Burma Extension: Maymyo and Hsipaw

Visit the former British Hill station of Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwi) famous for its markets, cool temperatures and nearby botanical garden.  Transfer by train over the amazing Gokteik railway viaduct to Naung Pin before continuing by road to Hsipaw.  Visit Bawkyo pagoda, the most revered pagoda in the Northern Shan State.  Very early morning visit to the candle light Shan market (these days with battery lights!), where Shan and other nearby tribal villagers come to trade.  The market starts around 0330 and closes by 0600.  Spend time trekking to local Shan villages.

Day 1 : MANDALAY - PYIN OO LWIN (MAYMYO)

From Mandalay, drive up into the hills from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), a former British Hill Station (approx. 67 km - 2 hours). The road winds steeply through flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.  Visit the local market. Drive through Maymyo on a horse drawn "stage coach", giving you the chance to admire the brick and timber houses, complete with English style gables, turrets and chimneys. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the tiny Forestry Museum (if open) and the National Kandawgyi Gardens, which were laid out by Sir Harcourt Butler, the former governor of Burma – flower beds are similar to those you would find in an English country garden! The garden has recently been renovated and is now called “Kandawgyi National Botanical Garden”. Take a short “jungle” walk on a wooden path leading through rain forest trees. Drive to the Candacraig Hotel, built in 1905 in the style of an English country home. Time for a coffee or tea and opportunity to take photos of this classical place.

Accommodation at hotel in Maymyo with dinner at hotel.

Day 2 : PYIN OO LWIN - NAUNG PIN

Transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) Railway station for an adventurous train journey to Naung Pin. Lunch is provided. The train passes over the amazing Gokteik Railway Viaduct. When the Pennsylvania Steel Company built the viaduct across a 300-meter deep gorge a century ago, it was the second highest bridge in the world. The view from the train is fascinating and the scenery is beautiful.

Leave the train at Naung Pin and continue by car to the town of Hsi Paw (approx. 65 km - 2 hours), stop at Bawkyo pagoda. It is the most revered Pagoda in northern Shan State – equivalent to Inle Lake’s Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda in the southern half of the state.

Accommodation at hotel in Hsipaw with dinner at hotel or local restaurant.

Day 3 : HSIPAW

Wake up in the early morning and take a short walk to the candle light shan market (these days it is with battery lights). It is the best to see in the early morning when Shan and other tribal people from nearby villages come to trade. The market starts early around 3.30 am and closes by 6 am. Return to hotel. After breakfast at hotel, visit to Altar of Spiritual being (Nat Con of Ko Myo Shin and Pa Le Yin). Lying in a valley, Hsipaw is a good place for easy day hikes. You will spend the day to hike to Shan Villages. To catch a great sunset in Hsipaw, walk to Nine Buddha Hill (Koe Su Mountain), first cross the bridge towards the Lashio road, and drive about 20 minutes.

Accommodation at hotel in Hsipaw with dinner at hotel or local restaurant.

Day 4 : HSIPAW - MANDALAY

Drive back to Mandalay (approx. 205 km – 5½ hours). On the way stop at Kyaukme a pleasant town with a majority of Shan and Chinese and Indian traders. Visit some local houses where families produce dried milk flat, Chinese silver and gold paper which are used for funeral. After lunch at local restaurant, drive continues to Mandalay passed by Pyin Oo Lwin. Arrived Mandalay in the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Mandalay.

NB: The traveled region is still undeveloped for most aspects of tourism. This is essentially an adventure tour. The Ultimate Travel will endeavor to obtain the best available accommodation, transport and facilities for guests.