Myanmar Must-see & Mergui Archipelago Cruise

Upon arrival at Mandalay International Airport, picked-up and transfer to your hotel in town.

After Yangon, Mandalay is Myanmar's second city and its cultural heartland. Originally established by King Mindon as the focal city for the teachings of Buddhism, Mandalay did not survive the name of the ‘Golden City’. But, it remains an important cultural hub of Myanmar with sights such as the Mandalay palace, Mandalay Hill, the U-Bein bridge (the oldest teakwood bridge in the world), and stunning pagodas. Manadalay is also home to 300,000 monks.  With investment from neighbouring China, Mandalay has undergone significant developments in recent years, drawing in visitors from all over the world. The three ancient capitals of Amarapura, Inwa (Ava) and Sagaing, as well as the town of Mingun, are all within reaching distance of Mandalay's centre. 

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration.

Overnight in Mandalay

Learn about Mandalay's ancient past as you bounce between religious sites and historic landmarks. Take a traditional horse-drawn cart ride through a small village, check out a temple in Ava, and make a creaky crossing over the world's longest teak bridge in Amarapura.

Enjoy convenient pick-up from your hotel to begin your day of exploration, crossing the Irrawaddy River to arrive in Sagaing, where you can snap photos of 600 dazzling white pagodas and humble monasteries that are scattered across the town. Listen to engaging commentary about this religious centre of Myanmar and stop at famous pagodas like Sone Oo Pone Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. Next, discover handcrafted items made of pottery and silver, and then visit at a quaint village to see how Myanmar's ubiquitous water pots are made.

Venture to the royal capital of Ava via ferry, boarding a horse-drawn carriage when you arrive. Cruise around catching glimpses of ruins nestled in small villages, the old wooden Bagaya Monastery, and the Royal Palace ruins.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Amarapura, known as the “City of Immortality.” Here, visit a silk-weaving workshop to watch dexterous craftsman practise their ancient art, and then continue to U Bein Bridge. Cross this 200-year-old teak structure, snapping photos as you go, and then enjoy the scenic ride back to your hotel.

We take the morning flight to Mandalay. 

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to take a soft rest.

Today, discover one of Bagan’s most famous legends while following in the tracks of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant. Legend states that the King was given a replica of Lord Buddha’s tooth. He placed this relic on a sacred white elephant’s back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four places around Bagan and, later, four stupas were built at each of these locations. Thus, the local Burmese believe that by visiting all four of these places in one day all wishes will be fulfilled.

Your Bagan tour starts at Shwezigon Pagoda. Although this is one of Bagan’s most famous sites, few people realize the legend behind its creation. Learn about this story, the pagoda’s importance to local people, and about some of its quirky features while taking a guided tour around it.

Then, continue on to Tu Yin Taung, a hilltop stupa in the eastern part of the main Archeological Park. While approaching the temple, be greeted by 500 monk statues lining the road. The stupa’s elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains, a unique perspective of Bagan and a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

The next stop is Lawka Nandar, which is in New Bagan next to the Irrawaddy River. Lawka Nandar is a bulbous stupa with a cylindrical bell and three octagonal terraces as a base. The temple still functions as a place of everyday worship as it is home to a Buddha relic. 

Then, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

This morning the tour begins at 08:00.

Meet with the Sonasia Holiday guide and driver at the hotel, or at the airport, and set off on a full day of exploration in Bagan. This program includes a range of sites, providing a great overview of Bagan’s unique history, culture and local lifestyles.

The journey begins with a visit to Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. Next, continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most venerated temples in Bagan, enjoy it in the quiet of morning before all the tour buses arrive.

Afterwards, we head to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for the beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stonework that we will check out.

Then, learn more about local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquerware and woodcrafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful handicrafts.

Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for a short rest and escape the extreme heat of the midday sun.

Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, winding along tiny roads past dozens of monuments. Stop at will to take photos or explore temples. Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

Today start the tour at 05:00.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of the famous temples with this balloon tour over Bagan. Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight, an unforgettable way to see Myanmar’s famed archaeological site.

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a light snack while watching the crew inflate the balloons. Once ready, the pilot will give a detailed safety briefing and introduction to the ballooning experience. Climb aboard and take off! Rise slowly above the tree line and see the pagodas come into view. Be enchanted by the site of the temples being illuminated by the sun’s early morning rays.

The duration and balloon path are dependent on the wind conditions, but generally the balloon tour over Bagan lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. Descend to ground level where the crew will be waiting. Raise a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the flight and enjoy a light breakfast while the balloon is packed up. Then transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, aboard the ‘Elephant Coach’ with an archaeology expert for a half day exploration of the Bagan archaeological zone. The old Chevrolet bus was once used to transport dignitaries during the war and has since been painstakingly restored into a luxurious coach with elegant wood and hand-woven fabrics decorating the interior. Set off in the morning to make the most of the day, examining the main sites and many hidden gems.  

To grasp the sheer scale of Bagan’s archaeological wonders, start with a visit to an elevated point for sweeping views over the plains. Be awestruck by the sight of thousands of monuments rising majestically from the flat, arid landscape.

Then get an up-close look at Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan. The earlier in the morning the fewer tour buses that are here, providing the opportunity to appreciate the architecture and towering Buddha statues without the crowds. Continue to the nearby Tharabar Gate which marks the entrance to the former city of Bagan. Hear how the town was relocated south to avoid damage to the archaeological sites. Explore some of these sites that are less well-known but extremely impressive.

After midday, take a break from touring and enjoy lunch at Sanon restaurant, a vocational training restaurant training and employing young people from disadvantaged communities, and serving delicious Burmese-Western fusion cuisine.

Then head to a local spa based on the expert guide’s recommendation for a 1-hourfoot massage to relax and escape the afternoon heat.

Afterwards, travel by luxury horse cart for a tour passing some of Bagan’s most iconic landmarks. These could include Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, or Sulamani Temple.

During the late afternoon transfer to a jetty on the Irrawaddy River by the same luxury horse cart.  After arriving at the jetty embark on a short boat ride across the river to a sandbank, otherwise known as a river island, on the western shore.  Enjoy an unforgettable sunset experience including champagne and snacks while watching a group of local people play Chinlone, Myanmar’s national sport involving players kicking a ball made of handwoven rattan.

After this full day luxury sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.

After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho.

From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.

Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat and head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by local Intha people. Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Prepare lunch with a local family- This cooking course is a fun and interesting way to learn about the traditional flavors and preparation techniques of Burmese cuisine.  Join a local Inthar family in their kitchen to cook local dishes then sit on the floor at a round table and dine in the local way. Minimum 2 persons

Peruse the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.
If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

This morning the sightseeing begins at 08:00.

Visit the lake’s bustling morning market for unique insight into the local cultures of the area. The market rotates its location every day in 5-day cycles. Villagers from the surrounding hill tribes come to the market to sell and trade their wares -making it the perfect place to witness the uniquely diverse population of people in Inle Lake’s surrounding areas all in the same place. (Note: the market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day).

From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the village of Indein. Explore the area on foot and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area.  From here, climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill covered with picturesque ancient stupas. Enjoy magnificent views of the lake below from this vantage point.

After enjoying the visit to Indein, return to the boat. Continue along the lake for additional sightseeing before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.   

Overnight Inle Lake.

We will take the morning flight to the capital city of Yangon.

Upon arrival, meet with the guide and head to the hotel for check-in and a chance to freshen up.

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.

After lunch, meet with the guide and head to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great introduction to Myanmar’s unique brand of Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of Buddha, the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and a great many locals gather here to pray.

Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea as while sitting amongst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.

Next, follow the guided tour to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here, witness the glittering Karaweik Barge, a replica of the Royal Barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon Pagoda in the background. Depending on the day, Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come on the weekends to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the locals believe that the original structure was built 2500 years ago and was then renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99-meters tall, gilded with gold leaf, and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead around the massive complex and learn why this temple is so revered among locals.

Overnight in Yangon.

This morning the tour starts at 08:00.

Depart Yangon for a journey by road to Kyaikhtiyo and the Golden Rock.

Late morning, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo Base Camp (approximately 5 hrs). Travel by local, open-air truck along a winding road (45 minutes) and be dropped off a short five-minute walk from the Golden Rock. A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's most important pilgrimage sites.  The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha and Buddhist from across the country come here to pay homage. 

Overnight near Golden Rock.

This morning there is the option to visit the Golden Rock again to see the rising sun casting its rays upon the rock. Starting before dawn, local pilgrims gather by the rock to make offerings in the solitude of the morning. It’s a unique and memorable experience that’s not to be missed. 

Today the journey continues at 08:00.

Return down to base camp by the same route on foot and by open-air truck. Then drive to Bago, the former capital of the Mon Kingdom.

The visit in Bago begins at a local market for a short walk amongst the colourful stalls selling flowers, produce, and spices. Then visit Shwethalyaung Temple, which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha, and the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Shwemawdaw is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. At 114 meters tall, it’s even taller than Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards, visit a local Mon village nearby for a short walk through this quiet, typical rural village that was once famous for its silk weaving.

On the way back to Yangon, stop at the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan. This beautiful, peaceful cemetery is the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers.

Overnight in Yangon.

This morning transfer to Yangon airport for the domestic flight to Kawthaung.
Upon arrival in Kawthaung, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Kawthaung.
 

Today the tour starts at 08:00 after breakfast and you will be transferred to the jetty to start your five-night cruise through the Mergui Archipelago, a chain of over 800 unspoiled islands. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and visiting local villages along the way. The route and itinerary will change based on the boat booked and weather conditions at the time of sailing. No matter where you go, this exclusive experience will be unforgettable.

After the welcome aboard, your yacht will set sail towards Barwell Island and you will have some time to enjoy swimming before sunset cocktails and dinner on board.
 

After the breakfast, sail to Tang La Bo Island for some amazing snorkeling spots and strolling on the pristine beach. 

In the afternoon, enjoy lunch on board and continue sailing toward Pony Island. Here, enjoy bird watching (toukan, hornbill & sea eagles) and ample swimming time before sunset & dinner.

Anchor & overnight on cruise in one of the bays of Nyaung Wee island.
 

This morning, set sail toward Lampi National Park, and according to the tide either visit the Mangrove or set for an excursion of the Moken village.  

Overnight anchor near the quiet bay of Pulo Bunai Island where you can often watch bioluminescent plankton at night.
 

After breakfast, cruise toward Nga Namm Island for snorkeling, kayaking & the best fishing spot in the islands. 

Lunch on board and sail to Kyun Pila. If time permits, enjoy swimming before bonfire and sunset cocktails on the beach. 

(Option: Scuba diving available at Pila Island on request).
 

After breakfast on board, set sail to 115 island and spend the morning by trekking in the jungle followed by lunch aboard. 

Sail and quick stop to Taung La Bo Island or Kyun Pya Gui Island according to the wind and tide. 

Special Captain’s Farewell diner around Hasting Bay.

This morning there will be some time for the last swim before heading back to Kawthaung. Enjoy casual brunch before saying goodbye to the crew team and transferring to your hotel in Kawthaung.

Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Kawthaung

You are free for the whole day for your own exploration. There are plenty of water activities to spend the day. Or you can just relax by the beach.

Overnight in Kawthaung

You are free for the whole day for your own exploration. There are plenty of water activities to spend the day. Or you can just relax by the beach.

Overnight in Kawthaung

Free to stroll around for your own exploration before taking the flight back to Yangon to connect with another onward flight back home.