Myanmar Highlight

Upon arrival, meet our driver/tour guide and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure

After hotel pickup in the morning, your tour starts with transfer to Kyi Myin Dine Railway Station, where you’ll board the Yangon Circular Train. Enjoy the 15-minute ride to Yangon Railway Station, and then visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see its large Reclining Buddha.

Next, visit Bogyoke Aung Sann Market (aka Scott Market; closed on Mondays) to browse local crafts such as jewelry, traditional clothing, and jade, which make good gifts and souvenirs. Then head to a restaurant for lunch before continuing your walking tour past landmarks such as Independence Monument, Yangon City Hall, colonial buildings like the General Post Office, and Mahabandoola Park.

In the afternoon, head to Yangon’s major landmark, Shwedagon Pagoda, built more than 2,600 years ago according to legend. Walk around the golden temple, the most important Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, and then return to your hotel.

Early morning flight to Bagan. Begin our exploration by visiting a busy local market and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. You will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town by visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples. Then get to learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

After breakfast, take flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. From Heho drive to Nyaung Shwe where we pick our boat & transfer to your hotel for check in. Enjoy the full day tour by private boat in Inle lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most holy religious site in southern Shan State. Be amazed by the local handicrafts, silk weaving, wooden hand looms and traditional blacksmith methods along the way.

Visiting Inle Lake is not just about being on the water but also about discovering the Shan and Intha villages on the banks of the river. Pass the endless floating gardens, houses, monasteries built on stilts on the lake. Stop at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery then proceed to Nampan village and see local cheroot factory where the Burmese cigars are made and canoe carving.

Begin your day with a visit to the Five-day Market, which rotates locations every five days and where hill tribe people dressed in colorful, traditional outfits – as they barter for goods and produce. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat though long, scenic channels.

We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls. We’ll visit the “long neck” tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.

Morning flight back to Yangon. Then enjoy a visit to Scott Market, the sprawling 75-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Drive through the city and observe the influences of other cultures in the region.

Intersperse in the tour are various religious sites such as the St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. In there you will have the opportunity to meet with Trustee of the Synagogue to learn the Jewish Life in the Pagoda Land. Then visit Little India and China town – stop to greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic.

Day at leisure until to transfer to the airport to take flight back to your country.