MyanmarBeautiful pagodas and magical bridges

Today, you will take a day trip to the beautiful area around Mandalay. Your first destination is Sagaing: Sagaing Hill is covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries and is considered the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. On your way, stop at a small pottery village to see how ubiquitous water pots are made throughout Myanmar.

Next, continue to Amarapura, a former capital whose name means "city of immortality." After a tour of this peaceful area, visit the U-Bein Bridge and stroll along this 200-year-old teak bridge. The bridge consists of 984 teak posts that were once part of the abandoned Inwa Palace. At 1.2 kilometers long, it is considered the longest teak bridge in the world. Enjoy a walk along the bridge and the magnificent view of the surrounding farms and streams. A boat trip at sunset will be the highlight of your day.

Today, your journey continues south to visit some exciting places between Mandalay and Bagan. After about a 2.5-hour drive, you will visit the Burmese Star Tortoise Conservation Center in the Minzontaung Wildlife Sanctuary. This species is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and is only found in Myanmar. Take a guided walk through the reserve and visit the star tortoises. After lunch in one of the surrounding villages, the journey continues to Mount Popa National Park.

The next day, you will have the unique opportunity to visit Taung Kalat Monastery on Mount Popa. Visible from afar, the golden monastery can be reached after climbing 777 steps, during which you are sure to encounter some curious macaque monkeys. Enjoy the incredible view of the vastness of the country and discover one of Myanmar's mystical highlights up close.

Bagan is the highlight of any trip to Myanmar. The city consists of over 2,000 temples and pagodas, each of which is definitely worth a visit in its own right. Let yourself drift and discover how differently the individual pagodas and temples were built. Many of them can also be viewed from the inside, and it is often possible to climb the pagodas to get a breathtaking view of all the surrounding temples and pagodas.

Surrounding the pagoda field are the three towns of Nyaung U, Old Bagan, and New Bagan, where you can visit colorful markets or take a cooking class. Or participate in a traditional blessing ceremony with one of the local monks. Afterwards, you can end the evening with a one-hour private yoga class at sunset.

After an exciting time in Bagan, you will continue on to Kalaw. This very green mountain town offers a great change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Bagan over the last few days. The relaxing and refreshing climate makes Kalaw ideal for a morning walk to discover the most important sights. As in many cities in Myanmar, the market is located in the heart of the city and is a hub of activity in the morning when villagers from the surrounding hills come to sell their wares. After shopping and snacking, stop at Thein Taung Pagoda and the monastery north of the market. The monastery on the hill is very peaceful and a nice place to relax or interact with friendly monks.

Myanmar has the longest rail network in Southeast Asia, and the train is a fascinating way to travel from Kalaw to Inle Lake. The train journey offers an interesting insight into the lives of the people in the Shan hills.

At Inle Lake, you will have the opportunity to observe the traditional way of life on the lake up close. Take a traditional canoe tour and discover the famous stilt houses, the unique fishermen, and the labyrinth of canals and waterways of this unique place. You can also visit a local workshop and learn traditional techniques for making tofu, metalwork, and gold jewelry.

In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the small village of India and the beautiful Alaung Sithu area. The fantastic views of the lake will take your breath away on your exploration tour! To add the finishing touch to your stay, we recommend a hot air balloon ride over Inle Lake. Experience the country from a breathtaking perspective for a moment and let yourself be inspired by the atmosphere.

Your trip to Myanmar now takes you to an area that few tourists visit. The town of Loikaw is a good starting point for visiting Pan Pet Village. Most of the inhabitants belong to the Padaung tribe, who are best known for the many golden neck rings they wear around their necks. A lot of handicrafts are also made here, giving you the unique opportunity to meet women from this tribe, learn more about their history, and purchase some of the handicrafts as souvenirs.

Fortified by breakfast, your journey takes you back to Yangon. Once there, you can spend the day as you wish. Stroll through the city center and discover the wonderful mix of architecture and sights on your own. Our tip: Visit the Independence Monument and stroll through the lively alleys of Little India and Chinatown. Here you will find plenty of options to enjoy the delicious local delicacies one last time.

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and, after a short domestic flight, you will reach your next destination: Ngapali. From the airport, you will be taken directly to the small, very quiet white sand beach. Under coconut palms, you can reflect on the exciting days you have just experienced.

An exciting day trip during your stay is a beach safari to the traditional village of Maung Shwe Lay. Get into a truly tropical mood on this adventure. Even today, the small fishing village lives off the local produce from the surrounding area and the lake. The village is bordered by a beautiful white sandy beach and lush jungle. This tour offers you a unique opportunity to learn more about the life and, above all, the culinary specialties of the locals. In the afternoon, you will make your way back to the hotel.