Discover Myanmar (Burma)

The day is free to recover from the flight or start to explore the teeming
city of Yangon. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with an
optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Grand United Hotel or similar

Yangon sits under the shadow of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. It is 2,500
years old and the most religious site in Myanmar that is said to contain
eight hairs of the Buddha as well as 5500 diamonds and other precious stones.
As the golden stupa glitters overlooking the city, life goes on in the busy
streets below. To the south we will explore dilapidated colonial edifices and
busy side streets on our city tour. Downtown Yangon with its unpaved streets
lined with old wooden shuttered houses, medicine shops, temples and the more
colourful markets offers plenty of photographic opportunities. Close by, we
visit Shwe Bontha, perhaps the most photogenic of all streets in the city,
with its leafy sidewalks, pavement tea-shops and magnificent colonial
buildings. We will have a break for lunch and in the late afternoon we will
head to Lake Kandawgyi to view the Karaweik replica of the Royal Barge,
before ascending to Shwedagon Pagoda for impressive sunset views over
Yangon.Grand United Hotel or similar

This morning we leave early for our short flight to the ancient wonder of
Bagan (Pagan), where we will do a short orientation walk on arrival. There
are over 2000 temples and pagodas in many shapes and sizes to explore amongst
the 25 square miles of brick that compare to the Angkor kingdom of Cambodia,
Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu as one of the world's most spectacular
archaeological sites. This is where Buddhism, Hinduism and Nat worship come
together in an array of different shrines. There is free time to explore the
area by bike or on foot (optional) before this evening's visit to Shwezigon
Paya one of Bagan's most famous temples. This is the only temple which is a
Buddhist Temple as well as a Nat Shrine in the same compound, and reflects
the local beliefs here which combine both religions. This evening we have the
chance to enjoy an optional group dinner at a local restaurant with a
traditional string puppet show performance.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or
similar

A full day spent exploring the temple complex spreading out as far as the
horizon with its peaks of brick stupas that dot the skyline in many shapes
and forms. After the former Kings of Bagan introduced Theravada Buddhism in
the mid-11th-century building commenced, a string of Kings followed building
temples to worship their gods. Ananda Pahto with its bejewelled umbrella
(hti), Dhammayangyi pahto and Shwesandaw Paya are the largest and most
impressive sights we will visit along with the smaller hidden gems well away
from the main tourist route which offers unique opportunities to delve deeper
into the history. We will finish the day with sunset at a viewpoint
overlooking the temples - a truly magical experience as the temples glow in
the warm light, and a photographer's paradise. For those that would like to
do the optional balloon ride on day 4 or 5, please consult the Optional
Extras section.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar

Returning to the huge site of Bagan this morning we will visit more temples
including Manuha Paya and the bas relief figures at Nan Paya. Away from the
other temples, we'll also see the 13th-century temple of Wetkyi-In-Gubyaukgyi
with its impressive frescoes. Later we'll visit a traditional lacquerware
artisan, as this area is famous for these beautiful products. This afternoon
there will be time to visit The Archaeological Museum, explore the town of
Nyang U, take a trip to Mount Popa the home of Nat worship (see Optional
Excursions), relax with a drink by the Irrawaddy River for sunset or continue
to explore the temples - all optional.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or
similar

Following another short flight east to the former Kingdom of Myanmar we cross
the plains and the great Chinese road before landing in Mandalay. Mandalay
has one of the most evocative names in the world, epitomised by Kipling's
poem and an adapted song 'On the road to Mandalay'. The former Kingdom of
Myanmar was abolished in 1885 by the British in the 3rd and final
Anglo-Burmese war, with the remnants being given away by the last King Thibaw
Min. The remains now sit directly in the middle of a grid system similar to
that of Manhattan. After checking into our hotel we will take a guided walk
around the streets of downtown Mandalay where we will be able to see people
going about their day to day lives in the local markets. After lunch we will
visit a local cottage industry where gold leaf is made which is then used by
people to place on Buddha statues. We'll then continue on to Mahamuni Pagoda,
revered as the holiest site in the former Kingdom, where we will see local
people applying the gold leaf onto the Mahamuni Buddha statue. We will
continue onto Shwe In Bin Kyaung, the Teak Monastery, built in traditional
Burmese fashion and one of the few buildings that has survived the test of
time. Constructed in 1895 by Chinese merchants, the monastery consists of
fantastically intricate woodcarvings and also contains a number of admirable
works of art. After a short break at the hotel, we will head to Mandalay
Hill with its glittering stupas, mosaics and great lookout points, a must-see
for every visitor. There is now a lift providing access to the top of the
hill, to spare you having to walk up lots of steps (whether taking the lift
or stairs, you will need to remove your socks and shoes). Once at the top you
should be able to make a wish at Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling)
Pagoda. With panoramic views of Mandalay, we will watch the sunset over the
old city walls and moat, and to the West the Minwun Hills and the Irrawaddy
River. Mandalay City Hotel or similar

An early start as we head out to one of Burma's most iconic sights - U-Bein
Bridge, built in 1849 by Mayor U-Bein. This teak bridge spans over a
kilometre and is best seen at sunrise when villagers cross it to begin their
journey to work and the fishermen prepare for a day on the water. This is one
of the most photogenic sights of the country and not to be missed. We then
drive back to the hotel for breakfast before heading down to the port area
where we board our boat for a cruise on the Irrawaddy River. We'll explore
the pretty riverside village of Mingun, home to one of the world's largest
bells (weighing in at 90 tonnes) and the Hsinbyume Paya with its whitewashed
terraces and staircases. From here we board our boat and cruise downriver to
the township of Sagaing - known as a meditation centre for monks and nuns who
wish to escape city life. Here we will find many stupas on its famous Sagaing
Hill with leafy pathways leading to caves and shrines. Sagaing also boasts a
monastic hospital and an international Buddhist University. We board our boat
and take the scenic ride back to Mandalay.Mandalay City Hotel or similar

Today we leave early driving through some of the region's beautiful
countryside (approx 6 hours) until we arrive at the hill station of Kalaw.
Situated in the Shan State, Kalaw is a popular, peaceful and quiet former
British hill station. At an altitude of 1320m and nestled amongst impressive
alpine scenery it is pleasantly cool (it can even be chilly in the evening or
early mornings) and a great place to escape from the tropical heat. The town
has retained its colonial atmosphere but has an eclectic mix of Shan, Bamar,
some Indians and ethnic tribes such as Pa-O, Palaung and other tribal
minorities from the surrounding plateau.

After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free. Options available
include a walk up the many steps to Thein Taung Paya viewpoint for views over
the surrounding plateau, a visit to the strange Nee Paya, a 500 year old gold
covered bamboo statue or exploring some of the colonial architecture.Pine
Hill Resort or similar

Amid gnarled pines, tea plantations and bamboo groves, and accompanied by
local guides we explore the surrounding hills of Kalaw on foot. Our walk will
take in the daily life of the local villages where we may have the
opportunity to drink tea with a village chief and in season we should see the
inhabitants planting or harvesting the local crop. The tracks we walk on are
centuries-old trading routes used by the Pa-O, Palaung and Danu ethnic
minorities for moving their cattle and harvesting their crops. The views of
the surrounding countryside are spectacular which few westerners get the
opportunity to see. The trek is moderate on well trodden undulating paths.
However it can be hot. We will be walking for approximateky 5 to 6 hours in
total but if needed there is the option to leave the trek halfway through at
the lunch time view point and take a vehicle back to Kalaw. Approx 3 hours
walking half day and 5 to 6 hours full day.Pine Hill Resort or similar

We leave after breakfast and travel east to Inle Lake. Our drive traverses
undulating hills and dense farmlands, stopping at Pindaya caves where we will
explore the caverns and tunnels en route to the magnificent Inle Lake. There
are more than 8000 Buddha images within the Pindaya limestone caverns and
meditation chambers. Pilgrims flock to the caves and install new Buddha
images within this labyrinth of tunnels and chambers and there are many from
around the world. We should arrive at the village of Nayaung-shwe at the
north end of Inle Lake late afternoon.The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or similar

An optional dawn start will usually provide the opportunity to witness the
daily parade of saffron-robed monks receiving alms before breakfast.
Afterwards we have a day on the lake visiting cottage industries, markets (if
possible), monasteries, temples and small villages. We will see the famous
leg-rowing fishermen casting their nets in the lake - this technique of
standing up holding a long paddle in one hand with their leg wrapped around
the paddle lower down leaves the fishermen free to cast their conical fishing
nets. This unique style evolved because the lake is covered by reeds and
floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting. There is
a five-day market, named so because it moves between five different villages
around the lake on a rota system. Here, the locals come to sell their
traditional wares early in the morning and return to their village in the
afternoon. The market serves most common shopping needs and depending on its
location we may be able to visit it (this cannot be guaranteed). We will also
visit Indein on the western banks of the lake, this intricate pagoda complex
has hundreds of Shan style stupas clustered together on the hillside.
Although this area is now being reclaimed and renovated following years of
decline, walking amongst these hauntingly beautiful ruins intertwined with
forest remains a highlight for many and has a very Indiana Jones feel- a
fantastic photographic opportunity.The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or similar

This morning we head out on bikes visiting the villages and farmland that
surround the lake. The ride is on undulating fairly quiet roads and we will
cycle at a leisurely pace. Please be aware it can be hot and the bikes will
be fairly basic models. Helmets are supplied locally. This is a great way to
get about but only suitable for those who have cycled before. The roads are
mostly surfaced but there are some potholes. Anyone not wanting to cycle can
use the support vehicle for the day which will follow the same route and stop
at the same villages. We cycle around the edge of the lake towards an Intha
minority group village passing rice paddies, sugar cane and traditional
wooden houses. We will stop en route at various villages and see what local
products are being made or harvested depending upon the time of year. In
Kaung Daing we will see the local specialty, Tofu, being made with split
yellow peas instead of the normal Soya beans. After visiting the village we
may have the opportunity to spend a little time with the local monks at the
monastery. We will return to our hotel by bike in time for a late lunch
approx.1.30pm. For those who have opted to use the vehicle we will drive
back. Cycling distances approximately 20km (round trip). Late afternoon we
will take a sanglor (local styled vehicle) and visit a nearby vineyard and
admire the beautiful views back over Inle Lake as the sun sets behind the
mountains in the distance. The vineyard produces a range of red and white
wines and has a tasting menu (optional). The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or
similar

We fly back to Yangon, where the rest of the day is free for last minute
sightseeing or shopping. The huge Bogyoke Market is worth a visit with food,
clothing and handicrafts all on sale (closed on Mondays and public holidays),
or visit the Strand Hotel with its historic past which was often visited by
the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.Grand United Hotel or
similar

End Yangon (Rangoon).