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Start the day at the Sule Pagoda, a gleaming octagonal pagoda that stands squarely at the center point of the city. Afterwards, visit the National Museum, (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays), to gain an insight into Myanmar. See the eight meter high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by the last Burmese king, and other fascinating artefacts from Burmese history and culture. Enjoy a break at Bogyoke (Scott) Market, a pleasant covered market containing crafts from all corners of Myanmar, gems, fabrics and more. (The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).
In the afternoon, visit some of the more well-known pagodas, including Botataung Pagoda, named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over 2000 years ago. Visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, a reclining Buddha that is almost as large as the enormous figure of Shwethalyaung Buddha in Bago. It's housed in a large metal-roofed shed on Shwegondaing Lan, only a short distance north-east beyond the Shwedagon Paya. Finally, continue to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. Towering over the city, this pagoda is the most sacred spot in the country, built to house eight hair relics of the Buddha. The Shwedagon and surrounding shrines are at their most beautiful during the sunset hour, as the golden stupa reflects the changing colors of twilight.
Excursion to Thanlyin (Syriam) 3.5 Hours
Excursion across the river to Thanlyin, which was a base during the late 16th century and early
17th century for the notorious Portuguese adventurer Philip De Brito. Visit the Kyaik Khauk
Pagoda, a large golden temple on the hill to the north and said to contain two Buddha hairs
delivered to the site by the great sage himself, and the Kyauktan Pagoda (Yele Paya), the "midriver"
pagoda, named because of its location on a tiny island in the middle of the river. In the
temple are pictures of famous temples or payas throughout Myanmar.
Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava) 7 Hours
This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to Amarapura, and visit Mahagandayon Monastery; every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, pay a visit to Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Sun U Ponya Shin Paya, U Min Thonsei Paya and Kaung Hmu Daw Paya.
Cross the river by ferry to Inwa (Ava), situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa (Ava) is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely Horsecart Ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint Tower. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make theit famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to Amarapura, to end the day At U Bein's Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset.
Excursion to Mingun with boat trip 4 Hours
Travel upriver by boat to Mingun, enjoying the views of river life - fishing villages, market
boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of
the vast Mingun Paya, a monument to human ambition - never finished, its size would have
dwarfed all contemporary pagodas. See the Hsinbyume Paya, a pagoda dating from 1816, first
built by King Bagyidaw and dedicated to the memory of his wife, the Hsinbyume Princess.
Like many other pagodas, this structure is a symbolic representation of the mythical Mountain
Meru. Visit the Mingun Bell - in 1808 Bodawpaya had a gigantic bell cast to go with the
gigantic chedi. Weighing 90 tons, it is claimed to be the largest bell in the world. After that,
return downstream by boat to Mandalay.
Discover the Beauty of Bagan (Shwezigon Pagoda renovation will be finished in October, 2017 and Ananda Temple which is still under renovation. 9.5 Hours
The spectacular plain of Bagan stretches away from the Ayeyarwaddy River and is dotted with over 2,000 temple structures dating back over 800 years. Visit a lacquerware workshop to learn about the intricate process of lacquerware making and decoration. At the end of the tour enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the ancient pagodas. A selection of temples will be visited including: Shwezigon Paya, a beautiful golden pagoda containing relics of Buddha. The site was started by Anawrahta but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha between 1086 and1090. The pagoda's graceful bell shape served as a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn, an early 13th century temple with an Indian-style spire. The ceiling is covered with paintings depicting the previous life of Buddha. Ananda Pahto, one of the largest, most beautiful and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha who was inspired by Indian architecture. During the 1975 earthquake Ananda suffered considerable damage but has been totally restored. Gubyaukhyi Temple at Myinkaba, a 12th century Buddhist temple famous for its well-preserved frescoes, considered to be the oldest original paintings to be found in Bagan. Manuha Temple, which was built, according to inscriptions, by the captive Mon King Manuha in 1067. It contains three seated Buddha images along with an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Shwesandaw Paya, a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda dating back to 1057. This 328-foothigh imposing structure is visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan. Watch sunset over Bagan (45 Minutes) Enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the plain of Bagan from one of the pagoda platforms.
Excursion to Mount Popa 3 Hours
Visit Mount Popa, a cylindrical hill that rises sharply from the surrounding plain, and is considered to be the home of Myanmar's most important nats (spirits). Ascend the mountain via
a winding covered staircase watched by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top
is a monastery and temple complex with shrines to the 37 nats, along with spectacular views.