Myanmar- Mandalay to Bagan
Cycling Through Tribes, Temples, and Treasures
“This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about...” Rudyard Kipling
Myanmar is remote, exquisite, and a revelation to visit. Join a group or design a private trip to enjoy the treasures, history and culture of this ancient, picturesque country. For more information about this or other custom itineraries, please contact Silk and StoneS Customer Service.
Myanmar, known as Burma by the British, is fascinating and beautiful. We are pleased to offer tours to Myanmar to explore this untouched last outpost in Southeast Asia. The people of Myanmar are warm, gracious, smart, humorous, and amazingly resilient. For inspiration, see the Myanmar Photo Album and for detailed lists of restaurants, shops, hotels, see the Myanmar Resource List.
Day 01 - Arrive Yangon
Upon arrival in the morning from your international flights transfer to the hotel for a start to sightseeing in Yangon, including Colonial downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi reclining Buddha, the landmark Shwedagone Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott’s Market) and the Chinatown farmer’s market. Stop at the small shop on 13th street to start your appreciation of Myanmar’s superb lacquerware. In late afternoon, gather at the verandah bar at the hotel for a welcome reception and dinner in the garden.
Day 02 Yangon - Mandalay - City Tour
Transfer to the airport for the early flight to Mandalay, the traditional capital of ancient empires. After check-in at the hotel, visit the ancient towns of Amarapura and Sagain as well as sights in Mandalay: Mahagandayone monastery of 1500 monks, the world longest teak bridge, U Bein, silversmithing in Sagain, the scenic U-Min-Thoun-Se Temple, the landmark Mahamuni temple, typical gold leaf art in Mandalay. Finish with sunset views over Mandalay Hill. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 03 - Cycle to Amarapura and Mingun
AFter breakfast, cycle to the world’s longest teak bridge: U Bein Bridge. Continue to the monastery with 1000 monks, and then onto the temple ruins of Mingun with a boat ride along the wide Irrawaddy River. Finish with a stop at the traditional gold leaf workshops.
Day 04 - Chindwin Valley to Monywa
After breakfast at the hotel, bike through the lovely Chindwin Valley to Monywa, visiting Thanbokde and Boddhi-tataung Pagodas en-route.
Day 05 - Myitche to Bagan
Enjoy breakfast before biking to Myitche and a tour of the craft workshops and cottage industries, followed by a scenic river cruise at sunset to Bagan.
Day 06 - Bagan Temples
Bike a full day through the astonishing temples of ancient Bagan (see photo above), thru villages, farms and fields, and into the centuries old temples, including the beautiful Ananda temple, lacquer ware handicrafts, finishing the day with a sunset and panoramic view from a fairly high temple. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 07 - Mt. Popa
After a hotel breakfast, bike to the traditional Nyaung Oo farmers market, and then up to the stunning Mt. Popa. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 08 - Myinkaba to Ngapali Beach
Breakfast at the hotel followed by easy cycling to Myinkaba and Minnanthu villages near Bagan. Transfer for the flight to Ngapali Beach for a unique view of the fishing villages and beautiful unspoiled beaches of Myanmar. Watch the fishermen bring in their catch and select your choice for dinner on the beach. Relax and enjoy the spectacular beach scenery and local activities.
Day 09 - Ngapali Beach
Enjoy a day of leisure on the beach. Fish with a local fisherman, walk the beach, schedule a massage or meditation class. Take a horse cart to visit neighbor villages and seek out the local craft workers. Enjoy candlelight dinner on the beach with seafood you personally select.
Day 10 Ngapali to Yangon and Home
Enjoy leisure until transfer to the airport for flights to Yangon and connections to international flights.
Silk and Stones Travel tours are designed for very small groups, using suppliers and partnerships with local providers, and with sensitivity to the unique environmental, ecological, and cultural opportunities in each country. silk and Stones Travel brings the best of travel to unusual places with comfort, safety, and with cultural and environmental sensitivity. Click on the following to learn about the group tour itineraries, or to gain insights for designing private, custom trips.
For help designing a custom itinerary, please contact Silk and Stones Travel
For additional help planning your trip, please see Resources, Packing List, Application, and Terms and Conditions. For additional suggestions on Myanmar shops, restaurants, activities, check the Myanmar Resources page.
*Photo Courtesy of Beth Staudenmaier, 2009
Buddhas in Mandalay
