DAY 1 (31-03-2024) | ARRIVAL IN YANGON

Upon your arrival at Yangon International Airport, Namaste Premium Travel's Myanmar representatives will be waiting for you to offer you a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel.

Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the main city of Burma/Myanmar and the economic center of the country. Located in the south, it was the national capital from the 18th century until the early 21st century, when the capital was moved to Naypyidaw in 2006. With a population of over five million people, Yangon is the most populous city in Myanmar.

Although it has several centuries of history, it was during the British rule (mid-19th century - 1948) when the city was designed urbanistically as we know it today, with straight and perpendicular streets, especially in the area known as "Downtown".

During our tour, we will visit the famous Botataung Pagoda, located in the center of Yangon, near the Yangon River. This pagoda was built by the Mon at about the same time as the Shwedagon Pagoda, more than 2500 years ago according to local belief. Botataung Pagoda is known for its hollow design inside and is believed to house a sacred hair of Gautama Buddha.

We will then drive to the impressive Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important and revered religious monument in the country. This large Buddhist complex is dominated by its imposing central stupa, which houses several Buddha hairs inside. The pagoda grounds feature numerous shrines and Buddha images, creating a truly impressive and sacred atmosphere.

Accommodation: Lottele Hotel Yangon .

DAY 2 | YANGON - FLIGHT - MANDALAY

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to the airport for our flight to Mandalay.

We will begin our visit by exploring Mandalay, which was the last capital of the Konbaung dynasty until its fall to the British in 1885. Today, Mandalay remains the religious and cultural center of the country, with the highest concentration of monasteries and monks in the country.

Our first stop will be at the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, considered one of the most important in Burma, as it houses the most revered statue of Buddha (Siddhartha) in the whole country. This image is considered extremely sacred in Buddhism, as according to tradition, it was created in the likeness of the Buddha himself.

Next, we will visit the beautiful Shwe In Bin Kyaung teak monastery. Afterwards, we will continue exploring the surroundings of the ancient Royal Palace of Mandalay, whose perimeter boundaries form a perfect square of 2.5 kilometers on each side, delimited by an artificial canal.

Afterwards, we will approach Kuthodaw, the pagoda that houses the largest book in the world, written in Pali, the traditional language in which Buddhist texts narrating the teachings of Buddha are written. This peculiar book consists of 729 pages carved in marble and is kept in small pagodas.

The rest of the day will be spent exploring the Mandalay hill area. We will visit the impressive Ahtumashi Monastery and the exquisite Shwenandaw Monastery. Finally, we will climb to the top of Mandalay Hill, from where we will enjoy splendid views of the city and witness the magnificent sunset on the banks of the Mandalay River.

Accommodation: Pullman Mandalay Mingalar Hotel.

DAY 3 | MANDALAY - AMARAPURA - AVA - BAGAN

We will start the morning enjoying the sunrise at Amarapura's main attraction, the famous U Bein Bridge, considered the longest teak wood bridge in the world.

Afterwards, we will return to the hotel to enjoy a delicious breakfast.

We will then take a comfortable private car ride to Bagan, with an approximate duration of 4 hours.

On the way, we will stop to visit Ava, an ancient capital. Founded in the 14th century by the Shans and later refounded in 1634 by the Toungoo dynasty. Here we will explore some of the most impressive ruins, enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Among the places we will visit are the Bagaya Monastery, a beautiful monastery built entirely of wood (where local school children study alongside the monks), the Maha Aung Myay Bonzan Monastery, the imposing Nan Myint tower, and we will also have the opportunity to visit local workshops where bowls are made for Buddhist monks.

After our exploration in Ava, we will continue our journey by car to Bagan, where the next stage of our adventure awaits.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

DAYS 4 AND 5 : BAGAN

Bagan (also known as Pagan) is the historical center of Burmese civilization and is home to more than 3,000 monuments, including temples, pagodas and stupas, on a vast plain on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, with most of the monuments dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, and even some older. Considered the cradle of Burmese civilization, a visit to Myanmar would not be complete without exploring Bagan.

Places of interest include the most beautiful and ancient temples and pagodas, such as:

• Shwezigon, noted for its beautiful golden stupa of more than 50 meters high, located in a large religious enclosure. It is the religious center par excellence of Bagan.
• Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a remarkable temple for two reasons: it contains a variety of well-preserved frescoes on its interior walls and the original paintings are some of the oldest in Bagan.
• The Htilo-Min-Lo temple, one of the most spectacular temples in the area.
• Tharaba Gate, which is the only surviving gate of the ancient citadel of Bagan.
• Ananda Temple, considered one of the most exquisite, large, best preserved and revered temples in all of Bagan.

Afterwards, we will visit the traditional Buddhist Lawka Nanda Monastery, where we will have the opportunity to have a session with the monks and learn about their lifestyle dedicated to religious devotion.

Finally, we will witness an unforgettable sunset in one of the most outstanding places in Bagan, specially selected by our guide to enjoy this magical moment.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

DAY 6 | BAGAN - FLIGHT - INLE LAKE

After breakfast, we will drive to the airport for our flight to Heho, located in the picturesque and prosperous Shan State.

On our way, we will stop to visit the fascinating Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, known for its oval-shaped windows that are a popular photo attraction.

Our tour will begin in the charming village of Nyaung Shwe, from where we will embark on a private boat to explore the beautiful Inle Lake. Away from the crowds of tourists and souvenir stores, we will delve into the authenticity of the lake, getting close to the local villages. Our goal will be to witness the lifestyle of the lake's inhabitants, as fishermen and farmers demonstrate great skill in working the serene waters and floating crops.

Continue by boat to the famous Paung Daw Oo Pagoda, which houses five Buddha images (four of which are carried in procession during the Paung Daw Oo festival in October). This sacred place is one of the main religious centers of San Buddhism on Inle Lake.

We will explore the most picturesque corners, including the Ngaphe Chaung Monastery, whose monks guard ancient relics and offers breathtaking views of the lake's floating crops. We will also visit the village of Inpawkhone, where you can appreciate the traditional hand weaving of silk and lotus flower fabrics on looms. In this area, we will stop at the local shipyards to observe the artisanal process of boat building on Inle Lake.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle lake

DAY 7 | INLE LAKE

In the morning, if we coincide with the market day, we will go to visit the five-day floating market/market on Inle Lake where most of the tribes come to sell and buy things in the market.

Relaxing afternoon and sunset at the lake.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle lake

DAY 8 | INLE LAKE - KALAW

In the morning, if we are lucky enough to coincide with market day, we will visit the lively five-day floating market on Inle Lake. This market is an important meeting point for various tribes who come to sell and buy a wide variety of products.

Afterwards, we will head to Indein, a fascinating 17th century complex of shrines and stupas. It is noted for its long corridor covered with columns, offering a breathtaking setting to explore and capture unique photographs.

We will then cruise through the charming village of Nampan, where we will have the opportunity to witness the traditional cigar making process in small local factories, and meet the friendly locals.

On the way back to the hotel, we will pass by the beautiful floating gardens, where we will be able to capture the best photos while the sunset tinges the landscape with amazing color changes. This landscape is recognized as a World Heritage Site and will give us an unforgettable visual experience.

Then, we will head to Kalaw for a drive of about one hour. In Kalaw, we will enjoy another wonderful sunset photo session. The city has several strategic points that offer panoramic views ideal for capturing the beauty of the moment.

In summary, this day will be filled with sightseeing, cultural encounters and opportunities to capture spectacular images in the beautiful surroundings of Inle Lake and Kalaw.

Lodging: Kalaw Hill Lodge

DAY 9 | KALAW - HEHO - FLIGHT - YANGON

After breakfast, transfer to Heho airport to catch our flight back to Yangon.

Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the main city of Burma/Myanmar and the economic center of the country. Located in the south, it was the national capital from the 18th century until the beginning of the 21st century, when the capital was transferred to Naypyidaw in 2006. With a population of over five million people, Yangon is the most populous city in Myanmar. Although it has a history spanning several centuries, it was during British rule, from the mid-19th century until 1948, that the city acquired its current urban layout, with straight, perpendicular streets, especially in the area known as the "Downtown".

We will then stroll through the "Downtown", the oldest part of Yangon, to admire the magnificent buildings of the colonial era. During the period when Yangon was the capital of the former British colony of Burma, numerous colonial buildings were constructed, making Yangon the city with the largest number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. In this area, we will also find charming markets that offer a unique experience, depending on the time of day.

A common denominator in Downtown is the mix of cultures and religions that coexist in the city, such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, among others.

We will continue our visit with the impressive Kandawgyi Lake, where we can admire the fascinating and mythical Karaweik boat. This lake is also a beautiful green space where the inhabitants of Yangon come to relax. It is also an ideal place to take pictures of the majestic stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset. Next, we will head to see the imposing Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the world.

And finally, we will visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important and revered religious monument in the country. This impressive Buddhist complex is dominated by its large central stupa, which houses several Buddha hairs inside. The pagoda grounds house numerous shrines and Buddha images, creating a truly impressive and sacred environment.

Accommodation: Lottele Hotel Yangon .

DAY 10 (9-04-2024) | YANGON - END OF TRIP

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport for our return flight.

End of the Photo Tour: