Product Description
Highlights
Explore the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda and gain insight into Buddhism in Myanmar from your local guide.. Learn about Genaral Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi and the founder of modern Myanmar, at a local museum.. See a less touristy side of Yangon as you ride the full length of the city’s circular train, passing through outlying towns and local neighbourhoods.. Taste local Burmese cuisine at one of our favourite lunch spots, and visit a local tea shop in town.
Overview
Got a few days to explore Myanmar’s former capital? Discover both the highlights and some hidden gems of Yangon on this short (but sweet) city adventure. Visit gold-plated pagodas and statues, stroll through peaceful city parks and learn about the history, religion and stories of Myanmar from a knowledgable local guide. The next day, experience a comprehensive cross-section of local society on as you ride the rails on Yangon’s circular train, stopping off at markets, cathedrals, tea shops and a local lunch hotspot along the way. In just two days you’ll get a thorough insight into the heritage, culture and people of Yangon.
TRIP CHANGES FOR 2019:
This trip will be discontinued in 2019. Travellers wishing to see the most of Myanmar in a short time are recommended to check out our Myanmar Highlights (TRSH) trip.
Breakfast Included: 1 Lunches Included: Dinner Included:
Yangon
Welcome to Yangon! Your short break adventure begins at 2pm today, when you're picked up from the Asia Plaza Hotel. Please meet your local representative in the hotel foyer between 1.30 - 2.00 pm. Alternative pick-up can also be arranged from the Summit Parkview Hotel, as outlined in the joining instructions below, between 1.00 – 1.30pm.
Your first stop today is Chaukhtetkyi Pagoda, home to a huge reclining Buddha. Visit Aung San museum, dedicated to the General who founded modern Myanmar, before taking a stroll through Kandawgyi Park. As you walk, your guide will share stories and anecdotes, and answer any questions you have about local life in the city. Pause for a tea break and some people watching before heading into the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
Check out a market inside the eastern entrance of the pagoda before climbing the steps up to a viewing platform. Your guide will offer some fascinating insight into local Buddhist beliefs along the way. The dome of the Pagoda rises an impressive 98 metres high, and is laden with tonnes of gold, jade, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. It is without a doubt Yangon's most significant icon, and a great spot to cap off the afternoon.
Yangon
After a hearty breakfast this morning, get ready to head out and explore the city of Yangon. From the hotel, make your way to the Central Railway Station and board the circular train. This 39-station loop connects several satellite towns and suburban areas, and is one of the best ways to discover the real Yangon.
Ride the rails with your local guide for the the entire three-hour loop, passing through Chinatown, Little India and making a pitstop at Da Nyin Gone Station to visit a vibrant local market. Spend around 45 minutes wandering through the stalls, meeting vendors, and perhaps grabbing a coffee or tea from one of the shops.
Jump back on the train and set off downtown. In Pazundaung, enjoy lunch and a spot of people-watching at a local restaurant, before heading out to again to explore busy local streets lined with bike repair shops, tire sellers and vendors selling everything from betel nuts to Burmese buns. Pop into St. Mary’s Cathedral to see how it differs from the other churches in the city.
At the end of the tour you'll be dropped off at the Asia Plaza Hotel, where your short break adventure comes to an end around 3pm. If you're leaving Myanmar today, please keep this in mind when booking outbound flights. No accommodation is included for tonight, but if you'd like to book an extra night or two, just speak to Intrepid or your travel agent at the time of booking.
