Myanmar Photography Tour GTTP14 10 Days

In the early morning, transfer to airport and leave for Bagan – the place also known as the “City of Four Million Pagodas.” Many of the pagodas and temples are small and simple—but the number of them is staggering. Although Bagan’s centuries-old shrines, pagodas, and stupas do not actually total in the millions, there are well over 2,000 of them scattered along the remote 16-square-mile plain, flanked on one side by the Irrawaddy River. This qualifies Bagan as the largest temple city on the planet, as well as one of the most important archaeological areas in all of Asia. The majority of ruins in Bagan were constructed between the eleventh and 13th centuries, a time when Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire.

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to ShweSandaw Pagoda for the first shots and panorama view of over thousands of mysterious pagodas in Bagan. This is one of the highest points in Bagan, so you can have the great overview of Bagan area.

After that we will take the tour to Bagan. Firstly, visit of village market in the town of Nyaung-U: a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and wander among stalls that feature locally-grown crops, rattan items, tea leaves, and colorful traditional clothing – the perfect place for candid shots. Then we make a short stop to see ShwezigonPaya, a beautiful gold-domed pagoda constructed early in the twelfth century that is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. After lunch in local restaurant, we will have time for resting in the hotel before continue the tour to visit Anada Temple – one of the finest in architecture and most revered temples with its four standing Bagan style Buddha images and huge carved teak doors from thousand years ago. There are different Pagodas to visit today but the will be no repetition, as they all beautiful, interesting and different. Then our guide will take you for the walk to the complex of Pagodas and Stupas in Bagan for some photo shooting there. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to a nearby jetty, where we’ll board a boat to gain a new vantage of the Irrawaddy (also called the Ayeyarwady). The people and the country’s economy depend on this natural resource, as you will undoubtedly observe by the countless number of barges, bamboo rafts, and fishing boats that ply the waters around us. From on board, we will be able to observe how everyday life plays out along the riverbanks as well as taking the great shot of sunset on the river.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

We will wake up early today to get to ShweSandaw Pagoda – the best location where we can have the amazing panorama views of Bagan and it’s pagodas and Stupas in the dawn. This is also the best place for taking photos of Bagan. Witnessing the morning sun illuminating the ancient temples of Bagan is an unforgettable experience.

Then we will have very pleasant walk to discover the area of Khayminga Temple for a panoramic view and visit of the beautiful complex of the Pagoda and Stupas on the beautiful site in the dawn in the great harmony with nature. After that, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Our day will continue by the visit of Dhammayangyi Temple – the widest temple in Bagan. From a distance it resembles the early step pyramids of Egypt. The sides at the base of the structure are almost 78 meters long, while the central core of the temple measures 25 meters long. There are four entrances that each contain a seated Buddha image on a pedestal, the main entrance is the Eastern one. The Western sanctum contains images of the Gautama Buddha and the future Maitreya Buddha, side by side. The temple grounds are surrounded by a wall with huge arched gates that lead to the pagoda. To prevent further deterioration the terraces of the temple are closed to the public.

After that, we will take the excursion to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano, located 50 km south-east of Bagan and a one hour drive on the road to Mandalay. Climbing 777 steps to the summit takes about 45 minutes and you can visit the Mahagiri Shrine dedicated to the “Nats” (spirits), stupas and a picturesque complex of monasteries at the top where there is a wonderful panoramic view. On the way back to Bagan, observe the natives collecting the juices from the palm trees, palm sugar making technique as well as palm wine.

The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure for you to take your own photos in old Bagan. There will be lots of the photos opportunities that will be easily keep you busy until it get dark.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

In the morning transfer to the airport for flight to Mandalay, which was founded in 1857-1860 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar’s last dynasty. Upon arrival, we will take the tour in Mandalay.

We’ll explore several highlights of Mandalay, which briefly served as capital of the last Burmese kingdom in the mid-19th century. We first visit the MahamuniPaya, home to a highly venerated Buddha image, one of the most sacred in Burma. Over the centuries, devout Buddhists have been applying gold leaf to the 13-foot-high seated Buddha; that gold surface is now estimated to be about six inches thick.

We will also come to visit Jade market – the biggest market for wholesales selling Jade and precious stone in Mandalay. This is unique and very interesting market o discover.

After lunch, we will visit Shwenandawkyaung or Golden Palace Monastery – a very magnificent building beautifully carved in wood, dating back to 19thcentury. It is of great interest, not only as a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, but also as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace that had been totally destroyed by bombs. And then visit to KuthodawPaya – the world’s largest book of 729 marble slabs inscribed the entire Tripitaka, that have been recognized by Guinness book.

Late afternoon, we will come to visit Mandalay Hill 230 meters in elevation, is the natural landmark of Mandalay, a vantage-point for a full panoramic sunset view of the city.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

In early morning, we take a short drive to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Upon our arrival, we’ll visit the world’s longest teak bridge. The U Bein footbridge stretches almost three-quarters of a mile over Thaungthaman Lake, and is heavily utilized by the local monks in maroon robes who carry alms bowls back and forth to monasteries. Constructed of more than 1,000 teak posts, the U Bein has withstood the elements for over two centuries. The best time to take good photos of the bridge is in the morning when it is not too busy and the light condition is the best. Back to your hotel for breakfast.

Later in the morning transfer to the jetty for boat trip to Mingun which is 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is noted for the MingunPaya, a huge unfinished pagoda, Myatheindan Pagoda and a gigantic 90-ton bell – the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world. The 45 minute boat trip to Mingun is a very pleasant way to see the life along the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Afternoon is free at leisure for you to take photos in Mandalay on your own.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Mandalay

This morning we will drive to Sagain for sightseeing. Visit KaungHmuDaw Pagoda: built in 1636 by King Thalon to commemorate Inwa’s establishment as the royal capital of Myanmar) , visit picturesque Sagaing Hill, where hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. This is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today.

Then we will visit Soon OoPon Nya Shin Pagoda nearby was constructed in 1312, U Min ThonzehPagoda, U Min Chaukzeh Pagoda & U Min Koezeh Pagoda.

Afternoon take the sightseeing For Innwa. Firstly you take by small boat across the Ayeyearwaddy River. Start the sightseeing at MahaAungmyeBonzan Monastery (aka), Me Nu OkeKyaung: a brick and stucco monastery built by Nanmadaw Me Nu, the chief queen of Bagyidaw, of her royal about U Bok (NyaungganSayadaw) in 1822 & located on the south bank of Ayeyawaddy River and north edge of Inwa, BagayaKyaung :the largest measures 60ft in height and 9ft in circumference, and NanmyintHmyawzin (Nanmyint watchtower).

Back to Mandalay then drive to Amarapura again. Then we can observe the life of over 1000 monks at Mahagandaryon Monastery. It is not only the most reputed and well-known monastery in Myanmar but also known by all tourists from all over the world for its unique value like a person with good perfume attracts people all around without being seen. The name of the monastery means “The sense of perfume”. Late afternoon will be the great condition for good photograph with great lighting and afternoon activities of the monks in the monastery. Then we will be back to the U Bein Bridge again for the late afternoon and sunset shooting. It could be more busy in the afternoon, but lighting condition and photo taken on the lake at the sunset will be different. Drive back to Mandalay.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Mandalay

In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. Upon arrival to Heho, drive Pindaya sightseeing to Pindaya Caves. Then proceed to Shwe U Min Paya. This is a cluster of low stupas just below the ridge near the Pindaya Caves. On the way, we can do sightseeing to Tea plantation, seasonal fruit plantation. Driving will take one and half hours (50km). Visit to Myin Ma Hiti Cave, visit to Nee Paya at Kalaw (Bamboo Strip lacquer Buddha Image) after that visit to KalawShwe U Min Pagoda. Checking in at hotel in Kalaw. This was a popular hill station in the British days and it is still a peaceful and quiet place. At an altitude of 1320 m it is also pleasantly cool in every season. The pleasant walk to the town as well as the central market also can give you lots of photos opportunities in this charming town.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Kalaw

In early morning, drive from Kalaw to NyaungShwe village, the starting point of the trip into the Inle Lake, passing through breath-taking scenery in many ways, with great panoramic picturesque landscaping, Pa-O and Danu women in colorful traditional dresses and their ethnic villages. It is also famous for Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which is elegant ancient monastery with its oval-shaped windows.

Arrive at NyaungShwe, a traditional long boat (motorized) will take you to Inle Lake, the vast, beautiful and picturesque nature lake, 900 meters above sea-level, 22 km long and 10 km across, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The boat will take you passing through breath-taking scenery in many ways, with great panoramic picturesque landscaping. You can see the local fish men fishing on the traditional boat with typical way of rowing their boat by one leg – the most well-known image of Inle Lake, witnessing the local traffic on the lake as well as other ways of fishing by local people. Inle lake is vast area but you always can see some activities on your on your boat ride. It is ideal way for taking the photos of the lake. We will cross the lake then and visit Nga HpeKyaung – a stunning wooden Pagoda and monastery built on the stilts with beautiful selection of Buddha statues inside. From the pagoda, you also can have the great view of the floating garden – very amazing way of local people growing their vegetable on the surface of water with very well-known tomato farm. Then we continue to Nampan, a village built on stilts over the water. Here, we’ll visit workshops to learn about cheroots, popular cigars made by hand and wrapped in tree leaves, and see how Inle Lake canoes are built. We also will come to visit one of the typical families living on the house on the stilts in the village before cruising to In Paw Khone village- well-known for silk weaving workshops and the technique and creation of the fascinating design of the silk products from unique material from special silk taken from lotus stem.

After lunch in local restaurant, we will take the brief visit of PhaungDawOo Pagoda – famous for 800 years old Five Buddha statues which are enshrined in the center of the building. Millions of local people have come to pray and stick the gold leave around the Buddha statues. Images that are so laden with gold their features are unrecognizable.

The boat then will take you to visit the workshop of weaving by the Padaung tribe – very famous as long neck lady tribe. They came from their village on the other side of the lake, but you can meet, interact as well as learning about their interesting custom in this workshop.

The last place to visit in our long but interesting day on Inle Lake is Mine ThaukBrige – over one kilometer wooden bridge built by local people on the side of the lake. It is very scenic place for watching the sunset, taking photograph and mingle with local people. Coming back to the boat station across the lake again in the beautiful lighting of sunset time.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Inle Lake

Morning take a flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon transfer to the hotel for check in.

We will start our tour today in Yangon by the visit of ChaukvHtatGyi, a huge reclining Buddha image – housed in a large metal – roofed shed. The feet of the Buddha wear a very readable with the 108 sacred marks. Definitely not miss this colossal image. Then we will visit Kandawgyi Park, one of the most scenic places in the city with beautiful lake, lovely wooden bridges, green and impressive vegetation. This is also can be the ideal place to mingle with local people.

You also will have time to visit Bogyoke Aung San – the central market of Yangon with interesting collection of Jade, Petrified wood and local handicraft. This is also the best place for your shopping in town.

Meal: Breakfast
Hotel in Yangon

After breakfast, free time at leisure. You can be relaxing at the hotel or discover Yangon on your own until the departure time to the airport for the flight home. End of 10-Day Myanmar Photography Tour.

Meal: Breakfast