Guidepost Discovery & Cultural Tours in Myanmar

Myanmar Classic 9 days – MY-SIC-22

YANGON – BAGAN – MANDALAY – KALAW - INLE LAKE - YANGON

Day 1 Yangon

Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the 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 Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake

Kandawgyi Lake, also known as the Royal Lake, is a natural body of water located in the city centre and a

good place for strolling and picnics. The lake is attractive at sunset when the glittering Shwedagon pagoda is

reflected in its calm waters.

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.

Visit Shwedagon Pagoda

The highlight of any visit to Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to

house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the

centuries. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold-leaf,

which is continuously being replace - Overnight in Yangon

15112018

Day 2 Yangon - Bagan (Breakfast: Hotel)

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 platform -

Overnight in Bagan

Day 3 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 4 Bagan - Mandalay

(Breakfast: Hotel)

Transfer

Flight from Bagan to Mandalay

Transfer

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 sunse - Overnight in Mandalay

Day 5 Mandalay (Breakfast: Hotel)

Sightseeing in Mandalay

The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and

spiritual centre. Neighbouring Sagaing is home to over sixty per cent of the country's monks, while the

artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar. Begin the tour at Mahamuni Paya.

The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15

cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-

washing ceremony. Afterwards, head to Shwenandaw Kyaung, or the Golden Teak Monastery. Built entirely

of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as

private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen. Continue to Kyauktawgyi Paya, famous for its

monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Visit Kuthodaw Paya, known also as "the

world's biggest book". Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, each housing a slab of marble

numbering altogether 729, these slabs are inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, or Buddhist scriptures. The

final stop is at Shwe Kyin Old Monastery, an old monastery at the base of Mandalay Hill which was built

during the period of King Mindon.

Excursion to Mingun with boat trip (SIC boat)

Travel upriver by boat to Mingun, enjoying the views of river life - fishing villages, market boats, women

attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast Mingun Paya, a

monument to human ambition - never finished, its size would have dwarfed all contemporary pagodas. See

the Hsinbyume Paya, a pagoda dating from 1816, first built by King Bagyidaw and dedicated to the memory of

his wife, the Hsinbyume Princess. Like many other pagodas, this structure is a symbolic representation of the

mythical Mountain Meru. Visit the Mingun Bell - in 1808 Bodawpaya had a gigantic bell cast to go with the

gigantic chedi. Weighing 90 tons, it is claimed to be the largest bell in the world. After that, return

downstream by boat to Mandala - Overnight in Mandalay

Day 6 Mandalay - Kalaw

By vehicle from Mandalay to Kalaw

Set off from Mandalay to Meikhtila, stopping every now and then to take photos of the passing fields and

local villages. Continue on to Kalaw enjoying the views of the hillside cultivation and the ethnic village -

Overnight in Kalaw

Day 7 Kalaw - Inle Lake

(Breakfast: Hotel)

Visit local market

Sightseeing in Kalaw with a light trek to nearby villages

A popular hill station in the British days, Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is still a

peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population is a mix of

Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali. Visit Kalaw's most interesting attractions including: Thein Taung

Paya, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the Thazi-Taunggyi Road; Aung Chang Tha Zedi, a glittering

stupa covered in gold-coloured mosaics; Dhamma Yon: a two-storey temple which from its top floor offers

views of the town; Hsu Taung Pye Paya, ruins and crumbling stupas just behind the Dhamma Yon; Nee Paya,

located just west of town and featuring a gold lacquered bamboo Buddha. And moving to the more modern,

visit Christ the King Church, a Catholic church under the supervision of the Burmese Father Paul, and the

Italian Father Angelo Di Meo, who have been in Myanmar since 1931. The Christ figure over the altar came

from Italy, and Father Angelo painted the mural background.

Enjoy trekking in the plateau near Kalaw, which is inhabited by people of the Palaung and Pao tribes. Intha,

Shan, Taungthu, Taung-yo, Danu. Kayah, Danaw and Bamar tribes occupy the mountains to the north and

east. One of the main sources of income is the cultivation of 'thanaq-hpeq' (a large leaf used to wrap

Burmese cigars).

By vehicle from Kalaw to Inle Lake

Transfer by boat

Day 8 Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon

(Breakfast: Hotel)

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.

Transfer by boat

By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho

Flight from Heho to Yangon

Transfer

Day 9 Yangon

(Breakfast: Hotel)

Hotel Var. A Var. B

Yangon Grand Laurel Hotel

Deluxe Jasmine Palace Hotel

Superior [FIT 1-9 room]

Bagan Ruby True Hotel

Superior [FIT 1-14 pax] Bawga Theiddhi Hotel

Superior (No Extra Bed)

Mandalay Shwe Ingyinn Hotel

Superior (No Extra Bed) Hotel Hazel

Superior (No Extra Bed)

Kalaw Dream Villa Hotel

Superior (No Extra Bed)

Hill Top Villa Resort Hotel Superior City View / Superior A [f.Superior] (No

Extra Bed)

Inle Lake Paramount Inle Resort

Superior Teak Wood (No Extra Bed)

Ananta Inle Resort Deluxe

INCLUDED SERVICES:

- Program is based either on English or German speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will

apply.

- 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 Heho to Yangon

Flight from Mandalay to Heho

Flight from Yangon to Bagan

- 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:

- Myanmar Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses.

Prices from US$1,370 (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 Monday, minimum of 2 people. Discount prices are available for groups of 4 or more people travelling together on independent tours.