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It is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country's largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics and dates to the 6th century.
Upon arrival to the YANGON international airport, you will be welcomed by English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel. The rest day is at your leisure.
After breakfast at hotel we embark on a journey to explore Yangon highlights. Starting from colonial-style city center and one of the landmarks SULE PAYA stupa – built over 2,000 years ago and being the focal point of numerous historical events in the city. Then we visit to the focal point of numerous historical events in the city –CHAUK HTAT GYI pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and KARAWEIK HALL to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” on KANDAWGYI (ROYAL) LAKE. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legend has it that strands of sacred Buddha’s hair are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.
After breakfast, we drive 1.5hrs/80km to BAGO, one of richest archeological sites in Myanmar and the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom. Lunch at local restaurant in Bago, we continue 3.3hrs/110km to KIN PUN base camp to change our mode of transport to an open truck. The ride is shared with local pilgrimage makers for the next 11km to YATHETAUNG base camp, located 500m below the summit ridge. A further, 1hr hike up a partly on steep road and paved trail leads us to the summit. The GOLDEN ROCK, or KYAIKHTIYO as the Burmese call it, is a fascinating sacred boulder covered in gold leaf and balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. Crowning the boulder is a small shrine believed to contain Buddha’s hair relics, the source of the gravity defying magic. A continual stream of pilgrims from Myanmar and Asia come to witness the wonder at least once in their life time. Enjoy the tranquil sunset, soak in the unique atmosphere and share in wonder with fellow monk, nun, and lay pilgrims.
Wake up early for lovely sunrise views and a quiet morning stroll. Breakfast at the hotel before descending back to the Kin Pun base camp. We drive 3.5hrs/110km to BAGO and visit the impressive 55m reclining Buddha of SHWE THA LYAUNG and marvel at the 114m high SHWEMAWDAW PAGODA. Taller than even the famous Swedagon of Yangon, the golden spire of the Shwemawdaw is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees. And then visit to KANBAWZATHARDI PALACE of King Bayinnaung. The rest of the 1.5hrs/80km drive to Yangon is broken up with visits to a NAT THREE SHRINE dedicated to a legendary nat spirit and the ALLIED TROOPS WAR CEMETERY honoring 6,000 war heroes of WWII. The Golden Rock excursion ends at guests’ hotel in Yangon.
After breakfast, we visit BOGYOKE (SCOTTS) MARKET, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. We continue to one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the elegant STRAND HOTEL built by the Sarkies Brothers. Inside, we visit the RIVER ART GALLERY, where the works of some of the most famous and skilled Burmese artists are on display. In the afternoon, we visit BOTATAUNG PAGODA located beside the Yangon River and enjoy fresh air coming from the river. It is also more peaceful and less crowded than other pagodas in Yangon.
After breakfast, we transfer to Yangon international airport for your departure flight.
