Balloon Safaris Inle Tour in Myanmar (8 Days and 7 Nights)

Balloon Safaris Inle Tour in Myanmar
(8 Days and 7 Nights)
Overview
Explore the rich and thrilling culture of one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world and experience the ultimate in stylish sightseeing on this Balloon Safari adventure over mystical Myanmar.
Discover the impressive colonial and spiritual heritage of Yangon, one of the most fascinating capitals of South East Asia. Living in the lap of colonial luxury at the elegant Strand Hotel, "finest hostelry east of the Suez" since 1901, you will spend a day discovering the city's pagodas, museums and markets and enjoy fine dining at the renowned Le Planteur restaurant.
Continuing on to Heho in the Shan state you will experience the thrill of an adventurous aerial view of Pindaya's spectacular landscape in your first hot-air balloon ride. Guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15mph, you will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the state's tiny villages and pagodas as you glide over the valleys and mountains below.Enjoy a stunning sunrise balloon ride the following morning before continuing by antique BOB bus and private motorboat to discover the floating gardens and stilt villages of Inle Lake. After exploring the lake's floating markets by canoe, you will learn how to prepare a traditional Inthar meal and enjoy a taste of the region's hospitality while lunching with a local family.
Inle Lake before transferring to Bagan. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of area's 2,142 temples and pagodas from your hot-air balloon as you glide over forests of glittering stupas laid out like a mystical chess board below. A sunset boat trip and candle-light dinner ends the magical day.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Yangon
On arrival you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Overnight at The Strand Hotel in Yangon
Day 2 - Yangon
Today you'll be exploring Yangon and taking a closer look at the local life of this impressive colonial city. Discover Myanmar's glorious history at the National Museum, visit the golden Sule pagoda and enjoy a walk around Mahabandoola Park to take in the colonial courthouse and city hall. After lunch at a local restaurant, shop for handicrafts at the bustling Bogyoke Market and end the day at the Shwedagon Pagoda with its glittering gold-covered stupa. Overnight at The Strand Hotel in Yangon
Day 3 - Yangon - Heho - Pindaya
This morning you fly to Heho in the Shan state where you will be met by your guide and transferred by colonial antique bus to Pindaya, a small quiet town perched on the banks of the placid Botoloke Lake.  Relax or take a walk around town before gathering under the Banyan trees for a bonfire dinner.
Overnight at Inle Inn in Pindaya
Day 4 - Pindaya - Nyaung Shwe - Inle
After breakfast, enjoy a stunning sunrise balloon flight over Pindaya with sweeping views of the lush Shan hills and the quaint town. After the journey, you will proceed to the "Shwe U Min" Cave, the cavernous home to thousands of Buddha images since the 11th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch before transferring to the town of Nyaung Shwe.  Travel by private motorboat to your hotel on Inle Lake, passing stilted villages, floating gardens, and canoes powered by leg-rowing fishermen.
Overnight at the Inle Princess Resort on Inle Lake
Day 5 - Inle - In Dein - Inle
Float over the scenic lake on an early morning balloon ride enjoying breath taking views of the water and surroundings. Return to land and on to Inle's colorful floating morning market, buy cooking ingredients and continue to an Inthar house to experience traditional cooking and share lunch with the family. After lunch, you will continue to In Dein, a small village on the western bank of the lake, and enjoy panoramic views of the area from the beautiful pagoda hill there.
Overnight at the Inle Princess Resort on Inle Lake
Day 6 - Inle - Nyaung Shwe - Bagan (B,L,D)
Take off this morning for another balloon flight over Inle Lake.  The skilled pilots use their knowledge of the winds to steer the balloon over the floating villages and gardens and at higher altitude you will be amazed at the sweeping views of the lake's villages and intricate network of canals.  This afternoon transfer to the Heho airport for a flight to Bagan where you will be welcomed with a delicious dinner.
Overnight at Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel in Bagan.
 Day 7 - Bagan
This morning awake early for a sunrise flight over the plains of Bagan. Drift past ancient temples in the serene morning air and enjoy the views on your one hour flight.  Continue to explore the temples on land with a picnic lunch at a quiet temple before setting off on a boat cruise along the Irrawaddy River for yet another perspective of the temples.  Dine by candlelight this evening at an ancient temple where your farewell dinner is accompanied by a traditional dance performance.    
Overnight at Sakura Thiripyitsaya Hotel, Bagan
Day 8 - Bagan - Departure (B,L)
This morning embark on another flight over the plains of Bagan. Drift over more magnificent ruins with panoramic views of the planes and the Irrawaddy River.  Then, visit a lacquer-ware factory where you can observe the entire process of creating this beautiful handicraft from start to finish.  After lunch, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Trip ends. Huong Viet wishes to serve you more next tours.
Rates vary frequently.To get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
Departure Dates
5th December 2010
8th December 2010
12th December 2010
15th December 2010
Our Balloon Safaris Inle & Bagan Tour Includes:
* Accommodation on half twin share with breakfast
* Meals as mentioned in the program (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
* House wines, spirit juices and soft drinks are included with all lunches and dinners start from day 3.
* English speaking station guides service (in Yangon-EXO guide & Balloon adventures and site seeing in Shan state & Bagan- BOB guide)
* Entrance fees to all places visited. (mentioned in the itinerary)
* Transfer & transportation as indicated
* Yangon/Heho flight on Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways or Air Bagan including insurance surcharges
* All services mentioned in the itinerary
* Visa on arrival service including visa fee
Our Balloon Safaris Inle & Bagan Tour does not Include:
* Airfare after Balloons Safari Program International Airfare
* All expenses of a personal nature including laundry, wine or liquor and all service not mentioned in the itinerary
* Trip insurance
* Tips for the local crews
 Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Myanmar tour to your individual specifications.