MYANMAR

DAY 1: Depending on the flight schedule, departure from Italy and flight with a layover to Yangon. Overnight flight.

DAY 2: After completing entry formalities, we will meet our local guides and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we will begin exploring Myanmar’s former capital, visiting the centrally located Sule Pagoda and the Botataung Pagoda, including access to its inner stupa. We will end the day at the magnificent and deeply spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda, breathtaking as it glows in the warm light of sunset. Street food dinner on 19th Street in Chinatown, followed by an overnight stay in Yangon.

Morning: After breakfast, we will stroll through Bogyoke Aung San Market and Yangon’s Chinatown district. We will then visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a magnificent reclining Buddha over 60 meters long, before transferring to Yangon Airport. .

Afternoon: Early afternoon flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, boat transfer to Nyaungshwe and hotel check-in. Free time to explore the town of Nyaungshwe at your own pace.

Evening: Dinner and evening in Nyaungshwe.

DAY 4: Full day dedicated to exploring the spectacular Inle Lake in Shan State, among stilt houses, floating gardens, and ancient pagodas. It will be a unique opportunity to observe the daily life of the local communities, lived almost entirely on the water, as we visit several villages scattered across the lake. Dinner and overnight stay in Nyaungshwe.

DAY 5: After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the large rotating market, held every five days, where hill tribes from the surrounding areas gather in colorful traditional clothing to sell their goods. It will feel like stepping back in time, a true immersion into local life. We will continue exploring Inle Lake by boat through long, scenic canals, offering excellent opportunities to photograph the famous Intha fishermen and their distinctive one-legged rowing technique. Later, we will visit the fascinating village of Indein, renowned for its complex of ancient shrines and stupas. Dinner and overnight stay in Nyaungshwe.

Morning: After breakfast, departure by car/minivan towards Mount Popa, with a lunch stop along the way.

Afternoon: Arrival at the foot of Mount Popa, one of Myanmar’s most important pilgrimage sites, perched atop an extinct volcano. We will climb the 777 steps leading to this “Burmese Mount Olympus,” believed to be home to the powerful Nats, spirits deeply revered and feared in Burmese culture. Mount Popa represents a fascinating example of religious syncretism, where Buddhism blends with ancient Burmese animist traditions. According to local beliefs, wearing red, black, or green clothing may offend the spirits, so these colors are best avoided during the visit. After the excursion, we will continue overland towards New Bagan, arriving in the late afternoon for hotel check-in.

Evening: Dinner and evening in New Bagan.

DAY 7: Set along the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main waterway, Bagan is home to the world’s greatest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas, with more than 2,200 still standing today in various states of preservation. Before immersing ourselves in this extraordinary place rich in history and spirituality, we will visit the lively local market. The rest of the day will be dedicated to exploring Bagan’s countless temples, including the famous Ananda Temple, one of the most remarkable in the area. We will end the day by enjoying a spectacular sunset view from one of Bagan’s tallest temples. Dinner and overnight stay in New Bagan.

DAY 8: The day begins with a visit to a local village for a deeper immersion into everyday Burmese life. We will then continue discovering more of Bagan’s magnificent temples before taking a private boat trip along the Irrawaddy River to reach the Shwezigon Pagoda and admire another unforgettable sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in New Bagan.

Morning: After breakfast, departure for Mandalay. Arrival around lunchtime and hotel check-in.

Afternoon: Visit to local artisan workshops specializing in the production of gold leaf and traditional wood carving. We will then continue to the Golden Palace Monastery, renowned for its intricate teak wood carvings, followed by a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda. At sunset, we will stop at the iconic U Bein Bridge, a 200-year-old teak bridge and one of Myanmar’s most photographed and recognisable landmarks.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Mandalay.

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the pier and departure by private local boat along the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Here, we will visit the famous Mingun Bell, the largest functioning bronze bell in the world, as well as the unfinished Mingun Pagoda, originally intended to become the largest pagoda ever built. We will also explore the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda, a striking whitewashed temple renowned for its unique architecture.

Afternoon: Transfer to the ancient city of Inwa, where we will visit the evocative Bagaya Monastery, built entirely from teak wood and surrounded by ancient stupas. The itinerary continues with visits to the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery and the Nanmyint Watchtower before returning to Mandalay.Dinner and evening in Mandalay.

Morning: After breakfast, final exploration of Mandalay and its surroundings, discovering the last traces of Myanmar’s royal capital and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Afternoon: Transfer to Mandalay Airport for the flight to Bangkok, marking the end of our unforgettable journey through Myanmar. Depending on the flight schedule, free time and connecting international departure.

Evening: Dinner and free evening in Bangkok.

Transfer to Bangkok airport, flight with a layover to Italy, and see you on the next adventure with BHS!