Myanmar – Charming Bagan 3 Days, 2 Nights

Arrive in Bagan, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide then set off on a full day of exploration in Bagan.

The journey begins with a visit to Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. Next, continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most venerated temples in Bagan, enjoy it in the quiet of morning before all the tour buses arrive.

Afterwards, we head to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for the beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work that we will check out.

Then, learn more about local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquerware and woodcrafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful handicrafts.

Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for a short rest and escape the extreme heat of the midday sun.

Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, winding along tiny roads past dozens of monuments. Stop at will to take photos or explore temples. Continue to an elevated viewpoint to watch an unforgettable sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.

Your next morning in Bagan will start off with an exciting hot-air balloon ride above the panoramic view of the city. (Today your tour will start early.)

Climb aboard and take off, you will observe one-of-a-kind views! Rise slowly above the tree line and see the pagodas come into view. Be enchanted by the site of the temples being illuminated by the sun’s early morning rays. Enjoy panoramic views from the balloon’s basket, getting a stunning view of the plains and the glimmering waters of the Irrawaddy River. The knowledgeable pilot will point out famous sites and share interesting stories about the temples and Myanmar culture as the balloon drifts over Bagan. (Available only from late-October to late-March; all flights weather permitting).

Then discover one of Bagan’s most famous legends while following in the tracks of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant. Legend states that the King was given a replica of Lord Buddha’s tooth. He placed this relic on a sacred white elephant’s back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four places around Bagan and, later, four stupas were built at each of these locations. Thus, the local Burmese believe that by visiting all four of these places in one day all wishes will be fulfilled. Begin with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda. Although this is one of Bagan’s most famous sites, few people realize the legend behind its creation. Learn about this story, the pagoda’s importance to local people, and about some of its quirky features while taking a guided tour around it.

Continue on to Tu Yin Taung, a hilltop stupa in the eastern part of the main Archeological Park. While approaching the temple, be greeted by 500 monk statues lining the road. The stupa’s elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains, a unique perspective of Bagan and a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

The next stop is Lawka Nandar, which is in New Bagan next to the Irrawaddy River. Lawka Nandar is a bulbous stupa with a cylindrical bell and three octagonal terraces as a base. The temple still functions as a place of everyday worship as it is home to a Buddha relic.

Back to your hotel to relax, freetime afterward.

Today the tour starts at 08:00 with , visit to Bagan’s local villages. Start at the Nyaung Oo Morning Market where locals gather every day to buy and sell everything from fresh produce and meats to flowers and pottery. There are many food stalls and tea shops around, which provide the perfect vantage point for observing local culture. Then learn the interesting process of creating “Poneyay” (pea powder paste) and see how local plum jam is made and packed. Additionally, visit workshops of two of the region’s best-known products: handmade lacquer ware and wooden handicrafts. Finally, visit a village and observe about how Cart wrights make a traditional bullock carts, still used by farmers and locals throughout the country.

This remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and explore at leisure. Continue on the holiday in Myanmar, or transfer to the airport for the onward flight.