8 DAYS CUSTOMARY ROUTES TOURS (PHT-008C)

YANGON – BAGAN – POPA – BAGAN - MANDALAY – PINDAYA – INLE LAKE – YANGON

Arrive Yangon International Airport by . at . hrs. After passing through the immigration and custom controls, one of our English-speaking representatives (or) tour guides will welcome and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy lunch at hotel.

In the afternoon, start an orientation tour of downtown Yangon. You will drive through Yangon's busy roads and take a glimpse of the hustle downtown, Indian and China towns. See the magnificent colonial buildings of Victorian & Edwardian era architecture. This introductory drive will end with a stop near Sule Pagoda - the centre mark of Yangon, for brief photo taking. Today's Yangon tour will be ending with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, the finest of Yangon and perhaps the most stunning religious edifice in the world. Take your time to enjoy seeing this impressive feature and watching local people. Stroll on its platform surrounded by set of smaller temples, shrines and pavilions, and observe numerous shops along the stairways selling various colorful items, flowers and books. As the sun sets, the reddish golden rays of Shwedagon reflect on everything around and turning into a magical arena. Great photo time & a moment to take away with you. Dinner with Myanmar Cultural Show at Karaweik Palace Restaurant. Accommodation at hotel, Yangon.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. Today, you will start before dawn, departing hotel around 0530 hrs for domestic flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, we will escort you to your hotel first. After checking-in, take your time to freshen up and rest for a while. Bagan morning tour starts with Nyaung U Market and continues with visit to significant pagodas and temples. First, you will visit Shwezigon Pagoda built by the great King Anawrahta in 11th century. It serves as a prototype of later Myanmar pagodas. Then, continue to Ananda Temple known for its finest artistic value and is perhaps the most beautiful monuments in Bagan. A brief stop is made for photo at Tharabar Gate. Enjoy Myanmar Cuisine at River View Restaurant.

This afternoon, we take you to Manuha Temple built by a captive Mon King. Here,

one sees a huge sitting Buddha image housed in a relatively small chamber. As gloom and odd one would discern seeing as it is widely said that the captive king explained his despair through this image; it surely serves its purpose. Take a break from the temples and observe intricate steps of crafting Bagan's famous lacquer ware and to stroll in a typical Myanmar farming village. Then, proceed to enjoy the enchanting sunset over Bagan's plain as the conclusion of today's tour. Dinner and accommodation at hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(OPTION TOUR) : EARLY RISER PROGRAM (available only from Oct to March)

Just before the day totally breaks… as a faint light beginning to appear in the far eastern horizon…, Bagan stands still and awaits the early riser to reward with its magical vista. Imagine! You are the one watching Bagan plain with its endless temples and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in the rising sun, floating over it, as the gentle wind guides you… and enjoying the champagne served on board…

With Balloons Over Bagan, we are offering this unique experience, from October through March. The flight takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes depending on weather condition. A balloon has space for eight passengers with one pilot only. Due to limited capacity, we highly recommend advance booking at early stage.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, take a scenic drive (50 km – 1½ hours) to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano and an oasis of this dry central plain. Visit the Taung Kalat, a 737-metre volcanic peak with shrines dedicated to “Nats”, the animist spirit still worshiped by many locals. It is said that the mountain is their abode. The energetic, after climbing 777 steps, will be rewarded with a greatly refreshing panorama. A Buddhist monastery on the summit can also be visited. Lunch at Popa Mountain Resort with scenic view of the canyon and lush forest.

Return to Bagan with a brief stop at palm plantation en route. In Bagan, we escort you back to your hotel; you will have a bit time to relax. In the late afternoon, enjoy the horse cart ride, while it takes you to the jetty. Board your local boat to enjoy sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy River. Dinner with cultural show at Nanda Restaurant. Accommodation at hotel, Bagan.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner