Tickets en Myanmar (Birmania)

This morning guests will meet by their guide and driver for a day spent exploring the best of Yangon’s foods. Start with a visit to one of downtown’s main morning markets. Here vendors gather to sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to fish and meats, as well as a variety of dipping sauces and pastes popular in Burmese cooking (including the famous balachung - a mix of fish paste and chili).

Continue past many vendors selling breakfast treats popular with the locals, such as pancakes, steamed sticky rice with beans and fried delights such as donuts and samosas. There are also dozens of noodle stalls in the area where locals gather for a tasty breakfast on their way to work or school. Guests will be able to stop and taste some of these treats as they walk by.

A short drive to Seikkan Tha Street will then allow guests to explore another morning market area, with many stalls selling Roti Prata, flowers and fruits. Try a bite of Roti Prata or an exotic local fruit. Having worked up a thirst, guests will stop at Maung Aye Tea Shop - a local favorite which serves sweet Burmese tea (called le phet yay) and local snacks.

Crossing the street, the next stop is at Shwe Myot Taw, an Indian restaurant with great Roti Prata, and Padauk Yeik. Meaning ‘in the shade of the gum tree’, this stall is a popular place to have le phet thoke, Burmese tea leaf salad. The fermented tea leaves are served with a selection of fried nuts and beans and can be washed down with a fresh fruit juice.

Finally, transfer to Feel Restaurant for lunch. This restaurant is a popular with locals who come for the delicious curries, and by 1.30PM the food is often sold out. Sample an array of local curries all accompanied by dozens of vegetables, some dips and a soup. This is a very traditional, tasty Burmese lunch and the perfect way to complete this day of culinary exploration in Yangon. After lunch transfer back to the hotel.

Let us show you the rich culture of Mandalay with this half-day tour. Beginning with mysterious "Maha Muni Buddha", the most revered Buddha image in Myanmar. Being the most holy pilgrimage site, a rite of visiting pilgrims is to apply gold leaf to the statue. The result of this has left the statue distorted in some areas, namely the chest where there is 6 inches of gold leaf. These gold leaves, which are made as offerings throughout the country, are produced only in Mandalay with the traditional hand pounding technique. Pay a visit to a gold-leaf making and other nearby handicraft cottages to observe local craftsman at work.

Enjoy this tour and immerse yourself in Yangon culture and traditions!

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Explore Chaukhtetkyi Pagoda and its revered reclining Buddha
* Wander through a local residential neighbourhood and the beautiful Kandawgyi Park
* Marvel at the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda and its iconic golden dome
* Observe locals and monks offering their devotions as the sun sets across the golden Pagoda

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Burma (Myanmar) has a truly fascinating history, tradition, and culture, and this Yangon city tour will give you the opportunity to explore some of the city’s icons and better understand local life here. Meet your local, English-speaking guide, jump in our van, and head to head to Chaukhtetkyi Pagoda, home to a reclining Buddha that's one of the most honoured in the country and one of the largest in all of Myanmar.

Continue with a walk through the local residential area, through Kandawgyi Park. Along the way, your guide will share local stories and anecdotes, as well as answer the many questions you likely have about local life in the city. We’ll pause for a tea break and people watching before heading into the Shwedagon Pagoda. Inside the eastern entrance of the Pagoda you’ll find a very different type of local market, which will give you an idea of how significant Buddhism is in daily life here in Burma.

After enjoying the market for a bit, we’ll climb a long, stair-filled corridor up to the Pagoda platform, accompanied by your guide’s explanation of locals’ unique Buddhist beliefs. The magnificent golden dome of the Pagoda rises an impressive 98 metres above its base and is said to have been covered with tons and tons of pure gold, along with numerous precious stones such as jade, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Humbling in its beauty, the Pagoda dome is one of the city’s most iconic places, and is the perfect spot in which to cap off a Yangon city tour of tradition and culture.

After sufficient time exploring the Pagoda and its dome, we’ll meet our van and head back to the meeting point, about a thirty-minute drive away. Should you wish to remain at the Pagoda, you are welcome to do so, however you will be responsible for your own transportation back into the centre of town.

Mahasi Monastery, one of the best monasteries in Yangon for meditation training. Mahasi is renowned as an 'Educational Spa' throughout Myanmar and many pilgrims come here to learn, study and practice Vipassana meditation. Mahasi usually requires a minimum of one-week of study for the local yogis however they have granted special permission for our clients for a one-day program.

First you'll meet with the venerable monk who will discuss the importance of meditation in the life of the Burmese Buddhist people (in English). A meditation teacher (monk) will be there to teach you techniques and methods that have been used for centuries. After an hour of instruction and discussion it is time to practice what you have learned.

Move into the meditation hall for your practice session. Slip away into a deep meditative state, relaxing in the quiet, peaceful setting of Mahasi.

Afterwards return to your hotel or continue your spiritual afternoon with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda.

Shwedagon is the most revered temple in Myanmar and, in the late afternoon, many nuns, monks and pilgrims gather there to say their evening prayers. Learn about the history and importance of this site with your local guide and enjoy the magical scene as the setting sun casts gorgeous colors onto the 90-metre tall golden stupa.

Afterwards return to your hotel or continue your spiritual afternoon with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda.

It takes approx. 45 minutes to drive from Yangon city to Taukkyan village, Mingaladon Township. The park is inclusive of a wildlife park (1650 acres). The Lake is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds.

Flocks of migratory birds frequently visit the park. It is a pleasant spot for picnickers, and of particular interest to naturalists, bird-watching, Elephant riding, and fishing.

Day 1 - arrive in Yangon and Yangon Sightseeing.
Upon arrival at airport, welcome by our Guide and he will be held on placard with your name on it. And then transfer to hotel for check-in. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is still a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes Yangon one of the most fascinating and authentic capitals of South-East Asia. This afternoon, transfer to Yangon Heritage Trust’s downtown office where their specially-trained guide will give a briefing about the progress, and challenges to come, of preserving the city’s buildings. Afterwards, begin a 2.5 hour walking tour through central Yangon. Starting at Yangon’s Heritage Trust Office on Lower Pansodan Road and Highlights include City Hall, the High Court and the former Burma Railways Company – one of Yangon’s oldest administrative buildings. Stay overnight at hotel in Yangon (Summit Park View).

Day 2 - Yangon Sightseeing and Shopping.
After breakfast, you will visit Sule, City Hall, and the High Court (noted for its British colonial architecture including its clock tower and its red-bricked exterior). You’ll then visit ChaukHtatGyi Pagoda, which is famous for its huge image of a reclining Buddha and which was built in 1966 to replace the old image built in1907. You will also have the option to visit Kandawgyi Lake and surrounding areas, which offer numerous photo opportunities. In the early evening, you will visit Strand jetty to witness the daily life of the local people and Yangon River, which offers a remarkable atmosphere with spectacular colors and photo opportunities. Next, you will go shopping at the Bogyoke market (formerly "Scott market") where you can get a wide range of Myanmar handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics and lacquer ware. Time permitting, your guide will bring you to the famous MK gems shop, where high quality gems are displayed in eight different decorated show rooms.

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point. Stay overnight at hotel in Yangon (Summit Park View).

Day 3 - Yangon and Golden Rock Pagoda.
After breakfast, overland drive to Kyaik Hto to go to the Golden Rock (driving hour about 4 hours). One the way, we visit to Htaukkyant War Cemetery. Then proceed to overland driving to Golden Rock. Arrive at pilgrim-village is a starting point to the famous Golden Rock. From our hotel in Kyaikhtiyo we first take a truck and then enjoy the trekking to Golden Rock, it will take about 1 hour up the hill to enjoy the sunset at the Golden Rock. The famous 'Golden Rock' is a sacred, massive gold-leafed boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff near the top of Mt. Kyaikhtiyo and it is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. Lunch and Dinner at local good restaurant. Stay overnight at Golden Rock Pagoda (Mountain Top Hotel).

Savor a variety of authentic Myanmar food and experience the charm of Myanmar hospitality at its finest,with a smiling waitress. After dinner sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular performance of Myanmar classical dances. Each movement has a meaning and expresses a particular emotion

Enjoy your city tour to visit Shwezigon Pagoda; it was completed with stone slabs hewn from the Tonwataung Pagoda which were three htwa long and one htwa wide. Htilominlo Temple; It is a large three story red brick (with some stone) temple on a low platform. Last stop will be at Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyi-in); a 13th century temple that is noted for its wall paintings, depicting scenes from the previous lives of the Buddha. The ceiling of this temple is full of wall paintings and the halls have enough lights to view these clearly. There is a Buddha Image in the first hallway and with the marvelous paintings of the Man-Nat at the back of the image. Dress Code: For religious reason, the modest and decent dress is required such as wearing to cover your knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the Pagoda since most of religious grounds not allow wearing shoes, sandal, thong or flip-flop and socks. Hats and sunglasses will be useful for tropical zone in Bagan.

Today we take you on a deeper trip into the ways of life in Bagan. Departing from the hotel, you will visit colorful Nyaung U market to observe the daily local activities. Embark on a scenic driver to ShweHlaing village. Upon arrival, walk around the village and meet with the friendly local people. After exploring the village head to Toddy Climber's hut or observe traditional brewery methods. Enjoy lunch with the local people under shade of Toddy Palm trees before transfering back to Bagan.

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning for a full day of exploring Yangon's art and antiques scene.

We'll start up in the area of Yangon known as 'Golden Valley' at New Treasure Gallery. This art gallery was established by Min Wai Aung, a Burmese artist famous for his paintings of monks. Then visit two antiques shops, Augustine's and Madame Thair. Both shops are filled with curious and some real hidden gems from various periods of Myanmar's history. The exuberant Madame Thair will be sure to entertain you with her charm and 'everything is for sale' pitch. Next it's on to Dhamazedi Road where a row of small shop houses are packed full of antiques. Hidden among the dusty shelves are many treasures from the colonial era and before.

Stop for lunch at House of Memories Restaurant, an old colonial style mansion set in a beautiful garden. Once used as the BIA (Burma Independence Army) and BDA (Burma Defense Army) Head Quarters, the building is full of memories of the people who embarked on the long walk toward gaining independence for Myanmar. Wander through the house looking at the historic remnants on display including a room named after General Aung San, which was once his office and still contains his desk and typewriter.

This afternoon we will head downtown to visit at least three art galleries. (Itinerary may vary depending on opening hours, current exhibits and client's personal interests). We'll start at River Gallery, located adjacent to The Strand Hotel, which aims to bring Myanmar art to a wider audience. River Gallery showcases the city's widest range of contemporary art, representing more than 30 artists at any given time. Next we'll visit Lokanat Gallery, a non-profit gallery that features a small collection of traditional works as well as rotating exhibits of current Burmese artists.

Then we will continue to Pansodan Arts to view works of art covering traditional period up to modern, abstract styles. The knowledgeable curator will show you upstairs to the store room where hundreds of paintings are tucked away, including war-time propaganda, neo-classical works created as European influences began to reach Myanmar and classic line drawings and photographs. Before leaving downtown we'll visit the newest addition to Yangon's arts scene, Sule Eain. Located adjacent to Sule Paya, this loft-style space features rotating exhibitions of contemporary painters. Then it is time to transfer back to your hotel.