8 Days – 7 Nights (Yangon/ Sittwe- Mrauk U/ Yangon/ Bagan/ Yangon)

Day 1: Arrival Yangon

Meals Provided: L, D

Welcome to Burma. Upon arrival you will clear immigration and customs. Proceed to the arrival area and meet a local Grand Lotus representative that will be holding a sign with your names on it. After meeting with your driver you will be transferred you to your lovely hotel for check in. After you have an opportunity to settle in you can spend the afternoon exploring one of Asia’s most charming capital cities.

You will start with a visit to the National Museum, which houses interesting exhibits on Burmese history, culture, and ethnic groups. One of the great interests in the museum is the glittering Lion Throne of King Thibaw which was returned from Lord Mountbatten after gaining independence. An extraordinary work of art which stands over twenty feet tall and is covered with carvings depicting scenes from Burmese mythology.

After the museum you will visit Yangon’s impressive Reclining Buddha, which is the largest and in Southeast Asia, and it is sure to leave a “wow” impression. After the reclining Buddha you will get the chance to walk around Chinatown where you can get a feel of the people as you shop at the Chinese Market.

You will finish the day with a sunset visit to the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, believed to house eight hairs from the Lord Buddha. This glistening golden pagoda which stand over 326 feet tall and is the most sacred shrine in the country. This is a site that all Burmese Buddhists aspire at least one time to visit in their lifetime. Spend the twilight hours absorbing this powerful holy site. After sunset, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel – Yangon

Day 2: Yangon/ Sittwe (AM Flight)

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Today will begin with a transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Sittwe. On arrival you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. There are many sites in Sittwe that are a must see, and we will be sure to take you get to experience them all. Your visit will include a tour of downtown where you can do a bit of shopping. During your day you will also visit the Paya Gyi Pagoda and the Buddhist Museum. We will be sure you get to enjoy a walk down the waterfront to view the sunset, and we will also take you to the “point” which is a beautiful lookout into the Bay of Bengal and the mouth of the Kaladan River.

Overnight at the Hotel – Sittwe

Day 3: Sittwe- Mrauk U (Boat)

Meals Provided: B, L, D

After breakfast at your Hotel we will transfer you to the jetty. Here you will board a private boat for you journey to Mrauk U which is a 6-8 hour ride and if you are lucky you could see some dolphins (called them Ayerwaddy dolphins) in the river. Mrauk U is an archaeological treasure with sites that are contemporary to Bagan. According to history Mrauk U was established in 1431 served as the last capital of the Rakhine Kingdom. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel where you can relax or you can go out and wander the town by walking through the small streets. As you explore you will get to see the town from a different perspective, and be sure to stop along the way and try some authentic Rakhine food for dinner.

Overnight at the Hotel – Mrauk U

Day 4: Mrauk U

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Today you will take pleasure in a full day sightseeing in Mrauk U, your transportation will be a WWII style jeep. There is no better way to see the city. We will start at the local market where you can get a taste of the local products. After the market you will be taken to the Shittaung temple, Koe Thaung Temple, Andaw Thein ordination hall, and Cultural Museum. Following the museum take a walk through the Rakhine village to observe their way of living. Once you have seen these beautiful sites you will spend the afternoon visiting the Htaukkan Thein temple and other Archaeological sites. You may also want to visit some of the other local villages around Myauk U. If you are feeling adventurous we can arrange for an excursion up river to Lay Myo the tattooed Chin villages. If you choose to you will be taken by boat up the river where you will enjoy fantastic scenery along the way. Upon arrival to the village you will see the wonderful local village ladies with their magnificent tattooed faces. In the village you will have a lunch-box style meal and then head back down river to return to your hotel. The choice is up to you. At sunset we will take you to Yadanabon temple where you can sit and let yourself go back in time with the surrounding lifestyle.

Overnight at the Hotel – Mrauk U.

Day 5: Mrauk U – Sittwe/ Yangon

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Today will begin with an early morning transfer to the jetty for your return boat to Sittwe. Upon arrival you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. After landing you will have the day to explore Yangon based on your interests, or you can get some recommendations from your guide.

Overnight at the Hotel – Yangon.

Day 6 – Yangon- Bagan (AM Flight)

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Start the day with a flight to Bagan which hosts one of the greatest collections of Buddhist sculptures and murals from the 11th to 13th centuries. Bagan is one of Asia’s holiest cities which can be compared with Varanasi and Jerusalem. Bagan was founded by 11th century King Anawrahta. His influence turned Bagan into the nerve centre of ancient Burmese culture. Attacked in 1287 by Mongol armies, many of the monuments were destroyed. But rest sure because this 16 square mile semi desert is still dotted with over 4000 temples.

On arrival to Bagan, Grand Lotus assures to take you to the most interesting temples with various aspects and the most distinct architectural styles. Visiting temple after temple will never bore you as each one is unique with its own style. A few of the most remarkable temples are Shwezigon pagoda, Ananda, Gubyaukgyi Htilominlo and Sulamani temple. Some of the temples are lavishly decorated with mural paintings and plaster carvings which have lasted for over 900 years. To finish your day in Bagan you will be taken on a private boat tour down Myanmar’s main river the Ayarwaddy. On the boat you will get to see the lavish landscape of Began and its surrounding hills. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunset in Began. Right before the sun goes down the boat will stop and turn off the engine so you can relax and listen to the sound of nature.

Overnight at the Hotel – Bagan.

Day 7 – Bagan

Meals Provided: B, L, D

During its grandeur golden age in the 12th century, Bagan was known as “the city of four million pagodas”, but vandalism and several massive earthquakes have reduced that number drastically. Bagan is the place from heaven available on earth; not only for archaeologists, historians and photographers, but also for all travelers.

Upon your request Grand Lotus can make the trip more enjoyable for you by visiting places via pony cart, riding on a bike, or cruising along the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River to have a miraculous view of the archaeological sites. If you’re feeling adventurous be sure to book a hot air balloon ride over the lavish countryside. After your long day of experiencing new things we will take you to one of the tall temples where you can relax and enjoy one of the most magnificent sunsets in all of Myanmar. As you relax and enjoy the views you can let your imagination take you back 1000 years while looking at the spectacular landscape that is sprinkled with temples.

Overnight at the Hotel – Bagan.

Day 8 – Bagan / Yangon (AM Flight) – Departure (International Flight)

Meals Provided: B, L

After breakfast you will be transferred back to airport for your flight to Yangon. Once in Yangon and before your departure flight, if time permits, visit Karaweik Royal Barge in the Kandawgyi Park. Be sure to give yourself some time for shopping at Bogyoke Market, the city’s busiest and most colorful bazaar. Here you will find the largest collections of souvenirs from all over Myanmar. It gives a wonderful feel for the daily life of Yangon’s citizens and offers a huge variety of everyday items and souvenirs, such as lacquer ware, gems, gold and gold leaf, textiles and marionettes.

After the day Grand Lotus will be sure to get you to the airport for your departure flight.

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