Yangon - Bago & the Golden Rock

Mingalaba! Welcome to Yangon!
Met and greeted at the airport and take a private transfer to hotel for check in.
The same afternoon you will get a guided tour for sightseeing some highlights of the city. Being the most important commercial and artistic hub of Myanmar, this former capital city is home to a fascinating blend of impressive colonial architectures, tree-lined boulevards, exciting street life scenes, bustling local markets, and glittery temples dotted around, making it the most exciting place in the country.
Drive downtown to explore the historical centre with your first visit to the Yangon Post Office that noted for its red-brick color, typical lancet arched windows, charming beaux-arts portico and ornate stucco work. Take a leisurely walk to the Sule Pagoda passing the Victorian-style Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument. Then continue to Bogyoke Market, a wonderfully colorful place where there are lots of handicrafts and other local products to browse through, and perhaps take a sit down at a local tea shop enjoying typical Burmese tea drinking experience.
Next is the Kandawgyi Park, a beautiful and green spot where you see the impressive Karaweik Hall, a replica of Royal Barge that floats on a vast lake, reflecting it glittering image on peaceful water surface with stunning background of surroundings.
From here you will continue to visit the Chauk Htat Kyi temple which is home to a 66-meter long reclining Buddha, one of the most revered Buddha images in the country, where locals gather to pay homage and pray every day.
Your last visit is the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous landmark in Yangon and most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, which said to date back 2500 years ago, with spectacular view of the 100-meter tall chedi gilded by 40 tons of gold leaf and surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. The view of Shwedagon become most spectacular during the sunset and when lights are on.
Back to the hotel and enjoy free evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Sightseeing yangon

Private vehicle

Hotel in yangon

After breakfast, leave Yangon for a scenic journey northeastward to Kyaiktiyo in the Thaton District of the Mon state for visit to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda popularly known as the Golden Rock.
According to legend, Buddha gave a strand of his hair to a Buddhist hermit who later gave it to a celestial King. In return, the King then used his supernatural powers to pull a rock boulder that is a resemblance to the hermit's head from the ocean to the current place and build the pagoda atop where the Buddha’s hair is enshrined.
In fact, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on the edge of a rock at the summit of Mount Kyaiktiyo, 1,100 meters above sea level, and seems to defy the gravity though it appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Burmese Buddhists and famous visiting destinations for travelers worldwide.

Arrive at the Golden Rock base camp around late morning and pick up an open truck for nearly one hour ride along winding mountain road uphill then take a short walk to the pagoda. Once there, you will wander around sightseeing of the temple ground and of course, the rock that is full of spiritual vibes and be rewarded with spectacular view from here. The landscape and view of the rock is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.  

Accommodation tonight is near the Golden Rock.

Summary of inclusions

Mount Mount Kyaiktiyo & Golden rock visit

Breakfast

Private vehicle

Hotel in Kyaiktiyo

Get up early for stunning sunrise over the Golden Rock and spectacular mountains. Enjoy the mythical atmosphere and strolling around the hill sites then return to hotel for breakfast.  Get back to base camp by the truck then make the journey back to Yangon with stop to visit Bago. Also known as Pegu, this city once was the capital of the Mon Kingdom. The great number of historical vestiges and treasure-filled temples spread throughout the town makes it quite appealing.
Upon arrival, enjoy your time exploring around to learn about the history and myths of the city. Your visit of Bago including the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda that is home to an impressive 55-meter long reclining Buddha, the Kyaik Pun with the 27 meter high four seated Buddhas, the very ornate golden palace of Kanbawzathadi which reflects the splendor and wealth of the second Burmese empire, and the thousand years old Mon-style Shwemawdaw also known as Golden God Temple with outstanding 114 meter tall golden chedi which is the highest one in the country and can be seen from around miles away. Also, spend time to visit a local market that is filled with local products and fresh produces.
After Bago, you will make another stop in Htaukkyan to visit the Allied War Cemetery, the the final resting place for Allied soldiers who fought and died in battle in Burma during the Second World War.
Back to hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Golden Rock sunrise

bago Sightseeing

Breakfast

Private vehicle

Hotel in Yangon

Enjoy free time at your leisure until you check out the hotel (check out time is 12.00) and get a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast

Private airport transfer