Day 1:   Bangkok/ Yangon  (Morning Flight)

Arrival at Yangon International airport where you will be welcomed by one of Tamarind’s staff and transfer to hotel.  We will then go on a walking tour in the heart of Yangon, where we will observe various architecture, and have opportunities to take photographs of Burma’s Capital.

Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to Bogyoke Market where local merchants offer Myanmar traditional silks, cotton, paintings, tapestries, handicrafts, silverware, lacquerware, national dress & ethnic fashions, gems & jewelry.

Evening visit to Shwedagon Pagoda; the world famous golden stupa. Shwedagon at night affords magical views during the cooler temperatures of the evening when the crowds are fewer, and the atmosphere simply amazing.

Visit to Kandawgyi Park where we will then board a boat and you will be afforded photo opportunities as well as a pleasant ride in this beautiful location that is a popular site for Burmese. Your boat will then transport you to the Karaweik Palace restaurant where you will enjoy a delightful dinner while you absorb an evening of traditional Myanmar dance and music.
(Tamarind notes that at approximately 5:30 in the morning, many residents congregate at Kandawgyi Park to exercise in the form of yoga, Tai Chi and walking).

Overnight in Yangon.

A 70 min early morning flight to Bagan; the first and most beautiful capital of Myanmar.

After arrival, proceed to Mt. Popa (4981 feet), an extinct volcano, with temperate weather and lush green landscape.  At the base of Mt. Popa rests the stunning Taung Ka Lat (2417 feet) where the Popa Temple sits atop.  There is an iron staircase that ascends to the Popa temple where you will encounter shops of flowers, refreshment sellers, local goods as well as some local wildlife along the way. The scenery from the apex is truly fascinating where you can view the stunning Mount Popa and the enormous flat plains that lead to Bagan.  (Tamarind suggests that guests please do not feed or attempt to pet the monkeys, and keep your personal belongings near you as you ascend Taung Ka Lat)

Note: For “serious” hikers, Tamarind can arrange a hike on Mt. Popa.

Overnight in Popa.

On the way back to Bagan, we will observe the agrarian lifestyle of this region-farmers extracting palm juice from palm trees and making a local favorite candy with the same palm juice called jaggery.
 (Tamarind notes that palm farmers also produce a local alcoholic beverage made from palm juice called hten yay-also known as toddy juice)
Spend the day visiting Bagan seeing the ancient temples that Bagan is renowned for:

Shwezigon pagoda, an extraordinary example of the early style of the Myanmar stupa.  During the construction of the Shwezigon, workers lined up and formed a chain nearly seven miles long from the Ayarwaddy River to the temple, where sandstone was laboriously passed from one worker to the other until it reached its destination. (Tamarind notes that visiting tourists said Shwezigon Pagoda is also interesting for original engineering wells)
 
Htilo Minlo-a temple that is famed for its intricate carvings and named after King Nga Daung Mya who became a crown prince even though he was the youngest son among five brothers.

Wetgyi-In Gu Byauk Gyi possess many fine mural paintings of jataka scenes. These mural paintings depict Buddha's life.

After lunch we will proceed to the work place of handmade lacquerware, and observe the detailed process of the making of Myanmar lacquerware & its products.
(Tamarind notes that the quality and craftsmanship of the handmade lacquerware of Bagan is the best in Myanmar)

Dhamayangyi temple is a massive temple inlaid with the finest brick work of its king.  History states that the bricklayer’s work was tested by their boss, who would attempt to stick a pin through where the bricks conjoined; and if the pin penetrated this area, the laborers were sentenced to death by the order of the king.

Anada temple is an architectural masterpiece and considered by some as the most beautiful in all of Bagan.

Thatbyinnyu temple is the tallest of all Bagan temples affording unequaled views of Bagan’s landscape.

An hour boat trip along Ayarwaddy River affords inspiring views of the brick-hued pagodas and temples at sunset.

Overnight in Bagan.

After arrival in Mandalay we will visit Amarapura, an 18th century capital of Myanmar. Once we have arrived at Amarapura we will see the Maha Gandayon Monestary and observe the daily meal of over a thousand monks at the country's largest Monestary. (Tamarind notes that though it is interesting to observe the monk’s prior to their daily meal-it is just as remarkable to watch the locals prepare the food and cook it in large vessels that sit atop fires stirred by oar sized spoons)

Next is a short drive to the famed U Bein Bridge; a 158 year old teak wood bridge- the longest teak bridge in the world.

Amarapura is also known for its fine silk weaving, and after crossing the U Bein Bridge, we will have the opportunity to view a silk weaving work place; the craft specialty of Amarapura. It is not unusual to find the silk woven in Amarapura donned during many of Myanmar’s special occasions, such as a wedding ceremony or graduation.

In the afternoon we will travel to Mandalay and stop at the Maha Muni Image- the most sacred Pagoda in Upper Myanmar, with its venerated legend known.

Guests will then travel to a tapestry workshop where the finest tapestries in Myanmar are laboriously handmade with excellent attention to detail.

We will then visit the Shwenandaw Monestary that was constructed by the last Myanmar King Thibaw, for the memorial of his late father King Mindon.

This building is only one remain from Royal Palace which was relocated with same architecture style to commemorate the father king’s gratitude before British Annexation.

Other building inside Royal Palace were destroyed by British when they invaded & occupied to Mandalay city in 1885.

Our next stop will be the renowned Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 stone slabs of Buddha’s scriptures (known as the world's biggest book).

After viewing Kuthodaw Pagoda, guests will visit Zay Cho Market and see Mandalay's special design textiles, foodstuff, gems & jewelry, Myanmar trading trends.

Mandalay Hill; enjoy the magnificent landscape over the city from this vantage point.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Transfer to the jetty for a 3-hour boat excursion to Mingun village & Saggaing.
                 
Mingun stands on the bank of Ayarwaddy River and is 11 km away from Mandalay.

This trip will have a leisure moment as we will treat guests to a picnic with various food & drinks while enjoying a relaxing view along the Ayarwaddy River. We will observe bamboo rafts, birds, farms, locals fishing on small boats, and see how the people earn a living to support their families, and how they also enjoy their lifestyle.

Once in Mingun we will disembark and proceed to the Mya Thein Dan Zedi that was built by the King of Saggaing, as memorial for his beloved wife (and late queen) who passed away one week after giving birth to their son.  The views from atop this temple are refreshing and among the best in the region. (Tamarind notes that Mya Thein Dan Zedi is attractive to visitors with its structural combinations).

From Mya Thein Dan Zedi we will have a short walk to the Mingun Bell. This bell weighs 90 tons and is considered the world’s largest ringing bell that was cast in 1805 A.D.

After visiting Mingun, we will travel to Saggaing, on the way having lunch on boat.

Once in Saggaing we will drive to Saggaing hill that is regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. Here is where learned teachers and novices take refuge in the Sacred Scriptures, the essence of Buddha’s teachings. Here they also practice what they preach, meditate, and lead a simple & peaceful life. From this hill you can observe the pleasant panorama of the city and river. Next we will journey to the base of Saggaing and see a home for nuns and their life where we will seek permission from the chief nun to observe the daily work of these religious women.

Then we will be back to Mandalay by car crossing the Bridge of Saggaing that was built over the Ayarwaddy River during the period of British Colonials.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Inle Lake is 22x10 km, with an average depth of 6 meters. There are 64 villages and their inhabitants who reside on the lake in their homes that rest high above the water. It is not uncommon to see curious family members greet you with a wave of their hand and a smile as you pass by.

Inle is also called the “Venice of East” by visiting tourists. We will observe floating gardens at Inle as well as the lifestyle of these inhabitants who support their families by farming and fishing. If you observe carefully you will see the skilled boatmen paddle their craft with an oar by using their foot.
                 
Sightseeing includes visiting Ywama village, floating gardens, a traditional weaving mill for Intha-texitiles, silk weaving workshops; excellent work of shawls and robes with natural fibers produced from lotus flowers stems in natural color.

In Nampan village we will observe how Burmese Cheroots are produced- primarily by young ladies using traditional methods. We will also visit a work place of Shan paper that is made from mulberry bark and transformed into Shan umbrellas and other beautiful products.

At Inle Lake, we will then visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and its 5 holy Buddha images. Every full moon day of October, the Pagoda Festival is celebrated here for 15 days and homage is paid to 19 villages at Inle Lake.
(Tamarind notes that the festival in 2008 begins September 30 to October 17)

Next on the agenda is the Nga Phe Chaung Monestary; well-known for its 250 year old wooden architectural work of the among 100 monestries on the lake, this Nga Phe Chaung Monestrary is the most celebrated with its 150 to 200 pillars elevarated with wooden carving. This Monestary is also known as the “jumping cat Monestary” where visitors are treated to a show that involves well trained felines.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Inle during its participation in the colorful five day market-you will see hill tribes trading their farm products of vegetables, fruits, sun dried tea leaves, art, works of wooden sculpture with their unique style in a bustling atmosphere.

Overnight at Inle Lake.

Transfer to Heho airport for an hour flight to Yangon. 
Free time before dinner where guests can relax and choose their activities such as swimming at the hotel pool, shopping, or seeing more of this wonderful city. A private car is available for guests if needed.

Yangon overnight.

Transfer to airport.