Yangon
Yangon is the main gateway to Myanmar and the former capital of Myanmar. It is so evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes it has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East". The present day, Yangon covers 350 sq. km with over 5 million populations. The most fascinating sight in the city which dominates the skyline of Yangon with 98 meters tall is Shwedagon Pagoda. It’s also the landmark of Myanmar. The golden dome is covered with 11 tons of pure gold with 1,800 carets of Diamond and other precious gems. The start of your tour will be Yangon as all airlines serving Myanmar fly to Yangon International Airport. A one night stay is recommended before departure up country and one night at the end of the trip. The highlight of the cityscape is the famous Shwedagon Pagoda-especially around sunset. It would be recommended for travellers to explore the Shwedagon Pagoda which Myanmar people value its heritage of Buddha. A visit to the national museum housing the Royal Lion Throne and other treasures of the royal families will truly delight you. Stroll through the Bogyoke market that is alive with activity and always booming with excitement or by the scenic offerings of Kandawgyi Lake at sunset.
Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city and was the capital of Myanmar Last Kingdom and of Myanmar Kings, is situated in Central Myanmar 668 km north of Yangon. It was founded by King Mindon in 1857 and remained to be the official seat of Myanmar Kings until it was occupied by the British in 1885 and designated Yangon as capital. It is both a bustling commercial center and a repository of rich cultural heritage. With the remains of the old Royal City and many old monasteries, Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art and architecture of the 19th century. There are several ancient capitals around Mandalay such as Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, Mingun where Kongboung dynasty kings established their capital respectively. It is also noted for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk, and other products of traditional handicraft. It has links to all parts of the country by rail, road, river and air.
Bagan
Bagan, which is known as the city of four million pagodas, is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia and the main tourist destination in Myanmar. Founded as early as in 849 on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River about 500 kilometers north of Yangon. The 10th century archaeological site is considered one of the richest and most amazing sites in Asia. Among Bagan’s more than 13,000 temples once stood there are some 2,200 remain today. Some were destroyed by invaders, others by earthquake and decay. In 1287 hordes of Mongolian horsemen under Kublai Khan conquered Bagan. The towns, at least the wooden, secular building, were mostly burnt down. Soon after, the realm of Bagan disintegrated into many, smaller kingdoms. Bagan is a highlight of any trip to Myanmar.
Inle Lake
This vast and picturesque lake is situated in the hilly Shan State in the eastern part of Myanmar. Inle Lake, natural and unpolluted, is famous its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers. This infinite picturesque lake, 900metres above sea-level, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake, 20 km long and 10km across, has a population of some 150,000 many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. It’s a place we cannot miss in our itinerary is the scenic beauty of Inle Lake so at least one night. The second place is Pindaya Cave, which is also memorable. For those with time, extra nights allow for visits and trek to Inle Lake Kalaw surrounding. Inle Lake can be reached by flying from Yangon, Bagan or Mandalay to Heho, which is the nearest airport to the lake.