THE TREASURES OF MYANMAR 13 DAYS

 Arrival in Yangon. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, you will have the opportunity to explore the colonial district, Chinatown and a local market to discover Burmese colors and smells. Overnight at the hotel.

Explore Bogyoke Aung San Market, a shoe and clothing market (closed on Mondays and holidays). Beautiful fabrics (batiks, silks, and cotton) are sold by the meter. Antiques and souvenirs are along the central alley. Continue your journey and head to the pagoda Chaukhtut Gyi - the tin roof of this pavilion shelters a colossal reclining Buddha of 70 meters long. The morning will end at the National Museum which displays interesting pieces, such as the lion-shaped Simhasana throne where sat Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king. In the 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.

Leave the ancient capital to transfer to Kyaikto and its Golden Rock Stupa. Stop several times along the way to meet villagers and discover their daily life. Wander in a large local market in Bego (80 km from Yangon). Arrival in the late afternoon at the small town of Kinpun (Kinmon). Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Overnight at a local inn.

Short transfer by car to Kinpun, the village of pilgrims between Kyaikto and the Golden Rock. Start a 13km trek on a winding path to reach the shrine. You’ll walk through beautiful undergrowth, rubbing shoulders with pilgrims, especially in the dry season. Along the way, shrines tell the legend of the creation of the temple. Once at the top, spend the night at the hotel near the Golden Rock to enjoy the special atmosphere of this site all night long!

After breakfast, transfer to Loikaw. Along the way, you’ll see the landscape subtly changing. In Loikaw, it is mainly the cultivation of maize, millet and rice that prevails. Overnight at the hotel.

Loikaw is the home country of Kayah. Kayah women are better known by the nickname "Giraffe women" given to them in the 1950s by the polish explorer Vitold de Golish. They are called Padaung ("Long neck") by the Burmese. Vitold de Golish had also given them the nickname "Elephant wives" because they traditionally wrapped plant fibers around their knees, but nowadays only for parties and celebrations. Early in the morning, visit the Thirimingala Market which is frequented by several ethnic groups including the Padaung. Then, a car transfer will take you to the hamlet of Pemsong, where you’ll meet the famous Kayah ethnic group, one of the emblems of Kayah State. Visit traditional homes and get acquainted with their way of life. Afterwards, head to a local musician’s home to hear and learn to play traditional instruments. Continue your journey in Kayah people’s lives, discover their traditional costumes, and try them on. Overnight in Loikaw.

Transfer by car to Nyaungshwe, a small town near Inle Lake. Upon arrival, visit Shwe Yan Pyay, a lively teak monastery inhabited by many monks and novices. Then, a short transfer will take you to the small hill of Taung Che. The path climbs gently up to reach the winery of "Red Mountain". Enjoy a wine tasting of four varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Selection, Syrah and Shiraz-Tempranillo while watching the sun set behind the mountains.

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 here: 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

Still by local sampan, visit one of the multi-ethnic markets of the region which take place once every 5 days. It could be either Nampan, Indiain, Maingthauk, Phaung Daw Oo or Ywama according to schedule. You will come across vegetables, fresh fish caught in the lake, Shan bags, farm implements, embroidered shirts and longis, tapestries, jewelry and all the usual memories. Then stop at Indein, the former Shan capital, to discover his garden of stupas. Get back to Nyaungshwe in the late afternoon.

Transfer to Heho airport to take an internal flight to Bagan. This city is the most amazing place in the country, if not all of Southeast Asia. This afternoon will be spent 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. Your guide will take you to visit both of the richest archaeological sites in Asia: 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. Overnight in Bagan.

An electric motorcycle is the perfect means of transport to explore Bagan area. Riding on paved roads  and sandy paths with little traffic is pleasant and fun. Discover the imposing Dhammayangyi Temples, Htilominlo, Gubyaukgyi Temple in Myingabar with its stunning Jataka murals and create lasting memories. Continue your beautiful journey by venturing into monuments and bring your day to a peaceful end on the terrace of a temple - a perfect spot to admire the sunset.
4-5h electric motorcycle ride

Early in the morning, head to the colorful market of Nyaung U, an essential place in the local life. Then 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. Transfer to the airport and flight to Yangon.

Free time and departure.