Day 01: Yangon Arrival (Lunch)

Arrival at Yangon International airport, you will be welcomed by the guide and transfer to the hotel.

Lunch at Pan Suriya restaurant.

Spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda

So what’s behind the golden façade of the Shwedagon Pagoda? During this interactive half day tour we take you through the back door and show you the full history of the pagoda, the daily life of all people living in the immediate surroundings of the pagoda and a deeper insight in the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is mixed with the belief in nats – the Myanmar spirits. An intriguing half day tour starting from the bottom of the hill and passing the workshops, markets and monasteries which will be useful or even essential to understand more of the country during the rest of your journey. The tour includes offerings to the pagoda and a visit to a fortune teller.

The Magic of 1000 Oil Lamps – Evening

In the evening, leave from hotel for an evening visit to the illuminated Shwedagon pagoda – a magic and mystical moment at a time it’s not very busy on the main platform. Your guide will explain to you the history of the pagoda for a deeper insight in the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is mixed with the belief in nats – the Myanmar spirits.

Participate in Mee Htun Bwe, a special ceremony of offerings to Buddha in hopes of receiving wisdom and enlightenment. You will assist in lighting 1000 oil lamps on the platform surrounding the Shwedagon pagoda.

Overnight at Excelsior Yangon Hotel, Superior Room

Day 02: Yangon – Heho – Inle Lake (Breakfast/Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Biking Tour: “Islands and Rivers”

We start the tour at 07:30 am (own transfer from hotel to starting point) from the starting point at Uncharted Horizons Myanmar office, (No. 109, 49th street, Middle Block, Botataung Township, 10 minutes’ walk from Sule pagoda), choose your bike and helmet, get a short introduction to the bike (gears …), and off we go!

After a short 10 minutes cycling through downtown Yangon, we reach to the Pansodan jetty, where we board the big ferry to Dalah, across the Yangon River. We’ll be exploring the little visited neighborhoods and backstreets of Dalah and also visit the famous golden monk. Leaving Dalah towards Twante, we follow the country road for 20 minutes, before we reach Pyawkalay village, where we have a stop at a local teashop and then cross the Twante canal on a small ferry to Kanaungto river-island, which is completely car-free and beautiful to explore by bike! We’ll spend 1 ½ hours of relaxed cycling there, before we reach the village of Seik Kyi, from where we board another boat, that will take us across the canal and Yangon river (great views!) back to the Yangon Jetty at Strand road. On the way back we visit the famous Khen Hock Kheong Chinese temple, before heading past Sule pagoda back to our office on 46th street, where a cold 100Plus isotonic drink waits for all finishers!

After the tour, own transfer to your hotel.

This is an easy tour, which can be handled by everyone who is healthy and fit, no prior biking experience needed. The tour leads to villages, through rice fields and across rivers, perfect for everyone who wants to catch a glimpse of the Delta, without heading out too far!

Lunch at Sofaer & Co. restaurant.

At 13:30, transfer to airport for your flight to Heho and upon arrival, meet with the guide and transfer to your hotel at Inle Lake.

Overnight at Villa Inle Resort, Garden View Single Villa

Day 03: Inle Lake – Samkar – Phayartaung

Breakfast at the hotel. Inle Lake in southern Shan State is a vast natural lake surrounded by traditional Shan villages. On the lake itself the Intha people have been living for many centuries in village built entirely on stilts on the lake. Today we will take you by private motorboat around the lake to discover the natural beauty of the lake, visit the floating gardens, see some of the famous leg rowers and have some tea at a local family’s house. We will also Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and continue to Samkar Lake about 1.5 hours boat ride where we stay overnight at Phayartaung.

On arrival Samkar, we visit the Samkar temples and village. We continue explore with a local guide to Phayartaung village life including the local monastery where a local monk is doing a remarkable job for the development of the region (read the book Children of the Revolution by Feroze Dada before you visit).

A packed lunch will be served during the visits. Overnight at the Inle Sanctuary, Lodge Room

Overnight at Heritage Bagan Hotel, Grand Deluxe

Day 04: Phayartaung – Pekon – Loikaw (Breakfast/Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning around 08:00, we go by private boat ride about 2 hours to Pekon Lake where we take a private car for about 45 minutes to the community village called Hta Nee La Leh and meet some of the community members who explain (translation by your guide) their shrines where animist traditions are practiced. An easy stroll through the community. Continue by oxcart for a 30 min scenic ride to the 7 lakes where a Kayah Barbecue lunch has been set-up for you.

After lunch, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at Loikaw Lodge, Superior Room

Day 05: Loikaw – visit long neck communities and trekking (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

The Dutch organization CBI has set-up a program in Kayah state to ensure that communities benefit from tourism and organize excursions in a sustainable way. 2 of their projects will be visited during the stay in Loikaw.

We start the morning with a visit to the always bustling morning market in Loikaw and the former palace of the Kayah prince.

Trail of the ancestors trek and long neck villages

Continue by car to Pemsong village where we start a trekking: Trail of the Ancestors.

During about 2 hours a local community guide will walk along with you and the translator guide and tell the story of their ancestors including all beliefs in spirits, the importance of the totem pole and herbal medicines. The first 30 min is uphill followed by mainly flat parts, the views are always stunning and a delicious picnic lunch is served half way.

From here we continue to Kasae Kum village where we will see some local handicrafts like bracelet making, bamboo cups, weaving and sculptures. An excellent opportunity to learn about the legends of the longneck women.

The trip ends in one of the Kayah villages where you will meet more longneck women.

We drive towards Loikaw.

In the evening it’s time to meet a local family and enjoy a home cooked typical Kayah dinner including the famous Kayah sausages and sample some typical Kayah liquor at a local family house.

Overnight at Loikaw Lodge, Superior Room

Day 06: Loikaw – Yangon (Breakfast/Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:15, transfer to airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, meet with the guide for a private transfer to your hotel.

Asian inspired dinner prepared by Michelin star chef at the Seeds restaurant

Seeds restaurant is the brainchild of Swiss Michelin Star Chef Felix Eppisser and his wife Lucia. Welcoming by a stunning view over the lake with its private bamboo and glass crafted lake house will please you while you enjoy culinary experience combined with personalized hospitality.

The seeds support the local young people to develop skills and to be a part of a never ending process of creation.

Overnight at Excelsior Yangon Hotel, Superior Room

Day 07: Yangon – Departure (Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Yangon international airport for your departure flight to fly home.

A) PRICES LAND ARRANGEMENTS

Price land arrangement (include domestic airfare) in SGD per person based on double/twin sharing :

Price validity: now till 15 December 2018

B) INCLUDING AND NOT INCLUDING

INCLUDING:

• All transfers and transport as per program
• All accommodation as per program (based on double/twin sharing room)
• Service of English speaking station guides
• All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• All entrance fees on tour
• Domestic air tickets

NOT INCLUDING:

• International air tickets
• Insurance
• Personal expenses
• All drinks
• Visa application/fees (please check and apply here)
• Tips
• Other expenses not mentioned on the itinerary
• Any compulsory and peak season surcharge (normally New Year periods)