Irrawaddy Explorer

Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! The former capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, remains Myanmar largest city and continues to be the country’s the most important commercial hub and gateway for most of its international visitors. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival at the airport our guide and drive will warmly welcome and transfer you to hotel for check in.

This afternoon, we visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70 meter long reclining Buddha statue around the size of a blue whale. Most countries and cultures have examples of what might be termed “quintessentially……” and the drinking of tea can certainly be describes as “quintessentially Burmese”. To share in this staple of Myanmar living, a visit to a local tea shop is a must. In addition to the obvious “cuppa”, you will also find a wide choice of delicious morsels to sample while you soak up the atmosphere and observe the locals as they use the drinking of tea as a backdrop to both social and professional conversations.

Afterwards, you continue uptown in order to make a quick stop by the Royal Lake located in Kandawgyi Park which is very popular with local residents, especially in the early morning and around sunset. Catch a view of Karaweik Hall, a reproduction of a royal barge and enjoy a spectacular view of the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda.

No Myanmar expedition can be considered truly great if it’s lacking a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. Ready for an amazing experience? The visual delights present there alone, are worth the trip. Witness the colors transform on the 100-meter chedi which is literally enclosed in over 40 tons of gold leaf. You will start at the eastern staircase where you will find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items.

Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As your browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people. Shwedagon is largely considered to be the most important religious site for the Burmese; most visitors report that the trip is extremely memorable and still etched into their minds.

After sunset head on to Chinatown for a change of scenery and check out the dragons and incense of the colorful Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple.

Explore the vibrant street stalls where vendors sell all kinds of fruit, vegetable and other goods or simply just walk around and soak in the atmosphere of this little China in Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Yangon Airport – Hotel Grand United (Ahlone Branch): 15km – 35 minutes driving
• Half day sightseeing around Yangon

Hotel:

• Meals: N/A
• Entrance fee:Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda,Kandawgyi Park, Shwedagon Pagoda
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Tea/Snack: 2000 MMK per pax, Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

Welcome to Bagan, known to be one of the greatest architectural sites in Asia. When Bagan was the centre of Myanmar from the 11th to 13th centuries the monarchs built multitudes of massive stupas and pagodas, scores of which are still present on the shores of the Irrawaddy River. The majesty of Bagan with more than 2000 red brick temples on a plain of the size of Manhattan Island is one of the highlights of a Myanmar holiday that will soothe the eye of every traveller.

Upon arrival at the airport you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Bagan for fascinating visits.

We will have a look around the Old Bagan starting with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. Travel over dusty lanes and tree shaded roads past temples and monasteries to temples and monasteries to a small village.

Explore the village on foot, getting a glimpse of local lifestyles of Bagan’s residents. Continue to more lesser-known monuments, selected based on your interest, in the area for the remainder of the morning. If you wish, a short walk can be arranged through a series of smaller monuments which allows for a unique perspective of Bagan.

This particular afternoon will begin with a trip to a traditional lacquer workshop. Here you can watch the manufacture of one of Myanmar’s most popular handicrafts.

Afterwards you’ll continue to Ananda Temple, which is considered to be an architectural work of art and is certainly one of Bagan’s most gorgeous temples. Constructed in an earlier “Mon” style, Ananda houses two distinctive Buddha images. Their expressions also appear to transform, according to the space from which the statue is seen.

From here you will journey on by horse cart for an excursion that passes Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, gigantic Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and of course, Sulamani Temple. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the upper terrace of one of the surrounding temples.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Bagan.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car

• Nyaung U Airport – sightseeing around Bagan

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Fee: Bagan Zone Fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing before check-in cruise
• Others: Water & Cold towel on private car

This morning you’ll investigate the settlement of Nyaung Oo and the neighbouring villages where you will gain knowledge of the traditional occupations. Investigate the fascinating procedure used to create poneyay (pea powder paste) and also observe how plum jam is refined.

Additionally, you’ll visit the workshops and observe the creation of some of the region’s most admired merchandise (lacquer ware and wood crafts). You can also find out how traditional bullock carts are made, which are still being used by farmers all over the nation.

Today’s visits are focused towards hands-on activities and the neighbourhood craftsmen don’t seem to mind sharing their tricks of the trade with you.

Then drive to Bagan Irra Jetty for check-in cruise at 11:30am. Overnight on cruise.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car & horse cart

• Hotel – temple plains & sightseeing around – transfer to Bagan Irra Jetty: By private car

Hotel: on board

• Meals: Breakfast
• Fee: Bagan Zone Fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

Welcome to Mandalay! Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar and one of the ancient royal capitals is often perceived and described in literature as Asia at its most traditional, timeless and alluring but those who go meet a booming and vibrant city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. However, despite the energy and thriving business it’s where the cultural heart of Myanmar lies and tradition of music, dance and drama are still alive.

Upon arrival in you’ll be transferred (1 hour) to Mandalay city. Check-in hotel and freshen up at leisure.

Overnight in Mandalay.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Mandalay Airport – Hotel:

Hotel:

• Meals: N/A
• Entrance fee: Mandalay zone fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide for airport transfer
• Others: Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

Start with a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees. Proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.

Directly south of Mandalay Hill stands the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, known as the pagoda of the Great Marble Image. Admire the huge Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. It’s said that the colossal marble block took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transport it from the riverside to its current location.

Then, it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings.

Then drive to the jetty for chek - in cruise at 12:30pm.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Hotel - Mahamuni Pagoda: 10 – 15 minutes driving
• Shwenandaw Monastery – Jetty: 20 minutes driving

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast , lunch on board
• Entrance fee: Mandalay zone fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing before check-in cruise
• Others: Water & Cold towel on private car

Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! The former capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, remains Myanmar largest city and continues to be the country’s the most important commercial hub and gateway for most of its international visitors. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival at the airport our guide and drive will warmly welcome and transfer you to hotel for check in.

This afternoon, we visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70 meter long reclining Buddha statue around the size of a blue whale. Most countries and cultures have examples of what might be termed “quintessentially……” and the drinking of tea can certainly be describes as “quintessentially Burmese”. To share in this staple of Myanmar living, a visit to a local tea shop is a must. In addition to the obvious “cuppa”, you will also find a wide choice of delicious morsels to sample while you soak up the atmosphere and observe the locals as they use the drinking of tea as a backdrop to both social and professional conversations.

Afterwards, you continue uptown in order to make a quick stop by the Royal Lake located in Kandawgyi Park which is very popular with local residents, especially in the early morning and around sunset. Catch a view of Karaweik Hall, a reproduction of a royal barge and enjoy a spectacular view of the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda.

No Myanmar expedition can be considered truly great if it’s lacking a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. Ready for an amazing experience? The visual delights present there alone, are worth the trip. Witness the colors transform on the 100 - meter chedi which is literally enclosed in over 40 tons of gold leaf.

You will start at the eastern staircase where you will find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items. Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As your browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people. Shwedagon is largely considered to be the most important religious site for the Burmese; most visitors report that the trip is extremely memorable and still etched into their minds.

After sunset head on to Chinatown for a change of scenery and check out the dragons and incense of the colorful Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple.

Explore the vibrant street stalls where vendors sell all kinds of fruit, vegetable and other goods or simply just walk around and soak in the atmosphere of this little China in Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Yangon Airport – Hotel Grand United (Ahlone Branch): 15km – 35 minutes driving
• Half day sightseeing around Yangon

Hotel:

• Meals: N/A
• Entrance fee:Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda,Kandawgyi Park, Shwedagon Pagoda
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Tea/Snack: 2000 MMK per pax, Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

A short flight takes you to Mandalay this morning!  Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar and one of the ancient royal capitals is often perceived and described in literature as Asia at its most traditional, timeless and alluring but those who go meet a booming and vibrant city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. However, despite the energy and thriving business it’s where the cultural heart of Myanmar lies and tradition of music, dance and drama are still alive.

Arrive Mandalay and start with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings.Directly south of Mandalay Hill stands the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, known as the pagoda of the Great Marble Image. Admire the huge Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. It’s said that the colossal marble block took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transport it from the riverside to its current location.

Then drive to the jetty for chek-in cruise at 11:30pm. Overnight on board.

» Factsheet for This day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Hotel - Mahamuni Pagoda: 10 – 15 minutes driving
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda – Jetty: 20 minutes driving

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast , lunch on board
• Entrance fee: Mandalay zone fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing before check-in cruise
• Others: Water & Cold towel on private car

Check out cruise and our next stop is Ava, the standing capital from the 14th through the 18th centuries. There you will travel in a traditional horse and carriage to the wooden Bagaya Monastery renowned for its extraordinarily elaborate woodcarvings. Be sure to check out the Nanmyint Watch Tower – also called “the leaning tower of Ava“ – which is what’s left from the remnants of the ancient palace and Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery.

Next take sampan to Amarapura, Myanmar’s penultimate royal capital. Amarapura means “City of Immortality”, though its period as capital was relatively brief. You will start Mahagandayon monastery, home to more than a thousand young monks and renowned as a centre for monastic study and strict religious discipline.

Continue on foot or by bus a short distance to the legendary U Bein Bridge, which was built in 1782 when Amarapura was the Royal center of attention. It spans 1.2 km across the shallow Taungthaman Lake and is said to be the longest teakwood bridge worldwide. Enjoy this very special atmosphere as the late afternoon sun casts long shadows and illuminates the local people heading home. As a stunning day comes to an end head back to Mandalay for the night.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car

• Mandalay Jetty – Ava:
• U Bein Bridge  – Hotel: 11 km, 26 minutes driving

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Fee: Mandalay Zone Fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

Your orientation tour of Mandalay will kick off with visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees.  Take time to explore many craft workshops in Mandalay including making gold leaf, tapestries, wood carvings,marble carving and bronze casting.

Proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings.

After lunch drive to Mandalay Airport to take afternoon flight to Yangon at about 3:00 pm → 3:55 pm. Arrive Yangon and check-in hotel. Free to freshen up at leisure.

Lunch and dinner at your own account. Overnight in Yangon.

This morning we will have an amazing shopping in Bogyoke Aung San market whichfills with arts and handicrafts, fashion and jewelry. Then transfer to Yangon International Airport to take your departure flight and conclude the trip.

Note: Bogyoke Aung San Market is closed on Monday & Public Holidays

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car

• Hotel – Bogyoke market: 2.5 km, 10 minutes driving
• Bogyoke Market – Yangon International Airport: 16 km, 35 minutes

Hotel:N/A

• Meals: Breakfast
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide

Your orientation tour of Mandalay will kick off with visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees.  Take time to explore many craft workshops in Mandalay including making gold leaf, tapestries, wood carvings,marble carving and bronze casting.

Proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century. This impressive structure is celebrated for its remarkable woodcarvings.

Next drive to Mandalay Hill, rising 240 meter above the city. At the top the reward is a full panoramic view, the hazy blue outline of the Shan Hills to the east, the Mandalay Palace (and the city sprawl) to the south and the Irrwaddy River to the west. Directly south of Mandalay Hill stands the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, known as the pagoda of the Great Marble Image. Admire the huge Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. It’s said that the colossal marble block took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transport it from the riverside to its current location.

» Factsheet of This Day

Route: transfer by private car and flight

• Mandalay Jetty – Mahamuni Pagoda: 20 minutes driving
• Sightseeing around Mandalay: by private car
• Mandalay Hill – Hotel: ~15 – 20 minutes driving

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast on cruise
• Entrance fee:Mandalay Zone fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

After enjoying your breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Heho. From Heho, you will experience a lovely scenic one-hour drive which leads to Nyaung Shwe, gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas.

Upon reaching the edge of the lake, take a short orientation tour of Nyaung Shwe, a small town of narrow streets dotted with temples, monasteries, tea shops and local houses.

Then, you will board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Along the way you will pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the daily activities of the local leg - rowing fishermen and see their ‘floating gardens’, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles.

You will also visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses loads of early Shan Buddha Images. In the past this temple was known for its ‘jumping cats’ but these days there are only a few felines roaming around and none are jumping any more. Yet the Buddha images are still worth the visit.

Proceed to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main haven, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf. There are also many traditional crafts originating on Inle Lake and , should you wish, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths.

The day will come to a close with a return trip by boat back to your hotel. Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay on Inle Lake.

» Factsheet of This Day

Route: Transfer by private car and flight

• Hotel – Mandalay Airport:
• Mandalay – Heho: flight about 30 – 40 minutes
• Heho Airport – Nyaung Shwe: 32 km, 1 hour driving
• Nyaung Shwe – Hotel: By private boat

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast on cruise
• Entrance fee: Inle Zone fees
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Water & Cold towel

After breakfast, you will take the morning flight back to Yangon.

Arriving in Yangon, we will welcome you at the airport transfer to your hotel to relax.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

This morning we will have an amazing shopping in Bogyoke Aung San market which fill with arts and handicrafts, fashion and jewelry.

Then transfer to Yangon International Airport to take your departure flight and conclude the trip.

Note: Bogyoke Aung San Market is closed on Monday & Public Holidays

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car

• Hotel – Bogyoke market: 2.5 km, 10 minutes driving
• Bogyoke Market – Yangon International Airport: 16 km, 35 minutes

Hotel:N/A

• Meals: Breakfast
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide

After check out cruise, our guide and driver will pick you up from the jetty and then drive you to explore more about Bagan.

We will have a look around the Old Bagan starting with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. Travel over dusty lanes and tree shaded roads past temples and monasteries to temples and monasteries to a small village. Explore the village on foot, getting a glimpse of local lifestyles of Bagan’s residents.

Continue to more lesser-known monuments, selected based on your interest, in the area for the remainder of the morning. If you wish, a short walk can be arranged through a series of smaller monuments which allows for a unique perspective of Bagan.

This particular afternoon will begin with a trip to a traditional lacquer workshop. Here you can watch the manufacture of one of Myanmar’s most popular handicrafts. Afterwards you’ll continue to Ananda Temple, which is considered to be an architectural work of art and is certainly one of Bagan’s most gorgeous temples. Constructed in an earlier “Mon” style, Ananda houses two distinctive Buddha images. Their expressions also appear to transform, according to the space from which the statue is seen.

From here you will journey on by horse cart for an excursion that passes Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, gigantic Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, and of course, Sulamani Temple. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the upper terrace of one of the surrounding temples.

Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight stay in Bagan.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car

• Nyaung U Airport – sightseeing around Bagan

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Fee: Bagan Zone Fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing before check-in cruise
• Others: Water & Cold towel on private car

This morning you’ll investigate the settlement of Nyaung Oo and the neighbouring villages where you will gain knowledge of the traditional occupations. Investigate the fascinating procedure used to create poneyay (pea powder paste) and also observe how plum jam is refined. Additionally, you’ll visit the workshops and observe the creation of some of the region’s most admired merchandise (lacquer ware and wood crafts).

You can also find out how traditional bullock carts are made, which are still being used by farmers all over the nation. Today’s visits are focused towards hands - on activities and the neighbourhood craftsmen don’t seem to mind sharing their tricks of the trade with you.

Then drive to Nyaung  Oo Airport to take afternoon flight to Yangon at about 5:05 pm → 6:25 pm.

Arrive Yangon and transfer to hotel for check-in, then freshen up at leisure time.

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: Transfer by private car & flight

• Hotel – temple plains & sightseeing around: By private car
• Nyaung Oo – Yangon: 1 hour 20 minutes flight
• Yangon Airport – Hotel in Yangon: 35 minutes driving

Hotel:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Fee: Bagan Zone Fee
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
• Others: Water & Cold towel on sightseeing

This morning we will have an amazing shopping in Bogyoke Aung San market which fill with arts and handicrafts, fashion and jewelry.

Then transfer to Yangon International Airport to take your departure flight and conclude the trip.

NOTE: Bogyoke Aung San Market is closed on Monday & Public Holidays

» Factsheet for This Day

Route: transfer by private car

• Hotel – Bogyoke market: 2.5 km, 10 minutes driving
• Bogyoke Market – Yangon International Airport: 16 km, 35 minutes

Hotel:N/A

• Meals: Breakfast
• Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide