15 SOFT CULTURE QUEST TOUR (PHT-015C)

YANGON - PYAY - BAGAN - POPA - BAGAN - MANDALAY - MONYWA - MANDALAY - PINDAYA - INLE LAKE YANGON

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will take a locally built private boat to Mingun, on the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River. This 1-hour up-river journey will introduce the life along Myanmar’s lifeline river, the panorama view, the scenery of local villages and firms on the fertilized shore. Upon arrival, you will visit the unfinished Mingun Phato, the famous Mingun Bell – famous as the world’s largest bell, Mya Thein Dan Zedi with its artistically designed stairways to heaven etc. Return to Mandalay by boat – the down river journey takes approx. 45 mins. Enjoy lunch at Myanandar Riverside Restaurant.

This afternoon, you will drive out of Mandalay, to visit Innwa (Ava), on the confluence of Myit-Nge River and Ayeyarwaddy River, reached after a short ferry ride. You will visit the area with horse cart; the trip could be a little bumpy and dusty. The visit is worth, however, as you are traveling through grass covered shady lanes, to see the highlights that scattered in & around the ancient wall. Major sights include, Nanmyint Watch Tower also known as the leaning tower; Bagayar wooden monastery with large teak poles; and the beautiful Mei Nu Okkyaung built in brick. If time permits, you may visit the alms bowl making village. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Mandalay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. Today, you will start a little earlier as you drive northwest to Monywa (140 km, 3 ½ hrs), an important trading city of upper Myanmar on the bank of Chindwin River. En route, you will visit the Thanboddhay Temple, said to be built according to the dream design of the Chief Abode. The temple is richly decorated both inside and outside of the central stupa. Then, proceed to Monywa (20 km, 30 min). Enjoy lunch either at a hotel or a simple local restaurant. This afternoon, take a local ferry across the Chindwin River and proceed with open-air pick up trucks or jeeps to visit Po Win Hills with numerous sandstone caves full of Buddhist statues and murals. Most displays are arguably from the 14th century. Nearby, visit Shwe Ba Hills featuring unique pavilions cut from the surrounding sandstone and filled with Bubddha images. Take a local ferry across the Chindwin River to return to Monywa. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Monywa.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will visit the local market to observe life at this typical trading town. Then drive back to Mandalay. En route, stop at Kaungmudaw Pagoda, a huge white dome shaped stupa. Enjoy lunch at a simple local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to Sagaing Hills, where hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. You may stop at the silver craft workshop and a prominent monastery to discuss about the life of Buddhist Monks etc. Enjoy sunset at Sagaing Hills, a perfect place with its panoramic view of the mountains, temples and the Ayeyarwaddy River. Drive back to Mandalay. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Mandalay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast. This morning, transfer to Mandalay Airport for domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival, proceed with a scenic drive passing through plantations and villages to Pindaya (65 km, 1 ½ hrs). Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Lunch at Memento Restaurant.

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed by road to Nyaung Shwe (90 km – 2 ½ hrs) – a gateway to Inle Lake, a freshwater lake in the heart of Shan Highlands. Stop at a local 5-day market at Pindaya or at a village en route (on market day only), where colorful local tribes gather for daily trade. Lunch at River View Restaurant.

Proceed by boat (approx. 30 mins) to your hotel on the lake. After a brief refreshment stop, start an excursion by boat on Inle Lake admiring the view of famous leg-rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing and village life. Don’t miss it; it’s a great photo time! Further visits are made to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Inle Lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, visit a local market (on market day only) and then, proceed to Nampan Village and see the small traditional work places producing hand-made goods for local use and trading. Lunch at Nampan Restaurant.

After lunch, enjoy a boat tour to Inndein Village at the western end of the lake. As you travel past the villages, the boat takes you through a long and narrow waterway with both shores covered by reeds and bamboo forest. This is probably one of the most scenic boat rides on the lake. Upon arrival, head to the ruined temple complex, following a stair path lined up with magnificent columns to the top. Return to jetty with leisurely nature walk and proceed by boat to your hotel. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Inle Lake
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, transfer by boat and by road to Heho Airport. If time permits, visit a colorful local market en route (on market day only). Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer you to the local restaurant. En route, stopping at National Museum famous for the 8-meter-high Golden Lion Throne and Mandalay Royal Regalia (closed on public holidays). Lunch Padonmar Restaurant.

This afternoon, the guide and car will be at your entire disposal for further sightseeing or shopping. As a free and easy tour for today, you may opt for taking a stroll at Bogyoke (Scott’s) Market with numerous shops (closed on Mondays), or, a brief walking tour at downtown area where various stalls are set on the platform to later turn to the night market. Accommodation at hotel, Yangon
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. You will be escorted to Yangon International Airport and assisted as required, for your morning international departure flight.
Meals included: Breakfast