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Essence of Myanmar

One mysterious and undiscovered Myanmar with magnificent pagoda architecture, unspeakable beauty as well as a mesmerizing appeal. It has also a rich culture tradition and there are pristine rainforest, majestic mountains, pristine clean beaches, & more than two thousand years of vibrant heritage.
Essence of Myanmar
Duration:
20 Days / 19 Nights
Destination:
Myanmar: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Heho, Inle Lake, Bago
Price USD:
$1300
Day 1: Arrival Yangon (D)
Upon arrival Yangon International airport, you are greeted by local tour guide and driver then transfer to hotel and enjoy our welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon City tour (B)
Yangon city is a must-see city for tourists who want to see a different Asia. It’s a largest city in Myanmar with the combination between nature and cultures and communities. This city was found in 1755 by King Alaungpaya and Yangon means “End of Strife”. 
Taking a close look at the local life of this historical city today by vehicle and partly on foot, we visit the Sule pagoda in the centre of the city. Walk around the Mahabandoola Park to see the colonial courthouse and the city hall. Then visit Bogyoke Aung San Market (former Scott’s Market), where shopper’s favorite place. Later today, we visit the world famous golden Shwedagon Pagoda, a breathtaking and colourful sight visited by Buddhists from all over Myanmar. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 3: Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) (B)
The Golden Rock at Mt. Kyaikhtiyo is a great pilgrimage site in Myanmar. It is a hug boulder covered by gold leaf and resting on the edge of a cliff. There is a small stupa is perched atop of the boulder and it’s said that the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda contains one of the Buddha’s hairs….
We start our day out today earlier than usual and drive to Kyaikthiyo where we take the open truck to the Golden Rock at the base camp of Kinpun. Then take a light trekking on the summit through bamboo forest. It’s tough to get there but well worth effort. Besides the rock, we may see thousands of pilgrims, hundreds of candles being lit up and a breath-taking view at sunset & overnight at Kyaikhtiyo.

Day 4: Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) – Bago – Yangon (B)
Bago, formerly known as Pegu, is 80 km to the northwest of Yagon, was the capital of the Mon Kingdom of Lower Myanmar in the 15th century and is a rice bowl of Myanmar nowadays.
After breakfast, we have a short walk to a small cave and stop at some roadside shops for rare products of jungle. Then we drive down to the base camp to take our vehicle back to Yangon. On the way back, we stop at Bago town, local market, KanbawzaThardi Palace built by King Bayinnaung, KalayaniSima (Ordination Hall). Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Shwethalyaung Pagoda, the world’s most beautiful reclining Buddha and Wood Carving Industry.Overnight in Yangon.

Day 5: Yangon – Fly to Bagan (B)
Bagan is a city where visitors can visit all year around. With more than 2,000 Pagodas & Temples dating back more than 1500 years of history, Bagan is one of the most fascinating places for visitors when travelling this country. This is also an ideal place for beautiful local Art, such as Lacquer ware, bamboo works & wonderful local made cloth.
Today we take early scheduled flights to Bagan where a local tour guide waiting and welcome at the airport. Taking a fresh air and meeting new friendly local people at the colorful NyaungOo market, then we visit the Golden Stupa at Shwezigon Pagoda where we will know more about Bagan’s rich history. Later afternoon, we continue visit the Ananda Temple, one of the Bagan’s most beautiful temples with its architectural masterpiece. From here, we enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 6: Bagan Full Day Visit (B)
More relaxing day when we visit with Myinkaba village, short walking tour to the temples of Manuha& Nan Paya as well as the famous Dhammayangyi Temple & Sula Mani Temples. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 7: Bagan – Popa(B)
A little bit challenge today for up climbing more than 700 hundred steps to visit Mt. Popa. The view from top of Mt. Popa is spectacular. It’s a worth place to visit and someone says it’s a bit like the monastery in Metheora in Greece, where they are built on the top of a rock with no apparent natural way up. On the way, we can stop at a toddy palm juice production plant. Overnight in Popa.

Day 8: Bagan – Fly to Mandalay (B)
Mandalay is the richest historical landmark and only is 30 minute flight from Bagan. This is the historical old capital of all Myanmar culture, Buddhist Sasana, traditional arts and crafts…
After breakfast at hotel, we take our morning flight to Mandalay where we spend full day sightseeing with Mahamuni Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (a large Buddha image carved out of single block of marble), ShwenandawMonsastery (Golden Palace) noted for its exquisite wood carving, Sulamani Pagoda, Mandalay Palace. End of the day, we enjoy sunset on Mandalay Hill and relax. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 9: Mandaly – Amarapura-Ava-Sagaing(B, L)
After breakfast, we take our tour of the Irrawaddy River in Mingun (about an hour the way), known 90-tonne bell – the largest existing bell in the world. Mingun is a place where is also an unfinished Mingun-pagoda, which began to build the King Bodopayya in 1790, but never finished, only took thirty years for the construction of the base. Descendants continued construction, and an earthquake destroyed several of her, but still Mingun Pagoda, startling in its scope, even in an unfinished form! In the vicinity we can see other ancient pagodas, as well as local villages.

Then we follow in Ava – one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar, located 30 minute driving from Mandalay. The main attraction is a fine example of ancient temple architecture Chumbucket Chaung, a wooden monastery Budge (Bargayar Monastery) with 267 teak pillars and magnificent carved reliefs and ornaments. With the observation tower we can admire the stunning views of the Irrawaddy and Sagain. Visit Sagain hill, covered with 600 white pagodas and monasteries. This hill is widely known as the religious center of Myanmar, which is home to 3000 monks, and on which there are 100 meditation centers and other pagodas and temples.
Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 10: Mandalay – Mingun (B)
After breakfast, we take private boat along the Ayeyarawaddy River to Mingun village on the west bank where we visit the Settawya Pagoda, MingunPahtotawgyi ,the world renowned ringing Mingun Bell & Yatheintan Pagoda. Continue our visit at the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda whose distinctive style is meant to resemble the mythical Mount Meru. Then, see the Mingun Bell which weighs 90 tons and is considered the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell.
In the afternoon back to Mandalay and free at leisure. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 11: Mandalay – Fly to Heho – Pindaya (B)
Today we take a morning flight to Heho then we continue by car and enjoy a scenic drive to Pinaya through the picturesque countryside of Shan State. We then, visit Pindaya’s limestone cave with its maze of chambers displaying more than 8,000 Buddha statues; local handicraft workshops producing Shan Paper made from mulberry bark as well as traditional umbrellas made from the same paper that are used by monks all around the country.
Overnight in Pindaya.

Day 12: Inle Lake (B)
Whether traveling Myanmar, tourists never skip the opportunity to admire the beauty and captivating of the Inle Lake – one of the most famous scenic lakes in Myanmar. Inle Lake has ever been selected as one of the five new destinations that tourists should not miss in Asia by the prestigious magazine of Condé Nast Traveler World.
After breakfast, we travel 2,5 hour driving to NyaungShwe where we observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. After that, we visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’ who jump through hoops in the air! Continue to PhaungDawOo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
Overnight on Inle Lake.

Day 13: Indein (B)
Visiting Indein village should be a must while traveling Inle Lake. This is a small village and located on the Inley Lake’s western bank. The ruin pagodas which hide in the bushes will give us back to 12th – 13th centuries, very quiet and mesmerized. This mysterious place is at the end of the marvelousIndein creek, which connected with Inle Lake just after the PhoundDawOo pagoda. The creek is narrow with many twist and turns. Boating along the lake, we also see the both side paddy fields with farmers ploughing and harrowing by water buffalos or the buffalos enjoying themselves in the creeks at the relax time. Indein water is not only useful for irrigation, but also for bathing and washing clothes. It is compulsory to see Novice Monk, buffalo boys and village girls wash and swim in the creek.
Today we take a boat trip on Inle Lake by boat to visit Indein, ancient pagoda, Shan Cheroot making. Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 14: Heho – Fly to Thandwe – Ngapali (B)
We take morning flight to Thandwe then transfer 20 minute driving to Ngapali Beach. Ngapali Beach is lined with a quiet 3- kilometer long white sand beach with coconut trees. The warm, clear water is perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and there are several small islands where can be reached by boat. Overnight in Ngapali.

Day 15: Ngapali (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Ngapali

Day 16: Ngapali (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Ngapali

Day 17: Ngapali (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Ngapali

Day 18: Ngapali (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Ngapali

Day 19: Ngapali – Fly to Yangon (B)
Today we take flight back to Yangon. Greetings and transferring back to hotel by private vehicle.
Overnight in Yangon.

Day 20: Departure Yangon (B)
We spend our last minutes shopping at Treasure, Germs and Handicraft shops or at the Bogyok Aung San (Scott) market before transferring back to hotel for our departure flight. Trip ends.


This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services.

Please click on CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIPS and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements, but may incur price changes

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
• Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels 
• Private Vehicles and Drivers
• Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All domestic flights
• Airport Taxes and Fuel charges
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
• Drinking water available on the vehicles.
• Service Charge & Government Taxes
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
• Your International Flights
• Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
• Any bank fees or charges at your end
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Tips for tour guide and driver in each region
• Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
• Vietnam visa stamp fee 
• Other services not mentioned above

HOTEL SELECTION:

The hotels listed below are our suggestions for the best value on this tour.  However, Asia Essence Tours offers many more options of hand-picked hotels, with different "star ratings", allowing you to customize the vacation to meet your taste and budget.

LOCATIONS

FIRST CLASS CATEGORY

SUPERIOR CATEGORY

DELUXE CATEGORY

Yangon

New Aye Yar Hotel

Rose Garden Hotel

Sule Shangri La Hotel

Bagan

Bawga Theddi Hotel

Thiripyitsayar Sanctuary

Bagan Lodge

Inle Lake

Royal Inle Lake

Inle Resort

Inle Princess

Golden Rock

Mountain Top Hotel

Mountain Top Hotel

N/A

Mandalay

Mandalay City Hotel

Amazing Mandalay

Mandalay Hill Resort

ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:

First Class/ 3 Star (from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/night)

The First Class/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

Superior/ 4 star (from US$ 80 - US$ 110/ per room/night)

The 4* superior Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$120 - US$ 180++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.



Extend This Tour With...

Glance of Myanmar 5 days


Myanmar highlight tour 6 days


Best of Myanmar 9 days


Classic Myanmar tour


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