Best of Myanmar

This fast-paced itinerary, with stops in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake includes all highlights of Myanmar. Full of interesting experiences, ticking off all the key sites, but making sure that you are getting off the beaten track and experiencing local culture, this itinerary really showcases the best of Myanmar.

1. Fly into Mandalay

2. Days 1-3: Mandalay

   Start your journey of Myanmar in Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist image. Venture to explore Mandalay’s traditional workshops including gold leaf hammering and wood carving. Discover the world’s largest book – Kuthodaw Pagoda as well the exquisite Shwenandaw Monastery, known for its detailed wood carving. End in Mandalay Hill for a beautiful view of the city and surrounding countryside below. Optionally in the evening, you can consider taking a motorbike tour, allowing you to zip through the streets, stopping in at the buzzing night market before finishing up at a local favourite for dinner. 
   The next day is to explore the former capitals of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura. Visit a less visited local market and watch as the locals go about their daily marketing. Continue to Ava, the capital of Myanmar during the 14th to 18th century. Travel by horsecart and discover a glimpse into the local life. Your final stop is the U Bein bridge where you can enjoy fabulous views of the surrounds as the sun sets.

   Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay (2 nights)

3. Days 3-5: Bagan

   Then from Mandalay it is on to Bagan. On arrival, after a short internal flight you’ll be amazed by the region’s plains dotted with thousands of temples. On arrival, making sure not to miss a moment, you will start your half day tour directly from the airport. Included are visits to Shwezigon, Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi with its beautiful mural paintings and the chance to get a little off the beaten track with a visit to a local village, getting a glimpse of what life is like for Bagan’s residents. The following day you’ll be able to see a little more local Bagan as you explore Nyaung U morning market, which is always vibrant and busy. From here it is on to a teahouse, a traditional Burmese pastime. Finish the tour by visiting some beautiful lacquerware and wooden handicrafts, of which Bagan is especially known for. Once you have had a chance to refresh at the hotel in the afternoon, we have included the unique experience of sunset yoga and the chance to participate in a traditional monk’s blessing ceremony, a beautiful way to finish the day.

   Accommodation: Bagan Lodge (2 nights)

4. Days 5-7: Inle Lake, Myanmar

   
   Next after a flight from Mandalay to Heho it is on to Inle Lake, famous for its one leg-rower fisherman who balance expertly on their longtail boats as they meander through the water. On arrival in Heho you will be met by your driver and taken to the lake’s edge where you will meet your longtail boat and transport for the next two days. Enroute, stop and visit the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay which features oval windows in the monastery– a unique architectural feature in Myanmar. On the first day, we have included a visit to a local home where you get the chance to visit the house on stilts as well as their floating gardens. The following day, you’ll get a little more off the beaten track with a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary and a chance to visit the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand. At the end of the day head back to your hotel for a lovely evening drink as the sun sets over the lake. 
   

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   Accommodation: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min (2 nights)

5. Days 7-8: Yangon

   From Inle Lake you will venture back to Heho by combination of boat and car where you will connect to your short flight back to Yangon for your final night. Soak up this charming city with its unique spiritual personality and impressive colonial history. Enjoy a visit to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in the late afternoon and see the changing colours of the temple in the day and night. Make stops at the tombs of some of the country’s most influential leaders, including U Thant and General Aung San, Emperor of Delhi at Bahadur Shah Mausoleum and the Bo Gyoke Aung San Mausoleum. From here you’ll then visit Bogyoke Aung San Museum, the former residence of General Aung San which now houses some fascinating memorabilia. The next morning, we have included a fascinating walking tour through downtown Yangon, specially designed to showcase some of the city’s most historic and beautiful buildings. The walk is also a fantastic way to observe everyday life in Yangon, with popular tea shops and busy local vendors. Following the walk head back to your hotel to enjoy your final night in Myanmar before setting off home tomorrow. Starting in Yangon you’ll have two nights to soak up this charming city with its unique spiritual personality and impressive colonial history. 

   Accommodation: Sule Shangri-La, Yangon (1 night)

Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan & Inle Lake