DAY 01: BAGAN (L)
Today you will discover Bagan’s wonderful sceneries, exotic architectures and ancient temples with first stop at Thagyar Pone Temple and Ananda Temple. Thagyar Pone in particular presents a grand view of the surrounding plains while Ananda is a perfectly dimensioned temple structure that is a fusion of Mon and Indian architectural styles. The next stop is Gubyaukgyi Temple that was built in 1113 by Kyanzittha's son Rajakumar, on his father's death. The temple is in an Indian style, the monument consists of a large shrine room attached to a smaller antechamber. The fine stuccowork on its exterior walls is in particularly good condition. The temples of Nan Paya and Manuha are nearby; these two are smaller buildings with intricate stone work and Buddha statues. Continue your journey to the workshops where they will producing you wood carvings and lacquer ware, also you will be witnessed the craftsmanship of the artisan. After lunch, turn back to the hotel for refreshment and relaxing. In the evening, continue your trip to horse carriage and the highest temple Thatbyinnyu, also known as Sulamani Temple which is one of the most-frequently visited in Bagan. It was built in 1183 by King Narapati sithu, and is similar to the Thatbyinnyu Temple in design . Next, visit to the enormous Dhammayangyi Temple which is largest of all the temples in Bagan. Finish your trip at the last stop at North Guni Temple where you will soak in the beautiful sunset and serene scenery.
Overnight in Bagan.
DAY 02: BANGAN (B,L)
This morning, You can choose of following option for your lifetime experience:
- Option: take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan at dawn. Glide over the temples, stupas, villages and river. There you will soak in the stunning scenery of Bagan.
(Flight time: 45 minutes to 1-hour and available from October to March only)
Then, you will embark in the legendary stupa tour of Bagan by following the footsteps of King Anawrahta and his sacred white elephant. Legend states that the King placed a replica of the Lord Buddha’s tooth upon the elephant’s back then left the elephant free to wander around. The elephant will then stop at four places in Bagan so the King has built stupas at each of these places. Many Burmese believe that visiting all these places within one day will see your wish granted. Next, continue your excursion to Nyaung U Market - a bustling local market where Bagan locals conduct their morning shopping. Next, visit to the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda which is one of Bagan’s most famous sights. Keep your journey to the hilltop stupa of Tu Yin Taung, with 500 monk statues lining the road on your approach where offer you a marvelous view of Bagan and its surroundings. Head to New Bagan and the stupa of Lawka Nandar. Located by the Irrawaddy River, the temple here contains a Buddha relic and is still used as a place of worship today. We’ll have lunch at the riverside Nanduwan Restaurant.
Overnight in Bagan.
DAY 03: BAGAN - RV PAUKAN CRUISE (L, D)
Drive head to the pier to board on the RV Paukan. After enjoying your cocktail welcome drink, spend the rest of day cruising upstream to Mandalay. In the evening, venture ashore to a charming riverside village to meet and chat with friendly locals.
Overnight in On board the RV Paukan
*Note: Cruise starts each Tuesday and Friday.
DAY 04: CRUISE TO MANDALAY (B,L,D)
The boat will resume its journey through stunning sceneries where you will soak in the charming riverside village of Yandabo, famed for its pottery. Enjoy your delicious lunch and dinner on board.
Overnight in On board the RV Paukan.
DAY 05: DISEMBARK IN MANDALAY - ANCIENT CAPITALS (B,L)
Awake early to admire the stunning scenery of the sun rise over the Irrawaddy River. You will be disembark at Sagaing or Gawein jetty around 10: 00 AM. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local guide, your excursion to Mandalay with start at Sagaing - the religious centre of Myanmar which is home to over 3000 monks and 600 pagodas. The next stop is the bustling local market at Sagaing where display many of beautiful handicraft products. Continue your visit to a small pottery village to see how the country’s water storage pots are made. Heading to Ava which was the capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841.
There you will take a horse cart tour to stroll around the serene street, watching local daily life as visit to the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. Enjoy your lunch at the local restaurant. After that, visit to the next former capital - Amarapura. Mahagandayon monastery which is home to over 1000 monks. Then, walk along the world’s longest teak bridge. U Bein Bridge is 1.2 km long and is constructed of 984 teak posts that were originally part of Inwa Palace. In the afternoon, turn back to Mandalay.
Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 06: MANDALAY (B)
Today, you will chose one of the following 2 options to explore the incredible hidden jewels surrounding Mandalay:
- Option 1: By Car
Driver to Paleik Temple -24 kilometers outside the city which has a statue of Buddha surrounded by snakes and believed to be auspicious. It named after the 3 giant Burmese pythons that sleep curled around Buddha statues. The entire temple is devoted to the pythons and there are hundreds of statues with smaller Buddhas seated inside. Next, continue your excursion to the beautiful town. Before turning back, you will stop at the villages to observe the rural daily life.
- Option 2: By Bike
Jump on your bike to explore the outskirts of Mandalay (20-30km). Ride head to the villages, schools, monasteries and local market, enjoying the enchanting sceneries through the flat and serene road.
After that, return to the hotel for relaxing. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Mahumani Pagoda - It is highly venerated in Burma and central to many people's lives, as it is seen as an expression of representing the Buddha's life. Then, head to the workshop where you will learn about craftwork, cottage industries which is famous in Mandalay, just preparing your camera when observe gold-leaf techniques, wood carving and kalaga tapestry weaving. Next, go to a local craft shop and make your own marionette. Choose the marionette’s face, body and clothes and create your own unique souvenir. The process takes about one hour. Turn back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 07: MANDALAY DEPARTURE (B)
This morning you will be free at leisure until transferring to the airport for your departure flight.