THE COLORS OF MYANMAR 8 DAYS

Arrival in Mandalay, last capital of Burma before the British arrived. Depending on your arrival, you will be able to climb Sagaing Hill to admire the sunset. From the top, 230 m above the plain, enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city beyond the crenellated ramparts of the palace, while to the east, in a bluish haze, are outlined Shan hills. Overnight at the hotel.

Aboard a local boat, cross an arm of the Irrawaddy River to reach Ava, the former capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841. A local carriage will take you on a discovery trip: first the Daw Gyan pagoda, the ancient palace with its observation tower Nan -Myint, some religious buildings lost in nature, then Kyaung Bagaya. This wooden monastery is supported by 267 teak pillars - the largest of which is 18 m high and 2.7 m in circumference. Transfer to the Monastery of Tha Kya Dita to observe female monks, and a hundred young monks in an interesting ceremony where they pray and sing Buddhist songs before taking their only meal of the day. In the afternoon, explore the former royal palace and Shwe Nan Daw monastery, one of the most refined Burmese wood buildings. In the late afternoon, walk on the teak bridge of U Bein, built in 1851, to watch the sunset. Overnight at the hotel.

Before leaving Mandalay, visit Paya Mahamuni (The Great Sage pagoda) southwest of the city center. The main piece of this famous pagoda is a venerated statue of Mahamuni seated. Originally made in bronze, this 4m tall statue has been completely covered in gold leaf, which forms a layer about 15 cm thick, by fervent Buddhists over time. Around Mahamuni, shopping streets will give you the opportunity to find Burmese souvenirs: bronze bells, teak wood statues and jade bracelets. Transfer to Bagan on the national road 2. Stop on the way at Ta Mait Tha village to take a short walk. Learn about the daily life of the Burmese by meeting with welcoming villagers and discovering local craft trades: basketry and a factory of traditional cigarettes. Arrival in Bagan in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Bagan (Pagan) is the most amazing site in the country, if not all of Southeast Asia. Today, you will have a big day exploring the Old Bagan, the heart of the archeological area. It contains the most important temples, the walls of the ancient city and a museum. First head to the colorful market of Nyaung U, an essential place in the local life. The journey continues, visit the Shwezigon Pagoda (the most revered in Bagan) and the Ananda Temple (the most beautiful one) originally dedicated to the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, famous for its Indian architecture.
In the afternoon, visit the archaeological museum of Bagan which has on display a large number of religious representations and items found in the temples nearby. Next, a stroll in small villages will allow you to discover a typical rural life and some crafts: wickerwork and manufacture of lacquered products. Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.

After breakfast, head to Bagan airport for a flight to Heho. Upon arrival, transfer by private car to Pindaya to explore its famous caves and the daily life of its community: the Taung-yo ethnic group. Visit the caves by horse and cart and then on foot. Over the centuries, more than 8,000 Buddha statues have been laid there in different ways. Then, meet local artisans to learn about the manufacture of shan paper made from mulberry bark, and the umbrellas they’re crafting with it. Overnight at the hotel.
1h flight and 2h30 drive

Hop on a sampan and navigate on the Inle Lake, one of the most important sites of Burma. Located 900 m above sea level, this large lake (15km long by 6-8km wide) has an irresistible charm. Villagers grow many varieties of flowers, vegetables and fruits: tomato, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, garlic, betel, melon, papaya and banana. Visit remarkable floating gardens, and lake villages mainly inhabited by Intha. You will be amazed by the unique method used by the fishermen of the lake, and certainly charmed by the peaceful beauty of the lake itself. Venture into Nga Phye Chaung Monastery and Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (5 golden Buddha statues). Stop to find about some craft trades: a traditional cigar factory, a fishing boat factory and a silver jewelry factory.
4-5h boat ride

Transfer to Heho airport to take a domestic flight to Yangon. In the afternoon, take a look at Bogyoke Aung San Market (closed on Mondays and holidays). It's a shoe and clothing market. Beautiful fabrics (batiks, silks, and cotton) are sold by the meter. Antiques and souvenirs are along the central alley. In the late afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous in the country for its 98 meters high stupa covered with gold. The setting sun darting its last rays on the golden dome offers a magical spectacle. Overnight at the hotel.