This 15-day classic tour will take you to Bagan, Popa, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyaukme, Goikteik, Hsipaw, Mandalay and Inle Lake from Yangon.
Day 1-Yangon airport - the guide will welcome you and check in at your hotel.
Day 2-Proceed to start your sightseeing.
Day 3-Fly to Nyaung U and visit Bagan. Temple sightseeing and sunset boat trip to be enjoyed.
Day 4-Drive to Popa.
Day 5-Fly to Mandalay and start your sightseeing.
Day 6-Drive to Pyin Oo Lwin.
Day 7-Take a train ride to Kyaukme and Hsipaw.
Day 8-Hsipaw Trekking.
Day 9-Trek back to Hsipaw.
Day 10-Drive back to Mandalay.
Day 11-Visit Mingun and Sagaing.
Day 12-Fly to Heho and proceed to Inle Lake.
Day 13-Second day on the Lake.
Day 14-Drive to Kalaw and fly back to Yangon in the afternoon.
Day 15-Depart.
Arrival Day
Arrival at Yangon airport. Meet with your guide at Yangon international Arrival Hall after clearing immigration and custom formalities. The guide will welcome you or your group with welcome signboard. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight will be in Yangon.
Accommodation: East Hotel Deluxe Room
Second Day
Today, start your sightseeing with a drive to Botahtaung Pagoda close to the Yangon Jetty (Botahtaung Jetty). There is a sort of mirrored maze inside the stupa, with glass showcases containing many of the ancient relics. Lunch Break.
After lunch, start your visit to Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on every Mondays & Public Holidays) and it has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts. Then, enjoy visit at Shwedagon Pagoda, the ‘heart’ of Buddhists in Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,600 years old and there are always full with many people praying and making offerings at Shwedagon and especially on Full Moon days and religious days.
Dinner Time.
Overnight will be in Yangon.
Accommodation: East Hotel Deluxe Room
Third Day
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Bagan. Arrival at Nyaung U airport. Meet with your guide at Nyaung U Airport. He/she will pick you up and transfer to your hotel.
Start your full day Bagan sightseeing tour with a visit to Nyaung U Local Market. Then see the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, where the 37 pre-Buddhist ‘nats’ were first officially endorsed by the Barmar monarchy. The 12th Century originals were spirited away by a collector and are now reportedly somewhere in Italy. Next stop is Htilominlo situated close to the road between Nyaung U and Bagan, built by king Nantaungmya in 1218 and traces of old murals are also still visible. Continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery with beautiful, well-preserved 18th century murals. Lunch Break.
In the afternoon, enjoy your sightseeing to Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170, which is famous for its interlocking mortar-less brickwork. Then transfer to jetty and board on boat to enjoy sunset while in Ayeyarwaddy River. Dinner Time.
Overnight will be in Bagan.
Accommodation: Zfreeti Hotel Superior Room
Fourth Day
This morning, drive out of Bagan to visit Popa Taungkalat, home to Myanmar’s intriguing 37 ‘nats’ and major pilgrimage destination. The steps and path climb steeply up – an energetic climb rewarded by fabulous views from the top. Enjoy your lunch at a very nice Popa Mountain Resort with fabulous view. After lunch drive back to Bagan.
In the afternoon, visit Lemyethna Temple built in 1222, topped by and Indian-style spire like that on Ananda. Continue to Payathonzu (the name literally means Three Stupas) design is remarkably similar to Khmer Buddhist ruins in Thailand and two of the shrines contain vaguely Chinese or Tibetan-looking mural paintings that contain Bodhisattva figures. Take a break from temples and wander through the village of Minnanthu to see how the local people live. Enjoy sunset at Pyathadar Temple, is a double-cave type monument. Dinner Time.
Overnight will be in Bagan.
Accommodation: Zfreeti Hotel Superior Room
Fifth Day
Today, transfer to Nyaung U Airport to take a domestic flight from Bagan to Mandalay. From the Mandalay airport, drive to Amarapura and visit U-Bein Bridge, a 1.2km long leak bridge over the Taung Thaman Lake. Then visit Mahagandayon Monastery, known as the biggest Buddhist learning Centre in Mandalay to learn the daily life of monks. Continue to the Silk Weaving workshops and visit Mahamuni Pagoda, built by King Bodawpaya in 1784, the centrepiece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni buddha image, which was transported to Mandalay from Mrauk-U (Rakhine) in 1784. Continue a visit to Marble Curving workshops and Gold Leaf Beating workshops. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. Then check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) as a museum, an ancient wooden monastery. The building is covered inside and out with carved panels and which was apartment of King Mindon. Then visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (also known as the Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda), the pagoda complex has been dubbed ‘the world’s biggest book’, for standing around the central stupa are 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the entire Tripitaka. Each slab is housed in its own individual small stupa. Continue to Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda, it is chiefly interesting for the hug seated Buddha image carved from a single block of marble. Enjoy Sunset at Mandalay Hill.
Overnight will be in Mandalay.
Accommodation: Hotel Yadanarbon Superior Room
Sixed Day
This morning, drive to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), a former British Hill Station. The British legacy can be seen in many well-preserved colonial building dotted around town. Visit to Local Market and take a short horse-cart ride. Lunch Break.
In the afternoon, visit to National Kandawgyi Gardens, which were laid out by Sir Harcourt Butler, the former governor of Burma – flower beds are similar to those you would find in an English country garden! The garden has recently been renovated and is now called “Kandawgyi National Botanical Garden”. You have your own cart to drive around the huge garden. You can stop and go for short walks, for example you can do the “jungle” walk, which leads you on a wooden path through rain forest trees.
Overnight will be in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Accommodation: Kandawgyi Hotel Superior Room
Seventh Day
Early morning, transfer from your hotel to Pyin Oo Lwin railway station, where you board the Train to Kyaukme for a journey of approximately 4.5 hours. The train leaves at 0830 hrs. A packed lunch on train. The train stops at many local stations and passes, very slowly, over the Gokteik Viaduct, built in 1903 across a 300 metre deep gorge.
Arrival in Kyaukme at 1315 Hrs. On arrival in Kyaukme a car and driver will be waiting for you. Drive to the village of Pan Paung where milk-strips are made according to a Shan recipe. Than continue to Hsipaw and visit. Dinner Time.
Overnight will be in Hsipaw.
Accommodation: Mr Charles
Eighth Day
This morning, start walking from the hotel along Tai (Shan) Villages and seasonal vegetable crop, rice paddy along natural spring and stream. Reach Palaung (minority) village, have local lunch in a house and rest a bit.
Take afternoon walk through little jungle and village for several hours and reach farther minority village, stay overnight.
Overnight will be in the village.
Accommodation: Village House
Ninth Day
This morning, start walking after local breakfast along little forest for several hours and have break and lunch at a charming, beautiful Tai (Shan) village.
Take afternoon walk along farther Tai villages at down slope and eventually reach back to Hsipaw.
Overnight will be in Hsipaw.
Accommodation: Mr Charles
Tenth Day
This morning, drive back to Mandalay.
Leisure day in Mandalay. Overnight will be in Mandalay.
Accommodation: Hotel Yadanarbon Superior Room
Eleventh Day
This morning, transfer to Mandalay jetty and enjoy boat trip (approx 45 minutes) to Mingun. If you’re lucky you may even spot a pod of rare Irrawaddy dolphins along the river. Arrive at Mingun and sightseeing by walking or Bullock-carts. Visit Mingun Bell, weighing 55,555 viss (90) tonnes and the largest hung uncracked bell in the world. Then Visit to Mingun Pagoda, built in 1790 by Bodawpaya with thousands of slaves and prisoners of war laboured. Then continue to Hsinbyume Pagoda (Also known as Myatheindan Pagoda), built by King Bagyidaw in 1816 and this stupa was construed in memory of his senior wife, the Hsinpyume Princess. Later return to Mandalay and enjoy lunch break.
In the afternoon, transfer to jetty and take the local ferry to visit Innwa (Ava) and sightseeing around Ava by horse-cart. First visit Maha Aungmye Bonzn Monastery (Also known as the Ok Kyaung), brick-and-stucco monastery built by Meh Nu, the chief queen of Bagyidaw, for her royal abbot U Po (Nyaunggan Sayadaw) in 1818. Then visit Nanmyin Watch Tower, 27m high masonry watchtower and climb to the top to enjoy views over the river. Then continue to Bagaya Kyaung, which dates from 1834 and built of teak and supported by 267 teak posts. Continue to Sagaing and sunset at Sagaing Hill and the hill itself has a number or stupas and monasteries. Dinner Time.
Accommodation: Hotel Yadanarbon Superior Room
Twelfth Day
This morning, transfer to Mandalay Airport. Domestic flight from Mandalay to Heho. Transfer from Heho airport to Nyaungshwe on the edge of Inle Lake and board your own local boat to take you to your hotel. Then start sightseeing by boat on the beautiful Inle Lake which is home to Inthar national race, many of whom live in stilted houses built over the water. Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar, stretches 11 miles (17.7 km). Lunch Break.
On the boat trip you will visit the floating villages and floating gardens, silk & lotus stem weaving. You can also see Inthar technique of leg-rowing where one leg is wrapped around the paddle to drive the boat and also their traditional way of fishing. Visit the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Nga Phe Kyaung (Cat jumping) Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake to see ancient Buddha images. Dinner Time.
Overnight will be at the hotel on the lake.
Accommodation: Paradise Inle Resort Standard Room
Thirteenth Day
Today, explore one of the local 5-day markets, as easily called, are well-known visit around the lake. The markets are rotating among the villages in regular order – one village becomes the host of the market every 5th day. By visiting 5-day markets, you will get insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha inhabitants who came to these markets to sell their goods. NOTE: The visit to such markets is thus subject to market day calendar and the location of the host village.
When you are ready to leave the market, you will take a gentle boat ride through irrigation canals and the Indein creek boarded by paddy fields tended to by farmers and their buffalo. This route will take you the Indein pagoda complex – an archaeological site where hundreds of Shan-style pagoda ruins are situated on a sloping hill, some entirely hidden by vigorous bush and foliage. The views here are marvellous and there is an intoxicating atmosphere of tranquility.
Fourteenth Day
This morning, drive to Kalaw, which was formerly a British Hill Station. Visit the Local Market and walk up the hill to see the Old Catholic Church, Kalaw Railway Station (built in 1918), the colonial buildings on East Circular Road and the Nee Paya Buddha image, woven with the bamboo strips and covered with cloth dipped in lacquer. Visit Kalaw Shwe Umin Paya if time permits. Proceed to Heho airport for your flight to Yangon.
Upon arrival at the Yangon Airport, meet with your guide and he/she will pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Dinner Time.
Overnight will be in Yangon.
Accommodation: East Hotel Deluxe Room
Last Day
Transfer to the Yangon airport for your international departure.
The price for the above arrangements will be from USD—- per person based on 2 people sharing a twin / double room and excluding international air travelling.
*Please note that the price confirmed at the time of booking is subject to change and depends on the availability of accommodation.
All sightseeing tour and transfer services with private air conditioned car as detailed in our itinerary
Accommodation with breakfast at hotels as specified
Meals where specified
Domestic flight tickets with available domestic airlines in Myanmar
Transfers and tours with the same language speaking local guide throughout
All entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the program
Boat trip as specified in our itinerary
Train ticket as specified
Trekking
Insurance surcharge on Domestic Airlines in Myanmar
Domestic airports taxes
Service charges, room tax and baggage handling
Water and snow towel during sightseeing
Services excluded in our prices:
Services not mentioned in our itinerary
Meals where not specified
Visa fees
International flight tickets to and from Yangon
International airport departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person (Currently)
Expenditure of a personal nature (Such as: uses of mini-bar and refrigerator, laundry service, telephone call and etc…)
Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness)
East Hotel
East hotel is a boutique hotel, set in the heart of the Yangon business district. It is conveniently located between two major roads, Sule Pagoda and Bogyoke is an easily accessible from both incoming and outgoing to downtown area.
The property is unique in that when many hotel a large proportion of similarly designed rooms with a small amount of individual rooms, east is the other way around.
Lobby area and dinning have a wireless facility with internet access. Rooms have a wireless internet access direct from your room. Rooms all have a new flat screen television, unlimited mineral water, tea and coffee facilities.
All in all, a visit to the east will be in memorable one, with subsequent visits giving you the choice of a new room style, or just make a special request for the one you had before.
East hotel radiate an opulent charm of contemporary Myanmar décor perfectly blended with the traditional warmth of Myanmar hospitality.
Zfreeti Hotel
Last decade ago, the area of Zfreeti Hotel was standing as two separate hotels named ‘New Heaven’ and ‘Golden Village’ Hotel. These two hotels were popular as low budget hotels for many years. In 2012, those old styled bungalows were demolished and the contemporary two storied buildings were developed which is mixed with ancient Bagan architectural design.
The location of the hotel is situated in a very prime area of Nyaung U. Bagan’s main food corridors for tourists are in a walking distance from Zfreeti Hotel where visitors can find marvelous Myanmar curries, indelible Indian paneer, incredible Italian and Savory Chinese etc. There is a Nyaung U bus terminal less than a kilometer walk from our hotel and it took approximately 8-10 minutes’ drive to the airport. From the doorstep of Zfreeti Hotel, visitors can easily rent local horse cart, bikes, E-bike to explore a thousands of pagodas and stupas of the ancient era.
Hotel Yadanarbon
It is situated in the heart of Mandalay City (near Mandalay Railway Station, Yadanarbon Super Market, Diamond Plaza Shopping Malls and Mandalay General Hospital). It is 5 minute drive to Zegyo Market and Night Bazaar and 10 minute drive to major tourist attraction places such as Mandalay Royal Palace, Mandalay Hill, Golden Palace Monastery and Mahamuni Pagoda. Also it takes 15 minute drive to Highway Bus Terminal.
Kandawgyi Hill Hotel
Kandawgyi Hill Resort, a popular colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin about 69km away from Mandalay, is a delightful respite from the summer heat with an altitude of 1070m and relatively cool climate.
Well-known for its colonial-style houses, English cottages and pine trees, eucalyptus and silver-oak abound in this historic town. A colonial style house, with a rich historic past which is situated at the entrance gate to the National Kandawgyi Botanic Gardens stretching over 175 hectares reclaimed from marshland many years ago. Well-appointed bungalows surround the Kandawgyi Hill Resort, overlooking the gardens and enjoying panoramic views of the Kandawgyi Lake and its lush surroundings. Pyin Oo Lwin’s colonial legacy still holds the key to the town’s charm and offers plenty to explore.
Mr Charles Hotel
Hsipaw is a charming small town situated on the Dotthawaddy River in the Shan plateau about 1500 feet about sea level. Mr. Charles Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Hsipaw with their romantic room decoration and big charming balcony. Their compelling services are one of their strength.Paradise Inle Resort
Paradise Inle Resort located in the midst of splendour of serene Inle Lake, the resort offers an ideal leisure and relaxation experience and had been meticulously restored to its original amenities of Inle region. Wooden walkways connect all bungalows with the main reception building, restaurant and jetty. The resort is entirely made out of local materials and designed with a comfortable sitting area, a private terrace with an incredible view.
Botahtaung Pagoda
Botahtaung Pagoda is close to the Yangon Jetty (Botahtaung Jetty). Bo means leader and Tahtaung means one thousand in Burmese. Botahtaung means One Thousand Military Leaders/Officers of the king. They were drawn up as a guard of honor to welcome the landing in Burma of the relics of the Buddha brought over from India more than two thousand years ago. There is a sort of mirrored maze inside the stupa, with glass showcases containing many of the ancient relics. The pagoda is also a home to a nat, or spirit, shrine of Amadaw Mya Nan Nwe, and a guardian spirit, Bo Bo Gyi.
Amadaw Mya Nan Nwe
Botahtaung pagoda is also a home to a nat, or spirit, shrine of Amadaw Mya Nan Nwe, a devout Buddhist famous for her devotion to the pagoda, dedicated her life to making merit. Following her death in 1957, Amadaw Mya Nan Nwe became a revered figure in her own right. In 1990, a shrine containing a statue of her was erected inside Botataung Pagoda, and from that point on she was worshipped as Mya Nan Nwe Htayyi (Goddess), a nat with the power to grant the wishes of those who appealed to her for help.
Botahtaung Bo Bo Gyi
Bo Bo Gyi means great grandfather, traditionally refers to the name of a guardian spirit, nat, unique to each Burmese Buddhist temple or pagoda. Bo Bo Gyi is typically depicted as a nearly life-sized elderly man, dressed in a curved cap and sometimes carrying a cane, to signify old age. Offerings of scarves and paso are common by worshipers. There are many Bo Bo Gyi shrines throughout the country, and some are more widely respected than others. Botahtaung Bo Bo Gyi is more famous among the Thai tourists who repeatedly visit the Bo Bo Gyi shrine yearly as their wishes are said to be fulfilled. They would like their forehead to be touched by Bo Bo Gyi’s pointed figure and make a wish.
Bogyoke (Scott) Market
Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on every Mondays & Public Holidays) has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts, antique, jewellery, clothing and arts. The market is a major tourist destination and known for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda is the ‘heart’ of Buddhists in Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,600 years old and there are always full with many people praying and making offerings at Shwedagon and especially on Full Moon days and religious days.
Bagan, situated in central Myanmar is one of the world’s richest archaeological and historical sites, featuring more than 2,000 pagodas and temples all set on a vast 26 square-mile plain beside the legendary Ayeyarwady River. The Bagan kingdom was swept away by earthquakes and the invasion by Mongols. Some 2,230 of an original 4,450 temples survive. Buddhist belief that to build a temple was to earn merit and that could be the reason there were so many pagodas throughout Bagan’s desert plain. Modern day Bagan now features a variety of good hotels and is also the starting and ending point for cruises on the Ayeyarwady River to and from Mandalay. A unique travel experience is a hot-air balloon ride over the archaeological zone, which is available during the winter months.
Popa : In the middle of the scorched plain 50 kilometres (30miles) from Bagan rises Mount Popa, an extinct volcano set in a national reserve whose slopes are covered in lush greenery. Beautiful as it is, the primary draw is a smaller rocky outcrop rising steeply out of its slopes atop which perches Popa Taungkalat monastery known as the “Olympus of the Nats” as it is home to Myanmar’s legendary 37 “Nats” (animist spirits). With over 700 steps the dramatic ascent to the cliff top monastery is best done slowly but the views from the summit over the surrounding plains and Mount Popa itself are spectacular. Of note are two important ‘Nat Pwes’ or festivals that are held each year, one in May/June and the other November/December where worshippers come from all over the country to make offerings and appease the Nats. Although now dominated by Buddhism, Nats do still play a prominent role in the lives of many people in Myanmar. Other than a visit to the monastery a trek up to the summit of Mount Popa itself is well worth it. There are many species of bird and butterfly to find and the view from the top is fantastic, affording on clear days, a view all the way to Bagan, the Ayeyarwaddy River and beyond. If you’re visiting from Bagan you’ll pass through toddy palm groves where long bamboo ladders are tied to tree trunks allowing locals to clamber up and collect the pots that fill with toddy juice. The sheds along the road are a great stop to have a taste of toddy wine.
Mandalay: Preceded by associations of a rich and exotic past, Mandalay’s name resonates well beyond the borders of the country. The last royal capital of Burma and the country’s second largest city, Mandalay is considered the main economic hub of Upper Burma and is rich in Burmese culture, arts, artisans and architecture, as well as a cultural and religious centre for Buddhism in the country. Mandalay Hill, from which the city takes its name, is considered a holy mount as Lord Buddha, on his visit, made a prophecy that a great city would be formed at its foot, a prophecy fulfilled by King Mindon. At 230 metres high, the hill is a great spot for sun set, affording fantastic views over the city, Shan mountains and the Ayeyarwaddy River. The city also has one of Myanmar’s most revered depictions of the Buddha, the Mahamuni image. The Buddha himself is said to have breathed on to the just-finished image, giving it some of the Buddha’s power. The highly revered image’s face is lovingly washed every morning and offerings water, food, flowers, candles and incense are presented. Elsewhere, within Kuthodaw Pagoda can be found what is known as the ‘World’s Largest Book’, 729 upright marble slabs containing the complete Buddhist Scriptures on them. The vast Mandalay Palace was destroyed by allied bombing during WWII but has been rebuilt in recent years and visitors can now visit its grounds. Mandalay’s positioning also means it’s a great base for sightseeing trips to other ancient royal capitals, including Sagaing, Ava (Inwa) and Amarapura.
Amarapura: Once a city of some 170,000 inhabitants, Amarapura (‘City of Immortals’), is now just a quiet southern suburb of Mandalay. The town is well known for its numerous workshops where bronze foundries and woodcarvers creating devotional objects for the markets of Mandalay, and the looms of cotton and silk weavers produce fine longyis. Nearby U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world is perhaps the most unique attraction. The bridge, constructed using 1700 vast teak pillars, stretches 1.2 kilometre over fertile fields and is still, over two centuries after it was built, an integral part of the community with hundreds of locals and monks making their way back and forth across it daily. The bridge is particularly popular at sunset as it provides a famous photo opportunity as the sun sinks behind the chunky pillars of the bridge.
Pyin Oo Lwin: At 1095 metres above sea level, Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo) became a popular hill station under the British who escaped the searing plains of Mandalay for the cool pleasant climate of the town. The town today still retains a much anglicised feel with colonial houses surrounded by gardens, churches and Purcell Clock Tower marking the centre of town. For the tourist Pyin Oo Lwin’s market is amongst the best in Myanmar, a perfect place to lose yourself amongst its stalls. The town’s Botanical Gardens are perhaps its greatest draw. With a rich array of well-maintained landscapes, the gardens are a fantastic way to spend an afternoon strolling amongst a fine collection of tress, orchids and bamboos. Unique to the town are its fleet of beautifully decorated horse drawn carriages that will transport you through its streets. Just outside town, found down a steep gorge, is the cascading Anisakan Falls, where you can swim in its pool with wild monkeys swimming through the tree tops.
Hsipaw: The Sawbwas of Hsipaw were well known and powerful and played fluctuating roles in regional Shan and national Burmese politics from the 11th century all the way until the 1962 military coup by General Ne Win. The Sawbwas of Hsipaw lived in the Shan Palace at the northern end of the town. The last Sawbwa (Sao Kya Seng) disappeared during the military coup in 1962 and the palace is cared for by his nephew and his nephew’s wife.
In the recent years, many foreign visitors are travelling to Hsipaw. Many are interested both in the intriguing history of Sawbwas and the town relaxing vibe. Hsipaw is famous for the Bowgoy Pagoda, situated in Bowgoy Village about 6 miles far from Hsipaw as well as the trekking routes, waterfalls and Shan villages.
Mingun: With a short and scenic trip up the Ayeyarwaddy from Mandalay you find Mingun, best known for the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, a huge, unfinished pagoda, which, if completed, would have stood at over 150 metres and been the largest monument in the world. At 50 metres high, what remains of the pagoda is still spectacular, and climbing up its ruin’s barefoot rewards explorers with a fantastic view of the Ayeyarwady. Mingun is also home to the world’s largest working bell. Weighing 90 tons, the Mingun Bell is actually second in size to one in the Kremlin in Moscow but the Russian bell is cracked and therefore not in service. A trip from Mandalay takes around one hour upriver and 40 minutes to return, a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Innwa: With a few interruptions Innwa (formerly known as Ava) was the capital of the Myanmar Kingdom for nearly 400 years, making it the longest running centre of government in the nation’s history. The city was finally abandoned in 1839 after a series of devastating earthquakes and the majority of intact buildings were transferred first to Amarapura and then to Mandalay. What remains is the exquisite Bargaya Monastery, famous for its 267 teak posts, the largest of which is 9 feet in circumference, and covered in elaborate wood carvings and embellishments. The Nan Myint watchtower, which stands slightly tilted, is also popular as an interesting example of Myanmar architectural style in the early 19th century.
Inle Lake: Set in the heart of the vast Shan State and ringed by hazy mountain ranges, the shallow waters of Inle Lake are one of Myanmar’s most stunning scenic and cultural attractions. Its position 900 metres above sea level rewards visitors with pleasant temperatures throughout the day and can call for a jumper in the evening. The hills surrounding the lake are a melting pot of culture and are inhabited by over 30 ethnic groups. Of these, the Inthar, are perhaps the best known. Their houses built on stilts above the water and their iconic style of leg rowing, as well as their ingenious floating gardens using hyacinth bound together to grow their food, are marvels of any trip to Inle. Travelling by long tail boat visit the villages of the lake, the morning floating market and a variety of cottage industries including weaving, silversmith and Myanmar cigar rolling. The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is widely regarded as one of the most important shrines in the country and every year at the September full moon plays host to festival during which the pagoda’s images of the Buddha are rowed around the lake on a golden Karaweik, visiting pagodas around its waters. A trip to the Red Mountain Vineyard is the perfect place to try some local wines and its terrace overlooking the valley is spectacular.
Indein is one of the small villages of Inlay Lake located on the western bank of the lake. A Buddha Image has been enshrined at a whitewashed stupa, which is on the summit of a hill. Below the stupa around the hill are cluster of hundreds of ancient stupas. The walkway of Shwe Indein Pagoda is one of the longest. The walkway itself is the market area lined with endless souvenir stalls.
The 5-day Markets rotate among the villages in regular order – one village becomes the host of the market every 5th day. Exploring these markets will highlight the insight into the daily life of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Inthar inhabitants, who come to these markets to sell their local produce and goods. The ways of life and traditional dresses of the different tribes are such a sight to behold.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival – Every year, on the eve of the full moon day in October, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival is held, which sees the pagoda’s revered Buddha images displayed on the golden Karaweik – a replica of the ancient royal barge – and taken to villages around the lake. Unlike most other pagoda festivals in Myanmar, which typically run for about three days, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival goes for 18 days, and also includes boat races that attract spectators near and far. The races provide exciting additional entertainment and are well worth watching, with separate events held for men and women.
Kalaw: The small pretty town of Kalaw sitting at 1300 metres above sea level on the western edge of the Shan Hills was a popular hill station during British colonial rule. Today it’s a popular place for those looking to hike through the scenic surrounding hills along trails that pass through hill tribe villages. In the town itself many of the colonial houses remain, surrounded by their pretty gardens. There’s a vibrant market rotating on a five-day cycle that is awash with colours as members of the Palaung hill tribe flock to the town from their surrounding villages.