Witness the Soul of Myanmar in 9 Days 8 Nights

Itinerary

Overview:

Through this journey you will be experiencing the glance of Myanmar; Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) and explore the spiritual heart, ancient history, diverse cultures with a mix of bustling urban life, thousands of ancient pagodas, rural landscapes, and unique water-based lifestyles.

Firstly, your tour will be introduced with the magnificent and spectacular Shwe Dagon Pagoda to the colonial architectures in downtown, Yangon. Then we will explore Mandalay, the cultural and religious heart of Myanmar as well as the last royal capital of the Myanmar Dynasty where you can observe traditional arts and crafts.

After that, we will move to the sites of thousands of ancient stupas, Bagan, the Anya region aka the central dry zone of the Myanmar to experience the historic architectural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage site and peaceful rural landscape.

Last destination will be Nyaung Shwe, serves as the gateway to Inle Lake that immediate access to unique water-based culture and explore around the town.

Note: When visiting sacred religious sites, please dress modestly. Shoes and socks must be removed before entering pagodas and temples.

Day 1: Yangon Arrival

Activities: Yangon arrival, Hotel check-in, visit Chauk Htet Kyi Pagoda and Shwe Dagon Pagoda

Mingalaba!

Welcome to the enchanting land of Myanmar, a realm of glittering pagodas and timeless spirituality. On the way to the hotel, we will make a stop at the magnificent Chauk Htet Kyi Pagoda, renowned for its impressive reclining buddha statue. After checking in and taking some time to refresh, the journey continues to witness the iconic Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site. Be captivated by its breathtaking golden pagoda, believed to be over 2,500 years old and enshrining with sacred hair relics of the Buddha while enjoying the serene and picturesque evening views.

We will be transferred back to our hotel after enjoying the dinner of authentic Burmese cuisine at a famous local restaurant.

Day 2: Yangon-Mandalay

Activities: Flight to Mandalay, visit top attractions in Amarapura and Innwa (Ava)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a flight to Mandalay to explore the top attractions of Innwa (Ava)and Amarapura. After a short boat trip to Innwa (Ava) and our first stop will be Nan Myint Tower, also known as the "Leaning Tower of Innwa (Ava)”, a historic masonry watchtower in the ancient city of Inwa.

After lunch, we will continue to Bagaya Monastery, renowned for its magnificent teakwood architecture with 267 massive teak pillars and explore a superb collection of Buddha statues. Next, we will visit Mahagandayon Monastery, the most prominent monastic college in Myanmar where over 3,000 monks live and study.

The day concludes at U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world, where we will enjoy a breathtaking sunset over Taungthaman Lake. Afterward, enjoy dinner and spend the night in Mandalay.

Day 3: Mandalay

Activities: Explore top attractions in Mingun and Mandalay

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our sightseeing tour to Mingun by ferry, a charming village located 12 km upstream from Mandalay on the west bank of the majestic Irrawaddy River.

We visit the impressive landmarks of the area including Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest functioning bell, weighing 90 tons. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk to Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the massive unfinished pagoda built in the late 18th century and intentionally left unfinished.

Next, we will explore Settawya Pagoda, home to a marble footprint of the Buddha, and the beautiful Hsinbyume (Myatheindan) Pagoda, an all-white temple known for its unique wave-like design inspired by Mount Meru, making it one of the country’s most unique and photogenic landmarks.

In the afternoon, return to Mandalay for lunch before visiting Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s largest book, with 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and shrine-like structures arranged in neat rows. Enjoy the tour by exploring traditional Burmese arts, where you can observe local craftsmen and interact with friendly local. End the day at Mandalay Hill, enjoying a panoramic sunset view over the city to create a relaxing and memorable time. After dinner, return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Mandalay-Bagan

Activities: Drive to Bagan, explore outstanding temples and witness the stunning sunset

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Bagan on a scenic 4-hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in at the hotel to freshen up. In the afternoon, begin the sightseeing tour at Bagan, home to over 2,000 ancient temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, visiting Shwezigon Pagoda, magnificent golden stupa built in the 11th century by King Anawrahta and one of the most sacred sites in Bagan, it is believed to enshrine a bone and a tooth of Gautama Buddha.

Follow by Htilominlo Temple, an elegant 46-meter-tall three-story red brick sanctuary, admired for its intricate plaster carvings. Then to Ananda Temple, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in Bagan, built in the Mon architectural style and known as the “Westminster Abbey of Burma,” it features four impressive standing Buddha images and a shining golden spire.

Continue to Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest temple in Bagan, standing majestically in the center of Old Bagan.

Conclude the day by enjoying the magical sunset over Bagan from Nyaung La Phet Hill.

Day 5: Bagan

Activities: Hot Air Balloon Ride, visit Nyaung U Market, continue exploring Bagan

Begin the day with an extraordinary hot air balloon ride over Bagan. As you soar into the clear morning sky, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of more than 2,000 ancient temples and stunning landscapes - an unforgettable experience.
(This activity is weather-dependent and may be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. Pre-booking is required.)

Next, we will visit the lively Nyaung U Market to experience local life. Stroll past colorful stalls of fresh produce and observe locals carrying baskets and wearing traditional Thanaka on their faces. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to freshen up.

Resume the day with visits to: Sulamani Temple, known as the "Crown Jewel" of Bagan, a striking two-story temple adorned with intricate frescoes, Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest temple in Bagan, famed for its massive structure and exceptional brick craftsmanship and Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba), renowned for its vibrant Bagan-period mural paintings and one of the finest, and oldest collections of original frescoes in the region.

Continue with a sightseeing to a local village and lacquerware workshop to see traditional Burmese crafts come to life, observe artisans creating lacquerware and woodcraft while sharing their techniques and cultural heritage. After a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel for some relaxation.

In the late afternoon, we will explore Shwesandaw Pagoda, a unique five-terrace, pyramid-like stupa, revered as a sacred repository for Buddha’s hair relics. Gawdawpalin Temple, the second-tallest temple in Bagan, also known as the “Temple of Forgiveness” and Bupaya Pagoda which is one of Bagan’s oldest and most iconic stupas, famous for its distinctive bulb-shaped (gourd-like) design.

The highlight of today is a relaxing boat ride on the Irrawaddy River, enjoying the breathtaking sunset and glimpses of local life along the riverbanks.

Day 6: Bagan – Heho

Activities: Flight to Heho, visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Ayetharyar Vineyard & Red Mountain Winery
Remark: Bagan to Heho flight only operate for thrice a week Monday, Wednesday & Friday Estimate Flight Time: 08:15 – 08:55 (M&F) / 11:40 – 12:20 (W)

After breakfast, fly to Heho in Shan State, the gateway to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, settle into the hotel before visiting Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, a graceful 19th-century teak monastery raised on stilts, admired for its striking oval windows and delicate wood carvings.

The journey continues through scenic countryside to Aye Thar Yar Vineyard, Myanmar’s pioneering vineyard. Nearby, Red Mountain Vineyard & Winery is beautifully set among rolling red hills. From the hilltop winery, take in sweeping views over Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake while enjoying a relaxed wine tasting in a truly picturesque setting.

Return to Nyaung Shwe and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7: Inle Lake

Activities: Inle Lake Boat Tour & Indein Village

Today, we will discover the magic of Inle Lake, Myanmar’s second-largest natural lake, renowned for its one-legged rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt-house villages set against a backdrop of serene hills.

Board a private boat for a full-day exploration across the calm waters. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five ancient Buddha images that have been covered in gold leaf for centuries, now appearing as glowing golden forms. Continue to Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, a historic teak monastery once famous for its trained “jumping cats.”

Along the way, we will stop at local workshops to observe traditional silver smithing, lotus and silk weaving and cheroot rolling. We will also able to gain insight into the culture and traditions of the Padaung (long-neck) women who live in the region.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Indein Village to explore the atmospheric Shwe Indein Pagoda, where hundreds of ancient stupas rise from the hillside in quiet beauty. Wander through the surrounding village, admire the weathered architecture, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 8: Heho - Yangon

Activities: Flight to Yangon, Yangon City sightseeing

Remark: Heho to Yangon flight only operate for every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Estimate Flight Time: 09:10 – 10:25 (M&F) / 08:55 – 10:05 (W&S)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the stunning views of Inle Lake, take a flight back to Yangon.

We will begin our city tour with a visit to Sule Pagoda, a 2,000-year-old golden stupa at the heart of downtown, offering a glimpse into Yangon’s spiritual and colonial heritage.

Stroll through the colonial quarter to Maha Bandula Park, a lively public space, and admire nearby Yangon City Hall, a stunning example of traditional Burmese architecture with ornate tiered roofs. Also take in the grand High Court Building and Yangon General Post Office, iconic reminders of the city’s colonial past.

We will visit Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), where vibrant lanes filled with gemstones, handicrafts, and fabrics offer a perfect taste of Yangon’s bustling atmosphere and perhaps find a unique souvenir.

End the day at the peaceful Kandawgyi Lake, then enjoy a memorable dinner of fine Burmese cuisine at Karaweik Palace, overlooking the Royal Lake with views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, accompanied by a captivating traditional cultural performance. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.