Myanmar at leisure

Your discovery of Birmanie starts in Yangon, the former capital of the country and a metropolis of about six million inhabitants, which concentrates a large part of its economic and cultural activity.

Set off to explore the streets of its colonial district, where several buildings recall the history of Birmanie. Among them is The Secretariat, a historic building in which General Aung San, a major figure in the country's independence and father of Aung San Suu Kyi, was assassinated on July 19, 1947.

To discover another facet of the city, continue your walk to Bogyoke market. Its stalls and bustle give you a first glimpse of the daily life of the inhabitants.

In late afternoon, head to the Shwedagon Pagoda, whose golden stupa dominates Yangon.

Considered the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Birmanie, this sanctuary is said to house, according to tradition, relics of four Buddhas. The late afternoon light provides a particularly pleasant setting to discover this monument.

Myanmar's second largest city, Mandalay retains numerous vestiges of its past as a royal capital.

During your discovery, visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, considered the country's second most sacred Buddhist sanctuary, as well as the citadel of the royal palace.

Continue towards the Shwenandaw Monastery, whose teak wood constructions bear witness to Burmese architectural expertise. Nearby, the Kuthodaw Pagoda houses 729 white stupas containing inscriptions of the Tipitaka, the Buddhist canon in Pali language. This complex is often presented as the "world's largest book".

To finish your visits, gain height by heading to Mandalay Hill. Accessible on foot or by car, it houses several pagodas and monasteries that you can discover during the ascent.

From the summit, enjoy a view over the city, the Irrawaddy River and the first reliefs of the Shan mountains, particularly pleasant as the sunset approaches.

Leave Mandalay in the morning to reach the U Bein Bridge, a traditional wooden walkway entirely built in teak and stretching 1.2 kilometers long.

Your excursion continues on the banks of the Irrawaddy, in the ancient royal city of Ava. You discover its remains during a horse cart ride, notably the Me Nu Ok Kyaung Monastery and the Nanmyin Tower, the last remaining element of the former royal palace.

After this visit, switch transport and board a private boat to sail up the Irrawaddy to Mingun (approximately 45 minutes of navigation).

Upon arrival, discover the unfinished great pagoda of Mingun, which King Bodawpaya had begun to construct with the ambition of making it the largest in the world. Construction was interrupted upon his death and the edifice still bears the marks of the 1838 earthquake, notably a significant crack.

You also discover the immense Mingun Bell, commissioned by the same sovereign, as well as the Hsinbyume Pagoda, built by King Bagyidaw in memory of his deceased wife.

Once the visits are completed, you board the boat again to sail back down the river towards Mandalay, enjoying the landscapes bathed in sunset light.

This morning, set out to explore the Bagan plain, one of Myanmar's main archaeological complexes. Across this vast expanse bordering the Irrawaddy, over 2,000 Buddhist temples and monuments, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, stand amid the vegetation.

Your exploration takes you notably to the Gu Byauk Gyi temple, the Manuha pagoda, and the Nan Paya temple. Each edifice presents an architecture and history that allow you to better understand the religious and cultural significance of Bagan.

In the afternoon, join Old Bagan, an ancient fortified city where some portions of walls are still visible.

Continue your visits among its many monuments, including the Bu pagoda, the Shwegu Gyi, Maha Bodhi, That Byin Nyu and Dhammayan Gyi temples, as well as the Shwesandaw pagoda.

This day with no set program allows you to enjoy Bagan as you wish. You can rest at the hotel, return to discover certain temples or walk freely through the site. Bike rental is also an option to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Optional: excursion with vehicle and guide to more remote sites, workshop visits, …

Contact us for possibilities and rates.

Take advantage of your stopover to discover the Taung Kalatt temple, built at the top of a volcanic peak.

Access to the sanctuary requires climbing 777 steps, but the ascent allows you to discover this place of worship and admire an extensive panorama over the surrounding plain.

Located at approximately 1,300 meters altitude, Kalaw enjoys a pleasant climate that made it a favored destination for British colonists in the past.

Upon your arrival, enjoy free time at the end of the afternoon to stroll through the village streets and discover its mountain atmosphere.

Today, embark on a boat excursion on Inle Lake, located at approximately 1,200 meters altitude, in a lush hillside environment.

Navigation allows you to discover the lifestyle of the Intha, an ethnic group settled on the lake. You observe their stilt houses as well as their floating gardens, where they cultivate various fruits and vegetables.

During your exploration, make a stop at the Phaung Daw U Pagoda, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries on Inle Lake.

Located in its central part, it houses five Buddha statues that pilgrims have gradually covered with gold leaf. The accumulation of these offerings has transformed their appearance to the point of masking their original forms.

Your excursion continues with the discovery of monasteries built on stilts and artisanal workshops, which bear witness to local traditions.

In the afternoon, you return to your hotel after this day spent on the waters of the lake.

Enjoy a full day free at Inle Lake to rest or continue your discoveries at your own pace.

According to your wishes, you can stroll through the surrounding villages, rent bikes to explore the region or enjoy a moment of relaxation in hot springs.

If you prefer to organize an additional activity, your local agency can also offer you excursions scheduled upon request.

Optional: vehicle and driver in Yangon depending on our return flight schedule (contact us).