Myanmar Family Tour 9 Days

Transfer to Mingaladon Airport in Yangon for your flight to Mandalay. Upon your arrival, kick off your sightseeing adventure with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country’s most venerated Buddha statues. Over time, this image has been adorned with layers of gold leaf, giving it a distinctive ‘lumpy’ appearance.

Mandalay is renowned for its talented artisans, and during your tour of traditional workshops, you will gain insight into the city’s cottage industries. Watch as skilled craftsmen create wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold leaf items, using techniques that have been preserved for centuries since they were originally developed for the Royal Court.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues at Kuthodaw Pagoda, famous for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, which have earned it the title of the ‘World’s Biggest Book.’ Next, visit Shwenandaw Monastery, the last surviving structure from the 19th-century Royal Palace. This impressive teak building is celebrated for its intricate wood carvings. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the top of Mandalay Hill to take in breathtaking views of the city and the Irrawaddy River.

You will spend the night in Mandalay.

You’ll have some free time to explore on your own, or you can join one of our optional excursions.

OPTIONAL MANDALAY SIGHTSEEING TOURS TO THE HISTORIC CAPITALS OF AMARAPURA, AVA, AND SAGAING:

Embark on a journey around Mandalay to discover the historic capitals of Amarapura, Ava, and Sagaing. Your adventure begins in Amarapura, where you can witness a unique ceremony at Mahagandayon Monastery, where over a thousand monks gather to receive their daily meals from local Buddhists.

After this inspiring experience, head to U Bein Bridge for a stroll along this iconic 200-year-old teak structure. Spanning over 2 kilometers, the bridge provides stunning views of the surrounding farmlands and waterways. Before leaving Amarapura, visit a silk weaving workshop known for its exquisite handmade textiles.

Next, travel to Ava, the capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the area. You’ll stop to explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remnants of the Royal Palace and Fort.

In the afternoon, cross the bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Renowned for its 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is considered the spiritual heart of Myanmar. It is home to around 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers, and you will visit notable pagodas, including Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin, U Min Thone Sae, and Shin Pin Nan Gyaing.

You will spend the night in Mandalay.

Your picturesque journey to Bagan will commence with a scenic drive. During the trip, you'll have the chance to explore local villages, gaining insight into Myanmar's culture, traditions, and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. You will reach Bagan in the late afternoon. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, when Bagan served as the capital of Myanmar, its rulers erected thousands of impressive stupas and temples, many of which still stand majestically along the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

You will spend the night in Bagan.

Begin your day with an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over the stunning plains of Bagan. Experience breathtaking views as the sun rises, illuminating the stupas and the Irrawaddy River—a truly unforgettable adventure! (Note: this experience is available only from October to March at USD 315 per person.)

After enjoying breakfast, your exploration starts at the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where locals gather daily to trade fresh produce and various goods. Next, visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda for an insightful introduction to Bagan’s rich heritage.

In the afternoon, you'll head to a traditional lacquer ware workshop to observe the craftsmanship behind one of Myanmar's most famous artisanal products.

Then, visit Ananda Temple, an architectural gem and one of Bagan’s most stunning temples. Constructed in the early Mon style, Ananda houses two distinctive Buddha images, which appear to change expression based on your viewing angle. Afterward, take a horse cart tour that will take you past Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan, the impressive Dhammayangyi Temple known for its exceptional brickwork, and the Sulamani Temple. Conclude your day by witnessing an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

You will spend the night in Bagan.

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time at your leisure, or you can choose to join us for the following optional excursion:

OPTIONAL BAGAN VILLAGE ADVENTURE TOUR:

Embark on a journey to Myinkaba village, where you can enjoy a short walking tour to visit Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple adorned with beautiful jataka murals, as well as the Manuha and Nan Paya temples. You'll also have the chance to visit a workshop and witness the intricate process of making lacquer ware, one of Myanmar's most renowned traditional crafts.

In the afternoon, head to the rural village of Minnanthu, an area in Bagan that is less frequented by tourists. Here, you’ll explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya while gaining insight into the local farming lifestyle. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the top of Tayoke Pyay temple as the sun sets over the plains.

You will spend the night in Bagan.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nyaung Oo Airport for your flight to Heho. Once you arrive in Heho, enjoy a picturesque one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the village that serves as the gateway to Inle Lake. During your journey, make a stop at the stunning wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, known for its intricate carvings and impressive collection of Buddha images.

Upon arriving at the outskirts of Inle Lake, hop aboard a private motorboat to explore this breathtaking destination, recognized as one of Myanmar’s most remarkable sights. Glide past stilted villages inhabited by the local Intha people, and watch the unique leg-rowing fishermen at work, as well as their floating gardens crafted from water hyacinth and mud, secured to the lakebed with bamboo poles.

Next, visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, home to numerous Shan Buddha images, but famous for its playful ‘jumping cats’ that leap through hoops. Proceed to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s principal sanctuary, which houses five sacred Buddha images adorned with gold leaf.

Immerse yourself in the local craftsmanship by visiting the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are handmade. If time allows, you may also take a brief stroll through one of the lakeside villages.

You will spend the night on Inle Lake.

After enjoying your breakfast, head to the morning market on the lake. This market changes its location among the lake's villages every five days and attracts local residents as well as nearby hill tribes who come to sell and trade their goods. (Note: The market operates daily, except on dark moon days and full moon days.)

From the center of the lake, continue your journey through a narrow canal that leads to the Pa-oh village of In Dein.

Take some time to explore the village on foot, visiting a local school and wandering through the picturesque Alaung Sitthou area. Ascend the covered staircase that takes you to the summit, where you’ll find a collection of beautiful ancient stupas and enjoy stunning views of the lake below. After your tour, make your way to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

You will spend the night in Yangon.

Depending on your flight schedule, you have the option to participate in some additional activities, such as taking a morning ride on Yangon’s Circle Train. This morning, you’ll be transferred to the Yangon Railway Station for a unique journey on the city’s circular train, which takes about 45 minutes and travels through the outskirts of the city. This leisurely ride provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the vibrant and colorful daily lives of the local residents.

You will disembark at Insein Market, where you can explore various stalls and engage with the welcoming vendors before heading back to Yangon. Afterward, you may want to visit Bogyoke Market, previously known as Scott’s Market, where you can browse a wide range of Myanmar handicrafts and other items until it’s time to transfer to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight. (Note: The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays.)