Guidepost Discovery & Cultural Tours in Myanmar

Hidden Secrets of Myanmar 10 days – MY-SIC-22

YANGON - BAGAN - MANDALAY - PINDAYA - INLE LAKE - YANGON

Day 1 Yangon

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 replace - Overnight in Yangon

Day 2 Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel)

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

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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 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 handicraft - Overnight in Yangon

Day 3 Yangon - Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel)

Transfer

Flight from Yangon to Bagan

Transfer

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 platform - Overnight in

Bagan

Day 4 Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel)

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

Day 5 Bagan - Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel)

Transfer

Flight from Bagan to Mandalay

Transfer

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 cit - Overnight in Mandalay

Day 6 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel)

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 their 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 sunse -

Overnight in Mandalay

Day 7 Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya (Breakfast: Hotel)

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

Day 8 Pindaya - Inle Lake (Breakfast: Hotel)

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 9 Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel)

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

Transfer

Day 10 Yangon (Breakfast: Hotel)

All day at leisure * No local guide *

INCLUDED SERVICES:

- Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.br> -

accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.

- Where very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard ABF.

- Meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.

- Flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary.

Flight from Yangon to Bagan

Flight from Mandalay to Heho

Flight from Bagan to Mandalay

Flight from Heho to Yangon

- Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.

- Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.

- Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.

- Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.

- 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.

- International and domestic airport taxes in Myanmar are automatically included in ticket.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:

- Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Myanmar

Prices from US$1,315 (per person) based on twin-sharing in double rooms –

Prices are subject to currency fluctuation. We recommend checking with our office for a firm quote in Australian Dollars and for “sole room use” surcharge.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON MYANMAR IS AVAILABLE FROM OUR OFFICE

Please note: This is a SMALL GROUP tour that operates every Saturday, minimum of 2 people.

Discount prices are available for groups of 4 or more people travelling together on independent tours.