Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Tour Overview
Unleash the cultural and historical wonders in 10-day on this Myanmar flexible tour. Explore the bustling city of Yangon, with its iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Then, cruise the tranquil Inle Lake, visiting temples, villages, and workshops nestled amongst the water.
Discover the ancient temples and vibrant culture of Bagan with Asia Links Travel, before cruising down the Ayeyarwady River on the luxurious Anawrahta Cruise. Explore fascinating towns like Pakkoku and Yandabo, known for their traditional crafts. Finally, delve into Myanmar's rich history with visits to the former capitals of Mandalay, Ava, and Mingun.
This Myanmar Luxury Tour is perfect for history and culture lovers, so if you are one, scroll more for a detailed plan!
Tour Highlights
- Explore the magnificent landmarks of Yangon.
- Take a slow cruise on Inle Lake and catch its unique features as well as visit temples, villages and workshops in the area.
- Two days discovering the ancient stupas of Bagan, pristine villages and local workshops.
- Enjoy an interesting trip around Pakkoku.
- Learn more about pottery making at Yandabo village.
- Pay a visit to the ancient capitals of Mandalay, Ava and Mingun.
- Indulge in the excellent services and facilities onboard Anawrahta Cruise.
Itinerary
Mingalabar, warmest welcome from the enchanting country of Myanmar! Landed in Yangon capital, also known as the former name of Rangoon, intrigue everyone by the gather points of human civilization from both past and present.
A little ochre of age - old temples, shiny reflected glass of those 21st buildings and the time - honored colonial constructions, the panorama of Yangon is the captivating mixture of Myanmar special features. By the time you arrive at the airport, you will be welcomed by our enthusiastic driver and be taken to your hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
The day tour will begin at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda in the city center, which the gigantic 70 meters length reclining Buddha statue is built. Then, traveling uptown to the mellow Royal Lake of Kandawgyi Park, where the locals usually go to catch the stunning sight of sunrise and sunset.
The tour to Yangon would not be considered completed when the visiting to Shwedagon Pagoda hasn’t been made. Taking the stairway to meet the cell of shops displaying beautiful religious objects, like monk robes, alms bowl, offerings, incense and others. With the information the guide provided during the shop sightseeing, a little of Buddha religious aspects will be acknowledged.
There are a lot of wonderful things to be discovered as long as you keep walking around the magnificent temples and its courtyard. People said that, when set feet in the temple, its images shall carve deeply in your mind. To Burmese, Shwedagon Pagoda is their one big proud.
In the afternoon, transfer to Yangon International Airport to fly to Heho. After that, the one-hour being on vehicle to Nyaung Shwe village (one common stopover before heading to Inle Lake, 32 kms away) shall be an enjoyable scenic ride. Stop en route for the rural workshop that makes Shan paper and the special handmade umbrellas. The destination of teak Shweyanpyay monastery shall be next. Contemplating the incredible work of the skillfully craftsmanship and carvers as your favor.
Afterwards, transfer to the hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
After your breakfast at the hotel, hop on the wooden motor - engine boat and start an explroration around Inle Lake, where to immerse in the rural tranquility and the dreamy views.
Inle Lake is a beautiful picture of floating garden, wooden fishing boat, stilted houses and beautiful mountain ranges elegantly adorned the background. Spending time at the lake’s morning market first - hand (closed in full moon and dark moon calendar days, the market is the main trading point of lake Inle and the location is changed after every 5 days).
En route, you can see numerous house on stilts of Intha people as well as the unique image of one leg - rowing fisherman and the floating gardens that are buoyed by the mixture of Hyacinth plants, soil and bamboo poles that pitches to the river bed.
Then, pay a visit to the home of a great number of Shan Buddha Images – Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which was well-known for the “jumping cats” the time before. Continuing to another lake’s spotlight: Phaung Daw Oo Stupa where to admire the 5 holly Buddha statues that covered in a thick layer of gold leaves.
Moreover, if time allow, we will aslo make some stopovers at the traditional workshops of villages that produce lotus silk, wooden boat (available in particular time of the year), cigar, blacksmiths and silversmiths.
After that, return to the hotel.
You are free this morning until be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagan.
Bagan - one of the most spectacular temple complexes throughout Asia is our destination today. From 11th to 13th centuries, Bagan used to be Myanmar's capital with thousands of impressive stupas that constructed near the Irrawaddy River, many still exist in good condition in the present time. With no comparison to the number of stupas in the past, 2000 red-brick temples are what remains in the present Bagan but more than enough to make visitor hearts miss the beat.
Acknowledging the Burmese culture by observing the traditional craftsmen making products and then, travel up to the mellow Irrawaddy river to a special cave temple. The first stop is the mesmerizing Ananda Temple, then keep moving to others temples nearby, which also possess stunning architecture that believed to have been existing from 9th to 14th centuries. While visiting temples, the rural of Bagan life in the area can be observed, this is where the famers and families work.
The excursion will take tourists to the famous workshops of Bagan, which produce lacquerware and crafts. Also, it is possible to observe the process of making gorgeous products by the skillful hands of craftsmen, who use the technique that sustained from a long time ago.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start the day at the bustling Nyaung Oo market, where various local goods are sold. Then, pay a visit to the well - known Shwezigon Pagoda. This old temple of Bagan was built by King Anawrahta around the 11th century. Thereafter, take the dusty track with tree lines in the sides, passing through gorgeous to arrive in Bagan’s abbeys and villages. Spend time there exploring the life of the locals and others small but lovely cloisters around the area.
The following destinations the trip going to go through are the tallest temple in Bagan - Thatbyunnyu, the enormous Dhammayangyi temple with impressive brickwork and the stunning architecture of Sulamani Temple. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the historical land from higher terrace.
Embarkation at Aye Yar Jetty at 11:00 AM. Be warmly welcomed by the crews and some refreshments. Then, you will the be showed to your cabin on deck. Enjoy the lavish life on Anawrahta Cruise.
Have a tasty lunch while the ship heads to Pakokku, which is an old trading town on the west of Ayeyarwady riverbank and be best known for Myanmar's longest bridge of Pakokku.
Disembark the ship for an interesting onshore exploration in Pakokku. At first, we will pay a visit to the local workshops to experience the making of cheroot (Burmese cigar) and “Burmese slippers”. Up next, proceed to visit the vibrant market of the region where to soak up in the bustling atmosphere of daily activities and indigenous people. Furthermore, this is also a good place to find some finest Burmese cigar.
Keep on the journey to Shwegu Temple, which is a venerable temple of elaborate Yamanei wood carvings and a holy Buddha image. Enjoy the time there and then travel back to the ship for a delicious lunch on board. Anawrahta cruise continues sailing towards Mandalay. We will arrive at destination ar around 2 p.m in the afternoon.
Tonight, dress up and join in a special event at the Kipling's Bar where the stories about the old Burmese time will be shared.
Dinner will be served at Hintha Hall. Then, enjoy a movie night on the open sundeck of the ship (if the weather is good).
This morning, our ship will sail to the next destination - Yandabo. Early birds can wake up early to take part in the yoga excercise on the sundeck and enjoy the fresh air. Breakfast will then be served. Contemplate the scenic river view as the ship passes through the meeitng point of Irrawaddy river and its greatest branch - Chindwin river.
Disembark the ship for a visit to the tranquil village of Yandabo. It is best known for the place where the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 to put an end to the First Anglo - Burmese war. Now, Yandabo is famous nation - wide for making the clay pots that can keep the water cool for a very long time. Our guide will provide you specific information about the technique during the tour.
Take a walk around the village meeting the people and observe the way they make the pots and utensils from clay. You can also give it a try. This is going to be a fascinating experience.
Return to Anawrahta Cruise for a delicious buffet lunch. The ship continues sailing north. You can choose to contemplate the riverview fromt the bench on the sundeck or indulge in the amazing spa treatments. In the afternoon, let’s join in some interesting lessons and activities about Burmese history, culture and tradition.
After that, get your body pampered in our stunning Thanzin spa, then dinner will be served at Hintha Hall restaurant.
A movie night under the star is also available tonight if the weather is good.
Start your day with a healthy yoga exercise this morning. Having your served breakfast while the ship cruising north to reach Ava.
Here, a horse - cart tour is definitly the best way to explore the time - honored monastery and old - aged temples in Ava. We will pay a visit to the wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung constructed in 1834, Maha Aung Mye Bonzan monastery and the Nanmyint watch tower.
Enjoy your buffet lunch on board while the Anawrahta Cruise heads towards Mandalay. En route, the site of Sagaing Hills dotted with old pagoda is worth watching. The ship shall be in Mandalay early in the afternoon (about 2PM).
Our excursion around Mandalay this afternoon will take us to visit a gold - leaf beating workshop, a traditional silk weaving house and a street filled with gorgoeus marble carvings. When the day comes to an end, immerse yourself in the marvelous sunset over the Taungthman lake where the longest teak bridge in the world located. Such a scene!
After that, return to Anawrahta Cruise. Enjoy an exhilarating traditional performance on board before dinner. Then, a classic movie will be shown on the sundeck of the ship for entertain (depending on weather condition).
Today, you will get the chance to visit the most famous constructions of Mandalay. Beginning with Kuthodaw Pagoda – the world's biggest book where to feature a gilded pagoda and 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddha teaching. Next is the home for a sacred Buddha image and the significant place to pilgrim: Mahamuni Pagoda. Last but not least is Shwenandaw Monastery - a typical 19th architecture with sophisticated wood carvings.
Lunch wiil be served on board. Mingun is our next stop in the afternoon. The area owns a uncompleted stupa from the era of King Bodawpaya since the year of 1790 due to an unknown prophecy that related to the King’s life expectancy. Despite that fact, the stupa remains the biggest brick construction in Myanmar. Mingun also features the world's second biggest ringging bell weighing up to 90 tons that worth visiting.
Back to the ship after a short visit to Mingun.
A tea break will then be served with cocktails, some sweets and treats. Contemplate the mesmerizing sunset on board while the ship cruising back to Mandalay. Dinner provided afterwards. Later, our crew will send a party and some farewell performances as your last night onboard.
Enjoy your last breakfast on board of Anawrhata Cruise. Then, say goodbye to the crew and disembark the ship at 09:00 AM at Gaw Wein Jetty.
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around except from May to Aug.
Rooms are available from 14.00 on arrival day until 12.00 on departure day, room supplement charge will be added for request of early/late check in/out.
Airfares (if any) may change without notice prior to e-ticket issuance.
Price for infants and children will be quoted as follow:
- Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (Maximum 1 child under 2 years old travels with 2 adults; from the second child, 50% of the regular fare will be applied)
- Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 12 years: 100% of the regular fare will be applied
During Peak Season and special occasions, surcharges may be added to the price:
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Compulsory meals would be added during these times of the years, depends on hotels or resorts you will stay overnight.
- Myanmar New Year: 12 April – 18 April: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
Visa requirements:
For Myanmar: You must have a valid passport and a visa (E-visa or visa on arrival) to enter Myanmar. Our consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank page for each visa stamp.
We can customize this tour just for you
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