Day 1 : YANGON – BAGO / VISITE BAGO - 80 km/ 1h30

Arrival at the Yangon International Airport in the morning and personalized welcome. Departure from the airport by air-conditioned car direction to the ancient capital of Mon kingdom, Bago, founded in the 9 century, passing through the magnificent landscape of rice fields.

Some kilometers before Bago, you will see the images of the Pagoda Kyaik Pun - the historical site. Tour of Bago includes the visit to the famous Shwemawdaw pagodas over thousand years old. Its spire is even taller than Shwedagon pagoda, then Hinthagone hillock from there you can see the moat and gate way to the 16th century city of Hanthawaddy. On the top of the hill, you will find the statues of a couple of legendary Hamsa birds and their wonderful story.

Traditional lunch will be another introduction to the country and you will discover the real Myanmar cuisine and the way Myanmar people enjoy their meals. Before returning to Yangon, your last stop in Bago will be at the Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha image (55m long and 15m in height). The head of the Buddha based on a stack of pillows of all shapes, decorated with mosaics of glass, as well as plant his feet are the most wonderful things that you will discover.

Your journey back to Yangon at the end of the day.Arrival at Yangon and transfer to the hotel.Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2 : YANGON -> BAGAN - VISITE BAGAN

In the morning, take an early bird flight to the destination BAGAN, the Wonder of Myanmar where thousands of stupas and pahtos (temples) stand. There are uncountable stupas and temples in Bagan. So we choose the most wonderful temples for you to explore during your stay in Bagan.

Your day in Bagan starts with Shwezigon Pagoda – built by King Anawrahta, later become a prototype of virtually all later stupas over Myanmar, Gubyaukgyi – this caved temple has Indian-style spire with the fine frescoes of scenes from the Jataka, the refined Htilominlo temple well-known for its old mural, fine plaster carving and glazed sandstone decoration, Gawdawpalin - the mural paintings around the passage with the impressive height and then the ancient gate “Tharabar” guarded by the men with golden faces and his sister. They are the NATS (spirit) who are protecting this wonderful archeological site.

In the afternoon, visit of inside the Old Bagan where most beautiful testimonies of the splendors and the richness of this site conceal. Ananda temple – one of the finest and most revered temples with its four standing Bagan-style Buddha images and huge carved teakCD/MW – 001 101209 – Myanmar Wonders Travel Ltd. doors, Thatbyinnyu temple – the highest in Bagan, so it’s a must to see, Dhammayangyi temple – the mortar less brickwork and best appreciated on the upper terraces is said to rank as the finest and biggest in structure, are the afternoon highlights.

A horse-cart ride will take you through a plain of Bagan among magnificent Temples.

Then, enjoy the moment of sunset over the world famous Archaeological complex from the upper terrace of Thayoke Pyay Temple.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3 : VISITE « production of toddy palm wine »/ BAGAN

In the morning, you will be heading to a place where native people live their daily life by producing wine, alcohol and candy from Toddy Palm in traditional way. Spend some leisure times observing the natives collecting the juices from the palm trees, palm sugar making technique as well as tasting palm wine. True atmosphere of nature! Then, leisurely walk through palm groves and visit nearby villages.

In the afternoon, you will return to Bagan. Then, your discovery continues to New Bagan to observe the process of traditional lacquer ware creation. Lacquer-ware is one of the best possible souvenirs of Myanmar followed by a dinner served in traditional lacquer ware plate with several compartments.

During the dinner, you will enjoy marionettes show.

Return to the hotel.Overnight in Bagan.

Day 4 : BAGAN – PAKKOU – MANDALAY
Bagan – Pakkou ( navigation approximately : 4h )
Pakkou – Mandalay ( 272km/ about 5h driving )

In the morning, depart for the jetty to board a traditional boat in motor. Your scenic boat ride over the famous Ayeyarwaddy River will take you to a small town named Pakkou. Your lunch will be at Pakkou upon arrival. Before continuing to Mandalay, visit the ancient site of Pakkhan where the famous PAKKHANGYI KYAUNG monastery is.

Drive towards Mandalay, the last capital of Myanmar kingdom and the center for Myanmar artisans. Along the way, you can make some beautiful photos of landscapes and native people & their daily life.

Late afternoon, arrival at Mandalay and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 5 : VISITE AMARAPURA / MANDALAY

The morning sightseeing tour at Mandalay starts with a visit to MAHAMUNI pagoda & its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layer of gold leaf donated by thousands of devoted Buddhists over the years.

Then, continue to the 18th century AMARAPURA. The highlight is the visit of MAHAGANDAYONE monastery - the largest in the country, home for more than thousand monks. At the same time, it gives an impression of the religious atmosphere of the country. It is spectacular and impressive to see the whole monastery taking their only one daily meal silently.

Then, stroll around the town with a visit to a silk waving workshop to observe an ancient weaving technique and unique fabrics in traditional patterns known to be fit only for royalty in past centuries. Visit the 200 years old U Bein Bridge with a walk or strolling in sampan. The most magnificent place! Lunch at Amarapura. After that, return to Mandalay.

The afternoon sightseeing, visit of Craftsmen’s Quarters: to observe fine works of Myanmar artisans in Gold Leaf, Bronze carving, Marble stone carving, Marionette and Kalaga Tapestries fabrication, then, you will be exploring more about Mandalay by visiting SHWE NAN DAW KYAUNG (Golden Palace Monastery) - a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery.
At the end of the afternoon, we will take you by the elevator to the top of MANDALAY HILL where you will indulge yourself with the panoramic view of Mandalay & its Palace under the rays of setting sun.
Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 6 : MANDALAY - THAZI –PINDAYA
Mandalay – Thazi : 3h by train & Thazi – Pindaya : 133km/ 6h 30 by car

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the Mandalay Railway Station to get on the train to Thazi. Your adventure trip starts here. The train will pass through the rice fields and villages. This will be a breathtaking experience for you and you will be close to the people of Myanmar. Arrival at Thazi, your breakfast at local tea house.

Then, your journey continues to Pindaya by a few hours drive crossing through the hills, several plantations and villages where DaNu minority group reside. The town of Pindaya is splendid with its tranquil Boutaloke Lake nestled beneath a soaring limestone ridge.

Arrival at Pindaya, transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, take a walk around this serene Boutaloke Lake to discover more about this charming place and 200 years old banyan trees of this small town. Overnight in Pindaya.

Day 7 : PINDAYA/ INLE
Pindaya – Nyaung Shwe: 91km/ 3h30 by car

In the morning, visit the Pindaya Cave (SHWE-U-MIN) contains more than 8000 Buddha statues dating back hundreds of years. It is an astounding sight that has long beguiled Buddhist pilgrims and casual visitors alike.
Inside the cave, there are also rock formations with evocative names like the Weaving Loom of the Fairy Princesses, while wooden mallets indicate the location of stalactites that, if struck just right, make a “gong” sound that resonates through the subterranean chambers.
You will also explore handmade Shan paper from natural tree and umbrella with their own way.

Then, you will be heading to Nyaung Shwe passing through breath-taking scenery in many ways, with great panoramic picturesque landscaping, Pa-O and Danu women in colorful traditional dresses and their ethnic villages.

Arrival at Nyaung Shwe, a small town of a few kilometers from the northern end of the lake, visit Shwe Yan Pyay monastery. Lunch at Nyaung Shwe. Then, stroll around the town by tri-shaw. Then, a traditional long boat in motor will take you to Myanmar’s best known outrageously beautiful natural Lake “ Inle Lake - a photographer’s dream”.

The INTHA people around Inle Lake are descended from Mon tribe. Start your unforgettable private boat tour on the Lake taking you to the islands and lakeshore villages to see the floating gardens, water hyacinth, the unique leg-rowing technique of Intha, colorful floating market and more...

You will be captivated by this charming Lake. Highlights include Phaung Daw U Pagoda -housing five sacred and almost shapeless Buddha images dating 1960, Nga Phe Kyaung monastery - famous for its “Jumping Cats” & collection of ancient Buddha status in many styles and the weaving village of Inpawkhon.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

Jour 8: VISITE SAGAR

Excursion on the lake passing through the mountains, several floating villages, lotus gardens and native fishermen working on the lake with their own method of catching fish for the day. This picturesque boat ride will take you to the extraordinary site of Sagar (3h by boat).
In the old days when Sawbwas (chief of Shan tribes) ruled the territory, Sagar was a principality with its own prince. Remaining of Sagars are ancient pagodas and monasteries and once the busy town is now a village hidden away from the world and almost forgotten.
Lunch at a floating restaurant overlooking the view on the lake.

Walk through the villages until you arrive at ancient pagodas in Thagaung village. At one of the villages, you will observe the native people producing alcohol from rice by distilling method. On the way back, stop by at another village where jars and pots are produced. Then, visit the weaving village of Kyaing Kham famous for its production of fabric in lotus.

Return back to the hotel.Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 9 : HEHO -> YANGON /VISITE SHWEDAGON

Take an early morning flight from Heho to Yangon. Arrive Yangon and your sightseeing tour of the “Garden City of East” begins with strolling around the colonial quarters and SULE pagoda - situated in the center of Yangon. Every corner around Sule Pagoda on a walking tour, you will discover a unique charm of Yangon with its old Colonial Architecture and Buildings.

Visit Bogyoke Aung San market (formerly Scott Market), where you can find wide range of souvenirs, handicraft shops, gems and jewelers famous for their qualities.

Spend a wonderful evening at the Shwedagon Pagoda. One of the most magnificent monuments on earth rises 98 meters above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold. The pagoda platform holds a dazzling array of shrines where devotees gather to meditate, make offerings and meet friends. It is a vibrant, life-affirming atmosphere that illustrates the essence of Buddhist culture in Myanmar.
Overnight in Yangon.

Day 10 : YANGON->DEPART

In the morning, transfer to Yangon International Airport.Registration and customs formalities.Board the plan in direction to your next destination

OPTION A : MANDALAY- AVA – MINGUN - MANDALAY

In the morning, transfer to the Mandalay jetty to board your private local boat for excursion across Ayeyarwaddy River to the ancient capital of northern Myanmar - AVA, 400 years from 14th Century. A scenic day! It should come as no surprise that horse-drawn carriage are the favored means of transportation bringing you to Nan Myint Watch Tower “leaning tower of AVA”, Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery built of brick and stucco in 1822 by the first wife of kind Bagyidaw and Bagayar monastery famous for its 267 teak posts, dark interior feeling old and inviting.

Afterwards, continue excursion to MINGUN by boat. With 50 meters high, Mingun Pahtodawgyi Temple is so big that you will be able to see it from the very start of the 11-kilometre boat journey from Mandalay. This unfinished temple is a mere one-third of the height that King Bodawpaya intended when he started construction in 1790. The project that was later abandoned on advice from astrologers. Climbing to the top provides view over the Ayeyarwady River to the east, pagoda-dotted hills to the west and the village of Mingun in between.

Another of Mingun’s attractions is the 90-tonne bronze bell cast in 1808, said to be the biggest ringing bell in the world. Nearby is the shining white Hsinbyume Pagoda, designed to represent legendary Mount Meru at the centre of the Buddhist cosmos and famous for its architecture. Return to Mandalay at the end of day. You will be cruising on the Ayeyarwady River while sun is setting.

Overnight in Mandalay.

OPTION B: PINDAYA – KALAW

DAY 1 : PINDAYA - KALAW 48km/ 2h30 by car

Depart from Pindaya in direction to the old British hill station, situated on the Shan plateau at the altitude of 1350m above sea level.

Kalaw is a very calm and charming town. You can benefit the ambiance of total freedom by strolling around the town. In that region, there are 5 major ethnic groups – Pa O, Palaung, Danu, Taungyo and Padaung.
Lunch at a Nepalese restaurant to taste the Nepalese delicacies.Overnight at Kalaw.

KALAW – LAC INLE (TREKKING 2 Days/1 Night) / VISIT LAC INL

Name of village and the minorities who reside there
Kalaw : Danu
Tun Khong, Baw Nin Gone, Thithein, Kyauksu, Khonhla : Pa O
Pauk, Ngue : Taung Thu
Than Daung : Inn Thar

> First Day of Trekking
Departure point : Baw Nin Gone
Baw Nin Gone village - Tun Khong village  : 30 min trekking
Tun Khong village - Khonhla village : 2h dtrekking
Lunch at Khonhla village
Khonehla village - Pauk village : 2h 30 trekking
Pauk village - Thithein village : 30 min trekking
Overnight a the monastery of Thithein

Depart by private car for 1h drive in the direction of Baw Nin Gone village where you trekking starts. Every visit of minorities’ villages along your trekking, you can have a break to leisurely walk around the village and to get acquaintance with those ethnic people and daily life of each ethnic group. Lunch at Khonhla village. Peaceful moment!

Then, you will continue along the trail up to the village of Taung Thu ethnic group. You will spend your night at Thithein. You will have a very simple style accommodation at the monastery.
Overnight at Thithein – accommodation at monastery.

> Seconde Journée de trekking
Thithein village - Kyauksu village : 30 min trekking
Kyauksu village - Ngue village : 1h trekking
Ngue village - Than Daung village : 1h trekking
Than Daung village - Inn Thar village : 1h trekking
Lunch at Inn Thar village
Inn Thar village - Jetée : 30 min trekking

You will be leaving Thithein village in the early morning to continue your trekking in a peaceful rhythm passing through the bamboo forests and the region of the ethnic group - Taung Thu, Inn Thar, Pa O. You will be arriving at Inn Thar village after approx. 3h 30min walk.

Lunch at Inn Thar Village.

Then, after lunch walk up to the jetty where traditional long boat in motor awaits you. Then, a traditional long boat in motor will take you to Myanmar’s best known outrageously beautiful natural Lake “ Inle Lake - a photographer’s dream”.
The INTHA people around Inle Lake are descended from Mon tribe. Start your unforgettable private boat tour on the Lake taking you to the islands and lakeshore villages to see the floating gardens, water hyacinth, the unique leg-rowing technique of Intha, colorful floating market and more...

You will be captivated by this charming Lake. Highlights include Phaung Daw U Pagoda -housing five sacred and almost shapeless Buddha images dating 1960, Nga Phe Kyaung monastery - famous for its “Jumping Cats” & collection of ancient Buddha status in many styles and the weaving village of Inpawkhon.
Overnight in Inle Lake.

OPTION C : INLE – KAKKU - NYAUNG SHWE - Nyaung Shwe – Kakku : 68km/ 3h by car

Check-Out from the hotel on the lake. Transfer to Nyaung Shwe by a traditional long boat in motor. Arrival at Nyaung Shwe, proceed to Kakku by private car. On the way, you can stop Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state where you will have your Shan traditional breakfast. And then continue to Kakku (about 53 km from Taunggyi 2 hours drive).

Kakku is in the territory of Pa-O people. There are over 2000 stupas packed closely together in ranks and covering an area perhaps a square kilometer. Each one is an individual masterpiece. The particular remarkable about the whole site is its good state of preservation. Originally each one must have been topped by a gilded metal hti (umbrella), the multi tiered umbrella-like feature, which is typical of Myanmar Pagodas.

Drive back to Nyaung Shwe. On the way, visit one of villages where Pa O tribes live and you can discover the preparation of tobacco leave to be ready for Myanmar cigar. And stop by at “Ayethayar” win yard for lunch and tasting of Myanmar Wine.

Arrival at Nyaung Shwe, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Nyaung Shwe.