5 Night Royal Capital: Bagan - Mandalay (Upstream)

EMBARKATION: Koe Lone Ye Kin Jetty from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. AFTERNOON TOUR: The Art and Sunset Over Bagan In the afternoon, stop by a local workshop to witness the process of making lacquer ware (yunde in Burmese). Make a few purchases here if you wish before continue to Gubyaukgyi Temple. This temple is only one of the few that still has the original murals and artwork centuries ago. For reservation, the temple are tightly sealed and we can only see through the help of flash light. Next off, visit Myazedi Stupa where you can find inscription of 4 ancient language of Myanmar. Finally, we will reach Bagan Viewing Hill by sunset where can have the panoramic view on the region before going back to the ship.

MORNING TOUR: Bagan

Today, transfer by van to an open market that offer a wide range of products from meats to spices, vegetables, to intricate stuffs such as woodcarvings, longyi or thanaka. If lucky, you can observe the women displaying their skill of balancing a huge satchel of purchase on their heads. Next stop is the renowned gilt Shwezigon Pagoda. This pagoda is told to possess the relic bone and teeth of the Buddha. Also displayed within the pagoda is the golden statue of King Anawrahta and a famous image of Buddha from China. After the trip we will return back to ship and continue the journey.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Hnaw Kone

This afternoon starts with a trip to Hnaw Kone Village. Make a short hike through this ordinary modest but full of charming and hospitable residents. With the visit, we have the chance to observe how to make a basket from bamboo. Return back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Tea Leaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration (2:00PM-3:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Yandabo 

Yandabo hold a historical milestone as it is the place where the two forces signed the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Nowadays, no trace of war left and the village is more well known for its pottery. Of course, you will visit some of the workshop in the village and have the opportunity to try your hand in making one. 

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon

ENTERTAINMENT: Lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30PM-4:30PM)
Burmese Karaoke Party (5:30PM-7:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: AVA

Begin today with a trip through the ancient town of Ava (or Innwa) on horse-cart. First stop is the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery with its distinct all teak structure of Burma and afterward the Yandana Hsemee Pagoda Complex.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Sagaing and Amarapura

Finishing lunch, venture to Sagaing by coach. It is well known all through the country and the Buddhist community as the religious center with numerous pagodas and monastery situated along the hills. Visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda on the hill of Sagaing before going across the Sagaing Bridge to Amarapura. Stop at a local house that specialize in wood or marble carving. Finish the day with visit to Ubein Bridge. Here await are the boat that offer you a serene experience while the sunset over the Taung Tha Man Lake.

ENTERTAINMENT: Myanmar Traditional Dance Performance (9:00PM-10:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Mingun  

Finishing your breakfast, you will start the trip to Mingun by walking. The first site of the day is King Bodawpaya the unfinished pagoda. During the time of the construction, a fortune teller told the king that if the pagoda was finished building, the king would be dead. Sacred of this vision, the king stopped all the workers from completing the monument and still incomplete to this very day. Next is Mingun Bell which is one of the world heaviest and functional bell. You can stand inside the bell while it is being rung and try ringing yourself for good luck. Finally stop with a visit to a typical market before return to the ship.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Mandalay

Afternoon tour begins to Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its famous world’s largest book. Followed shortly to Shwe Nan Daw Monastery or Golden Palace Monastery. The last remaining monastery that survived the war which the original Mandalay Palace didn’t. Continue to a gold leaf shop where you can find men smashing the mallets to create the thin gold leaves used for gild the Buddha images and pagoda. Finally, probably one of the most famous pagoda in the world, Mahamuni contains one of the holiest Buddha Images. Return back to your ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Farewell Reception and Crew Farewell (6:30PM-7:30PM)

DISEMBARKATION: (8:00AM)
After breakfast, disembark at Gawein Jetty, Mandalay.