6 DAYS FACES OF MYANMAR

Upon arrival, we will drive 16km or approximately 30 minutes to Yangon city.

A three-hour downtown walking tour (5km) trails across heritage buildings and remarkable facades such as the City Hall, the old railway station, the former Minister’s office where General Aung San was assassinated, the St Mary’s Cathedral, Sule Paya and Botataung Pagoda.

Late afternoon, enjoy sunset tour of Shwedagon Pagoda with 1,000 oil lamp offering. The nation’s most revered Buddhist temple is exceptionally breath-taking when illuminated at dusk by the glittering lamps at the stupa’s inner wall.

This morning, you will take a flight from Yangon to Nyaung U.

Upon arrival, you will visit Upali Thein known for its intricate carvings. Participate in a traditional blessing ceremony with resident monks at Mya Zi Gone Monastery. Depending on your flight schedule, we will explore the rural Minnanthu temples of Payathondzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya if time permits.

Finally, we cast off onto the Irrawaddy River on a private sunset cruise with cocktail aboard a wooden boat. Watch as the last rays of light illuminates the riverside villages, fishermen and distant temple spires.

Rise early this morning to soar above thousands of temples and stupas on a hot air balloon (weather permitting and available between late-October to late-March).

We dedicate the entire day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan Archaeological Zone. Admire the exquisite jataka mural paintings of Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi and the glazed sandstone decorations of Hitlominlo Temple. Visit a traditional lacquerware workshop before continuing to Ananda Temple, famed among Bagan’s most beautiful.

Hop on a sunset horse cart ride passing through the exterior of Thatbyinnyu, Dhammayangyi and Sulamanik before arriving at an elevated viewpoint of the plains, just before the golden sun dives into the horizon.

This morning, you will take a flight from Nyaung U to Heho.

A one-hour drive readies you for the private Inle Lake excursion. Witness the Intha fishermen and the floating gardens built from strips of water hyacinth. After a delicious floating lunch of Shan cuisine, we continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Ngaphae Chaung Monastery and the Inpawkhone weaving village. Conclude with a sunset drink on your return to hotel watching the locals on their evening chores.

Today, you can choose from one of the below authentic activities:

Option A: Inle Lake & Indein Cultural Discovery

Visit the five-day rotating market (closed on dark/full moon) where the hill tribes trade their wares, stroll along the Pa-oh village of Indein and the Alaung Sitthou area with ancient stupas and magnificent lake viewpoint.

Option B: Inle Lake Village Kayaking (available between June and March only)

Paddle through the Ywama stilt village’s canals and brush shoulders with locals on tofu-making, blacksmith, goldsmith and traditional medicine workshops. Admire beautiful teak village houses and enjoy traditional snacks and brew on a local house (estimated kayaking time: 1.5 hours; estimated walking time: 1.5 hours).

Transfer to Khaung Dain village on the western shores of the lake to sample traditional fried Shan tofu, stop at a boat-making workshop, and if time permits, we will visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery on your return to Heho airport.