3-Day Exploring Salay and Popa

Pick up from the airport and drive out into the country side. The road leads through stunning land scenery where depending on season peanuts, sesame, soya beans and other crops are planted. Each field is protected by palm trees which give shades to the farmers and which protect the fields from the wind. Continue driving to Set Set Yo village, famous for the children's hairstyle which is the same like centuries ago where the top hair is not cut and kept in a knot. Children up to teenager age keep this style under the supervision of the head monk of the village. Walk through this village and talk to the head master of the school and learn about village life in general. In the early afternoon, Continue to a charming village near sacred Mount Popa. After a short walk through the village lanes, you will be welcomed into a village home, a typical Myanmar-style wooden house. The fabulous, fresh meal relies purely on locally grown items and is prepared with love using traditional family recipes. Proceed to visit Mount Popa, home to Myanmar's intriguing 'nats'. The steps and path wind steeply up Mount Popa - an energetic climb rewarded by fabulous views from the top. If you like climbing, a trip to the Summit of Mt. Popa can be done. You will see nat-shrines (spirits) at the foot of the distinct volcano of Mt. Popa and will be told different stories about the Myanmar spirits. This tour takes you to the very top of the volcano and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view at the summit.
Accommodation at Accommodation at Popa Garden Resort (Deluxe Room) or similar, Popa.

This morning, after breakfast at hotel, drive towards the town of Kyaukpadaung and visit the colorful local market before continuing to Salay. Visit Yokesone Monastery, built on 154 teak posts and known for its 130-year-old beautiful wooden carvings of the 'Jataka Tales' (stories from the Buddha's life) which decorate the outer walls. Lunch stop at Salay House, formerly the 1906 British-Colonial building used to be a trading company. This restored riverside warehouse is filled with antiques to recreate the flavour of this historic time period. Learn and explore how British-Burma operated with displays and information panels. After lunch a short walking tour in the village to see the houses from colonial time and also visit the U Bo Kyi's House, (the colonial house where U Bo Kyi, the donor of Salay Yokesone Monastery used to live). Continue drive towards Shin Pin Sar Kyo Pagoda built by King Nara Patisithu in the 11th century with the unique paintings in different styles of three periods (Bagan, Pinya/Inwa, Kong Baung) from 11th to 18th centuries. The temple was decorated with paintings, glass mosaic and hundreds of the teak pillars. Return to Bagan through Chauk (53km, about 1 hour), where you will see old Burma Oil installations (nodding donkeys). Arrive Bagan and return to your hotel.
Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room Without View) or similar, Bagan. (Period until 30 April 2019)
Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room With View) or similar, Bagan. (Period 01 May 2019 - 30 September 2019)

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung U Airport and depart Bagan.