Tour Site

Yangon

Always green with lush tropical trees is Yangon, the Capital city and the gateway to Myanmar by air and sea. Almost all International Airlines serving Myanmar fly to Yangon International Airport. So one-night stay in Yangon is recommended before visiting or traveling to the up-country and one night at the end of the trip. Yangon is also a growing bustling business centre. The name Yangon means “End of Strife”. The city today still maintains its colonial charm and gracious turn of the century architecture. The City of Yangon was once the cleanest city in Asia, Yangon is known as the “Garden City of the East.”

Some Highlights:

Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda is the prominent landmark visible from miles around. It is one of the wonders of the worldYangon’s not to be missed attraction is the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda Towering almost 100 meters above the green city-scape of Yangon. it is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago. Shwedagon pagoda a top Singuttara Hill, considered by many as the greatest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar today. Colourfully dressed worshippers offering flowers, food, candles and water can be constantly seen circling the shrine daily. A sunset visit promises a spectacular sight, when the gold spire gleams and glitters in the light of the setting sun. It is the essence of Myanmar and being a place that never fails to enchant. A visit to Yangon is incomplete without a visit to Shwedagon

Kaba Aye Pagoda

The name Kaba Aye in Myanmar means “World Peace” to which this pagoda is dedicated. Built in 1952, the pagoda is significant for the Sixth World Buddhist Synod which was held in its large compound in 1954. The Buddhist Art Museum and Maha Pasana Cave are also located in the same compound.

Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda

This colossal (70 metres long) Reclining Buddha is one of the largest images in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907. But it has suffered damage due to climate over the years. In 1957 it was demolished and rebuilt to this structure in 1966. Located on Shwegondine Road.

 

The Karaweik

Sitting surrealistically on the Royal Lake is the Karaweik. With its double bow depicting the mythological karaweik, a water bird from Indian pre-history, and a many tiered spire carried on top, the Karaweik represents a fine work of traditional Myanmar architecture. Spend an unforgettable evening at this luxurious dining spot, enjoying an outstanding dance performance accompanied by classical Myanmar music.

National Museum

The Mandalay Regalia-the majestic Lion Throne of the last Myanmar King takes centre stage among the museum’s collection of historical, ethnological and archaeological exhibits, tracing the early history of this famed ancient region. Artifacts of various ancient periods, musical instruments and paintings are exhibits. Located at 66/74 Pyay Road.

Bogyoke Market

Largest and liveliest of Yangon’s markets, the Bogyoke Market is worth a wander with its wide and diverse range of goods from groceries to handicrafts, and antiques to the latest wear. It is a haven for souvenir hunters - one can find here the most exotic gifts or keepsakes and mementos for a lifetime.

Mandalay

Mandalay is known not only for its’ rich traditional, cultural and spiritual splendor but also exquisite handicraft such as hand-woven embroidery in silk and cotton, the incredible process of making gold leaves, wood and stone carving and bronze casting etc. It is Myanmar's second largest city and was the royal capital of the last monarchy of Myanmar. It enjoys the splendor of the golden age and still has great importance as a cultural center. The city was completely damaged in the fierce fighting of World War II, including the royal palace, which has been reconstructed.Mandalay is now with a population of approximately one million. The largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts can be found in Mandalay. There are several ancient capitals around Mandalay such as Amapura, Sagaing, Ava and Mingun.

Some highlights:

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill, 230 metres in elevation, commands a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside. The legend has it that the Buddha, on his visit had made a prophecy that a great city would be founded at the foot of this hill.

Mandalay Palace

The grand palace complex was reduced to ashes during World War II. Majestic palace walls, city gates superimposed by pavilions and the surrounding moat are standing evidences showing how grand was the former palace. Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, a replica of the old palace, Nanmyint-saung, Cultural Museum can be seen within the perimeter of the palace.
 

Shwenandaw Monastery

This monastery is famous for its intricate woodcarvings and is reminiscent of old Mandalay Palace. In reality, the monastery was first located within the precinct of Mandalay palace. It was reconstructed at the present site in 1880 under the orders of King Thibaw.

 

Mahamuni Pagoda

Mahamuni Pagoda is revered as the holiest shrine in Mandalay. The Image brought from Rakhine State is being housed there. The devotes crowd there to watch early morning ritual of washing the face of the Buddha Image.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Kuthodaw Pagoda was built by King Mindon in 1857. The shrine is surrounded by 729 upright stone slabs bearing the entire Buddhist scriptures. It is popularly known as " The world's Biggest Book " for its stone scriptures.

Amarapura

Situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is an ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 as his new capital. Amarapura means City of Immortality. Places of interest include the Patodawgyi Pagoda, silk and cotton weaving workshops and U Bein, the world’s longest Teakwood Bridge (1208 meters long). Another of Amarapura’s treasures is Maha Gandayon Monastery with more than 1000 monks.

Sagaing

Situated about 21km south-west of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Sagaing became the capital of an independent Shan kingdom around 1315 after the fall of Bagan. The Sagaing Hills is an important religious center and known as a meditation centre with some 600 Buddhist pagodas, temples and monasteries. Myanmars all over the country would visit Sagaing for the purpose of religious retreat. Nearby is Ywataung Village known for its silver craftsmen.

Inwa ( Ava)

Inwa, Located across Myitnge River about 20 kilometers southwest of Mandalay is the capital of Burmese Kingdom for nearly 400 years.Cross the river on a ferry and ride around the sites of Inwa in a horse-drawn pony cart is memeorable.All the major buildings, which were not destroyed during the earthquake of 1838, had been transferred first to Amarapura and then to Mandalay however the 88 feet high watchtower known as the “leaning tower of Ava” and Bargaya teak monastery which is famous for its teak pillars amounting to 267 in total are still to be seen.

Mingun

Mingun is 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Mingun today hosts the world second largest ringing Bell of 90 tons in weight and unfinished Mingun payagyi. It was dedicated to be the world largest monument however which today stood to be the world largest pile of brick. It is reached by ferryboats across the river and takes 1 hour for up-river and 40 minutes for down-river. A boat trip to Mingun is pleasant with plenty of life on the river to see.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin is located at 69 km (1 1/2 hours drive) east of Mandalay and having over 1,100 metres above sea level. It has a pleasant and cool weather the whole year round. It is best known as Maymyo, a former British colonial summer retreat. The famous Candacraig Hotel, the Botanical gardens and the Pyin Oo Lwin Market are popular sites.A ride on a horse-drawn stagecoach through the town is interesting. Excursions to Pwe Kauk Falls, Peik Chin Myaung Cave is essential .in nearby Pyin Oo Lwin.

Monywa

Monywa, about 140 km to the west of Mandalay is a commercial centre of the Chindwin Valley., Monywa is known a typical unspolit Myanmar town and it is only a three hours drive from Mandalay. On the way to Monywa and before you reach the town there is unusual Buddhist temple complex on 37 acres of land called Mohnyin Thanboddhay. Monywa also famous for its Po Win Taung ( Mt. Po Win ), Mt. Shwe Ba where the entire mountain was carved into caves, niches, staircases and Buddha Images.

Bagan

Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia, and today is considered one of the wonders of the world. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, and covers more than 42 square kilometers. The temples, stupas and pagodas of Bagan are the most impressive relics of the first period of Myanmar greatness. More popularly known as the “city of four million pagodas”, Bagan is famous for its unique lacquer ware and travellers can visit the workshops to watch craftsmen produce these beautiful handicrafts.

Mount Popa

Mt. Popa is an extinct volcano, 60 kilometers south-east of Bagan and 1500 meter-high. It is well-known as the oasis of the central Myanmar dry zone. Mt.Popa considered the abode of most powerful nats [ spirit ] and important nat worship center. Popa today is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots in the country. One would need to spend a sizeable amount of time in order to unearth the spiritual and legendary wealth of this sacred mountain. It is an easy day’s journey from Bagan stopping along the way at local villages and a palm tree plantation.

Salay

Salay ,situated at 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Bagan is an ancient town rich in Myanmar culture. Salay created its own unique style of Bagan era architecture which still exists today. It is worth visiting for its exceptional 18th century wood carving works at “Yoke Son” monastery. Nearby one can observe antique 13th century lacquer-ware Buddha Image.

Inle Lake

Inle lake is located in the middle of the greatest depression in Nyaungshwe valley between the two parallel mountain ranges running north to south in the southern Shan State. This vast picturesque lake, 900 metres above sea-level is the second largest natural lake and one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake has 22 km long and 10 km wide. Inle Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers. The main attration of Inle lake is the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda situated in the middle of the lake. Every year, both local and foreign pilgrims and visitors would flock to the Pagoda for its annual festival.

Taunggyi

Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. It is cool the whole year round and the area is colourful with lovely flowers, pine trees and green orchards. Being situated over 1460 metres above sea-level, Taunggyi is ideal for holiday-makers during the summer. The road south will lead you to the unique Kakku sight of 2000 stupas in Pa-O village. The Fire Balloon Festival held annually at the full moon of Tazaungmon in November is not to be missed.

Kalaw

Kalaw, a beautiful hill station surrounded by pine trees and forests has stand high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. This was a popular hill station in the British days and it is still a peaceful and quiet place. At an altitude of 1320 m it is also pleasantly cool and a good place for hiking, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scenery. You can make interesting excursions around Kalaw. There are several interesting hill tribe villages in the area including the Palaung and Pa-O tribes. The main attraction of Kalaw are the town itself, with its mock-tutor colonial bungalows, its ethnic mix of people, and it’s setting within trekking distance of many ethnic minority villages.

Pindaya

About 45 Kilometers from Kalaw is Pindaya. It is a peaceful town famous for its caves in which thousands of centuries-old Buddha images are seated. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya passes through Pa-O villages and countryside of magnificent scenic beauty. Pindaya is also known for the Shan paper and monk umbrella makers.

Sittwe

Sittwe, formerly called Akyab is the capital of Rakhine State.It is situated along the narrow coastal region to the west of Myanmar in Rakhine State. It has a long coasting bordering on the Bay of Bengal. Culture and traditional heritage and colourful Rakhine races are filled in Sittwe. Sights worth seeing in Sittwe includ Atulamarazein Pyilon Chan Tha Pagoda, Kyayoke, Mahakuthala Monastery, Adeilhtim Sima, the Buddha Museum and the Rakhine State Cultural Museum. There are a view point to be enjoy along the coast. Regular flights from Yangon to Sittwe takes about 30 minutes. It is also the gate way to Mauk U, an ancient city of Rakhine Kings.

Mrauk U

Also known as Dannyawady, is located up the Kaladan River, about 80 km north of Sittwe, the present day capital of Rakhine State . There are many ancient cultural works and the pride of Rakhine State. Unlike the temples of Bagan, the temples in Mrauk-U are constructed with stones rather than the traditional bricks in a truly unique style. It is another historical treasure after Bagan. The remaining archaeological monuments are of different sizes and various types which overwhelm the landscape of the city Mruak U. The legendary Shittaung Pagoda, ordination halls and tattooed Chin women are some of the highlights in Mrauk-U. Even the pagodas are strategically located on hilltops and look like fortresses and indeed they are once use as such in times of enemy intrusion. Mrauk U can reach from Sittway through a very pleasant river journey about 4 hours. If travel in the winter, one can see flocks of wild geese, ducks and other migrating waterfowls.

Natmatung

Natmataung, also known as Mt. Victoria is situated in the Chin Hills which forms a southward extension of the Himalayas into Southeast Asia. The elevation has 3400 meter and it is the highest peak in Chin state. Mindat is a small town at the base of Mt. Victoria and has simple accommodation. The true heart of traditional Chin culture is found in this area and Chin ethnic tribes with tattooed faces can be observed in nearby tribal villages around Mt. Victoria. Besides mountaineering this is the best place for hiking to nearby villages to see the local life and bird watching. It has an area of 432 acres well-preserved by the forestry department. It is 174 km from Bagan by jeep and roads are still very bad so this excursion is not recommended for rainy season ( May to Oct ). The region is opened to tourists recently. A special permission is needed in going around that area and has to pre arranged well in advance.

Kyaing Tong

Kyaing Tong is the capital city of the Golden Triangle Region. It is situated in the Eastern Shan State, 452 km in the east of Taunggyi and 176 km from Tachileik, the town at the border of the Thailand. It can be accessed by plane from Yangon as well as from Thailand by crossing the border line via Tachilek. Kyaing Tong is a land for those searching for ethnic and tribal value. Its market is always busy with colorful hill tribes. In the vicinity of Kyaing Tong, there are villages resided by minor ethnic groups such as Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa, Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw and Akar. So one can feel the atmosphere of traditions, cultures and life styles of these tribes which are still unspoiled by the modern facilities.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State and is set in a broad valley surrounded by the northern hills of Myanmar. It is also the place where the famous Myanmar's principle river, the Ayeyarwaddy originates. Myitkyina is ethnically diverse and different tribes of national races live in harmony with their own cultures, customs, dialects, dances and lifestyles. Kachin, Bamar and Shan form a majority together with a few Chinese and Indians. We can also visit Indawgyi Lake, jade mines of Hpakant, and Myit-son - the very start of the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River and we can see a number of hill tribes in the Myitkyina market. Another fascination in Myitkyina is the Manaw ritual when the all ethnics minority dance uniformly circling the pillars erected in the field.

Puta O

Puta-O is the starting point for Myanmar’s most adventurous trekking adventures .Which is situated in Kachin State and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is Myanmar’s northernmost town with cold weather the whole year round and there are many varieties of citrus fruits grown in the orchards. People of the Rawan, Lisu, Khamti-Shan, Jingphaw and Kachin are represented in the region. It is the nearest town to the base camp for Climbing Mt. Khakhaborazi (5889 meters), which is the highest mountain in Myanmar and in Southeast Asia. Overnight hiking trips to nearby villages and subtropical evergreen and rainforests offer visitors a very unique view of the northern frontier.

Ngapali

Ngapali is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar and located on the west coast of Myanmar facing the Indian Ocean. The beach stretches for over 3 km long and is unrivaled with its clear water, white sand bank, swaying coconut forest and the air free form smoke of industries. There are only natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun. The sea has no dangerous marine animals, clean and clear with gentle waves. The people can also fish, swim, ride on a horse back, and purchase at the souvenir shops along the bank. Fishing boats can be hired for trips to some of the islands off the coast or just for fishing at nearby reefs. There is an 18- hole Golf Course, located 15 minutes drive from the beach. Ngapali can be reach by flight from Yangon. By overland, 14 hour drive along the narrow winding road over the Rakhine Yoma (mountain range) after crossing the Ayeyarwaddy River at Pyay.

Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwe Saung beach is latest beach resort in Myanmar. It is newly opened beach about 48 km from Pathein. The beach stretches 15km along the coast with delightful palm swaying breeze from the Bay of Bengal. With its sandy shore free of mud and clay, transparent and clean seawater, pretty islands nearby and rows of palm trees is really attraction for beach lovers. Ngwe Saung can be reached by car from the capital Yangon in approximately seven hours drive. The journey takes travelers on a partly bumpy and pot-holed road across the Ayeyarwaddy Delta region. There are newly constructed bungalows with local flavour but equipped with modern facilities.

Chaung Thar Beach

Chaung-Thar Beach is located 40 km to the west of Pathein in Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is about 7 hours drive from Yangon via Pathein. The beach curves inwards in the shape of a crescent stretching for nearly a mile. Visitors can sightseeing in the neighboring villages for study fishing industry and the livelihood of the local people. Chaung Thar beachs is mostly travel by local visitor among the three beachses, Ngapali and Ngwesaung. It is recommended for the person who would like to enjoy the lively Beach.

Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock)

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, which known to the world as Golden Rock is located about 160 km from Yangon and the famous domestic pilgrimage centre in Myanmar. It stands on a gilded boulder precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 1100 meters above sea-level. There are many legends about the pagoda and Nat (Spirit) shrines along the way from the base camp to the pagoda. It is a test of one’s endurance to reach the pagoda. There is also a popular belief that a person gains in wealth every time he climbs the hill. The season of pilgrimage is from October to May. Open truck can now reach up to the platform of the pagoda. It can also reached by trekking from the base camp. Porters and palanquins are available to carry luggage and pilgrims who are too old or weak.