.Victoria Trip as per described in the program
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on the bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only

QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visas to Myanmar
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Tips
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- Compulsory Dinner For X’mas Eve and New Year Eve at Hotel
- All not mentioned above

*Remarks: These are current rates. The airfares are subject to be changed and will be updated at the time of booking and ticket issuing.

HOTELS

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4* Hotels