Myanmar Arts & Crafts
Irrawaddy River, Myanmar (Burma)
Irrawaddy River, Myanmar (Burma)
The culture of Myanmar (Burma) has been heavily influenced by the Mon people. One of the earliest peoples to reside in Southeast Asia, the Mon were responsible for the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Indochina. The Mon lived mostly in the Irrawaddy Delta and along the southern border with Thailand with whom they share a common origin. In addition, Burmese culture has also been influenced by its neighbours India, and China. In more recent times, British colonial rule and westernisation have influenced aspects of Burmese culture.
This private tour is perfect for those seeking a cultural experience of Myanmar (Burma). The tour focuses on traditional Burmese culture in the country’s most popular destinations. It features private touring of crafts towns, art gallery districts, artisan workshops, local markets, Buddhist temples, monasteries and more. All touring is private, with your own private guides and drivers.
TRAVEL UNTAMED ON THE 9-DAY MYANMAR ARTS & CRAFTS TOUR...
And, explore art shops and markets in Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay.
Myanmar Arts & Crafts Explore crafts towns, art galleries, artisan workshops, Buddhist temples, monasteries and more.
(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay
Begin in Yangon, the capital city. With your private guide and driver, tour cultural highlights such as the glittering Shwe Dagon Pagoda – Kipling’s “golden mystery... a beautiful winking wonder”. Perched on a hill like a gold beacon, huge and bell-shaped it dominates the city and the surrounding countryside. Also, visit Bogyoke (Scott) Market, which has a vast selection of traditional Burmese handicrafts. There are British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences studded with colonial architecture now mixed with high-rise buildings.
Next, fly to awe-inspiring Bagan, where thousands of pagodas and temples nestle within an eight-mile curve of the Irrawaddy River. This site of the royal capital of the first Burmese Empire once held 5,000 pagodas, built by rulers and subjects alike to gain merit in future lives. The high tide of construction began in the 11th-century, then ebbed within 250 years as Mongol invasion and internal conflict ended Burma’s golden age.
Take an optional cruise by private boat on the Irrawaddy River and enjoy views of pagodas and daily life. One evening, ride in a horse-drawn carriage among the temples of Bagan at sunset. One day, take a private excursion to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano that’s considered the home of Burma’s most powerful nats (animist spirits). Upon request, AwimAway can book a memorable hot air balloon ride over the temples as the sun rises.
Continue to fabled Mandalay. This was their capital, until the British captured and exiled King Thebaw in 1885. For most Burmese Mandalay, along with the ancient capitals of Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, and classical Bagan, is the cultural and religious heart of Myanmar. One day, take a private excursion to Sagaing to see some of its hundreds of pagodas and active monasteries, and also visit a nearby pottery village. Return to Yangon for overnight and connect with your onward flight.
Day 1 – Arrive Myanmar
Yangon Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights.
Afternoon private tour.
Day 2 – Cruise
Yangon & Twante Privately guided cruise. Private tour in Twante.
Afternoon private tour in Yangon.
Day 3 – Transfer
Bagan Transfer and flight to Bagan. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights.
Full-day private tour. Horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset.
Day 4 – Tour
Bagan Full-day private tour, including river cruise.
Day 5 – Explore
Salay & Mount Popa Optional morning hot-air balloon flight.
Full-day private excursion.
Day 6 – Transfer
Mandalay Transfer and flight to Mandalay.
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights.
Full-day private tour.
Day 7 – Tour
Sagaing Full-day private tour and excursion.
Day 8 – Transfer
Yangon Morning private tour. Transfer and flight to Yangon.
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night.
Day 9 – Depart
Yangon Private airport transfer
Hotels
Make this your holiday
Getting There Myanmar has two international airports: In the capital Yangon and at Mandalay. Due to the lack of travel services in Myanmar most airlines fly to Yangon via Bangkok, Kaula Lumpur or Singapore. Also, there are flights connecting Chiang Mai (in Thailand) to Yangon and Mandalay. It is best to check prices for flights to Bangkok and from there to Yangon return as buying two tickets can be cheaper. We suggest that you book in advance to get the best rates for flights.
When to go The best time to visit Myanmar is between October and April when the weather is dry and not so hot. At this time the warm and sunny days are ideal for sightseeing throughout the country. The temperatures start to rise in March and May to September is best avoided as this is the rainy season when sightseeing can become difficult.