8 DAYS CUSTOMARY ROUTES TOURS (PHT-008C)

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

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, transfer to Nyaung U Airport for domestic flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival at airport, drive directly to Amarapura, a royal capital founded before Mandalay. Firstly, we take you to Mahagandayon, one of the most prominent monasteries where nearly a thousand monks live and study. It’s a chance to observe unique Myanmar monkshood. Then, proceed to U Bein Teak Bridge originally built in 1851. Take a leisurely walk over the bridge and enjoy the panoramic view of Taungthaman Lake and surrounding. If time permits, a brief stop is possible at traditional silk & cotton weaving. Lunch at Ko’s Kitchen Restaurant.

This afternoon, visit Maha Myat Muni, the most revered Buddha statue in entire Myanmar. The whole image, except, the face is covered with thick layers of gold foils; a token of the devotees’ intense faith to Buddha. Continue to Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), a delicately carved wooden building and Kuthodaw Pagoda (the world’s largest book), consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. If time permits, you may visit one of the tapestry workshops. A visit to 230 meter high Mandalay Hill will conclude today’s tour. Up on the hill, you find a scenic view of the city, the plains surrounding it, the Shan Mountain, as well as the Ayeyarwaddy River, especially great at sunset. Dinner at Green Elephant Restaurant. Accommodation at hotel, Mandalay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(OPTIONAL TOUR) LATE AFTERNOON PROGRAM

Upon request, we take you to a marionette show of professional puppeteers. The performance is highly traditional and amusing. The show starts at 2000 hrs. Charges applied at prevailing rate.

Note : Advance booking of minimum 24 hrs notices required.

Breakfast at hotel. 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). Lunch at Memento Restaurant.

This afternoon, you will visit the Pindaya Caves, where numerous Buddha images are placed in the limestone caves over many centuries back. Also visit the Shan paper and parasol making workshop. If time permits, photo stop may be added to your program, at the picturesque Botaloke Lake and array of century old Banyan trees. Drive to Nyaung Shwe (90 km - 2 ½ hrs), gateway to Inle Lake - a freshwater lake in the heart of Shan Highlands. Proceed by boat (approx. 30 mins) to hotel on the lake. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, Inle Lake.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. Today's excursion by boat on Inle Lake starts with the morning local market in a nearby village (only on market day). Chance to admire 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! Lunch at Nampan Restaurant.

In the afternoon, visits are made to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with its 5 Buddha Images concealed in thick layers of gold; the weaving village of Inpawkhon and the old Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. 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 at 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. Enjoy Farewell Dinner at Le'Pleatuer French Restaurant. 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