Impressive Myanmar Tour Program

Day 1: Yangon – Arrival

(Based on a morning international arrival flight)

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and begin sightseeing. Visit Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, the White Elephants, Sule Pagoda, and the colonial downtown area, where you can see the over 100-year-old Strand Hotel, the beautiful General Post Office, and the British Embassy. This area also offers an excellent opportunity to experience the local life of the Myanmar people.

Then, drive to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda to further observe local life, followed by a visit to the colonial-era Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market). End the day with a visit to the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Overnight stay in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon – Bagan

Very early in the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan, the ancient city with over 4,400 temples. Upon arrival, drive to the colorful and bustling Nyaung Oo Local Market, which offers a glimpse of daily life as well as a wide range of tourist-oriented goods, from T-shirts and wood carvings to lacquerware and paintings.

The tour continues with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the four most significant monuments in Bagan. Proceed to Htilominlo Pagoda, renowned for its original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations that remain remarkably well preserved. Then visit Ananda Pagoda, one of the finest, largest, and best-preserved temples in Old Bagan.

During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to see a traditional lacquerware workshop, as Bagan is the birthplace of this craft. Finally, visit Dhammayangyi Pagoda, Bagan’s largest temple. Enjoy the sunset from one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan – Mount Popa – Bagan Excursion

Rising 1,518 meters above the plains surrounding Bagan, Mount Popa is considered the sacred home of spirits and is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. En route, visit a palm village to learn how palm sugar is traditionally produced.

Continue to Mount Popa and visit Taung Kalat, the dramatic temple perched atop a volcanic plug, which holds great historical and religious significance in Myanmar. The monastery is home to the 37 nats (spirits) of Myanmar, represented by statues displayed at the base of the shrine. Mount Popa is also known as the “Oasis of Central Myanmar.” Return to Bagan for an overnight stay.

Optional: Hot air balloon ride over Bagan in the early morning.

Day 4: Bagan – Mandalay

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for your flight to Mandalay. Mandalay briefly served as the Burmese capital in the second half of the 19th century and is home to approximately one million people. It remains the economic, cultural, and religious center of Upper Myanmar.

Upon arrival, drive directly to Amarapura, the 18th-century former capital, home to the country’s largest monastery, Mahagandayon Monastery. Amarapura is also well known for its traditional silk weaving industry.

Continue sightseeing at the magnificent U Bein Bridge, over 200 years old and 1.2 kilometers long, making it the longest teak bridge in the world. After lunch, visit the former royal capital of Inwa (Ava) by horse cart. Explore the Nanmyint Watchtower, also known as the “Leaning Tower of Ava,” Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, built of brick and stucco, and Bagaya Monastery, famous for its impressive teak pillars and ornate wood carvings. Overnight stay in Mandalay.

Day 5: Mandalay

After breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion along the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun, located about 11 kilometers (approximately one hour) upriver from Mandalay. Visit the unfinished Mingun Paya, originally intended to be the largest stupa in Myanmar, commissioned by King Bodawpaya. Also see one of the world’s largest bells, the 90-ton Mingun Bell, and the elegant Hsinbyume Paya. Return to Mandalay.

In the afternoon, continue sightseeing with a visit to the Golden Palace Monastery near Mandalay Hill, famous for its intricate teak carvings depicting Buddhist myths. At the foot of Mandalay Hill, visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, built in 1857 and home to the world’s largest book.

Later, visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, regarded as the holiest site in Mandalay, and not to be missed. You may also explore a nearby stone-carving workshop. If time permits, drive up Mandalay Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight stay in Mandalay.

Day 6: Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho. The drive from Heho Airport to Pindaya takes approximately 90 minutes. After hotel check-in, visit the famous Pindaya Caves, which house thousands of Buddha images of various sizes placed there by pilgrims over the centuries. You will also explore the area known for its traditional paper-making and umbrella-making cottage industries. Overnight stay in Pindaya.

Day 7: Pindaya – Inle Lake

After breakfast, transfer by road to Inle Lake, followed by a long-tail boat transfer across the lake to your hotel. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, take a boat tour to explore Inle Lake, including its floating gardens, Nampan Village, where traditional boat-making and cheroot production can be observed, and Inn Paw Khone Village, famous for lotus and silk weaving.

Next, visit Ngaphae Chaung Monastery (formerly known as the Jumping Cats Monastery), once famous for trained Burmese cats. If time permits, visit the renowned Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five richly gilded Buddha images. Overnight stay in Inle Lake.

Day 8: Inle – Yangon – Departure

(Based on an evening international departure flight)

After breakfast, transfer to Heho Airport for your return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed again by your guide and transferred to lunch. Enjoy free time at leisure until transfer to Yangon International Airport for your international departure flight home.

END OF SERVICES

Our Tour Prices Include the Following Services:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (double/twin sharing room)
• Meals as mentioned in the program (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
• English-speaking local guide (one city, one guide)
• Transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle with drivers, as mentioned in the program
• Domestic air tickets (Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Heho – Yangon), including insurance surcharge and current fuel surcharge
• Entrance fees and zone fees for the mentioned visits
• Boat fees for Mingun and Inle
• Horse-cart fee for Ava (Inwa)

Our Tour Prices Do Not Include the Following Services:

• International air tickets to/from Yangon
• Visa arrangements for Myanmar
• Meals other than those mentioned (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
• Visits not mentioned in the program
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Tips and porters at hotels
• Porter fees at airports
• Any other items not mentioned
• New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve surcharges
• High-season hotel and flight surcharges
• Balloons Over Bagan fees