This morning, we fly to Yangon -- Myanmar’s biggest city, once known as Rangoon, is full of color and life. The emerald city is lush and full of colonial and traditional Burmese architecture with glimmering pagodas overlooking the action taking place in the heart of the city. 

Upon arrival at Yangon airport (arrival time: 2:20pm) you will be welcomed by our well experienced guide and transfer to the most famous  scenic spot in Yangon -- Shwedagon Pagoda. 

Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.

Proceed to enjoying cultural show (Traditional dances, Puppets Show, Elephant dance) in Karaweik Royal Palace Restaurant (The Palace  is on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake).  After tour, we drive to hotel.

After breakfast, tour guide will pick up you at hotel lobby. Our first stop is Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great overview of Buddhism with murals depicting the life of Buddha, the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray.

Afterwards, we go to Botatoung Pagoda, the whole of the inside is covered with gold leaf.

Then, we' ll venture downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical  buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia.

Kandawgyi Park, the first thing we'll see when we walk in the park is the Royal Barge with the Indo-Burmese architecture commonly seen   in Myanmar. It is nice to walk around the lake on the wooden walkways built with wood on water, peaceful and away from the traffic. The top of the grand Shwedagon Pagoda is visible in part of the walk. 

The post office – a lovely historic building- and walk to Sule Paya in the middle of downtown, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. After tour, we drive back to hotel.

This morning we leave Yangon and fly to Bagan which was the ancient royal capital of Pagan and is one of the richest archeological sites in Asia. Monuments, temples and pagodas dating from the 11th to the 13th centuries are scattered over its vast plains.

The first scenic spot is Sulamani Guphaya Temple. This is one of the most wonderful Pagoda in the Bagan area. Built about a thousand years ago, the temple is covered in old painted images. The Pagoda has huge importance to Buddhists and we can immerse ourselves into the power this place has.

Then, we transfer to Dhammayangyi Temple with rich history. This is the widest temple in Bagan. Its size and structure is impressive, and it has a unique look that many of the other temples do not. The pagoda has many levels, but most of them are closed and just the first floor is open to the public. 

Continue to Htilominlo temple is one of the most visited temples in Old Bagan. The temple was built between 1211-1230 AD by King Nandaungmya at the beginning of its reign to commemorate that on that spot he was selected as crown prince between the five sons of the king. It is built in red brick and has three story. We can climb to the first one, from where we can get a wonderful view of the Bagan plain.

Afterwards, we go to visit one of Myanmar’s most treasured handicrafts, a lacquer ware craftsmen’s workshop. Before driving to hotel, we go to Shwe-gyu-gyi where we can see the sea of temples and enjoy nice view of sunset.

Depart from hotel lobby, our first stop is Ananda Temple -- is considered to be one of the most surviving masterpiece of the Mon architecture. Also known as the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples.

Then, we transfer to visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where every day the locals come to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods.

Afterwards, we go to Shwezigon Pagoda. The pagoda is the 2nd largest golden pagoda in Myanmar only to Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. It was first built by King Anaweahta then completed by Kyansittha (1084-1113). The graceful bell shape of this pagoda became a prototype for virtually all later pagodas all over Myanmar.

Continue to Shwesandaw Pagoda, to enjoy the most beautiful sunset view in Southeast Asia. The pagoda was built by King Anawrahta in  1057. This graceful circular pagoda was constructed at the centre of his newly empowered kingdom. The pagoda was also known as Ganesh or Mahapeine after the elephant-headed Hindu god whose images once stood at the corners of the five successive terraces.

This morning, we leave Bagan and fly to Mandalay which is Myanmar’s 2nd largest city, lies on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. It’s a city rich  in culture and history.

Upon arrival, local tour guide will meet you at Mandalay airport, then we transfer to Sagaing which lies 21km south-west of Mandalay on the west  bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Sagaing is known as a meditation centre. Myanmars all over the country would visit Sagaing for the purpose of religious retreat. Sagaing hill has numerous pagodas, monasteries and meditation centers known as a peacefule place for Buddhist studies. We could enjoy nice view of Sagaing and Irrawaddy river at top of hill. U Min Thonze Pagoda is one of the most distinctive complexes on main hill top of Sagaing.

Then, we drive to visit Innwa which was the the capital of Myanamr from 1364-1841.

Afterwards, we transfer to Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. We'll visit a silk weaving workshop which  produces exquisite handmade products and then visit U Bein Bridge which is 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984  teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace and it is 1.2 kilometers in length making it the world’s longest teak span. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.  The bridge is reputed as lovers bridge which is thought to be the best place for enjoy sunset view by locals.

After 1-day tour, we drive to hotel in Mandalay.

Today, our first stop is Mahamuni Pagoda. The Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist shrine in Mandalay. Myanmar Buddhists are so devout that  countless thousands of devotees apply gold leaves and paste them on statue except face to gain merit.

The next stop is Shwenandaw Monastery (or Golden Palace Monastery). This monastery is of great interest not only as a fine example of a traditional Myanmar wooden monastery, but as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Fort.

This monastery is famous for its beautiful wood-carvings. This wooden monastery is carved all over with motifs and mythical creatures. It  was once entirely covered in thick gold, but only the interior gold remains due to harshness of the tropical weather. Some of the outer carvings have been prised off and removed being damaged by the weather. Inside the monastery, there are 10 jataka scenes taken from the     Buddha’s life. These are still in a very good condition.

This afternoon, we transfer to visit Mandalay Hill, pass by Kuthodaw Pagoda & the World’s Biggest Book.

Mandalay hill is surrounded by the nine satellite hills.There are two one-way bus roads up to the top of the Mandalay Hill, one to the west of the Great Lions statues winding up the way and the other at the southern passageway going down. There are four stairways going up the Mandalay Hill, two on the north and on the west, and two on the south. An elevator and an escalator are also in service for going up hill.

Like a Tower given by nature, the Mandalay Hill offers a panoramic view over the Golden City of Mandalay. We can also enjoy nice sunset view here. After 1-day tour, we transfer to hotel in Mandalay.

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Mandalay - Heho - Inle lake

This morning, we leave Mandalay and fly to Heho Town(arrival: 09:10am). Tour guide will meet you at Heho airport, then we drive to  pier  and  take our private boat to head out to Inle Lake.

The lake is one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people.  Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 

Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.

Then, we have a lunch at floating restaurant. Continue to Nga Phe Chaung monastery, also known as jumping cat Monastery. The Buddha statues which is more than 200 years old.

If time permits, there may be time for a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Inle lake - Heho - Yangon.

No tour is arranged today, we just wander around the resort and enjoy nice view of Inle lake. In the afternoon (about 1:30pm), we leave hotel and transfer to Heho airport, fly back to Yangon. Our local representative will meet you at Yangon airport, and escort you to hotel.

No tour is arranged this morning, our representative will meet you at hotel lobby (about 12:20 noon), then we drive to Yangon airport and fly back to Shanghai. Say good-bye to Myanmar!      

HOTEL GRAND UNITED AHLONE: The Junior suite is about 32 sqm, has a balcony with view to the Pagoda or River.

STRAND HOTEL,The superior suite: 55 sqm, maximum: 3 Adults or 2 Adults + 1 child.

Welcome drink on arrival, Fruit basket, Complimentary wireless Internet access in the suite and public areas
, Complimentary tea and coffee served in your suite at any time by your butler. The luxury hotel is by the side of Yagon

  river.

Chin Suite: 23.8 sqm. Ground floor. Facing to Water fall, Stream View, Swimming Pool View & Lawns. 

Royal Villa (Lake front):  80sqm.

Lake-front view, wooden bungalows of 80 sq/m with living-room & bed-room. They are ideals for those wanting a luxurious experience on the Lake and include all the touches you would expect from a real deluxe boutique resort.

exclusivity, intimacy, unobtrusive service and modern comfort such as Rain Shower, flat screen TV, air-conditioning/heater, mini-bar, coffee facilities and in-room safe-box.

About the resort:

Magnificently located on the shores of the Inlay Lake, this unique 4* Boutique Eco-Resort & Spa is open since 2005 and is one of the finest resorts in this unique tourist destination. Custom built and designed with the unique flair of traditional native style architecture, the “Inle Resort & Spa” is distinguished by its signature roof, prominent on the Lake; a welcome beacon to its guests.