Take a step closer to local village life in Bagan and meet the locals to get a better understanding of Burmese culture. Visit a fresh market and a teashop to chat with the locals. Then, go to a typical farming village and monastery on an island for a glimpse of Myanmar’s spiritual side.
Programme Details
Today the tour will start at 08:00.
Experience the local life of typical Burmese people in Bagan today. Start with a visit to the colourful Nyaung U Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods. Take a stroll with locals in the market to learn about dry goods and a variety of spices and fruits grown in the area.
Continue to a nearby teashop not only to enjoy a cup of tea but also to discover the tea shop’s important role in local society.
Then head to Lawka Nandar jetty to board a local boat for a short cruise to Kyun Thiri Island located in the middle of the mighty Irrawaddy River. The village lying on this island is home to a typical Burmese community that is one of the main vegetable suppliers of Bagan.
Upon arrival at the island, be welcomed by the local villagers and transferred to the village by bullock cart. It takes about 20 minutes. On the ride, explore the village’s farms that grow tomatoes, cucumber, red chilies and seasonal vegetables along the way to the village.
Tour the village for a glimpse of what life is like for its residents. Meet and interact with friendly villagers to learn about their farming techniques. Feel free to join and help the villagers in the plantation process. Then, head to the village monastery and wander around the compound to learn about local people’s spiritual beliefs.
Optional Activity: Cooking Class – During the visit, take part in a cooking class and taste traditional dishes made using crops from the village gardens and prepared in local style.
Please note: Kindly contact your Travel Consultant for the surcharge.
Afterwards, walk to a village house and enjoy a delicious local lunch cooked mainly with vegetables grown on the island. Local style desserts will follow lunch and there will be an opportunity to learn more about local village life.
Return to Bagan after this island village immersion
In the afternoon, take a closer look at Bagan culture with a visit to a selection of traditional workshops. Then learn the interesting process of creating poneyay (powdered pea into a paste) and see how local plum jam is made and packed. A final stop will be made at the workshops of two of the region’s best-known products: handmade lacquer ware and wooden handicrafts.
Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel to relax. (L)
Responsible Travel: This tour gives you a chance to interact with locals to learn about village life and support local craftsmen.
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