Classic Myanmar

Dossier

Myanmar's long period of inaccessibility has left it relatively untouched by the outside world, with its landscapes, colourful cultures and strong beliefs all refreshingly unspoiled. Our Classic Myanmar delves into the history of this exciting part of Asia, starting in the capital Yangon with its delightful mix of British colonial architecture and ancient Buddhist monuments. We then fly to Bagan – surely one of the most visually stunning sites to be found anywhere in the world, a collection of centuries old temples lying on a vast plain and witness to the glories of a past civilisation. We explore the royal capital of Mandalay with its superb palaces and monasteries and then learn about Burma’s Buddhist heritage at Pindaya. Finally we head to the gorgeous Inle Lake with its charming villages and unusual fishermen, before heading back to Yangon. This trip is ideal for those wanting to pack in the highlights of Myanmar in a limited space of time.

---

Day 1 - Yangon
Transfer to the hotel. Time permitting begin sightseeing including colourful downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, arguably the world's most impressive golden stupa. Overnight Summit Park View Hotel or similar.

Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a delightfully ramshackle city. Founded in the 18th century and becoming an important port it was destroyed by fire and then again suffered during the Second Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Much of downtown Yangon hosts a splendid array of colonial style architecture dating back to the British occupation, including the wonderfully picturesque City Hall and the High Court. Many streets are thronged with people buying from the numerous stalls set up alongside the pavements, selling everything from fried insects to engine parts. Central Yangon contains the wonderfully gaudy Sule Pagoda, an ancient structure in the middle of a busy intersection, which gives a great picture of how Myanmar melds ancient spirituality and modern day commercial interests. The jewel in Yangon’s crown is however the Shwedagon Pagoda, a collection of stupas encrusted in gold which attracts pilgrims from all over Myanmar and is said to contain hairs from Buddha. Containing numerous images of nats (spirits) and Buddha himself, Shwedagon is immensely important for the Burmese people, and is where Aung San Suu Kyi addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands demanding democracy from the military regime.

Day 2 - Bagan
Morning flight to Bagan. Bagan is one of Asia's premier archaeological sites and we spend our time visiting the spectacular temples and pagodas to be found here. This evening we watch the sun set over Bagan – a very special and immensely photogenic experience. Overnight Arthawka Hotel or similar. (B)

Bagan
No words can do Bagan justice. A vast plain dotted with innumerable stupas and temples, Bagan’s heyday was between the 11th and 13th centuries, when King Anawahrata embarked upon a massive programme of building that now fills approximately 40 sq. km. on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy. Highlights include the temples of Thatbyinnyu, Ananda Pahto, Shwesandaw and the mighty Dhammayangyi, situated in the middle of the plain. Many temples contain images of the Buddha while others are decorated with ancient frescoes. While some see relatively high numbers of tourists, others remain tantalisingly unexplored and it is quite easy to find yourself the only person there, marvelling over the wonders of an ancient civilisation. Exploring these temples, finding your way through winding and darkened corridors to emerge onto a terrace with spectacular views over the whole area, is one of the highlights of travel within the whole continent of Asia. Watching the sun set and cast a dim yellow glow over hundreds of stupas glittering throughout the plain, is a breathtaking experience not easily forgotten.

Day 3 - Mt. Popa Excursion
Morning drive to nearby Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano renowned as the home of the 'nats' (or spirits) and which provides a scenic view of the surrounding plains. Return to Bagan in the afternoon. Overnight Arthawka Hotel or similar. (B)

Mt Popa
Geologists say that Mt Popa is an extinct volcano, last active 250,000 years ago. Local tradition says that it simply erupted out of the ground in the 1st century BC. Whatever the case, Mt Popa holds special significance within Myanmar as being the home of its most powerful nats, or spirits. As such, it is well visited by Burmese pilgrims who are careful to observe taboos such as not wearing red or black colours while ascending the mountain. At the foot of the mountain lies the Mahagiri shrine, where it is sometimes possible to witness colourful nat séances where local people ask the spirits for advice.

Day 4 - Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura and Inwa
Visit the former royal capital of Amarapura with the picturesque U Bein's Bridge, the world's longest teakwood bridge. Later visit Inwa, another former royal capital and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries and the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Overnight Hotel Queen or similar. (B)

Amarapura
Amarapura is famous for its kilometre long footbridge spanning Taungthaman Lake. A great place to meander along and much used by local people, you can watch Buddhist monks strolling gently by, fishermen in the waters below, and scenes of everyday Burmese life. Nearby is a working monastery which is home to several thousand young monks.

Inwa
Inwa, or Ava, was the capital of Myanmar from the 14th to 19th centuries until the capital was moved to Amarapura. Lying on an artificial island at the confluence of the Ayeyarwaddy and Myitnge rivers, it is home to interesting buildings dating back to that period, most notably the wooden Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, a watchtower which leans threateningly to one side, and the interesting Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery, constructed from brick and stucco and adorned with fine decorations.

Day 5 - Mingun excursion and Mandalay sightseeing
In the morning travel by private riverboat upriver to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda and see the huge Mingun Bell. Later we explore Mandalay and visit Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwe Inbin Monastery and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Hotel Queen or similar. (B)

Mingun
Mingun was to be the site of the world’s largest pagoda, but was abandoned on the death of King Bodawpaya in 1819. Today the foundations remain in situ, giving an idea of just how vast this was to be. Also to be found here is the accompanying Mingun Bell, at 90 tonnes the largest ringing bell in the world.

Mandalay
Mandalay has one of the most evocative names in the world, together with other fabled cities such as Kathmandu and Timbuktu. It was the last royal capital of Myanmar, founded in 1857, but was not to last long. Conflict with ever expanding British interests in the late 19th century lead to Mandalay being attacked and the royal family removed, and the city lost its brief significance. Today it is home to a wealth of attractions. The Royal Palace, controversially reconstructed in the 1990’s, replicates the walled city that was home to Myanmar’s last kings. Although not original, it gives an interesting insight into the architecture of the period and a wooden watchtower gives panoramic views over the complex. Mandalay contains numerous payas, monasteries and pagodas, including the intricately carved Shwenandaw Monastery, and Kuthodaw Paya, an astonishing complex which contains countless inscribed marble slabs.

Day 6 - Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya
Fly to Heho in the Shan state and drive to Pindaya. Visit the fascinating Pindaya caves with more than 8,000 Buddha images and a Shan umbrella making cottage industry. Overnight Hu Pin Hotel or similar. (B)

Pindaya
The caves at Pindaya are an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, containing a mind-boggling 8000 or so images of Buddha dating back to the 18th century. Many legends surround the caves, including one that they contain a hidden passage to the ancient city of Bagan. The main stupa here dates back to the 12th century.

Day 7 - Pindaya - Inle Lake
Early morning drive to Inle Lake and begin our exploration by long tailed boat on this magical and unique shallow lake. Highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens and the 'jumping cats' monastery. Overnight Inle Inn or similar. (B)

Inle Lake
Enormous Inle Lake is one of Myanmar’s key attractions. With a shoreline littered with stilt villages, it is famous for its fishermen, who row their boats using their legs – an amazingly photogenic sight. A boat trip through the lake reveals small villages with water buffalo wading into the water, and wooden monasteries that have been here for centuries. The surrounding area is mountainous and home to the Pa-O people, among other ethnic groups, who can be found wearing their traditional headgear.

Day 8 - Inle Lake - Indain excursion
Continue the Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indain village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake. Overnight Inle Inn or similar. (B)

Day 9 - Heho - Yangon
Return flight to Yangon. This afternoon we visit some of the capital’s key sites including Botahtaung Pagoda and the sprawling 79 year old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Summit Park View Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 10 - Yangon
Tour ends. (B)

Tour style: Traveller

Inclusions:

Arrival and departure transfers
Domestic flights
All accommodation on twin share basis
Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Excluded:

International flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visas
Drinks

Please note that you should also read the Country Notes in association with this itinerary for practical information about your trip and the destination you will be visiting.

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a contract between the client and Undiscovered Destinations.