A five star premium tour of the best sights in Myanmar (Burma) with your own private guide and personal driver and vehicle. Yangon (Rangoon) is the most important city in Myanmar (Burma) and due to the country's relative isolation has the largest number of preserved colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Tourism is still sparse and visitors are welcomed. Fly north to Bagan (Pagan), the ancient capital of the first Burmese empire. The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles with the majority of its buildings dating to the 1000s to 1200s. Mandalay, unlike other Burmese towns, did not grow from a smaller settlement, rather it was created by King Mindon in 1857 to mark the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism. Though badly damaged in WWII it has been faithfully restored and this mysterious and grand fortress is a memorable sight. Finish the tour in nearby Lake Inle. The people are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts. Most transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, and local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved for the reason that the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting. Standing provides the rower with a view beyond the reeds. However, the leg rowing style is only practiced by the men. Featuring five star hotels, seamless transfers and arrangements, and Kensington's 24/7 support - this is a worry-free way to enjoy Myanmar's amazing history and culture.

Day 1
Yangon
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy your time at leisure to further explore on your own pace the markets and sights of Yangon. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overlooking the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, The Savoy Hotel is ideally located in a picturesque area of Yangon and is easily accessible from popular regional attractions. Each guest room is comfortably furnished with colonial-style wooden fittings, traditional Myanmar antiques and beautifully appointed bathrooms. Dine at Kipling's Restaurant where a splendid assortment of Asian flavors are served, or savor traditional Italian cuisines at Rossini. Sip your favorite drink at the Captain's Bar and enjoy refreshments and tea specialties at the Cafe Yangon. Spend your day absorbing the aromas, sights and sensations of a different world, at The Savoy Hotel. Yangon (Rangoon) is a city of Buddhist temples, open-air markets, food stalls and ill-repaired colonial architecture. It has a population of over two million. Although most of the city has been built in the last hundred years, and although it suffered considerable damage during World War II, there are still several examples of a more ancient culture. These include the golden Shwedragon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia and reputedly 2500 years old (although rebuilt in 1769); the Sule Pagoda, also over 2000 years old; the Botataung Pagoda, hollow inside with a mirrored maze; and the Maha Pasan Guha, or ‘Great Cave’.

Day 2
Yangon
Take a half day tour of Yangon. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the golden stupa which is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. Enjoy obsereving the Myanmar people praying and making offerings at the Pagoda. Visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see a huge reclining Buddha image. Drive through around Sule Pagoda, which makes a useful landmark in downtown Yangon to see the colonial style buildings, the Chinatown area and the Indian quarter. Stop alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to admire the view over the lake towards Shwedagon. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy your time at leisure to further explore on your own pace the markets and sights of Yangon. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 3
Yangon - Bagan
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Take a full day tour of Bagan area. Visit to see the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, which is Bagan's most important reliquary shrine, and look out for images of the 37 'nats' housed in a small hall. See 13th Century frescoes adorning the corridors of Kyansittha 'Cave' Temple. Continue to Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi In village), another 'cave' temple with fine frescoes of the 'Jataka Tales'. Visit the Taungphi village to see old monasteries, which have beautiful Khone Baung dynasty frescoes. Then, pass through Tharaba Gateway into Old Bagan. Continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery from the early Bagan era with well-preserved murals. Explore the Myinkaba village (time permitting). Stop at Myazedi stupa to see Myanmar's "Rosetta Stone", bearing inscriptions written in four languages. Visit to Lacquerware factory to watch craftsmen skillfully making the famous Bagan handicrafts. Continue to Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170 that is famous for its interlocking mortar less brickwork. In the evening visit one of the pagodas to see the sunset. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, Thiripyitsaya Sakura is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River and is conveniently located close to the Nyaung Oo Airport, as well as the city centre. Beautifully decorated units are elegantly furnished with an array of contemporary amenities to satisfy the needs of astute travelers. Guests can relish delicious European, Myanmar and Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting and take in the panoramic views of the garden, pool and the river at the resort’s cozy bar. After an exhausting day, take a dip in the swimming pool, re-energize your body in the Jacuzzi or avail the spa services. If an ideal atmosphere with a relaxing stay is what you seek, this is the ideal place to stay while visiting Bagan.
Pagan (Bagan) is one of the greatest historical areas in the country. It is best seen at sunrise or sunset. More than 13,000 pagodas were once spread over this dry plain during the golden age of the 11 great kings (roughly 1044-1287); this came to an end with the threat of invasion by Kublai Khan from China, and this extraordinary area was abandoned. Now there are fewer than 3000 pagodas. The actual village of Pagan has a museum, market and places to eat and stay; within walking distance of Bagan, there are lacquerware workshops and an attractive temple. There are dozens of open temples in the Pagan area (about 40 sq km/15 sq miles), but places of special interest include the Shwegugyi Temple, built in 1311 and noted for its fine stucco carvings; the Gawdawpalin Temple, badly damaged in the 1975 earthquake, but still one of the most impressive of the Pagan temples; and the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which is the highest in Bagan.

Day 4
Bagan
A full day to explore the countryside around Bagan. Drive through the sun-parched plain with Palmyra palms to the Mountain of Deities, Mt. Popa (2 hours). Climb the huge volcanic rock on a staircase to see shrines for nats (celestial spirits of Burmese mythology) and small temples for Lord Buddha. It will take about 20 minutes to reach the top of Mount Popa (Sanscrit word for Flower) and you will pass by many small food stalls and small „drugstrores“selling herbal medicine. Just in time for sunset you will be back in Bagan. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 5
Bagan - Mandalay
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Start your full day Mandalay sightseeing tour with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to Mandalay's holiest Buddha statue. Stop to see stone carving and, later, to see gold leaf being beaten into wafer thin pieces. Visit Shwenandaw Monastery, an ancient wooden building with intricate carvings, which was once King Mindon's home. Continue to see the 'world’s largest book', being the Buddhist Scriptures inscribed on marble slabs, at Kuthodaw Pagoda. Visit Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda to see a large Buddha statue carved out of a single block of local marble. Enjoy spectacular views at sunset from Mandalay Hill, where there are interesting glass-studded temples. Visit Zegyo market and some of Mandalay's cottage industries, such as weaving and tapestry making. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Nestled on four acres of landscaped gardens, The Sedona Hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, facing the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill. The hotel features 247 graciously appointed rooms and suites, with a decor that is distinctively both ethnic and modern in influence. Lovers of fine cuisine will be delighted by the wide array of flavors offered at the onsite restaurant and bar. Numerous recreational facilities are available and include: tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and massage and body beauty facility. You are sure to find lots to do while enjoying your stay at The Sedona. Mandalay is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas, and is the main center of Buddhism and Burmese arts. Taking its name from Mandalay Hill (rising about 240m/787ft to the northeast of the palace), the city was founded by King Mindon in 1857. Sights of interest include the huge Shweyattaw Buddha, close to the hill, with its outstretched finger pointing towards the city; the Eindawya Pagoda, built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf; the Shwekyimyint Pagoda, containing the original Buddha image consecrated by Prince Minshinzaw during the Pagan period; and the Mahumuni Pagoda or ‘Great Pagoda’, housing the famous and revered Mahumuni image. Covered in gold leaf over the years by devout Buddhists, this image was brought from Arakan in 1784, although it is thought to be much older.

Day 6
Mandalay
Drive to Amarapura to visit nearby U-Bein Bridge, which is over a kilometre long and made entirely of teak. Then return to Mandalay to discover the city in detail. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 7
Mandalay - Inle Lake
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. After arrival to Heho Airport, drive to Pindaya, an interesting drive up into the hills and across the Shan Plateau, through fields of mountain rice. Visit magnificent Pindaya Caves, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake, where thousands of different types of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers. Visit some local houses where families produce Shan paper and parasols. Transfer to inle Lake (2.5hrs). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Perfectly situated on Inle Lake, this resort is custom designed with unique yet traditional native style architecture. As one of the most charming resorts in this area, The Inle Resort is distinguished by its signature dome which appears prominent on the lake and acts as a welcome beacon to its guests. All duplex cottages and bungalows are spacious and have every comfort to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The elegantly refined restaurant offers an inspiring range of dishes while the bar offers a relaxing and informal atmosphere to enjoy a drink. The resort perfectly combines character and quality facilities with personalized service and takes pride in providing an experience that will create lifelong memories. Immerse yourself in this exotic setting, rich with culture and adventure. Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the mountains of Shan State. It is the second largest lake in Myanmar. Most transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, or by somewhat larger boats fitted with outboard motors. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved for the reason that the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting.

Day 8
Inle Lake
Enjoy a full day tour and boat trip on Inle Lake, a photographer's dream. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect backdrop. See the lake's unique “leg rowers”, the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. See traditional handicrafts , silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop. Pass endless floating gardens, where fruit and vegetables are grown. Stop at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, which is famous for its "jumping cats”. Enjoy the boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the Lake. The boat rides through a long channel where the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). enjoy your time at leisure strolling around the peacefull lake or at your hotel. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 9
Inle Lake - Yangon
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Depart from Yangon International airport - end of itinerary.