Day 1 – Arrival Yangon

Meals Provided: B, L

Welcome to Burma! Upon arrival you will quickly feel as though you have gone back in time. Yangon is like no other city in Asia and the culture is extremely deep rooted. This is old Asia, with Victorian architecture, remarkable markets, and Buddhist stupas everywhere; Yangon is an electrifying city of marvel. You will quickly fall in love with the people who wear the traditional longyi and paint their faces with patterns of thanakha powder. Within the first hour of being here you will know that you are in for the experience of a lifetime.

After clearing immigration and custom, exit into the arrival hall and meet your guide who will transport you to your beautiful centrally located hotel. In the afternoon we will take you to Kalaywa Tawya Monastery where over 1,300 monks and novices reside. Here you will witness and photograph them gathering to partake in the mid-day meal which is their last of the day. Around sunset you will be taken to the glistening golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, here you will have the opportunity to capture some amazing photographs that are sure to impress.

Overnight at the Hotel – Yangon

Day 2 – Yangon – Bagan

Meals Provided: B, L, D

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagan. Bagan hosts one of the greatest collections of Buddhist sculptures and murals, and it is one of Asia’s holiest cities which can be compared to Varanasi and Jerusalem. The religious importance of Began has made it the melting pot of Buddhist studies, attracting monks and students from around all around Southeast Asia.

On arrival to Bagan Grand Lotus assures to take you to the most interesting temples with various different cultural aspects and the most distinct architectural styles. You will spend the day visiting temple after temple, but this will not bore you because each one is unique with its own style. Your tour guide will fill you with cultural knowledge of each of the sites visited. We will be sure you get to see most remarkable temples which are: Shwezigon pagoda, Ananda, Gubyaukgyi Htilominlo and Sulamani temple. Some of these temples are lavishly decorated with mural paintings which have lasted for over 900 years. This evening you will enjoy a boat ride down the river where you’re sure to get the best photos of the people bathing, fishing, and doing laundry by hand.

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel – Bagan

Day 3 – Bagan

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Bagan is located on the banks of the grand Irrawaddy River. In the past it was known as the “city of four million pagodas”, and still to this day Bagan boasts the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. There are nearly four thousand monuments still to this day. The remarkable wonder of Began will give every visitor goose bumps, whether you’re an archaeologist, historian, photographer, or just a recreational traveler.

Today you will have the chance to explore the city by pony cart where you can get a feel of the lifestyle of the old days. The cart ride will take you through small lanes between ruined pagodas where you can get a different viewpoint of these remarkable sites. Grand Lotus assures you will not only see these sites, but feel their picturesque power. To get some of the best views of the temples, be sure to book a hot air balloon ride over the landscape where you can fly with the birds in the early morning. Every evening in Bagan the sunset has an indescribable magical power. We will be sure you experience this in the best way possible. As you sit atop one of the tall temples you can breathe the fresh air and experience a peaceful and tranquil moment. Let your imagination take you back 1000 years while looking at the panoramic view in front of you.

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel – Bagan

Day 4 – Bagan – Mandalay – Kentung

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Today will begin with an early flight to Mandalay where you will transfer planes, and board for your flight to Kentung. Kyaing Tong (Kengtun) is the capital of Eastern Shan State and known as a treasure trove of traditional architecture, with old-style houses intricately designed with wooden balconies which is a distinct characteristic of Shan architecture. Grand Lotus will be sure you get to see a few of the best houses in the area.

Kengtun is also the capital city of the Golden Triangle Region. It is the best place to see peaceful tribal people living in the unspoiled beauty of cool and quite hills. Among many ethnic tribes, the Lahu, A kha, Ann tribe, and the Ngwe Palaung are living in the area. Each group has woven its own tapestry of cultural patterns, their clothing & ornaments have distinct from one to another and each culture has developed its own basic theme, coloring its outlook and response to a given situation. You’re sure to capture some great photos, unlike anything you have taken before.

Overnight accommodations at the hotel – Kentung

Day 5 – Kentung

Meals Provided: B, L, D

After breakfast at the Hotel, transfer to Akha village and Ann village both are near to Kengtung, here you will find your local translator who will escort you throughout the day. You will be led to meet the Akha tribe people who live a very different lifestyle, and we will be sure you get the chance to meet and photograph with them.

After this we will head to the Ann village where the people are quite unique. You will notice their distinct black teeth, and this is because it is tradition to dye their teeth with the bark from the tree. Their teeth may be black but the tribe women have some of the most beautiful silver jewelry from around the area. Be sure to bring your comfortable shoes because this picturesque village requires a bit of light trekking.

Overnight at the hotel – Kentung

Day 6 – Kentung – Heho – Inle

Meals Provided: B, L, D

This morning you’ll have the chance to explore Kentung and we will visit the local pottery village. After this you will be taken to your afternoon flight to Heho, which is the gateway to the Southern Shan State. The elevation here is over 3000 feet. Heho is a one hour drive away from Inle Lake, which is thriving with cultural heritage.

On your drive to the lake you will go through the scenic countryside of the Shan Hills, also along the way you will have the opportunity to stop at the Shan handmade paper umbrella factory and the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. Once on Inle you will be chauffeured in your private long tail boat around the 22 kilometer lake. Here you can witness first hand the deep rooted culture of the local peoples. Of all of the places you visit in Myanmar Inle will be the one you remember most fondly. The friendly hill tribe people, ancient pagodas, colorful festivals, and natural beauty will give you a life time of memories.

Enjoy the evening relaxing at your hotel as you gaze out at the beauty of the landscape.

Overnight at the Hotel – Inle Lake

Day 7 – Inle Lake

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Today’s full day sightseeing begins with the market which is held once in every five days. This is one of the best opportunities to see hill tribe’s people coming down to sell and buy their products.

You will see a way of life that you will not experience anywhere else in the world. After the market you will wander around the scenic lake by boat; witness the exclusive leg-rowing of the Inthas and their unique fishing methods. Be sure to get some photos of the leg race, because you will need the proof when telling your story.

You will also see the floating gardens, the floating villages, and the holiest Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with extraordinary Buddha images. You will go home with a new standpoint on life after seeing the marvelous way the people live here.

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel – Inle

Day 8 – Inle – Yangon

Meals Provided: B, L

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to airport for your flight back to Yangon. Before your departure flight, if time permits, get some shopping done at Bogyoke Market (formerly called Scott Market) which has the largest collections of souvenirs from all over Myanmar. After the market visit Karaweik Royal Barge in the Kandawgyi Park.

This evening you will be transferred to the Airport for your international Flight.

***End of the Services***