Upon arrival, your Blueflower representative is waiting to welcome you at the airport. After settling into your luxurious hotel, you take to the streets to discover the colonial past of Yangon. You step back in time, with the well-preserved buildings from a different era. You stop for refreshments in one of the city’s trendiest restaurants, located in a historical building. You have an appointment with royalty. She is known as the Green Princess and her door is wide open to select travellers such as yourself. Her insights on environmentalism make this great-granddaughter of the last king of Myanmar one of Yangon’s most exciting personalities. In the evening, you make your way to Shwedagon Pagoda. You partake in the lighting of 1000 oil lamps. It is a moving ceremony, flooded with golden light.
After breakfast, you fly to Bagan. The plans for the evening are full of excitement, so it is good that you head to Minnanthu, a quiet area surrounded by ruined temples and a favourite place for those seeking peace and quiet. A picnic is already waiting for you when you arrive. As the sun begins to set, you begin an adventurous exploration of Bagan’s temples, some quite famous, such as Ananda, others… well, let’s say these are reserved for those in the know. Exploring them at night creates a unique ambience and on moonlit nights, it is a thing of magic. You explore by car and by foot. To recharge your energies, your guide shows you some of the typical snacks, usually served during temple festivals.
Today you venture outside Bagan. The countryside is full of treasures, especially Kyaung Gu Ohnmin, a cave temple rarely seen by outsiders. You continue to villages and monasteries where you interact with the locals. As you reach the river, a boat is waiting for you. Lunch is served aboard. The afternoon is spent in other small villages where you can learn about the culture and costumes of Myanmar.
You fly to Haho and head to an Elephant Conservation Camp. Here you get to interact with these charismatic animals. You will learn all about the conservation project and enjoy lunch in the camp. After you are done petting the elephants, you head to Kalaw and your hotel for the night.
The day dawns with adventure as a sign. Mountain bikes are waiting for you. You set on a scenic 5-6 hour ride to Inle Lake. This is the scenic route and quite frankly, the best way to get to the lake. The last part is a steep downhill section which is a lot of fun if you like such adrenaline rushes. You go through villages until you reach the shore. There, your motorboat is waiting to take you to the hotel.
Inle Lake is an isolated gem in the middle of Myanmar. The cultures that have flourished on its shores have developed unique traits and customs. One of the most characteristic is foot paddling. Skilled fishermen manage a paddle with their foot. Why? ― you may say. Well, it’s because you can see fish better if you’re standing up. You can have a go at it but take my word, it is harder than it looks ― and it looks hard enough as it is. You also visit floating gardens and enjoy lunch in a floating restaurant.
You make your way back to Yangon. The city is developing a truly exciting art scene and we are acquainted with one of the most prominent gallery owners. You might even get a chance to meet some of the artists. Before your departure, you have a table in a Michelin-star restaurant, one of the most exclusive dining experiences in all of Myanmar. It is only fitting to end your journey through the Golden Land on a golden note.
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