Best of Myanmar 8 Days

This morning, we’ll take a domestic flight from Yangon to Mandalay! Upon arrival, we’ll head to the nearby 18th-century capital of Amarapura, where we'll visit the largest monastery in the country, Mahagandayon, and observe the daily meal service for over a thousand monks. Next, we’ll participate in a silk weaving workshop to discover the traditional craft for which Amarapura is renowned.

Following this, we’ll take a brief ferry ride across the river to Ava, the former capital from the 14th to 18th century, which offers a charming glimpse into rural Burmese life. The best way to explore Ava is by horse and carriage, so hop aboard and keep an eye out for the historic Bagaya Monastery, the remnants of the Royal Palace, and quaint villages nestled among the ruins.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Sagaing to admire the 600 white pagodas and monasteries that dot Sagaing Hill. This area is considered the religious heart of Myanmar, housing over 3,000 monks! We’ll visit the Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae pagodas before returning to Amarapura to stroll along the stunning U Bein Bridge. This iconic bridge, set against a backdrop of lush countryside, is one of Myanmar’s most photographed locations. After a full day of exploration, relax this evening at your hotel in Mandalay.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exciting day of exploration in Mingun and Mandalay! Our first destination is Mingun, located across the river, where you can discover several remarkable sites, including the remnants of what could have been the largest temple in the world. Don’t miss the stunning Myatheindan Pagoda, renowned for its striking white arches and captivating architecture.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Mandalay for a half-day city tour, covering must-see attractions such as the Mahamuni Pagoda, a gold-leaf workshop, the grounds of the Old Palace, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and the Golden Palace Monastery. To wrap up the day, take a leisurely climb up Mandalay Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the city and perhaps even engage in conversation with a young monk practicing his English!

Begin your day at the bustling Jade Markets in Mandalay, where numerous traders are busy handling, selling, and polishing their prized jade stones. Whether or not you have an interest in jade, the atmosphere of these markets, steeped in history, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of trade.

Next, we’ll set off for Mount Popa, making stops at local villages along the way. Upon arrival, explore the Toddy Palm Groves, the Jaggery Cottage Industry, Kyaukapaduang Market, and Popa Village. Be sure to visit the renowned Popa Taung Kalat, a towering volcanic plug located on the southwestern slope of Mount Popa, which last erupted around 250,000 years ago!

This evening, you’ll check in to the luxurious Popa Mountain Resort. Nestled deep within the verdant forest of Mount Popa, this resort offers breathtaking views of the horizon and surrounding valleys. With its stunning infinity pool and spa, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the magnificent mountain scenery.

Savor a hearty breakfast in the mountains before heading to Bagan! Often likened to the renowned Angkor Wat in Cambodia for its grandeur and importance, the Bagan Archaeological Zone represents the first Burmese kingdom and boasts over 2,500 Buddhist stupas, temples, and monasteries—making it the largest and most concentrated site of Buddhist monuments globally!

We'll visit Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Kyansittha Umin, Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple, Htilominlo Temple, and many more. In the afternoon, after checking out lacquerware workshops, your guide will lead you to Manuha Temple and Ananda Temple.

As the day winds down, enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the charming Taungbi village. For a truly memorable experience, consider an optional hot air balloon ride over the stunning stupas and the Irrawaddy River as the sun sets over Bagan (available from October to March).

Embark on a scheduled flight from Bagan to Heho as we prepare to discover the enchanting Inle Lake! The best way to soak in the beauty of Inle Lake is by boat. We’ll board a private motorboat to navigate through this unique aquatic landscape, where wooden homes are built on stilts above the water, and we’ll observe the local fishermen, who skillfully row their canoes using one leg.

In the afternoon, explore local villages and stroll through vibrant markets showcasing an impressive variety of traditional crafts. Don’t miss the famous Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses numerous Shan Buddha images and is well-known for its entertaining ‘jumping cats’ that leap through hoops! Our journey continues to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the principal sanctuary of the lake, featuring five revered Buddha images adorned in gold leaf.

Kick off your day with a trip to the local morning market at Inle Lake! This market rotates its location among the lake's villages every five days and attracts residents from the lake as well as nearby hill tribes, who come to buy and sell their products. (Please note: the market operates daily, except on dark moon and full moon days.)

After exploring the market, navigate through a narrow canal that leads to the Pa-oh village of In Dein. Take a leisurely walk around the village, visit a local school, and enjoy the stunning Alaung Sitthou area. This region is dotted with picturesque ancient stupas and offers breathtaking views of the lake below. In the late afternoon, transfer to Heho airport for your domestic flight back to Yangon.

Today marks our final day together in the enchanting Myanmar! Let’s seize the opportunity with a guided city tour of Yangon's most remarkable attractions. Our first stop is the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, which features an impressive reclining Buddha stretching 70 meters in length. A visit here offers a comprehensive look at Buddhism, highlighted by murals that illustrate the Buddha's life. The feet of the statue are adorned with traditional symbols, and it’s common to see locals gathering to pay their respects and pray.

Next, we will head to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, renowned from Rudyard Kipling's writings and regarded as one of Myanmar's holiest sites. This enormous bell-shaped stupa is covered in gold, while its pinnacle is exquisitely embellished with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and topaz—an awe-inspiring sight, especially as the sun sets, marking our last moments in this extraordinary country!

Enjoy these final experiences with your fellow travelers before we say our goodbyes and make our way to the airport with included transportation. We recommend scheduling your departure flight for after 2 PM.