DAY 01 : Yangon
Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed their conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay's brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.
Arrive Yangon Airport. Welcome and transfer to hotel by private vehicle air-con to your hotel.
Overnight : Yangon
Meal : x
DAY 02 : Yangon
Sightseeing in Yangon (Full Day)
Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.
Start the day in the heart of Yangon which features an interesting selection of monuments and colonial buildings. Among others, you will see the Independent Monument, the High Court, the City Hall and the Sule Pagoda. Afterwards, visit the National Museum (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays) to gain an insight into Myanmar. See the eight metre high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artefacts from Burmese history and culture. Enjoy a break at Bogyoke (Scott) Market, a pleasant covered market containing crafts from all corners of Myanmar, gems, fabrics and more. (The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).
In the afternoon, visit some of the more well-known pagodas, including Botataung Pagoda, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago. Visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, a reclining Buddha that is almost as large as the enormous figure of Shwethalyaung Buddha in Bago. It is housed in a large metal-roofed shed on Shwegondaing Lan, only a short distance north-east beyond the Shwedagon Paya. Finally, continue to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colors of twilight
Overnight : Yangon
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)
DAY 03 : Yangon - Bagan
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until your private transfer to the Yangon airport or extend your relaxing stay in Myanmar.
Flight from Yangon to Bagan.
Explore the vast and fascinating area of Bagan, and discover temples with unique stories, features and architecture. The spectacular plain of Bagan stretches away from the Ayeyarwaddy River and is dotted with over 2,000 temple structures dating back over 800 years. Spend the day exploring the temples and hearing the fascinating history and stories behind these imposing structures. Have a chance to visit a lacquerware workshop to learn about the intricate process of lacquerware making and decoration. At the end of the tour enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the ancient pagodas. A selection of temples will be visited including: Shwezigon Paya, a beautiful golden pagoda containing relics of Buddha. The site was started by Anawrahta but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha between 1086 and1090. The pagoda s graceful bell shape served as a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, an early 13th century temple with an Indian-style spire. The ceiling is covered with paintings depicting the previous life of Buddha. Ananda Pahto, one of the largest, most beautiful and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha who was inspired by Indian architecture. During the 1975 earthquake Ananda suffered considerable damage but has been totally restored. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba, a 12th century Buddhist temple famous for its well-preserved frescoes, considered to be the oldest original paintings to be found in Bagan. Manuha Temple, which was built, according to inscriptions, by the captive Mon King Manuha in 1067. It contains three seated Buddha images along with an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Shwesandaw Paya, a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda dating back to 1057. This 328-foot-high imposing structure is visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan. Enjoy sunset at one of the sunset hills or from Bu Paya. (Shwesandaw Pagoda is not allowed to climb up until further notice due to some old bricks was fallen down)
Enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the pagoda platforms
Overnight : Bagan
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)
DAY 04 : Bagan - Mandalay
Flight from Bagan to Mandalay.
The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual centre. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty per cent of the country s monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar. In the morning, head to Mahamuni Paya. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of Gold-Leaf Beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Before breaking for lunch, visit a Craft Workshop specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, wood-carving, or puppetry. The afternoon s tour includes some of the city s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at Shwenandaw Kyaung, or the Golden Teak Monastery. Built entirely of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen. Continue to Kyauktawgyi Paya, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Continue to Kuthodaw Paya, known also as the world s biggest book. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, each housing a slab of marble Numbering altogether 729, these slabs are inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, or Buddhist scriptures. The final stop is at Shwe Kyin Old Monastery, an old monastery at the base of Mandalay Hill which was built during the period of King Mindon.
Visit Mandalay Hill and take an easy climb up sheltered steps to experience panoramic views over the palace, Mandalay and the paya-studded countryside. The famous hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the buildings on and around the hill in the years after the founding of the city
Overnight : Mandalay
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)
DAY 05 : Mandalay
Flight from Mandalay to Yangon [Assistance with terminal change (Domestic / International)]
Overnight : x
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)
Note
* Above prices are current as of today but will be subject to any additional airfare and fuel increases that occur without our prior notice, and we reserve the right to adjust our quotes accordingly.
* The exchange rates above are for reference use only and are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact us foreign currency for applicable rates before transaction.
* An additional surcharge may be applicable for bookings that fall within the Peak Season dates; Christmas, New Year and Water Festival. In these cases, ORIENTAL ESCAPE will automatically apply the additional charge and advise you immediately.