Captivating Myanmar

This 2 week Myanmar itinerary include a mix of culture and natural beauty that Burma is famous for. We suggest you spend your time between the cities of Bagan, Mandalay, and Kawthaung. Discover the historical sites and bustle markets to learn more about Myanmar’s culture and history and take a cruise to discover the beautiful island with magnificent corals for snorkeling and white sandy beaches for relaxing.

14 days 13 nights

Myanmar

Luxury & Honeymoon

Attractions

Mandalay - Bagan - Yangon - Kawthaung

Duration

14 days 13 nights

Code

MLT5

Overview

Overview
This 2 week Myanmar itinerary include a mix of culture and natural beauty that Burma is famous for. We suggest you spend your time between the cities of Bagan, Mandalay, and Kawthaung. Discover the historical sites and bustle markets to learn more about Myanmar’s culture and history and take a cruise to discover the beautiful island with magnificent corals for snorkeling and white sandy beaches for relaxing.

TOUR HIGHLIGHS

Visit the beautiful temples and bustle markets
Pay a visit ancient royal capital of Mandalay
Embark on cruise to discover Bagan with its culture and tradition of artisan craftwork
Conquer Mount Popa, the center of belief and is the pride of Myanmar
Get amazing experience balloon over Bagan
Explore the Myanmar’s largest city of Yangon
Take a cruise to discover the magnificent islands

Itinerary

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Warmly welcome you on arrival at Mandalay International Airport. We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Mandalay to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest after a long flight.
At sunset, we go to Mandalay Hill to watch the sun set over the city.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Mandalay
Meal: Not available

Having breakfast, then we drive about an hour to Pyin Oo Lwin. Located about 70 km east of Mandalay, the Pyin Oo Lwin plateau is 1,000 m above sea level, with cool climate. The old name of Pyin Oo Lwin is May Myo, meaning May Street ("May" is the name of the first British officer stationed at Pyin Oo Lwin). The town of Pyin Oo Lwin is peaceful with streets, small houses, roads less traffic. The houses still retain the English-style architecture that used to be the resort of British officials and soldiers to avoid the hot summer of Myanmar.
The first destination is Pyin Oo Lwin Town. The town is home to all shops, shops of all styles, from China, India, Europe to ... Myanmar. Prominent in the center of the town is the Purcell Clock Tower, replica of Penang Tower (Malaysia). Nearly is the central market is relatively abundant goods, most are fruits, vegetables and local specialties. Strawberry jam, fruit jam, fruit wine is the most famous specialty here.
We visit All Saint Church, one of the historical churches in Pyin Oo Lwin, founded in 1912. Then we go ahead to Governor’s House, which is now a luxury resort. Although the entire architecture of the palace was destroyed in World War II, it has now been restored to its original state. Inside the mansion provides an all-ancient setting with wax figures of historical figures, reflecting the turbulent history of Myanmar during the British colonial rule.
In the afternoon, National Kandawgyi Garden is our destination. The garden was built in 1924, formerly known as National Botanical Garden. Kandawgyi Garden is an ideal place for tourists as well as locals to relax, relax and breathe fresh air. The orchard also has areas for growing orchids or insects.
Return to the hotel in Mandalay and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Mandalay
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, you are free until we transfer to Gawein jetty for the embarkation at 12.00 noon and cast off after half an hour time. Welcome Cocktail and briefing in the Saloon or Sundeck followed by Lunch. After cruising upstream for two hours we arrive at the Mingun Pagoda Complex. The English speaking manager of the cruise (or your private guide) will accompany you during the visit. Moor to overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner, you can enjoy a Dance and Drama performance by the Mandalay Arts School on the sundeck (if available).

Accommodation: On Paukan cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, we cruise downstream. During the two hours journey, you can admire the natural beauty of the river and the life of its banks while relaxing on the sundeck or just sitting outside their own cabin. Enjoy the sunrise over Sagaing Hill.
After breakfast, wishing to visit Sagaing, you can go offshore with the assistance of the Cruise Manager or your own guide.
We resume our downriver voyage at 10.30AM and we will sail all day long. In the late afternoon we stop at Yandabo, a village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed on Feb. 24, 1826. We visit the Pot workshops and the monastery. Moor overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint.

Accommodation: On Paukan cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cast off early in the morning for the last leg of our journey. Enjoy the sunrise near Bagan. We disembark at Aye Yar jetty around 9:30AM.
Upon arrival in Bagan drive to Mount Popa, a volcano at high 1518m above sea level. You can see the mountain from the Ayeyarwady River on clear blue days. Mount Popa is the center of belief and is the pride of Myanmar. The temple at the top of the mountain is home to many large Buddha statues, and it also attracts many devotees from all over Myanmar. To reach the top of the mountain, you have to climb 777 steps (about 45 minutes). From here, you will have an incredibly spectacular view down to the land below.
Return to Bagan late in the afternoon and the time is on your own.

Accommodation: On Paukan cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start the exploring day with a visit to Ananda Temple - the masterpiece in the incorporation of Myanmar and India architectural styles. Although it has existed in a long historical process, almost the temple architecture remains intact to this day. The temple was designed in the style of stupa, the architectural feature of this temple is built of stone has a small chapel inside. The architecture is in the cross, in the center is the cube and on each side is the statue of Buddha standing. Ananda Temple is considered the Myanmar’s symbol for the boundless wisdom of the Buddha.
Nearby Ananda Temple is Thatbyinnyu temple. The temple was built in the mid-12th century, Thatbyinnyu temple is considered the highest temple in Bagan. On the outside, the temple is massive, whitewashed, looks like a Renaissance Christian monastery in Europe. Within the Thatbyinnyu temple, there are long corridors arranged with altars and statues of different Buddhas, but all are glistening gold. Thatbyinnyu temple is said to have been a fresco of Burmese Buddhist art, but during the renovations, white lime was scorched on the wall, losing precious paintings.
We keep going to visit Shwesandaw Pagoda, looking like an Egyptian pyramid from far away with four sides, five floors and a stupa (bell tower) on the top. The temple was built by King Anawrahta in 1057 to preserve the relics as one of the eight hairs of Buddha Shakyamuni brought back from India in early AD. This is the highest ancient pagoda in Bagan; moreover, it has special steps leading up to the terrace, so Shwedagon Pagoda is always chosen to explore the architecture of temples, but also a place to watch the perfect sunset moments compared to other temples in the area.
In the afternoon, our destination is Minnanthu Village - the agricultural village specializing in the production of sesame and peanut oil.
At sunset, we will go to experience balloon over Bagan. Your adventure begins with a short ride on the classic bus to move to the balloon camp. You have time to drink tea, coffee and refreshments while the staff prepares the balloon. The ball is driven by light winds of no more than 15 miles an hour, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of ancient temples. At the end of the flight, you are served with fruit, fresh pastries and a glass or two glasses of wine.
Return to the hotel and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bagan
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, we transfer to the airport, taking a flight to Yangon.
Check-in the hotel in Yangon and you can take your time to relax until the evening, we will pick you up to visit and have dinner at Karaweik Hall, (or Karaweik Palace) is a concrete structure that looks like two giant golden birds with roofs built in the shape of Pyatthat. It was built in the image of Karaweik, a bird in Burmese mythology. We will have dinner while enjoy leisure activities such as elephant dance, Burmese puppets and traditional Myanmar dances with traditional dancers in Burma. There is also an exhibition of traditional Myanmar handicrafts, Burmese art and traditional Burmese costumes and Karaweik costumes.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we spend the whole day on visiting some sites of Yangon capital. Start with Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda, which was built in 1907 with the famous huge reclining Buddha statue carved in 1966. The head of the statue turns east and the face turns south. The costs of building the temple are donated by people around the area. The porcelain face of the statue was separated by large eyes (made of special imported Japanese glass), vermillion lips and light blue eyes. Even the nails are painted red. Buddha statues are decorated with 108 sacred Buddhist symbols. All of these make the pagoda impressive.
We continue to visit Shwedagon Pagoda. Magnificently golden plated and decorated with diamond and gemstone, Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist constructions in Myanmar. Archaeologists considered that the pagoda was built in the 6th century. The temple holds four treasures for the followers of the Buddha: the stick of the Buddha, the water filter of the Buddha's Na, the piece of the Buddha's Lettuce, and the eight hair of Shakyamuni Buddha. Being built on the sacred Singuttara hill with the highest chedi is 99m, you can see the pagoda from wherever of Yangon.
Keep going to visit Bogyoke Market built in 1926, consisting of more than 1.600 stalls selling everything from handicrafts, food, clothing, jewelry, fashion and consumer goods. Bogyoke Market is also the place holding Thingyan festival, known as Zay Thingyan meaning water festival, usually held on the 11th or 12th of April. Children from all over the city come dressed in festive outfits. The shops serve traditional dishes free of charge such as Monte Lone Yay Paw. Thargu. And Shwe Yin Aye.
It seems that no matter which way in the city you go, it still leads to Sule Pagoda. According to legend, this sacred pagoda has a rather long life about 2.500 years, where one of the 8 hairs of the Buddha was preserved, which he donated to two Myanmar merchants. Sule Pagoda has an octagonal structure up to the top of the tower and is characterized by the Mon ethnic. The interior details at the temple are sophisticatedly sculptured, that visitors to this place must be surprised by its beauty.
The last destination today is Kalaywa Tawya Monastery. This monastery seems to be the Buddhist University where thousands of Buddhist monks dwell and learn Buddhist Scripture. Orphans from all over Myanmar are also brought here to be cared for.
Return to the hotel and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, the time is on your own until we transfer you to the airport, taking a flight to Kawthaung.
Check-in the hotel in Kawthaung and take your time to discover Kawthaung yourself.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kawthaung
Meal: Breakfast

Have a breakfast then we transfer to jetty to join the cruise. Discover the Mergui Islands with over 800 islands. Depart for Taung Laung Island for 3 hours and enjoy snorkeling and swimming near the island for 1 hour. You can take a rest while the crew prepares for lunch. We enjoy lunch on board and continue to 115 Island. On 115 Island, you are free to explore the beauty of the Virgin Islands. There are some interesting activities such as kayaking around the island, snorkeling, fishing, trekking, swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Enjoy dinner and overnight on board nearby 115 Islands.

Accommodation: On cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a breakfast then we continue to 254 islands which are part of Lampi. The island has a long beach with a large mangrove forest. You can have a kayaking there before we depart for the Nga Man Island - one of the most famous and beautiful islands in Mergui Archipelago with magnificent corals for snorkeling. You can go swimming, fishing and sunbathing on the beach. Dinner and overnight on board nearby Kyun Phila Island.
Accommodation: On cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast onboard, enjoy the activities according to your own preferences. Lunch on board and then depart to Myauk Ni Island, where there is a beautiful beach with powdered sand. It was an unforgettable moment to walk along that beach. Then proceed to the island of Thay Yae. Enjoy your own enjoyment like kayaking around the mangroves, sunbathing, camping and staying overnight onboard.

Accommodation: On cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You are free to relax until the cruise back to Kawthaung to disembark, then we transfer to Kawthaung Airport, taking a flight to Yangon.
Check-in the hotel in Yangon and you are free to explore Yangon yourself.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the hotel. At the appointed time, we will pick you up to transfer to the airport, taking an international flight to your hometown.

Accommodation: Not available
Meal: Breakfast

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Trip notes

Tour includes:

Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
Boat, cruise as specified in the itinerary
Water & cool towels
Government taxes & service charge

Tour excludes:

Myanmar Visa stamp fee
International airfare and departure taxes
Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
Early check in/ late check out
Domestic flights and domestic airport taxes
Compulsory Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December
Surcharged for Public holidays
Drinks and meal not mentioned
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks … etc.
Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).