11-Day Less Travelled Roads of Myanmar

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Today you'll head to Pyay from Yangon, which will take around five hours of driving time. En route to Pyay, you'll visit two fascinating pagodas, Shwe Myet Man Pagoda and Shwe Nat Taung Paya. Shwe Myet Man Pagoda is particularly famous for featuring a Buddha statue wearing spectacles that are believed to cure illnesses associated with the eyes. In the evening, you'll head to Pyay Night Market where you can sample a delicious mix of authentic cheap eats from fish curries to delicious salads.

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You'll venture out of Pyay today to visit Sri Ksetra, the ancient city which dates back to the 7th century which was discovered during recent excavations. Sri Ksetra was the largest Southeast Asian city before Angkor in Cambodia. It covers 1,957 hectares and is largely influenced by its close borders with India. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Royal Cemetery of Queen Beikthano, Shwesandaw Pagoda which is one of the tallest pagodas in Bagan, and Sehtatgyi Pagoda.

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This morning you'll begin the journey to Sa Lay which is estimated to take 7.5 hours with regular stops. En route to Sa Lay, you'll also stop at Sanay Nan Pagoda which is one of the most beautiful pagodas in the area perched on the edge of the Ayarwaddy River. As you wander around the temple, you'll also be able to observe the locals cultivating crops along the banks of the river. Once you reach your hotel in Sa Lay, the afternoon and evening are free to so as you wish.

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After breakfast, you'll visit Yoke Sone Kyaung which is one of the oldest surviving wooden monasteries in Myanmar, originally built in 1882. The monastery is famous for its intricate wood carvings and the antique religious objects spread around the area. After this visit, you'll continue towards Mount Popa, an extinct volcano which has become a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over Myanmar. You'll then continue on to your hotel in Bagan.

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Today you'll explore Bagan, starting off with the local vibrant market of Nyaung U, followed by visits to several Pagodas including Shwezigon, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Dhammayangyi, Nanphaya, Manuha and finally Myazedi. After your busy morning touring the temples of Bagan, you'll head to West Pwa Saw Village where you'll gain a glimpse into the local life of the people here. Finally, you'll finish the day with a horse and cart ride around ancient Bagan finishing at a beautiful sunset viewpoint.

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After breakfast, you'll be taken to the airport ready for your flight to He Hoe from which you'll travel onwards to Aung Ban. After arriving in Aung Ban, you'll visit the magical blue lake believed to be guarded by spirits, and visit the Danu Village to observe the lives of the Danu people. Following this visit, you'll stop by the Yay Pyan Taung Waterfall and Main Ma Ye Thakinma Taung, a beautiful mountain decorated with white and golden pagodas, before returning to your hotel for the evening.

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Today, you'll travel from Aung Ban to Nyuang Shwe, known as the gateway to Inle Lake, visiting the beautiful Shwe Yan Pyay, a red teak wooden monastery on the way. Afterwards, you'll travel by boat to your hotel which sits on the eastern banks of Inle Lake. Your afternoon will be spent visiting the local village built on stilts known as Ywama, Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, and Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Before heading back, you'll visit several village workshops around Inle Lake, including cigar-making.

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You'll spend the day today further exploring the sights, villages and wonderful activities that surround Inle Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Myanmar. First, you'll visit the 5-day market, which rotates around certain villages on Inle Lake depending on the day. Here you'll see local vendors gathering to sell their products and do their daily shopping. A large part of the day will be spent exploring the Samkar Region, one of the lesser-known, yet beautiful, parts of Inle Lake.

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Today, you'll fly from He Hoe airport back to Yangon in the morning. Once you reach Yangon, you'll take an adventure on the Yangon Circular Train which is the main form of transport for many locals in the area so you'll be able to gain a good insight into the lives of the locals. In the afternoon, you'll explore Bogyoke Market as well as several parts of Downtown Yangon, including Chinatown and the Indian Quarter. You'll finish the day watching the sunset from the beautiful Yangon Harbour.