2020 Hidden Secrets of Myanmar 11-Day

Guaranteed Departure Based on Min. of 2 Passengers with Thursday Arrival in Yangon 

(Tour Code: MY-SIC-22)

VISITING CITIES: YANGON - BAGAN - MANDALAY - PINDAYA - INLE LAKE

Day 1 Yangon Arrival (Thur.)

When arriving in Yangon, you will be greeted by our professional tour guide

at the airport and then transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be

free for your own leisure.

Overnight in Yangon

Day 2 Yangon (B)

Visit Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset

The highlight of any trip to Yangon is a visit to the spectacular Shwedagon

Pagoda, which dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tonnes of gold-leaf, which is constantly being replaced.

Overnight in Yangon

Day 3 Yangon (B)

Sightseeing in Yangon

Visit colonial heart of Yangon

Start the day in the heart of Yangon which features an interesting selection of monuments and colonial buildings. Among others, you will see the Independent Monument, the High Court, the City Hall and the Sule Pagoda (view from the outside only).

Visit Botataung Pagoda

The Botataung Pagoda was named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over 2000 years ago. This ancient monument was completely destroyed during WWII. It was then rebuilt in a very similar style to its predecessor, however this particular iteration is hollow and one can walk through it.

Visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda

The reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda in Yangon which is almost as large as the enormous figure of Shwethalyaung Buddha in Bago. It's housed in a large metal-roofed shed on Shwegondaing Lan, only a short distance north-east beyond the Shwedagon Paya. Surprisingly, this huge figure is little known and hardly publicised at all- if the chance to go to Bago to see the Shwethalyaung was missed, then don't pass on this opportunity to witness this colossal image.

Visit National Museum

The National Museum hosts several interesting exhibits, especially the 8 metre high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king, and returned to Burma in 1908 by Lord Mountbatten. The main floor contains jewellery, old black and white photos of Mandalay Palace and Yangon, royal relics, Hintha opium weights and inscribed tablets.

Visit Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market (Close on Mondays and public holidays)

Explore the Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott Market, which contains over 2000 stalls and is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts.

Overnight in Yangon

Day 4 Yangon - Bagan (B)

Transfer

Flight from Yangon to Bagan

Discover the Beauty of Bagan

Explore the vast and fascinating area of Bagan, and discover temples with unique stories, features and architecture. The spectacular plain of Bagan stretches away from the Ayeyarwaddy River and is dotted with over 2,000 temple structures dating back over 800 years. Spend the day exploring the temples and hearing the fascinating history and stories behind these imposing structures. Have a chance to visit a lacquerware workshop to learn about the intricate process of lacquerware making and decoration. At the end of the tour enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the ancient pagodas.
A selection of temples will be visited including: Shwezigon Paya, a beautiful golden pagoda containing relics of Buddha. The site was started by Anawrahta but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha between 1086 and1090. The pagoda's graceful bell shape served as a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, an early 13th century temple with an Indian-style spire. The ceiling is covered with paintings depicting the previous life of Buddha.
Ananda Pahto, one of the largest, most beautiful and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha who was inspired by Indian architecture. During the 1975 earthquake Ananda suffered considerable damage but has been totally restored. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba, a 12th century Buddhist temple famous for its well-preserved frescoes, considered to be the oldest original paintings to be found in Bagan.Manuha Temple, which was built, according to inscriptions, by the captive Mon King Manuha in 1067. It contains three seated Buddha images along with an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Shwesandaw Paya, a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda dating back to 1057. This 328-foot-high imposing structure is visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan. Enjoy sunset at one of the sunset hills or from Bu Paya. (Shwesandaw Pagoda is not allowed to climb up until further notice due to some old bricks was fallen down)

Watch sunset over Bagan

Enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the pagoda platforms.

Overnight in Bagan

Day 5 Bagan (B)

Excursion to Mount Popa

Visit Mount Popa, a cylindrical hill that rises sharply from the surrounding plain, and is considered to be the home of Myanmar's most important nats (spirits). Ascend the mountain via a winding covered staircase watched by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex with shrines to the 37 nats, along with spectacular views.

Continue sightseeing from previous day.

Overnight in Bagan

Day 6 Bagan - Mandalay (B)

Transfer

Flight from Bagan to Mandalay

Sightseeing in Mandalay

Visit Mahamuni Paya

Mahamuni Paya was originally built by King Bodawpaya in 1784 when a road paved with bricks was constructed from his palace to the paya's eastern gate. The centrepiece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni image that was transported to Myanmar from Mrauk U in Rakhaing in 1784.

Visit Shwenandaw Kyaung

Shwenandaw Kyaung is a monastery of great interest, not only as a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, but as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Fort. At one time this building was part of the palace complex and was used as an apartment by King Mindon and his chief queen, and it was here that he died. After Mindon's death, King Thibaw Min had the building dismantled and reassembled on its present site in 1880 as a monastery.

Visit Kuthodaw Paya

The central stupa of the Kuthodaw Paya was modelled on the Shwezigon Paya at Nyaung U near Bagan. Building commenced in 1857, at the same time as the royal palace. The paya has been dubbed 'the world's biggest book', for standing around the central stupa are 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the entire Tripitaka.

Visit Mandalay Hill

Visit Mandalay Hill and take an easy climb up the sheltered steps to see 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 7 Mandalay (B)

Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava)

This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to Amarapura, and visit Mahagandayon Monastery; every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, pay a visit to Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Sun U Ponya Shin Paya, U Min Thonsei Paya and Kaung Hmu Daw Paya.

Cross the river by ferry to Inwa (Ava), situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa (Ava) is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely Horsecart Ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint Tower. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make theit famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to Amarapura, to end the day At U Bein's Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 8 Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya (B)

Transfer

Flight from Mandalay 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.

Visit local market and paper umbrella factory.

Overnight in Pindaya.

Day 9 Pindaya - Inle Lake (B)

By vehicle from Pindaya to Inle Lake

Transfer by boat

Excursion by boat on Inle Lake

Enjoy a boat ride on Inle Lake and discover its calm serenity, still waters and colourful brush strokes of floating vegetation and slow moving fishing canoes. Rolling high hills hug the lake on all sides, as the lake's shore and islands host 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery and meditate on the one of a kind skill of the local fishermen who make use of their legs in a unique rowing technique to glide themselves gracefully around the lake. Visit the enchanting floating gardens, a teeming market and an Intha village around the lake. The day also includes a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inn Paw Khon Village (Lotus and silk weaving villages) and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 10 Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon (B)

Excursion by boat on Inle Lake to Indein

Travel by boat to the western shore of the lake to a stairway leading to the hidden Indein temple complex. Located on the shore of the lake, this site consists of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens.

Transfer by boat

By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho

Flight from Heho to Yangon

Overnight in Yangon

Day 11 Yangon (B)

Time at leisure (no tour guide). Transfer to airport for homebound flight. Tour ends.

B-Breakfast / L-Lunch / D-Dinner

        Accommodation

​*The accommodation will be provided in the above hotel or similar in case the priority hotel is unable to accommodate the booking

        Package Price (Twin Sharing): CAD$/Per Person 

*All prices are per person in CAD$, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for above listed category.

Single supplement will be charged starting from 2 passengers up for each passenger occupying a single room.

Cost Includes:

• Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages, a supplement charge will apply
  
• Accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent
  
• Meals according to itinerary (When very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard hotel breakfast)
  
• Flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary. (Flight from Yangon to Bagan; Flight from Heho to Yangon; Flight from Mandalay to Heho; Flight from Bagan to Mandalay)
  
• Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked
  
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle. Roundtrip airport transfers
  
• Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary
  
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour
  
• Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary
  

Cost Excludes: 

• International flight in/out Myanmar
  
• Visa fees (if needed, please contact us for Visa procedures)
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Myanmar domestic airport taxes (if any, approx. CAD10-15 per person per flight)
  
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in tour itinerary above
  
• Tipping fees (based on your satisfaction) and other personal expenses
  

Remarks:

• This is a land-only tour, please contact us for international flight rate. If you wish to book your own international flights to Myanmar, please feel free to consult us about your trip schedule before booking your flights.
• Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas, New Year and Water Festival - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.
  
• Pre-night and post-night are available, please contact us for more details
  
• All prices per person and subject to change
  
• Hotel room based on twin share (double occupancy)