9 DAYS BORDER CROSSING MYANMAR – CHINA ROAD

Itinerary

Itinerary in details:

DAY 01 RUILI – MUSE BORDER CROSSING – LASHIO (B/-/D)
The border, located about 12km from Ruili. Border formalities and crossing the border around 8h00 (6h30 in Myanmar) to Muse.
Welcome by our local guide at the border check point,
After a short stop in a quite dusty atmosphere continuation drive for 4 hours to Lashio, once a Shan dominated city, but nowadays a Chinese stronghold. Visit around to Sasana Pagoda and the huge Chinese Temple. Overnight at rather basic, and hopefully clean Lashio Motel.

 
DAY 02 LASHIO – HSIPAW (140 KM 4 HOURS) (B/-/D)
Early morning, visit of the vegetable market at Lashio Lay.
After visiting we say farewell to the town and start touring a sloppy road downhill to a small city called Hsipaw. En route timeless villages on their route to China.
Hsipaw itself is a pictures village on the footstep of the northeast Shan hills, represented former days the centre of a small Shan State of its own and has become a popular hang-out for travellers, thanks to its cool climate.
Hsipaw made history in the 50/60tes when an Austrian woman married the Shan Sawbwa (King) and became the popular Mahadevi from Hsipaw. The story ended sadly because he disappeared in prison in the 60es.
Overnight at famous “Charles Guesthous” and enjoy the quite unique atmosphere of the town.

DAY 03 HSIPAW – GOKTEIK BRIDGE – PYIN OO LWIN
Today we bring you close to Myanmar railway experience
Transfer to Naungcho and from there then by an old train over the famous Gokteik Bridge and viaduct (over 100 meter high). It will take 2 hours until Naung Bin where we will take you off the train and bring you by coach to pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

DAY 04 PYIN OO LWIN – MANDALAY:
Visit to Pwe Kauk Waterfall; visit and enjoy the countryside. Explore the town center by horse -drawn carriages Kandawgyi National Botanical Gardens; The beautiful botanical garden of Pyin Oo Lwin. The cooler weather condition allows many flowers and fruits, commonly found in temperate climates, to thrive here.
Continuation drive to Mandalay, where the Konbaung kings resided and eventually capitulated to the British, more than 100 years ago. Visit to Amarapura (Sanscrit for „Beautiful town“). There you can take a sunset by walking over the world´s longest teakwood bridge U Bein.

DAY 05 CITY TOUR IN MANDALAY
Mahamuni Pagoda; century-old and legendary Arakan Buddha, made of pure gold. It was the capital of the last, independent Burmese kingdom, which in 1886 was finally conquered by British colonial forces. Shwenandaw Monastery, a Golden Palace Monastery. This monastery is famous for its beautiful wood-carvings and carved all over with motifs and mythical creatures. Kuthodaw Pagoda: It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon.
The Fifth Buddhist Synod, which King Mindon called in 1872, in the development of the Kuthodaw. Visit Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda: a large Buddha statue carved out of a single block of local marble. In the afternoon, visit to Zegyo market (if open) and some of Mandalay's cottage industries, such as weaving and tapestry making. (If still feel fresh) Enjoy spectacular views at sunset from Mandalay Hill, its 790 ft (240 m) Mandalay Hill which towers above the city and the flat plain below.where there are interesting glass-studded temples.

DAY 06 MANDALAY – BAGAN BY BOAT
A day leisurely and full relaxation. On a exclusively chartered river vessel we will sail down the “Golden River” the Ayearwady. Experience river life, as old Dschunks and Bambu raffs, and watch villages of bygone times along the shore. In Bagan then the golden Bupaya Pagoda will welcome you. Transfer to hotel.

DAY 07 BAGAN:
Arrive at Bagan, the first and most beautiful capitals of the Burmese. It can be marked to have started with King Anawrahta. Start to see from the golden stupa Shwezigon Pagoda, A great gold stupa in Bagan. One of King Anawrahta'sdonation during his time Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi In village), another 'cave' temple, the last Bamar style temple built in Bagan, with old murals and friezes.
Taungphi village: to see old monasteries, which have beautiful Khone Baung dynasty frescoes? Then, pass through Tharaba Gateway into Old Bagan. Ananda Temple, a great temples and remians one of the fines and most beautiful. Thatbyinnyu Temple: the tallest temple measuring 61 meters –
It was one of King Sithu (or Alaungsiyhu, 1113-1167) finest legacies to the Bagan region. Dhammayangyi temple: One of the five-sided temples in Bagan. It has five-sided temples, each containing a Buddha image. Visit to Lacquer ware factory to watch craftsmen skillfully making this most famous of Bagan handicrafts. The evening tour will end one of the Pagodas to see the sunset over Bagan.

DAY 08 BAGAN – YANGON:
Morning transfer to your flight to the former capitol Yangon (Rangoon). After check in at hotel, visit city tour in Yangon, Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda: you can see a huge reclining Buddha image. Botataung Pagoda: TheBotahtaung Pagoda was a famous Land-mark on Yangon's waterfront. Pagoda is hollow inside and you can walk through it. Drive through around Sule Pagoda, which makes a useful landmark in downtown Yangon to see the colonial style buildings, National Museum: Continue to the newly renovated National Museum and see the Lion's Throne.
Chinatown: A busiest quarter of china town, it lies west of Sule Pagoda. In the afternoon, continue the city tour to Bogyoke (Scott) Market for shopping, where you have the last chance to buy souvenirs or everything’s you needs. Karaweik Hall: A photo stop is made at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. Then visit to golden famous Shwedagon Pagoda, - for its golden stupa is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. Enjoy a senset from Shwe Dagon Pagoda.

DAY 09 YANGON – DEPARTURE:
Transfer to airport for international departure flight