MYANMAR NORTHERN TOUR TO SHAN STATE BY TRAIN

* BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Mandalay Sightseeing Tours to Pyin Oo Lwin – Pyin Oo Lwin Sightseeing Tour by Horse Carts
Day 2: Pyin Oo Lwin Sightseeing Tour to Hsipaw by train
Day 3: Hsipaw Sightseeing Tour – Boat Trip on Dokhtawady River
Day 4: Hsipaw Sightseeing Tour back to Mandalay

Day 1: Mandalay Sightseeing Tours to Pyin Oo Lwin – Pyin Oo Lwin Sightseeing Tours

This morning, leave Mandalay for a scenic two-hour drive to the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (also known as Maymyo) located on a plateau 1,000m above sea level. Many reminders of the colonial era are still present in Pyin Oo Lwin, including brick and timber houses.

Pyin Oo Lwin is home for many ethnic tribes as well as a considerable numbers of Nepalese and Hindu who migrated during the British occupation, famous for its climate weather. Enjoy a traditional horse cart and carriage ride through town. Stop at the Botanical Gardens, 432 acres of leafy gardens home to a diverse mix of botanical species from around the world. The Gardens were established by Sir Harcourt Butler, former Governor of Burma. Continue to the local market to see the multicolor flowers and vegetables on sale. 

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin. 

Day 2: Pyin Oo Lwin Sightseeing Tours to Hsipaw ( B, L )

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the railway station for a 6-hour train journey to Hsipaw. The scenic journey crosses the famous Gokteik Viaduct which spans a 300-meter deep gorge in the Shan mountains. Lunch-box on board. Arrive this afternoon in Hsipaw, a pleasant small town on the banks of the Dokhtawady River. Take a short evening walk around Hsipaw. 

Overnight in Hsipaw.  

Day 3: Hsipaw Sightseeing Tours – Boat Trip on Dokhtawady River ( B, L )

Breakfast at a local restaurant. This morning, take a light trek around Hsipaw with a local guide. You will pass paddy fields, seasonal cultivations, green mountains and stop in several villages along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the trek. This afternoon, return to Hsipaw by local boat on the Dokhtawady River. 
Overnight in Hsipaw. 

Day 4:  Hsipaw Sightseeing Tours back to Mandalay ( B )

After breakfast, stroll around the Hsipaw market and visit the Shan Haw. This palace is one of the last remaining examples of a traditional Shan Palace and now serves as a small museum. Depart Hsipaw early this afternoon for the six-hour drive to Mandalay, via Pyin Oo Lwin 

Inclusion:

• 3 nights accommodation on half-twin room basis with daily breakfast
• English-speaking guide from Mandalay
•  Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles with drivers
• Train Pyin Oo Lwin – Hsipaw
• Local guide in Hsipaw on trekking day
• Horse cart tour in Pyin Oo Lwin
• Local boat on the Dokhtawady River
• Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program

Exclusion :

• Meals other than mentioned  (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Tips and porters at the hotels
•  Any other items not mentioned