Promotion Tour

In the morning, drive to Sagaing, the spiritual center of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill. Firstly, photo shoot at Mya Setkyar Monastery; every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. And, next take photograph of Nun at mealtime in Sakyadhita Thilashin Nunny School in Sagaing. Afterward, stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Hsinmyashin Paya (the Pagoda of Many Elephants) and U Hmin Thone Sel Pagoda is an explosion of color, with almost 50 statues of the Buddha.

Then, proceed to Mingun, a former capital in 18th century. First, we take you to Bodawpaya’s Unfinished Mingun Pagoda and the mighty Mingun Bell, considered to be the world’s largest un-damaged bell. Just a few steps from the riverbank, there appears the enchanting Hsinbyume Pagoda, with its crisp white wave-like roof set perfectly against the deep blue sky above.

Finally, sunset photograph at an Iconic U Bein Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in the world and enjoy the panoramic view of Taungtaman Lake and surrounding. After full day photography session, return to Mandalay and overnight in Mandalay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast at hotel, a 4-hour drive to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to hotel and start half day shooting of Pagodas and Temple in Bagan (first start with Sulamani Temple, then Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, next Thabinnyu Temple, the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork and where puppets hanging from trees.

Finally, enjoy the sunset cruise and cocktail on the Irrawaddy River. You will have a chance to get the sunset scenery of Bagan from the Irrawaddy River. Afterwards, back to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Bagan. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Oriental Ballooning (Premium – Scheduled flight 05:00 Am): This morning, we will be watching sunrise over Bagan. For those who don’t want the balloon ride, guess they can just watch balloons take off. 

Up early for sunrise, an experience not to be missed by any photographer! I First start at Shwesandaw Pagoda and Lay Myet Hna Pagoda. Then, back to the hotel for breakfast.

Your 2nd day in Bagan, photography workshop starts at colorful Nyaung U Market, and next Shwezigon pagoda, one of the four most significant buildings in Bagan, then Gawdawpalin temple and Seinnyet sister temples.

Afterwards, you may go for lunch (guest’s own account). In the afternoon, more photograph shooting at West Pwa-Saw village (Named for Queen Phwar Saw (C 1237 AD), who was famed for her wisdom, intelligence and devotion to Buddhism) is situated between Nyaung U and New Bagan. The village has 101 households. It has a Middle school and a small library. Most of the dwellers rely on agriculture and family-run small lacquer ware workshops. Finally, photograph shot at Minnanthu Village, to the east of Bagan is an agricultural village which specializes in the production of sesame and peanut oil. The village is well worth a look around, if only to view its cow-driven seed grinders. You will be learning also hand weaving and Cheroot at Local Houses. After taking the photography of temple, and village life of Bagan, back to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Bagan.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Wake up early to emerge yourself in Bagan climate in its purest season of the year. This day start from your hotel with our tour guide’s waiting at the lobby by 8:00 AM. Transfer from Bagan to Inle by road.

En-route stop and photography at Popa national park where Mt. Popa is located.  We will climb up to Papa Kalat pagoda, the most sacred place for meditation in Myanmar, and also stop at village cottage industry to learn the regional product as well as to watch the collection of juice from the palm trees, and its conversion to brown sugar.  Afterward, continue drive to Nyaung Shwe – a gateway to Inle Lake, a freshwater lake in the heart of Shan Highlands. Overnight in Inle.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, sunrise photograph of famous leg-rower’s fishermen on the Inle Lake. Afterward, back to hotel for breakfast. 

In the afternoon, visit Phaungdawoo Pagoda which houses the five most revered Buddha Images in the southern Shan State and the weaving village of Inpawkhon. Next, take a boat ride toward Nam Pan village. You will have overview the whole village with traditional stilt houses over water. The Oldest pagoda in Inle Lake, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda, is situated in Nampan. This pagoda enshrines a gem-encrusted Shan style Buddha stupa. Continuing your discovery with Cheroot Producers, it will be more interesting to try a rolling a cigarette by yourself and enjoy it in Burmese traditional style. Finally, photo shoot at Nam Pan village for floating gardens. Overnight in Inle.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at hotel, start the photography session at one of the 5 Days Rotation Markets (only on market day), the market rotates its location on a 5-day basis and attracts vendors from around the lake and its surroundings.

Afterwards, you will be taken to Indein, at the western end of the Lake. The boat takes you through a long channel where you can watch the farms cultivate their produce and then leading to the hidden INDEIN temple complex. Located on the shore of the lake, this site consists of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens. The population density in Indein is very little and the villagers earn their living with agriculture and you will see their traditional lifestyle.

In the afternoon, visit to the village of Long Neck people for portrait photograph. Finally, transfer to Mine Thauk floating village. Take a walk along wooden bridge @ a little U Bein and a canoe ride around Mine Thauk village among floating gardens and Intha houses. Also witness the local life of Inle Lake people. From Maingthauk bridge return to your hotel by boat. Overnight in Inle Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Heho Airport for a domestic flight to Yangon (09:25-10:25). On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. 

In the late afternoon, transfer to Shwedagon Pagoda for evening photography session, the finest of Yangon and perhaps the most stunning religious edifice in the world. Take your time to enjoy seeing this impressive feature and watching local people. Stroll on its platform surrounded by set of smaller temples, shrines and pavilions, and observe numerous shops along the stairways selling various colorful items, flowers and books. As the sun sets, the reddish golden rays of Shwedagon reflect on everything around and turning into a magical area. Great photo time & a moment to take away with you. Overnight in Yangon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will transfer to Yangon Railway station to take local circular train journey to the outskirts of town (approx. 45 minutes ride). A ride on the circular train will give you a unique perspective on daily life in the city and the area around it. During the short trip, you will see the scenery change from city to rural, and pass by ponds, villages and scenes of farm life. Disembark to visit Insein market where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares. Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the friendly locals before returning by road to Yangon. Then take break and go for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will drive through Yangon’s busy roads and take a glimpse of the hustle downtown, Mahabandoola Park, Town Hall. See the magnificent colonial buildings of Victorian & Edwardian era architecture. This introductory drive will end with a stop near SULE PAGODA – dating back over 2,000 years ago, for brief photo taking. And then, photography at ChaukHtat Kyi Pagoda, then transfer to Kandawgyi Lake for evening shoot of famous Shwedagon Pagoda reflected in the Royal Lake as well as the restaurant from the opposite side of the lake-beautiful when lit up. Overnight in Yangon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at hotel, overland drive to Kyaikhto to go to the Golden Rock (121 miles, and approx. 4 hours’ drive). On the way, visit Allied War Cemetery. This beautifully landscaped, peaceful area is the final resting place for more than 27,000 Allied Soldiers who perished during the World War II campaign in Myanmar. Upon arrival Kim Pun base camp, change our mode of transfer to an open truck. After 11 km, we arrive at Kyaikhtiyoe (Golden Rock) which a small pagoda significant in size but unique for its position. The rock is completely covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of the cliff.  

Arrive at the base camp and proceed to Pagoda hill station by open light truck about an hour mountain drive. Take a light trekking up to the Golden Rock along the twisting footpath through bamboo forest.  

Arrive Golden rock slowly and photo taking at sunset and enjoy beauty on hilltop.  Overnight in Kyaikhtyio (Golden Rock).  

Accommodation: Hotel in Kyaikhtiyo

Meals: Breakfast

For early risers there will be an opportunity to experience the Golden Rock site around sunrise. After that, breakfast at your hotel. Then, down back to Kinpun base camp by truck. Then proceed by car to Yangon. On the way, stop at Bago, also known as Pegu, was the capital of the Mon Kingdom in the 15th century and is a town steeped in legend. 

The sites in Bago are spread out around the town and you’ll spend the day exploring with your guide, learning about the history and myths of the city. Sightseeing includes the 55-metre long reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, the four seated Buddha at Kyaikpun and The Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda is the most outstanding religious monument in Bago.

This golden temple stands at 114 meters tall, higher than Yangon Shwedagon Pagoda, and can be seen from around 10 kilometers outside of the city. While in Bago we also take time to visit the city’s local sites, including the town market and a Mon neighborhood where the locals produce beautiful woven textiles. Then, continue drive to Yangon and spend your last night in Yangon for leisure.  Overnight in Yangon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at hotel, you enjoy a walking tour around the colonial area which is filled various historical buildin. A popular place to start is central post office where you will start your walking tour and walk along the Strand Road, and historical Strand Hotel, a landmark dating to the British period, the jetty to observe the ways of life of the people on Yangon River. Then walk in the Pansoedan Street, famous for the most impressive colonial buildings to be found in Yangon. And then to Sule Pagoda, near City Hall are the High Court building and the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mahabandola Park.

Stop for a drink at one of the local teashops, a great place to soak in the local cultural and lifestyle. As today comes to a close, take a walk around colorful Chinatown:  pavement on both sides of the roads turns into night bazaar with all kinds of street shops – food, accessory, fruit & flower shops, etc. You may also visit the wet market on 38th Street. You can simply walk there (or) as a quick alternative, you can hop on a local bus; get off at the next stop and walk towards the market. These markets are part of Yangon’s life, offering nothing for the tourists, all for the locals. 

Afterwards, transfer back to hotel for refreshment and check out. And then, transfer to Yangon International Airport and say goodbye to Myanmar!

Accommodation: NIL

Meals: Breakfast