Myanmar Sampler
6 Days / 5 Nights

Important Note: Travelers checks and credit cards are no longer accepted by any establishment in Myanmar. The U.S. dollar is the only form of currency currently accepted.

Day 1: Arrive Yangon / Afternoon Yangon Sightseeing
Arrive at Yangon Airport on your own flight arrangements. Meet your guide after customs.

Afternoon sightseeing highlights will include a visit to Sule Pagoda, located in the center of downtown, this octagonal-shaped pagoda stands 157 feet high and is said to be over 2000 years old. Drive by Kandawgyi Lake, also know as the Royal Lake, this natural body of water, located in the center of the city is a popular place for the local community.

Also visit bustling Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market), the most vibrant and largest market in Yangon. With over 2000 stalls, this is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts.

The highlight of today’s sightseeing is a visit to the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda. This 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 replaced. Return to your hotel.
Overnight accommodations at the Park Royal Hotel or similar.

Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Ayeyarwaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD.

Sightseeing highlights today will include a visit to Shwezigon Paya, this stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Also visit Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period.

As time allows, also visit Gubyaukgyi Temple with its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls. The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan. Manuha Temple, built in 1059 by King Manuha and Shwesandaw Paya, built in 1057 by King Anawrahta. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa.

Also visit a lacquerware workshop, the villages around Bagan are known for producing the finest lacquerware in Myanmar. Stop by one of the workshops and learn about the painstaking process of laquerware making and decoration.
Overnight accommodations at The Hotel At Thanbar Gate or similar.

Enjoy a visit to the former royal capital, Amarapura. Drive to Amarapura and visit Mahagandayon Monastery. Also visit U Bein‘s Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometer across Taungthaman Lake. Return to Mandalay.

This afternoon visit 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 Kyaukawgyi Paya, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Finally, visit Kuthodaw Paya, known also as the world s biggest book.

Weather permitting, visit Mandalay Hill at sunset.
Overnight accommodations at the Mandalay Hill Resort or similar.

Visit the floating gardens, a market and a Intha village around the lake (please note that no markets take place on full moon or new moon days). Sightseeing includes a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inn Paw Khon Village (Lotus and silk weaving) and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping Cat Monastery).
Overnight accommodations at the Inle Resort or similar.

Remainder of the day at leisure for you to explore Yangon on your own.
Overnight accommodations at the Park Royal Hotel or similar.

Tour Starts: Yangon
Tour Ends: Yangon
Tour Code: MY-T-16
9 Days / 8 Nights
Type Of Tour: Locally Hosted Tour By Private Vehicle, With Driver & English Speaking Guide.
Included Meals: 8 Breakfasts
Included Flights (Economy Class): Yangon to Bagan / Bagan to Mandalay / Heho to Yangon