Discover Myanmar
Discover Myanmar - 8 nights/9 days
Discover Myanmar’s fascinating culture on this nine-day tour of three of the country’s most captivating locations. Balancing sightseeing with fun activities, this trip is a compelling and educational adventure for the entire family. Discover the landmarks in bustling Yangon, explore the ancient temples of Bagan, create personal lacquerware and enjoy an exciting horse-cart ride through the beautiful countryside. Hike up spectacular Mount Popa, observe the traditional one-legged fishermen on Inle Lake and get to know the local culture and cuisine at several small villages. Complete with stunning views and incredible sun sets, this trip promises a magical time for both young and old.
Day 1 Yangon
Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to the hotel and freshen up before embarking on an afternoon sightseeing tour of Myanmar’s largest city. Pop into Pomelo, a Fair-Trade shop offering a colorful range of unique goods, ranging from toys to accessories and interior design products. With the aim of creating a positive impact on local businesses throughout the country, every purchase supports some of Myanmar’s most marginalized communities, providing opportunities for local artisans whilst nurturing home-grown craftmanship.
Continue to Kandawgyi Nature Park, a peaceful sanctuary in the centre of the city. Set around a large artificial lake, the garden boasts a variety of colourful flowers as well as picturesque views of the glistening Shwedagon Pagoda. Visit Yangon’s most famous landmark and marvel at the enormous, 99-metre high gold-plated pagoda. Topped with a diamond encrusted spire, it sits on a small hill, overlooking downtown Yangon. Explore the grounds of this sacred site, also referred to as the ‘The Crown of Burma’, before heading back to the hotel.
Day 2 Yangon
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and transfer to the train station to hop onboard the Yangon Circle Line train. Immerse in the local life and mix and mingle with day trippers, commuters and food vendors as the train slowly rattles along, making for a fun and memorable experience. After a 45-minute journey, get off at Insein Township and stroll through the local market. Take a break at a small tea shop for a quick cuppa and try some of the local snacks, including soft steamed buns filled with bean paste and small cakes drenched in honey.
In the evening, explore downtown Yangon and tour some of the magnificent colonial-era buildings lining the streets, before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 Yangon - Bagan
Get ready for an exciting day of traveling and transfer to the airport after breakfast to fly to the ancient city of Bagan. With over 2,200 Buddhist temples and pagodas spread out across its plains, the town on the banks of the Irrawaddy River is one of the country’s greatest attractions.
Upon arrival, spend the rest of the morning exploring the nearby town of Nyaung U, one of the liveliest places in the area. Starting at a bustling market, continue to visit the sparkling Shwezigon Pagoda and the mysterious Kyansittha Cave Temple before learning to make ‘Pone Yay Gyi’. This local savory delicacy is made from fermented soybean paste and is a common condiment in Burmese cuisine. Sate your sweet tooth at an artisan plum jam shop before admiring the captivating creations of a local sand painter.
In the late afternoon, sit back in a horse-cart and ride into the sunset through the enchanting green countryside interspersed with ancient temple ruins. As dusk sets in, return to the hotel to freshen up. Spend the evening with a delicious dinner and a puppet show performance at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Bagan
Dive deeper into the local culture at a lacquerware workshop. As the centre of this thriving industry, Bagan is the perfect place to observe this intricate art form. Browse through the beautiful products, ranging from decorated tableware, jewellery boxes and other ornamental pieces, before getting creative in a personal lesson. Follow the step by step instructions and create a truly unique souvenir.
Continue this cultural discovery with a visit to Min Nan Thu Village and observe the local life around the temples and monastery before heading to West Phwa Saw Village for a well-deserved local lunch. Enjoy a demonstration of the ubiquitous ‘thanaka’, tree bark powder used for sun protection throughout the country and learn how to properly put on the traditional garment, ‘longyi’. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing river cruise on the Irrawaddy River. Whilst floating downstream, sit back with a refreshing drink in hand and marvel at the magical landscape bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.
Day 5 Bagan
After breakfast, set off to visit one of the country’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks – Mount Popa. On the way, take a break at some small cottage industries and learn how palm juice is transformed into wine and candies. Refuel with a cup of green tea and a few snacks before continuing the journey. Rising drastically out of the lush countryside, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano with a monastery perched on top. Climb up the 777 steps to the summit, whilst keeping an eye on the mischievous monkeys that line the passageway, and be rewarded with breath-taking, panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
After, head to the Popa Mountain Resort for a well-deserved lunch. Take a plunge into the pool and enjoy fantastic views of the mountain before heading back to the hotel. In the evening, set off on a cycling trip around Bagan. Choose between a regular or electric bicycle and explore the magnificent temples on the way to the viewing tower. Climb up to the outdoor roof top where yet another awe-inspiring view awaits. Take in the 360-degree panoramas of the green Bagan plains dotted with ancient temples. Sip on a cool drink and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon before returning to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 6 Bagan - Inle Lake
After breakfast, catch a morning flight from Bagan to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. Be transferred to the lake with a quick stop at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery on the way to explore the unique features of this amazing teak wood stilt structure.
At Inle Lake, hop on a traditional longtail boat and head out into the water. Witness local life on the water, from the stilted wooden houses of the Shan and Intha ethnic tribes to the fishermen balancing on their boats using one leg to paddle. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most prominent religious sites in the area and home to five gilded Buddha images.
Day 7 Inle Lake
Start the day at a local market which rotates daily between five lakeside locations. Observe the bustling scene and morning activities as people from different tribes all around the lake gather here to buy and sell fish, vegetables and other products.
In the afternoon, embark on another scenic boat ride and follow a long, narrow canal towards Indein Village. Nestled on the western banks of the lake, it is home to hundreds of ancient pagodas in various states of preservation.
Day 8 Inle Lake - Yagan
After breakfast, head to the airport and fly back to Yangon. Spend the day at leisure, picking up a few more souvenirs and strolling through this captivating city.
Day 9 Yangan - Departure
End this cultural discovery of Myanmar at Yangon airport and connect to an onwards flight.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
* Visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist landmarks
* Participate in a lacquerware workshop and take home a truly unique souvenir
* Embark on a horse-cart ride through the ancient temples of Bagan
* Hike up iconic Mount Popa and take in the spectacular views of the countryside
* Cruise along Inle lake on a traditional boat and witness local life on the water
