Myanmar & Thailand by Myawaddy Border 16 Days

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.

We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is specialized in trading fruits, vegetables, etc… by small boat. In the old days, floating markets were formed because roads and means of road traffic have not developed.

Due to the demand for buying and selling goods, people gather in the river by means such as boats. Nowadays, despite the fact that the road network has developed everywhere, floating market still exists and develops more and more.

We transfer to Kanchanaburi, check-in the hotel there and then you are free to relax.

Today morning, we pick up from hotel to visit the JEATH War Museum, which has the name standing for countries taking part in the World War II death railway construction from 1942 to 1945: Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland.

As the name suggests, JEATH War Museum exhibits photographs and illustrations reflecting the living condition of prisoners of war during that cruel time, some of which were donated by former prisoners who survived after war.

We continue to Erawan Waterfall, considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own. 

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest.

Back to the city, we go to Kanchanaburi the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the most important landmark of this city. We continue boarding a train ride along the railway death, Railway enthusiasts can travel on one of the historic routes to Southeast Asia, the remaining part of the "Death railway''.

Proceed to Ayutthaya for overnight.

Morning trip to Lopburi site inhabited since prehistoric times and that has long suffered the influence of Khmer Angkor empire.

Visit the Palace of King Narai built by King Narai, the king who ruled Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688. He ordered the palace built in 1666. The King Narai stayed here for about 8 to 9 months of the year, except during the rainy season. He appointed as Lopburi the second capital of the kingdom of Ayutthaya. The palace was a place of relaxation, hunting, administration of national affairs and reception of official visitors.

Then visit the Khmer temple Prang Samyod temple with three arrows and San Phra Kan, a former Brahmin temple located near Phra Prang Sam Yot, has two parts, the oldest dating from the Khmer period, the most recent dating from 1951. the latter houses a deity with four arms surmounted by a head of Buddha and is the figure of a warship. This shrine is famous for the troupe of mischievous and amusing monkeys that inhabits it.

We then transfer to Saraburi to visit Wat Phra Phutthabat.  It is a first-class royal temple constructed in 1624 during the reign of King Songtham. The highlight of the temple is what is known as the Lord Buddha’s footprint, which had been discovered on a stone slab on SuwanBanphot Hill or SatchaphanthaKhiri Hill. The large footprint was discovered during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya, and after analysis, was discovered to have all 108 auspicious characteristics.

Depart for Uthai Thani to overnight.

After breakfast at hotel, we start to visit the incredible Thasung temple and its "Crystal Hall" and embark on a boat for a mini cruise trip going up the Sakaekrang river crossing many floating houses.

And then transfer to Sukhothai to visit a complex temples of Sukhothai Historical Park: Wat Mahathat, Wat Sra Sri and Museum, Wat Sri Chum… 

Wat Mahathat is the main temple of Sukhothai. Located east of the ancient city, the temple complex is the most significant ruins in Sukhothai. Construction of the temple began under the rule of King Inthradit (1239-1259) - founder of the city and continued under the subsequent rulers before being finally completed under King Li Thai in 1345. Under the reign of Rama Khambeng, Wat Mahathat became the religious center of Sukhothai.

Today morning after breakfast, we drive westward to reach Mae Sot. Upon arrival, we could spend an hour ending up buying lots of fresh produce which is really cheap at Mu Soe Hill Tribe Market.

Continue driving and we pass through Wat Thai Wattanaram. Built in 1857, it is one of the most stunning religious structures in Mae Sot. The Shan temple houses a 45-meter-long reclining Buddha image and an additional 28 sitting Buddhas on its grounds. The second floor of the temple also houses traditional instruments.

In the afternoon, we go to visit Mae Ka Sa Hot Springs and Cave. They are nestled between stunning mountains and greenery, making for some of the best views just outside the city. Ambitious travelers should also make the 20-minute walk up the mountain to explore the Mae Usa Cave.

Check-ịn hotel in Mae Sot for overnight.

Check-out hotel in Mae Sot then we direct to Myawaddy Border to enter Myanmar.

When pass the border, we continue driving to Golden Rock for overnight.

Today morning, we make a steep and rough 11km road leads to the upper staging point, a journey made in opened trucks.

We start the light trekking about 45 minutes to reach Golden Rock Pagoda (Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda), one of the oldest and most famous pagodas in Myanmar. It is also the World’s Heritage Site.

The pagoda is famous for its huge rock lying on the mountainside over 2.500 years. The contact surface between the stone and the ground is only 78 cm². The rock is covered with gold leaf, carrying a legend in it. Being close to the edge of the mountain, the rock has a tower with 7.3m high on the top.

Continue the way through Bago to see Kyaik Pun Pagoda, which has the name coming from the language of Mon people. “Kyaik” means Buddha, “Pun” means four. The pagoda has four Buddha statues leaning back on each other, so it is called Kyaik Pun.

This is also the feature that attracts visitors. Statue of 27m height, bearing the four Buddha face in four directions: Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, Gautama. Previously, in the 15th century, the statue was improved by King Dhammazedi.

Continue driving to Yangon for overnight.

Morning start to visit the full day tour to discover the colorful capital of Myanmar with a close look at the local life of this historical city. Start visit the Sule pagoda, historical building around your hotel and also night market is near 20 minutes’ walk from your hotel. Walk around the Mahabandoola Park to see the colonial courthouse and the city hall.

Include visit the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, Reclining Buddah before enjoy the panoramic view of Shwedagon pagoda Yangon’s most famous landmark. The massive 99 meter high gold plated pagoda with the diamond studded spire set on top of a small hill in downtown Yangon dominates the area and is visible from much of the city.

Enjoy the national park for breath taking and then transfer to the hotel after sunset.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out hotel and take the flight to Heho, Inle Lake. Arrival in Heho, take the scenic drive to Nyaung Shwe which is the gate way of the lake.

Arrival Nyaung Shwe, walk and visit the Shan national museum, Shwe Yanpyay monastery and then check in hotel.
Evening take the bike to the Red mountain winery for the unforgettable sunset on the Shan hill.

After breakfast at hotel, meet your English speaking guide and excursion by motorized boat to visit the floating villages like Ywama, the lake’s downtown. Famous floating market which is always rotate on the five day rhythm in each village.

Continue visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and the jumping cat monastery.

Include visit of local material product made by lotus flower and then walk around the floating villages. Intha people, a tribe of Mon descent, mostly inhabit the lakeshores and floating villages, a sightseeing tour of Inle Lake including a chance to see the leg-rowing fishermen.

Continue by boat passing through the floating gardens, built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. On arrival, a sightseeing tour of Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital, features Mahamuni Pagoda, famous for its venerable statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf.

Mandalay has long been known as a centre of skilled craftsmanship and in former times supplied the Royal courts. A tour of traditional workshops includes crafts such as woodcarving, marble masonry, Kalaga tapestry and gold leaf making.

Afternoon visit the Royal Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite woodcarving Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures (known as the world’s biggest book).

Enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill.

After breakfast, transfer to the jetty and board private chartered boat for a cruise over the Irrawaddy River towards the former capital of Mingun.

After a 45-minute cruise, arrive in Mingun famous for its huge unfinished pagoda Pahtodawgyi; also home to the Mingun Bell, considered as the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell. Also visit the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda (Mya Thein tan Zedi).

Then drive back to Mandalay and heading to Ava, cross the small river by local ferry about 5 minutes.

Afternoon visit Ava, start visit the Daw Jam’s group of stupas, and then to the Se` Mi Khone group of stupas and continue to Bagayar monastery; one of the old wood monastery with teak wood pilla more than 200.

Walk around to the watch tower and continue to Maha Aung Myay Bonzn Monastery; donated by Queen Mae Nu.

Back to the jetty and drive to the 18th century capital, Amarapura. Visit to the silk weaving workshop, the craft speciality of Amarapura.

Enjoy walk along world famous U Bein bridge over 200 year old and constructed by Teak wood Pillars.

Then visit to the country’s largest monastery; Mahagandayon. we will closely see the daily life of the monk before they go to bed such as studying, preparing for next morning and meditation etc.

Early breakfast at hotel, check out hotel. Take the transfer by private car to the Yangon domestic airport for your flight to Ancient Bagan.
Arrival Bagan, meet your English speaking guide and start explore the Bagan (Nyaung Oo).

Thousands of ancient stupas and temples in this area make Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. From the 11th till 13th century, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers constructed huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

Morning sightseeing features the colorful Nyaung Oo Market, the Shwezigon Pagoda and its magnificent golden stupa, Wetkyi-Inn, Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

Then to the Kaymingha a group of pagodas before visit Ananda, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with two original standing Buddha images show facial expression change depending on the distance the statue is viewed from. Then check in hotel.

Afternoon visit the Thatbyinnyu is the highest in Bagan, rising to 61 meters, the massive Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork, Sulamani Temple for photo stop.

Sunset at the Nyaung Latphet kan Hill to enjoy the remarkable sunset of Bagan.

Drive to Manuha temple, built in Mon style in 1059, Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument, said to have been the palace of King Manuha and MyingabaGuByaukgyi Temple, noted for its ancient mural paintings.

Afternoon visit Mt. Popa: A visit to Bagan would not be complete without a trip to Mount Popa. Considered as one of the most popular pilgrimage spots in Myanmar, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano where the PopaTaungkalat Monastery is found. Popa used to be called the ‘Mountain of Spirits,’ and is still recognized as a dwelling of 'nats,' or spirits of ancient ancestors.

Come back to Bagan in the afternoon, your time is free at leisure.

The time today is on your own until we transfer to the airport for a flight to Yangon, connecting an international flight back to your hometown.