Captivating Myanmar Journey

Duration: 8 days
Travel style:

Culinary

Culture & History

Adventure

This itinerary captures Myanmar’s cultural richness. Guests discover sacred pagodas in Yangon, explore ancient temples in Bagan, and visit Mandalay’s monasteries where Buddhist practices shape daily life. The journey also brings travelers closer to ethnic communities whose vibrant clothing, markets, and customs reflect the diversity of the country.

Tour highlights

  • Explore Yangon’s landmarks and enjoy dinner with cultural performances at Karaweik Palace
  • Cruise across Inle Lake, visit stilted villages and handicraft workshops
  • Take a private boat to Mingun, see the Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, Mingun Bell, and end the day with sunset views from Mandalay Hill
  • Walk across the U Bein Bridge in Amarapura and visit Mahagandaryone Monastery to observe monastic life
  • Explore Bagan’s most important temples and learn lacquerware craft at a local workshop
  • Enjoy the Ayeyarwaddy River sunset cruise and a horse cart ride to Nan Paya Temple

Day 1:

Yangon arrival

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, the guide and driver greet the guests and transfer them to the hotel for check-in. After a short refreshment, the journey begins with a visit to Sule Pagoda, which is believed to enshrine a strand of the Buddha’s hair. From Sule Pagoda, they embark on an orientation walk to Chinatown, covering the exotic streets of downtown Yangon and British Colonial buildings, such as Emmanuel Church and the Inland Water Buildings. Late afternoon, visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most prominent monument in Yangon, which dominates the sky with golden flash, giant spires, and holy relics. 

In the evening, enjoy dinner in Karaweik Palace, overlooking the Royal Lake and the Shwedagon tower. The dinner is served with fine Burmese food and an amazing cultural show.

Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Day 2:

Yangon – Heho – Inle Lake

After breakfast, guests transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho in Shan State. From here, a short drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, is located 900m above sea level and is home to the unique one-legged rowers of the Intha people.

Upon arrival, board a motorboat for a sightseeing tour to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images, is also believed the holiest in Inle Lake. Our next visit is to Ngaphechaung monastery, known as the jumping cat pagoda. Guests then visit Nam Pan village, where they observe local workshops producing cotton and lotus fiber textiles, as well as cheroot cigars rolled by hand. 

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Inle Lake

Day 3:

Inle Lake – Indein – Mandalay

This morning, guests will visit the 5-day market, which is held in different villages surrounding the lake. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere.

Then, they take a boat to visit the beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. Guests can walk along the corridor and enjoy the giant columns that have been left to nature for centuries. In the late afternoon, they return for the flight back to Yangon. In the late afternoon, they return for the flight back to Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 4:

Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay Hill

Known as the hub of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks, and monasteries. The most fascinating visit will be the time to behold the monks doing their worship and having meals. 

Guests start the day at Mandalay Pier, boarding a private boat to explore Mingun, famed for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Mingun Bell. In the afternoon, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, which contains the world’s largest book. The day concludes at Mandalay Hill, where guests enjoy sunset views over the city.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 5:

Mandalay – Sagaing – Amarapura – Bagan

Guests drive to Sagaing Hill to discover the monk education and visit the Buddha Cave, Umin Thonze Pagoda, and Sunoonponnyashin Pagoda.

Then, move to Amarapura. Being famous for the Mahagandaryone Monastery, Amarapura is the best place to experience the monastic life in Mandalay. Walk over the Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge, to the Mahamuni Image – a bronze Buddha image cast during the lifetime of Buddha himself. Later, guests transfer to Bagan and check into their hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Bagan

Day 6:

Bagan

The day starts with a visit to the beautiful Shwezigon Pagoda, which is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. Continue the tour with a visit to Ananda Temple and Sulamani Temple. The afternoon will consist of a visit to the Bagan Archaeological Museum and learn the traditional way local people make Bagan’s famous lacquer wares. Finishing the day by relaxing on a beautiful sunset cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Day 7:

Bagan – Yangon

After breakfast, guests begin the day with a visit to Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, taking note of the architectural differences between MyaZedi Temple and Manuha Temple. This afternoon, enjoy a horse cart ride to one of the biggest temples in Bagan – Nan Paya, and many other interesting sites nearby. Later, travel to Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Day 8:

Yangon - Departure

After breakfast, guests have free time before departure. The driver transfers them to Yangon International Airport for their departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A

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