Day 1: Arrival in Mandalay – Amarapura – Mandalay Palace (B)

Welcome upon arrival at the airport then we transfer to the hotel in Mandalay city center. Being famous as the Buddhism center in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks, and monasteries. We first visit the Mahagandayon Monastery and watch the monks in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony. We then take a stroll along the nearby U Bein Bridge to visit Kyautawgyi Pagoda, a famous Buddhist pagoda enshrining a great marble image of the Buddha. After that, returning by boat to enjoy the cool breeze and spectacular landscape of Taungthaman Lake.

The next visit will be Mandalay Palace, the last royal palace built by the Burmese Royal. Explore the fabulous mix of traditional and modern architecture of the palace before transferring to Kuthodaw Pagoda, famed as “the world’s biggest book” composed of 729 marble slabs. Conclude the day with a ride up the zigzagging road to Mandalay Hill. Climb to the top of the hill and watch the beautiful sunset around the surrounding plain, river, and mountains.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Sagaing (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Shwe Kyat Yet Jetty where we will sail upstream for about one and a half hours to the Mingun Pagoda Complex to see the unfinished pagoda, which was intended to be built as the world’s largest pagoda. Take leisure walks to the Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tonnes and the second biggest hanging undamaged bell in the world.

After lunch on board, continue downstream to Sagaing and have a visit to Sagaing for about two & a half hours excursion by coach. back to the board, sail downstream and enjoy the sunset over Sagaing Hill. Moor overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner, guests can enjoy a Traditional Dance on the sundeck (if available). We will spend the night on the Sanctuary Ananda Cruise.

Overnight on board.

Day 3: Sagaing – Yandabo Village (B, L, D)

In the morning, we will cruise downstream to Yandabo Village. The defendant on the base economy is famous for the production of terracotta from the riverbank clay. Explore the pottery making process at various stages. We enjoy an hour shore excursion and then back to board and cast off. Continue our third-day trip by sailing downstream and moor overnight at near Chindwin confluence. We spend the second night on the Sanctuary Ananda cruise ship.

Overnight on board.

Day 4: Yandabo Village – Bagan (B)

Cast off early morning, we continue sailing downstream and approximately arrive in Bagan about 09:00 AM. Bagan is Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside. Disembark from the board and start our day tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions. Your sightseeing today might include a visit to Ananda Temple, the beautifully well-preserved temple reflects a great influence of Mon and North Indian style.

In the afternoon, we take a tour of a local lacquerware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made. The highlight of today is the panoramic sunset view from the second highest pagoda of Bagan, the ShweSandaw Pagoda.

Overnight in Bagan.

Note: Due to the water level and weather conditions, sightseeing might be changed.

Day 5: Balloon Ride over Bagan (B)

Today, we will have a memorable day-trip and let’s say, it would be one of your special days Myanmar. Pick up at our hotel in the early morning, before sunrise, we will have a hot balloon ride over Bagan. Amazed your eyes and taken away your breath by the beauty and diversity of temples and stupas below you. With the Irrawaddy River to the west and the mountains to the east, the balloon ride will no double be your flight of a lifetime.

Bagan hot air balloon – Burma culture and beach tourAfter a 45-minute ride over the morning skies, the pilots will guide his crafts for a safe landing. Well, we will then have a small party to welcome you back with sparkling wine, fresh fruits. After receiving the Balloon Certificate that personally signed by the pilot, we will be driven back to the hotel for a proper breakfast. We will then have an exotic horse cart riding, we will go to one of the biggest temples in Bagan: Nan Paya Temple and many other interesting sites nearby. The most amazing bonus of this day trip is the panoramic sunset view from the second highest pagoda of Bagan the Shwe Sandaw pagoda.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 6: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Inle Lake Sightseeing (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a flight to Heho and drive to Inle Lake. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, is located 900 meters above sea level. The lake is home to the Intha People, a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group, known for their one leg rowing techniques.

Upon arrival, we board a motorboat for sightseeing to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images and also believed to be the holiest in Inle Lake. Our next visit is Ngaphechaung Monastery, known as “jumping cat” pagoda. As we travel further into Nam Pan village cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses will impress you with a sense of traditional Intha life.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 7: Inle Lake – Indein (B)

This morning, we will visit the unique “5-Day Market” held in different villages surrounding the lake. This is absolutely a magnificent place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and then experience the exotic market atmosphere. After lunch, the boat will take us to beautiful temples of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It will certainly be relaxing to walk along the corridor and enjoy the giant columns which have been left nature for centuries. Before returning to the hotel, we head to the village of the “long neck” Padaung women. Take this chance to interact and share your cultural experience.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 8: Inle Lake – Heho – Fly to Thandwe – Ngapali Beach (B)

After breakfast, we will catch a flight from Inle Lake to Thandwe. It is time to immerse in the pristine waters of Ngapali Beach and the beautiful green coconut groves.

Overnight in Ngapali.

Day 9: Ngapali Beach Free Time (B)

Time will be free to relax on the sandy beach of Ngapali.

Overnight in Ngapali.

Day 10: Ngapali Beach – Thandwe – Fly to Yangon – Yangon City Tour (B)

Free time until our car arrives to take us to Thandwe airport for a flight to Yangon. In this formerly capital city, we spend a full day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, the golden 2500-year-old pagoda in the heart of Yangon city; Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to an impressive 66 meters long reclining Buddha image and Kandawgyi Lake where offers you an amazing scenery for taking photos.

After lunch, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda. The “Golden Pagoda” is really a must-see pagoda while we are in Myanmar. Enjoy some shopping at the bustling Bogyoke Market (Scott market). (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and gazette holiday).Our most highlighted experience for this evening is dinner in Karaweik Palace, overlooking the Royal Lake and Shwedagon Tower. A meal of fine Burmese food will be served followed by a beautiful cultural show of music and dancing.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 11: Yangon Departure (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your leisure time until our driver comes to pick you up to transfer to the hotel for a departure flight.