MYA301 - MYANMAR HIGHLIGHTS - 6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS

A package for people with less time, but eager to see some major highlights of Myanmar. Start your journey in the former capital of Yangon with the beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda the main sight for sure. A short flight brings you to the ancient city of Bagan with over 2000 pagodas and temples. Bagan's beauty and historical significance is unsurpassed. Another short flight will take you to the picturesque Inle Lake, another magical place of Myanmar and surrounded by the mountains of the Shan State. Finally you will return to Yangon, from where you can continue your journey. Daily departure from Yangon, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 YANGON

Arrive at Yangon International Airport, where you are welcomed. Our station guide accompanies you to the hotel in the city. The city, with a population of over 6 million inhabitants is lined by the Yangon River in the west and the Bago River in the south. Start the excursion with a visit to Sule Pagoda. It is situated in the very center of downtown Yangon. Next travel to Kandawgyi Lake with its famous Karaweik Barge. You may also visit the sprawling, over 70 years old Scott Market. Afterwards proceed to the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, before finally going to visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any trip to Yangon. This 2,600 years old pagoda appears most beautiful during the early morning or evening, when we are able to enjoy this gilded sight in different colors. Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

DAY 2 YANGON - NYAUNG U (BAGAN) B

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nyaung U (Bagan). Our station guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you for a full day of sightseeing in Bagan. This deserted ancient city alongside the Irrawaddy River was once the capital of Myanmar from 11th to 13th centuries. It is home to over 2000 temples and pagodas. It represents also the spiritual heritage of ancient Burma. First visit colorful Nyaung U Market. From here you will visit the most famous pagoda in Bagan, the Shwezigone. Today excursion inludes more major sights of this ancient city such as Kyanzittha Umin, Gu-Byauk-Gyi Temple, Htilo-Minlo Temple, Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple (the highest building in Bagan). After some relaxation go on to Dhammayangyi Pahto and Sulamone. Finally see also also traditional lacquer ware workshops in Myinkaba Village. Last but not least enjoy sunset at Pyatthatgyi Paya or one atop of Bagan''s temple. Overnight in Bagan.

DAY 3 BAGAN B

After breakfast you will be driven to Mount Popa, the flower mountain. A little oasis and home of the most powerful Nats (sacred spirits) and offers an entrancing view across the plains of upper Myanmar. 777 steep stairs lead up to high peak of its extinct volcanic vent (Taungkalat) with pagodas and small temples perched at the summit (the climb is optional!). On route back visit Shwe Hlaing, a rural village, which makes its living by producing various items from the toddy palm trees. Observe how to make Myanmar's Candy and liquor at toddy climber's hut. Spend another night in Bagan

DAY 4 NYAUNG U (BAGAN) - HEHO (INLE LAKE) B

After breakfast transfer to the airport for a short flight to Heho. Upon arrival meet our local guide and drive directly to Nyaung Shwe, gateway to Inle Lake. The lake is surrounded by high plateaus and overlooked by the misty Shan mountains. It is also the home of the Intha people, who have adapted to their environment by building entire villages rising on stilts from the shallow waters. Lake dwellers grow an array of flowers and vegetables in picturesque floating gardens and fields, tended by workers in canoes. They have become famous for their unique one-leg rowing technique. Later you will visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Nga Phe Kyaung (in the past also known as "the monastery of jumping cats"). Last but not least you will experience the traditional handicrafts (silk weaving, gold & silver smithing, paper making, boat making etc.). Then return to the hotel for some time at leisure and overnight.

DAY 5 HEHO (INLE LAKE) - YANGON B

In the morning you will start your sightseeing tour by boat. Visit one of the bustling markets around Inle Lake. A variety of different products are offered, mainly grown on the floating gardens. Additional local color is added by the presence of the different tribal groups, such as the Pa-Oh, who come from far and wide to sell their items. The market rotates between different villages over five days. Go on to see Indein Village, located half way along the western side of the lake with its 1,094 stupas surrounding the main pagoda. In the afternoon proceed to Heho Airport for your short flight back to Yangon. Transfer to the hotel in the city center. Overnight in Yangon.

DAY 6 YANGON B

Time at leisure until transfer to the airport and continue your journey......or extend your stay in Yangon, depend on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

You should get your visa for Myanmar in advance! Please contact your nearest Myanmar Embassy or Consulate for it. For a while already there is also an e-visa service available and you can check here: https://myanmarvisa.com

This tour package (slightly modified) is also available with start in Mandalay and end in Yangon.

Flights to/from Thandwe incl. accommodation at Ngapali Beach at the end of this tour package can be booked with us.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking local tour guides at each destination, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation for 5 nights at middle class hotels with daily breakfast, entrance fees as per program, domestic flights Yangon - Nyaung U (Bagan), Nyaung U (Bagan) - Heho (Inle Lake) and Heho (Inle Lake) - Yangon

NOT INCLUDED:

Visa for Myanmar, drinks, tips and personal expenses

HOW TO GET TO YANGON:

From/to Bangkok (Thailand) flights by Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Myanmar Airways International and Myanmar National Airlines. From/to Chiang Mai (Thailand) flights by Bangkok Airways. From/to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) flights by Vietnam Airlines. From/to Hanoi (Vietnam) by Vietnam Airlines and Viet Jet Air