General Information
Duration: 10 days/9 nights
Tour Routine: Mandalay – Mingun – Bagan – Mt Popa – Yangon – Ngapali Beach
Start/End: Mandalay/Yangon
Tour Style: Landscape, In-depth Cultural
Guides: Myanmar Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private First-class Air-conditioned Vehicles
Brief Itinerary:
3-Night Cruise with Strand Cruise
Day 1: Mandalay Arrival (-)
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun (B, L, D)
Day 3: Mandalay – Ava (B, L, D)
Day 4: Bagan Exploration (B, L, D)
Post-cruise
Day 5: Bagan Sunrise – Village Discovery (B)
Day 6: Bagan Morning Hot-Air Balloon – Popa visit – Overnight at Popa (B)
Day 7: Bagan – Yangon sightseeing (B)
Day 8: Yangon – Ngapali Beach (B)
Day 9: Ngapali Beach Relaxation (B)
Day 10: Ngapali – Yangon – Departure (B)
Full Itinerary:
Day 1: Mandalay Arrival (-)
Mingalabar! Welcome to Mandalay – the former royal capital of Myanmar. On arrival, welcome by Go Myanmar’s local tour guide at the airport then directly transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun (B, L, D)
A full day to discover the wonder and vista of the royal capital. Start the day with a scenic drive to Amarapura to behold the allure of U Bein Bridge – the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world at sunrise. Take a boat trip to cruise on the lake to capture the best view to the bridge blending with local people wandering through the area.
After that, return to Mandalay to visit Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist pagodas in Mandalay where is home to the highly revered Buddha image. At mid-day, follow to the jetty to embark on the Strand cruise. Welcome by the crew and staff on board with a delicious buffet lunch of Mediterranean dishes while the ship sailing to Mingun.
On arrival, leave the ship for an excursion to Mingun – a peaceful and tranquil village on the bank of Irrawaddy River. Get on a local tuk-tuk to explore the magnificent sites. You will start at Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the world’s largest unfinished pagoda dating back to a century ago. Continue to Hsinbyume Temple, an elegant white-washed temple built in the 19th century by King Bagyidaw of Burma to dedicate to the memory of Queen Hsibyume who unfortunately lost her life when giving childbirth. It is told that the white color of the temple is the way to show the king’s pure love to his wife. Listen to your guide to know more about the site before driving to Mingun Bell, the second largest ringing bell in the world. After that, return to the ship and continue to sail downstream the river. Relax on the sundeck and behold the enchanting sunset with a cocktail in hands.
Day 3: Mandalay – Ava (B, L, D)
The morning of day 3 takes you to an excursion to Ava, or Inwa, the ancient capital of Burma. Get on an exotic horse cart to sightseeing around the city. You will first visit Maha Aungme Bonzan, an impressive historical brick monastery displaying a fine example of the 19th-century architecture in Myanmar. Then we also visit Nanmyint Watchtower, the historical landmark, and Bopaya Monastery.
After that, get back to Strand Cruise ad enjoy an Asian family lunch style on the sundeck.
While the ship sailing to Bagan this afternoon, watch the traditional performance onboard and sip a cocktail at sunset time
Day 4: Bagan Exploration (B, L, D)
A full day to discover the magnificent town of Bagan – a UNESCO Heritage Site of Myanmar. Start the day with a visit to Ananda Temple, the most beautiful temple in Bagan. Then head to Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the most popular attractions in Bagan which is famous for the fascinating gold leaf decorations.
After a scrumptious lunch on board, continue your temple trip with a visit to the elegant Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi Temple where you will have an opportunity to learn about the Buddha’s life from mural paintings on the wall.
Before sunset, gaze out at the Shwesandaw temple, the highest temple in Bagan then transfers to the sunset hill to marvel at the magical sunset over the temples.
This evening, enjoy your farewell dinner on Strand Cruise.
Day 5: Bagan Sunrise – Village Discovery (B)
Rise before dawn this morning to behold the gorgeous sunrise of Bagan from the sundeck. Breathe the fresh air and let the light breeze touch to your skin.
Then, let spend your morning to gain more insight into the local life with a visit to some families in Bagan and talk directly with the local to learn more about their simple way of life. Then visit the elegant Hitlominlo temple which stands out with the great architecture and construction making it survive after many earthquakes.
This afternoon, visit a local lacquerware workshop to witness the skillful artisans create the finest items from wood and bamboo with lacquerware. There will be a demonstration for you to learn very detailed about the making process.
Day 6: Bagan Morning Hot-Air Balloon (optional) – Popa visit – Overnight at Popa (B)
The morning of day 6 delivers you an amazing opportunity to float over thousands of monuments in Bagan and we are sure that this will be one of your life experiences. Be enchanted by the incredible view from the balloon while the sun flickers over the sky, shines its light to everything on earth.
Afterward, your guide will take you to Mt Popa, an extinct volcano that is one of the most important religious sites in Myanmar. To reach the top of the mountain where the Taung Kalap Monastery is seated, you will need to climb 777 steps. Along the way, you will see many monkeys who are happy to see tourists. Spend your time to learn about 37 Nats of Burmese (natural spirits).
Day 7: Bagan – Yangon sightseeing (B)
Say goodbye to Bagan this morning to take a domestic flight to Yangon, the most vibrant city of Myanmar. On arrival, welcome by our local guide in Yangon and drive to the city center where you will have a first glimpse of the city’s fabulous architecture features on the historical buildings on the street. Make your first visit at Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to the colossal and highly revered reclining Buddha image. At the feet of the statue carved with many traditional symbols to show and be a place for pilgrims to pay homage.
Leave the pagoda, drive to Kandawgyi Lake, the most beautiful photo stop in Yangon offering a breathtaking atmosphere and enchanting view to the royal Karaweik Palace.
Late this afternoon, highlight your city tour at Shwedagon Pagoda, the pride of Yangon, if not Myanmar. made from the 16 tons of pure gold and situated high on the top of the hill, this is one of the greatest Buddhist constructions in the world that you need to visit at least 1 time in your life. Take a stroll around the pagoda to observe the local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions.
Day 8: Yangon – Ngapali Beach (B)
Leave Yangon this morning to take a flight to Ngapali Beach – one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Enjoy your day on the beach at leisure.
Day 9: Ngapali Beach Relaxation (B)
A full day to enjoy your time in the mesmerizing beach.
Day 10: Ngapali – Yangon – Departure (B)
After breakfast, take a flight back to Yangon where you take your departure flight home. Thank you for making your Myanmar river cruise with Go Myanmar Cruises.
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