Sacred Myanmar Exploration

After breakfast, let’s kick off our tour at Mahamuni Pagoda, home to the Mahamuni Buddha statue, which is believed to be the true body of Sakyamuni Buddha. Senior monks will even clean the Buddha’s face and brush its teeth around 4:00 am every day! Additionally, devotees have coated the statue in a thick layer of gold due to Myanmar's current gilding mania. In their tradition, if people pray for good health of specific parts of their bodies, they would gild the Buddha in those areas. Then, let’s visit the busy marble street, where the Buddha statues are both enshrined in local temples and shipped overseas.

★ Witness a Soul-stirring Alms-giving Ceremony

Mahagandayon Monastery, one of Myanmar’s largest Buddhist colleges, is our next stop. Here, more than 1,000 monks live modest lives before joining other monasteries after completing their education. Focusing on their practices and studies, Myanmar monks do not need to work, and their daily meals are donated by local families, giving rise to the grand alms-giving ceremony that draws visitors from all over the world. As the bell rings around 10:00 am, monks queue up calmly and orderly to accept alms. They strictly adhere to the rule of no solid food after midday, yet have no restrictions on meat or vegetables. Maybe we can catch a glimpse in the kitchen, where devoted staff members cook using big iron pots and firewood.

Afterward, we’ll head to a gold-leaf workshop to see how the gold is pounded into foils less than 0.0001 millimeters thick! Then, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda located at the foot of Mandalay Hill and view the cluster of 729 white Buddhist scripture steles, hailed as "the world’s largest book." Then, continue to admire the Shwenandaw Monastery, which is lavishly covered with gold inside, and the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, home to a pure marble Buddha statue.

Before dusk, let’s head to the U Bein Bridge. Locals refer to it as "the Love Bridge" since it is said that a fairy fell in love with a Burmese prince here. Nowadays, many young couples come to pray and take wedding photos. We’ll also take a sunset boat tour, savoring the orange-hued setting sun reddening the sky and slowly sinking into the water behind the simple wooden footbridge. At last, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

► Warm Tip: Shoes and socks are regarded as the dirtiest things in Myanmar, so people must take them off when visiting a Buddhist site. Slippers are the most convenient option for temple tours.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort (4 stars) or Eastern Palace Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy our comfortable private transfer to the airport to catch your 30-minute flight to Bagan, the "Land of Ten Thousand Temples." It served as the capital of the Pagan Dynasty (11th-13th centuries) and is the birthplace of Myanmar's Buddhist history. Upon arrival, your Bagan private guide and the driver will directly accompany you to commence with an unforgettable Bagan temple tour.

Our sightseeing begins at Ananda Temple, Bagan’s most beautiful temple, featuring a white façade, golden-tinted spire, and symmetrical design. It was erected in an Indian style during Buddhism’s heyday under King Kyanzittha (1084-1112 AD). It is said that the king was deeply impressed by the splendid cave temple in the Himalayas described by eight itinerant monks and thus ordered the construction of the Ananda Temple. Then, admire Htilominlo Pahto, Bagan’s last Myanmar-style temple, built with red bricks and featuring water-wave-shaped sandstone decorations.

Afterward, let’s tour around Myinkaba Village, which is famed for lacquerware production. We’ll stop by one of its numerous family-run lacquerware workshops to see how the craftsmen make exquisite pieces with distinctive motifs like Buddhist lotus blossoms and zodiac animals. Then, head to Gubyaukgyi Temple to appreciate Bagan's earliest murals, which date back to the early 12th century. Today’s temple tour ends at Mya Zedi Temple, which boasts a square stone pillar that records the chronology of the Bagan kings in four languages.

At dusk, let’s enjoy a boat tour on the Irrawaddy River and take in the magnificent sunset. At last, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aye Yar River View Resort (4 stars) or Amazing Bagan Resort (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will accompany you to explore Nyaung U Market, a bustling morning market where delivery traders and busy vendors set up their stalls, and locals come for fresh ingredients. Our next stop is Shwezigon Paya, the first large-scale Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, which dates back to the 11th century. The main pagoda features a bell-shaped spire atop multiple symmetrical square platforms, surrounded by numerous stupas and pavilions, among which the hall of 37 Nats is always packed with local believers. Afterward, visit Nanpaya Temple, a Hindu-style temple featuring Brahma carvings that was erected prior to Theravada Buddhism taking over the Pagan Kingdom.

★ Temple-hopping by Horse-cart through Bagan!

Afterward, our Bagan temple tour continues with a classic horse-cart ride! When proceeding along the tranquil rural paths, it feels as if the clattering of the horse hooves would transport you to the peak of the Pagan Kingdom. Enjoy a first stop at Thatbyinnyu Temple, the highest of its sort in Bagan at 66 meters (217 feet). In the old days, the five-story temple housed monks' residential quarters, meditation halls, a library, and Buddha statue enshrinement. Next, visit the pyramid-shaped Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest brick temple that can be seen from anywhere in Bagan. Then, at Sulamani Temple, appreciate the vibrant murals depicting the attire, ethnic customs, and Buddhist rituals of ancient Myanmar. It is said that the king was inspired to build the temple after seeing a sparkling ruby in a low-lying land, believing it to be the will of the Buddha, so the temple was also called "Little Ruby". During the horse-cart tour, you can stop for nice photos at any time you wish.

Finally, let’s round off today’s journey by ascending to the top of a mountain for the breathtaking sunset view over the vast Bagan Plain. At last, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aye Yar River View Resort (4 stars) or Amazing Bagan Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, the mysterious Mount Popa awaits! After a 1.5-hour private transfer, we’ll reach the foot of this extinct volcano, which rises abruptly to a height of 1,518 meters (4,980 feet) on the vast Pagan Plain, with a vertical structure resembling an old castle. It is considered a vital pilgrimage site by the followers of Nat, a local religion that worships natural deities. During the Nat Festival in April, believers assemble around the Nat statues, and mysteriously costumed spirit mediums dance and pray to drumbeats. After ascending the 777 steps to the summit, visit the Taung Kalat Monastery, where 37 Nat deities are worshipped. Furthermore, take in the lush toddy palm groves on the mountain, which give rise to family-run palm sugar workshops, and we’ll visit one. Besides, mischievous monkeys abound on the mountain, so take care of your belongings.
► Note: If you don’t feel like climbing, we can escort you to a resort nearby, where you can have lunch on your own and enjoy the beautiful view of Mount Popa from afar.

Afterward, let’s continue a 5-hour drive to Kalaw, a scenic and peaceful town nestled on a 1,300-meter (4,265-foot) high plateau in the Shan State in eastern Myanmar. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you in checking in.

► Kalaw Tips
1. Kalaw experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, especially in February. In early mornings and evenings, the temperature may dip to about 5°C (41°F), requiring a coat, while midday temperature rises to 30°C (86°F), and sun protection is essential.
2. A power bank is a must during a Myanmar trip due to power outages, especially on the route from Kalaw to Inle Lake.
3. The mountainous Kalaw is a trekking paradise, and Inle Lake, our next stop, is usually the end of a classic Kalaw trekking route. If you are a trekker, we can tailor it for you.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Kalaw Hills Resort (4 stars) or Pine Hill Resort (3 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide will first accompany you to savor authentic daily life at a local market, where various stalls offer vegetables, dry goods, and clothing, and the seasonal products are all sourced from nearby farms. Then, we’ll drop by a tribal village in Shan State, where the local residents still live in thatched wooden houses and lead a traditional rural life. Maybe you can chat with the cowherds, busy farmers, and rural women wearing straw hats and carrying bamboo baskets. Then, visit the British-colonial-era Kalaw train station, whose brick-red buildings, old locomotive on the platform, vintage luggage scales and clocks all exude a retro charm.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive for 2 hours to Nyaung Shwe Town, the gateway to Inle Lake and a gathering place for backpackers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town and visit the Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung, a highly revered teak monastery of the region. Admire its unique stilt layout and distinctive oval windows that offer impressive views of red-robed monks looking out, reading books, or playing with cats. At last, your guide and the driver will escort you to your hotel by the Inle Lake.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min (4 stars) or Amata Garden Resort Inle (4 stars) or similar

★ Novelty Seeking on an Inle Lake Boat Trip!

In the morning, following a guided visit to a local morning market, embark on a boat tour on Inle Lake! The serene lake is dotted with boats and villages of wooden stilt houses, and boasts many unique cultures, among which the one-legged fishermen are particularly special. They stand on one leg like flamingos, hooking the other leg around the oar to row the boat, and fish with a large cone-shaped basket. The special scene attracts tourists from all over the world, and brings them an extra income. The floating gardens are another unique scene. Clumps of floating vegetation are supported by wooden sticks, planted with various flowers, vegetables and fruits. Farmers paddle their boats every morning and afternoon to practice precise gardening.

We’ll also visit the floating Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a local spiritual center that boasts five Buddha statues. One of the five once disappeared during a festival boat parade and then miraculously reappeared. Since then, the five Buddhas have undergone constant gilding and now bear little resemblance to their originals. Furthermore, we'll visit a cigar, silversmithing, or silk weaving workshop based on your preferences. The silk weavers' ability to extract silk from lotus stems to make fine silk products like scarves and longyi will astound you. After the visit, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

► Inle Lake Cruise Tips:
1. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid sun exposure. Additionally, it can be quite chilly in the early morning and evening at Inle Lake, so it's best to bring a light jacket.
2. The wooden boat planks are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min (4 stars) or Amata Garden Resort Inle (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll take a boat to explore the peaceful Indein Village. Go ashore and walk up along a kilometer-long passageway surrounded by crumbling stupas, some of which have decayed into mounds of stones, while some are crowned with vines and moss. The passageway finally leads to the Shwe Indein Pagoda complex, a cluster of over a thousand pagodas and stupas, the oldest of which is over 2,200 years old! Myanmar Buddhists have a long-standing tradition of contributing to the construction and upkeep of pagodas, and even the oldest and most decrepit stupas here have inscriptions with the names of the donors and floral tributes.

Afterward, enjoy a private transfer to Heho Airport to catch your 1-hour flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival, your local guide and the driver will escort you to the hotel at Ngapali Beach. Besides countless pagodas, Myanmar boasts a long coastline and stunning beaches, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along this pristine coastal paradise after checking in.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali (5 stars) or Amazing Ngapali Resort (4 stars) or similar

For the following three days, you are free to explore Ngapali Beach. Maybe ask your hotel for information about an exciting marine excursion today. A 4-6-hour sea trip may cost around MMK 30,000 (USD 15). Go fishing for white bass and little squid, which you can take to any eatery on the island and have prepared by the chef. The islanders' seafood culinary talents won't let you down! Then, explore Pearl Island, where you can collect colorful shells, observe crabs digging burrows, and go snorkeling. Having vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs all around you will be thrilling!
► Tips:
1. Most islanders do not speak English, so a translation app is a must. Moreover, it would be fascinating to use body language as well.
2. Exchange some Kyat cash in advance because it is dominant on the island and there are few exchangers.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali (5 stars) or Amazing Ngapali Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today is still free for you to unwind on Ngapali Beach! You can visit the Gyeiktaw fishing village on the southern side of the island. It's best to set off before 7:00, as by then you can join the returned fishermen in collecting fishing gear and sorting fish. Then, go around the fish market with regional fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish. It's all packed up by around 8:30 am. Afterward, unwind on the white sandy beach and view the indigenous peasants driving ox carts, women drying sea fish on the sand, vendors passing by with large baskets filled with tropical fruits on their heads, and a thin layer of water stretching like a mirror on the fine sand... You can also swim in the crystal-clear sea, play beach volleyball with your families, and watch a breathtaking sunset.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali (5 stars) or Amazing Ngapali Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today is still a great day for you to explore Ngapali Beach on your own. Consider renting a bicycle, which costs around MMK 10,000 (USD 5) per day, to enjoy the surrounding rural scenery. Ride along the seaside, snap a picture with the mermaid landmark statue, and explore the village beside the main road. Wander around its market, sample fresh pineapples and litchis, and pick out intricate woven placemats and coasters with diverse patterns woven on simple wooden looms. You can also ascend the southern mountain to admire the Tilawkasayambhu Buddha Statue and have a broad perspective of the seashore. Please be careful when proceeding on the steep mountain slope.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali (5 stars) or Amazing Ngapali Resort (4 stars) or similar

This morning will be left for you to savor some last-minute relaxation on Ngapali Beach before our guide and the driver escort you to Thandwe Airport to catch the 1-hour flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, your local guide and the driver will escort you to the downtown hotel.

After a brief rest, your guide will show you around Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s religious center that enshrines the Buddha’s eight strands of hair. With a weight of over 7 tons, the 99-meter (325-foot) tall pagoda is the world's biggest gold-laden building! The locals’ devotion to Buddhism is even more touching, considering that all of these gold items were donated by individuals from all walks of life in Myanmar, a country with a per capita GDP of less than USD1,200. The pagoda is always surrounded by believers, who walk clockwise around it, bathe the Buddha statues, and meditate under the Bodhi tree. After sunset, it will be illuminated by countless candles, giving it an air of holiness. At last, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

► Recommended Local Delicacies (at your own expense)
Tea leaf salad is a signature dish in Myanmar, which consists of fermented tea, cabbage, tomatoes, fried beans, and nuts, seasoned with fish sauce and chili. It is often served as both a main course and a snack at large gatherings and family get-togethers, so you can sample it in nearly any restaurant, street stall, or those in Chinatown. Additionally, curry beef, grilled skewers, and sugarcane juice are also authentic delicacies.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel Yangon (5 stars) or Esperado Lake View Hotel (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide will first accompany you to visit Immanuel Baptist Church, one of Yangon’s oldest Christian Baptist churches. Then, admire the Sule Pagoda in the city center. Around its octagonal base are eight zodiac animal statues, which are always surrounded by the locals who believe that bathing their corresponding zodiac statues can dispel misfortune and accumulate merit. Furthermore, Buddhist festival rites often take place beneath the holy Bodhi tree near the north entrance, which branches out from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka. Afterward, pass by a few structures from the British colonial era and visit the Botahtaung Pagoda, which resembles a golden maze with monks and believers reciting scriptures in each small compartment.

In the afternoon, let’s head to Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple to admire Myanmar’s largest indoor reclining Buddha statue, which symbolizes the Buddha’s transition into nirvana. Then, stroll around Kandawgyi Park by the Royal Lake, where the majestic Karaweik Palace, a landmark in the shape of mythical birds, floats. Round off today at Maha Bandula Park, a vibrant city oasis popular with residents for socializing, relaxing, and reading. The Independence Monument in the middle is also worth seeing.

At last, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel. If you are still energetic, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the nearby China Town and explore the night market by yourself, offering bars, barbecue stalls, street food stands, and tea shops. Afterward, you can hail a ride by the Grab app to return to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rose Garden Hotel Yangon (5 stars) or Esperado Lake View Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, your 14-day Myanmar vacation package comes to an end. Your guide and the driver will escort you to the airport according to your flight time and see you off. Wish you a safe journey back! If our Myanmar tour has sparked your desire to explore more of Southeast Asia, please contact us to extend your itinerary to Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia, or all the Indochina countries in one go. We are always available for your calls!

Meal: Breakfast