BEYOND SHAN HILLS

10 days – all you want to see

Loikaw, one of the best places to head in Southeast Asia for a window into authentic tribal life, located in the Karen Hills of Kayah State, the sleepy town of Loikaw is slowly waking up.. There are very few places left where we can have this sort of opportunity. Ladies wear traditional clothing, which consisted of leg rings, circular earrings, and elaborate necklaces. There are three main tribes in Loikaw: the Kayan, The Kayah and the Kayaw. 

From Loikaw, rowing along from the edge of Phae Khone Lake to Inle Lake by enjoying mountain scenery, some photo stops at Sagar village,  the floating garden, slits houses & leg rowers  along the canal.

Road trip from Inle Lake to Royal Mandalay by passing Ywangan Township, which is now wel-known for production of coffee.

Cruising from Ancient Bagan to Royal Mandalay along the Ayeyarwaddy river , e-bike adventure among Bagan temples,

Route

Yangon – Loikaw – Inle Lake - Mandalay – Bagan – Yangon

Tour Details

Day 1 - Arrival and explore Yangon

On arrival, welcome to the airport and transfer to downtown.

Then, explore this fascinating Yangon city in the city's best examples of British colonial architecture and the windy city streets. Then, taking a stroll to the Indian Quarter, local markets offering an insight into local life, contemporary art galleries.
Transfer to hotel for check in.

Afternoon return to the city to witness the most sacred Buddhist site in all of Burma-Shwedagon Pagoda. Also known as the Golden Pagoda, the 2,000-year-old hilltop temple dominates the Rangoon skyline.

Day 2 - Fly from Yangon to Loikaw

Flight from Yangon to Loikaw. A window to green ghosts!!

On arrival, visit Taungkwe pagoda, which is built on across two mountains. Enjoy stunning views over the city and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, another stop at lively Demoso market (if available)where we can see Kayan women as well as a few Pa Oh come from the Inle area to trade their local products. It is interesting to taste Kayan rice wine locally called “Khaung Yay”. Kayan elders practice to drink strictly wine, and no water.

Early in the afternoon, a scenic drive to Panpet village,Kayan tribe (known as long neck lady) for about one hour. A light scenic trek through lush, shady and forest towards the village. Observe their daily life of Kayan people and speak with them and taken photo with them. On the way back, photo stop at  Christ the King Cathedral, Kayah's oldest-surviving church ,attractive bell from the tower brought from Italy (Kayah State is home to different church) 

Day 3 -Loikaw

Explore Kayaw tribe

Today, we head towards Kayaw tribes about 2 hours by road. Along the way, we can see Churches, people, rice fields and traditional houses. Arrive Kayaw village of Htekho. People are extremely traditional. There are very few places left where we can have this sort of opportunity. Ladies wear traditional clothing, which consisted of leg rings, circular earrings, and elaborate necklaces. Experience cultures that still preserve their traditions.We then continue to another village of Yar A Pyare. There are few villagers dress in traditional clothing.We also have the opportunities to try traditional Kayah dress and enjoy their music at the local musician’s house.

Day 4 - Loikaw to Inle Lake by boat

Phae Khone Lake to Inle Lake by boat

This morning, drive along the narrow lane to Phae Khone town for a boat trip towards Inle Lake.The drive passes the villages,endless farming and Churches. The boat journey takes about 5 hours but is full of fabulous views and home to many unique species of birds. On the way, a stop at Sunken' stupas of Sagar village - 108 stupas from the 16-17 centuries that are partially under water for a few months and another stop atThar Khaung, a series of more than 200 stupas which makes a fabulous photo stop.Your last stop at Inpawknone village where you can visit the products such as shaw, robes from lotus plant. It is not easy to make a lotus thread from which lotus fabric is woven. Observe the weaving process of lotus fabric and continue to the hotel in the middle of Inle Lake you will accommodate tonight.

Day 5 - Explore Mine Thauk village by bike or Tuk Tuk

Visit Mine Thauk village by Tuk Tuk or bike

Take a leisurely ride on bike or Tuk Tuk to Mne Thauk village, Eastern shore of Inle Lake. A stop at bustling Nyaung Shwe market to explore local fresh products and try delicious "Hnin Thoute" steamed rice power with assorted vegetables and packed with banana leaf. Then,  continue to the village. Explore the village and leisurely walk along the bridge by enjoying scenery beauty of lake and mountain.
It is interesting to be treated Intha fish BBQ at the food stalls near the bridge. Take a ride on long tail boat for a short ride to Phaung Daw Oo pagoda and back to the village to pick up your bike for a ride back to Nyaung Shwe. 

Day 6 - Inle Lake to Mandalay

Depart Inle Lake to Mandalay for a picturesque drive.

A brief photo stop at hundred year old Shwe Yan Pyay Pagoda famous for its oval shape window.  Shan State is picturesque in the winter season months from November to December when a range of crops are blooming and the land is a patchwork of colors.

On the mid way, another stop at Ywangan Township to witness Blue lagoon (small pond) and Taw Kyawe water fall and  continue to the town  famous natural Shan coffee product. Learn about coffee plantation and processing. Of course, we can also enjoy the taste of Shan local coffee.Travel through the villages where children play by the roadside.Continue to Mandalay.

Day 7 - Mandalay Explorer

Witness the world's largest bridge over Taungthaman Lake

Morning free at leisure. Discovery on  Mandalay in the afternoon begins with a visit to Mandalay Hill to see the best view over Myingyan plain and Golden Palace Monastery.

Then, take a drive to ancient royal capital of Amarapura to witness the world's longest teak bridge over Thaungthaman Lake.

Day 8 - Day cruise from Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan

Cruising down from Mandalay to Bagan  

This journey on the Ayeyarwaddy River is an attraction in itself and can be done in both directions. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way, scattered farms come and go on the sandy and somewhat arid riverside, buffalo plough fields, kids play, small huts and wooden fishing boats, women trek here and there with agriculture bulks balanced on their heads. A stop at Yandabo village for shore excursion to learn about pottery product.

Lunch onboard and continue cruising towards Bagan. It should arrive in Bagan in time for sunset. 

 

Day 9 - Explore Bagan temples, sunset over monuments

Bagan discovery

Our discovery in Old Bagan  begins some of the site’s most important monuments .
We will return to your hotel for a couple of hours to escape the hottest part of the day.Continue the tour in the afternoon to arts & galleries. 

Admire the sunset as the sun goes down over the temples and ayeyarwaddy river. 

Day 10 - Fly to Yangon. Departure.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Yangon(one hour flight).

On arrival, transfer to the international airport to connect your international onwards flight.

Locate us on map
No.184,Sule Pagoda Road (next to Police Station)
Kyauktadar Township
Yangon Myanmar / Burma
(+95)1398263, (+95)9250311652, (+95)9799113436


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