Classic Myanmar

Although Yangon is no longer the official capital of the country it is still one of the most dynamic and busiest cities in the country. Today explore the many cultural and historical highlights that can be found in between the hustle and bustle of city life. See the colossal reclining Buddha of Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and take a stroll in the park at Kandawgyi Lake. From Botataung Pagoda walk through old streets lined with colonial buildings and grab a bargain at Scott Market. In the evening walk around the beautifully lit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important Buddhist site in the country.

This morning hop on a short flight to Bagan, where the landscape is a sea of stupas and temples. This ancient city and important archaeological site once held more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. With the ravages of time only 2,200 temples survive. This afternoon explore some of the last of the remaining temples and watch the sunset over this wondrous landscape from atop of Shwesandaw Pagoda.

In the cool of the morning take a short drive to the nearby jetty and cruise to the Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda perched on a hill on the western side of Irrawaddy River. The temple is said to house a tooth relic from Buddha, given by a Sri Lankan king. Continue on to Manuha Temple, a small square shaped building that is steeped in legend and later to Myinkaba village. See its ancient temple adorned with well-preserved paintings and then pop into a local craft shop where lacquer ware is expertly made by hand.

Set sail for Mandalay on board a river cruise ship and watch as the countryside unfolds. This slower pace of travel gives you an opportunity see a traditional way of life unchanged over time. Relax with the rhythm of the river arriving into Mandalay later in the afternoon.

Mandalay is the last of the royal cities and is encompassed by smaller capital cities dotted around its edges. This morning, visit Amarapura with its working monastery dating back to 1783 and walk along the U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Later travel to Sagaing, a former Shan capital in the 14th century with many impressive stupas scattered on its hill and on to Inwa with highlights such as the ‘ leaning tower of Ava’, and the elegant teakwood monastery Bagaya Kyaung.

This morning drive about an hour to Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British Colonial Hill Station. Originally named Maymyo, after the British General who founded the town, it is renowned for its beautiful botanical gardens that were built by Turkish prisoners of war during the First World War. Other highlights to take in are Purcell tower, the morning vegetable market and the hilltop pagoda of Naung Kan Gyi Paya from where the entire town can be seen. After a day in this picturesque town return to Mandalay arriving in the late afternoon.

Today, fly to Heho the gateway to Inle Lake and drive about an hour to reach the lake. Take a boat ride across the lake and admire the unique one-legged rowing style as you pass by many floating gardens filled with fruits and vegetables that provide an income to the lake dwellers. This afternoon relax by the water or take a walk and explore on your own. Keep your eye out for the many species of water birds that call the lake home.

Cruise by small boat to Indein nestled on the banks of the lake. The village is famous for its overgrown and mystifying 16th century stupas as well its artisanal handicrafts. See craftsman at work building wooden boats, creating Buddha images made from the powder of dried flowers and watch as workers hand roll Burmese cigars!

Drive back to Heho and fly directly to Ngapali. After a short drive from the airport you will arrive at this laid back beach town on the Bay of Bengal. Spend the next few days doing as much or as little as you choose.

Relax on the beach or rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding villages where time old traditions continue.

Pack a picnic lunch and hire a boat to travel out to one of the islands dotted off the coast for great snorkeling and diving, or venture out into the countryside and meet the locals.

It’s your last day to work on your tan or swing in a hammock under a tree.

Say goodbye to Myanmar with a flight to Yangon and your onward travel.