Day 3: Bangkok, THAILAND
Explore Bangkok by boat, stopping at the graceful Grand Palace, a
complex of brightly colored buildings and golden spires dating back
to 1782, when the city was founded. It served as the official
residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the
mid-20th century. Nearby is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Constructed at the end of the 18th century, this example of Thai
aesthetics and religious architecture houses Thailand’s venerated
Emerald Buddha. ►For Bangkok hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 4: Bangkok, THAILAND / Yangon, MYANMAR / Heho, MYANMAR
Depart Thailand for Myanmar, a profoundly Buddhist country that has
kept many of its ancient traditions. Your journey starts in Heho,
the gateway to Inle Lake. The lake is the second largest in Myanmar
and one of the highest in altitude. Upon arrival, travel by boat to
your hotel.
►Suggested hotel: Inle Princess Resort
Day 5: Heho, MYANMAR
Begin your day with a private cruise on Inle Lake and a visit to
Phaung Dao U Pagoda. Next, admire the beautiful floating gardens
that are typical of Heho. Afterward, watch the masterful skills of
local silk weavers at the Mya Set Kyar Ikat silk weaving factory.
End your day at Ngaphechaung Monastery.
►Suggested hotel: Inle Princess Resort
Day 6: Heho / Mandalay, MYANMAR
Fly to Mandalay, the country’s major commercial center. After lunch
at a local restaurant, explore Mandalay’s treasures, including
Mandalay Hill, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda.
►Suggested hotel: Sedona Hotel, Mandalay
Day 7: Mandalay / Bagan, MYANMAR
Transfer to the RV ’Paukan,’ a boutique river cruiser, and cruise
the gentle Ayeyarwady River downstream toward Bagan, stopping at
Yandabo, a rural craft village known for its pots. It is also the
site of the signing of the treaty that ended the first Anglo-Burmese
war in 1826. RV 'Paukan'
Day 8: Bagan, MYANMAR
More than 2,000 pagodas, temples and stupas (memorials commemorating
Buddha) cover the plains of Bagan, a treasure trove of Buddhist art
history. Visit the most significant sites of this ancient city,
including the Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple and Nyaung U Market.
►Suggested hotel: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
Day 9: Bagan / Mount Popa / Bagan, MYANMAR
Take an early morning balloon ride over Bagan, watching the sun
illuminate the gold and sand-colored stupas that stretch out into
the horizon. Then visit Mount Popa, a dormant volcano. The Buddhist
monastery at its summit is a popular pilgrimage site. After lunch,
explore the temples of Manuha and Nanpaya.
►Suggested hotel: Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
Day 10: Bagan / Yangon, MYANMAR
This morning, fly to Yangon, where contemporary and colonial Myanmar
continue to co-exist decades after British departure. Visit the
Shwedagon Pagoda, a fantasy of golden stupas, serene Buddhas and
mythical beasts. Continue to the third-century BC Sule Pagoda.
►Suggested hotel: The Governor's Residence
Day 11: Yangon, MYANMAR
This morning, stop in Bago. After lunch, shop for Burmese
handicrafts at Scott Market. Then visit the Reclining Buddha, one of
the largest icons in Myanmar at 230 feet long. After viewing Burmese
art at the National Museum, visit Botataung Pagoda that houses
Buddhist relics said to be carried here by Indian monks over 2,000
years ago.
►Suggested hotel: Governor's Residence
Day 12: Yangon / Bangkok, THAILAND
An early afternoon flight takes you to Bangkok, where the remainder
of the day is at leisure.
►For Bangkok hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 13: Bangkok, THAILAND
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
Day
1: Bangkok, THAILAND