Burma Discovery

Our journey begins with a short transfer to Kyi Myin Daing train station for a two hour scenic train ride to Wanat Chaung, on the outskirts of Yangon. We pass small villages, colorful bustling markets and get to witness every day local life. This fun train journey will be an unforgettable experience. Upon reaching Wanat Chaung, we’ll be fitted for our bikes and have a test ride before we head off. Leaving the station we cycle through trails and villages that never see tourists. The ride provides views of farmland and paddy fields and offers a great opportunity to interact with bemused locals. After a 13km ride we break for lunch at a basic local restaurant. After lunch it’s a short ride to the Phu Gyi Reservoir where we will stop for some great photo opportunities. Phu Gyi Reservoir is one of the main water sources for Yangon. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the 3km long bank of the reservoir and breathe in the fresh air. We then cycle to the famous Pan Ta Pwint Taung Monastery and finish off with a ride through a forest of rubber trees before hitting the finish line back at Wanat Chaung and taking a 90 minute transfer back to Yangon.

Early morning after breakfast, spend a half day biking around the ancient temples. (Note: due to the small size of Bagan we will not have a support car with us today. A motorbike will be accompanying the group with drinks and snacks as well as to take care of any emergency situations.) The perfect way to explore ancient Bagan is riding through and cover the famous temples and pagodas in the Archaeological Zone. After taking a morning cycle around the Archaeological Zone, we return to hotel. This is good opportunity to cool down by taking a refreshing dip in the hotel pool. In the afternoon, transfer to puppet workshop. The puppeteer will give a brief explanation of the puppet making process and how a block of wood is turned into a lively puppet. Late this afternoon, transfer to the jetty where a private wooden river boat is waiting. Sitting under the shade or on the open-deck, we’ll be treated to fabulous views as we cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Shwezigon Pagoda. We’ll pass by small villages on the river banks, fishermen, local boats and of course many riverside temples. The views of Bagan are spectacular and offer a different perspective from the usual sightseeing. On board, a cocktail will be served, so relax and enjoy the scenery. As the sun begins to dip low in the sky, return to dry land and transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Bagan.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In the morning, transfer to airport for a flight to Heho. You’ll be chauffeured to a small town nearby Pindaya. Meet with a local family at their tea plantation. Take a short walk through the plantation, learning how to identify fresh leaves ready for harvest. Walk to the family’s house where they will serve tea from their plantation and local treats. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare tea leaf salad, one of Myanmar’s most beloved snacks. The final visit of the afternoon is the renowned Pindaya caves. You will be amazed by this massive cave where you can admire then thousands of Buddha images found inside. Proceed to Kalaw. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Overnight in Kalaw.

Today, our trekking adventure beings with a scenic two hour drive leading us to the small town of Naung Tayar. We will meet with our trekking team and set off on foot. You will immediately notice how different the scenery is from middle Burma and the cooler temperatures are more suited for walking. After lunch at local family house in traditional style, we continue our scenic trek. On the way, we will have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and interact with the friendly local people. We reach our overnight stop village of Saung Khar in the evening. Tonight we stay in a house with a local family which gives plenty of opportunity for more interaction and learning about the local people’s way of life. Overnight in Saung Khar Village.

Departing Saung Khar early today, we bid farewell to our host family and continue trekking towards Inle Lake. This morning trek offers great views of a bamboo forest, valley and overview of the villages. Our first stop is Naung Mon old Monastery and village where we learn about monastic life in Myanmar and further insight into day to day village life. The monastery also serves as a community center and is an important part of rural Burmese life. Continuing onwards and downwards we descend to our final destination of Tharyar Gone, a short walk from the shores of the beautiful and serene Inle Lake. Depending on on progress made, lunch will be served either in a village on route or at a restaurant in Tharyar Gone. This also lends the opportunity to observe the making of local rice wine. If time permits, we visit the Thar Khaung Pagoda Complex before transferring by long tail boat to Samkar located on the opposite shore. Overnight at Samkar.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic ride with mountain views to our right and lake views to the left. On our ride we’ll not only see farms of maize but also the cultivation of rice. We’ll arrive at Nampan market after an easy 36km ride. From here, we will take a traditional long tail boat and head to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Across the lake we pass through villages with stilted houses and floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Stopping for lunch around midday we have the opportunity to taste delicious traditional Inthar dishes while soaking in the views of the lake and its surroundings. After lunch, we make our way to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains 5 sacred Buddha images and houses royal barges used during the pagoda’s annual festival. Proceeding to the village of Inpawkhone to observe the traditional silk weaving techniques of the Inthar people. Inpawkhone is also renowned for weaving with the stems of lotus flowers, a time consuming process that results in high quality materials famous throughout the country. We also visit a cheroot factory where local Burmese cigars are rolled by hand. Overnight on Inle Lake.

Today, we’ll start with a visit to the morning market, which rotates locations on a daily basis. (Note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days) This daily market attracts people from all over the lake’s shores to buy and sell their wares- if we’re lucky we may see Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people in their traditional outfits. Wander amid the stalls where our guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale. We continue to a traditional Inthar House where we will spend time preparing the dishes with our host family. It’s a unique chance to spend time with the locals and learn about their cuisine and culture. Together we’ll prepare local delights including Inle Style Tomato Salad and other Inthar dishes. Once the hard work and preparation is completed lunch will be served on a low table whilst sitting on the floor local style. After lunch we transfer to one of the main lakeside villages. Ywama is an accurate glimpse at the everyday lives of the local people, a lifestyle that has remained relatively unchanged for generations. It’s then time to burn off some calories. Our kayaks will be waiting at a local home in the village. Our guide will provide instructions and we will take a test ride before entering Ywama’s web of canals. Although Inle Lake is the 2nd largest lake in Myanmar, the water is shallow, allowing the local tribes to build entire communities on stilts ‘floating’ over the water. Paddle through these small waterways, under and around traditional floating homes. Kayaking has only recently been introduced to Inle, so be prepared for some odd looks from the locals. After about half an hour we disembark for a trek through a lively local village. This trek show cases local workshops such as tofu making, blacksmiths, and goldsmiths. There may even be a chance to learn a little about the traditional medicine of the Inthar people. After exploring the village for around an hour we head back to the kayaks. Continue paddling through the small channels of the village. We stop at a local house for a cup of tea and sample some traditional snacks. Then, floating through the waterways of Ywama the trip concludes at the same local house where our journey began. We then get back to our hotel.Dinner at hotel is recommended. Overnight on Inle Lake.