Best of Myanmar on the Road 10 days

After breakfast, we will head to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, renowned for housing one of Myanmar's most stunning reclining Buddhas, adorned with a crown set with diamonds and other precious stones. The statue's feet are intricately carved with traditional symbols, and it’s common to see many locals gathering to pay their respects and pray.

Next, we'll visit Bogyoke Market, previously known as Scott’s Market, where you can explore a diverse array of Myanmar handicrafts and other products (please note: the market is closed on Mondays and public holidays).

Following that, we’ll take a tour of the city center, which is rich in historical and colonial architecture, traveling partly by car and partly on foot. Our first stop will be Sule Pagoda, a 2,200-year-old temple surrounded by government buildings and shops. From there, we will make our way to Mahabandoola Park, home to the Independence Monument. As we continue, you will pass by City Hall, the High Court, and Little India, before strolling along Strand Road to admire the old British colonial buildings. Depending on the schedule, we will then transfer to Aung Mingalar Bus Station to catch the overnight express bus to Bagan. (Departure time: 20:00, Arrival time: 05:30.)

Bagan, situated along the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, boasts the world’s largest and most densely packed collection of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins, with many dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Upon your arrival, our guide will be waiting for you at the Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Station. You will then drive to one of the temples to witness the breathtaking and unforgettable sunrise over Bagan. After enjoying the sunrise, you will transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast.

Your exploration will start with a visit to an elevated temple, providing you with a panoramic view of the stunning Bagan plains.

Next, you’ll visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, the first of its kind built in Myanmar style in 1087. Following this, you will head to Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple in Wetkyi-Inn Village renowned for its exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, known for its intricate plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

In the afternoon, your journey will take you to a traditional lacquerware workshop, where you can observe the crafting of one of Myanmar's most famous handicrafts. This will be followed by a visit to Ananda Temple, an architectural gem and one of Bagan's most beautiful temples. Built in the early Mon style, Ananda houses two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on your viewing distance.

From there, you will explore Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, the impressive Dhammayangyi Temple, celebrated for its exceptional brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

You will spend the night in Bagan.

This morning, you will head to Nyaung U jetty for your cruise to Mandalay. This river trip offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the daily lives of the villagers and fishermen residing along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, as well as to appreciate the stunning scenery of this beautiful river. Lunch will be served on board. You will arrive in Mandalay this evening, and then transfer to your hotel for check-in. 

Mandalay is considered the cultural capital of Myanmar, characterized by a prominent hill that rises above a large, walled square with a moat.

After breakfast, we will drive to Amarapura, a former capital known as the City of Immortality. Our first stop will be a silk weaving workshop, where exquisite handmade products are created. Following that, we will visit Mahagandayon Monastery, home to over a thousand monks.

In the afternoon, we will head to Mahamuni Pagoda to see the famous 13-foot-high seated Buddha image, one of the most renowned in Myanmar. Our Mandalay tour continues with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, which features 729 marble stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, earning it the title of the World’s Biggest Book. Next, we will explore Shwenandaw Monastery, the last remaining structure from the 19th-century Royal Palace, celebrated for its stunning woodcarvings. Finally, we will ascend Mandalay Hill to take in breathtaking views of the city and the Irrawaddy River.

You will spend the night in Mandalay.

After enjoying breakfast in the morning, your journey will commence in Ava, one of the ancient cities characterized by its tranquil rural landscape, featuring vast fields dotted with widely spaced ruins, monastic structures, and stupas. You’ll explore Ava on a horse cart, visiting Bagaya Kyaung, an impressive teak monastery, and Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, a royal temple constructed from stucco-covered brick. You'll also see Nanmyin, the leaning watchtower of Ava. Afterwards, you'll head to a local restaurant in the city center for lunch (at your own expense).

Following lunch, you will drive to Sagaing, crossing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River. Sagaing is renowned for its countless white and gold stupas and is regarded as the religious heart of Myanmar, home to around 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. You will visit notable pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. Additionally, you'll explore Sagaing's local market, a typical Burmese marketplace frequented by few tourists, where you can find an array of locally made pottery, silver, and other handicrafts. We will also visit a small pottery village to observe how the traditional water pots, commonly found throughout Myanmar, are crafted.

After exploring this serene area, the tour will continue to U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, which is over 200 years old. Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the bridge and take in the stunning views of the surrounding fields and streams. Afterwards, you’ll drive back to Mandalay and proceed to Kywel Sel Kan Bus Station, where you will board the overnight express bus to Taunggyi.

(Departure time: 22:00, Arrival time: 06:30.)

Upon your arrival at Taunggyi bus station, you'll proceed to your hotel for check-in and some relaxation (early check-in is subject to room availability). After breakfast at a local restaurant, you will embark on a drive to Aunggyi Myoma Market, a vibrant spot known throughout Myanmar for its colorful tribes, traditional foods, fresh vegetables, and beautiful flowers. You'll also visit Sulamuni Pagoda, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop, situated on a high plateau surrounded by towering mountains.

Next, you'll continue your journey to Pindaya, passing picturesque fields, hedgerows, buffalo carts, and groups of farmers dressed in black Danu tunics and checked Pa-O headscarves.

In the morning, we will drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, we will stop at the beautiful wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, noted for its elegant ancient architecture and oval-shaped windows.

Upon reaching the shores of Inle Lake, you’ll board a private motorboat to explore this breathtaking destination. As you navigate the lake, you'll see stilted villages, observe the unique leg-rowing fishermen, and marvel at their floating gardens created from strips of water. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, renowned for its five Buddha statues, which are over 800 years old and covered in gold leaf.

After enjoying breakfast, you'll head to the morning market on the lake. This market rotates locations among the villages surrounding the lake every five days, attracting both local residents and nearby hill tribes who come to sell and trade their products. (Please note that the market is not open on dark moon days and full moon days.)

From the center of the lake, you'll travel along a small canal leading to Indein, home to the ethnic Padaung community, known for their long necks. You'll stroll along a covered walkway flanked by numerous pagodas. A long covered staircase will take you further to the impressive Alaung Sithu complex, surrounded by lush vegetation and ancient stupas, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure at the hotel.

You will spend the night on Inle Lake.

After breakfast, you’ll have free time to unwind or shop in town.

For those seeking an adventurous experience, you can rent a bike from your hotel and explore the picturesque rice paddies, canals, and stilted house villages. Along the way, you can visit hot springs, vibrant tribal markets, and a nearby winery that offers a unique contrast to the scenery.

Later, you will drive to Heho Airport for your flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival in Yangon, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy a relaxing day. You’ll spend the night in Yangon.

Today is yours to enjoy at the hotel before heading to the airport for your departure flight.