BURMESE TREASURE

YOU WILL LOVE

Day 1: Yangon

Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel. Yangon was for a long time the capital of Burma. Its colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. The rest of your day is free to relax after your flight. At the end of the day, a magical moment at sunset when Shwedagon Pagoda sparkles with a thousand lights. Night at the hotel.

Day 2: YANGON - VISIT TO THE CITY

After breakfast, departure for a whole day to discover Yangon. Visit the Karaweik Palace known as a royal barge on the Royal Lake, a fine example of exquisite Burmese architecture. Continue by visiting Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda which houses an elongated Buddha. Transfer to the city center for a walk to admire the old red brick buildings, witnesses of British colonization during the 1900s. In the afternoon, visit the Botataung Pagoda which according to the legend would hold one of Buddha's hair. Night at the hotel.

Day 3:  YANGON - INLET LAKE

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and flight to Heho. Upon arrival in Heho, transfer by car to the hotel located in Nyaung Shwe. Bike ride through small country roads to discover the charming villages populated ethnic Shan and Inn Tha, and better know the local products and rural life Burma. Night at the hotel.

Day 4: INLET LAKE

Breakfast at the hotel then full day to explore the lake by long tail boat. Local communities are Buddhist and live in stilt houses made of wood and braided bamboo. They are mostly fishermen, artisans, farmers and their vegetables are grown in floating gardens. Visit the village of Ywama and discover its floating market where local sellers sell and buy vegetables, flowers and crafts. Continuation by visiting an old teak monastery. The day ends with Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the main sanctuary of the lake; it is home to 5 golden Buddha sacred images, pilgrim gifts, dating back to the 12th century, and a traditional cheer-pot factory, the Burmese cigar. Night at the hotel.

Day 5:  INLE LAKE - SAGAR - INLET LAKE

Excursion today to Sagar, south of the Inle Lake region. Few travelers take the time to stay in this area open to the public only since 2003, although it is one of the most beautiful places in the Shan State, with its mountains that stand out behind the typical villages and villages. the fishing boats on the water. Taking the boat for 2.5h-3H and parade of beautiful views with the opportunity to see unique species of birds. 15 minutes from Sagar is the Tak Khaung Mwe Daw complex. Its 108 stupas evoke the glorious past of Sagar, which was the capital of a Sawbwa Shan (one of the many mini-kingdoms that made up the Shan states). Some stupas are buried in the vegetation, others half submerged under the waters of the river. Visit also the local monastery. The day continues with a visit to the village of Thaya Gone, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Inthar minorities, known for their local rice-based wine production. Attend the process of distillation and for the curious, possibility to taste! Climb to the top of the small hill overlooking the village and views of Lake Inle and surrounding villages. Night at the hotel

Day 6:  LAKE INLE - MANDALAY

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. Free time the rest of the day. Sunset from Mandalay Hill which offers a magnificent view of the city and the walls of the Royal Palace. Transfer back to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

Day 7: MANDALAY

This morning, depart for Mahamuni Pagoda, home of one of the most revered icons of Buddha, which attracts many local pilgrims. Stop at a craft company of gold leaf before visiting Shwe Nan Daw, also called the Golden Monastery, one of the most refined Burmese wood buildings. Visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its gigantic stone library (729 steles). In return, walk on the teak deck of U Bein, built in 1851, the wood from the ancient palaces of Ava. The visit of the site at the end of the afternoon is particularly nice at sunset. Night at the hotel.

Day 8: MANDALAY

Excursion around Mandalay to explore the ancient capitals of Sagaing and Ava. Crossing the bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Sagaing is considered the center of Buddhism in Burma and the city has more than 600 monasteries, convents and stupas and about 3,000 monks. Visit several pagodas. Road to Ava which was capital of the 14th to the 18th century. Transfer by ferry and cart ride pulled by a horse. Explore Burmese local life as you pass through charming little villages. Night at the hotel.

Day 9:  MANDALAY - BAGAN

Early departure this morning to catch a flight to Bagan. From the 11th to the 13th century, Bagan was the capital of Burma and the governors built thousands of stupas and temples that still stand along the Irrawaddy River. Of the 13,000 ancient temples, 2,200 remain today. Some have been destroyed by the invaders, others by earthquakes or just by their age ... 1st day of discovery: the Gawdawpalin temple, one of the largest in the city and dating from the 12-13th century; the Ananda Temple, jewel of Burmese architecture and one of the major pilgrimage sites for Burmese people; Dhammayangyi Temple, an imposing brick building and the widest in Bagan. In the afternoon, visit a traditional lacquer workshop where we observe the production of one of the most famous handicraft products of the country. Sunset on the temples from a place advised by your guide. Night at the hotel.

Day 10: BAGAN - MOUNT POPA - SALAY - BAGAN

Take the road towards Mount Popa (45 km, 1H30), an extinct volcano 1518 meters high. Mount Popa has played an important role in the culture, religion and history of Burma. His sanctuary is dedicated to the veneration of the 37 Nats, the revered spirits in Burma since ancient times. On the way, discover the local culinary customs. Arriving, for the brave, climb the 777 steps to the sanctuary at the top. The view of the Myingyan plain from the volcanic peak is very impressive. Then transfer to Salay (52 km, 1H30), along the Irrawaddy River, to visit the Yoke Son Monastery and its splendid wood carvings of the 18th century. Discovery also of several other monasteries and beautiful houses of the colonial era. Back to Bagan. Night at the hotel.

Day 11: BAGAN

Beginning of this day with a stroll between the stalls of the colorful market of Nyaung Oo. Then visit the Gubyaukgyi temple, famous for its beautiful 12th century murals, the Htilominlo temple where the frescoes represent the 28 Buddha of the future. Exploration of Natlyaunhkyaung, the last Hindu temple in the city. The tour continues by the temple of Manuha, smaller but with beautiful stone Buddha statues. Sunset on the temples from a place advised by your guide. Night at the hotel.

Day 12: BAGAN – YANGON

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, stroll through the Bogyoke Market, still known by its colonial name, Scott Market, Discovery of colorful stalls and handicrafts (closed on Mondays and during the Burmese public holidays). Rest of the day free. Night at the hotel.

Day 13:  YANGON

All day free before transfer to Yangon airport for your departure flight.