Large colorful markets, enchantment of the Inle Lake and Bagan, Shwedagon pagoda, ethnic encounters, magic of Bagan temples and pagodas, Mahamuni Buddha face washing ceremony, river activities, thanaka on the cheeks of women and children, processions of monks in the morning, and of course the Burmese smile!
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Yangon Day 2: Yangon tour Day 3: Yangon - Mandalay Day 4: Mandalay tour Day 5: Mandalay - Bagan, 200 km/5h drive Day 6: Bagan tour Day 7: Bagan by electric motorcycle Day 8: Bagan – Pindaya – Inle Lake Day 9: Inle Lake boat tour Day 10: Inle – Indein – Inle Day 11: Inle bike tour Day 12: Inle – Heho - Yangon departure
Highlight
Beautiful local markets in Yangon, Inle and Bagan
The lakeside villages and floating vegetable gardens at Inle Lake
The archaeological sites of Bagan
The ancient capitals in Mandalay
Full itinerary
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
Open and close
Arrival in Yangon. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, you‘ll have the possibility to venture into 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 Rangon early for a short domestic flight to Mandalay, which was the capital of the country until 1885. 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.Then, by 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. In the late afternoon, stroll on the teak bridge of U Bein, built in 1851, the ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Flight: 1h30
After breakfast, start your journey at Zegyo Central Market. A short hike will take you to the banks of the Irrawaddy passing by small pagodas, craft districts and a flower market. Then hop on a boat and sail up the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. The sampan ride is long enough to fully appreciate the life of the river. Discover the site of Mantara Gyi, an unfinished pagoda that measures only one third of the planned height. Then visit Myatheindan pagoda (1817) and its gigantic hanging bell Mingun weighing 90 tons. In the afternoon, explore the former royal palace and Shwe Nan Daw monastery, one of the most refined Burmese wood buildings. At the end of the day, 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.
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. This statue 4m tall statue was originally made in bronze but over the years, thousands of fervent Buddhists have completely covered in layers of gold leaf which currently measures at about 15cm thick. 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.
Car: 200 km/5h
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.
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.
Moto: 4-5h
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 craft with it. Overnight at the hotel.
Flight: 1h Car: 2h30
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 (15 km long by 6-8 km 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 Phe 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.
Boat: 4-5h
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, Indian, Maing Thauk, 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 this garden of stupas. Get back to Nyaungshwe in the late afternoon.
Boat: 4-5h
Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Nyaungshwe. Visit Shwe Yan Pyay, a lively teak monastery inhabited by many monks and novices, then the hot springs of Khaung Daing. Seize the opportunity to swim in the communal pools. While walking in this village, you’ll realize that one family out of two is involved in handicrafts. The afternoon will be spent on a pleasant bike ride to reach 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.
Bike: 2h
Transfer to Heho airport for a domestic flight to Yangon. International flight.
€ 1,020euro/personneUSD
The price includes
þ Accommodation and breakfasts in hotels on the accommodation list
þ Meals clearly mentioned in the program: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
þ The entrance fee to the sites
þ Competent English–speaking guides throughout the trip except the free days when it is mentioned clearly: without a guide
þ Private air – conditioned car for all land transport except free days when it is mentioned clearly: without driver
þ One litre of drinking water per person per day
þ Domestic flight in economy classlitre of drinking water per person per day
þ All logistic services necessary for the program
The price does not include
ý International flights and airport taxes from/to your country
ý Visa fees
ý Means of transport not mentioned in the program
ý Meals not mentioned in the program
ý Tipping for services: local guides, crew members, drivers, porters…
ý Drink, telephone, linen or all personal expenses not mentioned in the "price includes" section
You need to know
Trip price
All prices mentioned in the quotes provided to clients are in US Dollars (USD). Euros are accepted, but the exchange rate will be determined by the international website https://www.xe.com/ on the date the payment is made. iLOTUS TOURS guarantees the rates mentioned in the quotes, invoices, or documents given to the client. Upon payment of the deposit or the full price, we guarantee the price of your trip (excluding changes made by you). However, certain force majeure situations may require us to adjust our prices to meet the travel conditions described in the quote. These force majeure situations may include: • An unpredictable and significant increase in the rate of our local providers (hotels, trains, planes, junks, boats, road vehicles...) • A significant currency fluctuation that has a considerable impact on the exchange rate • The introduction of a new tax imposed by the government Proof of these force majeure events will be provided to the client. In these cases of force majeure, even after the deposit has been paid, the client may refuse these increases and cancel their trip. We commit to refunding the deposit you have paid.
Reservation and Confirmation
All reservations must be sent to iLOTUS TOURS by email at: contact@ilotustours.com • Registration must be accompanied by a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip and 100% of the cost of international flights. • The deposit required for trips lasting less than one week is 50% of the total trip cost. • A larger deposit may be required in the case of last-minute bookings or depending on the specific requests of certain high-category hotels or airlines. • The balance must be paid upon your arrival, without any reminder from our side. • Upon confirmation of the booking, an invoice will be sent to the client by email.
Payment
The trip can be paid for in cash, by bank transfer, by credit card, or through an application (Wise, Revolut, One Pay...): • Cash payments must be made at the iLOTUS TOURS office located in Hanoi, and the client will not be charged any payment fees. • Credit cards: we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB. Any bank fees are the responsibility of the client. • Bank transfer in US dollars or euros.
Cancellation by the Client
In the event of trip cancellation, all cancellations must be confirmed by email. The client must pay cancellation fees corresponding to the following rates: • 25% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 30 days before the trip start date. • 50% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 10 days before the trip start date. • 75% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS less than 3 days before the trip start date. • 100% of the total trip price, if the cancellation reaches iLOTUS TOURS 2 days before the trip start date or in case of no-show. For trips to Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, your travel advisor will provide you with all the information regarding the deposit and cancellation fees.
Cancellation by iLOTUS TOURS
iLOTUS TOURS reserves the right to cancel trips agreed upon with clients for reasons related to a force majeure situation: war or the threat of war, riots, a natural or nuclear disaster, a port blockade, looting, fires, and any terrorist activity, adverse weather conditions, an epidemic, quarantine, or any similar event. In all these cases of cancellation, iLOTUS TOURS will deduct the amount of these penalties from the deposit paid by the client but will refund the remaining amount to the client by bank transfer, with the client covering all bank fees.
