.
Sorry you missed this tour. Please contact us if you’d like to be notified of future Burma tours. Or, please see our other tours listed at left.
WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will be donated to the Sagaing Nunnery to purchase lunch for the hundreds of nuns in residence. The group will then have the honor of serving lunch to the nuns.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Take part in a lamp lighting ceremony at Shwedagon Pagoda
- Discover delights at the markets and pagodas of Yangon
- Tour the ancient stupas and pagodas of Bagan
- Visit handicraft workshops in Mandalay
- Spend time on peaceful Inle Lake
- Join in a hands-on cooking class of traditional Myanmar cuisine
- Enjoy 4-star hotels
- Every participant on a tour with a departure date in 2014 or 2015 will receive either a free Donner or Madera Bag ($65 value!) from Overland Equipment in your choice of color. See details here.
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Myanmar Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, February 15, 2015 – Arrive in Yangon
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival, we’ll be met at the Yangon airport by our guide who will accompany us to the hotel. Once settled in, we’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
We’ll then spend the afternoon visiting the fantastic Shwedagon Pagoda. Here, we’ll have time for a relaxing walk around this great stupa and its compound to admire its breathtaking beauty and to observe the daily religious activities of the Buddhists who come here to worship.
HIGHLIGHT! While at Shwedagon, we’ll take part in a special oil lamp lighting ceremony where there will be seemingly endless rows of oil lamps backed by the golden temple.
Dinner and overnight at Chatrium Hotel or similar in Yangon.
Day 2
Monday, February 16, 2015 – Yangon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll transfer to the railway station and board the circular train that loops through the outskirts of the city. The slow-traveling train will give us the unique opportunity to observe the countryside of Myanmar.
In the late morning, we’ll venture downtown to explore the city center and its fabulous mix of architecture and sights. The city is filled with historical buildings with colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. We’ll also pass by Maha Bandula Garden, Independence Monument and the glittering Sule Pagoda.
After lunch we’ll have a short midday break and then continue sightseeing at Bogyoke Market (also known as Scott’s Market), where you’ll have time to browse through dozens of stalls and shops. We’ll then continue with a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. Not so much a pagoda as a pavilion (called tazaung in Burmese), Kyaukhtatgyi is home to an impressive 70-meter long reclining Buddha.
We’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at Chatrium Hotel or similar in Yangon.
Day 3
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 – Yangon – Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Nyaung U (Bagan).
We’ll begin with a visit to the Nyaung U morning market, where we’ll find fresh vegetables, fruits and a plethora of local wares.
Afterward, we’ll go to one of the many elevated temples that provide a spectacular view over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. We’ll continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan.
It’s then on to Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple, which is known for its beautiful interior mural paintings and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby are Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with exquisite Buddha statues and stonework.
To learn more about the local culture, we’ll visit two workshops that produce Bagan’s most famous products: lacquerware and wood crafts. You’ll be amazed at the craftsmanship of these artists who use techniques passed down through generations.
After lunch at a popular local restaurant, you’ll have a break in the afternoon to so we can stay out of the afternoon heat.
In the early evening we will travel by horsecart to a temple where we can climb to the top to watch the sun set over the plains.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant and we’ll overnight at Bagan Lodge or similar in Bagan.
Day 4
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 – Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll explore the highlights of Bagan’s temples by car and on foot. During this half-day excursion, we’ll visit the most important sites in Bagan, getting a taste for the architectural richness and spiritual heritage of the area.
After lunch, we’ll take another midday break at the hotel.
Then, in the late afternoon, we’ll board a wooden boat for a short ride to a sandbank in the middle of the Irrawaddy River. Here, we’ll spend some time relaxing on the sand and enjoying cocktails while watching the sun set.
Dinner and overnight at Bagan Lodge or similar in Bagan.
HIGHLIGHT! Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Bagan was the royal capital. This was a time when Theravada Buddhism flourished and more than 4,000 religious monuments were built. Around 2,000 pagodas still stand today!
Day 5
Thursday, February 19, 2015 – Bagan – Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic two-hour drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo, now officially called Pyin Oo Lwin. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit a vegetable market.
The town is located on a plateau about 3,600 feet above sea level and renowned for its cooler temperatures and lush foliage. We’ll start with a visit to the local market in the center of the town where items are for sale including locally produced jams and fruit wines.
After lunch, we’ll take a traditional horse and carriage ride through town to see historical houses. Our horse and carriage rides will end at the 175-hectare National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens where we’ll walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Dinner and overnight at Aureum Resort or similar in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Day 6
Friday, February 20, 2015 – Pyin Oo Lwin – Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have a relaxing start to the morning and drive to Mandalay after a late breakfast. We’ll stop along the way at a flower market and Shan market to purchase vegetables for today’s cooking class.
Upon arrival in Mandalay, we’ll take a cooking class featuring local recipes. This will be a hands-on activity after which we’ll get to enjoy the fruits of our labor. You’ll have recipes to take home with you.
After a midday break, we’ll continue exploring Mandalay’s main sights beginning with a visit to Mandalay Hill. At the base of the hill, we’ll stop to visit at Shwe Nandaw Kyuang, or Golden Palace Monastery, which is known for its intricate woodcarvings, and at Kayuktawgyi Pagoda to view a huge marble Buddha. The marble is from Sagyin quarry and took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transfer the rock from the riverside to its current location. Finally, we’ll visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant and we’ll overnight at Sedona Hotel or similar in Mandalay.
HIGHLIGHT! Rising 240 meters above the city, Mandalay Hill provides a great view of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and city center.
Day 7
Saturday, February 21, 2015 – Mandalay – Sagaing – Mingun – Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll depart for Sagaing. Covered with 600 white pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It’s home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. We’ll visit several pagodas including Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae.
Next, we’ll go to the Saigaing Nunnery where we’ll have the unique opportunity to serve lunch to the nuns. This unique experience is a fabulous way to learn about another unique aspect of Myanmar culture while also contributing to the on-going activities of the nunnery.
NOTE: A portion of your tour cost will cover the donation made for this day’s lunch and, as a donor, you have the honor of serving the nuns their midday meal as an offering.
After visiting the nunnery, we’ll head to a silver workshop to see the process by which local handmade silver products are created.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the village of Mingun. We’ll visit the impressive Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell; Mingunphahtotawgyi, the biggest temple in Myanmar; and Myatheindan Zadi, a stunning temple. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Mandalay by boat along the Irrawaddy River.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight at Sedona Hotel or similar in Mandalay.
HIGHLIGHT! – The visit to Saigaing will be a rewarding one. You’ll not only have a chance to learn about how the nuns live but also have the honor of serving them lunch which will bring you good karma.
Day 8
Sunday, February 22, 2015 – Mandalay – Ava – Amarapura – Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before breakfast, the group will visit an area where we can observe monks walking along the roadside to receive food and offerings from the community. Clothed in red robes and carrying their alms bowls, a solemn line of barefoot monks walks along the streets to collect offerings from the locals.
We’ll then visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddhas which has been covered with gold leaf and is revered by local pilgrims.
We’ll then visit handicraft facilities for woodcarvings, kalaga tapestries and gold-leaf making. Many of these techniques have remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Ava, the capital from the 14th to 18th centuries. We’ll travel by horse and carriage through the area stopping to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort.
When returning back to the city, we’ll stop at Amarapura, a former capital city whose name means “City of Immortality.” We’ll stop at a silk-weaving workshop that produces exquisite handmade products and then continue onward for a walk on U Pein Bridge. This 200-year-old bridge is the world’s longest teak bridge (don’t worry, it’s safe!). The bridge spans more than two kilometers and offers fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.
Dinner will be at a restaurant specializing in the food of Mandalay.
Overnight at Sedona Hotel or similar in Mandalay.
HIGHLIGHT! The morning alms collection is an important part of daily life for the monks and for the Burmese people as it symbolizes “making merit” and also reminds Buddhists of their mutual inter-dependence.
Day 9
Monday, February 23, 2015 – Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho.
From Heho, it’s a scenic one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, we’ll stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.
We will then visit Red Mountain Winery, one of Myanmar’s only vineyards, for a tour, tasting and great views of the lake.
We’ll have lunch in town before going to the lake.
We’ll board a private motorboat to head out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. After a boat ride (about 45 minutes) to the hotel, we’ll check in and do some afternoon sightseeing around the lake, surrounded by the enchanting Shan Mountains, including a trip to a small village where you can see how the local people live.
Dinner and overnight at Villa Inle Resort & Spa or similar on Inle Lake.
HIGHLIGHT! You’ll enjoy a break from the heat as the weather on Inle Lake is much cooler than the rest of the destinations we’ll be visiting. You’ll also enjoy the vastly different people who live on and around the lake
Day 10
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 – Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, the group will set out for a local village where we’ll visit one of the famous five-day markets. Many of the local hilltribes come to the market dressed in their traditional clothes.
This market is fantastic for photography and shopping. Souvenirs abound while goods for the locals (fruits, vegetables, clothes, kitchen goods, etc.) are widely available.
We’ll also visit a lotus-weaving factory (where clothes are made from lotus plants and scarves are sold for as much as $200!), a blacksmith workshop and a cheroot (cigarette) making factory.
In the late morning, we’ll visit the newly opened Inle Heritage, where we’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy lunch. During our return to the hotel, we’ll boat around the villages and pass through the floating islands where people live and cultivate prolific gardens.
We’ll return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon on the lake. Note that there is a chance to get a massage at the resort.
Dinner and overnight at Villa Inle Resort & Spa or similar on Inle Lake.
HIGHLIGHT! The market is filled with tribal women dressed in their local garb. Each tribe can be identified by their colored woven head scarves and outfits as each dons a different color and weaving style.
Day 11
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 – Inle Lake – Indein
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll head to the middle of the lake and continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein. We’ll explore this area on foot and have the chance to stroll around the village and visit a local school. Here we’ll climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill that’s filled with ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
After lunch in Indein, we’ll return to the boat and continue along the lake for additional sightseeing before returning to the hotel for the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Villa Inle Resort & Spa or similar on Inle Lake.
Day 12
Thursday, February 26, 2015 – Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we’ll transfer back to Heho for the flight to Yangon.
Upon arrival, we’ll have the chance to do some last-minute sightseeing and shopping in downtown.
For our final dinner, we’ll eat at one of Yangon’s finest restaurants.
Overnight at Chatrium Hotel or similar in Yangon.
Day 13
Friday, February 27, 2015 – Yangon – Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure until we transfer to the airport for our onward flights.
** Itinerary subject to change without notice.
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Sorry you missed this tour. Please contact us if you’d like to be notified of future Burma tours. Or, please see our other tours listed at left.
Interested in sharing the cost with another traveler? We do our best to pair up travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing, please send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)
Final payment due no later than December 15, 2014.
Price includes: Accommodation in 3- to 4-star hotels, 35 meals, land transportation, in-country flights, local guides and entrance fees to pagodas.
Prices do not include: Flights to and from Myanmar, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), camera fees, personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, tips and beverages.
We recommend Insure My Trip for travel and/or evacuation insurance.
This trip is limited to 15 women and requires an $800 deposit to secure your spot.
Minimum bookings required: 5 people
Read our Booking Terms & Conditions
Registration Form Myanmar 2015 (tour closed)
For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:
WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860
Myanmar Culture and Pagoda Tour 2015 Itinerary (PDF)
Tour Leader
About Beth Whitman
Having traveled throughout Southeast Asia for more than 20 years, Beth finally visited this very special destination a few years ago just as the country began opening its doors to the outside world. Despite some truly horrific blemishes on its history, she finds the people to be friendly, intelligent, devout Buddhists and very eager to welcome tourists.
She’s thrilled to be returning with a group in order to show off the spectacular culture and architecture of this special country.
Related links:
Burma FAQs
Burma Photo Gallery