15 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Myanmar. Begin in Rangoon, where you’ll explore vibrant markets and historic sites. Continue to Bagan, home to thousands of ancient temples, and marvel at the stunning sunrise over this archaeological wonder. In Mandalay, discover the last royal capital, with its majestic monasteries and vibrant artisan workshops. Experience the serenity of Kalaw with its lush hills and scenic trails, before unwinding on the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, where local traditions thrive. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making for an enriching adventure in Myanmar.
Min Gala Ba! Welcome to Myanmar! Your journey kicks off today with a welcome meeting scheduled for 6 PM. Please check the hotel lobby for a notice or inquire at the reception for its location. During this meeting, we will be collecting insurance information and next of kin details, so please ensure you have this information ready for your tour leader. If you have some time to spare before the meeting, we encourage you to venture out and explore Yangon. Consider taking a three-hour ride on the Yangon Circle Line train or visiting Bogyoke Market for some local haggling. Don’t miss Sule Paya Pagoda, a 2000-year-old golden temple, and the Gems Museum, which showcases some of the largest sapphires, rubies, and jade pieces in the world. You may need to take a taxi to get between some of these sites, with a one-way fare around MMK 4,000. Note that arriving early allows you to participate in the group meeting and enjoy some exploration of Yangon. We would be delighted to assist you with booking extra accommodation, subject to availability.
Begin your day with a walking tour of Yangon, where your guide will lead you through the vibrant city center, alive with local activity, street food, and remnants of the colonial era. In the afternoon, we will visit Kandawgyi Lake, where you can admire Karaweik Hall, a reconstructed golden royal barge situated on the eastern shore. Following this, we’ll proceed to the country's most sacred site, the Shwedagon Paya. Adorned with gold leaf and encrusted with diamonds and gems, this pagoda is said to house eight hairs of the Buddha. It's especially breathtaking at sunset when the lights illuminate the stupa, making it glow magnificently.
Prepare for an early morning as you catch your flight to Nyaung-U, which lasts approximately an hour and a half. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the historic city of Bagan, just a 20-minute drive away. This archaeological site marks the introduction of Theravada Buddhism to the Kingdom and was once home to around 10,000 temples, pagodas, and monasteries. Today, over 2,000 brick and gilded remnants still stand. Your exploration will begin with an orientation tour of the town, with a visit to the archaeological site planned for tomorrow. After your introduction to the area, you'll visit the nearby Shwezigon Paya, one of Bagan's key Buddhist landmarks, which also features a compound devoted to the 37 Nats, the pre-Buddhism deities.
Dedicate your day to exploring the wonders of Bagan, where you'll be provided with a bicycle and accompanied by a local guide. You'll visit several of the grand and impressive temples, including Ananda Pahto, Htilominlo Temple, Thatbyinnyu Paya (the tallest pagoda in Bagan), Dhammayangyi Pahto, and Shwesandaw Paya, along with some lesser-known hidden treasures. Cycling through the temple complex offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this remarkable area. There will also be plenty of chances to ascend stairways for breathtaking views. After your temple explorations, return to the hotel for a brief rest before heading out once more to witness the breathtaking sunset over Bagan.
Spend a leisurely morning in Bagan at your own pace. You might want to explore the various stalls at the archaeological site, relax in the cafes around town, or visit the nearby Nyaung U Market, which is one of the most intriguing markets in the country. Additional attractions include the Archaeological Museum and the Royal Palace, with taxi rides to these local sites costing approximately MMK 5000. In the afternoon, you’ll depart Bagan and head to Myaing, where we've established a community-based tourism initiative aimed at supporting local livelihoods and providing sustainable employment opportunities in tourism. Dinner will be served at our specially designed community lodge. Accommodation at the lodge is basic yet offers a charming traditional ambiance by the lakeside. You will stay in simple twin-share rooms equipped with linen and mosquito nets. While there’s no air conditioning, each room has a fan. Shared bathroom and shower facilities are available, and you can refill your water bottles from the large containers provided. It's advisable to bring a torch in case of power outages, although the power supply at the community lodge is generally stable.
Get ready for a full day of exploring the nearby villages! Begin with a scenic walk to the first village, where you'll discover their seasonal harvests. Then, continue to the second village for breakfast, featuring fresh papaya, chickpea fritters, boiled eggs, and potato curry. Afterward, hop on a bike and ride to the third village. Here, you'll have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and assist the villagers in preparing lunch. You'll witness how they gather and prepare the ingredients, including the spices and sauces they use for cooking, and enjoy a freshly prepared and delicious meal together. A community member will also join to discuss the development initiatives happening in the project and the villages, with your leader translating. You’ll also learn how Thanaka is prepared and applied as a sun protection method, along with a weaving demonstration. In the final village, you'll get to plant a tree with the assistance of the local residents. After dinner, villagers from the fourth community will come to perform traditional music and dance for you in the evening.
Following breakfast, say goodbye to the community as you embark on a private bus journey to Mandalay, making a stop for lunch along the way. During your travels, you will explore the stunning Sagaing Temples, which feature a series of gilded stupas nestled on the surrounding hills. The total travel time from the community lodge to Mandalay is approximately six hours. Conclude your day by visiting the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
This morning, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through Mandalay, allowing you to experience the town up close. Following this, you'll board a boat for a scenic journey down the renowned Ayeyarwady River to Mingun. There, you will encounter the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an immense stupa that would have been the largest in the world had it been finished. Additionally, you’ll see the largest ringing bell globally and the striking white Hsinphymae Pagoda located nearby. After your visit to Mingun, return to Mandalay, where you'll have some free time in the afternoon to engage in optional activities. You might choose to enjoy some tranquility at the ancient Sweinbin Teak Monastery or try your hand at crafting gold leaf in the Gold Pounders District. Another notable site is the Mahamuni Buddha Temple, a significant pilgrimage location featuring a massive golden Buddha. For breathtaking views of the city adorned with shimmering stupas and vibrant mosaics, head to Mandalay Hill, where it is said Lord Buddha left a footprint. To cap off the evening, consider attending a traditional performance by the Mandalay Marionettes or a unique comedy show by the Moustache Brothers.
Today will involve an extensive journey by road as you travel toward Kalaw. You'll begin by driving along the Great Road of China, a modern superhighway constructed by Chinese engineers. As you progress, you’ll enter the mountainous region of Shan State, where you can take in the breathtaking landscapes that characterize this area.
Today is dedicated to a comprehensive hiking experience in the hills surrounding Kalaw, lasting about six hours. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore a tea plantation and visit several quaint villages. Enjoy the opportunity to engage with locals during your journey and savor lunch in one of the small communities. This adventure allows you to venture off the typical tourist path. If time permits in the evening, consider visiting some beautiful pagodas in the area and exploring a local market.
Today, depart from Kalaw and head to Nyuang Shwe, your gateway to exploring Inle Lake. Your journey will take you through scenic mountains and farmland, with a stop at the Pindaya Caves, known as one of the Golden Caves in Shan State. This site attracts many pilgrims who come to pay homage to the 8,000 golden Buddha statues nestled within the extensive limestone cave’s tunnels and chambers. After this fascinating visit, continue your drive to the resort town of Nyuang Shwe, where you will be based for the next few days while you discover the wonders of Inle Lake.
Begin your day with an excursion on a motorized boat. As you navigate the lake, you'll witness the vibrant local life, including fishermen employing a unique leg-rowing technique, floating tomato farms, and small-scale industries such as silversmithing, weaving, and cigar production. If you’re fortunate, you may encounter the rotating market that appears around the lake every five days, where traditional crafts made by locals are available for purchase. Enjoy a home-cooked meal at a nearby village, where you can taste local specialties. After lunch, visit Phaung Daw Oo Paya, the region's most sacred site, where you can take a brief look at the various Buddha images inside. You’ll also see a golden barge used during the Phaung Daw Oo festival. Continue your journey with a few more visits to local villages to meet the residents before returning to your accommodation in Nyaung Shwe.
Take advantage of a leisurely day at Inle Lake. You might choose to explore the Mingala morning market or visit Yadana Man Aung Paya, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nyuang Shwe. For those interested in exploring the surrounding area, consider renting a bicycle to ride to nearby hot springs, villages, or temples. You could also check out a local winery to taste some regional wine or embark on a boat trip to the Indein temple complex and surrounding villages. The cost of these activities may vary depending on the group size. Be sure to consult your leader about the optional excursions available.
Say goodbye to the stunning landscapes of Shan State as you head to Heho Airport. After a brief one-hour flight, you'll arrive back in the vibrant city of Yangon. Your adventure concludes with the option to enjoy a final dinner and a night out in the lively atmosphere of Yangon.
The final day is free of scheduled activities, allowing you to check out of your accommodation at your convenience. Since Yangon offers a wealth of sights and experiences, we suggest considering an extended stay to fully enjoy everything the city has to offer. You might want to revisit some of the activities recommended at the start of your journey or consult your leader about our various Urban Adventures day tours.