Itinerary for Mystical Tour (13 Days/ 12 Nights)Places: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Heho, Inle Lake, Hsipaw, Ngapali
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Day 1: Arrive at Yangon
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel and check in. (Approximately an hour drive from the airport).
Visiting
• Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image and the colonial area around Sule Pagoda.
• Bogyoke Market to shop for traditional Myanmar crafts and souvenirs.
• Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple and famous landmark in Myanmar, for its magical views and amazing atmosphere.
Meals
• Lunch at Moonsoon, a local restaurant famous for its colonial style building.
• Dinner at Karaweik Palace restaurant, famous for its bird shaped structure built in a pond.
Overnight in Yangon
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay.
Visiting
• Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar Kingdom before its final annexation by British in 1885. The royal palace wall surrounded by the moat is one of the great things to see. It has been recreated after 1945, by World War II.
• Ancient city of Inwa (also known as Ava). Inwa was founded in 1364, and also a historic capital of Myamar kingdom for almost 400 years.
• Nanmyin, a masonry watchtower known as "the leaning tower of Ava".
• Maha Aungmye Bonzan, an early 18th century monastery constructed of bricks and stucco.
• Bagaya Kyaung, a monastery famous for its impressive woodcarvings and teak poles.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda, with 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures which earned itself the title "World's Biggest Book".
• Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th Century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.
• Mandalay Hill, to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mandalay city and Ayeyarwaddy River.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch on our own
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 3: Mandalay - Sagaing
After breakfast we will drive to Sagaing and visit some temples, nunneries and monasteries. Then we will drive back to Mandalay.
Visiting
• Sagaing Hill, a religious center with numerous pagodas, monasteries and nunneries on its hillsides.
• Thagyadita Nunnery, located at the base of Sagaing Hill is the religious center of Myanmar. We will get to observe more than 200 nunnery's novices and nuns during their lunch and participate in an informative discussion with the abbess of Thagyadita Nunnery.
• Aung Myay Oo Monastic School, a marvelous school helping underprivileged students continue with their education.
• Ponnya Shin Temple, to enjoy the great panoramic view of Sagaing Hill and its river.
• Gold Leaf Workshop, located in Mandalay, where sheets of gold are beaten into gossamer-thin pieces.
• Mahamuni Buddha Image, a very well known Buddha Image which over the years have been covered with thousands of gold leaves giving it an almost "lumpy" and "moldable" texture.
• U Bein Bridge, the longest teak span in the world constructed over 200 years ago and stretches almost three quarters of a mile over Thaungthaman Lake. We will catch a memorable sunset by the bridge before enjoying our dinner in Mandalay.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch on our own
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 4: Mandalay - Hsipaw
We will drive to Pyin Oo Lwin and get on board for our train ride to Hsipaw. The train will snakes its way through pleasant countryside to the highlight of the trip, the valley of Gokteik Viaduct.
Visiting
• Gokteik Viaduct, built in 1901 by American Contractors had the highest span of any bridge and the only American-built bridge in British Empire.
Meals
• Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Hsipaw
Day 5: Hsipaw
Located in a valley, Hsipaw is a great place for easy day-hikes. Today we will hike to Shan village and its waterfall nearby. On the way back, we will stop at the rice noodle factory to peek how the famous Shan noodles are made.
Visiting
• Shan Palace, at the northern end of Hsipaw which used to be banned from visiting. The last Sawbwa who lived in this palace disappeared during the military coup in 1962, and the palace is cared for by his nephew.
• Five Buddha Hill or Nine Buddha Hills, both of which are about 2 kilometers out of town.
Meals
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Hsipaw
Day 6: Hsipaw - Mandalay
Before driving back to Mandalay we will start out journey visiting the central market at Hsipaw where Shans, Kachins, and other tribes come here to trade regularly. Because few tourists visit Hsipaw, the merchandise is primarily for villagers and tribe members.
*If time permits, we will stop at Bawgyo Pagoda, 8 kilometers out of town in direction of Mandalay. In addition to the usual complement of Buddha, this pagoda also has some ancient statues of Hindu origin in the plaza outside.
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 7: Mandalay - Bagan
After breakfast, and checking out from the hotel, we will transfer to the jetty and travel to Bagan by boat. We will arrive to Bagan in the evening and transfer to the hotel and check in.
Visiting
• Yandabo village, located on Ayeyarwaddy River on the way to Bagan. This river village is known for its traditional pottery making and is also where the Peace Treaty of First Anglo-Burmese War was signed on Feb. 24th, 1826.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch served on the boat
• Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Bagan
Day 8: Bagan
Visiting
• Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains and also the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan's architecture.
• Ananda Temple, most revered temple in Bagan.
• Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for their beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well preserved plaster carvings on its exterior.
• Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work.
• Lacquer Ware Workshops, to learn more about the local culture and see how Bagan's famous products are made.
• We will now continue our journey through the temple area on a relaxing horse cart ride. Starting from Thetbyin Nyu, and Sulamani, Bagan's best decorated temples. Continuing to Dhammayangyi Temple, Bagan's biggest temple and finally to North Guni Temple to watch the sunset over the plains.
Meals
• Lunch at a local restaurant
Overnight in Bagan
Day 9: Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and fly to Heho. From Heho, a scenic one hour drive will lead to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, we will stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and collections of Buddha Images.
Visiting
• Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most spectacular sights. While cruising through Inle, you will see villages built on stilts over water. Also you will see leg-rowing fishermen and their floating gardens built from strips of water hyacinth, mud, and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
• Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, and also famous for its unique "jumping cats" that jump through hoops in the air.
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary which contains five sacred Buddha Images covered in gold leaves.
• Weaving village of Inpawkhone and Cheroot Factory, to explore local Inle crafts and observe how Burmese cigars are made by hand.
Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 10: Inle Lake
Visiting
• Inle Lake's market. This market rotates its location around the lake's villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by Intha (people of Inle Lake) and surrounding hill tribes. Market is open daily except on dark moon days and full moon days.
• Pa-oh village of In Dein. We will explore this area on foot, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Here, you can climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill which is covered with picturesque ancient stupas and has a magnificent views of the lake below.
Meals
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner on our own
Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 11: Inle - Yangon - Ngapali Beach
Early this morning, we will take a breakfast box with us and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Yangon, and then another short flight to Ngapali Beach.
Visiting
• Ngapali Beach, the best getaway in Myanmar. This is an unspoiled beach with sparkling white sand and crystal blue sea. In your three days stay at Ngapali Beach, you are free to spend your time as you wish for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing under the coconut trees, exploring nearby fishing villages, or simply relaxing at the Bay of Bangel.
Overnight in Ngapali
Day 12: Ngapali Beach
Overnight in Ngapali
Day 13: Ngapali - Yangon
Enjoy your last day in Ngapali Beach. We will check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for choosing Mystical Myanmar. We hope to see you soon!
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel and check in. (Approximately an hour drive from the airport).
Visiting
• Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image and the colonial area around Sule Pagoda.
• Bogyoke Market to shop for traditional Myanmar crafts and souvenirs.
• Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple and famous landmark in Myanmar, for its magical views and amazing atmosphere.
Meals
• Lunch at Moonsoon, a local restaurant famous for its colonial style building.
• Dinner at Karaweik Palace restaurant, famous for its bird shaped structure built in a pond.
Overnight in Yangon
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay.
Visiting
• Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar Kingdom before its final annexation by British in 1885. The royal palace wall surrounded by the moat is one of the great things to see. It has been recreated after 1945, by World War II.
• Ancient city of Inwa (also known as Ava). Inwa was founded in 1364, and also a historic capital of Myamar kingdom for almost 400 years.
• Nanmyin, a masonry watchtower known as "the leaning tower of Ava".
• Maha Aungmye Bonzan, an early 18th century monastery constructed of bricks and stucco.
• Bagaya Kyaung, a monastery famous for its impressive woodcarvings and teak poles.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda, with 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures which earned itself the title "World's Biggest Book".
• Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th Century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.
• Mandalay Hill, to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mandalay city and Ayeyarwaddy River.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch on our own
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 3: Mandalay - Sagaing
After breakfast we will drive to Sagaing and visit some temples, nunneries and monasteries. Then we will drive back to Mandalay.
Visiting
• Sagaing Hill, a religious center with numerous pagodas, monasteries and nunneries on its hillsides.
• Thagyadita Nunnery, located at the base of Sagaing Hill is the religious center of Myanmar. We will get to observe more than 200 nunnery's novices and nuns during their lunch and participate in an informative discussion with the abbess of Thagyadita Nunnery.
• Aung Myay Oo Monastic School, a marvelous school helping underprivileged students continue with their education.
• Ponnya Shin Temple, to enjoy the great panoramic view of Sagaing Hill and its river.
• Gold Leaf Workshop, located in Mandalay, where sheets of gold are beaten into gossamer-thin pieces.
• Mahamuni Buddha Image, a very well known Buddha Image which over the years have been covered with thousands of gold leaves giving it an almost "lumpy" and "moldable" texture.
• U Bein Bridge, the longest teak span in the world constructed over 200 years ago and stretches almost three quarters of a mile over Thaungthaman Lake. We will catch a memorable sunset by the bridge before enjoying our dinner in Mandalay.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch on our own
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 4: Mandalay - Hsipaw
We will drive to Pyin Oo Lwin and get on board for our train ride to Hsipaw. The train will snakes its way through pleasant countryside to the highlight of the trip, the valley of Gokteik Viaduct.
Visiting
• Gokteik Viaduct, built in 1901 by American Contractors had the highest span of any bridge and the only American-built bridge in British Empire.
Meals
• Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Hsipaw
Day 5: Hsipaw
Located in a valley, Hsipaw is a great place for easy day-hikes. Today we will hike to Shan village and its waterfall nearby. On the way back, we will stop at the rice noodle factory to peek how the famous Shan noodles are made.
Visiting
• Shan Palace, at the northern end of Hsipaw which used to be banned from visiting. The last Sawbwa who lived in this palace disappeared during the military coup in 1962, and the palace is cared for by his nephew.
• Five Buddha Hill or Nine Buddha Hills, both of which are about 2 kilometers out of town.
Meals
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Hsipaw
Day 6: Hsipaw - Mandalay
Before driving back to Mandalay we will start out journey visiting the central market at Hsipaw where Shans, Kachins, and other tribes come here to trade regularly. Because few tourists visit Hsipaw, the merchandise is primarily for villagers and tribe members.
*If time permits, we will stop at Bawgyo Pagoda, 8 kilometers out of town in direction of Mandalay. In addition to the usual complement of Buddha, this pagoda also has some ancient statues of Hindu origin in the plaza outside.
Overnight in Mandalay
Day 7: Mandalay - Bagan
After breakfast, and checking out from the hotel, we will transfer to the jetty and travel to Bagan by boat. We will arrive to Bagan in the evening and transfer to the hotel and check in.
Visiting
• Yandabo village, located on Ayeyarwaddy River on the way to Bagan. This river village is known for its traditional pottery making and is also where the Peace Treaty of First Anglo-Burmese War was signed on Feb. 24th, 1826.
Meals
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch served on the boat
• Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Bagan
Day 8: Bagan
Visiting
• Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains and also the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan's architecture.
• Ananda Temple, most revered temple in Bagan.
• Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for their beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well preserved plaster carvings on its exterior.
• Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work.
• Lacquer Ware Workshops, to learn more about the local culture and see how Bagan's famous products are made.
• We will now continue our journey through the temple area on a relaxing horse cart ride. Starting from Thetbyin Nyu, and Sulamani, Bagan's best decorated temples. Continuing to Dhammayangyi Temple, Bagan's biggest temple and finally to North Guni Temple to watch the sunset over the plains.
Meals
• Lunch at a local restaurant
Overnight in Bagan
Day 9: Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and fly to Heho. From Heho, a scenic one hour drive will lead to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, we will stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and collections of Buddha Images.
Visiting
• Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most spectacular sights. While cruising through Inle, you will see villages built on stilts over water. Also you will see leg-rowing fishermen and their floating gardens built from strips of water hyacinth, mud, and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
• Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, and also famous for its unique "jumping cats" that jump through hoops in the air.
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary which contains five sacred Buddha Images covered in gold leaves.
• Weaving village of Inpawkhone and Cheroot Factory, to explore local Inle crafts and observe how Burmese cigars are made by hand.
Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 10: Inle Lake
Visiting
• Inle Lake's market. This market rotates its location around the lake's villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by Intha (people of Inle Lake) and surrounding hill tribes. Market is open daily except on dark moon days and full moon days.
• Pa-oh village of In Dein. We will explore this area on foot, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Here, you can climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill which is covered with picturesque ancient stupas and has a magnificent views of the lake below.
Meals
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner on our own
Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 11: Inle - Yangon - Ngapali Beach
Early this morning, we will take a breakfast box with us and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Yangon, and then another short flight to Ngapali Beach.
Visiting
• Ngapali Beach, the best getaway in Myanmar. This is an unspoiled beach with sparkling white sand and crystal blue sea. In your three days stay at Ngapali Beach, you are free to spend your time as you wish for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing under the coconut trees, exploring nearby fishing villages, or simply relaxing at the Bay of Bangel.
Overnight in Ngapali
Day 12: Ngapali Beach
Overnight in Ngapali
Day 13: Ngapali - Yangon
Enjoy your last day in Ngapali Beach. We will check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for choosing Mystical Myanmar. We hope to see you soon!