Silversea Luxury Cruises À YANGON

Meet your guide on the pier and board the coach for the drive northeast of Yangon to the port city of Bago, a storehouse of Burmese culture. The city was established in 1369 by King Byinnya and experienced its Golden Age between 1385 and 1635. When the Pegu River changed its course, the city was cut off from the sea and gradually lost its importance. The Mon Kingdom was powerful in Myanmar from the 9th to the 11th and from the 13th to the 16th century and for a brief period in the mid-18th century.

During your two-hour and a half drive to Bago, the coach stops to allow you to stretch your legs and take in some noted sights.

World War II Cemetery

Htaukkyant World War II Cemetery, also called the British War Cemetery, is one of the biggest cemeteries in Myanmar. Located in the town of Bago, it has the graves of some 27,000 Allied troops killed in the World War II campaign in Burma. In the Htaukkyant World War II Cemetery is Today the Imperial War Graves Commission maintains the grounds. The neatness of the manicured grass and well-planted flowering shrubs seems to set the cemetery apart from the rest of Myanmar. It is a place for contemplation, to discover silence and solitude. Venture into southern Myanmar to explore the once capital of the Mon Kingdom, Pegu, now Bago, on this full-day excursion, with lunch of local fare.

Kyakhatwine Monastery

Next, a special visit to the Kyakhatwine Monastery has been arranged on your behalf. This is southern Myanmar's largest abbey and is a sight to behold. Here, you are invited to observe the resident monks partake of their final meal of the day in total silence.

Kanbawzathadi Palace

The original site of Hanthawady, which surrounded a former Mon place, was excavated just south of the huge shwemawdaw Paya in Myanmar Bago. Walled in the Mon style, the square city measured 1.8 km along each side and has 20 gates. The palace compound in the centre, known as Kanbawzathadi, housed Myanmar King Bayinnaung from 1553 to 1599 and covered 82 hectares. About 26 hectares of this area have been excavated. The small, well stocked, octagon shaped museum displays Mon, Siamese and Myanmar Bagan style buddhas; clay tobacco pipes; glazed tiles and pots; bronze weights and scales; pieces of the original teak stockade; and weaponry.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy Asian cuisine at a Local Restaurant.

Shwethalyaung Buddha

After lunch, continue your sightseeing program with a visit to Bago's most famous site - the huge reclining Buddha. At 165 feet (50 metres) long and 48 feet (14.6 metres) high, it is reputed to be the largest as well as the most lifelike of all reclining Buddhas. Originally built in 994 AD, it deteriorated and was lost in a jungle overgrowth. Only in the 1880s British era were the remains rediscovered during the construction of the railway line. Restoration began in 1881 and today a sturdy iron shed houses the colossal image. The walkway up to the viewing platform is crowded with souvenir and handicraft stalls.

Explore the heart of local life in Myanmar in an invigorating new way during this picturesque, half-day bicycle experience.

Yangon, Countryside, Old City of Thalyin, First Catholic Church of Myanmar

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to a countryside road, the drop-off point for your biking adventure. After receiving your safety and riding instructions and helmet, begin your guided bicycle tour. Along the way, pass by animal farms. Yangon ( depends on sometime we can see milk production sometime not). From here, your bicycle route continues on to the Old Town of Thalyin. Located on the banks of the Yangon River, it was a major shipping port until displaced by Yangon in 1755. Entering from the backstreets, a stop is made at the First Catholic Church in Myanmar, built in 1749. Inside the old brick walls of the church is the tomb of Phillip Di Brito, the Portuguese adventurer and mercenary involved in the construction of the church. Thalyin was also the first place in Myanmar to receive Christian missionaries.

Thalyin Oil Refinery, Colonial Houses, Scenic Lake, Central Market, Goldsmith, Backstreets

Next, resume your guided bicycle journey past the Thalyin Oil Refinery, founded in 1925, along with some lovely Colonial houses and a scenic lake. From here, ride past the Central Market, and quiet residential houses and backstreets of Thalyin, a visit a family-owned goldsmith workshop, Thalyin.

Thalyin Bike Club, Kyaik-khauk Paya Pagoda, Scenic Views over the Yangon River and City

After a comfort and refreshment stop at the Thalyin Bike Club, proceed to the Kyaik-khauk Paya Pagoda. Perched on a hilltop, this scaled-down Shwedagon offers spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Yangon River and Yangon City. Following your visit, ride back to the drop-off point and then re-board your coach for the scenic drive back to the pier.

Take in the local sights of Yangon aboard an original Omnibus and savour High Tea on this afternoon half-day 'step back-in-time' tour.

Come ashore and meet your guide before climbing aboard a completely refurbished 1940s Omnibus. Originally brought to Myanmar during the Second World War as military service transport, these vehicles were rebuilt by Myanmar carpenters for public transportation use after the war. Today, three of them are still preserved with teak walls, curtains and upholstered chairs.

An hour's drive brings you to Yangon where your panoramic city drive begins. Listen as your guide points out local landmarks and watch as the locals go about their daily life and enjoy Yangoon buildings orientation tour.

Arrive at The Strand Yangon, originally opened in 1901 and considered the only luxury hotel in Rangoon, Burma. With interiors of polished teak, rattan furniture, chandeliers and black-lacquered ceiling fans, The Strand is truly the elegant colonial splendor of a bygone era.

A traditional Myanmar High Tea is served in this colonial wonder, relaxing with Sip tea and savour local treats.

Your tour concludes with the drive to your awaiting ship.

See Yangon in lights on your panoramic evening drive to Governor's Residence. Dine poolside on Myanmar cuisine as you are treated to a performance of local dancers on this night out in the city.

Depart the pier via coach for a panoramic tour of Yangon on the way to Governor's Residence.

The coach then delivers you to Myanmar's finest boutique hotel, the Belmond Governor's Residence. Originally built in 1920 and formerly a state guest house, this stunning property is styled in true Myanmar tradition. Generous teak flooring and furnishings enhance the spacious rooms, and its tropical garden, shaded by ancient trees, lotus ponds, and a fan-shaped swimming pool is the setting for your dinner and entertainment this evening.

Before dinner, you are introduced to the longyi, brightly coloured cloth that is fashioned into traditional attire for Myanmar men and women. A demonstration teaches you how to wear this local garment.

Proceed to the gardens where dinner is served. During your Myanmar-style, set-menu meal, a local cultural show is offered to enhance the ambience, entertain you, and complete the evening.

After dinner, re-board your coach for the one-hour drive back to the pier.

Learn more about the revolution in Burma and its infamous General Aung San on this half-day guided visit to the museum founded in his honour.

General Aung San was a Burmese revolutionary and founder of the modern Burmese army and is considered to be the father of modern day Myanmar. He was responsible for Burma's independence from British colonial rule. He was assassinated six months before independence. Many mysteries still surround his assassination.

Depart the pier for the 75-minute drive to the colonial Secretariat office, where General San and six cabinet ministers were assassinated there during the meeting

The Minister's Building Secretariat office

The Secretariat holds a unique place in Myanmar's history, being the location for some of the most important moments in its colonial, independence and post-independence history. Fully completed in 1905, The Secretariat was the centre of British colonial administration in Burma, and was the pre-eminent structure associated with the government during this period. The building was also the place where Myanmar's first steps towards independence happened. The diarchy (Legislative Council) was established at The Secretariat in 1923, giving Burma a limited measure of self-rule. It was the location where Burma formally separated from India in 1937, and where the largest anti-colonial student demonstration at the time occurred in 1938.

After the Second World War, independence negotiations began, and by 1947 an agreement had been reached with the then independence leader, General Aung San. On 19 July 1947, however, Aung San and eight other cabinet members were assassinated in the west range of The Secretariat, a murder that has since been commemorated every year on 'Martyrs' Day'. Independence from Britain was finally marked in the quadrangle of The Secretariat complex's main courtyard in 1948, a key event in Burmese and British history. It continued to be the centre of post-independence governmental administration until the capital was relocated from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005.

After the visit, you will proceed to the Generall Aung San Museum.

Generall Aung San Museum

The museum formally opened in March 2012 and focuses on the General's short adult life. The majority of the displays are located on the ground floor in the family, dining and living rooms. See photos of the General's youth, displays of his speeches, family photos and other personal mementos. The upper floors include the bedrooms and the library. Outside, there is a garden with a bronze statue of Aung San and the swimming pool.

Leaving the museum, head to the House of Memories Restaurant where refreshments are served. This 100-year-old colonial and historic Villa is categorised as a historical and national heritage property because the owner allowed the Burmese Independence Army (BIA) to open its Head Quarters during the fight for Independence.

Then, re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier.

Experience a taste of local village life in Yangon during this picturesque and interactive, full-day excursion to Dala Village.

Yangon, Nanthida Jetty, Ferry-Ride, Yangon River, and Dala Village

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Yangon. Upon arrival at the Nanthida Jetty, embark a ferry for the short ride across the Yangon River en route to Dala Village. Upon reaching Dala, discover a taste of local life during a colourful, fun-filled tour of the village via local trishaw.

Dala Village, Trishaw-Ride, Fresh Markets, Friendly Locals, and Shwe Sayan Pagoda

Dala's dusty roads and cheerful villages offer a more serene contrast to the bustling streets of Yangon. Whilst riding the trishaw through the streets of the village, cows, chickens and goats may very well cross your path. Visit a market selling fresh produce and enjoy local life. After visiting the village and market, proceed to the Shwe Sayan Pagoda. The centrepiece of this temple is a mummified monk who had lived here around 150 years ago, and is interred in a glass case.

Ferry-Ride, Yangon River, Nanthida Jetty, Refreshments, and Yangon

Following your visit, embark a ferry for the short ride back across the Yangon River to the Nanthida Jetty. Upon arrival, disembark the ferry, re-board your coach and proceed for a refreshment stop at a local restaurant. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience Myanmar's traditional ways of life during this delightful, half-day excursion to Thanlyin.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the old trading port of Thanlyin. A major port and important trading centre from the 14th -18th centuries, Thanlyin displaced by Yangon in 1755 following hea vy damage sustained during the Mon revolt. During the 17th century, the area was briefly controll ed by the Portuguese adventurer, de Brito. Ruins of some of the once glorious structures may be seen, while others have been preserved for your enjoyment.

Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda

The Kyaik Khauk Paya is a beautiful impressive pagoda in the same style as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The pagoda is believed to have been built more than 2,000 years ago, after which it has been enlarged and renovated many times. The base of the pagoda is surrounded by many small golden stupas.

Monastery visit and Thanlyin Morning Market

Your first stop is at one of the Monastery. During your visit, learn about the daily life of Buddhist monks. Afterward, proceed to the Thanlyin Morning Market. As you stroll through the vendors' shops and stalls, the fresh fragrances of fruits and flowers fills the air.

Trishaw Ride and Small Village Visit

Next, board a trishaw and head to a small village. Here, some free time is made to stroll the village's shaded streets, chat with friendly residents and observe the local village life. Following a refreshment stop at a local restaurant, receive before re-boarding your coach and commencing the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and principles of Buddhist meditation during this spiritual, half-day monastery excursion.

Buddhist Missionary University and Ka Lay Wa Monastery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the Buddhist Missionary University. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the university, then re-board your coach and continue on to one of monastery , where around 300/500 monks live and study. During your visit, you can observe the monks eating a meal in total silence.

One of mediation learning monastery

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to one of mediation learning Monastery. The meditation centre for the study and practice of the Satipatthana Vipassana process, which was taught by the Lord Buddha in India approximately 2,500 years ago. The monastery functions mainly as a meditation center, but is also a monastery with resident monks (meditation teachers) and nuns, and admits foreign and Myanmar meditators alike.

Discover the world-renowned Shwedagon Pagoda and other historic landmarks during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Yangon.

Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 60-90-minute drive to Yangon, a city filled with ancient palaces, golden pagodas and the largest number of Colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, your visit begins with a guided walking tour of the world-renowned Shwedagon Pagoda. This pagoda is over 2600 years old and its spire soars to a height of 326 feet (about 99 metres). Glistening gold plates adorn this structure, whose dome is topped with over 6,500 diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. This stunning stupa attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Yangon Panoramic City Sightseeing

Next, your tour continues with a panoramic drive into downtown Yangon. Notable landmarks here include the magnificent City Hall and MahaBandoola Park. The park is located in front of Sule Pagoda, a Mon-dynasty landmark. In the centre of the park stands the 150-foot (about 45.7-metre) Independence Monument. Honouring a Burmese general of the first Anglo-Burmese War, the obelisk is surrounded by five pillars, representing the harmony of Burma with its five former semi-autonomous states. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

An impressive landmark by day, Shwedagon becomes a stunning vision by night as the ancient, jewel-encrusted stupa is illuminated with light. Explore the temple, home to major Buddhist relics on this evening tour.

Depart the pier via coach for the one-hour drive into the city where you will see some of the major attractions on your way to the temple.

Shwedagon Pagoda by Night

The 2,500-year-old Shwedagon dominates the city from its hillside location and attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. This amazing site exudes a unique atmosphere, both serene and exciting. Rising 300 feet to its blazing crest, this spiritual center is covered with 60 tons of gold leaf, gold and silver bells, rubies, sapphires and topaz. The meticulously maintained pagoda was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha.

Follow your guide up the escalator to the temple on the third level. During a walking tour of approximately one hour you will learn about the history and significance of this impressive complex. Before the journey is over enjoy participating in the candle lighting ceremony.

Then, board your coach for the return transfer to the pier in Thilawa.

Explore Yangon which is a one hour drive from the port at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own city sightseeing itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Yangon which is a one hour drive from the port at your leisure during your half-day (6-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own city sightseeing itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Yangon which is a one hour drive from the port at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own city sightseeing itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Yangon which is a one hour drive from the port at your leisure during your half-day (6-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own city sightseeing itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the art of balancing your daily lifestyle by maintaining an inner -peace in your body, mind and soul during this rejuvenating, half-day yoga excursion to Yangon.

Yangon, Scenic Drive to Yangon City, Governor' Residence

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute-90-minute drive to the heart of Yangon City. Upon arrival, head to Kandawgyi Park, an urban oasis located on Kandawgyi Lake. One of two major lakes in Yangon, the park is nestled in the foreground of the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda.

The Practice of Yoga

Due to its multicultural history, Myanmar is home to many ancient spiritual practices, including yoga. Yoga is a combination of physical and mental landscape through spiritual practices originating in ancient India. Practicing yoga brings balance to your daily life style by maintaining an inner -peace in your body, mind and soul. In turn, this helps you to be stronger, more confident, and efficient in your personal life and career, enhance your abilities and bring out the best in yourself.

Participating in Your Beginner's Yoga Class

Upon arrival at the park, meet your instructor and start your beginner's yoga class. This class introduces the fundamental principles of alignment and breathing in a flow of postures linked together by the breath. You are introduced to yoga posture through step -by-step verbal description and demonstration in English. Emphasis is placed on your understanding, safety and stability within each pose. Gradually, these poses are linked together into a gentle, flowing sequence. If you have never tried yoga before, this tour represents a unique opportunity to explore this ancient practice in Myanmar.

Breakfast Served al Fresco with Authentic Style hotel - The Governor's Residence

Following your yoga class, proceed for an authentic, Myanmar-styled breakfast at the governor's. A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, the Governor's Residence is redolent of the days when it was home to the ruler of Burma's southern states. With its fan-cooled verandas and teak armchairs, this delightful Orient-Express hotel in the elegant Embassy Quarter of Yangon, conjures up a bygone era whilst offering every modern pleasure. Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the hotel is a truly magical setting for Yoga Practice at hotel garden compound .

Explore the rich art culture of Myanmar during this unique, half-day excursion to Yangon for a traditional Burmese puppet show and puppeteering demonstration.

Yangon, Yangon Excelsior Hotel, Myanmar Puppet Show with Singing

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Yangon Excelsior, an elegant, 5-star hotel in downtown Yangon. Upon arrival, proceed for a cocktail and traditional Myanmar puppet show conducted by creative director and puppet-master Mr. Khin Maung Htwe, owner of the Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppetry Home. Throughout the show, almost every scene delivers a message together with the character's personality ranging from ancient myths, culture or daily events. Singing artists bring the expression to the audience through their vocals by highlighting the atmosphere, or emphasizing the character's personality.

About Burmese Puppets and Puppet Shows

Mr. Htwe says, "Although I'm sure it originated from over 600 years of ancient culture; we have discovered that wooden puppets were a major form of entertainment for Burmese royals ever since the 15th century." Traditional Burmese puppet shows have 28 main characters ranging from gods, animals, monsters and royals. Puppets are carved from wood, and polished before sanded and painted with various natural cements. Each puppet is usually made from 17-19 pieces of wood, and moved by 11 strings. Due to their strong spiritual roots in Myanmar, some locals believe that puppets have spirits. Thus, when designing and shaping the characters, the master focused on the puppet's soul and liveness instead of the outside appearance.

For a more complete visit of fascinating Yangon, you may want to consider taking this full-day tour that includes lunch at the legendary Strand Hotel.

Begin your tour with the one-hour drive from the port into the city, where the tour shows you some of the major attractions:

Shwedagon Pagoda

The 2,500-year-old Shwedagon dominates the city from its hillside location and attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. This amazing site exudes a unique atmosphere, both serene and exciting. Rising 300 feet (91 metres)to its blazing crest, this spiritual center is covered with 60 tons (54431 kg) of gold leaf, gold and silver bells, rubies, sapphires and topaz. The meticulously maintained pagoda was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha.

Follow your guide up the escalator to the temple on to up level. During a walking tour of approximately one hour you will learn about the history and significance of this impressive complex.

Chaukhtat Gyi Pagoda

See the enormous statue of a reclining Buddha almost as large as the one in Bago. The image is housed in a large metal-roofed shed a short distance from the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is not as famous as the Bago statue, but for those not going to Bago, the colossal Chaukhtatgyi should not be missed.

Maha Bandoola Park

Now admire a monument of a different kind with a visit to Maha Bandoola Park. In the center of the park stands the 150-foot (45 metres) Independence Monument. Honoring a Burmese general of the first Anglo-Burmese War, the obelisk is surrounded by five pillars, representing the harmony of Burma with its five former semi-autonomous states.

Lunch at the Strand

Enjoy a set menu of excellent Myanmar cuisine, for which the Strand is renowned in the city. The hotel was constructed by the Sarkies brothers of Raffles and Oriental fame in 1896 and became one of the fabulous outposts in the British empire. During World War II, the hotel was closed and later nationalized. In the 1990s, an extensive renovation project by a Dutch-Indonesian consortium restored the grand dame to her original splendor and spirit. Lunch at the Strand will be among the highlights of your tour.

National Museum

After lunch, proceed to the nearby National Museum, housed in the former Bank of India building. Many exhibits feature memorabilia of the last two kings of Burma. Some of the items are richly decorated with rubies, diamonds and other precious stones. The pride of the museum is the 24-foot-tall (7 metres) gilded Lion Throne from the royal palace at Mandalay. The museum also contains a collection of statues, carvings, Buddha images, paintings, costumes and crafts.

Bogyoke Market

Sometimes called by its British name, Scott Market, the 70-year-old market has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts found under one roof. Time is allowed for browsing in this fascinating market.

Explore the legacy of Yangon through its abundant historic landmarks during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Downtown Yangon and Historic Landmarks

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 60-90-minute drive to Yangon, a city filled with ancient palaces, golden pagodas and the largest number of Colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival in Downtown Yangon, begin your guided walking tour. Pass by historic landmarks that include the Inland Water Transport Building, Secretariat Building, The Strand Hotel, massive Yangon High Court Building (outside visit) and more.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the Bogyoke Aung San Market. Formerly known as the 'Scott Market', the Bogyoke Aung San Market is a sprawling,70-year-old market featuring more than 2,000 stalls, and the largest selection of Myanmar handicrafts in a single location. Some free time is made available to browse the stalls and haggle alongside local shoppers for souvenirs, lacquerware, puppets, woodcarvings, clothing, fabrics, artwork, jewellery, and Burmese jade, rubies and other precious stones.