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Day 1: ARRIVAL AT MANDALAY
After arriving at Mandalay International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative. It is interesting to know that Mandalay is the last royal city of Myanmar kingdom. You will now be taken for some sightseeing in the city. The first place which you will visit is the U Bein bridge, which is not only the longest but also the oldest of its kind in the world. Then, you will visit the Mahamuni Pagoda. Built in 1785 by King Bodawpaya, it houses the image of Mahamuni Buddha, which is believed to have been consecrated by Buddha himself. It is one of the most visited religious sites in Myanmar. Overnight stay in Mandalay.
In the morning, make your way to the jetty for an enjoyable boat ride to Mingun. Enjoy the scenic views along the way. After arriving, get ready to explore the ruins of the colossal Mingun Pagoda. The pagoda, whose construction began at the end of the 18th century, is also referred to as the “biggest pile of bricks in the world”. Standing at a height of almost 50m, it offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Another marvelous piece of architecture which you will visit is the Hsinbyume Pagoda. Built-in 1816 by Prince Bagyidaw, its base is shaped like circular terraces which represent the seven mountain ranges surrounding Mt. Meru. Further, there is also a bell located in close proximity to the pagoda which is almost 13 ft tall and weighs 90 tons. After enjoying your sightseeing, get ready to sail back to Mandalay. In the afternoon, your sightseeing tour takes you to Mandalay Palace (the last palace built by the royal family), Shwenandaw Monastery (a teak monastery which captivates visitors with its intricate wood carvings), gold leaf beating workshop (where you are acquainted with the process of making gold leaf) and Kuthodaw Pagoda (which is also called the world’s largest book after the 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings). The last stop of the tour for the day is Mandalay Hill. From there, you can treat yourself to incredible views of the city below as well as the magnificent sunset. Overnight stay in Mandalay.
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Day 3: BAGAN SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Your day starts with a delicious breakfast after which you will catch a flight to Bagan, one of the most visited cultural hotspots of Myanmar. It is believed that this place was once home to more than 4,446 temples, of which 2,230 stand today. Some of the shrines which you will cover as part of your sightseeing tour are Ananda, Htilominlo, Thatbyinnyu, Dhammayangyi, Sulamani, and Shwezigon Pagoda. Two other places which you will visit are the Nyaung U market and the traditional workshops. Locally called Mani Sithu, it’s a great place to get a feel of the local culture and lifestyle. Stay overnight at Bagan.
On this day, depart for Bagan to catch a flight to Heho Airport. After arrival, enjoy a drive to Inle Lake. This entire day is devoted to sightseeing at Inle Lake. The lake is famous, among other things, for the unique lifestyle of Intha people. They are at once recognizable by their stilted houses which rise several feet above the lake. Intha people are also quite popular among tourists for their unique style of boat rowing. Other places which you will visit are Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (one of the region’s most highly revered monasteries, it houses five ancient images of the Buddha covered in gold leaf) and Nga Phe Chaung Monastery (which was built around 2000 years back and is the oldest and largest monastery in this region). Stay overnight at Inle Lake.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then set off for exploring the morning market at Inle Lake. Doing so lets you observe the lifestyle of the people and helps get acquainted with the local tribes that inhabit this region. After this, you will get transferred by road to Heho Airport to catch your flight for Yangon. After arriving at Yangon, complete your check-in formalities at the hotel. Then rest and relax for some time. In the afternoon, you will visit the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, whose main attraction is the 65 ft long Buddha statue. The next stop in your sightseeing tour is Shwedagon Pagoda. Seated atop a hill, it stands at almost 99m and houses, among other valuable items, the sacred relics of Gautam Buddha as well as three other Buddhas. You can also enjoy fabulous views of the sunset from the pagoda. Stay overnight at Yangon.
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Day 6: YANGON-DEPARTURE
Start the day with an early breakfast and then begin your Yangon sightseeing tour. The two places which you will visit are Sule Pagoda (one of the most famous landmarks of Yangon, the pagoda is immediately recognizable with its octagonal structure) and colonial-era buildings. You can also enjoy some delightful shopping at the Bogyoke (Scott) Market. Consisting of around 2,000 shops, it houses an enormous collection of souvenirs and handicrafts in Myanmar. It should be remembered that the market is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Return to the hotel to complete your check out formalities and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Get transferred to Yangon International Airport in the afternoon and catch a flight for your onward journey. Take home happy memories of the trip with the hope of visiting it again next time.