Myanmar Complete

20 days visiting

• Yangon
• Pindaya
• Inle Lake
• Mandalay
• Bagan
• Kyaikhto
• Mawlamyine

From $4184 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 Yangon
Arrival in Yangon
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Transfer
– Overnight in Yangon

Day 2 Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Yangon (full day)
The Shwedagon Pagoda is Yangon’s show stealer! The golden stupa rises 100-metres into the sky and is covered in gold leaf and rubies, and topped with a diamond. This sacred stupa is at its most beautiful during sunset, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colours of twilight. It walls could talk, the gleaming octagonal exterior of the Sule Pagoda could write a bestseller (view from the outside only). Sitting proudly in the centre of the city, it has been the focal point for revolutions and rallies, as well as religious events. We’ll visit both these pagodas plus more. And of course, there’s time for shopping in the sprawling Bogyoke (Scott) Market, home to a staggering 2000 shops selling everything from souvenirs to snacks. Today’s Highlights: Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda (view from the outside only), Botataung Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, National Museum, Bogyoke (Scott) Market – Overnight in Yangon

Day 3 Yangon – Heho – Pindaya (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer
Flight from Yangon to Heho
By vehicle from Heho to Pindaya
Visit Pindaya Caves
Pindaya Caves are ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the cavern there are more than 8000 Buddha images made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer and cement, and they are arranged in such a way as to form a labyrinth throughout the various cave chambers. See the Shwe U Min Paya, a cluster of low stupas just below the ridge near the Pindaya Caves. Beginning on the full moon of Tabaung (February/March), Pindaya hosts a colourful pagoda festival at Shwe U Min – Overnight in Pindaya

Day 4 Pindaya – Inle Lake (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Pindaya to Inle Lake
Transfer by boat
Excursion by boat on Inle Lake
Today we get to see the famous one-legged rowers on Inle Lake! This is no ordinary lake though. Inle is an enchanting world of villages on stilts and gardens that float on the surface of the lake (seriously!). One of the most photographed sights is the skilled Intha fishermen who balance on one leg, while using the other to manoeuvre the oar. We’ll take a relaxing boat ride across Inle Lake, stopping to see these sights along with some pagodas and lakeside villages. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip on Inle Lake, local market, villages, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Nga Phe Kyaung Monaster – Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 5 Inle Lake (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat on Inle Lake to Indein and Sae Ma Village
Thousands of mysterious temples and stupas await at the end of a boat ride along a narrow creek cloaked in foliage. The indein complex is a collection of over 1,000 densely packed Shan-style stupas in varying states of decay. Part of its charm is that it has escaped restoration and the air of neglect just adds to the ethereal atmosphere. Don’t forget your camera as this place is otherwordly. We’ll continue by foot to a small village where we’ll meet with the villagers and monks. Today’s Highlights: Boat to Indein, Sea Ma Villag – Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 6 Inle Lake (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Kakku
Today we’ll head into the mountains passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of Myanmar. The entire region is dotted with Pa-O villages. We’ll explore the remote Kakku Temple Complex, a cluster of literally thousands of ancient stupas and Buddhist statues, all crammed in one square kilometre. Today’s Highlights: Kakku Temple Complex – Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 7 Inle Lake – Heho – Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by boat
By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho
Flight from Heho to Mandalay
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Afternoon at leisure
– Overnight in Mandalay

Day 8 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Mandalay
Mandalay
the name alone evokes the romance of old colonial Burma. We’ll visit Mahamuni Paya, famous for its seated Buddha covered in gold leaf. Every morning at 4am its gleaming face is washed by the monks in a unique ceremony. We’ll wander into a workshop to see muscled workers hand-beating gold leaf with enormous hammers. At Shwenandaw Kyaung, made entirely out of teak (even though it’s also known as the Golden Teak Monastery), we can see the beautifully intricate carvings. There’s a lot more to be enjoyed here, including other ornate temples and wooden monasteries as well as panoramic views from Mandalay Hill. Today’s Highlights: Mahamuni Paya, Shwenandaw Kyaung, Kuthodaw Paya, Kyauktawgyi Paya, Shwe Kyin Old Monastery and craft workshop.
Visit Mandalay Hill at sunset
Visit Mandalay Hill and take an easy climb up sheltered steps to experience panoramic views over the palace, Mandalay and the paya-studded countryside. The famous hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the buildings on and around the hill in the years after the founding of the city – Overnight in Mandalay

Day 9 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava)
Just outside Mandalay, are not one, but three ancient royal capitals! Sagaing is said to be the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Also known as a -‘living Bagan’, it is home to hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries. Inwa (Ava) is a rural riverside oasis of crumbling monasteries and artisan workshops, and is best explored by horse and cart. And then there’s Amarapura, where, every morning, you can see devout monks lining up for their daily alms. At sunset we’ll take a walk alongside the monks across the picturesque U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. We’ll see loads of incredible sights and learn tonnes of history about the old kings of Myanmar. Today’s Highlights: Amarapura (Mahagandayon Monastery, U Bein Bridge), Sagaing (temples on Sagaing Hill), Inwa (horsecart ride to Bagaya Kyaung, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, Nan Myint Tower – Overnight in Mandalay

Day 10 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Mingun with boat trip
Just a boat ride away along the Ayeyarwaddy River is the little town of Mingun, which boasts some of the most impressive pagodas in Myanmar. We’ll be amazed by the ruins of the enormous Mingun Paya
never finished, its size would have dwarfed all contemporary pagodas. Equally as grand is the Mingun Bell, a 13-foot tall bronze bell weighing 90-tonnes. Today’s Highlights: Boat to Mingun, Mingun Paya, Mingun Bell, Hsinbyume Paya
Cycling excursion to Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda and Yae Tagon Hill
Pedal power takes us out in the countryside today. We’ll come across villages, canals, pagodas and friendly locals. From the top of Yae Tagon Hill, we’ll be treated to sweeping vistas over the surrounding area. Today’s Highlights: Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda, Yae Tagon Hill – Overnight in Mandalay

Day 11 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Pyin Oo Lwin
Pyin Oo Lwin is chilled out in more ways than one. Originally a colonial hill station, the British would escape up here in the summer for the cooler climate. We’ll take a look around to see the numerous colonial mansions and churches that still remain. From the Botanical Gardens we can enjoy the views over the town. Then we head out to the Peik Chin Caves – an extensive cave with an underground stream, stupas and Buddha images. Today’s Highlights: Botanical Gardens, Purcell Tower, Church of the Immaculate Conception, Peik Chin Cave – Overnight in Mandalay

Day 12 Mandalay – Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Mandalay to Bagan
– Overnight in Bagan

Day 13 Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel )
Discover the Beauty of Bagan
Bagan is a true bucket-list destination! Thousands of crumbling temples, pagodas and stupas rise from the ancient desert plain. These beautiful, other-worldly structures were built by the kings of Bagan in the 11th and 12th centuries. Words don’t do this incredible landscape justice so let’s get out there and see them for ourselves. We’ll visit renowned temples, and also discover some of the lesser known, but equally impressive pagodas. Each temple has its own story to tell so we’ll never tire of seeing more. And in the evening
we’ll watch the sun setting over this land of pagodas. Today’s Highlights: Shwezigon Paya, Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, Ananda Pahto, Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba, Manuha Temple, Shwesandaw Paya, sunset
Watch sunset over Bagan
Enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the sunset view hills. – Overnight in Bagan

Day 14 Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Mount Popa and Salay
Watch out for the monkeys at Mount Popa! An iconic sight, Mount Popa is an extinct sheer-sided volcano that rises out of the plain. Topped by golden stupas, it is a famous pilgrimage site for locals who come to worship at the Nat temples. We’ll walk to the top via the winding staircase watched by mischievous monkeys hoping to be fed. Colonial remnants, ancient pagodas and wooden monasteries give a real reminder that life in sleepy Salay hasn’t paused for tourists. Mann Paya is home to a famous Buddha that was washed down the river during the monsoon over one hundred years ago. We’ll see if we can get a peek inside from the latched door out the back. Today’s Highlights: Mount Popa, Salay, Yoke Son Kyaung, market, Mann Pay – Overnight in Bagan

Day 15 Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Bagan
Visit Mahabodi Temple
The Mahabodi Temple was inspired by the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India, and was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1211
1234). Temples of this nature only appeared during the Late Bagan period and the Mahabodhi is the only one of this style in Bagan.
Visit Dhammayangyi Temple
The brickwork of the Dhammayangyi Temple is said to rank as one of the finest in Bagan. Built in the 12th century, it is not exactly clear which King actually started the construction. Some sources say it was King Narathu, others say it was constructed a little earlier, during the reign of King Alaungsithu.
Visit Thatbyinnyu Pahto
The Thatbyinnyu Temple rises up to 61 metres and is one of Bagan’s tallest monuments. It is also called the Omniscient temple and its enormous size makes it a classic example of Bagan middle period. King Alaungsithu built the Thatbyinnyu Temple in the 12th century.
Afternoon at leisure
– Overnight in Bagan

Day 16 Bagan – Yangon – Kyaikhto (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Bagan to Yangon
By vehicle from Yangon to Kyaikhto with sightseeing in Bago
On the way to Kyaikhto we’ll visit the ancient capital city of Bago. It’s little visited by tourists yet has some remarkable sights – remarkable in both history and size! The 116-metre-high Shwemawdaw Paya is the highest pagoda in Myanmar and is visible from miles away. We’ll see four 30-metre-high seated Buddha images, and one of Burma’s largest reclining Buddha images with a length of 55 metres. Today’s Highlights: Kyaik Pun Paya, Shwethalyaung Buddha, Hintha Gon Paya, Shwemawdaw Paya – Overnight in Kyaikhto

Day 17 Kyaikhto – Mawlamyine (Breakfast: Hotel )
Visit Kyaikhtiyo (the Golden Rock)
Kyaikhtiyo is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, and the shrine at the top of Mt. Kyaikto seems to defy gravity. Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff is a giant golden boulder topped with a gleaming stupa. The site is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise, when a magical atmosphere envelops the shrine.
By vehicle from Kyaikhto to Mawlawmyine with sightseeing at Kawgun Cave and Kyauk Ka Latt Pagoda
In the lovely limestone karst mountains surrounding Hpa-An there are some fascinating caves to explore. We’ll break our journey to venture into one of these caves intricately adorned with Buddha images. We’ll also be able to take some great photos of Mount Zwekabin from a picturesque lakeside pagoda. Today’s Highlights: Kawgun Cave, Kyauk Ka Latt Pagod – Overnight in Mawlamyine

Day 18 Mawlamyine (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Bilu Kyun (Ogre Island)
Luckily Bilu Kyun, also known as Ogre Island, is not inhabited by ogres! In fact, it’s a lovely island covered in rice fields and fruit plantations. In the local villages and home industries we’ll get a feel for the traditional Mon lifestyle. Today’s Highlights: Bilu Kyun (Ogre Island).
Sightseeing in Mawlamyine
Both George Orwell and Rudyard Kipling were inspired by Mawlamyine and its picturesque pagodas. It probably hasn’t changed much since those days. A leafy, tropical town with a ridge of stupa-capped hills on one side and the sea on the other, Mawlamyine served as the capital of British Burma from 1827 to 1852. We’ll get to see some of the most impressive temples and monasteries, and admire the views of the river from the top of a nearby hill. Today’s Highlights: Mahamuni Paya, Kyaikthanlan Paya, Seindon Mibaya Monastery – Overnight in Mawlamyine

Day 19 Mawlamyine – Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat to Gaungse Kyun (Shampoo Island)
Fun fact
Guangse Kyun is also known as Shampoo Island, as during the Ava period, the annual royal hair washing ceremony used water taken from a spring on the island. We’ll take a boat over to this tranquil island, home to many nuns, a meditation centre, a collection of shrines and stupas, and of course, the famous spring. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip to Guangse Kyun
By vehicle from Mawlamyine to Yangon with sightseeing at Thaton
Today we’ll head out on the highway (Highway 8, that is) to Yangon. We’ll stop to stretch our legs in Thaton, full of colonial mansions and thatched-roof homes. Today’s Highlights: Thato – Overnight in Yangon

Day 20 Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer