On this tour we explore the heritage buildings and highlights of Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the former capital city of the British colonial administration. From Yangon we travel north to the new capital city of Naypyidaw established in 2005, and visit some of the impressive achievements of this fastest growing capital in the world. From Naypyidaw we journey north to Mandalay, the centre and cradle of Burmese culture and site of last Burmese kingdom before being defeated by the British. In Mandalay we visit the city highlights and the nearby ancient kingdoms of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura; we also enjoy a magical sunset by the worlds longest teak wooden bridge. 

 

Brief Itinerary

 

Day 1: arrival Yangon

Day 2: Yangon Highlights and Walking Tour

Day 3: Yangon - Naypyidaw

Day 4: Naypyidaw – Mandalay

Day 5: Mandalay Impressions & Mingun Cruise

Day 6: Ava (Inwa) – Sagaing – Amarapura – Ubein Bridge

Day 7: Departure

 

Day 1: arrival Yangon                                                                                 [-/-/-]

 

On arrival at Yangon international airport after an afternoon or evening flight, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

 

 

Meals included:  -

Overnight stay:  in hotel in Yangon   

 

 

Day 2: Yangon Highlights and Walking Tour                                        B/-/-]

 

This morning we head out to explore the highlights of Yangon. Starting from the colonial-style city centre and one of the landmarks, the Sule Paya stupa built over 2,000 years ago and is now the focal point of numerous historical events in the city. We continue on foot to the quaint Yangon Old Quarter, built during the British colonial era. Many charming historical buildings are still located here. During our stroll through the bustling market streets full of merchants and food stalls, we visit a local pharmacy and learn about Myanmar traditional medicine, stop for tea and a snack as the locals do, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Yangon. We continue to one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the elegant Strand Hotel built by the illustrious Sarkies brothers. Inside, we visit the River Art Gallery, where the works of some of the most famous and skilled Burmese artists are on display, and fitting of the grand surroundings. We continue to the bustling Bogyoke (Scotts) market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked away in a maze of color. (Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and on public holidays).

 

After lunch you have some free time to relax or explore. Later, we continue on to Chauk That Gyi pagoda to view the magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Swedagon Pagoda, a gold-covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Swedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed. 

 

 

Meals included:  breakfast

Overnight stay:  Yangon hotel

 

 

 

Da 3: Yangon - Naypyidaw                                                                         [B/-/-]

 

After breakfast you will be picked up by your guide and transferred to Yangon bus terminal. You travel for around 5 hours by air-conditioned intercity bus to the new administrative capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw. Naypyidaw translated as “the Royal City” and is the fastest growing capital city with a population estimated to be around 1.3 million. Its birth date is said to be November 5^th 2005, which is when government truck convoys started moving offices to the new capital city after a short-notice announcement of a new capital. Naypyidaw is situated 320km north of Yangon half way between Yangon and Mandalay. Most inhabitants of the city are civil servants and their families. The area has gone through impressive changes from dry wasteland to a green landscaped, manicured oasis with newly developed facilities and housing. On arrival a Naypyidaw your local guide and driver will welcome you. This afternoon’s sightseeing includes a photo stop by Parliament House and the huge parade road leading to it. We will also visit the Water Fountain garden and the Uppsanti Stupa.

 

 

Meals included: breakfast

Overnight stay: Naypyidaw hotel     

 

 

Day 4: Naypyidaw - Mandalay                                                                   [B/-/-]

 

After breakfast we transfer to Naypyidaw bus terminal and take a 5-hour air-conditioned bus ride to the last royal capital, Mandalay. On arrival at Mandalay our driver will be waiting and we will head off for some serious afternoon sightseeing. We visit the 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 Kathodaw 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 the city skyline from Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.    

 

 

Meals included:  breakfast

Overnight stay:  Mandalay hotel

 

 

 

Day 5: Mandalay Impressions & Mingun Cruise                                   [B/-/-]

 

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a morning stroll through the lively Zegyo Market in the heart of the city to experience some more authentic local Mandalay daily life. We continue to the Artisan Quarters where some of the oldest craftsmanship is showcased, dating back to last kingdom of Myanmar. We observe the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. We also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded. Next, we proceed to the highlights of Mandalay; the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most significant Buddha images in the country, covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in long-passed wars between competing Myanmar kingdoms. In the afternoon we embark on a 1-hour cruise across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) to the quaint village of Mingun. Mingun is known for a massive unfinished pagoda that was dramatically cracked in half by an earthquake in the 1800s; another interesting site is its bronze bell, believed to be largest unbroken bronze bell in the world. Late afternoon we return to Mandalay by boat and transfer back to our hotel to relax and refresh.     

 

 

Meals included: breakfast

Overnight stay:  Mandalay hotel    

 

 

Day 6: Ava (Inwa) – Sagaing – Amarapura – Ubein Bridge                 [B/-/-]

 

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. We transfer 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of the Shan and Burmese Kingdoms for over four centuries. We cross over the Myint Nge River by ferry and explore the small roads of Ava by horse cart. We visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, over three hundred years old yet very 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 Bonzan Monastery building with its graceful curves and archways. We continue to the ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we enjoy magnificent views overlooking the river and hillside covered with countless pagodas. We visit a monastery in Sagaing to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees and continue to a well-known silversmith village near Sagaing. We continue to another beautiful ancient capital city, Amarapura, famous for its weaving and textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyi and traditional fabrics are constructed. We continue on to the Ubein Bridge, a simple yet strong teak structure that spans 1.2km over Taungtaman Lake. The bridge silhouetted by the setting sun is one of the most magical experiences in Myanmar and a photographer’s dream.             

 

 

Meals included: breakfast

Overnight stay:  Mandalay hotel

 

 

 

Day 7: Departure                                                                              [B/-/-]

 

 

Free time until your transfer to Mandalay airport for your onward flight.

 

Meals included:  breakfast

 

 

Included

 

•          Private tours and transfers with air-conditioned vehicles as specified in our itinerary

•          2 bottles of water & 2 refreshing towels per passenger per day

•          All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary

•          English speaking local guides (other language guides available at additional cost)

•          Lodging with breakfast as specified in the itinerary

•          Meals as specified in the itinerary

 

 

Excluded

 

•          Visa to Myanmar (note that pre-arranged visa is required for tourists)

•          International airfares or domestic air fares  (always quoted and mentioned separately from tour            package price)

•          Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary

•          Early check-in, late check out. Normal check out time from hotels in Myanmar is 11am or 12                   o’clock noon           

•          Expenses of a personal nature

•          Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending

•          Camera & video fees. Some of the sites visited may ask small fees for photographing and                      video recording. 

•          Tips and gratuities

  This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The ‘Price From’ quoted is for a party of 6 to 8 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

 TBA