Quintessential Myanmar

Welcome to Yangon - the biggest and most bustling city in Myanmar, a unique city in Southeast Asia with all nostalgic colors of time and culture reserved over centuries. If you are interested in colonial era architecture, a stroll down Yangon's colonial buildings will definitely blow you away by well-reserved images from the 20th century, with decaying facades filled with old paint and small trees squeezing through those little cracks. Moreover, proud of rich cultural tradition, Yangon will amaze you with plenty of spiritual relics where you can experience the importance of Buddhism to the Burmese’s lives: tranquil Chaukhtatgyi Temple containing an over-200-feet-long reclining Buddha, the octagonal-shaped 2500 year old pagoda Sule Pagoda located in the heart of the city, and especially the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda - the massive 99 meter high gold plated pagoda with the diamond studded spire on top of a small hill in downtown Yangon. And don’t miss chance to meditate in pagoda’s mystical atmosphere beautifully lit up after dark.

Bagan - among the most significant archaeological South East Asia sites is one of the densest concentrations of temples and pagodas with about 2,000 monuments remain in various states of repair. Once arriving in Bagan, grasp a terrific chance to see how local life is going through in Nyaung U Market: the atmosphere in a Burmese market, regional products, fresh veggies, fine rice, unique local suncreen, etc. Continue the visit to important Buddhist constructions of Bagan: Shwezigon Pagoda - the huge gold plated pagoda which is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha, Ananda Temple - a gorgeous white temple with coppery golden top - the finest and most beautiful temple in Bagan. Moreover, the further exploration in the legendary Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo and Sulamani Temples will truly be a step back in time between historical architecture, old murals, plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. After a long day, soothe your soul in peace and enjoy the sunset along the Ayarwaddy River. 

Drive to the banks of the Irrawaddy River and board in a private wooden motorboat on Aye Yar Jetty for upriver sailing to Kyauk Gu U Min, a remote temple located in quieter side of Bagan. The unique beauty of the temple appreciated by floral designed entrance, exquisite stone carvings depicting religious figures, inner-wall Buddha statues and the notable feature of light wells. There is also a cave found at the back of the temple since it was built against the site of precipitous cliff near the bank of mighty Irrawaddy river. Learn of the legend story behind this temple cave which was largely believed to be a shelter from the invading Mongols. While travelling slowly along the river, take your chance to capture fabulous views of riverside villages, fishermen and local boats passing by. 

Minanthu village, to the east of Bagan, is the place which gives you an excellent insight into the traditional daily life of local people. Taking a walk in the village and you will see people in their daily work: collecting water from well, harvesting sesame seeds, weaving cloth, spinning cotton, making cheroot & silver jewelry, etc.  Don't hesitate to say "Mingalabar" (which means "Hello" in Burmese) and the friendly villagers will always be very happy to share you their ways of living through inside stories. It is also nice to visit the nearby temple Lay Myat Hnar monastic complex. The shining white exterior with old paintings coverring interior walls will surely leave you a great lasting impression.

Far away from the hustle of Mandalay, there lies a forgetten ancient capital of Ava where you could enjoy a bumpy but delightful ride on a horse cart (a popular local transport) and discover quaint rural landscape dotted with ruined temples, brick monasteries or the well-preserved remains of the outer city walls or pleasant view of farmers working on their private land. This is a great opportunity to gather some unique impressions off the beaten track. 

Welcome to Mandalay – the city of culture located in the right heart of Myanmar. Unlike other lively tours in modern cities, your excursion in Mandalay will take you to the outlying areas with fantastic mixture of nature and culture: Riverside hills dotted by gold stupas and pagodas named Sagaing, incredible view over Manday across Ayeyarwaddy River from the hill top, brilliant U Min Thonze Cave Temple and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, amazing golden Buddha statue at Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Moreover, a stop at Mahagandayon Monastery is truly worth your time in Mandalay, impressing you by the calm atmosphere when humble monks in red robes lining up silently for lunch ceremony. After all, a stunning sunset over the iconic U Bein Bridge will definitly blow you away after a long day tour. 

Standing for “Free from Danger”, Yankin Hill is ideally peaceful destination for sunset view from the East of Mandalay. After 30 minutes driving from the city center, you could choose to continue driving up the hilltop or spending a further 30 minutes to climb up the top through steep stairway. From the hilltop, enjoy the panoramic view of Mandalay's rural landscapes and Shan foothills behind.

Sailing upwards the mighty Irrawaddy river from Mandalay, the unfinished Mingun Pagoda will soon catch your eyes in with its massive compound setting near the riverbank. Get off the boat, we will take you to discover all secrets behind the largest pagoda in the country and probably in the world if finished, the overriding ambition of King Bodawpaya, the reason why it was eventually left abandoned, the great architecture from finest brick works and the largest working giant bell inside. If you wish, it is also possible to climb to the top of pagoda and have splendid views of surrounding landscape. 

Surrounded by dozens of monasteries and pagodas, Mandalay is described for a long time as the city of arts, architecture and significant charms  in Myanmar. The further you go, the more likely you are to fall in love with this land. Passing the 40km-long way by car and boat to Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, your mind will soon be filled with all surprise and excitement when visiting Mingun Temple with the giganic Mingun Bell (you can gong it for some luck). On the way back from the charming pagoda, it is time for a peaceful walk exploring Mandalay Palace where the last King lived in and the nearby finely carved teak wooden Shwenandaw Monastery, followed by a visit the local workshop and learn how fine and thin gold leaves are made then plastered on to temples and Buddha statues. Let’s save the best for last by getting lost in the white field of 729 shrines lining up straightly before enjoying tranquil sunset from the top of Mandalay Hills and looking back all the places you passed along the busy but wonderful day.     

Catching a slow train from Kalaw to Inle Lake, it is the chance to to gether local feeling with a seat on outdated carriage dated back from colonial time. The train has long played such a vital role on daily life of Shan Hill locals as importantly affordable link connecting lands. Sitting near the opened windows, relax your mind and enjoy your hassle-free time observing the laid-back charm of naturally preserved Shan mountains, beautiful countryside and vibrant local life going by.

Upward the western of Shan state is the picturesque Inle Lake –  the Venice of Myanmar. Stepping off Nyaung Shwe marina, you will take a motorized boat to navigate through stilt villages and floating garderns, and meet locals who spend their entire lives on the water. Passing Ywa Ma village and Kay Lar Village where Intha people built their unique houses with long straight wooden poles stretching into the lake bed, it is your tranquil time in relaxed atmostphere of thelocally significant Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and get to unfold the interesting story of the five Buddhas inside. As the dawn is coming and the warm light turns the still surface of the lake a golden colour, just pause for a while and cherish true value of unforgetable moment.

Indein is a small village West of Inle Lake which is renowned for the floating market and impressive ancient stupas with Banyan trees growing out of them. From Inle Lake, by just a scenic 8-kilometer boat ride through a long narrow canal, you soon reach the lively floating ‘5-day market’ rotated every five days around five different villages in Inle. This is a beautiful opportunity to experience the diversity of Inle ethnic, witness their day-to-day life and make their unique fair on the water trading all local products. A drop-in visit to local workshops will excite your curiosity about lotus weaving, cheroot cigarettes making in various size and flavours and diligent hand crafted silver work. Lastly, don’t forget to discover old ruined pagodas dated back to the 13th century and admire their incredible beauty even in bad condition. The impressive image of stupas after stupas decaying due to constant exposure to humidity still pose irresistible charm will leave you with nothing but thrills. 

Located only 07 km far from Inle Lake, Red Mountain Vineyard is absolutly worth a visit, especially in the afternoon. Getting to this lovely attraction, you could learn how decent wine is made from locally grown grapes in Burma. Moreover, at the end of your trip, sitting around the winery’s terace and watching the fantastic sunset over Inle Lake with wine in hand would be a rewarding treatment to soften your worry and busy thought in daily life

As the nearest beach getaway from Yangon, Ngwe Saung is a truly little-visited paradise to mellow out and recharge after a week or more travelling around Myanmar. Afer roughly 4-hour driving from Yangon, soon enough you will be amazed with convivial atmosphere the beach has to offer. Row of green palm trees swaying lightly in the wind mixing nicely with sound of gentle waves will surely bring you a peaceful feeling. Beside relaxed time by the beach, you could hire a boat for island sightseeing; go snorkelling or fishing, explore nearly fishing villages by bicycle or have a fresh seafood dinner served privately on a beach restaurant and many more. 

As the nearest beach getaway from Yangon, Ngwe Saung is a truly little-visited paradise to mellow out and recharge after a week or more travelling around Myanmar. Afer roughly 4-hour driving from Yangon, soon enough you will be amazed with convivial atmosphere the beach has to offer. Row of green palm trees swaying lightly in the wind mixing nicely with sound of gentle waves will surely bring you a peaceful feeling. Beside relaxed time by the beach, you could hire a boat for island sightseeing; go snorkelling or fishing, explore nearly fishing villages by bicycle or have a fresh seafood dinner served privately on a beach restaurant and many more.