Tour Overview
Absorb many of Myanmar highlights from this 8 days adventure. Starting from Yangon, you will explore many cultural landmarks of Yangon, including the Shwedagon pagoda, and colonial buildings along Pansodan Street. Uncover the hidden Loikaw which is home to distinctive hill tribes and ethnic groups, and learn the customs of the mysterious Padaung (long-neck) tribal women. Enjoy an epic trek through spectacular plantations in Kalaw hills. And experience the floating life and culture in Inle Lake.
Highlights of This Tour
- Visit the famous Shwedagon pagoda when it is shrouded in the sunset.
- Encounter the long-neck women, and learn about their unique traditions.
- Go to Demawso market to see ethnic people in their colorful costumes, and get close to their life.
- Experience a train ride from Kalaw to Inle Lake.
- Enjoy an epic and scenic trek in Kalaw hill areas.
- Discover the floating gardens, unique way of life, and activities on Inle Lake.
- Be surprised by over 1600 ancient stupas of the 16th century in the Indein stupas jungle.
Itinerary
Arrive at Yangon International airport and be welcomed by your guide and driver. After hotel check-in, head to Pansodan Street, and have a glimpse into the charm of Yangon when you walk through many French colonial buildings and historical monuments from the 19th century.
Next up, head to Chaukhtatyi Paya to see the giant reclining Buddha image. Then, admire the picturesque Kandawgyi Park and Royal (Karawik) Palace on the bank of Kandawgyi Lake for some great photo opportunities, and leisure walking on the wooden bridge.
When the sun is setting, it is the best time to visit the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, whose 99 meters high golden dome is said to be plastered with 60 tons of pure gold. It is quite a dreamy experience to see the golden pagoda being lit at night.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: in Yangon
After breakfast, check out your hotel in Yangon and drive to the airport to catch the flight to Loikaw. Loikaw in the Karen hills area is home to distinctive tribes, including the long-neck women wearing many brass neck rings.
After reaching Loikaw at noon time, visit Seven Stages lake, and Kyet Limestone cave (if time permits). In the late afternoon, get to Taungkwe Pagoda Hill to absorb the brilliant sunset.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Loikaw
After breakfast, visit Demawso which is only open on Wednesday. Here you will see ethnic people from the hill tribes wearing colorful costumes, buying and selling their products, a great chance to get close to their life and culture.
Move on to Ngwe Taung Dam, and explore San Bone Village, home to the Padaung minority who regard long necks as beauty. Locals think the longer the neck is, the more beautiful a person is, so local girls at the appropriate age will wear many bronze spiral rings around their necks.
In the afternoon, visit Kayah State Museum to learn more information about local people’s customs and culture. Then, head to the local weaving village to look into local’s life and enjoy the beautiful sunset on Sakyar Hill.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Loikaw
After breakfast, drive about 5 hours along a hilly road to Kalaw. En route, we’ll stop at some hill tribe villages and the Myinmahtite Cave with many Buddha statues in it.
After arriving in Kalaw in the late afternoon, check-in at the hill hotel and enjoy your free time.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Kalaw
After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to hike along the hilly routes with thriving plantations of different vegetables, fruits, flowers, and teas. During the scenic hike, you can expect to meet and greet friendly villagers from different tribes and ethnic groups.
After reaching the guest house on the hilltop, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a cup of tea and your lunch. If you like, you can visit a local family to gain more insights into their lives and daily activities.
Next up, hike down the hill through another scenic path, then take a car back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for your to relax or explore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: in Kalaw
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kalaw train station for your train ride to Shwenyaung train station (about 3 hours ride) which is the nearest station to Inle Lake.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to Nyaung Shwe jetty, from here, hop on a private boat while you sightsee the Inle Lake leisurely. Sailing along the serene Inle Lake, you will observe local people fishing with traditional leg-rowing techniques, meet local unique floating gardens, look into simple village life, and immerse yourself in the surrounding sceneries.
Sailing further, you will get to Ngaphechaung Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery around Inle Lake that is standout for its unique structure and various impressive Buddha images. Followed by a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most revered temple in the Inle Lake area, housing five golden images of the Buddha.
On the way back to your hotel, make a stop at Inpawkhon village to see the traditional lotus weaving technique, and visit a family-run textiles workshop. If time permits, we will also enter a local Blacksmith workshop and a Cheroot workshop to experience traditional Blacksmith and cheroot making.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inle Lake
This morning, we’ll visit Indein village on a boat trip. A small village on the west of Inle Lake, Indein is home to the Shwe Indein Pagoda which houses over 1600 ancient stupas of the 16th century.
On the way, indulge yourself in the lively market where you can meet local hill tribe people in colorful dresses bartering for goods and products and see local monks collecting their morning alms. The market rotates every five days around five different villages in this area.
After the market, sail for 1 more hour until you get to a bamboo forest, from there, walk 30 minutes along the walkway to reach the hilltop Shwe Indein Pagoda which houses over 1600 ancient stupas of the 16th century.
Get a panoramic view of Indein Village from the hilltop before you walk to the Sae Ma Village to experience the local’s slow-paced life. On the way back to your hotel, visit Inthar Heritage House, a famous restaurant and a cat Sanctuary in Inle Lake, showcasing brilliant historical and cultural values. Then, have a rare chance to catch the beautiful sunset view over the sparkling lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inle Lake
After breakfast, check out your hotel before your drive transfer you to the Heho airport for your flight to Yangon. At the Yangon airport, board your departure flight by yourself. End of your Myanmar tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
What’s Included
Dates & Availability
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
