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)

• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Full Day Kakku Tour

  This full-day tour to Kakku, tucked away in the Shan mountains, reveals one of the most amazing sights in Burma; a complex made up of a staggering 2500 historic stupas.

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• Inle Lake Cooking Experience

  Experience authentic Burmese culture on this half-day tour by joining a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional dishes inspired by the people of Inle Lake, whilst supporting a local training centre. You’ll also get to meet some rare Burmese cats.

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• Introduction to Bagan

  Discover the very best of Bagan, from exploring the finest temples to watching traditional craftsmen produce beautiful lacquerware and cruising along the Irrawaddy River. Further insights into local neighbourhoods also reveal age-old traditions, hidden temples and unique cave temples.

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• 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.

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• Mandalay Nights by Motorbike

  During this exciting night-time tour, you’ll travel like a local, on the back of a motorbike, taking in the evening scenery, meeting friendly locals and stopping at markets, restaurants and bars perhaps to try some crispy duck and a frosty local beer.

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• Mount Popa & Salay Tour

  The chance to learn about Myanmar’s tradition of spirit worship at Mount Popa, to explore Salay, a famous Buddhist centre with unique architecture, and to witness scenes of bygone countryside life.

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• Trading Jade in Mandalay

  This half-day tour takes in the wonderful Jade Market in Mandalay. A truly authentic market, where tourists are the minority, the market brings together local, Chinese, Indian and Thai traders.

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• Trekking by Inle Lake

  This is the perfect full-day tour for the culturally curious visitor. Showcasing the natural beauty of Burma’s Shan State, this is your chance to hike through farms, fields and villages untouched by time and to discover the rich traditions of hill tribes.

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• Yangon by Night

  Yangon by night takes on a different character with its vibrant atmosphere and lively street scenes. This evening tour includes a cruise along the Yangon River to see the sun set, a thrilling trishaw ride to bustling Chinatown, and a stop at a live music

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• Yangon Heritage Tour

  Yangon has a rich cultural heritage and today you will be able to explore with your expert guide. During the day stops will include the former headquarters of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, traditional Armenian Church, Gandhi Hall and Sule Pagoda.

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• Yangon’s Circle Train and Visit to Dala

  Today experience the more local side of Yangon with a ride on the famous Circle Train and a trip to Dala, across the Yangon River.

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Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan & Inle Lake