Fascinating Highlights of Myanmar: Private Tour - 20 Days

Fascinating Highlights of Myanmar - 20 Days

Price from US$ 3759 / PP

Itinerary

Start and end in Rangoon! With the In-depth Cultural tour Fascinating Highlights of Myanmar: Private Tour, you have a 20 days tour package taking you through Rangoon, Myanmar (Burma) and 9 other destinations in Myanmar (Burma). Fascinating Highlights of Myanmar: Private Tour includes accommodation in a hotel as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Yangon Hit the streets of Myanmar's most cosmopolitan city on this fascinating journey into Yangon. Packed with pagodas and crammed with colonial relics, Yangon is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia.
Pindaya is a pretty town set amidst the beautiful countryside of Shan State. In April/May, the surrounding rolling hills turn a sunburnt red where you could be mistaken for the olive groves of Andalucia.
Inle Lake The Intha people are the Lake dwellers who are unique for their leg rowing. Leg rowed traditional boats are the main ceremonial attractions of the Inle Lake.
Mandalay is best known not only for it's rich traditional, cultural and spiritual splendor but also exquisite handicraft such as hand-woven embroidery in silk and cotton, the incredible process of making gold leaves, wood and stone carving and bronze casting etc.
Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Ayeyarwaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era
Salay was the home of famous writer and poet of Bagan era called “Salay U Ponya” whose works are still studied and referred by many modern Myanmar scholars.
Mawlamyine is one of the Orient's most picturesque ports. It is a good place in which to experience Myanmar's spiritual side at various Buddhist shrines.

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, pick up and transfer to the hotel for check in.

Overnight in Yangon.

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Accommodation: RGN City Lodge Hotel 3* or similar

Today we enjoy a full day city tour including the SULE PAGODA which is well-known for its octagonal- shape. The pagoda is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. Next, visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM which contains an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, works of art, inscriptions and historic memorabilia, related to history, culture and civilization of Burmese people. After that, visit BOGYOKE AUNG SAN MARKET (Scott Market) which is known for its handicrafts, clothing and fabrics.

In the afternoon, visit BOTATAUNG PAGODA which was named after the thousand military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over 2000 years ago & NGADATKYI PAYA with a giant seated Buddha image. Then visit the SHWEDAGON PAGODA. No visit to Myanmar is complete without a visit to this 2,500 pagoda since it is the most sacred and impressive Buddhist site for the people of the Union of Myanmar & one of the wonders of the religious world. It is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds. Overnight at hotel in Yangon.

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Accommodation: RGN City Lodge Hotel 3* or similar

In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. On arrival, transfer to Pindaya, a quiet town perched on the bank of the placid Pone Ta Lote Lake. Visit the famous limestone caves called PINDAYA CAVES where thousands of Buddha images have been consecrated for worship over the centuries. Then visit SHWE U MIN PAYA, a cluster of low stupas.

Overnight in Pindaya.

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Accommodation: Golden Cave Hotel 3* or similar

Morning leave Pindaya for Inle Lake. On arrival, enjoy an interesting boat cruise on Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar which contains a number of endemic species. You will have chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery & see the Intha fishermen rowing flat-ended canoes with one leg while using both hands to fish. Visit the floating gardens bursting with tomatoes, beans and other products. After that, visit a colourful market and an Intha village around the lake. Continue to PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, an important religious site in the Shan State, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE & NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

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Accommodation: Mount Inle Hotel 3* or similar

Today continue the boat trip to the western bank of the lake, leads to a stairway to the hidden INDEIN temple complex. A Buddha image has enshrined at a whitewashed stupa, which is on the summit of a hill. Below the stupa around the hill are cluster of hundreds of ancient stupas most are ruins overgrown with bushes. The pagoda hill is quiet and calm. One could feel the pleasant cool breeze with the sweet rings of the bells hanging at the umbrella of the stupa. Mesmerizing view from pagoda hill releases the fatigue and refreshes everybody who ascends to the peak. Then pass by the rice fields to the village of SAE MA. Visit a monastery before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

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Accommodation: Mount Inle Hotel 3* or similar

Morning drive to KAKKU TEMPLE COMPLEX which lies at a high altitude near Inle Lake, boasts an impressive temple complex of over 2800 individual pagodas, built in the 12th and 13th centuries. This mountainous area is still largely undiscovered by tourism, and in this forest of pagoda peaks you will encounter pilgrims from all of the different mountain tribes, particularly the Pa-O with their colourful headscarves. On festive days, such as the end of the Buddhist Lent, a vibrant market is set up by the pagodas. Then turn back to your hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

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Accommodation: Mount Inle Hotel 3* or similar

Free at leisure until cruising back to the mainland for the flight from Heho to Mandalay. On arrival, pick up & transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Mandalay.

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Accommodation: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar

Today we continue the tour to MAHAMUNI PAYA, the most important Buddhist site in the city. Mahamuni Paya is a large complex south of the centre. At the heart of the pagoda is a 3.8 metre-tall Buddha figure. Male devotees visit to apply gold leaf to the figure; women are not allowed within the inner area and instead hand their gold leaf to a male assistant. The figure itself is said to weigh six tones and the gold leaf covering it adds another two tones. At 4 am each day crowds gather while the face, pretty much the only part not covered in gold leaf, is washed. If you can get up in time then it’s fascinating to witness. After that, visit a CRAFT WORKSHOP specializing in the famous arts such as bronze-casting, marble carving, wood carving & puppetry.

In the afternoon, head to SHWENANDAW KYAUNG Temple, a grand example of 19th century Burmese teak architecture, and the most significant of Mandalay's historic buildings. Next, visit KYAUKAWGYI PAYA, the pagoda of the “Great Marble Image,” situated near the southern entry to Mandalay Hill. Continue to the elegant SANDAMANI PAYA Pagoda. The primary attraction of this place must be the 1774 marble slabs; all inscribed with commentaries on the Tripitaka, which sre the Buddhist religious writings. Then visit KUTHODAW PAYA which is also known as the world’s biggest book.

Overnight in Mandalay.

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Accommodation: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast at hotel, drive to AMARAPURA and visit MAHAGANDAYON MONASTERY where you will see the monks and novices lining up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists at mid-morning. Next, head to SAGAING, a religious and monastic center, with numerous Buddhist monasteries. Visit some of the most famous temples including TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of many Elephants. Cross the Irrawaddy River by ferry to INWA. Take a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside to visit BAGAYA KYAUNG monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG and NAN MYINT TOWER. En route, stop and explore how local artisans make the alms bowls out of iron. Then return to AMARAPURA. Visit the U BEIN’S BRIDGE, which is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world.

Overnight in Mandalay.

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Accommodation: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar

In the morning, take a boat ride away from Mandalay, along the Ayeyarwady River to the little town of MINGUN. The main attraction of Mingun is the ruined MINGUN PAYA, an functioning Buddhist temple with the remains of a massive stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The temple was not completed, due to an astronomer claiming that, once the temple was finished, the King would die. You will also have chance to wander all over the village and explore the daily life of the local people. After visiting some other nearby pagodas, return by boat to Mandalay. Next, visit the main central market named Zeigyo (Zay Cho). Enjoy the sunset on Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay.

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Accommodation: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar

In the morning, drive to the resort town PYIN OO LWIN located some 67 kilometers east of Mandalay. Pyin Oo Lwin is also known as "Pan Myo Daw", means "The City of Flowers", for its different species and colorful flowers grown intensively. It is also well known for its colonial style houses with large compound and pine trees, unique horse carriages in town. Visit the BOTANICAL GARDEN, a must-see attraction in this town. Continue to PURCELL TOWER standing in the heart of the town. The clock was one of the few made in 1934 by Gillete and Johnson Co. of England in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of King George V of Britain. On the top of the hill enjoy a spectacular view on the idyllic town. After that, visit the CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Then visit PEIK CHIN MYAUNG CAVE, a limestone stalactite cave situated south of Wetwun village, near Pyin Oo Lwin.

Overnight in Mandalay.

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Accommodation: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar

Morning leave Mandalay for Bagan, the ancient city with more than 2000 pagodas and temples. On arrival in Bagan, pick up & transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Bagan.

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Accommodation: Floral Breeze Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast at hotel, visit SHWEZIGON PAYA (pagoda, stupa or zedi), one of the most significant religious buildings in Myanmar. It is a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country and marked an important development in the relationship between traditional Burmese religion and Theravada Buddhism. The pagoda is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. Proceed to GUBYAUKHYI TEMPLE at Wetkyi-Inn. This temple with its impressive architecture was built in the early 13th century and has great colourful painting about the previous life of Buddha. Next, visit ANANDA PAHTO, one of the finest, largest & best preserved of the Bagan temples. Continue to GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE at Myinkaba. It was built in 1113 by Kyansittha's son Rajakumar, on his father's death. The inner sanctum is decorated with frescoes, which have been restored. Under each painting is an account, in ancient Mon script, of the tale it depicts. After that, visit the MANUHA TEMPLE enshrining the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining image Buddha. Then visit the stunning SHWESANDAW PAYA. It is not only Pyay’s major point of interest, but also one of the country’s biggest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Just over 3 feet taller than the main zedi at Yangon’s Shwedagon, the Shwesandaw stupa follows the classic Burmese design seen at Bagan’s Shwezigon.

End of the day with a visit to one of the LACQUERWARE WORKSHOP in the villages around Bagan to learn about the painstaking process of lacquer ware making and decoration.

Overnight in Bagan.

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Accommodation: Floral Breeze Hotel 3* or similar

Today enjoy a day trip to Mount Popa which is about 50km away from Bagan. A two to 3 hour hike up to the peak will reward you with a spectacular view. If the weather is clear you might even spot the temples of Bagan. Mt Popa's spiritual importance is expressed by the many golden stupas along the way and on top of the crater rim. The flanks of the volcano are covered by dense vegetation, a paradise for bird watchers and botanists. You can also observe many curious monkeys on the way to the top. The upper third of the climb is bare and it can get very hot even in December / January. On top there is a stunning must-see Buddhist monastery with shrines for the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region, accessible by taking 777 steps.

Continue and explore the local life in the unspoiled Burmese town Salay, the oldest surviving wooden monastery, with beautiful carvings of court life and scenes from the Ramayana. Then visit the market and the Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery, which also serves as orphanage.

Overnight in Bagan.

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Accommodation: Floral Breeze Hotel 3* or similar

Today enjoy a full day tour in Bagan including the MAHABODHI TEMPLE which is modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple located in Bihar, India. The temple is built in an architectural style typical during the Gupta period, and contains a large pyramidal tower with many niches containing over 450 images of Buddha. Then visit the DHAMAYANGYI TEMPLE, the largest temple in Bagan & Thatbyinnyu Temple which is shaped like a cross, but is not symmetrical. It has two primary storeys with the seated Buddha image located on the second storey.

Overnight in Bagan.

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Accommodation: Floral Breeze Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast at hotel, pick up & transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon. On arrival in Yangon, drive straight to BAGO. Here visit the local monastery to understand more about the daily life of the monks. Next, visit the SHWETHALYAUNG RECLINING BUDDHA, the second largest Buddha in the world & SHWEMAWDAW PAYA which is referred to as the Golden God Temple. Continue to visit KYAIK PUN PAYA, home to the Four Seated Buddha shrine, a 27 m statue depicting the Buddha seated in four positions, sitting back to back. After that, visit MAHA KALYANI SIMA which is also called ‘Sacred Hall or Ordination’. Then drive to Kyaikhtiyo.

Overnight in Kyaikhtiyo.

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Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Hotel 3* or similar

Morning visit KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA, also known as Golden Rock. It is a small pagoda built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair. The balancing rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. The rock and the pagoda are at the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism. After that, proceed to Mawlamyine. En route, stop to visit BAYING NYI NAUNG GU, a natural limestone cave with few open-air hot springs at the base of the hill for the public who wish to dip in the hot water. Drive to HPA AN, a picturesque and laid back town that sits on the eastern bank of the Thanlwin (Salween) river. Visit SHWE YIN MYAW PAYA and have a look at the beautiful, sacred and monolithic Mount Zwegabin (sometimes spelt Zwekabin).

Overnight in Mawlamyine.

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Accommodation: Royal Hinthar Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast at hotel, go by ferry to BILU KYUN, also called ogre island. Visit the local villages and visit home industries making pipes, ballpoint pens, rubber bands, coconut-fiber ropes and other items.

Overnight in Mawlamyine.

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Accommodation: Royal Hinthar Hotel 3* or similar

In the morning take a boat trip to GAUNGSE KYU which is also known as Shampoo Island as long ago royal hair-washing ceremonies were held there. Then drive from Mawlamyine to Yangon. En route, stop at THATON which was an important centre for the Mon kingdom that stretched from the Irrawaddy River delta to similar deltas in Thailand. Along the highway are colonial mansions and thatched-roof homes and a few older stupas on hillsides surrounding the town.

Overnight in Yangon.

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Accommodation: RGN City Lodge Hotel 3* or similar

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

End of services. Good bye and see you again in the next adventures with Legend Travel Group!

Airport transfer included!

What's Included

Accommodations based on twin/double sharing with daily buffet breakfast. All taxes and service charges included.

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Basic 3 stars Hotels Accommodation:

Yangon: RGN City Lodge Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Bagan: Floral Breeze Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Mandalay: Shwe Ingyinn Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Inle Lake: Mount Inle Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Kyaikhtiyo: Golden Sunrise Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Pindaya: Golden Cave Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

Mawlamyine: Royal Hinthar Hotel 3* or similar (Superior Room)

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Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. Final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Included:

All Domestic flight tickets with airport taxes, service charges (Economic class)

Checked baggage 20kg + Handing Luggage 7kg

Professional English speaking tour guide en-route.

Meals indicated in the Itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Accommodation in twin or double sharing room with daily breakfast

Domestic flight tickets with airport taxes

Entrance fees (except museum)

Boat trips as mentioned

One purified drinking water and one refreshment tissue per person per day

Private A/C vehicle en-route

Plane

Travel Insurance is not covered by Legend Travel Group

International flights (IN/OUT Myanmar)

Pre, post tour accommodation

Other meals not mentioned

Travel Insurance

Christmas & New Year Eve

Visa to Myanmar

Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, camera fees, laundry service, phone charges, etc

NOTICE TO TOURIST VISA APPLICANTS

1. You will need the following before you apply:

a. Your passport validity must have at least (6) months.

b. You have to upload one COLOR PHOTO (4.6 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3)months.

c. Visa, Master, JCB credit cards for the Online Visa payment.

2. A proof of return ticket from Myanmar must be attached to the application.

3. A proof of hotel booking must be attached to the application. Tourists must stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest house and resort during your stay in Myanmar.

4. Travelers must have the following documents:

a. A certificate for full vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14 days before arrival to Myanmar, with one of the following vaccines which has been approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Vaccine Certificate must be attached to the application. (The name of vaccine, country and date(s) of vaccination must be clearly stated in the certificate, along with the particulars of the travelers according to their passport.)

- CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech Ltd.)၊

- AstraZeneca or Covishield (AstraZeneca & University of Oxford/SK Bioscience (Korea) /Siam BioScience/ Serum Institute of India (SII))၊

- Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Comirnaty (Pfizer Inc., & BioNTech)

- Janssen or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of Johnson & Johnson)

- Moderna (ModernaTX, Inc.)

- Sinopharm or COVILO or BIBP-CorV (Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd)

- Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) (Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology)

- Sputnik Light (Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology)

- Covaxin by Bharat Biotech

- Myancopharm by Ministry of Industry, Myanmar

- Nuvaxovid (NVX-CoV2373) vaccine, Novavax Co.,Ltd

- COVOVAX (NVx-CoV2372), Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.၊

- CorBEvax TM, Biological E, Limited

(Children under 12 years old are exempted from this requirement, if they travel with fully vaccinated parent(s) or guardian(s). The name of vaccine, country and date(s) of vaccination must be clearly stated in English, along with the particulars of the travelers according to their passport.)

b. Inbound Travel Accident Insurance Policy with COVID-19 coverage purchased from Myanma Insurance. Insurance Certificate must be attached to the application. (Detailed information can be obtained at the Myanmar Insurance’s website www.mminsurance.gov.mm and the insurance can be purchased online at www.mminsurance.gov.mm/inbound-travel-accident-insurance.)

5. Travelers must present a printed copy of each document mentioned in the paragraph 1 to airline staffs upon check-in before boarding the aircraft destined for Myanmar as well as to the respective airport health authorities upon arrival to Myanmar.

6. Travelers must submit a Health Declaration Form to the respective airport health authorities upon arrival to Myanmar. (A legal action will be taken against a traveler, if he or she provides any incorrect information in the Health Declaration Form.)

7. Travelers shall be subject to a thermal screening and necessary health check to be conducted by the respective airport health authorities, upon arrival to Myanmar.

8. Travelers must undergo a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) at the place designated by the Ministry of Health and airport authorities and must bear the cost of 15,000 MMK.

9. Travelers shall report to the respective health authorities if they have developed signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during their stay in Myanmar. (Contact details of the respective health departments can be obtained from the designated hotels.)

10. Travelers shall be immediately isolated and taken to a hospital or treatment center or hotel designated by the MOH as per health protocols, if they are found to be symptomatic of COVID-19 or they are tested positive for COVID-19 during the RDT test.

11. If the result is negative, travelers are allowed to go about their activities.

12. Travelers must strictly follow the instructions made by the respective health authorities. Any breach will result in legal action in accordance with the existing laws and procedures.

13. The stipulations are subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation.

60 days or more prior to departure 5% of the cost of the tour is forfeited

30-59 days prior departure: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited

15-29 days prior to departure: 20% of the cost of the tour is forfeited

7-14 days prior to departure: 50% of the cost of the tour is forfeited

Within 6 days prior to departure: 90 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited

Child under 5 years old is = 50% Adult`s cost.. Sharing the same existing bed with parents

Child from 5 - 11 years old = 75% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents

Child from 12 - up = 100% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents

Triple room = 3 Persons sharing one room (01 Double Bed + 01 Single Bed)

Sun Glasses

Sun Block

Wide Brim Hat

Insect Repellent

Swimming Suits

Warm Clothes (winter time from November to April)

Original Passports

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