Stimulate your soul with this journey through a timeless & exotic land, Myanmar formally known as Burma. Experience this sundrenched country's intriguing wonders as you tour Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay & Inle Lake led by private guide. Witness mysterious cave murals, climb the Mountain of Deities, see "jumping cat" monastery, visit a local home & cruise through floating gardens. Voyage through an assortment of craftsmen's shops; watch Bagan lacquer, silk, parasols, tapestry, ironwork & other handicrafts being made. Featuring premium hotels, delicious cuisine & 24/7 support - This is a worry-free way to enjoy Myanmar's amazing history & culture.

Yangon (Rangoon) is a city of Buddhist temples, open-air markets, food stalls and ill-repaired colonial architecture. It has a population of over two million. Although most of the city has been built in the last hundred years, and although it suffered considerable damage during World War II, there are still several examples of a more ancient culture. These include the golden Shwedragon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia and reputedly 2500 years old (although rebuilt in 1769); the Sule Pagoda, also over 2000 years old; the Botataung Pagoda, hollow inside with a mirrored maze; and the Maha Pasan Guha, or ‘Great Cave’.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver/guide, will transfer you between the Yangon Airport and your Hotel. 

Built in 1901, The Strand is a Yangon heritage hotel in a category all its own. This luxury resort offers large suites with lazily whirring ceiling fans, teak floors and luxurious bathrooms. All rooms are tastefully furnished with a touch of colonial style and are equipped with up to date amenities. Adding to the splendid old-world ambience is a valuable private collection of local art and antiques. From the famous Strand Bar, move on to The Café that peers onto the street or to the famous Strand Grill with its elegant Bagan prints, chandeliers and glass roof. Take pleasure in an afternoon tea or enjoy Burmese music in the Lobby Lounge.

Overnight at The Strand .

This full day city tour of Yangon begins with a visit to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, famed for homing a huge reclining Buddha sculpture.  From here, you will continue to Botathaung Pagoda, located close to Yangon River, and is said to contain some ancient Buddha relics. Next it is off to the newly renovated National Museum, where you will see many artifacts and antiquities including the popular Lion's Throne.  A drive to Sule Pagoda follows your Museum visit, where you will notice how effective this Pagoda makes as a useful landmark in comparison to the other colonial style buildings around Yangon.  The Chinatown area and the Indian quarter of downtown Yangon provide a variety of shops and photo opportunities. A Stop alongside the Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake provides a remarkable view of Shwedagon. Next, you'll continue to Bogyoke (Scott) Market, allowing the opportunity to admire and purchase some of the local handicrafts and arts. Enjoy the sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, famous world wide for its golden stupa, and considered by many as the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old, with the central stupa encompassed by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. This fascinating place provides a opportunity to admire the spiritual dedication of the local Myanmar people, as they go through there daily prayer and offerings at the Pagoda. A stop for lunch at local restaurant gives the chance to try some local Myanmar cuisine.

Overnight at The Strand .

Pagan (Bagan) is one of the greatest historical areas in the country. It is best seen at sunrise or sunset. More than 13,000 pagodas were once spread over this dry plain during the golden age of the 11 great kings (roughly 1044-1287).  This came to an end with the threat of invasion by Kublai Khan from China, and this extraordinary area was abandoned. Now there are fewer than 3000 pagodas. The actual village of Pagan has a museum, market and places to eat and stay.  Within walking distance of Bagan, there are lacquerware workshops and an attractive temple. There are dozens of open temples in the Pagan area (about 40 sq km/15 sq miles), but places of special interest include the Shwegugyi Temple, built in 1311 and noted for its fine stucco carvings; the Gawdawpalin Temple, badly damaged in the 1975 earthquake, but still one of the most impressive of the Pagan temples, and the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which is the highest in Bagan.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver/guide, will transfer you between the Yangon Airport and your Hotel. 

Fly from Yangon to Bagan.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide, will provide a transfer the Bagan Airport and Hotel.

Enjoy this full day of touring, exploring the countryside around Bagan. Your private vehicle will drive through the sun-parched Palmyra palms to the Mountain of Deities, Mt. Popa (2 hours).  Climb up this huge volcanic plateau to see shrines dedicated to nats; the celestial spirits of Burmese mythology, as well as some smaller temples dedicated to Lord Buddha. The climb up the staricase for about 20 minutes to reach the top, while passing many small food stalls and drugstrores, selling a variety of food, drinks and herbal medicine. Just as you reach the peak, you will arrive with enough time to view the sunset over Bagan. Your lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, Thiripyitsaya Sakura is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River and is conveniently located close to the Nyaung Oo Airport, as well as the city centre. Beautifully decorated units are elegantly furnished with an array of contemporary amenities to satisfy the needs of astute travelers. Guests can relish delicious European, Myanmar and Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting and take in the panoramic views of the garden, pool and the river at the resort’s cozy bar. After an exhausting day, take a dip in the swimming pool, re-energize your body in the Jacuzzi or avail the spa services. If an ideal atmosphere with a relaxing stay is what you seek, this is the ideal place to stay while visiting Bagan.

Overnight at Thiripyitsaya Sakura .

In the morning, a private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide will pick you up for a full day of touring to discover Bagan - founded in the eleventh century. Bagon is famous for having the one of the most important Temple and Pagoda Complex in all of Asia.  Shwezigon Paya, one of the oldest stupas in Bagan area built by the two great kings; Anawrahta and Kyanzittha. The Stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Visit the caves of Kyanzittha Umin, displaying the oldest murals in Burma, showing the Mongolian invasion under Kubilai Khan.  Wetkyi-in Gubyaukgyi Temple is a perfect Indian-style temple, you will see hundreds of frescoes illustrating the Jataka-stories of the re-incarnated life's of Lord Buddha. Htinlominlo Pahto was built by King Nantaungmya in 1218 and stands 46m-high, with four Buddha’s on the lower and upper floors. Traces of old murals are very much still visible.  Ananda Pahto has an interior that seems almost Gothic and is considered to be the most beautiful among all the temples of Bagan. Facing outward from the centre of the cube is four 9.5-meter-high standing Buddha’s richly coated in gold. The vaulted passages around it are pierced with many niches. Ananda Ok Kyaung or Ananda brick monastery is one of the few surviving monastery buildings from the early Bagan era. The interior of the building is lined with well- preserved murals which depict everyday scenes from the periods of Bagan's history.  Continue your tour with a visit to Manuha Temple, erected over huge Buddha-images. Then enjoy the elaborated stone engravings in close-by Nanpaya Temple; on your way further South of Bagan area, you will be impressed by beautiful Abeyadama Temple. Visit traditional manufacture of unique Bagan lacquer ware. Enjoy watching the sunset over Bagan from one of the pagodas.  Lunch is included on this tour.

Overnight at Thiripyitsaya Sakura .

Mandalay is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas, and is the main center of Buddhism and Burmese arts. Taking its name from Mandalay Hill (rising about 240m/787ft to the northeast of the palace), the city was founded by King Mindon in 1857. Sights of interest include the huge Shweyattaw Buddha, close to the hill, with its outstretched finger pointing towards the city; the Eindawya Pagoda, built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf; the Shwekyimyint Pagoda, containing the original Buddha image consecrated by Prince Minshinzaw during the Pagan period; and the Mahumuni Pagoda or ‘Great Pagoda’, housing the famous and revered Mahumuni image. Covered in gold leaf over the years by devout Buddhists, this image was brought from Arakan in 1784, although it is thought to be much older.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide, will provide a transfer the Bagan Airport and Hotel.

Fly from Bagan to Mandalay.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide, will transfer you between the Mandalay Airport/Pier and your Hotel.

This full day tour explores the historic city of Manadalay, the location where the Konbaung Kings once resided before begin eventually capitulated by the British.  Your touring begins with a visit to the Mahagandayong Monastery.  This monastery is home to over 1000 monks, and acts as school for potential Buddhist monks.  Next, visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda, the location of Mandalay's most holy Buddha statue, a century-old and legendary Arakan Buddha, made of pure gold. This 4m-high seated image is cast in bronze, but over the years thousands of devout Buddhists have completely covered the figure in a 15cm-thick layer of gold leaf, to follow this you will visit the Gold Leaf Pounding Place, where marble, bronze and gold work is created. The tour continues to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the one time home of King Mindon, this ancient wooden temple boasts a variety of intricate carvings and antiquities.  The next visit is truly unique, a stop to observe the World’s Largest Book.  Located at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, this book made of large marble slabs, inscribed with remarkable stories, and tales of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures. At Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda, admire a large Buddha statue carved out of a single block of local marble.  Climb the Mandalay Hill to get a view of the city, studded with temples and dynamic architecture.  A stop at the Zegyo Market is planned, where you will have a chance to view or purchase some of the locally produced handi-crafts.  Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant en route.

The Rupar Mandalar Resort is a romantic boutique hotel in an exotic atmosphere surrounded by nature. The hotel has 16 rooms with modern facilities, swimming pool, tennis court, and a health & beauty spa.

Overnight at Rupar Mandalar Resort .

Visit the temples and small pagodas of the former ancient capital Amarapura (Sanscrit for "Beautiful town“). Here, you can take a walk over the world´s longest teakwood bridge - U Bein. Visit the Mahagandayong monastery where more than 1000 monks reside. Then enjoy a visit to the Mahamuni Temple which houses the country´s holiest Buddha image; a century-old and legendary Arakan Buddha, made of pure gold. If you are interested, your visit could include Gold plate, marble and Bronze making places. In the afternoon, visit to Shwe Nandaw, the famous Golden Monastery, the only building still existing for over one hundred years, located on the palace grounds of Konbaung kings. From there, stroll to Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble slabs showing the entire Buddhist canon and commemorating the Fifth Buddhist World Council at the end of last century. If you feel up to the challenge, you might like to climb up to the top of Mandalay Hill for a bird´s eye view (or take the elevator).

Overnight at Rupar Mandalar Resort .

Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the mountains of Shan State. It is the second largest lake in Myanmar. Most transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, or by somewhat larger boats fitted with outboard motors. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved for the reason that the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide, will transfer you between the Mandalay Airport/Pier and your Hotel.

Fly from Mandalay to Inle Lake.

This full day excursion begins with a 2 ½ hour scenic drive from Inle Lake to Pindaya to explore the Shan, a Thai ethnic group residing in Myanmar. En route, you will observe the Pao people, dressed in turquoise turbans with black native garments.  Enjoy a visit to the famous Buddhist cult caves of Pindaya, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake; this location boasts thousands of different types of Buddha images on display across the various cave chambers. Enjoy a traditional lunch before visiting some local houses, where families produce Shan paper and parasols. After you will be transferred back to Inle Lake.

Amongst the blue mountain ranges of the east bank of Inle Lake, lays Inle Princess Resort. Located near the Magyizin village, the architecture of Inle princess draws from the history, tradition and culture of the Shan tribe. The garden area is peacefully decorated with colorful trees and exotically beautiful flowers. The resort’s 46 chalets are rustic yet comfortable with high rooftops, giving the space an airy feel. The garden view rooms are surrounded by the resort’s beautiful garden and small water ponds. Along with Asian and western a la carte dining, the restaurant serves set menus consisting of Shan, Intha, European, Thai, Chinese and vegetarian dishes. In the evenings, the terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying the sunset while sipping on a tantalizing cocktail.

Overnight at Inle Princess Resort .

Enjoy a full day tour and boat trip on Inle Lake, a photographer's dream. These calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect backdrop. On the lake, admire the unique “leg rowers”, observe as the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Next, visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden handlooms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way. Pass the endless floating gardens, where fruit and vegetables are grown. Stop at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, which is famous for its "jumping cats”. Enjoy the boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the Lake. The boat glides through a long channel where the farmers cultivate their produce providing one of the most scenic boat tours available anywhere. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Overnight at Inle Princess Resort .

A private vehicle with English speaking driver and guide, will provide transfers between the Airport and Hotel.

Fly from Inle Lake to Yangon.

Depart from Yangon International airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.