Spectacular Mandalay to Yangon 9 Days and 8 Nights

Activities: City, Nature, Temple, Boattrip, Island(s) Trip

Spectacular Mandalay to Yangon 9 days BUR-003

Day 1: Mandalay arrival and sightseeing

Arrival Mandalay, transfer from the airport toward Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom and a city rich in history and culture. On the way we stop at the ancient royal capital of Amarapura (a capital twice during the Konbaung period), and enjoy a walk on U Bein Bridge which stretches 1.2 kilometers over Lake Taungtaman. Built around 1850, it is the oldest and longest teakwood span in the world. As we stroll in the vicinity of U Bein Bridge we can also see traditional silk and cotton weaving for which Mandalay is noted.

After our lunch break we visit the nearby small island of Inwa, founded in 1364 and lasting nearly 400 years as a royal capital. Inwa is accessible by a short ferry transfer and there are no cars on the island. We travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls; a watch tower now called the’ leaning tower of Ava’; the Maha Aungmye Bonzan, which is a beautiful brick-and-stucco monastery; and the elegant teakwood monastery Bagaya Kyaung, one of the few surviving teakwood monasteries in Myanmar and where young monks still study. Return from Inwa and transfer into Mandalay city.

Overnight in Mandalay.

mandalaymonks teak monastery mandalay myanmar burma

Day 2: Mingun – Sagging

After breakfast our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the drive to Sagaing, a former capital of Shan Kingdom and Myanmar Kingdom but nowadays is renowned as the religious center of Myanmar because of over 400 monasteries spreading throughout the hillocks. After crossing the Inwa bridge (also called Sagaing bridge), we will stop at Sagain Hill, a spectacular hill that is not so touristic as Mandalay hill where you will notice peace and serenity with outstanding views of the ares. The highlights in this area include Soonooponyashin Pagoda, Uminthonese – a thirty man-made caves pagoda. Other highlights include silver smith and Kaunghmudaw pagoda – the gigantic stupa with an egg shape design modeled after a famous pagoda in Sri Lanka.

After we are finished in this area we drive back to Mandalay and transfer to a boat jetty, we board a boat for a comfortable ride up river to reach Mingun, located at the other side of the Ayeyarwaddy River and north of Mandalay. The boat ride is always pleasant as one can learn the ways of local life along the river. Sightseeing highlights includes Pathodawgyi – one of the most famous in the world, also known as the largest unfinished Pagoda. Building started in 1791, it was intentionally left unfinished at 49 meters high. Had it been finished it would have towered 150 meters. The Pagoda was badly damaged by an earthquake in 18.39.; Mingun bell – said to be world’s biggest uncracked ringing bell weighing in at 90,718 kilograms (199,999 pounds)and Myatheindan pagoda representing Buddhist cosmology built in 1816 representing the Sulamani Pagoda which, according to the Buddhist plan of the Cosmos, stand atop Mount Meru. Drive back to Mandalay.

Overnight in Mandalay.

sagaingMingun pagoda view from river

Day 3: Mandalay – Bagan (Boat Trip)

Early morning departure (06.00)awaits us this morning where we travel from Mandalay to Bagan by modern ferry boat service. A pleasant way to spend the day as you travel down the fabled Ayeyarwady River. You can enjoy the fresh breeze on the decks enjoying the life of the local population on the side of the river. We will stop at several locations to pick up goods. Arrive in Bagan by late afternoon and transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

pakkouMalikha

Day 4: Bagan Sightseeing

After breakfast we begin our visit to one of Asia’s most stunning archeological destinations with its more than 2,000 pagodas doting the plains along the legendary Ayerwaddy River in the area known as Bagan. See the bustling Nyaung Oo local market and then some of Bagan’s most distinctive pagodas including Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas and Wetkyi-in- Gubyaukgyi, a 13th century ‘cave temple with fine wall paintings. One of the most outstanding is the magnificent Ananda Pagoda, one of the most revered pagodas in all Myanmar and containing four tall standing Buddhas. Afternoon sightseeing highlights; Sulamani Temple built by King Narapatisithu; Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan, and Thatbyinnyu Temple which towers above other monuments of Bagan. We can also visit a Thanaka museum, dedicated to the tree bark and root of the Thanaka tree used in making a fragrant white colored paste which Myanmar women wear for skin beauty and protection from the sun. Visitors can learn how to make and apply the Thanaka paste. Everywhere in Myanmar you can find this paste, and ingredients to make, perhaps a souvenir to take home? As the sun goes down we will be at one of the ideal temple to climb to the top selected by our guide to witness the spectacular sunset over one of the most beautiful area in the world to witness this.

Overnight in Bagan.

Nyaung-U-Market-in-Old-Bagan1Thatbyinnyu-Pagoda-Bagan-Myanmar1

Day 5: Day Trip to Mt. Popa

After breakfast we take a morning drive to Mt. Popa, which supposedly rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. The top has many gold stuppas. Poppa means “flower” in Sanskrit and you will find bottled flowers that you can purchase as offerings at the temple. Mt. Poppa is home to 37 Mahagiri Nats or aminist spirit entities (these can be seen at the base of the mountain). These spirits were once so important to the country’s early Kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign.

At the top of Mt. Poppa there is a volcanic plug with a temple on top that we can climb up to if we like. During the drive we can witness the beautiful country side passing several local villages. On the way to Mt. Popa visit a local toddy palm farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced and then return back to Bagan.

Overnight in Bagan.

mt. poppa mt. poppa1

Day 6: Bagan – Inle (By Air)

After breakfast our guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel to transfer us to the airport for your flight to Inle Lake. After arrival at Heho airport we will drive to Pindaya which is noted for its extensive limestone caves filled with Buddha images. Driving there we will be passing through the PaO and Danu villages of Pwehla and Ji Chanzi and endless fields of dry cultivated mountain rice and potato.

Inside the Pindaya Caves are nearly 8,000 Buddha images that have been placed there over the centuries as a form of merit making. Made of various materials and of different sizes, the statues are situated in every nook and cranny throughout the many cave chambers. After our visit here we drive to unique and magical Inle Lake, located about 900 meters above sea level and 20 km long by 6 km wide. Arrive Nyaung Shwe boat jetty and start our sightseeing by long tailed boat to Phaungdaw U Pagoda and if we have time, take a short visit to Leshae Village where you can see the making of Buddha image from dried flower powder. Later visit to ‘jumping cats’ monastery and floating gardens.

Overnight in Inle.

DSC09532inle lake

Day 7: Inle – Indein

After breakfast we continue our Inle Lake sightseeing with a visit to Indain and its enchanting 17th century pagodas. To reach Indain and the nearby village we will take a boat ride up a small scenic creek that runs into Inle lake. Then visit to Innpawkhone Village where you can see lotus and silk weaving industries. Next to is Nanpan to see the traditional boat making, cheroot (Burmese cigar) making factory.

Overnight in Inle.

creek at Indain, inle lakefloating gardens, inle

 

Day 8: Inle – Yangon (By Air)

After breakfast our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to transfer to the airport of Heho and fly back to Yangon.

Upon arrival in Yangon, our guide will meet you in the arrival hall. Today, Yangon sightseeing includes Botataung Pagoda, a famous Pagoda in downtown Yangon on the river and built around 2.500 years ago and is hollow giving us an opportunity to walk through the Pagoda and see many ancient relics and artifacts.

From here we proceed to the downtown area of Yangon and walk along the Pansodan street which has many large colonial buildings which are still in use. It is also interesting to see the sidewalk markets including those selling old books and magazines dated from the 1960’s up to the present.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Scott Market (it is closed on every Mondan and gazette holidays), a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree, then finish our sightseeing to the awe inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia. This most sacred, important and impressive Pagoda for the population in Myanmar enshrining some of the Buddha’s relics built around 2.500 years ago. The Pagoda stands around 110 meters high covered with hundreds of gold plates. The top is encrusted with 4.531 diamonds, the largest which is 72 carats. The Pagoda is a depository of the best in Myanmar heritage – architecture, sculpture and arts.

Overnight in Yangon.

pansodanSCOTT MKT

Day 9: Yangon – Departure

After breakfast at hotel we have leisure until our driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure back to Bangkok.

Yangon-International-Airport

Our services include as follows:

  • Hotels accommodation with daily breakfast.
  • English speaking stationed guide service (one guide in one city).
  • Transfers and sightseeing by private air-con vehicle with drivers, as mentioned in program
  • Boat trip from Mandalay to Bagan
  • Domestic flight tickets including insurance surcharge & current fuel surcharge.
  • Entrance fees and zone fees for the visits mentioned.

 

Our services do not include as follows:

  • International ticket to/from Yangon
  • Visa arrangements for Myanmar
  • Meals other than mentioned (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips and porters at the hotels
  • Any other items not mentioned