
Temples and Sand of Myanmar
Trip Starts:
YangonTrip Ends:
NgapaliTrip Over View
Myanmar is truly called “Land of Temples” for the fact that there are temples dotted everywhere in Myanmar and you will come across one or more temples in every step. Undoubtedly, the temples here are one of the supreme archaeological sites in the world and convey some of the mystery and exquisiteness of these outstanding temples. The Burmese consider the temples very sacred therefore follow a strict dress code. You will not be allowed to enter the temples with your shoes on no shorts above knees. The appropriate dress code should be shorts covering knees and a t-shirt covering shoulders and both shoes and socks should be removed before entering the temples. Most temples have written instruction though. It would be great idea to see the temples at sunset hours and by hiring a horse-and-buggy. The temples here make you feel closer to the history of Burmese land.
Like the temples, the sand of Myanmar is another equally big attraction both among the locals and the tourists. There are some beautiful beaches along the two thousand kilometer stretch of coastline in Myanmar and Ngapali is perhaps the most popular and Thandwe as well. Along with a great variety of accommodation options there are also seafood restaurants and sea sports here such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, cycling and golf.
We have this 7 days itinerary of Temples and Sand of Myanmar tour. Get the best experience with us of visiting the temples and the beaches together.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan – Thandwe – Ngapali.
Days 5 & 6: Ngapali.
Day 7: Ngapali.
Day 1: Yangon
Arrive in Yangon, situated on the broad of Yangon River; this city is overflowing with tree-shaded roads and royally architecture while sparkling stupas emerge to drift over the treetops.
The remaining of the day is splurged discovering the highlights of the city. In the centre, you can see the golden octagonal Sule Pagoda, 46 meter tall and this has been the point of all major spiritual and political procedures in the history of Myanmar. Stroll through the National Museum to see a range of work of art together with jewelry, opium weights and royal remnants as well as Sihasana Lion Throne which is eight meter tall. Visit the luminous gold Shwedagon Pagoda which is the most holy place in Myanmar with a history elongating back greater than 2500 years. Visually, it governs the skyline of Yangon and comprises of a chains of shrines, pavilions and spires, gather at the base of a giant stupa, which itself is sheltered in more than 60 tons of gold leaf. It looks stunning principally in the sunset hour as the golden stupa reflect the shifting colors of sunset. The day can be wrapped up by shopping for handicrafts and bargains at Bogyoke Aung San Market, housed in an art deco building.Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
Fly from Yangon to Bagan. Snuggled in the arch of Irrawaddy River, the plains of Bagan are interspersed with thousands of primeval stupas and temple remains as far away as an eye can see. Spend the day travelling around some of the 2,200 remaining temples including: the 11th century Schwezigon Pagoda, Gubyaukhyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn and a temple of the same name at Myinkaba and Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best conserved and most valued of the Bagan temples. Considered to have been constructed around 1105, this flawlessly balanced temple indicates the stylistic conclusion of an early Bagan period.Also see the sights at Manuha Temple, constructed in 1059 and preserving the Buddha images – which is the remarkable blend of three seated and one reclining images. And Shwesandaw Paya which is the first monument in Bagan featuring stairways that lead up from the square bottom terraces to the round foundation of the Stupa. Visitors will also stopover at lacquer ware workshop to find out about this tricky art. Wrap up the day at dusk from pagoda platform enjoying extensive views across the plains. Ascend to a pagoda platform at sundown for broad views across the plains.Overnight in Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan
Situated about 50km away of Bagan, Mount Popa is a wiped out volcano with a mountain top temple believed to be home of Myanmar’s most significant nats or spirits. Hike up a twisting sheltered flight of steps surrounding the mountain, observed by the prying monkeys that crowd the area. At the peak is a monastery and temple complex with shrines to the 37 nats, alongside with fabulous views over the nearby plain. Visit the well-preserved Burmese town of Salay and visit Yoke Son Kyaung, the oldest existing wooden monastery with stunning carvings of court life and sections from the Ramayana. Splurge some time roaming around the town to see the market and Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan – Thandwe – Ngapali
Fly to Thandwe from Bagan and then get transported to the beach resort of Ngapali and splurge the next few days relaxing.Ngapali is memorably peaceful retreat and it is named by nostalgic Italian sailors after their much-loved Naples. With miles of perfect sandy beaches, luminous turquoise seas and soaring coconut trees, Ngapali is just a right place to relax. Besides the regular beach activities, there are also small fishing villages and local markets in the close by area just waiting to be discovered either by foot or bicycle and there are a variety of offshore islands easily reached by boat. Every morning the fishing boats return loaded with shrimp, lobster and squid.
Days 5 & 6: Ngapali
Enjoy all day relaxing.Overnight in Ngapali.
Day 7: Ngapali
Depart/transfer from Ngapali to Thandwe and fly to Yangon.
Includes
- 3 meals a day.
- English speaking licensed guide.
Excludes
- Drinks, tip and expenses of personal nature.
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events.
- Travel Insurance.