CLASSIC BURMA

DAY 01

ARRIVE YANGON

Upon arrival in Yangon, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Yangon is a city where contemporary and colonial Myanmar (19th and 20th centuries) continues to coexist decades after British departure. In the evening, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. This architectural masterpiece is a golden fantasy of gilded stupas, serene Buddhas and mythical beasts said to be 2500 years old. According to legend, eight hairs of the last Buddha are enshrined within. The exterior of the stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold slabs and the tip of the stupa is set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and topaz. A huge emerald sits in the middle to catch the first and last rays of the sun.

DAY 02

YANGON/BAGAN (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for an early flight to Bagan. A dramatic city and named as an Archaeological Zone because of its beauty and iconic temples. Visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyi-in Gubyaukky, a cave temple with exquisite jatakas mural paintings, the elegant Htilominlo Temple and the Tharaba Gate. In the afternoon, tour the Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece of early-style temple; the Ananda Okkyaung, one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period; Thatbyinnyu Temple, the highest in Bagan and Dhammayangyi Temple to enjoy a fantastic sunset view.

DAY 03

BAGAN (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Myinkaba village and observe the process of creating traditional lacquer ware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Visit Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi, an early period Pyu-style temple of Hindu influence. Next, stop at the Manuha and Nanpaya temples. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the countryside village of Minnanthu. Visit to some of the interesting temples if time permits, such as Payathonzu, Lemyethnar, Sinbyushin, Nandaminnya and Minnanthu monastery. Enjoy sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy River at Bupaya.

DAY 04

BAGAN/MANDALAY (B)

We shall take an early morning flight to Mandalay, rising above a vast moat and once an extensive royal city. On our arrival, visit the Maha Gandayone Monastery, home to more than 1000 monks in Amarapura and the Mahamuni Pagoda. The afternoon sightseeing includes the Shwenandaw Monastery and the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures, known as the world’s biggest book. Enjoy the sunset by the U Bein Bridge or on the Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of the city. During your stay in Mandalay, visit the local artisans’ workshops specializing in bronze casting, gold leaf, wood and marble carving.

DAY 05

MANDALAY/YANGON (B)

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Our afternoon excursion will bring you to Bogyok Aung San (Scott) Market, the city’s busiest and most lively bazaar. Afterwards visit the Botataung Pagoda, Chinatown and the fruit market.

DAY 06

YANGON DEPARTURE (B)

Take a morning excursion and visit to Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha and Karaweik Royal Barge (a floating barge on the Kandawgyi Royal Lake). Afterwards, transfer to Yangon Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B= Breakfast   L= Lunch D= Dinner