Highlights of Myanmar: Explore Wonders of the Golden Land 11 Days

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your domestic flight to Mandalay, celebrated as one of Myanmar's key cultural hubs. Discover the Shwenandaw Kyuang Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery), an intricately carved teak structure, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as 'the world’s largest book,' featuring over 700 stupas, each inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Following this, visit the revered Mahamuni Pagoda. Then, tour a gold leaf workshop before heading to Mandalay Hill.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the Irrawaddy River, sailing from Mandalay to Mingun. Here, you’ll encounter the impressive 90-ton Mingun Bell and explore both the Mingun Pagoda and the stunning, white Hsinbyume Pagoda.

Conclude your day with a sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River, taking in the breathtaking views as the sun sets over Mandalay's landscape. After returning to shore, delight in a delicious dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.

After breakfast, your journey begins with a trip to Amarapura. Visit Mahagandayon, a renowned Buddhist monastery and monastic college that houses over 1,000 monks. Next, explore the impressive U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, which dates back 200 years to when Amarapura served as Myanmar's royal capital. The town is also famous for its traditional silk and cotton weaving, and you'll have the opportunity to visit a silk workshop, where you can admire the artisans' beautiful handwoven creations.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a short boat ride to the former royal capital, Inwa (formerly known as Ava). Here, you’ll experience the charm of traveling by horse cart, allowing you to observe daily life in the countryside, along with small ruins and pagodas hidden in lush greenery. Highlights include the striking Nanmyin Watch Tower (Leaning Tower of Inwa/Ava), as well as Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery and Bagaya Monastery.

Finish your day with a visit to Sagaing Hills, where you can witness a stunning sunset. 

Shortly after breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Bagan, the historic capital of Burma, renowned for its stunning views of pagodas and stupas. Upon arrival, your exploration begins with some of Bagan’s most beloved temples, including the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda, the Shwegugyi Pagoda, and the Ananda Temple, celebrated for its four impressive Buddha statues.

Next, gain insight into Burmese craftsmanship by visiting a lacquerware workshop in Myinkaba Village, where you’ll discover how some of Myanmar's cherished handicrafts are created.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery this afternoon. Afterwards, a traditional horse cart will be ready to take you to more of Bagan’s ancient sites, allowing you to experience local life at a leisurely pace. Conclude your day by watching the sunset from one of Bagan’s scenic hills.

In the evening, delight in a truly enchanting experience with a dinner featuring exquisite Burmese cuisine while enjoying a traditional marionette puppet show accompanied by music.

This evening promises to be a feast for your senses!

After the show, return to your hotel to unwind and reflect on the day’s memorable experiences.

This morning, start your day with a leisurely walk through the bustling Nyaung U Market. Here, you'll find a diverse array of enticing products, from fresh fruits and fish to handcrafted goods and high-quality textiles.

Next, continue your exploration of Myanmar's remarkable religious landmarks. Today’s itinerary includes visits to Tayoke Pyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village, Phaya Thone Zu Temple, Nanadamanya Temple, and the renowned Kyat Kan Cave Monastery, one of Bagan’s most notable meditation centers. As you journey through charming farming villages surrounding Bagan, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local Burmese life. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with lunch at your leisure.

In the early evening, venture into a nearby village in Bagan. Here, you'll have the chance to meet local residents and observe their customs and daily routines. Return to your hotel for a delightful dinner and an evening of rest and relaxation.

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Heho. Upon arrival, you will pass by the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery en route to Inle Lake. This intriguing structure, built in the early 19th century, features unique oval windows and elaborate roof designs.

Savor lunch at a local eatery before heading to one of Myanmar’s revered temples: the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. This remarkable edifice, constructed in the 18th century, boasts a multi-tiered roof topped by a grand golden stupa that soars toward the sky. You will also visit an Inpawkhone weaving village and a blacksmith workshop, where skilled artisans craft knives and farming tools.

Today, you'll dive deeper into the Inle Lake region. Following an early breakfast, your first stop will be the intriguing Five-Day Market, a mobile market that shifts between five villages in the area. Here, you’ll encounter hill tribe members dressed in traditional attire, engaging in buying and selling various goods like fish and flowers. This market serves as a hub for socializing, where locals exchange the latest news. While at the market, you'll have the opportunity to pick up fresh, local ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. With guidance from your chef, you’ll choose the necessary meats, vegetables, and other items for your meal preparation. The cooking lesson will take place in a private section of the restaurant’s kitchen, culminating in a delightful tasting of the dish you've crafted.

Next, you'll board a boat to the western shores of the lake to explore the Indein Pagoda. This temple complex, dating back to the 16th century, is adorned with hundreds of small stupas surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, you’ll take a leisurely walk to a nearby village where traditional farming methods are employed to cultivate Burmese crops. Stroll alongside tranquil creeks that wind through serene rice paddies until you reach another village.

Your journey continues as you cruise to Nga Phe Monastery, renowned for its impressive collection of ancient Buddha statues. You’ll witness the iconic Intha fishermen, who skillfully balance on one leg while rowing their boats with the other. You'll also be enchanted by the stunning floating gardens and the local village lifestyle. After returning to your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax by Inle Lake.

After boarding a boat, you'll embark on a picturesque drive to Pindaya. Here, you will explore the stunning Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda (Pindaya Caves), where thousands of Buddha statues grace the chambers—offerings made by pilgrims and devotees over the centuries. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the traditional techniques used to create beautiful Shan umbrellas and Burmese mulberry paper.

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before heading to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon your arrival, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for check-in. This evening, indulge in dinner at your hotel and unwind in your room for a peaceful night’s rest.

Discover Yangon, a key commercial hub in Myanmar, rich in sacred temples, lively markets, and colonial architecture. Your journey begins at Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to the impressive reclining Buddha. Next, you'll make a quick stop at Karaweik Hall on Kandawgyi Lake, which offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Following this, head to the Central Post Office, renowned for its classical European architecture.

Then, embark on a walking tour of downtown Yangon. You’ll pass by Pansodan Jetty, the Yangon River, and several stunning colonial buildings. Enjoy picturesque views of Sule Pagoda, City Hall, and the High Court in a district known for its secondhand bookstores and historic shophouses. Later, explore Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market), where you can browse a variety of foods, clothing, handicrafts, and gem shops.

After a leisurely lunch, enjoy the afternoon at your own pace.

Later, regroup for an in-depth visit to one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world—the Shwedagon Pagoda, a magnificent structure adorned in gleaming gold leaf. Be captivated by the breathtaking sunset at this monument that has stood for over 2,000 years.

This evening, savor a delightful dinner at one of Yangon’s premier fine-dining restaurants.

Set out on the northern route to Bago, a historic city that once served as the capital of Lower Myanmar. Known for its stunning religious sites, some of which are over a thousand years old, Bago offers a wealth of cultural treasures. Your visit begins at a local monastery, celebrated for its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Next, you'll explore Shwemawdaw Pagoda, a radiant stupa that soars to over 370 feet (nearly 115 meters) into the sky. Dating back to the 10th century, it holds the title of the tallest pagoda in Myanmar.

Following your exploration of the pagoda, embark on a scenic 68-mile (110 km) drive through lush forests to Kyaiktiyo. Along the way, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery.

In the afternoon, discover one of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks, the Kyaiktiyo or “Golden Rock” Pagoda. This enormous gilded boulder is a significant religious symbol for the people of Myanmar, renowned for its seemingly precarious position. Adorned with gold leaf and topped with a small, intricate stupa, it balances delicately on the edge of a cliff. From the base camp, take an open truck ride up the mountain, then continue on foot to reach the Golden Rock. Once there, take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and jungles as you witness a spectacular sunset.

As you make your way back to Yangon, your journey will take you to discover more hidden gems in Bago. The first stop is the reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, a monumental statue that remained unnoticed until 1881. This impressive Buddha was constructed by the Mon King in the 10th century. You'll also visit Kyaik Pun Pagoda, which features the Four Seated Buddhas, positioned back to back. Afterward, conclude your trip with a short visit to Taukkyan War Cemetery and Nat Tree Shrine located near Yangon.

Once you arrive back in Yangon, you'll be taken to your hotel. Enjoy your last evening in Myanmar by exploring the city.

You will be taken to the airport to catch your flight back home or to embark on an exciting customized private extension.