Bagan Explorer

This morning the tour begins at 08:00.

Meet with the EXO guide and driver at the hotel, or at the airport, and set off on a full day of exploration in Bagan. This program includes a range of sites, providing a great overview of Bagan’s unique history, culture and local lifestyles.

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.

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Today the sightseeing starts at 08:00.

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.

Meet with the EXO guide and driver in the morning and 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.

Then, 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. We’ll make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing.

In the afternoon we drive to the jetty where a private boat is waiting to transfer us across the river to Tant Kyi Taung, the last temple of the tour. While the cruise crosses the Irrawaddy River, take in fantastic views of temples in the distance. Then, travel by local pick-up truck jeep (approximately 15 minutes) through the countryside to Tant Kyi Taung. This temple is of unique importance in Bagan, as it is thought that the Buddha stopped on the hill where the temple now stands. On the return drive to the jetty, stop in Tant Kyi Village for a short walk around.

Then it is time to return to Bagan, first crossing the river by boat and then continuing to the hotel by car.      

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today the tour starts at 08:00 with a 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 lacquerware and wooden handicrafts. Finally, visit a village and observe about how Cartwrights make a traditional bullock carts, still used by farmers and locals throughout the country. 

The 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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast