Buddhist Temples and Pagodas with Ngapali Beach | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Buddhist Temples and Pagodas with Ngapali Beach

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6565

Private Tour Highlights

  • Full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide
  • Visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, said to be one of the largest images of its kind
  • Admire the gold plated and diamond encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun sets
  • Experience monks roaming the streets collecting alms, one of the most auspicious moments
  • See the daily lives of the people and monks who live in the mountains
  • Visit a local pottery village where over fifty pottery makers work to carry on this tradition
  • The Bagan pagodas, the most culturally significant and best preserved
  • observe the Nat Shrine, a major pilgrimage destination, covered in mannequin-like Nat figures
  • Explore Bagan from a different perspective and explore the area by pony cart
  • Take the unique opportunity to balloon over one of the most remarkable sights in Asia during sunrise
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

A journey to the most revered Buddhist temples and sites in Myanmar is perfectly complimented by a two day excursion to the serene Ngapali Beach. The Shwedagon Paya in Yangon, Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaikhtiyo and the ancient temples of Bagan occupy a place of chakra-like importance to both devotees and tourists alike. Combining the many cultural highlights across central Myanmar and the stunning beauty of the Bay of Bengal ensures that you will see the very best that this country has to offer.

The jewel of Yangon is the impressive Shwedagon Pagoda. This magnificent structure can be seen from around the city; no building dares to be higher than its Golden Spire. Believed to be 2,500 years old and enshrining eight of Lord Buddha’s hairs, the Shwedagon Pagoda is revered as one of the holiest sites by Buddhists throughout the world.

A short drive from Yangon, Mt. Kyaikhtiyo houses the Golden Rock Pagoda. Join in the company of pilgrims for whom a visit to this Paya is an essential spiritual journey. The mountain-top temple provides excellent opportunities for hiking and stops to surrounding villages allow you to interact with the local craftsmen and people who live in the shadow of this important Buddhist landmark.

In Bagan, you’ll view the “temple plains”, built in the 13th century during the Kingdom of Bagan’s influential apex. Consisting of seemingly endless fields of red brick stupas, this is an enduring monument to the spread of Buddhism in the region. A short drive to Mt. Popa will introduce you to the animistic faith of pre-Buddhism Burmese. Carved into the side of the mountain are many Nats (spirits) that were of vital import to early practitioners.

Finish at the ultimate beach getaway. The best known of Myanmar’s beaches (but still practically undiscovered compared to the other beaches in South-East Asia) allows you to indulge in luxury accommodations, fresh seafood and memorable snorkeling without the crowds found on other shores in the area.

Inclusions
Prices Include:
Regional and domestic airfare from Bangkok to Yangon, Yangon to Bagan, Bagan to Thandwe, Thandwe to Yangon and Yangon to Bangkok, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Notes:
* Please note that Mt. Kyaikhtio (Golden Rock) site is closed during the rainy season (June-October) when access roads become impassable under heavy rain.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 6565

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Bangkok

Overnight flight to Bangkok

Overnight flight to Bangkok

Day
2

Arrival in Bangkok

Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, be met by a Yampu representative and transferred to the hotel for check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, be met by a Yampu representative and transferred to the hotel for check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

bangkok_skyline
Day
3

Yangon

Enjoy a full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide. Beginning at the Sule Pagoda in the city center, continue through the streets of the downtown area. Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas, Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Continue to visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Said to be one of the largest images of its kind, the huge reclining Buddha stretches over 223 feet. Next visit Botahtaung Pagoda, named after the one thousand military leaders who are said to have brought relics of the Buddha from India thousands of years ago. From there, continue to Kandawgyi Park and the amazing Karraweik Royal Barge.


Travelers will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar (Burma) cuisine. Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon stands at 326 feet and is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4,531 diamonds – the largest of which is a single 76 carat diamond. Enjoy dinner at another local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Yangon-Shwedagon-Playa-Courtyard
Day
4

Kalaywa Monastery- Scott Market

Morning read more...

Morning visit to the Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to approximately 1,000 monks. Experience one of the most auspicious moments one can hope to experience in this mystical land. Each morning Myanmar (Burma) is scattered with thousands of monks roaming the streets collecting alms for their meals. Observe this traditional procession before continuing to the National Museum to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Myanmar (Burma).


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Scott Market, a sprawling 80 year old market that is home to a variety of interesting Burmese goods, from lacquer ware to gems and jewelry. To gain a sense of the everyday life of the Burmese, continue to Chinatown and the local fruit market. Again, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Day
5

Yangon- Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Morning departure from Yangon for a drive to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Along the way, travelers will be able to see several scenes of local Burmese life. Upon arrival, transfer for the more adventurous drive to the transit junction. From here, a light hike will bring one to the glory of the Golden Rock’s terrace. Check into the hotel for a brief refreshment and a late lunch. In the evening, explore around the Golden Rock Platform and enjoy a fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Morning departure from Yangon for a drive to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Along the way, travelers will be able to see several scenes of local Burmese life. Upon arrival, transfer for the more adventurous drive to the transit junction. From here, a light hike will bring one to the glory of the Golden Rock’s terrace. Check into the hotel for a brief refreshment and a late lunch. In the evening, explore around the Golden Rock Platform and enjoy a fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Day
6

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Full Day

Take a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. If one would like to do some light trekking, this is the place to do it! Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will allow travelers to see the daily lives of the people and monks who live in these mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking an evening stroll along the long row of shops to peruse for souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.

Take a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. If one would like to do some light trekking, this is the place to do it! Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will allow travelers to see the daily lives of the people and monks who live in these mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking an evening stroll along the long row of shops to peruse for souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.

Kyaikhtiyo-Golden-Rock-Vista
Day
7

Bago- War Memorial Cemetery

Morning read more...

Morning transfer back to Yangon. On the way, stop at Bago, an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom from the 13th century, and visit the highest pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which stands at 114 meters (374 feet) tall. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to wander around and shop in the interesting markets of Bago before continuing on to Yangon.


En route, visit a local pottery village where over fifty pottery makers work to carry on this time honored tradition. Then continue to the Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery, where 2,700 stone graves mark the final resting place of fallen soldiers of the Commonwealth and Allied Forces during the Myanmar Campaign and the Second World War. Finally, arrive in Yangon and check into the hotel for an evening at leisure.
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Kyaikhtiyo-Shwemawdaw-Pagoda
Day
8

Bagan

Be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Visit the pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved, including the Shwezigon, Ku Byauk Gyi Temple for its exquisite murals, Khay Min Ga Temple, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda Temple.


Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master craftsmanship of lacquer ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. After lunch, visit a local lacquer ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen from start to finish. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is to watch the sunset from the sunset viewing platform for the panoramic views of the surrounding temples. Sit back, relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan while watching the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas. Then, return to the hotel for the night.
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Bagan_Myanmar_Pagoda
Day
9

Mount Popa

Morning read more...

Morning visit to Nyaung Oo Market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. Then drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views (about 1-hour driving). It's considered the abode of Myanmar's most powerful Nat (Spirits) and the remains of a petrified forest here produce a profusion of trees, flowering plants and herbs. En route, visit some palm tree plantations to enjoy a relaxing break and for a chance to observe the local plantation lifestyles.


At the foot of the mountain, one can observe the Nat Shrine, which contains a display of mannequin-like figures representing the 37 Nat and is a major pilgrimage destination. Then, make the choice to visit the summit, the Sandalwood Forest or the local museum and medicinal herbs garden. After exploring around Mount Popa, drive back to Bagan. Late afternoon, explore Bagan from a different perspective and explore the area by pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter. This evening, take a relaxing sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River, and observe life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background.
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Mount-Popa-EPG-Photo
Day
10

Hot Air Ballooning

Early this morning, take the unique opportunity to see one of the most remarkable sights in Asia, while drifting over the enchanting landscape dotted with ancient temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors for many centuries and Marco Polo once described it as 'one of the finest sights in the world'. Riding in a hot air balloon allows a spectacular vantage point of this celebrated landscape.


Drift over a panorama of ancient pagodas scattered below, the fabulous spires begin to glow with the dawn and then blaze with vibrant color as the sun rises over the far horizon. Travelers will be able to see long lines of red-robed monks weaving through the streets collecting early morning alms and children delighted at the sight of a hot air balloon waving upwards. When returning from the balloon ride, enjoy a glass of champagne before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.


After breakfast, be met by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport for a connecting flight to Thandwe, where Ngapali Beach is located. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the surrounding villages. Overnight in Ngapali.


Note: Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed for the balloon ride and the length of the ride is governed by these conditions. The experience lasts about 3 hours with an average of 45 minutes of flight time, and a portion from each flight is donated to community programs that benefit the local population.
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Hot_Air_Balloons_Bagan_Myanmar
Day
11

Day at Leisure

Enjoy the full day at leisure. Take a boat to a nearby island, do some snorkeling, or try your hand at sailing.

Enjoy the full day at leisure. Take a boat to a nearby island, do some snorkeling, or try your hand at sailing.

Ngapali-Beach
Day
12

Flight Home

Transfer from your hotel to Thandwe Airport for your connecting flight to Bangkok, where you will connect with the flight home or the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Transfer from your hotel to Thandwe Airport for your connecting flight to Bangkok, where you will connect with the flight home or the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Kyaikhteeyoe Pagoda, Thaton District, Mon State, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan, Indonesia

Ngapali Beach, Thandwe District, Rakhine, Myanmar (Burma)

Places You'll See

  • myanmar-ngapali-beach

    Ngapali Beach

    Relax at one of the most breathtaking and picturesque beaches in the world, Ngapali Beach. Sitting in the Bay of Bengal, these pristine white sand beaches and palm-lined shores offers a quiet atmosphere with a quaint fishing village vibe. Facing westwards, the beach does not experience much sun in the morning but makes up for it with breathtaking sunsets.

  • Temples-of-Bagan

    Bagan

    Home to nearly 2,000 monuments spread over 16 square miles of land, and numerous religious edifices, Bagan is overflowing with rich culture. Visit the Ananda Temple, one of the four surviving Buddhist temples, or the Bagan Archaeological Museum, the only museum in the city’s fascinating archeological zone.

  • Kyaikhtiyo_Myanmar

    Kyaikhtiyo

    Join in the company of pilgrims for whom a visit to this Paya is an essential to spiritual journey. The mountain-top temple provides excellent opportunities for hiking and stops to surrounding villages allows interaction with the local craftsmen and people who live in the shadow of this important Buddhist landmark.

  • Yangon

    As the main economic hub of Myanmar, Yangon is always bustling with activity. Take a trip up to the top of Shwedagon Hill to see the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious site in Myanmar. Visit the Zoological Gardens to see Myanmar’s most expansive wild animal collection, or the People’s Park for its huge concrete water fountain and in-park museum.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Yangon : Inya Lake Hotel

Yangon : Summit Parkview

Yangon : Best Western Green Hill Hotel

Kyaikhtiyo : Golden Rock Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Hotel River View

Bagan : Kumudara Hotel

Bagan : Popa Mountain Resort

Bagan : Thande Hotel

Ngapali Beach : Pleasant View Resort

Ngapali Beach : Thande Beach Hotel (deluxe)

4 Star Properties

Yangon : Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Yangon : Sedona Hotel Yangon

Yangon : Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Yangon : Novotel Yangon Max

Yangon : Savoy Hotel

Kyaikhtiyo : Mountain Top Hotel (Standard Room)

Bagan : Amazing Bagan Resort

Bagan : Aye Yar River View Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan : Thazin Garden Hotel

Ngapali Beach : Amata Resort & Spa (deluxe)

Ngapali Beach : Bayview – The Beach Resort (deluxe Garden View Bungalow)

5 Star Properties

Yangon : The Strand (Superior Suite)

Yangon : Park Royal Hotel (Deluxe)

Yangon : Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake

Kyaikhtiyo : Mountain Top Hotel (Super deluxe Room)

Bagan : Aureum Palace (deluxe room)

Bagan : The Hotel at Tharabar Gate

Ngapali Beach : Sandoway Resort

Ngapali Beach : Aureum Palace Resort (Garden View Cottage)

Ngapali Beach : Amata Resort & Spa (Cabana Cottage)

Luxury Properties

Yangon : The Governor’s Residence

Yangon : The Strand (Deluxe Suite)

Bagan : Aureum Palace (Jasmine or Orchid Villa with Lake View)

Ngapali Beach : Aureum Palace (Ocean View Cottage)

Testimonials

Fritz M

Traveled February, 2013

All in all, this was a great trip

All in all, this was a great trip. I am reminded of something I read in a travel book some years ago which said Here’s what I love about travel; strangers get a chance to amaze you. In Myanmar, I found myself constantly amazed. I would love to go back and pick up the areas of the country that I missed on this trip and spend more time in the sites that I found to be particularly interesting and which required more time than I had on this trip to do them justice. I think things will begin to change rapidly in Myanmar now that liberalization has begun. I appreciate all the work Yampu staff put into developing this custom itinerary for me, and I wish all of you great success in building your business in Myanmar.

Traveled To

Max and Mary

Traveled February 2016

Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand

You did a great job in putting our trip to Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand together considering all we did and where we did it. I want to commend Yampu, especially on all the guides and drivers such as they were very good. The guides were knowledgeable, very friendly, spoke good enough English and were courteous…I would not hesitate to have them in our home.

Traveled October, 2015

Superb moment

Superb moment and time. Great people here.Great hotels. Great tours. A big thank you again! Excellent organization, Ananda experience and owner’s suite was a great idea. We enjoyed to be alone! On that boat. Great resort on Inle lake as well. For the rest, excellent guides and great diversity of opinions. Marvellous country and people. Again thank you for your time and care attitude. Respectfully,

Traveled To

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