HANDS TO PROFICIENT EXPEDITION
Day 1: Arrive Yangon (D)
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Guide who will accompany you as
you transfer to the hotel.
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming
city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most
fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
This afternoon, your journey begins with a visit around the city and its
highlights. We will take a short tour
of downtown Yangon, walking around Mahanbadoola Park, SulePaya and the main
historic, colonial buildings in the city centre.
We then visit a local tea shop for your first taste of Burmese tea. Tea shops are a central part of Burmese life, where locals gather to chat and enjoy snacks throughout the day.
Late this afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist
temple in Myanmar. The central stupa is 90 meters tall and gilded
with gold leaf. As the sun begins to set
enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pagoda and surrounding skyline before
transferring back to your hotel.
A welcome dinner this evening will be held at Monsoon Restaurant, serving
delicious Burmese cuisine as well as other Asian favorites.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Dhala – Twante -
Yangon (B,L)
This morning we cross over the Yangon
River to explore two local villages rarely visited by tourists. The contrast
between the buzz of Yangon and the tranquility of these two villages is
dramatic, but a good example of rural life in Myanmar.
First we transfer to the Yangon jetty
and take a local ferry across the Yangon river to Dhala (approximately 10
minutes). The ferry is the main method of travel for locals going between the
two destinations and a mini-market atmosphere is usually occurring on the deck.
We’ll spend time exploring Dhala’s busy port and side streets before continuing
by local jeep to Twante (20km, approximately 1.5 hours) Twante is at the top of
the Irrawaddy Delta region and is a vital waterway between Yangon and Pathein.
It is famed for its pottery and as we pedal around the village we’ll stop to
see the local craftshops and try our hand at making our own pottery. Lunch will
be served in a local restaurant in Twante.
This afternoon return to Yangon by road.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 3: Yangon to Bagan (B,L)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport
for a morning flight to Bagan.
From the 11th to 13th centuries, when
Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers of constructed thousands of huge
stupas and temples many of which are still standing today on the banks of the
Irrawaddy River.
We’ll check in to the hotel and then set
off for a day of sightseeing. Your journey begins with a visit to the golden
stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan’s rich history. Then,
visit to nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka
mural paintings and the elegant HtilominloTemple noted for its fine plaster
carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
We’ll enjoy lunch today at Sunset Garden
(or similar)
This afternoon begin with a visit to
AnandaTemple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful
temples. Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images
whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the
statue is viewed. Neighboring
AnandaOkkyaung is one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early
Bagan period and is filled with intricate paintings.
From here, travel by horse cart for a tour
passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple,
noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.
Time permitting, enjoy an unforgettable
sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
Overnight in Bagan
Day 4: Bagan (B,D)
OPTION: Start your
morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises
over the stupas and IrrawaddyRiver. This
is truly an unforgettable and unique experience! (Note: available only from
October to March)
Today take a break from temple touring
in the morning with a visit around Bagan’s local villages. Start at the
NyuangOo morning market where locals gather every day to buy and sell
everything from fresh produce and meats to flowers and pottery. There are many
food stalls around as well as tea shops, a great vantage point for watching the
busy morning market. Then learn the interesting process of creating “Poneyay” (pea powder
paste) and see how local plum jam is made and packed. In addition, visit
workshops of two of the region’s best known products: handmade lacquer ware and
wooden handicrafts. In addition, you will visit the villages and observe about
how Cartwrights make a traditional bullock carts, still used by farmers and
locals throughout the country.
At midday stop for lunch (client’s account)
This afternoon, continue to the rural
village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least visited areas. Here you will explore temples such as
Payathonzu, with its unusual architecture and Tantric Buddhism influence,
Lemyentha and Nandamannya.
As the day comes to a close, board a
local boat for a cruise along the Irrawaddy River watching the sun set over the
riverside villages and temples.
This evening enjoy a performance of
traditional Burmese dance and music while dining at The Beach Bagan.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 5: Bagan - Heho - Pindaya (B,L)
This morning transfer to the airport for
the flight to Heho, in the Shan State. Transfer by road to Pindaya (1.5 hours),
a scenic drive that takes you through many Pa-Oh villages and farms.
Reaching Pindaya at midday, stop for
lunch at Green Tea Restaurant (or similar) for a delicious meal of local Danu
and Shan dishes.
After checking in to the hotel transfer
to the Pindaya Caves and explore the multi-chambered caves filled with hundreds
of Buddha statues. There are also fabulous views of the Pindayalake and
surroundings from the caves.
On the return to the hotel, stop to
visit a local workshop making umbrellas and paper from the pulp of mulberry
trees.
Overnight in Pindaya.
Day 6: Pindaya – Trek –
NyaungShwe – Inle Lake (B,L)
After breakfast set off on foot for a
short trek through the Pindaya Hills. Pass through villages of the Danu and
Palaung people. The trek takes around 4 hours in total, including a lunch stop
in a village or monastery. The last part of the return to Pindaya will be by
horsecart.
This afternoon drive to NyaungShwe, the gateway village to Inle
Lake. (approximately 2.5-3 hours)
Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, transfer by boat or car
(depending on time) to the lakeside hotel for check in.
Dinner this evening is at leisure at the hotel.
Overnight onInle Lake.
Day 7: Inle
Lake – Sagar Excursion – Inle Lake (B,L)
Set off this morning for your lakeside
hotel for Sagar, the far southern region of Inle Lake. Very few tourists make
the trip down to this region yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the
Shan State with the mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages and
fishermen on the water. The area was only recently opened to tourists in 2003.
The boat journey takes 2.5-3 hours but
is full of fabulous views and home to many unique species of birds, both
indigenous and migratory. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! If there is a
5-day market en route, a stop will be made to explore the morning activity.
Upon arriving in Sagar area there are
several stops that will be made (the order will depend on the time, other
tourist boats and activity in the villages) The main highlight for many
travelers are the ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar- 108 stupas from the 16-17th
centuries that are partially underwater for a few months a year. There is also
a local monastery and village that can be visited here.
Continue to the village of Thaya Gone,
home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Inthar people and known for its production of local
rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local
brew if you wish. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to the top of
a small hill which there are great views of the lake and surrounding villages.
Another stop will be made in SaeKhaung
Pottery Village to see the crafting of oil and water pots as well as the
natural, underground kilns used by the villagers. On the western shores of the
Sagar area is Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas which also make a
fabulous photo stop.
Lunch will be arranged along the way
(either picnic lunch or local lunch at a small restaurant)
Around 2.30 the boat will begin its
journey back to the main section of Inle Lake. Traveling back in the afternoon
the light has shifted and the route looks much different on the return, with
different activities occurring on the water and in the villages. Rice noodles
can be seen drying in the sun, spun cotton is hung out to dry and kids are
returning from school at this time of day.
Return to the hotel early this evening
in time to freshen up and watch the sunset.
Overnight onInle Lake.
Day 8: Inle Lake – Villages & Lunch at Inthar House – Inle
Lake (B,L)
After
breakfast travel by boat to KaungDhine village on the eastern shores of Inle
Lake. The people living here are known for their delicious soy bean crackers,
tofu and other treats. Walking around the village you can observe all steps of
the process of creating these local items.
Then
continue south on the lake to visit the many cottage industries on the water
such as cheroot making, lotus weaving and blacksmiths.
Midday
a special lunch is arrange in the house of an Inthar family. Feast on delicious
local specialties such as stuffed fish and salads prepared by the family in
their traditional kitchen.
Return to the hotel mid-afternoon.
Optional: take a short bike ride along a
quiet road leading from the hotel to Red Mountain Wine Estate. The ride passes
by villages growing sugar cane and other items, schools and small temples.
Arriving at the winery there is an optional wine tasting and fabulous views of
the lake below.
Overnight on Inle Lake
Day 9: Inle Lake - Heho -
Yangon (B,D)
This morning transfer back to Heho for
the flight to Yangon and upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
The afternoon is free for last minute
shopping or sightseeing.
Around 6pm, transfer downtown for a fun,
evening tour of the city. Chinatown is
a lively place in the evening and we’ll take a short walking tour along 19th
Street and its environs. Dozens of vendors set up satay stalls and other snack
stalls here in the evening and it is a popular spot for locals to gather, have
a drink and chat with friends. Sample some of the local treats as we walk
through the bustling streets.
Around 19.30,
transfer by car to Pandomar restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in
Yangon
Day 10: Yangon – Departure (B)
Depending on flight time, there is an
option to take a ride on Yangon’s Circle Train in the morning.
You will transfer to Yangon Railway
station to take local circular train journey to the outskirts of town (45
minutes ride). The slowly traveling train gives you a unique opportunity to
observe the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people. Disembark to visit Insein market where a
variety of street vendors sell colorful wares.
Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals before
returning by road to Yangon.
This afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market,
formerly known as Scott’s Market, where you can browse through the wide
selection of Myanmar handicrafts and other goods before transferring to
YangonInternationalAirport for your onward flight. (Note: Market is closed on
Mondays and public holidays)
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