Myanmar and Thailand Exploring 12 Days

Sawadee! Welcome to the capital of Thailand. Upon your arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your local English-speaking tour guide from Asia Private Travels and be escorted to the hotel in the downtown for check-in. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free at your own leisure. Recharge yourself after a long flight and prepare for your Bangkok exploration. 

• Meal Plan: None
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Bangkok.

Wake up early this morning for your visit to Maeklong Railway Market – a special market whose merchants trade along the railway tracks. It should be entertaining to see everyone rushes aside and pave the way for the train whenever they hear its deafening horn. Right after the train has passed, trading activities quickly return to normal pace. Then proceed to another special market; Damnoen is a floating trading center where locals come to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Next up, dive in the tranquil atmosphere of Suan Sampran which is a massive park located in the middle of a countryside area along the peaceful river of Nakhon Chaisri. Be amused by some major attractions and activities of a traditional Thai village such as Thai boxing, sword fighting demonstration and practice, elephant parade, etc. 

After the first day of Myanmar and Thailand Exploring 12 days, be transferred to our next destination of the trip. After the check-in procedures at the hotel in Kanchanaburi, the rest of the day is free. Relax and prepare for other fascinating visits and activities. 

• Meal plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Today starts with a history lesson at the Jeth War Museum whose theme is about the construction of the Death Railway from 1942 to 1943, a part of the Thai – Burma railways. You shall be looking at images of brutal crimes that took place during a dark period of history before processing to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery nearby where lies almost 7000 victims that were victims of Japanese crimes during those times. 

Then, take a short scenic drive (about 1 hour) to Wang Pho Elephant Camp and befriend the lovely huge elephants there. You make choose to have a short elephant-riding sightseeing tour as well. 

The next stop today is the majestic Erawan Waterfall, which bears the title of “the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand”. The fall consists of seven high levels, which add up to about 2,000 meters.

At the end of the day, be escorted to Ayutthaya, where you process your check-in at the hotel and take a rest.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Ayutthaya.

Indulge yourself with tasty breakfast at the hotel then have an exciting excursion to our next major destination of the tour – Ayutthaya Historical Park in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Once the heart of Ayutthaya Empire that witnessed a glorious summit of Thai history, the city is left with countless ancient temples featuring hand-constructed architecture. Ayutthaya Historical Park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

The first site in the complex we pay a visit today is Wat Phu Khao Thong – a huge religious work standing in the middle of green paddy fields featuring a shimmering chedi plated with gold on top of the pagoda.

Proceed to Wat Phra Si Sanphet as the most sacred temple of Ayutthaya and its three high towers rising parallel in Ceylonese style. Next up, visit Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit, the pagoda where it stands the copper statue of Buddha posturing the defeat of Mara. This work also ranks as one of the biggest statues of Buddha in the country.

Another gilded site of Buddhist pilgrims in Ayutthaya is Wat Lokaya Sutha in which it portrays a giant Buddha reclining peacefully. The statue is the most sacred relic among many other valuable treasures in Wat Lokaya Sutha. 

Return to Bangkok. Stop en route at the Royal Summer Palace located in Bang Pa-in district which is a favourite retreat destination of the royal family. This Summer Palace is a complex of architecture combinations of European, Khmer, Chinese and traditional Thai styles. 

The rest of the day is on your own. Feel free to explore lesser known parts of Bangkok or look for some lovely souvenirs to bring home.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel, you are free at your own leisure until being escorted to the airport for your flight to Mandalay, Myanmar. Be mindful of your belongings. 
Mingalabar, welcome to the wonderful country of Myanmar - your next destination in this multi-country tour! Your discovery starts with Mandalay – the second largest city in the country.

This former capital is famous for its well-preserved historical value, like a shimmering jewel on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Although the city is thriving as a boisterous dynamic city of South East Asian, Mandalay remains a major cultural centre of Myanmar. Prepare for an amazing exploration of Mandalay’s history, arts, and traditions. 

As soon as you arrive, be moved to the hotel in Mandalay for check-in. The transfer should take about 1 hour. 

After lunchtime, proceed to our first destination of the city tour, Amarapura. In Burmese, the former capital of Amarapura bears the meaning of “City of Immortality”. Despite its short period of history, the city absolutely marked one of the most glorious eras of Myanmar’s past. 

After visiting a local silk weaving workshop and first hand observing the artisans’ techniques, take a short walk to Taungthaman Lake where it stands the world’s longest teakwood bridge – U Bein. This wooden landmark was built in the 18th century (the days of Amarapura’s majesty) and possesses a length of 1.2 kilometres across the lake. Feast your eyes on the sunset from the bridge as the lake reflects the sun rays perfectly.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandalay.

Enjoy breakfast served at the hotel. Then continue our exploration with the Pagoda of Mahamuni which is home to the Burmese most sacred Buddha image coated with gold leaves pasted on by male Buddhist devotees every day. 

Afterward, immerse yourself with the most well-known landmarks of the city. Kuthodaw Pagoda is located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The site comprises a gilded pagoda, hundreds of shrines housing inscribed marble slabs and several pavilions. Kuthodaw is also called the world’s largest book, named after the 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. 

The next stop of the day is the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (also known as the Pagoda of the Great Marble Image) which is home to a Buddha statue created from one gigantic marble rock. The block of marble is so huge that it is said to take ten thousand men and two weeks to bring it to the pagoda from the shore of the gilded river.

Proceed to the Monastery of Shwenandaw constructed in the 19th century and contemplate its splendid carved woodworks.

From the fort of Mandalay, about 3 kilometres to the east stands the Yankin Hill and its countless surrounding temples and monasteries. Detach from the noisy chaotic present, let go of your worries and enter the peace here in this tranquil sacred atmosphere.

Yankin Hill is extraordinarily calm and peaceful compared to other crowded attractions. You may learn about the life of monks and have some conversations with them in English. It should take about 45 minutes to climb up the hill top for the stunning panoramic view from there. Then return to the ground and participate in the evening praying session of Buddhist monks (evening chant) where you do nothing but to sit still and listen to their prayers.

Return to the hotel afterwards.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandalay.

Wake up early in the morning but no need to rush since you may take a leisurely walk along the bank of the mighty Irrawaddy River. Then it should be time to visit a local market where they sell exotic fresh fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. You might see a different side of locals’ life that not every tourist has the chance to witness. 

You are free until being transferred to Paleik and its famous snake temple on a short 45-minute drive (about 30 kilometres). May Buddha bless us we might even see a snake washing which is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Also don’t miss the opportunity to set foot in the majestic ancient temples of Ava dynasty that dot around Paleik.

Next up, take the road again and head to Bagan on a scenic road. This one should not be as short as the previous since the distance now is more than 300 km and might take up to 5 hours driving. Have some rest on the coach or enjoy the stunning landscape of pristine Myanmar on the way. 

Upon your Bagan arrival in late afternoon, we shall process your check-in at the hotel and let you take some rest. 

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Bagan.

In the morning, we shall pay a visit to Nyaung Oo Market to blend in the countryside life of the Bagan locals. You may find some lovely souvenirs for your beloved ones here. Then set your feet on the ground of Shwezigon Pagoda, built under the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century.

Discover some other small religious sites and villages of Bagan and dive in the peaceful atmosphere of this area before heading for other highlights of today’s trip. There are more lesser-known villages and religious sites around Bagan for you to discover. We can arrange a short walk through the areas to visit these other landmarks upon your demands. 

Get on horse-carts to head to the highest temple in Bagan – Thatbyinnyu built in the 11th century. The next stop is the massive Temple of Dhammayangyi with renowned brickwork. Last but not least, the enthralling Sulamani Temple.

Wrap up your trip to Bagan with a glorious sunset view of Bagan when the whole area glows under the rays of the setting suns. What an experience. 
Return to the hotel afterward.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast 
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Bagan.

Be transferred to Nyaung U Airport for a short flight to Heho located in the center of Shan State. From Heho airport, be escorted to Nyaung Shwe village. Stop en route to explore the making of traditional Shan paper and special handmade umbrellas of the locals. Before reaching the incredible Inle Lake, pay a short visit to the Shweyanpyay monastery made out of teakwood to immerse yourself with its splendid woodworks by the monks.

Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar embellished with floating gardens and splendid mountainous scenery. The beauty of the lake is not complete without the features of living humans as you can find wooden fishing boats and unique local stilted houses around the lake. Firstly, pay a visit to the traditional morning market on the lake which is closed on every full-moon and dark-moon days. The market is a major trading site of the lake whose location changes every five days. 

On the way, our dearest tourists can enjoy the calm images of fishermen rowing their boats with just one leg and original stilted houses of the local people of Intha. The fascinating floating flower beds of the lake are made of a totally natural mixture of Hyacinth plants, soil and bamboo poles. 

The next stop of the day is the Monastery of Nga Hpe Chaung which is home to numerous Shan Buddha Images. The monastery was once famous for the “jumping cats”. Then we head for Phaung Daw Oo Stupa to see five sacred statues of Buddha coated with gold leaves. 

If time permits, we shall stop en route at some villages to observe the way local people handmake exotic products like lotus silk, cigar, blacksmiths, silversmiths and wooden boats (only available in certain times of the year).

Then return to the hotel after one fatiguing but exciting day of discovery.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast 
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Inle.

In the morning, pay a visit to the traditional morning market on the lake which is closed on every full-moon and dark-moon days. This traditional market is not just a normal place for people of the lake to come and trade their goods but villages of the lake also take turns to host the market in a 5 day schedule, which is a unique interesting point of trading activities. 

Then, hop on the boat for one hour to ride through a canal to reach the Pa-Oh village of Indein located on the western shores of the lake. Spend a while in the peaceful village before taking the old stairway to climb a hill there, on top of which sits a gigantic Buddha statue. Feast your eyes on various ancient stupas as well. The enthralling view from the top of the hill is definitely worth climbing all the way. Don’t forget the complex of Indein Pagoda where you can take a look at hundreds of minor ancient stupas. 

Then go trekking to Sae Ma village for about 45 minutes. Indulge the pristine beauty of the area while going under the shade of bamboo trees. When you reach the destination, it is time to participate in daily activities of villagers. On the way back, if time permits, we shall stop en route at the Inthar Heritage House and have a glance at the history and culture of this lake community. Enjoy some tasty coffee and cakes if you wish (additional fees applied).  After the trek to the village, be escorted back to the hotel to rest.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast 
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Inle.

In the morning, be escorted to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Yangon.

The next destination of the day is the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda which is located in the very center of Yangon. The site is home to the massive lounging Buddha statue with a length of 70 meters. Then contemplate the tranquil beauty of the Royal Lake of Kandawgyi Park in the uptown part of the capital which is a favourite location of the locals to watch sunrise and sunset. Visit the Karaweik Hall which was reproduced based on the royal barge.

Then learn an interesting lesson about Buddha and the religion of Myanmar when climbing the stairway to the well-known Shwedagon Pagoda. Look for some exotic Buddhist merchandise like monk robes, alms bowls, offerings and incense en route.

Our guide will explain and introduce the rituals and purpose of each item for you. The Pagoda of Shwedagon is a gilded site to the Burmese and is the pride of Yangon. The stunning images of the site when the heavenly sunset coats the sacred stupas with its light should definitely linger in your mind for a long time.

When arriving at the summit, be enthralled by the 100-meter Buddhist chedi glowing under the sun and reflecting the light of 40 tons of gold leaves. The visit to the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda is considered one of the most exciting experiences of the whole tour by our beloved customers.

Return to the hotel to relax.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Yangon.

Say goodbye to wonderful Myanmar since you will head to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight. Be mindful of your belongings.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• End of service.