Mingalabar and welcome to Myanmar! The former capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, remains Myanmar largest city and continues to be the country's most important commercial hub and gateway for most of its international visitors. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at the airport you will be warmly welcomed by your guide who will take you to your hotel for check in (note: check in time is 14.00. Early check in is subject to availability). You’ll be taken downtown to start your walking tour on Mahanbandola Road where the Immanuel Baptist Church, originally built in 1830, is located. Continue east passing a couple of alleyways crammed with food stalls and markets. Turn right onto Pansodan Street with its many stalls selling second-hand and photocopied books. You’ll pass the High Court Building, the grand Inland Water Transport offices and even grander Myanmar Port Authority building until you’ll reach Strand Road. Your next stop will be the majestic Strand Hotel and walk along Strand Road until you’ll see the Customs House and the Law Court, an impressive-looking colonnaded building. Turn north onto boisterous Bank Street and up onto Sule Pagoda Road, where you can consult one of the many fortune tellers who hang out under the trees. Be sure to make a photo stop at Sule Pagoda, downtown’s symbol whose construction dates back to over 2,000 years ago standing in the middle of the heat-stained Mahabandoola Garden. After a complete rotation seeing the twice rebuilt City Hall, continue west down Mahanbandoola Road through the chaotic Indian and Chinese quarters. Explore the gold shops of Shwe Bontha Street and have a look from outside at the Moseh Yeshua Synagogue on 26th street. You’ll reach Theingyi Zei market, where you can engage in a little pickled-snake hunting. Exit onto Anawratha Road until you reach into the Sri Kali temple, Yangon’s most colorful Hindu temples. Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Yangon. Read more

YANGON, 2 NIGHTS

Enjoy a lovely, private breakfast in your room. Your butler will be at your disposal for any wishes you may have. (Only available in luxury hotels, otherwise breakfast will be taken at hotel restaurant) From your hotel it’s off to the Pansodan Jetty, where you will get on a local, two-deck ferry in order to cross the Yangon River to Dhala, a charming low-lying township. Since Dhala does not have a direct bridge to Yangon, the ferry is the main mode of commuting and thus the area around the jetty- and the boat itself!- is an extremely vibrant market where many locals come to do their trading and sell snacks and other items to the ferry passengers. Upon disembark the boat in Dhala you will travel by trishaw throughout the town, which includes a visit to the colorful local market, Buddhist temples and rural neighborhoods with plenty of opportunities to interact with the local residents. This trip is an absolute pleasure for people that like to take lots of photos, it is chock-full of beautiful scenery and amazing splendor. Have a drink on the terrace of the local tea shop at the jetty and watch the action while you take in the historical skyline of Yangon which has not changed in decades. You will return to Yangon by boat around midday. You’ll start things off in the afternoon with a trip to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70 meter long reclining Buddha statue. Afterwards, you will continue uptown in order to make a quick stop by the Royal Lake located in Kandawgyi Park which is very popular with local residents, especially in the early morning and around sunset. Catch a view of Karaweik Hall, a reproduction of the royal barge and enjoy a spectacular view of the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Feel like a break before your next venture? You will now head to Acacia Tea Saloon in Yangon, an imposing colonial mansion in the tropical setting of Yangon for a relaxing Afternoon Tea. This elegant venue features exceptional food experience of the colonial era. Feel like back in British colonial times while enjoying your tea or coffee with delicious snacks in one of the themed tea rooms or the elegant restaurant. No Myanmar expedition can be considered truly great if it’s lacking a visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. Ready for an amazing experience? The visual delights present there alone, are worth the trip. You will begin at the eastern entrance to find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items. Here you will find monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. As your browse the stalls your guide will explain the use and rituals of Myanmar’s Buddhist people. Then continue up the stairs to the main platform. Witness the colors transform on the 100-meter chedi which is literally enclosed in over 40 tons of gold leaf. Shwedagon is largely considered to be the most important religious site for the Burmese; most visitors report that the trip is extremely memorable and still etched into their minds. You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Yangon. Read more

YANGON

After enjoying your breakfast you will drive to the airport for your domestic flight to Bagan. Welcome to Bagan, known to be one of the greatest architectural sites in Asia. When Bagan was the centre of Myanmar from the 11th to 13th centuries the monarchs built multitudes of massive stupas and pagodas, scores of which are still present on the shores of the Irrawaddy River. The majesty of Bagan with more than 4000 red brick temples on a plain of the size of Manhattan Island is one of the highlights of a Myanmar holiday that will soothe the eye of every traveller. Discover the best of Bagan today! Not simply a chance to see the splendid Bagan temples, this excursion will also introduce you to the Burmese culture, allow you to see traditional craftsmen at work and take you up the mighty Irrawaddy River to a decidedly unusual “cave” temple! Your first port of call is an elevated temple with its panoramic views of the Bagan plains. This viewpoint will give you a taste of the sheer number of temples as well as some of their distinctive styles. From here you will have a look around the Ananda Temple – one of the most exalted of Bagan’s temples. We will ensure that you reach this point before the majority of tourist arrive, enabling you to enjoy the splendor of the temple in relative tranquility. Continue to various other temples dotted around the temple plains to experience a variety of architectural styles in the area as well as the artistic wonder of the 9-14th centuries. Traveling amid the temples you will get a taste of rural Bagan life in this “living museum” setting where farmers and families work amongst the monuments. After a short relaxation at your hotel, you will drive to a jetty where a private wooden river boat will await you. After just a few minute ride with delicious and refreshing cocktails along the Irrawaddy River, you will reach an illuminated set up of oil lamp lights on a sandbank in the middle of the water. A private gala-style romantic dinner will be served under the starry sky, with exquisite local dishes to enjoy in this stunning surrounding on the sandbank while a Myanmar harpist will play relaxing traditional music. Note: dinner includes free flow drinks for 2 hours (beer, soft drinks, and water), harp player and cocktail. Meals included: breakfast, dinner on sandbank. Lunch on own account. Overnight at the hotel. Read more

BAGAN, 2 NIGHTS

Option: hot air balloon ride over Bagan The morning will start off with an exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. You will observe one-of-a-kind views when the sun begins to rise over the Irrawaddy River and various stupas in the region. You’re simply not going to find many other experiences like this on Earth. (Only available from October/November through March) After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to start your Bagan excursion. It’s off to the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. From here, you will have a look around the Old Bagan starting with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. You will then travel over dusty lanes and tree-shaded roads past temples and monasteries to a small village. At one of the monasteries, you will participate in a special traditional Buddhist ceremony. Around 10.30, you will donate offerings of food to the monks living in the monastery. Myanmar people strongly believe in karmic giving, the act of regularly providing donations to bring happiness and a peaceful life to others. Afterwards you will receive a special blessing from the monks to ensure good luck and happiness. Next on the agenda is your chance 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 in amazement as the skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. After a short siesta back at your hotel, you will enjoy a romantic ride in a Victorian style horse cart through the main temples of Bagan. During the ride on this country road, the only interfering traffic you will find maybe herds of cows or goats. After 45 minutes ride, you will reach a secluded temple in the middle of shrub-land. Enter the temple and climb the stairs to an upper terrace, with the grand view of sunset over the temples. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and Dinner on own account. Overnight in Bagan. Read more

BAGAN

After enjoying your breakfast you will take the direction of the airport (1 hour drive) for your domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival at the Heho airport, you will proceed by road to Kalaw (35 Km – 45 minutes) until you reach your trekking starting point. The 5-6 hour light trek will take you through the hills to Magwe Village. Located about 25 kilometers from Kalaw, Magwe is home to the Green Hill Valley Elephant Project whose aim is to protect local ecology, elephants and traditions of the regions’ people. The project has taken on 7 Asian Elephants from logging camps where they were no longer able to be looked after and given them a home, medical care and other support. The activities for visitors are intended to expose the natural beauty of the area as well as the role of elephants and mahouts in Myanmar. You’ll be greeted by a local trekking guide at the trail head and commence your walk through the Shan hills. Along the way you will pass through villages inhabited by the Pa-O and Pa-Laung people, each of whom retain unique customs and outfits as well as traditional farming techniques. In addition, you will be trekking through one of the most fertile areas in Myanmar and your guide will help identify indigenous flora and fauna including dozens of bird species, butterflies and a variety of orchids. Before reaching the elephant camp, a picnic lunch of locally-grown produce will be served in a scenic location or in a family house. In the afternoon you will reach Magwe village and, either by the river or in the forest, you will likely encounter the Green Hill Valley Project’s elephants bathing or foraging for food. Seeing these animals in their natural environment is a truly special treat. Then, you will visit the re-forestation project where, if you wish, you can get your hands dirty and plant a sapling. After your meet with the elephants, return to the main camp for a drink before continuing back to Kalaw where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a leisure walk around town before dinner. Note: As the elephants are allowed to roam free and are not kept chained at night, there is a rare occurrence where the elephants are not around. However please understand that this project is aimed at preserving the natural ways of life of these animals and their mahouts and not developed as a “zoo”. Similarly, the program may need to be altered in the case of severe rain). Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch. Dinner on own account. Overnight in Kalaw. Read more

KALAW

From Kalaw, you will experience a lovely scenic drive (35km – 45 minutes) which leads to Nyaung Shwe, gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas. Upon reaching the edge of the lake, take a short orientation tour of Nyaung Shwe, a small town of narrow streets dotted with temples, monasteries, tea shops and local houses. Then you will board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Along the way you will pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, which are inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their “floating gardens”, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles. You will also visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses loads of early Shan Buddha Images. Proceed to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main haven, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf. There are also many traditional crafts originating on Inle Lake and, should you wish, you can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders, a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths. The day will come to an end with a return trip by boat back to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight on Inle Lake. Read more

INLE LAKE, 2 NIGHTS

Awake early this morning and travel in the pre-dawn light out on to Inle Lake. At this time of day you will be privilege to have the lake almost free of tourists, with local fishermen and market vendors being the main people out at this hour. Continue through a local village to see the morning activities of the lake’s residents as they prepare for their day and then return to your hotel for breakfast. (Note: temperatures may be very cold from October to March. A blanket will be provided however we recommend dressing appropriately) After breakfast, you’ll pay a visit to the lake’s morning market (the market is open every day apart from dark moon and full moon calendar days). The market’s location rotates between the lake’s villages in a 5 day schedule and is also visited daily by the lake’s inhabitants as well as the surrounding natives who also come to sell and trade their wares. A 1-hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the village before ascending a rural road to the top of a hill. Once you’ve arrived at the summit, you will be greeted by an iconic Buddha image which sits enshrined among hundreds of stupa ruins and overgrown shrubbery. Here, from the peak, you will also be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the placid surroundings. The Indein Pagoda complex is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sites around the shore of the lake and it consists of hundreds of small stupas which are overrun by moss and greenery. On your boat ride back, should time allow and if you wish, you'll stop at the Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake's indigenous people (drinks and snacks on own account). Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Overnight on Inle Lake. Read more

INLE LAKE

After your breakfast you’ll be transferred to Heho airport (32km – 1 hour) for a short flight to Yangon. Don’t forget to explore the sprawling mess of Bogyoke Market in downtown, where you can glance through the extensive collection of Myanmar crafts and merchandise (the market is usually closed on Mondays as well as public holidays). Take a midday break in your hotel before heading out again for an interesting encounter. Find out what the future holds! Myanmar astrologers with most possessing knowledge of the ancient arts of Asia are tremendously fashionable and greatly revered. Seers or mystics are a regular part of most citizens’ lives in Myanmar. It is fairly common for people to consult with their fortune tellers for most things, including health, business, travel, education, marriage or divorce. It is even common for individuals to journey long distances just to meet with famous fortune tellers. Even if you don’t believe in this sort of thing, it is still a once-in-a-life-time event; if you happen to be in Burma you should definitely give it a go. The most reputable and popular fortune tellers and astrologers are booked months in advance. Tonight, enjoy a lavish farewell dinner at Le Planteur, one of Yangon’s best restaurants. Le Planteur is not only a restaurant but an oasis in the city center. Experience fantastic ambiance in a blend of colonial design with charming Myanmar influences combined with great food. Meals included: breakfast, dinner at Le Planteur (full a la carte menu). Lunch on own account. Overnight in Yangon. Read more

YANGON

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before bidding farewell to this amazing country. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to do as you please until your departure flight. In good time your private car will drive you to Yangon International Airport (car and guide at disposal until departure flight). Meals included: breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own account. Read more