A Week in Myanmar

This seven night itinerary provides a fantastic introduction to Myanmar. There are so many fascinating places to see and visit in this beautiful country and this itinerary provides a fantastic first taste with stops in Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake.

1. Days 1-3: Yangon

   Starting in Yangon, you'll have two nights in this impressive city to start. On your first afternoon we have included a sunset tour of the spectacular Shwedagon pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The eight sided stupa is completely gilded with leaf, making it particularly beautiful at sunset. The following day, you'll be able to explore an authentic side of Yangon with a visit to Kanaungto River Island, which has a laid back atmosphere and where cars are uncommon. Here you'll be able to visit a local market and explore by trishaw, seeing a side of Yangon few others get to.

   Accommodation: Sule Shangri-La, Yangon (2 nights)

2. Days 3-5: Bagan

   After two nights in Yangon, you will take a short internal flight to Bagan. Bagan is such a highlight with its thousands of temples strewn across the flat plains. Here we have include two full guided days for you, starting as soon as you step off the plane. You will visit Shwezgion, one of Myanmar's holiest sites alongside Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi with its incredible mural paintings. There are some lovely workshops in Bagan that can be visited and you'll have time in the afternoon that you arrive to stop into a few. The following morning, rise early before the sun and take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Bagan, seeing the landscape dotted with temples as the mist dissipates in the morning sun. From here enjoy a light breakfast before diving into a cooking class. Visit the local market with the chef, picking out the ingredients before learning how to prepare lunch with a number of traditional local dishes, using recipes handed down through families for generations.

   Accommodation: The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate (2 nights)

3. Days 5-7: Inle Lake

   Next you will again take a short internal flight, this time to Heho from where you will transfer to the stunning Inle Lake for your next two nights. Upon reaching the edge of the lake, you'll be met by your private longtial boat that will be your transport for the next two days. As you venture around the lake you'll pass villages on stilts, floating gardens and the amazing one leg-rowing fisherman of Inle Lake. The following morning rise early and visit Sagar, a remote village, about 2.5-3 hours away by boat. In Sagar you'll be able to explore the sunken stupas and from here continue to Thaya Gone village, especially well known for its rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and if you are keen test some out yourself. At the end the day you will return to your hotel in time to enjoy sunset.

   Accommodation: Inle Heritage House (2 nights)

4. Days 7-8: Yangon

   Your final stop will be back to Yangon for one night, which you will reach after a short flight from Yangon. On arrival you'll be met by your driver and taken to downtown Yangon from where you'll embark on a walking tour of colonial Yangon. Highlights include City Hall, the old railway station and St Mary's Cathedral. Following the walk, return to the hotel and enjoy your final night in Myanmar before flying home the following day.

   Accommodation: Belmond Governor's Residence (1 night)

• A Day in the Life of the Inthar

  On this half-day tour get to know the Inthar, the native residents of Inle Lake. Explore their stilted villages, encounter leg-rowing fishermen, pick vegetables at floating farms and even help to prepare an Inthar meal.

  READ MORE

• Archaeology Tour of Bagan

  A full-day experience, with an expert on-hand, exploring one of Asia’s most striking archaeological sites. Bagan’s architectural wonders include the famous Ananda and Shwezigon pagodas, showcasing Burma’s legendary kings and the country’s glorious culture

  READ MORE

• Architectural Walking Tour of Yangon

  Yangon is full of architectural gems and this walking tour allows you to explore all the highlights on foot, giving you the best experience possible of the city.

  READ MORE

• Bagan Balloon Experience

  Serenely float over Bagan’s remarkable temples in a hot air balloon at sunrise and appreciate the sheer scale of these archaeological wonders while watching the Irrawaddy River flow far below.

  READ MORE

• Bagan Cooking Class

  A fantastic half-day insight into Burmese cookery exploring local food with a local and highly experienced chef. From shopping at the market, to cooking and plating up, this is a truly unique experience.

  READ MORE

• Bagan Village Biking

  Hop on a bicycle for a unique and memorable day in Bagan’s countryside. A slow-paced journey through narrow lanes reveals a land of farms, rolling hills and tiny villages, much unchanged over the centuries.

  READ MORE

• Balloon Experience Over Inle Lake

  For balloon enthusiasts, Inle Lake offers rare variety. The weather patterns mean it is possible to both soar above the mountains or to float gently above the lake, only a few metres from the water, all on the same trip.

  READ MORE

• Downtown Delicacies

  This exciting tour gives you the chance to sample the street food and night culture of the former Burmese capital. Travelling by trishaw, and passing many of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, you’ll stop at some of the best local dining spots.

  READ MORE

• Full Day Inle Lake

  Spend a day experiencing Inle Lake, an enormous yet quiet body of water surrounded by floating gardens, stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples as well as a thriving cottage industry employing hundreds of artisans.

  READ MORE

• Half Day Local Colour Tour, Bagan

  Experience a taste of local Burmese life and see the world from a local’s point of view by visiting neighbourhoods barely touched by the modern world and mixing with the locals at Nyaung U Market.

  READ MORE

• Inle Lake Cultural Kayaking

  On this half-day tour, explore local villages by kayaking around Inle Lake, getting up-close to the stilted houses and floating gardens and navigating a maze of fascinating small canals.

  READ MORE

• Irrawaddy Sunset Cocktail Cruise

  A glorious sunset cruise along the famous Irrawaddy River, cocktail in hand. This is a unique way to appreciate Bagan’s incredible temples from afar and an opportunity to see scenes of daily life play out on Burma’s largest waterway.

  READ MORE

• Mandalay Hill and Environs

  The last royal capital of Myanmar comes to life with this half-day guided tour of the main heritage sites of Mandalay. Visit the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda and climb Mandalay Hill for views over the countryside.

  READ MORE

• Mandalay's Royal Capitals

  This is a full-day tour exploring Burma’s iconic and glorious royal capitals, including Sagaing, a spiritual centre, explore the former capital of Ava by horse cart and stop in Amarapura for a walk along the iconic U Bein Bridge.

  READ MORE

• Meditation in a Monastery

  Buddhism is key to many people’s lives in Myanmar and today you will have the chance to delve into the religion further, with a meditation session in one of Yangon’s most respected monasteries.

  READ MORE

• Morning in Mandalay

  This half-day guided tour takes in the morning activities of Mandalay’s residents. Join Buddhist worshipers at a local temple, witness the timeless procession of monks collecting alms and venture through the colourful, busy morning market for breakfast.

  READ MORE

• Yangon Art and Antiques

  Yangon is a treasure trove of intriguing art and ancient artefacts. Uncover a unique side of Yangon with a full day tour visiting beautiful galleries and antique shops throughout the city.

  READ MORE

Yangon, Bagan & Inle Lake