MYA303 - ANCIENT MYANMAR - 7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS

This package tour got the main focus on the former ancient kingdoms of Mandalay and Bagan. Start your journey at Mandalay, the second largest city and last former royal kingdom incl. the sights of ancient Amarapura and Ava. Then continue by a short flight to Bagan, the ancient city with over 2000 pagodas and temples. Bagan's beauty and historical significance is unsurpassed. Here you got enough time to see all major sights incl. a side trip to the famous Mount Popa. From Bagan another short flight finally brings you to the bustling former capital of Yangon with the Shwedagon Pagoda on top of the agenda. Then it is time to say good bye to Myanmar and continue your journey from Yangon. Daily departure from Mandalay, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 MANDALAY

Arrival in Mandalay. Our tour guide and driver will welcome you. On the way to the hotel start your sightseeing and head first to Amarapura. Here visit U Bein Bridge, the longest teak wood bridge in the world (1,2 km). From here continue to the famous Mahamuni Pagoda and then to Shwenandaw Kyaung, better known as the teak wood monastery. Another highlight is the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Then in the late afternoon drive up to Mandalay Hill. This hill, topped with a temple style pagoda of mirrored hallways offers a fantastic view all over the city and the central plain. Overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 2 MANDALAY B

After breakfast take a boat trip (approx. one hour) on the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River and visit Mingun, home to the largest intact bell (it does weight nearly 90 tons!). See also gigantic Mingun Paya Stupa. On top you can enjoy great views to the river and towards Mandalay. Hsinbyume Paya, the white, round shaped chedi is another spectacular sight here. Then board the boat again and return to Mandalay. Go on to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries. Take a short sightseeing trip by horse carriage. Finally take a look to the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. Return to the hotel and get some time at leisure or take a stroll around in the bustling former royal capital. Spend another night in Mandalay.

DAY 3 MANDALAY - NYAUNG U (BAGAN) B

In the morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Nyaung U. Here our station guide will meet you and accompany you for the sightseeing in Bagan. This deserted ancient city alongside the Ayeyarwaddy River is home to over 2000 temples and pagodas, covering an area of around 40 square km. Myanmar's greatest wonder, and by far its largest attraction, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. You will see all major sights, such as Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Temple, Htilo-Minlo Temple and Dhammayazika Pagoda, which offers a nice view over the Bagan Plain. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Bagan.

DAY 4 BAGAN B

After breakfast visit colorful Nyaung U Market where dozens of vendors from near villages come to sell fresh products. Then drive to Mount Popa, which is also known as the flower mountain. 777 steep stairs lead up to the 737 meters high peak of its extinct volcanic vent with pagodas and small temples perched at the summit. Mount Popa is the home of the country's most powerful Nats (sacred spirits) and does offer an entrancing view across the plains of upper Myanmar. In the afternoon you will return to Bagan and spend one more night here.

DAY 5 NYAUNG U (BAGAN) - YANGON B

Transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. On arrival our tour guide and driver will welcome you, followed by transfer to the hotel. The city, with a population of over 6 million is lined by the Yangon River in the west and the Bago River in the south. A green city and full of trees, above which shimmering pagodas seem to float. The center of Yangon still retains many impressive old buildings from the British colonial period. Today's sightseeing will include the Sule Pagoda, situated in downtown Yangon and is one of the landmarks. Nearby walk around dating back British colonial era buildings, like the City Hall and through the Mahabandoola Park. At the end of the day visit Shwedagon Pagoda, for sure one of the highlights of any trip to Yangon, and Myanmar itself. Stay overnight in Yangon.

DAY 6 YANGON B

After breakfast continue to explore the former capital and visit Bogyoke Aun Sang Market (better known as Scott Market). This sprawling, over 70 years old market has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts. Even a stroll along all the different stands without the intention of buying is a pleasant change in every itinerary. Go on to see Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha followed by a visit to Chinatown, located west of the city center, still within the downtown area. Here you can enjoy the various street markets, where you can buy nearly everything and visit Kheng Hock Keong, the largest Chinese Temple in the city, which is over 100 years old. In the afternoon is some time left to relax or take the chance to explore Yangon by yourself, for example at Kandawgyi Lake (royal lake) or at the bustling harbor area. Spend another night here in Yangon.

DAY 7 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 Yangon and end in Mandalay or start and end both 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 tour guides at each destination, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation for 6 nights at middle class hotels incl. daily breakfast, entrance fees as per program, domestic flights Mandalay - Nyaung U (Bagan) and Nyaung U (Bagan) - Yangon

NOT INCLUDED:

Visa for Myanmar, drinks, tips and personal expenses

HOW TO GET TO MANDALAY:

From/to Bangkok (Thailand) flights by Bangkok Airways and Thai Air Asia. From/to Chiang Mai (Thailand) by Bangkok Airways. All these flights and transfers can be booked with us.