Inle Lake is an idyllic destination where clear waters, mountains back drops, floating gardens and stilted villages coexist. After breakfast pick up from your hotel. Your Inle Lake sightseeing tour by boat includes Floating Market (can be able to see on the 5 market days only ), Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, Ngaphechaung Monastery (well known for its jumping cats), weaving factory, silver smith workshop and as well a floating plantation.
After having breakfast at the hotel, the guide and driver will pick you up and we will visit Amarapura first and then to Mandalay. In Amarapura city, we will go to U Pein Bridge which is the world longest teak bridge and Mahagandayon Monastery where hundreds of young Novice (Sanga) studying Buddhist Literatures with strictly obeying rule and regulation of the Monastery according to Buddha teaching.
After that, we will keep visit to Mandalay and explore to Mahamuni Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda a large Buddha image carved out of a single block of marble, Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace) noted for its exquisite wood carving, Kuthodaw Pagodaknown as the world’s Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures, Sulamani Pagoda. Mandalay Palace and in the evening enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill.
Early morning, you will leave by car to a major port and important trading centre know as Syriam and visit Yele Pagoda at Kyauktan; it sits on a tiny island in the river. Explore the pagodas and riverside market where you can buy the dry fish, prawns and marine products. Next we will visit Kyaikkhauk Pagoda; an imposing golden stupa before returning to Yangon.
On the way visit the National Race Village where can be observed the different cultures of Myanmar's main national races at only at a place without requiring to travel throughout the country. After lunch, drive to Central Post Office and then walk along the Strand road to the landmark Strand Hotel, looking at Pansodan Jetty and observing busy life on Yangon River.
Then continuing walking to see the most impressive colonial buildings until we arrive at Mahabandoola road taking your vehicle to visit the excellent landmark of Sule Pagoda, nearby the City Hall where you can take pictures from outside since it is not allowed for touring to go inside. Ending at Botataung Pagoda; with glass show-cases containing many ancient relics and artifacts which were sealed inside the earlier pagoda.
Mahasi Monastery, one of the best monasteries in Yangon for meditation training. Mahasi is renowned as an 'Educational Spa' throughout Myanmar and many pilgrims come here to learn, study and practice Vipassana meditation. Mahasi usually requires a minimum of one-week of study for the local yogis however they have granted special permission for our clients for a one-day program.
First you'll meet with the venerable monk who will discuss the importance of meditation in the life of the Burmese Buddhist people (in English). A meditation teacher (monk) will be there to teach you techniques and methods that have been used for centuries. After an hour of instruction and discussion it is time to practice what you have learned.
Move into the meditation hall for your practice session. Slip away into a deep meditative state, relaxing in the quiet, peaceful setting of Mahasi.
Afterwards return to your hotel or continue your spiritual afternoon with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda.
Shwedagon is the most revered temple in Myanmar and, in the late afternoon, many nuns, monks and pilgrims gather there to say their evening prayers. Learn about the history and importance of this site with your local guide and enjoy the magical scene as the setting sun casts gorgeous colors onto the 90-metre tall golden stupa.
Afterwards return to your hotel or continue your spiritual afternoon with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda.
Pick-up at your hotel and proceed for an excursion to Amarapura, 15km (30 minutes) from Mandalay. Visit MAHAGANDAYON, a famous Buddhist monastery, where more than a thousand monks live and study; continue to 200-year-old U BEIN teak bridge, built in 1782 at the time when Amarapura was Royal capital. Since then it is noted for silk- and cotton weaving. Visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop. Visit BAGAYA MONASTERY, with a superb collection of Buddha statues. Return to Mandalay.
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning for a full day of exploring Yangon's art and antiques scene.
We'll start up in the area of Yangon known as 'Golden Valley' at New Treasure Gallery. This art gallery was established by Min Wai Aung, a Burmese artist famous for his paintings of monks. Then visit two antiques shops, Augustine's and Madame Thair. Both shops are filled with curious and some real hidden gems from various periods of Myanmar's history. The exuberant Madame Thair will be sure to entertain you with her charm and 'everything is for sale' pitch. Next it's on to Dhamazedi Road where a row of small shop houses are packed full of antiques. Hidden among the dusty shelves are many treasures from the colonial era and before.
Stop for lunch at House of Memories Restaurant, an old colonial style mansion set in a beautiful garden. Once used as the BIA (Burma Independence Army) and BDA (Burma Defense Army) Head Quarters, the building is full of memories of the people who embarked on the long walk toward gaining independence for Myanmar. Wander through the house looking at the historic remnants on display including a room named after General Aung San, which was once his office and still contains his desk and typewriter.
This afternoon we will head downtown to visit at least three art galleries. (Itinerary may vary depending on opening hours, current exhibits and client's personal interests). We'll start at River Gallery, located adjacent to The Strand Hotel, which aims to bring Myanmar art to a wider audience. River Gallery showcases the city's widest range of contemporary art, representing more than 30 artists at any given time. Next we'll visit Lokanat Gallery, a non-profit gallery that features a small collection of traditional works as well as rotating exhibits of current Burmese artists.
Then we will continue to Pansodan Arts to view works of art covering traditional period up to modern, abstract styles. The knowledgeable curator will show you upstairs to the store room where hundreds of paintings are tucked away, including war-time propaganda, neo-classical works created as European influences began to reach Myanmar and classic line drawings and photographs. Before leaving downtown we'll visit the newest addition to Yangon's arts scene, Sule Eain. Located adjacent to Sule Paya, this loft-style space features rotating exhibitions of contemporary painters. Then it is time to transfer back to your hotel.
Your guide and driver will greet you at the hotel to transfer you to the start point for your 'On The Blessings Trail's walking tour through the downtown streets. Although Myanmar is predominately Buddhist, there are several forms of religion practiced in the country most of which were introduced by immigrant populations. Exploring the diverse religions in downtown Yangon provides insight into the rich tapestry of cultures in Myanmar and unveils a side of the city rarely explored by tourists.
We start at Kheng Hock Keong Temple, Chinatown's largest temple, and continue walking our way through western downtown. Along the way we will visit mosques, churches, Hindu temples and even a synagogue before finishing at Sule Pagoda. Your guide will explain the rich diversity of the religions in Yangon and teach you about offerings and blessings in each place of worship. Beyond the major regions, you'll also discover local Burmese traditions such as ancestor worship, Nat worship, astrology and even the lottery!
While walking through this lively section of town we'll also stumble upon local markets selling everything from fresh produce to temple offerings to traditional medicine. We'll sit and enjoy tea on a leafy side street, sampling local snacks and meet friendly locals.
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and you'll venture downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You'll start at the post office - a lovely historic building- and walk to Sule Pagoda in the middle of downtown, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit Little India and Chinatown, a colorful cacophony of restaurants, templ es and markets. Reach Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott's Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon's best market for handicrafts and other goods. (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Lunch at local restaurant where delicious Burmese cuisine is served in a clean, comfortable environment. After lunch we'll visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea. Next, your guided tour goes to Kandawagyi Park, one of central Yangon's greenest spots. Here you will see the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon in the background. Depending on the day of your visit Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come here on the weekend to relax in the fresh air.
From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.
Shwezigon Paya: Originally the Shwezigon Pagoda marked the northern end of the city of Bagan. The stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar.
Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn: This Temple was built in the early 13th Century and repaired in 1468. The great colorful painting about the previous life of Buddha and the distinguished architecture make this temple an interesting site for a visit.
Ananda Pahto: one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba: Built in 1113 by Kyanzittha son Rajakumar, this temple is famous for its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls. The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan.
Manuha temple: The Manuha T emple was built in 1059 by King Manuha, the King of Thaton, who was brought captive to Bagan by King Anawrahta. It enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. It is said that this temple was built by Manuha to express his displeasure about his captivity in Bagan.
SHWESANDAW PAYA: In 1057 King Anawrahta built this Pagoda following his conquest of Thaton. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa.
Lacquerware workshop: the villages around Bagan are known for producing the finest lacquerware in Myanmar. Stop by one of the workshops and learn about the painstaking process of lacquerware making and decoration.
Leaving in the early morning by road, crossing Yangon River by ferry (15min.), your journey takes you through picturesque paddy fields on the river’s flat flood plain to a small town on Twente canal. In Twante, you can experience the rural way of life and visit a traditional pottery workshop where the methods have remained the same for generations. Then you will visit Shwesandaw Pagoda, situated at the edge of the town of Twante. Late afternoon, return to Yangon by boat approx 2 hours taking you through the Twante Canal to the Yangon River. See quaint villages, traditional fishing techniques and the river-bound life of the local people and arrive in Yangon. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Dress Code: For religious reason, the modest and decent dress is required such as wearing to cover your knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the Pagoda since most religious grounds not allow wearing shoes, sandal, thong or flip-flop and socks.