Find yourself drawn by the allure of mysterious Myanmar on this journey with Strand Cruise. This 12-day river cruise takes you from the hustle and bustle city of Yangon with a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda to Bagan – the city of fantastic ancient temples. Awaken your senses in front of the world’s wonders in Mandalay, and finally, relax in the beauty of nature in Inle Lake.
General Information
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Route: Yangon – Dalar – Bagan – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Yangon
Intended Travel Date: No Fixed Departure, Pick-Up Anydays You Wish
Start/End: Yangon/ Yangon
Tour Style: Landscape, In-depth Cultural
Tour Category: Myanmar river cruise
Guides: Myanmar Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private First-class Air-conditioned Vehicles
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Day 2: Yangon City Tour
Day 3: Yangon – Dalar Circular Train
Day 4: Yangon – Fly to Bagan – Temple Visit
Day 5: Bagan & Villages
Day 6: Bagan – Sail to Mandalay
Day 7: Mandalay – Mingun
Day 8: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava
Day 9: Mandalay – Fly to Inle Lake
Day 10: Inle Lake – Indein
Day 11: Inle Lake – Yangon
Day 12: Yangon Departure
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Mingalabar! Welcome to Yangon – the city of timeless charm. On arrival, today, welcome by Go Myanmar’s local guide and then quickly transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be yours. Enjoy the flawless services and facilities in the Strand Hotel.
Day 2: Yangon City Tour
A full day to explore the fascinating as well as the charm of Yangon. Start the day with a drive through the colonial buildings of the city to get a glimpse at the fabulous architecture of the city dating back to centuries ago. Head to the Royal Kandawgyi Lake to enjoy the fresh atmosphere in the morning. Save your best photo to the calm lake and the landmark Karaweik Hall before moving to the next highlight: Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda. Being the home to one of the most revered statues measuring at 65 meters long and 16 meters high, this is one of the must-see attractions in Yangon.
In the afternoon, highlight your sightseeing tour at Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s grandest Buddhist pagodas made from 16 tons of pure gold. Regarded as the legend, the pagoda is home to the sacred relics of the Buddha making its one of the main pilgrim sites in Myanmar. Wander around the pagoda land to discover the typical design of Burmese and observe the local pilgrims paying their homage to the Buddha.
Day 3: Yangon – Dalar Circular Train
After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the Yangon Railway Station where you will get on a scenic train ride through the real-life of Burmese people. The mesmerizing train ride will lead you to the Danyingone Market. Here you will have a look at many of the market sellers and hawkers boarding the train with their homegrown product. This is truly a unique moment that you can capture in your photos.
This afternoon, enjoy your free time at the Strand Hotel.
Day 4: Yangon – Fly to Bagan – Temple Visit
Say goodbye to Yangon this morning to take a domestic flight to Bagan, the land of magnificent temples. On arrival, meet your local guide and head for a visit to Shwezigon Temple, one of the most famous attractions in Bagan. Listen to your guide to know more about the Buddhist teaching on each terrace of the main stupa. From here depart to Ananda Temple, regarded by folklore as one of the most beautiful temples in Bagan.
We then will transfer to the Strand Cruise ship for check-in. Check in the cabin and be welcomed by the cabin crew. After a cozy lunch on board, take a short break in your room.
This afternoon, make your way to Sulamani Temple, an elegant temple and Gubyaukgyi where you can learn more about the life of Buddha through mural painting.
Later on, return to your ship and relax on the sundeck where you can marvel at the romantic beauty of Irrawaddy River at sunset.
Day 5: Bagan & Villages
Wake up in the sound of bird-singing this morning and enjoy the fresh air from the ship. Let the light wind touch to your skin and feel the tranquil ambiance that you can find nowhere else. This morning will deliver you to the authentic village of Bagan where you will have an opportunity to gain more understanding about the life of the villagers. You will see how people weave the fabric and make the cigar from corn leaves.
After that, return to the ship and enjoy the services on board.
Day 6: Bagan – Sail to Mandalay
Today will be a long day of sailing to Mandalay – the golden royal city of Burma. Enjoy your day at leisure on board.
Day 7: Mandalay – Mingun
This morning enjoy your time at leisure as the ship cruise to Mingun, a small charming village on the bank of Irrawaddy River. On arrival, take a local tuk-tuk to the world’s largest unfinished Mingun Pagoda. It’s huge, which initially intended to build as the world’s largest Buddhist pagoda. But then was left to abandon. Listen to your guide about its legend. Then move to the elegant Hsinbyume Temple – a captivating white-washed temple built by King Bagyidaw in honor of his wife Queen Hisnbyume who unfortunately lost her life while giving childbirth. From here proceed to Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest ringing bell. Take your time to listen to the story of the bell before returning to the board.
Day 8: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava
Rise before dawn today to make the traditional food to offer to the monks in the monastery in Mandalay. Then drive to Amarapura, the formal royal capital to visit U Bein Bridge – the longest teak bridge in the world. There is no better way to marvel at the panorama of the bridge than taking a boat trip to sail around the lake and capture the best photos.
Next up, visit Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the most highly revered Buddha image in the country. Your guide will introduce you with interesting stories of the Buddha and the process of how people carried the statue to the pagoda.
This afternoon, make your way to Ava, the ancient capital of Myanmar. You sightseeing might include a visit to the impressive Maha Aungme Bonza Monastery and Nyang Mint Watchtower.
Late afternoon, return to the ship and enjoy a cocktail at sunset.
Day 9: Mandalay – Fly to Inle Lake
This morning, check out at Strand cruise ship and say goodbye to the crew to take a domestic flight to Inle Lake. Arrive at Heho Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 10: Inle Lake – Indein
Today is an amazing day leads you to the exotic Indein Village. Pass through the endless floating gardens to observe local agriculture. Up to Indein, visit the famous Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda. Home to over 1000 ancient shrines, there are so many things to discover with your local guide. On the way up to the temple, you will cross through the colonnade where you can find a variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs. Enjoy the scenery.
After lunch at a local restaurant on the lake, take a short visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most sacred pagoda in Inle Lake where you keep the five 800-year-old statues.
After that, returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Inle Lake – Yangon
Say goodbye to the natural paradise of Inle Lake this morning and we take a flight back to Yangon. After settling into your hotel, enjoy your day at leisure. This afternoon, spend your time to enjoy the hotel facility or take a trip to the Bogyoke Market to get a glimpse at the local trading in the lively city of Myanmar.
Day 12: Yangon Departure
After breakfast, wait until the driver comes to escort you to the airport to take a departure flight. Trip ends. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours.
