Best Selling Myanmar Tour to Yangon – Inle Lake – Bagan – Mandalay – 9 Days

ou will have free time to explore Yangon at your own pace (No car & No guide provided).

Optional tour: Half-Day Yangon City Tour

Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to begin this half-day sightseeing adventure.

Start by heading downtown, where East meets West in a mix of pagodas, monuments, and colonial architecture. Explore the area around Sule Pagoda, City Hall, the Victory Monument, and several nearby colonial buildings.

Next, stop by a local tea shop, an essential part of Burmese culture. Choose from a variety of snacks and enjoy tea or coffee while observing the lively atmosphere where locals—businesspeople, families, and friends—gather to socialize or conduct business.

The tour continues to Kandawagyi Park, one of the greenest areas in central Yangon. Here, you'll see the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon Pagoda in the distance. On weekends, you may find local families relaxing in the park's fresh air.

Finally, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar's most revered Buddhist temple. While the pagoda's exact origins are unknown, legend claims it was first built 2,500 years ago and has since been restored several times, achieving its current form in the 15th century. The central stupa, standing 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf, is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Your guide will walk you through the massive complex, sharing insights about its significance. Take in the stunning views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.

You will have free time until the transfer, without a guide, to Yangon Airport for your morning flight to Heho. (Note: The morning flights may vary between local airlines such as Air KBZ 828, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Asian Wings Airways, Myanma 113, or Myanma 109). Upon arrival at Heho Airport, you will proceed to Nyaung Shwe.

On the way to Nyaung Shwe, make a stop at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, famous for its distinctive oval-shaped windows. Next to the monastery is a small temple housing numerous little Buddha statues, creating a somewhat mystical atmosphere. After taking a few photos, continue towards Nyaung Shwe.

There, you will visit Hlaing Kyu Monastery, where you can observe the daily lives of monks and their studies. The monastery is home to more than 50 monks under the guidance of a headmaster monk. Following your visit to the monastery, head to the Museum of Shan Chiefs. The admission fee is $5, and photography inside is prohibited. You will be provided with a locker to store your belongings and shoes, as footwear is not allowed inside.

The museum, formerly a royal palace, is constructed from wood and features four large attached apartments, each with doors opening onto a stone terrace. Inside, you’ll find royal costumes and furniture on display. If time allows, you may also explore some of the pagodas scattered around Nyaung Shwe. Afterward, you can either walk back to your hotel or be dropped off at a local restaurant, as the guide will leave you at your chosen destination.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

You will have free time to explore Inle Lake at your own pace (No car & No guide).

OPTIONAL TOUR: Full-Day Inle Lake Sightseeing

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, take a walk to the jetty and hop on a boat for a full-day tour of Inle Lake. Upon arrival at the lake, board a private motorboat and set off to explore one of Myanmar’s most stunning natural wonders. Cruise past villages built on stilts, home to the Intha people, and observe the iconic leg-rowing fishermen. You'll also see floating gardens, created from water hyacinths, mud, and bamboo poles.

Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, known for its collection of Shan Buddha images, as well as the famous “jumping cats” that perform tricks by leaping through hoops! Next, head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most revered religious site on the lake, housing five Buddha statues covered in gold leaf.

Discover local craftsmanship at Inpawkhone weaving village and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.

You will be transferred to the bus station without a guide to catch a daytime bus heading to Bagan. The journey typically takes around 7–8 hours, providing you with opportunities to enjoy scenic "window tours" of serene countryside landscapes, rural villages, and local life along the way. There will also be stopovers for coffee breaks, restroom visits, and a chance to sample some local delicacies (No Car & No Guide).

Upon arrival in Bagan, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel for check-in.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel to begin a half-day cycling tour. You'll ride through the Monument Zone, stopping at three of the most significant temples – Ananda, Dhamayangyi, and Shwezigon. Along the way, you'll also discover smaller, lesser-known ruins to capture the unique 'Bagan Magic.' Our well-maintained bicycles are ideal for exploring, and you'll be accompanied by young, enthusiastic guides who have undergone professional training. This tour isn't just about temples and ruins – you'll also visit local markets, cottage industries, and a unique factory producing a popular local delicacy, giving you a glimpse of modern life in this ancient setting.

You will have the day to explore Bagan at your own pace (no car and no guide).

OPTIONAL FULL-DAY MOUNT POPA & SALAY TOUR:

Embarking on a full-day excursion to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1,518 meters tall, located about 48 km southeast of Bagan. Mount Popa holds great significance in Myanmar’s culture, religion, and history, with a shrine dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, ancient Burmese animist spirits. From the top of the Popa-Taung Kalat volcanic peak, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the Myingyan Plain (the climb is optional). Lunch will be served at the restaurant of Mount Popa Resort.

Afterward, continue to Salay, a key center of Buddhism today, known for its many active monasteries. Salay developed a unique style of Bagan-era architecture, and you'll visit one of the finest and oldest wooden monastery halls at Yok Sone Kyaung Monastery.

After enjoying breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way to the bus station for an 8:30 AM departure to Mandalay, which will take approximately four hours. You are expected to arrive in Mandalay around noon, where you can check into your hotel if a room is available.

In the late afternoon, your guide will meet you for a walking tour that lasts about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long you wish to spend at each location. Our first stop will be the Shwe Nandaw Kyaung, also known as the Golden Palace Monastery. This impressive teak structure features intricate carvings of mythical creatures and Buddhist legends.

Next, we will proceed to Kuthodaw Pagoda, famously referred to as ‘The World’s Biggest Book.’ This pagoda houses 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka, the sacred texts of Buddhism. Along the way, we will pass by Atumashi Monastery. After the visit, we’ll head to Mandalay Hill. Upon reaching the base, it’s a good idea to take a short break at one of the nearby tea shops, where you can relax and enjoy some people-watching. Treat yourself to a cold beverage or a cup of sweet tea along with some traditional snacks. Before sunset, we will make our way back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Mandalay.

You will have some free time until you are picked up from your hotel without a guide and taken to Mandalay airport for your departure flight.