After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the domestic airport for the scheduled flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo) (approximately 75 minutes). The day in Bagan will begin with a visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda, a gilded, bell-shaped structure that became the prototype for virtually all later pagodas in Myanmar.

Afterwards, pay a visit to the Ananda Temple, an impressive example of Mon architecture that has been whitewashed and contains four standing Buddhas as well as well-maintained murals from the 18th century. This temple, built in 1901 by Kyanzittha, is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha.

Breakfast included

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the vibrant local market in Nyaung-U. Experience the colorful daily life of the locals and indulge in the assortment of fresh vegetables, meat, fish, and crafts on display.

Next, explore Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya Temples, a beautiful complex that offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. Take advantage of this opportunity to capture some great photos.

Afterward, head to an authentic local village to gain insight into the typical Bagan lifestyle through a walking tour. Witness the daily routine of the locals and visit a family-run business where they make toddy or palm sugar. Observe how the sap is collected from small pots hung high in the trees and then heated in large pots to create a unique smoky and sweet palm sugar flavor.

In the afternoon, take some time to relax at the hotel before embarking on a slow cruise down the Ayeyarwady River in the evening. Observe the way of life of the fishermen and people living near the river, all while relishing a distinctive viewpoint of Bagan’s temples.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bagan.

Breakfast included
Overnight

After breakfast, head to the airport for a flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, begin the journey to Sagaing, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Mandalay’s various agricultural landscapes and villages.

Explore the ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, situated on Sagaing Hill, which is adorned with white, silver, and gold pagodas and monasteries along the riverside. Cross the bridge over the Ayeyarwady River and drive to the summit for sweeping panoramic views. Visit the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, built-in 1312, which offers spectacular vistas of the pagoda-decorated hills and the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Next, visit the unique Umin Thonze Pagoda, also known as 30 Caves Pagoda, which houses 45 beautiful gilded Buddha images of various sizes. The golden statues are set in a turquoise-colored tiled mosaic hall, making for a breathtaking sight. Take some great photos in the thirty caves.

Then, visit a local market and observe the daily life of the locals before proceeding to a small pottery village to witness traditional pottery production.

Finally, on the way back to Amarapura, visit the 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, reputed to be the world’s longest teak footbridge, built-in 1782. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bridge while taking in the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.

Stay overnight in Mandalay.

Breakfast included
Overnight

Breakfast at the hotel and start the day by heading to the jetty to board a local private boat for a picturesque one-hour journey to Mingun (11 km). While on the boat, enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and observe the local lifestyles of people using small longtail boats, bamboo rafts, and ferries to carry goods up and down the river.

Upon arrival at Mingun, admire the world’s largest uncracked bell, the Mingun Bell, which weighs over 87 tons and stands over 3.7 meters tall. Next, explore the Hsinbyume (Ma Thein Tan) Pagoda, a white-washed temple designed to look like Mount Meru, and the unfinished Mingun Pagoda, which was intended to be the world’s largest.

Afterward, cruise back to Mandalay to explore some of its most revered attractions, starting with the Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses one of Myanmar’s most sacred religious images. Then, continue the tour to the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwe Kyaung), an exemplary traditional wooden building, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is home to the world’s largest book, consisting of 1,460 marble pages that each stand on its own stand.

The day ends at Mandalay Hill, where you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the city and the surrounding countryside as the sun sets on the horizon.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Breakfast included
Overnight

After an early breakfast, leave for Mandalay domestic airport for a short (approximately 30 minutes) flight to Heho airport. Upon arrival, you’ll drive for an hour to reach the Nyaung Shwe jetty, the gateway to Inle Lake, which is known for its unique leg rowers.

On your way to the jetty, stop by at a local family-run workshop to observe the traditional paper-making process for Shan parasols. You’ll also visit the beautiful red-painted teak building called “Shwe Yan Pyay,” which dates back to the 19th century.

Once you arrive at the jetty, embark on a local boat trip to explore Inle Lake, a photographer’s paradise due to its natural beauty and stunning landscapes. The calm waters of the lake are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, and the picturesque hills provide a perfect backdrop. Observe the lake’s famous “leg rowers” – the Intha fishermen who stand up with one leg around a single paddle while using their hands to manipulate the conical fishing net.

Next, visit the holiest religious site in southern Shan State, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, before stopping at a traditional boat building workshop, where local teak is used to make the longboats that traverse Inle Lake. Then, continue to observe silk weaving on wooden handlooms, as well as the making of fabrics with lotus flower fibers. Pass by endless floating gardens, where Intha lake dwellers grow fruits and vegetables.

After a day of exploration, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Inle.

Breakfast included
Overnight

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head to the local market, which changes locations around the lake villages every 5 days. The market provides a glimpse into the lives of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu, and Intha people who come to sell their wares and buy goods.

Take a long-tailed boat across the lake to Indein, located at the western end of Inle Lake. This boat trip is one of the most scenic ones on the lake. After getting off the jetty, stroll through the charming Indein village for a few minutes to arrive at the pagoda ruins of Nyaung Oak which date back from the 14th to 18th century. A covered pathway, known for its souvenir shops, guides visitors to the Shwe Inn Thein Paya, which comprises of several weather-worn zedis (small pagodas) from the 17th to 18th centuries, with some being recently restored.

Return to Inle Lake and continue the trip by visiting a cheroot-maker’s workshop, where typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. Then pass by a traditional blacksmith’s forge. Take a canoe boat experience with Inle Canoe Lady, which will be rowed by local women who work at the cigar workshop but offer this short trip to provide their families with extra income. The canoe will take you through the channels between the houses built on stilts and the floating gardens of the Intha people who live in the lake. Once back at the hotel, you will have leisure time for the rest of the evening to watch the sunset over the postcard views of the lake.

Overnight in Inle.

Breakfast included
Overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Yangon, which takes approximately 75 minutes. Upon arrival in Yangon, start exploring the city with a visit to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, a huge reclining Buddha that measures 217 feet long and is one of the largest in Myanmar. Take a photo stop at the Karaweik Royal Barge, a concrete reproduction of a royal barge that sits at the eastern edge of the lake. Next, visit the famous Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), which has hundreds of shops for food, clothing, crafts, and precious stones.

In the evening, you will have free time to spend at your leisure. Overnight in Yangon.

Notice: The Bogyoke Market (Scott Market) is closed every Monday and public holidays.

Breakfast included
Overnight

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and spend your free time at leisure until your departure time. Then, transfer to Yangon International airport for your next destination.

Breakfast included