Myanmar Explorer

You can book your international flight to Yangon on your own or ask us for help. Upon arrival at Mingaladon airport of Yangon (Previously known as Rangoon), we will meet our local guide and then transfer to the hotel.
Today, we visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda- probably the most prominent attraction in entire Myanmar. Towering 326 ft high on Singuttara Hill, the pagoda can be spotted from miles away. The 2,500-year-old pagoda is built of 30 tons of gold and precious gems such as diamonds and emeralds. As the pagoda contains the relics of Lord Gautama Buddha, it’s the most revered of all the pagodas in Myanmar. At the pagoda, we will witness the rituals and prayers performed by monks and devotees. We will stay at the pagoda till late to enjoy the beautiful sunset view.

Overnight in the Hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel, we set out to explore the wonders of Yangon- the city with glistening Pagodas, old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling local markets, and tranquil lakes. We begin from Botataung Pagoda, located in the eastern Yangon waterfront, which is a 131ft high golden spire, containing a sacred relic hair of Buddha. This Pagoda is believed to be the contemporary of Shwedagon Pagoda. From here, we continue to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar. The pagoda is located near the Shwedagon Pagoda and is worth visiting. If you are interested in arts and artifacts and items of historical importance, we will visit the National Museum. Maha Wijaya Pagoda is a relatively newer addition. It is a symbolic memorial of the first thriving congregation of the Shangha (schools) of all orders when all the sects of the Buddhist monastic orders came under one supervisory body. We conclude the tour of the day at Sule Pagoda, which is another remarkable pagoda in Yangon. This 2,000-year old golden image, which is 152 feet high, makes for an exciting landmark because of its octagonal shape. The pagoda enshrines the sacred hair of Buddha. If you want to know your fortune, see one of the palmist or astrologers who makes the pagoda their base.

Overnight in the hotel. 

After breakfast, we check out hotel and head to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, known as "Golden Rock," perches on the edge of a cliff at the top of Kyaikhto Mountain, part of the Eastern Yoma. A small stupa structure rests on top of a big boulder covered in gold leaf, which balances on the cliff thanks to a sacred hair of the Buddha enshrined or preserved inside the stupa. From Yangon, its 119 miles scenic journey up to the base camp, and then we switch to a small truck up to the second camp at Yathedaung and then hike about 45 minutes to reach the top. The ride and hike are tiresome, but our efforts are well-rewarded with spectacular views of the surroundings.

Overnight in the hotel. 

We will revisit Golden rock for sunrise view and return to the hotel for breakfast, and then we descend to the base camp and ride back to Yangon. We stop at Bago for sightseeing. Bago is the ancient capital of Myanmar, dating back to the 6th century. At Bago, we visit the beautiful 55m long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung and the Mon style Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most revered in Myanmar. Its spire stands 114m high and is taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda. Also, visit the old Palace of Kambozathadi and the huge four sitting Buddhas. Return by road to Yangon, visiting the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan, the final resting place for over 27,000 allied soldiers, and a local woven bamboo factory. Transfer back to Yangon.

Overnight in the hotel. 

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Bagan. Upon arrival at Bagan airport, we will meet by our local guide, and then we transfer to our hotel. Soon we set out to explore the archeological wonders of Bagan town that flourished from the 11th through the 13th century. During 200 years, there were thousands of magnificent stupas and temples constructed, many of which are still standing with all glory along the banks of Irrawaddy River.

We visit the vibrant market of Nyaung U before and drive to the archaeological zone. We visit the temples and pagodas of Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu Sulamani, Dhammyangyi, which speak of their glorious past. In the evening, we enjoy the spectacular sunset from the terrace of Myaukguni Temple and conclude the tour of the day.

Overnight in Bagan.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano which is believed to be home to the "nats," ancient Burmese animist spirits. We climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding countryside before continuing to the village of Salay, a famous Buddhist center. Visit the ancient wooden monastery before returning to Bagan.
This morning, head southeast 48 km (30 miles) to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a height of 1518 m (4,979 ft.). We climb to the top of the volcano ridge and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding. Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion, and history since the earliest times. It’s believed to be the abode of the “Nats,” ancient Burmese animist spirits. As we climb the stairs to the top, we will get to learn about the Nats and Nat rituals.

We will have a lunch break in a local restaurant (pay on your own), and then we will head to Salay. It is an essential Buddhist center with many active monasteries. Salay created a unique style of Bagan-era architecture and that we can witness in Yok Stone Kyaung Monastery- one of the nicest and the oldest ones in the area. Today, time permitting, we will also take a sunset boat ride on the Ayeyarwady River.

Overnight in Bagan.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for flight to Mandalay- Myanmar’s second-largest city after Myanmar. Upon arrival at Mandalay airport, we meet by our local guide, and then we transfer to our hotel.
Today, we visit the three former royal capitals, Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa, each with its charm and atmosphere. We begin from Amarapura and visit Mahagandayon Monastery, where we watch monks and novices lining up to receive their daily alms and food from faithful Buddhists. We continue to Sagaing, the spiritual center of Myanmar, abundant with hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples, and nunneries.

We cross the river by ferry to the ancient capital of Inwa- situated on the shores of the Irrawaddy River, which is now a quiet rural oasis. We enjoy a leisurely horse carriage ride in the peaceful countryside and visit the beautiful teak wood monastery. On the way, we stop at a workshop where locals make the famous alms bowls out of iron. We conclude the day at U Bein‘s Bridge in Amarapura. U Bein’s Bridge is a picturesque teak bridge that extends over one kilometer across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge is swarmed by monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colors of the sunset.

Overnight in Mandalay. 

This morning, we visit Mahamuni Paya enshrined with the Mahamuni Image- covered in over 6 inches of gold leaf. The image is probably the most revered Buddhist image in entire Myanmar. Devotees flock to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, we will stop at a workshop to see the difficult process of gold leaf making. We may also stop by a craft shop.
We continue to the Golden Teak Monastery, built entirely of golden teak with an intricate carving. The monastery was once the part of Mandalay Palace, used by King Mindon and his chief wife as their private chamber. Next, we will visit Kyaukawgyi Paya- known for a seated Buddha, carved out of a single marble block. The Kuthodaw Paya- a massive walled temple complex at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill. King Mindon built Kuthodaw Paya at about the same time as the Mandalay Royal Palace.

This afternoon, we take a ferry up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to a laidback riverside village of Mingun. We will enjoy the serene beauty of the river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to arrive at Mingun, but we can see the attractions of Mingun luring us from far away.
We will visit the 12 feet high and 87-ton Mingun Bell, which is the world's largest bell. Just south of the bell lies Mingun Pagoda- a giant brick structure built in the 1700s. But it was never completed due to economic troubles, but it is still an impressive sight. Mingun's other attraction that we don’t want to miss is the Hisnbyume Pagoda- a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Mingun is full of small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items. We will have plenty of opportunities to stop by and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.

We take the ferry ride back at dusk, enjoying the beautiful colors of the water.

Overnight in Mandalay. 

After breakfast, we check out the hotel, and we embark on our overland journey to Kalaw that takes most of the day. We pass by small towns and villages and get glimpses of rural life away from the cities.

Kalaw, situated at an elevation of 4000 ft. on the western edge of the Shan Plateau, served as a popular retreat during British Era. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of those colonial days. The small population here is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar, and Nepalese ethnics.

Overnight in the hotel. 

After breakfast, we embark on the tour of Kalaw. We begin from Thein Taung Pay, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the main road. There are many Western-style buildings still standing in Kalaw, visit Christ the King Church, founded by an Italian missionary. We will also take a light trek to a nearby hill tribe village. One of the primary sources of income is the cultivation of a large leaf used to wrap Burmese cigars.

After your trek, we continue overland to Inle Lake. We stop at Pindaya (28 miles from Kalaw) to visit the limestone caves. The caves have ancient Buddha images made of various materials like teak wood, marble, alabaster, brick and lacquer, and all enshrined in the nooks and corners of the winding caverns. Pindaya is also known for the Shan paper and monk umbrella makers. From Pindaya, we continue on our journey to Inle Lake. Upon arrival at the lake, we will take a ferry ride to get to the hotel.

Overnight in the hotel. 

Later in the day, we take a ferry ride back to the lakeshore and meet our transport and drive to the airport for flight to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon, we meet our local guide, and we transfer to our hotel.

Rest of the day, you are on your own to pursue your interests.

Overnight in the hotel. 

Transfer to the airport for flight back home or next destination.