Day 1:   Bangkok/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 j aggery.

(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 where guests will embark upon 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).
		Sein Nyet Sister Temple and Pagoda which were built by two sisters-famous for their richness of architecture knowledge. These pagodas are temple type and stupa type, both utilizing the same quantity of bricks yet both so diverse in their style.
		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.
		Shwesandaw Pagoda affording unequaled views of Bagan’s landscape at sunset.
		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.

		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.
	Afternoon visit Mandalay:
		Maha Muni Imagethe most sacred Pagoda in Upper Myanmar, with its venerated legend known. After viewing Maha Muni Image.
		Zay Cho Market and see Mandalay's special design textiles, foodstuff, gems & jewelry, Myanmar trading trends.
		Tapestry workshop where the finest tapestries in Myanmar are laboriously handmade with excellent attention to detail.
		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 buildings inside Royal Palace were destroyed by British when they invaded & occupied to Mandalay city in 1885.
		Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 stone slabs of Buddha’s scriptures (known as the world's biggest book).
		Mandalay Hill; enjoy the magnificent landscape over the city from this vantage point.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Transfer to the jetty for an 3-hour boat excursion to Mingun village. 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.

		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).
		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 go back to Mandalay, on the way having lunch on boat. We will drive to Saggaing.
		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.
		We will observe the silver smith workplace where is lady accessory in finest quality of artwork such as belt, earrings, bracelet, jewelry container and home décor objects made of 99% silver with Burmese traditional unique design which we can find only in Saggaing.
		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.

	In the morning,
		we will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the world famous golden stupa that dominates the Yangon skyline.
		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 largest city.
	Afternoon sightseeing includes an endeavor to the Gem Museum.
		Burma is home for world reknown Rubies and Sapphires from Mogok, Jade from Phar Khant (Jade Mine in Kachin State). Burmese jade is famous worldwide. There are many jewelry shops at the Gem Museum-where we are certain that you will leave with a precious gift or heirloom.

Transfer to airport.