Day 1: Arrive Yangon

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, meet and welcome warmly by the guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Yangon, formerly capital of Myanmar and known as Rangoon, planned and built by the British after the second Anglo-Burmese war in mid 19 century. Therefore city is full of impressive colonial and different spiritual heritages make it one of the most fascinating city in Southeast Asia. Today Yangon is still remaining as commercial city although the authority moved administration capital to Nay Pyi Taw in 2005.

Today the sightseeing begin with a visit to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda which is home to a 70-metre long reclining Buddha and surrounded by monasteries. Therefore, a visit to Chaukhtatgyi provides a great overview of Buddhism; with murals depicting the life of Buddha and the monastic’s life. The soles of the statue are carved with traditional symbolic figures, and locals and foreigners can often be seen gathering there to pay homage and pray.

After the reclining Buddha, continue the tour to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Most Buddhist devotees believe that it was built in the time of Lord Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago, although the origins of the pagoda are unclear. The Pagoda has been renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 76.5 caret diamond on top, more than 80 thousand pieces of different Gems studded spire, more than three tons of gold leaf gilded central stupa is about 100 metres tall, surrounded by 64 smaller stupas at the upper platform.

(Overnight in Yangon.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Yangon Airport to Yangon city centre (20 km): 30 – 60 mins

Day 2: Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo                                                                                                                                                   (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, depart from Yangon and drive to Golden Rock Pagoda. Arrive at Kyaikhtiyo base camp around early afternoon. Board on the first available truck, uphill winding ride to top of the mountain for about 45 minutes and drop off.

(The truck will leave when all seats are sold out. Therefore you may need to wait for some times.).

From there, walk about five minutes to hotel for check-in. After refresh up in a hotel for a while, walk a short distance to reach the Golden Rock Pagoda. The Pagoda is believed to be contained hair of Buddha and the third holiest for Myanmar Buddhist devotees. Therefore,almost always crowded with people paying homage and praying. Golden Rock is a huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on one foot square at the edge of a cliff.

(Note: to bring one night use clothes and personal item only, the rest keep with the car/bus at base camp)

(Overnight near Golden Rock.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Yangon-Kyaikhtiyo (167 km): 4h

Day 3: Kyaikhtiyo – Hpa An                                                                                                                                                   (B/-/-)

Early in the morning (about 5AM), there is a chance to observe unique cultural experience and photographic opportunity of both local and foreign pilgrims offerings to the Golden Rock Pagoda in the solitude of the morning, and also to see the rising sun casting its rays upon the rock.

Return to base camp along the same route by truck. Dropped off and transfer to your private transport to continue on a two-hour drive by road to Hpa An, capital of Karen State, surrounded by beautiful limestone hills. Today the journey will cover sightseeing of a visit to Bayint Nyi Cave, natural hot spring at the base and the 7th century Sacred Kaw Gun Cave where thousands of votive tablets on the surface of the cave. Arrive at Hpa An and check in to the hotel. Afterwards, drive to Strand road and take a leisurely walk on the road along the Thanlwin River for observing a daily life of local peoples where you will have opportunity for taking picture with beautiful background of mountains and boats. Enjoy sunset at Shweyinmyaw Pagoda on Thanlwin River.

(Overnight in Hpa An.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Kyaikhtiyo – Hpa An (147 km): 2h

Day 4: Hpa An – Mawlamyaing                                                                                                                                              (B/-/-)

After breakfast in hotel, begin the sightseeing with a visit to Sadan Cave. The cave is accessible between November to March only. The local legend goes that the cave is connected to a past life of Buddha.After following tunnel for about 20 minutes, while approaching the end of the tunnel, a magnificent view of a hidden lake and meadow come into sight.

From here, hire one of the local boatmen for a ride around the lake and through another cave that can accessible only by boat.

Then return to the car and head off to Lumbini garden at the foot of Mount Zwe Kapin. The Garden is composed of a sitting thousand identical Buddha statues.

Then continue to Kyauk Kalat Pagoda, a small stupa perched on top of a pillar-like rock formation on a small island on the lake. Next to the lake, there is a home to a huge marbel Buddha statue where local pay homage and pray.
Continue the journey to Mawlamyaing.On the way , stop at Kadoe Kaw nyat monastery, donated by U Nar Aut. From there continue the journey, arrive at Mawlamyaing, the capital of Mon State, formerly known as Moulmein,in late afternoon. The town was also the capital of British Burma between 1827 and 1852 and still retains some of the atmosphere of its colonial times.Late in the afternoon,visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, built in traditional Mon-style, and bamboo woven Buddha image, and continue to the beautiful Seindon Mibaya, a wooden monastery that’s over 100 years old, then finish the day up at Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda, the city’s tallest and most visible stupa. From here, get a stunning panoramic view of Mawlamyaing, the Thanlwin River and Bilu Island during sunset.

Return to hotel.o

(Overnight in Mawlamyaing.)

(Note: Kadoe Kaw nyat is closed at 4PM)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Hpa An – Mawlamyaing (61 km): 1h

Day 5: Mawlamyaing                                                                                                                                                               (B/-/-)

Early breakfast at the hotel, today start the sightseeing with the colorful Mawlamyaing’s morning fresh market, then Central Market, a bustling atmosphere where miscellaneous local items are trading. Walk along the town’s Strand Road and other main streets for observing local life as well as colonials’ buildings including Mosque, clock tower, Churches in Mawlamyaing.

Continue the journey to Belu Island,where you can visit the local industries manufacturing coconut fibre products,smoking pipes and other handicrafts.

Return back to hotel.

(Overnight in Mawlamyine.)

Day 6: Mawlamyaing – Bago – Yangon                                                                                                                                 (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Mawlamyaing and drive back to Bago, the capital of the 15th century Mon Kingdom and the Royal city of the second Myanmar Empire as well. Arriving at Bago by late afternoon.
The visit in Bago begins at Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated in Myanmar and whose 114 meter spire is taller than Shwedagon Pagoda. Then continue visit to Kanbawza Thadi Palace then continue to 55 meter long Shwetharlyaung reclining Buddha. Afterwards drive back to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon, transfer to your hotel.

(Overnight in Yangon.)

Day 7: Yangon – Pyay                                                                                                                                                             (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the morning, leisure on your own until check out and transfer to Yangon central railway station. Board on your train and begin the day long journey to Pyay. Pyay-also known as Prome,closet city to one of UNESCO archeological sites(Sri Kestra,6-9 A.D).  Arrive at Pyay in the evening. Transfer to hotel and check in.

(Overnight in Pyay.)

Day 8: Pyay                                                                                                                                                                            (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, visit Shwe Sandaw Pagoda, believe that there are twelve relics of Buhdda and double layers umbrellas at the top of its stupa. Continue to visit nearby massive seated Buddha statue, known as Sehtatgyi.

Continue today sightseeing, drive away from the city centre for a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site, ancient city of Srikhetra. Also known as Thayeikhittaya,ancient Pyu city was once known for being one of the largest archeological site with a circular shape city wall. The Mawza museum and the ruined temples are the significant evidence of Pyu culture and civilisation.

Drive back to Pyay and end the day with a stroll along Strand Road, busiest Main Street, and browse the night market. Overnight in Pyay.

Day 9: Pyay – Magway                                                                                                                                                            (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive north to Magway (200 km/ approximately 4 hours drive). Enjoy the scenery as the road passes through beautiful rural scenery and villages.

Along the way, stop at Beikthano(Vishnu), another ancient city of Pyu, more than 2000 years old. The city wall is shaped the more or the less like a geometric rhombus. Explore this real delight of UNESCO heritages for an early stage of Pyu chronology, history and archaeology of early civilization of Pyu. From there, continue the journey to Magway;check in at the hotel. Magway is the capital of Magway Division. The region is well known for its production of groundnut and sesame oils, therefore earning itself the nickname, ‘Oil pot of Myanmar’.After freshen up in the hotel, travel by horse cart to the famous Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. This revered stupa  and landmark of Magway is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, a scenic place ideal for photos. Return by horse cart passing into the town centre, then back to the hotel.

(Overnight in Magway.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Pyay – Magway (201 km): 2h40m

Day 10: Magway – Pwint Phyu – Minbu – Magway                                                                                                               (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, spend a full day exploring the surrounding areas of Magway. Discovering Kyaung Taw Yar Pagoda of Pwint Phyu, the temple is believed to be the site of an ancient monastery built of sandalwood where the Buddha spent some time after achieving enlightenment.

On the way back to Magway, stop at Nagar Pwet Taung, an unusual pool of bubbling mud. This geological phenomenon is believed by locals to be caused by dragons (Nagas) living deep inside the earth. Then visit a nearby temple for panoramic views of the mighty Irrawaddy River and surrounding areas.Return to the hotel in Magway.

(Overnight in Magway.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Magway – Pwint Phyu (50 km): 46 mins
• Pwint Phyu – Minbu (36 km): 32 mins
• Minbu – Magway (14 km): 17 mins

Day 11: Magway – Bagan                                                                                                                                                       (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, continue the overland journey for about 5-hours drive to Bagan. Bagan was the capital of Myanmar from the 11th to 13th century. During this period, there are 11 kings reigned and constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, over 2000 of monuments are still standing today.

Upon arrival in Bagan, check in to the hotel and take some time to refresh up. Late in the afternoon, experience the horse cart ride through the temple area, starting at the tallest Thatbyinnyu and continue on to Sulamani, one of Bagan’s best decorated temples and 18th century painting on the wall. Continue to the massive Dhammayangyi Temple and North Guni Temple, then to enjoy and watch sunset over pagodas and temples of Bagan  from sunset hill. After the sunset return to the hotel .

(Overnight in Bagan.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Magway – Bagan (156 km): 2h15

Day 12: Bagan                                                                                                                                                                         (B/-/-)

Today visit will cover a great overview of Bagan’s history, culture and local lifestyles.The sightseeing begins at Shwezigon Pagoda, 11th century pagoda built of sand stone from river Irrawaddy, then continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan. Afterwards, drive to Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple, famous for the beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior.Then to Mya Cedi stone inscriptons known as four in one stone pillar. Walking to nearby is Manuha Temple of the Mon king and Nan Paya Temple which noted for its stone work. Then continue to learn more about the local culture with a visit to lacquerware workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

After lunch, board a private river boat and set off upriver toward Kyauk Gu U Min. Throughout your Irrawaddy river cruise you will be treated to fabulous scenes of life on the water: fishermen, local ferry boats, riverside villages and views of the Bagan temples. Continue by boat to Kyauk Gu U Min, from jetty to Umin (cave)  is about 10 minutes’ walk. At the exterior wall of Kyauk Gu Umin, decorated with beautiful stone carvings depicting religious figures and flowers on the door. Inside the cave, although there is a lighting system into the cave from above, you may need torch light or candles to lit to penetrate and observe the interior structure of several small niches which were hewn from the cliff wall for practice of  meditation.

Local people believe that the cave was built during the 13th century for the locals to hide from the invading Mongols.After your exploration of Kyauk Gu U Min, return to the boat for a relaxing cruise down to Bagan.

Upon arrival at jetty, transfer back to your hotel.

(Overnight in Bagan.)

Day 13: Bagan – Mt Popa – Kalaw    (B/-/-)       

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by road for the drive to Mt Popa. Stop at Popa village and take a short walk through this scenic village and visit with the friendly residents. Continue on to Mt. Popa and Taung Kalat, a volcanic mount standing 1518 metres high. First stop at the Nats shrine hall where 37 Nats are display at base before going up to Taung Kalat. Its shrine, located at the top of Taung Kalat, is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, or ancient Burmese animist spirits. Learn about Nats and Nat worship while climbing the stairs to the top;and panorama view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the extinct volcanic peak is impressive.

After climbing down from top, continue the drive to Shan State. The drive will pass through villages along Myangyan plain, Meikhtila town, Tha Si town, then start a hilly up way to Shan state. Late in the afternoon, reach Kalaw. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in. Kalaw is a hill station of the British colony during the occupation.

(Overnight in Kalaw.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Bagan-Popa (68 km): 1h
• Popa – Meiktila (130 km): 2h : 20

Day 14: Kalaw – Elephant Camp – Inle Lake                                                                                                                        (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, transfer from Kalaw to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe Village (the drive may takes around 45 minutes). The camp is a refuge for retired working elephants from the logging industry. Upon arrival at the camp, meet with the guide and transfer to the main camp. Enjoy the activities with the elephants, and return back to the reforestation area to plant a tree before heading to the main camp for lunch. Late in the afternoon, drive to Nyaung Shwe the gateway to Inle Lake.

(Overnight Nyaung Shwe.)

Distance and approximate journey time:

•  Kalaw-Inle(71 Km):2 hrs

Day 15: Inle Lake                                                                                                                                                                     (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, the day begin with a short walk around town and visit to the colourful market  if it is on the 5 day market rotation date. Then transfer to the bustling canal where farmers by boats from the lake come in for load and boarding tomatoes and other vegetables for distribution to the markets around the country, from boats to trucks and bikes. At the canal, board on a private open motorboat to explore Inle Lake. The inhabitants in the lake are known  as Intha, one of the 135 peoples of Myanmar. Sail and pass through villages built on stilts over the lake, observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud ;anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main holiest sanctuary, home to five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.   Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone, where you may also see the lotus fibre weaving, Ikat pattern weaving, blacksmith, silversmith and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cheroot and cigars are made by hand.Then return to land for your overnight stay.(Note: It is best to end the tour before 5PM.)Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Day 16:Inle Lake – Indein                                                                                                                                                        (B/-/-)

After breakfast, visit the lake’s 5 day morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5-day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their products. (Note: market closed on dark-moon day and full-moon day). From the market, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wandering through the beautiful ancient stupas and temples of Alaung Sitthu of Bagan era. From here, magnificent views of the lake below are unforgettable.After the tour in Indein, sail the same canal then pass through the main lake to Nyaung Shwe. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Day 17: Nyaung Shwe  – Pindaya                                                                                                                                          (B/-/-)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for Pindaya.

En route to Pindaya, stop in the junction town of Aung Ban and visit the ‘Wholesale Market.’ Next, turn off the main road and head north toward Pindaya. This scenic route will include several stops for photo-taking. Upon arrival, check in the hotel.In the afternoon visit the town’s famous Pindaya Caves. The cave is home to thousands of Buddha images inside the limestone ridge. Between the images are also number of small pagoda as well as stalagmites and stalactites. The local legend attribute that the cave is part of the missionary activities of King Ashoka and repaired by King Alaungsithu in the 12th century.

While returning to the hotel, observe at local workshops for skillful craftsmanship, produce of umbrellas and paper from local materials.

(Overnight in Pindaya)

Day 18: Pindaya – Kyauk Se – Mandalay                                                                                                                              (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, leave Pindaya and the Shan state behind and drive to Myanmar’s cultural capital, Mandalay. Driving northwest, many stops will be made en route for taking photos or visiting villages upon your interest.

In the afternoon, reach the town of Kyauk Se, visit the town center then continue to Shin Pin Tamoke Shwegu, an incredible excavation site with ruins and carvings dating back to the 11th century. (The town itself is famous for its yearly Elephant Festival in October or November.). Continue the tour for another one hour, arrive at Mandalay.

Mandalay also known as Yadanapon,is the capital of the last Konbaung  Dynasty of Myanmar Kingdom. After checking in to the hotel, head to Mandalay Hill for introduction and over view of the city. The hill rises 240 metres above the city. From top of the hill, enjoy the panorama view of the surrounding countryside, the Irrawaddy River, and the city centre as the sun goes down behind Sagaing hill.

(Overnight in Mandalay)

Day 19: Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin      (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, depart from Mandalay in the morning on a scenic two-hour drive to the former British Hill Station of Pyin Oo Lwin. Formerly known as May Myo after captain May of the British army. Until today, many reminders of the colonial era are still present in Pyin Oo Lwin, including brick and timber houses with British names and the Botanical Gardens in lake Kandawgyi. Spend the rest of the afternoon by your own leisure.

(Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin (69 km): 1h07

Day 20: Pyin Oo Lwin – Hsipaw (Train)                           (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to the Pyin Oo Lwin Train Station and board the local train to Naung Pain Village. The journey takes around 5 hours, passing through stunning scenery and the Gokhteik Viaduct. The second tallest in the world, built by Pensynivian and Maryland Bridge Construction Company of USA  in 1899 and officially open it on the very 1st day of twentieth century.Arrive in Hsipaw at mid-afternoon. From the train station, drive to the former palace of the last sky prince of Hsipaw, last Sawbwa of Shans as well. From the palace, visit a few other sights around town and a very colourful Nat shrine. Then, head to a mountain pagoda for sunset views overlooking the town and the Dokhtahwaddy River.

(Overnight in Hsipaw)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Kyauk Me – Hsipaw (37 km): 37 mins

Day 21: Hsipaw – River trip – Hsipaw                                  (B/L/-)

Wake up early in the morning and walk through the ‘Candlelight Market’. Most of the hill tribes nearby Hsipaw  come a long with their products  to sell or to buy personal goods for their home. The market is crowded since 3 in the morning, until around 6 am that is why the stall are in need of illuminated by candle light.

You may enjoy local breakfast at the market or return back to hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel or freshening up at the hotel, set off for a boat journey for today’s sightseeing, along the Dokhtahwaddy River. It’s a 15 minute walk to the river jetty where a private long tail engine boat awaits for your journey in the river. Cruise upstream for around 30 minutes to arrive at a fruit plantation. Disembark here and take a walk through the plantation and farm, its village, and then up to a 150-year old monastery for approximately 45 minutes walking distance. Observing the monastery and the monastic’s life in the jungle, meeting some of the monks there and listen the testimonial, then return back to the boat for journey back to Hsipaw.

The next part of the boat trip leads to the confluence of the Dokhtahwaddy River, stop at the confluence and enjoy for natural water bathe, and great to take photos due to its beautiful environments. Continue to a Shan village where picnic lunch will be served. Take a walk around the village to meet with locals and learn more about their way of life including culture, traditions, practices and lifestyles. From the village, bid farewell them and return by boat to Hsipaw. Upon arrival at jetty, walk back to the hotel. Today the whole journey takes around 5-6 hours, and is typically completed mid-afternoon.

(Overnight in Hsipaw.)

Day 22: Hsipaw – Mandalay                                        (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the drive back to Mandalay. The journey back to Mandalay takes around 6 – 7 hours. On the way, stop at your interest and for lunch.

Upon arrival in Mandalay, transfer to the hotel.

(Overnight in Mandalay.)

Distances and approximate ourney time:

• Mandalay – Hsipaw (210 Km): 6h

Day 23: Mandalay – Sightseeing                                             (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, today sightseeing begin with a visit to Mahamuni. The golden image is considered as a living Buddha and regard as the second Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The worshippers have covered the image with so much gold leaf over and over again for years so that it has taken on a distinct ‘lumpy’ texture. From here continue to observe stone and wood carving factory, kalaga tapestries and gold leaf beating. Then continue the sightseeing to Yadanapon Golden Palace of Konbaung dynasty.

Lunch at local restaurant and back to hotel for avoiding the heat of the day. (Lunch on own account) Late in the afternoon, visit to Shwe Nandaw Monestery, the world largest book, Kothudaw then drive around the moat for photo stop.

Then continue to city centre at historical clock tower, walking around the night market. Then back to the hotel.

(Overnight in Mandalay.)

Day 24: Mandalay – Sagaing – Ava – Amarapura – Manadalay                (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion to the outskirts of Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Ava, Sagaing, and Amarapura. Today the sightseeing  begin with a cross over old Ava bridge, then head up to Sagaing hill stop at Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. Then back from the hill and continue for the market, stop and observe skillful craft work of pottery farm, silver smith and other handicraft centres. Then continue to Ava, Myanmar’s capital from 14th to 18th centuries. First cross over Myitnge river by boat, boarded on a waiting horse cart for a visit to the old wooden Bagaya Monastery, constructed with 267 teak posts and embellished with ornate carving in wood, the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. From here continue by horse cart for leaning watch tower, then to first brick monastery with stucco carving known Nanmadaw Me Nu Ok Kyaung.On the way back to Mandalay, stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’.

First visit a silk weaving workshop then to a 200 years old U Bein Bridge. The bridge was constructed from 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Ava Palace and is 1.2 kilometers in length -making it the world’s longest teakwood construction.

Enjoy sunset on boat over the lake. Back to Mandalay and transfer to your hotel.

(Overnight in Mandalay.)

Distances and approximate journey time:

• Mandalay-Amarapura (13 km): 30 mins

Day 25: Mandalay Departure                                      (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is your own leisure until transfer to the airport for onward your international flight.