Follow in the tracks of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant on a unique full-day excursion. Visit four sacred sites around Bagan where local pilgrims come to pay homage in hopes that their wishes will come true. Learn about the famous King and how this legend came to be.
Programme Details
Today your tour will start at 08:00.
Myanmar culture is full of colourful legends and stories. For a better understanding of this aspect of local culture, spend a day discovering one of Bagan’s most famous legends.
The morning will begin with a guided explanation of the legend. Many years ago, King Anawratha was presented with a relic of the Lord Buddha. He placed it on the back of his sacred white elephant and set it free to roam Bagan. Four times, the elephant knelt to rest. Seeing this as an auspicious sign, King Anawratha then built a pagoda at each of these locations. According to local lore, if these four sites are visited in one day then any wish will be granted.
Before testing out this theory, head to Nyaung U’s morning market. Join local shoppers who come every day to buy the freshest vegetables, fruits and other items that are on sale.
Then it is time to start on the legendary path with a visit to Shwezigon, one of Bagan’s holiest sites. The gilded stupa-shaped pagoda became the prototype of the ‘typical’ Myanmar stupa. Learn how its design inspired kings to build similar structures throughout the country, including famous Shwedagon Pagoda. On the same compound is a small hall that houses an impressive collection of carvings representing the nat spirits. Make a short stop here to learn about this aspect of Myanmar spirituality.
The second site on the legendary path is Tu Yin Taung, a hilltop stupa located south of the main Archaeological Park. Drive up to the top of the hill, passing 500 statues of monks on the way. The stupa’s elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains, a unique perspective of Bagan and its surroundings.
Continue to Lawka Nandar, a riverside temple with a unique design: three octagonal terraces form a base upon which a bulbous stupa is located. There is a relic from the Lord Buddha housed inside, making Lawka Nandar a popular pilgrimage site for locals.
Take a break for lunch at a riverside restaurant before heading to the last of Anawratha’s four sites.
This last site, Tant Kyi Taung, is the most remote and sees few, if any, tourists. Travel by private boat across the Irrawaddy River. Then take a local pick-up truck to the hilltop temple where, it is believed that Buddha once visited. Enjoy spectacular views of the river and Bagan in the distance.
Having completed the four visits, make a wish and see if the legend holds true! Then return by boat to Bagan. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner-
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner -
-
-
-
Get in touch
Our sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
Lucas Arruda
Sales Manager, Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Hailing from Brazil, Lucas leverages a deep well of professional experience, destination knowledge and love of travel to his role as Sales Manager for Latin America. He initially joined EXO in our China offices, gaining a strong understanding of EXO services and products, which he brings to this new role.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Manager UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager German MarketEXO Sales Team
Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.
Amanda Pilar
Sales Director - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Amanda is a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management and calls Boston home. She first fell in love with Asia in 2012 then worked as a travel specialist creating bespoke luxury journeys to Asia for a leading US tour operator. Her passion to bring unforgettable travel experiences for all clients ensures she brings the best in terms of support for our trade partners in North America.
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager, North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
Nadine Jones
Sales Manager Australia and New ZealandEXO Sales Team
As a former Olympic-qualifying athlete and lifelong travel industry professional, Nadine combines a wealth of experience with a competitive mindset to deliver top shelf services to our partners in Australia and New Zealand.
Alice Lefebvre
Sales Manager - FranceEXO Sales Team
Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.