Transfer to jetty for a 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.

		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 biggest ringing bell that was cast in 1805 A.D.

Mingun Bell, 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.
En route to Pyin Oo Lwin by car with 2 hours scenic beauty drive.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Pyin Oo Lwin that was originally inhabitant by Shan Danu people; and renamed Maymyo (May-town) in 1896 by British Colonel May as a summer resort town to escape the oft stifling heat and humidity from the lower elevated cities and towns. In 1989 the Myanmar government changed the name from Maymyo to Pyin Oo Lwin. Pyin Oo Lwin is also the home of many Nepalese and Indians.
The town is over 2000 feet above sea level-and because of its temperate climate you will see the variety of plants, fruits and vegetables grown in this region. In fact it is not uncommon to see large poinsettias growing along the side of the road during your drive to Pyin Oo Lwin.

		Once settled in to Pyin Oo Lwin we will visit the Pwe Kauk Water Falls called Hampshire Falls in British times. Or Anisakan Water Falls for those who want more of a challenge.
		At Kandawgyi Botanical Garden you will see over 500 kinds of trees, 79 kinds of bamboo, 133 kinds of orchid, and 410 kinds of traditional medicinal plants. One of the most famous and beautiful botanical gardens in Myanmar. This garden was built under the direction of Colonel May utilizing Turkish prisoners of WWII.
		Visitors can also take a horse drawn cart for a short trip into town where we will visit the market and see Shan style antique shops, sweater knitting, vegetable and flowers of roses & dahlias.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin

2 Hours drive to Mandalay airport, take a 30 minute flight to Heho. After arrival, 2 hours scenic drive to Kalaw, 4300 ft (1440 meters) above the sea level, where was once a favorite hill station for British administrative officials and another summer resort for their family during hot season. A peaceful town surrounded by pine woods, home for Palaung, Pa-O, Taung-Yo, Dha Nu hill tribe of Shan ethnic.

		We will start at the Kalaw market where we can find variety of beautiful flowers, indoor plants, milky avocado, fresh garlic, cauliflowers, cabbage, potatoes, taro, leek root, ginger, and tea leaves grown on the hill by terrace cultivation.
		Our next visit will be a glorious Buddha Image made by thin bamboo strips lacquered built in over 500 year ago. Young novices & elderly nuns take care of refreshment such as Shan tea served with pickle tea leave, roasted sesame, garlic and peanut when visitors coming. You will feel tranquility of the moment at that compound.

		The roundtrip hike will take about 7 hours which includes lunch, and a stop at the Palaung village. In the village we will visit the home of a Palaung member where long bench-like wooden homes provide refuge.

After seeing the Palaung Village we will hike about 1 hour to our lunch spot-a secluded Nepalese owned hill-top restaurant that affords the most stunning views. The Nepalese food such as the fresh avocadoes, chapatti, and pumpkin curry with chili will give you the energy needed to finish your trek to Kalaw.

We will arrive back to Kalaw about 3PM.

2 hours scenic drive Nyaung Shwe, the biggest city at Inle Lake. 30 minutes boat takes to the best luxurious hotel at the Lake.

Overnight at Inle Lake.

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

Overnight at Inle Lake

Morning visit to 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.

Transfer to Heho airport. Arrive to Yangon.