Bagan and its Communities

Bagan is truly one of the wonders of the world with more than 2,200 Buddhist temples and monuments spread over 104 sq kms but there is much more to Bagan than just these magnificent sights. There are small villages to explore, ancient monasteries to visit and the hospitality of community lodges to enjoy. Also, the charming historic town of Salay.

Physical Grading: (out of 5)
Culture Shock: (out of 5)
Accommodation: community,lodge and resorts
Transport: Car/minibus, boat
Activities: history, culture
Meals included: 7 x B, 7 x L, 7 x D

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Day 1:  Yangon   (-/L/D)

 

Arrive at Yangon Airport and transfer to hotel. After lunch at a local restaurant take a tour to see the highlights of the city. Dinner a local restaurant. Overnight at Rose Garden Hotel (Superior) in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon – Kyaikthale   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast take the 1 ½-drive to Kyaikthale and check into the Bio Garden community lodge. Explore the local village and the surrounding countryside. Lunch and dinner at the lodge and overnight.

Day 3: Yangon-Bagan   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast transfer back to Yangon and take a morning flight to Bagan. Transfer to Thazin Garden hotel and check in if early check in is available. Explore some of the famous temples: Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyiin Gubyaukkyi. In the afternoon, visit Ananda,  Ananda Okkyaung. Also visit the colourful Nyaung Oo Market.Take a horse cart ride in the late afternoon to see more stunning temples and then enjoy a

sunset boat cruise on the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.

Overnight at Thazin Garden Hotel (Deluxe) in Bagan.

Day 4: Bagan Villages   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast, head back to the river and take a boat across to the opposite bank, taking about half an hour

and there you will visit several local communities, including Thezin village, where you can see cane weaving of household utensils and Ey Shey village with its cotton weaving workshops. After seeing the rural side of Bagan, drive up to the magnificent Taunt Kyi Taung pagoda, high up in the hills with wonderful views for the Irrawaddy River and its temples of Bagan on the other shore. Afterwards take the boat back and return to the hotel in the late afternoon.  Lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight at Thazin Garden Hotel (Deluxe) in Bagan.

Day 5: Bagan - Tamarind Lake CBT village   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast check out of hotel and leave Bagan, heading towards the small town of Salay. After the drive of about an hour and a half arrive at tamarind Lake Village and check into the community lodge and meet you hosts.  After a local lunch with your host family take an ox-cart ride to explore the village and learn about the people’s way of life. Dinner and overnight at  CBT home in the village.

Day 6: Tamarind Lake – Salay   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast take a tour by bicycle to visit nearby sights, including Bagan-era pagodas and the magnificent timber Yoke Sone Kyuang monastery. Return to the community lodge for the final lunch before saying goodbye to the host family. Drive to Salay town and check into Salay House, a charming guesthouse on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Afterwards take a tour on foot around the town passing colonial-era houses and local shops and then explore the market.  Dinner and overnight at Salay House.

Day 7: Salay – Bagan   (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast check out and drive to visit a 12th-century temple, still in daily use and with some stunning architectural features. After wards return to Bagan with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Check in the Thazin garden Resort and have a farewell dinner at the Secret Home Restaurant.

Local Children at Salya Town near the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Local Children from Salay Town

Day 8:  Bagan - Yangon   (B/-/-)

 

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight back to Yangon. Arrive at Yangon Airport and end of services.

Onward travel and accommodation arrangements can be made upon request.


Services and Additional Notes

 Services included:

  • accommodation with breakfast
  • entrance fees
  •  station English speaking guides in each region
  • private air-con car for all transfers, transports and sightseeing
  • domestic flights for Yangon-Bagan-Yangon
  • private boat for sunset boat in Bagan and Tantkyi Taung
  • horse cart ride in Bagan
  • bike ride in Salay
  • meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  •  overnight visit to CBT Kyaikthale village & Tamarind Lake Home CBT including lunch & dinner
  • Cool towel and mineral water during visit                     

 

Not included:

  • Other meals and drinks
  •  Personal expenses
  • Visa fee
  • International flights
  • Gratuities                                                

 

Please be advised:

In some villages you may not be allowed take pictures of people and some places may be out of bounds to visitors. If you wish to take photographs or are unsure whether an action is appropriate, please ask your local guide for advice.

 

Responsible mind:

The villagers’ income from tourists is to help support the community and preserve its way of life. We have designed our tours to provide them with job opportunities and a sustainable way of maintaining their cultural heritage and to offer an alternative to illegal activities like mineral exploration, deforestation and hunting wildlife.


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