VITAL
MYANMAR
Day 1: Arrive Yangon
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Guide who
will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel.
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively
quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes
it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
This afternoon, your journey begins with a visit
around the city and its highlights.
Stop at the National Museum where a tour of the priceless
ancient artifacts, works of art and historic memorabilia will help you gain
insight in to the country’s history. Of
particular note are the three halls on the ground floor, which hold exhibits on
the evolution the Myanmar alphabet, the Lion Throne Room, and artifacts from
the Yatanabon Period. Continue to
Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 70-meter reclining Buddha.
Late this afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the
most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The central stupa is 90 meters tall and gilded
with gold leaf. As the sun begins to set
enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pagoda and surrounding skyline before
transferring back to your hotel.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Bagan (B)
After an
early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon Airport for the flight
to Bagan (Nyaung Oo).
From the
11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers
constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples many of which are still
standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
On
arrival, your journey begins with a visit to Tayokye Pyay, an elevated temple
from where you will have a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan.
Continue to the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where every day the locals come to
buy and sell fresh produce and other goods before visiting the golden stupa of
Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit to
nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural
paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings
and glazed sandstone decorations.
This
afternoon begin with a visit to a traditional lacquer ware workshop where you
can observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue
to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most
beautiful temples.
Built in
the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions
seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed.
From here,
travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in
Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, and
Sulamani Temple. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper
terrace of one of the temples.
Overnight
in Bagan.
Day 3:
Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung
Oo Airport for a flight to Heho.
From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive
leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at
the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a
collection of Buddha images.
Upon reaching the edges of Inle
Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most
spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by
the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from
strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha
Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’ who jump through hoops
in the air! Continue to Phaung Daw Oo
Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images
covered in gold leaf.
Explore
the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone
and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by
hand.
If time permits, there may be time
to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
Overnight on Inle Lake.
Day 4:
Inle Lake – Heho - Yangon (B)
After
breakfast, visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location
around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants
and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note:
market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day).
This
afternoon, transfer to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival,
transfer to your hotel.
Overnight
in Yangon.
Day 5:
Depart Yangon (B)
Depending
on flight time, there is an option to take a ride on Yangon’s Circle Train in
the morning.
After
breakfast, you will transfer to Yangon Railways station to take local circular
train for a journey to the outskirts of town (45 minutes ride). The slowly
traveling train gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively and
colorful life of the rural Burmese people.
Disembark to visit Insein market where a variety of street vendors sell
colorful wares. Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals
before returning by road to Yangon.
This
afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where you
can browse through the wide selection of Myanmar handicrafts and other goods
before transferring to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight.
(Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays)
***End of services***
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