Beauties of Myanmar - 12 days tour
 

Beauties of Myanmar – 12 days tour

per person

Discover the essential beauty of Myanmar over 12 days : Yangon, the country’s first city and capital until 2005, with the extraordinary and revered Shwedagon Pagoda and stunning colonial-era buildings; Mandalay, the final capital of the Konbaung dynasty, a religious and cultural center of the country; Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, with over 2200 pagodas surrounded by plains and the Ayeyarwaddy River; Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site – where you’ll take several boat trips on the lake to explore picturesque villages and floating gardens.

Along the way, numerous surprises and encounters await you between these destinations.

This is a private tour including the services of one or more French-speaking guides for your visits.

Available from October to March.

12 days
  • Departure
    Yangon / Yangon
  • Dress Code
    Comfortable and rainproof clothing, hiking shoes, first aid kit.
1
Arrival in Yangon
Our representative will pick you up directly from the airport, and then you will be taken to the hotel in a private car for check-in. Rest of the day is free for leisure and relaxation.
  • Included in the day: Airport welcome and hotel transfer, overnight at the hotel.
2
Visit of Yangon (B)
Yangon, the country's first city, was the capital until 2005. You will begin your exploration with the Chauk Htat Gyi reclining Buddha, right next to Shwedagon, which is also a very important place of worship. Next, you will head to the Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market, closed on Mondays and holidays), a vast complex built in 1926 and famous for its wide variety of crafts and other typical items from all corners of Myanmar; an excellent opportunity to indulge in some last-minute shopping. Afterwards, you will visit downtown Yangon. You can stroll around Pansodan Street with its splendid colonial-era buildings. It is also interesting to observe the various small markets on the sidewalks, especially the stalls selling books, supplies, and food items. Before sunset, you can visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful pagoda gems in Asia and above all, the most revered monument in the country.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, French-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.
3
Yangon - Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the airport to catch a flight to Mandalay. Mandalay was the last capital of the Konbaung Dynasty until it fell into the hands of the British in 1885. Even today, the city remains the largest religious and cultural center of the country, where you can appreciate the authenticity of an older Asia and the profound religious beliefs of Buddhism. Visits to the main points of interest in Mandalay include the revered Mahamuni Pagoda with its Buddha covered in tons of gold and other ancient relics of Theravada Buddhism. Mandalay boasts a rich Buddhist heritage, including some extraordinary monasteries that are often hidden or closed (unless our guide arranges for monks to show you). The famous teakwood monastery, Shwenandaw, is also a highlight, as well as the extraordinary Kuthodaw Pagoda with its hundreds of stupas containing the world's largest open book, carved in marble. You will also have the opportunity to see many artisans renowned for their work with marble, wood, silver, and gold leaf, the latter being used for religious purposes. End the day with a magnificent sunset in Amarapura, enjoying a unique view of the majestic Ayeyarwady River, fully immersing in the local life scenes without too many tourists (they usually visit in the morning after Mahagandayon Monastery).
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, overnight stay at the hotel.
4
Mandalay (B)
You head to the Mandalay jetty, where you embark on a short and pleasant cruise to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (11 km, 1 hour). Here lies the site of what would have been the largest stupa in the world if it had been completed. However, all work was halted in 1819 after the death of King Bodipaya, and an earthquake in 1838 further damaged the monument. Nevertheless, the base of this 50-meter stupa remains impressively imposing as you approach it from the river by boat. Next, you can also visit the Mingun Bell, originally intended to hang at the top of the Mingun Pagoda but now suspended in a new sanctuary. It is said to be one of the largest hanging bells in the world and is still in very good condition. You will continue your visit to Inwa. The city was founded in 1364 and served as the imperial capital for 400 years (although with interruptions). Inwa is accessible by a short boat transfer, as there are no cars on the island. Instead, you travel by horse-drawn cart among the ruins and grand monuments, some of which are still partially buried. Here, you can admire, among other ruins and religious monuments, the old palace walls; the leaning tower of Ava; the Maha Aungmye Bonzan, an extraordinary brick and stucco monastery; and the elegant Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, one of the unique teakwood monasteries in Myanmar where young apprentices still study today.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, overnight stay at the hotel.
5
Boat tour from Mandalay to Bagan (B, L)
Today, you will be transferred to the jetty for a delightful boat journey across the Irrawaddy River to Bagan. Lunch is always included as part of the cruise services. In fact, we always opt for this option so that the crew members can share some little secrets of Burmese culture with you. Moreover, this is the only boat that stops at a small village along the riverbank, where people engage in making pots and peanuts (and other products depending on the season). Note: If this boat is not available, we select other boats that are equally comfortable and follow the same route, although not always with the same stops. Breakfast and lunch are always included.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, overnight stay at the hotel.
6
Visit of Bagan (B)
Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, boasts over 2,200 pagodas that dot the plains along the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River. For an initial archaeological encounter, you will explore the oldest and most significant temples of Bagan. For instance, the Sulamani Temple, constructed by King Narapatisithu; then the Dhammayangyi Pahto Temple, a temple from the later period with some of the finest masonry in Bagan, followed by the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which dominates the Bagan skyline, and the Dhammayazika Pagoda or the Shwezigon, a prototype of Myanmar's earliest stupas. The afternoon tour includes a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda, an idyllic spot for panoramic views, as well as the Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century temple with intricate mural paintings. Later on, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional lacquerware shop to learn about the craftsmen and artisans behind these unique products. As it is a private tour, you can even try your hand at drawing alongside the local artisans. Lastly, you will enjoy the renowned Bagan sunset from a hilltop carefully selected by our guide or private driver to ensure the best views.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, overnight stay at the hotel.
7
Bagan - free time (B)
Free to explore the temples and landscapes of Bagan at your own pace.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, overnight stay at the hotel.
8
Bagan - Heho - Inle lake (B, L, D)
Today, you will be transferred to Nyaung U Airport to take a flight to Heho. You will begin your day with a visit to Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This abundant lake is situated 900 meters below sea level, stretching 20 km in length and 10 km in width. Travel on the lake involves navigating through various villages and floating gardens, allowing you to admire the locals' skillful techniques along the shores and gain insight into their way of life. Points of interest include the Phaung Daw O Pagoda, home to highly revered Buddha images, as well as the Ngaphe Chaung Monastery (surrounded by floating gardens). You will also visit the village of Nan Pan, where you can witness the crafting of traditional-style boats entirely by hand. Throughout the journey, your boat will make several stops, bringing you closer to the charming floating gardens of Inle and passing through welcoming and more remote villages. The main goal is to avoid tourist traps, including souvenir markets like some of the "Five-Day Markets" and souvenir shops (unless requested). There are interesting and unique artisans, such as those in Inpawkhone, where you will visit traditional silk weaving workshops and observe the process of turning lotus flowers into fabric. However, many shops in this area are dedicated to souvenir sales. To conclude your day, you will take a stroll in Thaleoo, a small agricultural village by the lakeside, where you can observe authentic local life. The farmers cultivate a variety of different products depending on the season. It is certainly one of the most charming villages on Inle Lake.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight stay at the hotel.
9
Boat tour at Indein and cooking class (B, L)
Today you will navigate to the 17th-century pagodas of Indein, crossing some of the small streams and lush floating gardens to reach the more remote areas of the lake. About 1 hour of boating. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk starting from the ancient jetty and walking for 30 minutes among the houses of this village of the PaO minority. You will arrive at the ruins of Indein, which include many ancient stupas and small temples covered with vegetation, mostly dating back to the 17th century. You will return by discreetly weaving through local houses and passing through the beautiful bamboo forest crossed by a charming little river. Next, you will experience an exciting gastronomic immersion in the Intha territory, in the village of Thar Lay Ywa. Equipped with a chef's hat and apron, you will be guided by our local and experienced chef. You will learn to cook some of the most exquisite dishes and savor them in an idyllic setting. Your instructor (owner of a small but famous local restaurant) will welcome you to his home in the middle of the village to teach you the secrets of Shan cuisine while observing the authentic activities of the local residents nearby. You will also have the opportunity (depending on the season) to learn how to roll local tobacco, as our chef's parents often roll "cheroot" cigars in another part of the house to be sold at the market. Night in Inle
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance tickets, night at the hotel
10
Magway elephants camp (B, L)
After breakfast, you will begin the journey towards Kalaw along a trail dominated by vegetable and cereal plantations. After approximately 2 hours of walking, you will reach the Magway Elephant Camp. This small village is also an elephant recovery camp with a village of mahouts (elephant keepers) and their families. You will learn about how to feed and care for these animals and assist in bathing or treating them. The purpose of this visit is not to ride the elephants but rather to admire them in the exceptional landscape. You will have the opportunity to interact with the elephants during their relaxed bathing time if you wish. To continue this lovely initiative, you can plant a tree to contribute to forest recovery, followed by a final stroll through this beautiful sanctuary, rich in butterflies, birds, and orchids, among others. A meal will be served at the camp. Return to Innthar House for the night.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, French-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight stay at the hotel.
11
Flight to Yangon - free time (B)
Today, you will be driven to Heho Airport for your return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, you will be transferred to the hotel to rest.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transfers, flight to Yangon, overnight stay at the hotel.
12
Yangon - end of the tour (B)
Transfer for your international connection at Yangon Airport.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transfer to the airport.

TOUR LOCATION

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  • Here is the list of hotels we propose for your 12-day stay in Myanmar. Of course, everything is customizable, and if you have other hotel preferences, we can incorporate them into your itinerary.
Ville 3 stars hotel 4 stars hotel
Yangon Hotel Shwe Yee Rose Garden Hotel
Mandalay Victoria Palace Hotel Bagan King Hotel
Bagan Thazin Garden Hotel Amata Garden Resort Bagan
Inle Lei Thar Gone Hotel Inle Garden Resort
Nyaung Shwe Maine Li Hotel Inle Garden Resort
Kalaw Dream Villa Hotel Dream Mountain Resort
  • Here are the prices per person in dollars.
  • This is a private tour that includes private car transfers and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for each day of the tour.
Catégorie  2 3 - 4 5 - 6 Single add
Offre 3 étoiles 2200 1910 1425 345
Offre 4 étoiles 2390 2100 1850 535