Sacred Sites & Local Insights: A 14-Day Cultural Journey of Myanmar

Highlights of the Trip

Experience the heart and soul of Myanmar on our captivating 14-day cultural tour, tailored for those eager to immerse themselves in local life and witness the country’s iconic landmarks and Buddhist sites. Commencing in Yangon, you will embark on a journey that traverses the rich mosaic of Myanmar’s culture and heritage.

Your exploration begins in Yangon, where you will gasp at the Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha and bask in the golden aura of the Grand Shwedagon Pagoda, a testament to the nation’s devout Buddhist tradition. You will also venture to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, the famous Golden Rock. Discover Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kanbawzathadi Palace, Shwetharlyaung, and the four-facing Buddha images, enriching our understanding of Myanmar’s history. In Mandalay, embrace an enchanting tour of Innwa, witness the mesmerising sunset at U Bein Bridge, and explore Mingun by boat. During this tour, you will also explore Bagan, a treasure trove of ancient temples. Delve into local life at markets and explore landmarks like Shwezigon Pagoda and Htilominlo Temple. Discover charming rural villages to admire local life and traditional customs.

During your adventure, you will also explore an elephant sanctuary near Inle Lake, followed by a forest exploration and a visit to the Sprouting Seed Café and Bakery. Witness the beauty of the country by exploring Nyaung Shweon bike, where you will visit the bustling Nyaung Shwe Market and meditate at the serene Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. You will also discover Yangon via an engaging city tour on foot, delving into the heart of downtown Yangon and experiencing the vibrant cultures of Little China and Little India Town.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Yangon

• Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha: Famous for its large reclining Buddha image. The statue measures approximately 65 meters (213 feet) in length, making it one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar.
• Grand Shwedagon Pagoda: One of the most iconic and revered religious sites in Myanmar.
• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda: The principal attraction of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is the massive granite boulder covered in gold leaf, which appears to balance precariously on the edge of a cliff.
• Shwemawdaw Pagoda: Famous for being the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. Its main stupa stands at a height of about 114 meters (374 feet).
• Kanbawzathadi Palace: The palace of King Bayinnaung, who ruled the Taungoo Dynasty in the 16th century.
• Shwetharlyaung and the Four Facing Buddha Images: The statue is an important cultural and historical symbol, reflecting Myanmar’s rich Buddhist heritage and artistic traditions.
• Yangon City Hall: This building is an excellent example of colonial architecture. It was designed by Burmese architect U Tin in the traditional Burmese architectural style but with significant colonial influences.

Mandalay

• Ava (Innwa): Over the centuries, Ava was the capital of various Burmese dynasties, including the Ava Kingdom, the Toungoo Dynasty, and the Konbaung Dynasty.
• Mae Nu Stucco Monastery: Renowned for its intricate stucco art and historical and spiritual significance.
• Bagaya Monastery: A hidden gem that holds a rich history and striking architecture. This is one of the most well-preserved wooden monasteries in the country.
• Pon Daw Phaya: A five-metre-high miniature stupa thought to represent the intended design of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi.
• Set Taw Ya Phaya: The vaulted shrine with a footprint of Buddha.
• Mingun Bell: One of the most iconic objects in Myanmar, this bronze bell stands 12 feet and weighs 90,718 pounds!
• Ku Tho Daw Pagoda: An exquisite and impressive pagoda sitting atop a hill, offering striking panoramic views over Myanmar. Here, you will also see the ‘world’s biggest book’!

Bagan

• Shwezigon Pagoda: This pagoda was built during the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century. It was completed by King Kyansittha, Anawrahta’s successor, in 1102 AD.
• Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Temple: This temple exemplifies the traditional Burmese architectural style of the Bagan period.
• Lay Myat Hnar Monastery: A testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage and spiritual significance of Myanmar.
• Mt. Popa: A prominent volcano and pilgrimage site. Mount Popa is associated with nats, which are believed to be powerful spirits or deities in Burmese folk religion.

Kalaw

• Kalaw’s Hnee Pagoda: Dating back to the 19th century, this pagoda was built by the Shan Prince, Sao Maung Maung, as a tribute to Budda.
• Christ the King Church: A beautiful and historic church built in the early 1930’s.

Inle Lake

• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: Highly revered by locals and is a major religious site in the region. It is considered one of the holiest sites in Myanmar.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Sunset Views at U Bein Bridge: This bridge provides a picturesque setting, especially during sunset, as the sun casts a warm glow on the teakwood structure and reflects off the waters of the lake. Many visitors walk along the bridge to enjoy the panoramic views. The western side of the bridge is particularly popular for sunset watching. Experiencing the sunset at U Bein Bridge is not only about the visual spectacle but also about appreciating the cultural and historical significance of this iconic structure. It’s a tranquil and mesmerizing moment that captures the essence of Myanmar’s beauty.

Local Markets: Myanmar is known for its vibrant and diverse markets, where you can experience the local culture, sample traditional foods, and shop for unique products. When visiting these markets, it’s essential to be respectful of local customs, bargain politely, and explore the unique products and flavours each market has to offer.

Black Bean Curd Workshop: This unique experience allows visitors to not only indulge in the local cuisine but also learn about the traditional process of making black bean curd, a staple food in Myanmar. The workshop takes place in a small village near Bagan, where a group of local women have been making black bean curd for generations. As soon as you enter the workshop, you are greeted by the earthy aroma of the beans, immediately putting your taste buds on high alert. The women, with their graceful movements and expert hands, take you through the process of making this traditional food.

Minnanthu: This village is known for its peaceful and less crowded atmosphere compared to some other areas in Bagan. The landscape is dotted with temples and offers scenic views, making it a popular area for exploration by both tourists and archaeology enthusiasts. Minnanthu allows visitors to experience a more intimate and authentic interaction with the local community. Some temples may have caretakers or local villagers who can share stories about the temples and their history.

Myinkabar Village: A small, picturesque village located in the heart of Myanmar. Surrounded by lush green paddy fields and rolling hills, this village is known for its serene atmosphere and traditional way of life. The villagers here are mostly farmers and live a simple yet content life, far away from the hustle and bustle of city living. The village is named after the ancient ruins of an old palace, which can be found on the outskirts of the village. It is believed that this palace once belonged to a powerful king who ruled the land hundreds of years ago.

Toddy Field: Toddy palm jaggery, commonly known as “htan ye” in Myanmar, is a traditional sweetener made from the sap of toddy palms. The toddy palm (Borassus flabellifer) is a type of palm tree found in various parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar. The sap extracted from the inflorescence of toddy palms is used to make toddy palm jaggery, a sweet and natural product. Toddy palm jaggery holds cultural significance in Myanmar, where it has been used for generations as a natural sweetener.

Elephant Camp (Elephant Sanctuary): At Elephant Camp, visitors have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the elephants and their mahouts (traditional elephant trainers), from bathing and feeding to training and trekking through the stunning landscapes of Inle Lake. The camp is home to over 30 elephants, all of whom have either been rescued from logging or domestic work or born at the camp. This creates a safe and natural environment for the elephants to live in and helps to prevent them from being taken out of the wild for tourism purposes.

Bike around Nyaung Shwe: Enjoying Nyaung Shwe by bike offers unique cultural insights. Ride through local neighbourhoods, greet friendly residents, visit bustling markets and sample street food. Discover traditional workshops like silversmiths and blacksmiths and witness the town’s daily life, all while enjoying the scenic landscapes and cultural interactions.

Little China and Little India: Both Little China and Little India are located relatively close to each other, and you can easily explore them on foot. Taking a stroll through these neighbourhoods allows you to experience the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Yangon over the years. It’s a journey into the city’s multicultural past and present. Whether you’re interested in trying diverse cuisines, shopping for unique items, or exploring religious and cultural landmarks, Little China and Little India in Yangon offer immersive experiences for visitors seeking cultural diversity within the city.

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including ‘mohinga,‘ a popular breakfast noodle soup. This dish consists of rice noodles in a fish-based broth, usually made with catfish, flavoured with lemongrass, ginger, and other spices. It is then topped with crunchy fried fritters, boiled eggs, and coriander. Another dish that is a staple in Myanmar cuisine is ‘lahpet thoke’ or tea leaf salad. This dish is made with fermented tea leaves, mixed together with fried garlic, peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy fried beans.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Sightseeing Trip to Mingun by Boat.

Slow Boat Cruise down the Irrawaddy River to watch the Sunset.

Inle Lake Boat Tour: Visit typical floating gardens and enjoy local methods of fishing.

Accommodation of this Tour

Yangon: Park Royal Hotel(Superior) 4*.

Mandalay: Eastern Palace Hotel (Deluxe) 4*.

Bagan: Amata Garden Resort (Amata Deluxe) 4*.

Kalaw: Pine Hill Hotel (Deluxe) 4*.

Inle Lake: Novotel Inle Lake (Junior Suite) 4*.