Myanmar Cultural Journey: Mandalay, Bagan and Inle

Overview

A short description

After decades locked away by an authoritarian regime, the people of Myanmar are pleased to welcome foreign visitors again, offering travelers a unique Myanmar cultural journey filled with history and authentic encounters. We stay in the busy streets of the old colonial part of Rangoon before plunging into the country by road and by rail. We arrive in the Shan country where we meet people living in the mountains and around Inle Lake. The former royal capital Mandalay is revealed to us as we continue on the waters of Irrawaddy river for 2 days to complete this trip with the site of Bagan and its hundreds of stupas. We return to the capital Rangoon to gather at the foot of the great stupa Swedagon, covered with nearly a ton of gold.

Deep Dive

About this tour

Day 1 : Rangoon Discover the historic city center and its vibrant neighborhoods, talking about architecture.

Walk up to the Shwedagon stupa, covered with tons of gold.

Day 2 : Rangoon / Taungoo

We travel by road or by rail to the north. Stop in Taungoo known for the exploitation of teak forests.

Ride on elephant back.

Day 3 : Taungoo / Kalaw

Road to the Shan plateau. Overnight in Kalaw, a former resort of the British colonies.

At 1400m above sea level, we enjoy the cool climate.

Day 4 : Hiking around Kalaw / Night in a village in the mountain

Hiking through the hills and valleys to a village. We will be welcomed by the inhabitants to stay at the village. Day 5 : Kalaw/ Nyaung Shwe

Walk back to Kalaw and take the train to Nyaung Shwe near the famous Inle Lake.

Day 6 : Inle Lake

A day on canoe to discover the most famous sights of Inle Lake.

Day 7: Inle Lake / Pao village

Walk to a village of the Pa-O ethnic group in the mountains overlooking the lake.

We will be welcomed by the inhabitants to stay in the village.

Day 8 : Pao village / Nyaung Shwe

Seasonal activities with the villagers. Meet the Parami association that dedicat its action for the Pa-O villages of the region. Day 9 : Nyaung Shwe/ Mandalay

Drive to the ancient capital of the kingdom, Mandalay.

End of the day in a teak pagoda to enjoy the beauty of the place.

Day 10: Mandalay

Discover the city and its monuments.

Visit the ancient city of Amarapura and the famous U Ben Bridge.

Day 11: Min Ku/ Ava/ night on the Irrawaddy River

We take a local boat cruise on the Irrawaddy River. Visit the ancient capitals Min Ku and Ava. Overnight on the boat on the Irrawaddy River

Day 12: Irrawaddy River / Bagan

We continue our boat trip on the river to the archaeological site of Bagan, plain of thousands of stupa.

Day 13-14 : Bagan

Two days visiting the archaeological site of Bagan.

Day 15 : Bagan / Rangoon

Drive back to the capital Rangoon. Stops to admire the sceneries and see still unknown archaeological sites.

Trip Facts

Province visited Myanmar
Best season All seasons
Accommodation Family homestay and hotels
Transportation Car, boat and by walk
Starting from Rangoon
Finishing at Rangoon

Investment

Prices

On special request

Essential Info

Informations about this tour

What is included

all transportation: private minibus and private boat
all meals
accommodations in hotel, double room sharing, including breakfast
accommodations with village families including breakfast (maximum 3 persons per family)
the service of our English speaking guide
entrances fees to all sites visited
75 EUR participation to Solidarasia solidarity fund for Myanmar (about 5 EUR/pers/day of visit)

What is excluded?

any drinks (except drinking water)
personal extras
visa costs (possibility to do on arrival)
cancellation, interruption or repatriation insurance
international flights (we can help you book the right flight at the best price)

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