Travel like Myanmar local 14 Days

Start your morning with a visit to the renowned Shwedagon Pagoda, standing over 326 feet tall and adorned with gold and gemstones. As the most sacred site in Myanmar, its origins remain uncertain, but local legend suggests the initial structure was built 2,500 years ago and later restored multiple times, with its present form dating back to the 15th century. Every Burmese person dreams of visiting this revered pagoda at least once in their lifetime.

Afterward, explore downtown Yangon, designed in a colonial grid by the British. Stroll through the tree-lined streets and enjoy a city orientation tour, including stops at the Chaukhtatgyi (Reclining Buddha) and various Colonial Buildings in the heart of the city.

In the evening, head to the train station and board the overnight train to Mandalay, with a travel time of approximately 15 hours. (For those preferring not to take the train, you can opt for a flight to Mandalay the following day. Additional costs for airfare and an extra night in a Yangon hotel will apply.)

Overnight on the train.

Upon your early morning arrival in Mandalay, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, embark on a cultural exploration starting with the Mahamuni Buddha Pagoda, one of Myanmar's most revered sites.

Next, visit local workshops specializing in gold-leaf production, sculpture, wood-carving, puppetry, and tapestries, offering insight into traditional Burmese crafts.

Proceed to the Golden Palace Monastery, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings and historical significance as the residence of King Mindon.

Continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, often referred to as the "world's largest book" due to its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Tripitaka texts.

Conclude the day with a drive up Mandalay Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city and a breathtaking sunset.

Overnight in Mandalay.

After an early lunch, the car will pick you up at 12:00 PM. Your journey to Hsithe begins with a drive north, passing Mandalay Hill and traveling through scenic farmland. Along the way, you’ll pass through various villages, offering a glimpse into rural life in Myanmar. The road also takes you east of the renowned Marble Mountains, where the marble used by Amarapura’s craftsmen is sourced. By 2:00 PM, you'll reach Singu, a charming town on the left bank of the Irrawaddy River. Here, you’ll board the village boat from Hsithe for a 30-minute trip downstream. This boat ride is a wonderful chance to spot local wildlife, especially water birds like Ruddy shelducks, Chinese spot-billed ducks, Asian openbills, Black kites, ospreys, and cormorants. (Most birds are migratory, and the ideal time to see them is from late November to late March.)

You will reach Hsithe around sunset, just in time for a light refreshment at the Visitor Centre. Witness the breathtaking sunset as the sun dips behind the western mountain ranges. The Ayeyarwady River gleams in the foreground, while the sky transitions from gold to crimson, purple, and eventually black. Both the Visitor Centre and the Eco Lodge are beautifully situated on the east bank of the river, offering panoramic views. Dolphins are often spotted feeding in the nearby waters. Dinner will be served, and the evening can be spent relaxing under a sky full of stars.

In the morning, wake up to the sound of the wooden drum from the village monastery. Enjoy breakfast at the Visitor Centre. If you're up early, you’ll witness the village monks on their morning alms round, where villagers come out to make offerings, continuing a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

Later, try your hand at becoming a fisherman or fisherwoman! The one-hour training session is a fun and engaging experience. You'll first be shown how to cast a net, and then it’s your turn! Using a specially designed lightweight net, you’ll practice two or three throws on the grounds near the centre. Afterward, you'll head out by boat to shallow waters to further hone your skills. This enjoyable activity is perfect for all ages and is sure to be a memorable experience.

Lunch will be served at the Visitor Centre. Afterward, take some time to explore the many informative displays, which provide insight into village life, including fishing, farming, and local wildlife, especially the Irrawaddy River dolphin. You’ll also have a chance to shop for locally made handicrafts at the Visitor Centre's shop. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the village, led by a local resident. Here, you can observe the fascinating daily life of the villagers—their homes, animals, activities, and monasteries. It’s a place of bullock carts, cheerful children, and a community whose way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. But alas, it will soon be time to leave this peaceful village.

After lunch, you’ll have some free time to further explore the rural village at your own pace before taking a boat ride upriver to Singu. The evening twilight provides the perfect backdrop for spotting water birds, offering a fantastic photo opportunity for both bird enthusiasts and casual observers as the birds return to roost in the tall trees beyond the Blue Mountains to the east. Departing Singu at 4:15 PM, you will arrive back at your hotel in Mandalay around 6:30 PM.

After breakfast, set out to explore the ancient capitals of Ava, which served as the center of several Burmese kingdoms for over five centuries. Take a local ferry across the river to reach the island of Ava, where you’ll embark on a unique horse cart tour to discover the area. Visit the historic teakwood Bagaya Kyaung Monastery and Mai Nu Oakkyaung for an authentic glimpse of Ava’s rich history.

Next, drive approximately 7 miles south to the outskirts of Mandalay, arriving in the town of Amarapura. On the way, stop by a fascinating stone carving neighborhood, where artisans still use traditional techniques to cast bronze statues, particularly Buddha images, at the Tampawaddy village bronze casting workshop. Finish the day with a walk across the iconic U Bein Wooden Bridge or take a canoe ride on Taungthaman Lake to soak in the scenic beauty and observe the life of local fishermen.

Overnight in Mandalay.

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the jetty to board the Alliance River Cruise/RV Panorama, setting sail for Bagan. This full day of cruising offers a wonderful chance to witness daily life along the Irrawaddy River, a famous waterway that begins in the northern region of Myanmar at the foot of the Himalayas and flows southward into the Indian Ocean. Along the journey, the RV Panorama will stop at a village, providing an opportunity to observe the local lifestyle up close. Arrive in Bagan by evening and transfer to your hotel.

Explore Bagan by e-bike, starting your journey through one of Southeast Asia's most significant archaeological sites, home to nearly 4,000 religious structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Notable stops include the majestic Ananda Temple, Shwe Gu Gyi, and Maha Bodhi. You'll also visit a lacquerware workshop to observe the fascinating production process. Continue to Shwezigone and Gubyaukgyi Temples, known for their beautiful mural paintings, and Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, visit a traditional village to engage with the local community. Conclude the day with a visit to Sulamani Sunset Viewing Hill for an unforgettable sunset experience.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the vibrant Nyaung U Market. Continue on to explore the massive “Dhammayangyi” and “Sulamani” temples, winding your way through a landscape dotted with ancient structures. In the afternoon, stop by a lacquerware shop to witness the intricate craftsmanship. Afterwards, explore several temples near Min Nan Thu village, followed by a visit to West Phwar-Saw village to experience the everyday life of the locals. Conclude your day with a stunning sunset view from “Pyathadargyi” Pagoda, offering breathtaking panoramic scenery.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to the bus station for your journey to Nyaung Shwe. 

Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace—feel free to consult with your guide for recommendations on places to visit.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

This morning, the journey to explore the stunning sights of Inle Lake begins with a boat ride, taking you to floating villages scattered across the lake and various aquaculture facilities, along with traditional fishing practices, art, and crafts. You will visit a market in a village that takes place every five days, offering a vibrant scene filled with different tribes dressed in traditional costumes, allowing you to observe local handicrafts. After that, you'll head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most revered pagoda in Shan State, and Ngephechaung Monastery, home to a collection of Buddha images, as well as the floating gardens and villages.

Overnight stay in Inle.

After breakfast, you’ll set off to explore the floating villages that dot the lake, along with the aquaculture facilities, traditional fishing methods, and local arts and crafts. A visit to the silk and lotus weaving village in Inbawkhone and the craft workshops in Nampam village is included.

Next, enjoy a walk through the fields and villages toward Indein Village. Here, you’ll explore the Indein Pagoda complex, which features over a thousand stupas perched on a hillside, accessible via the scenic Indein canal.

Afterward, you’ll drive to the Nyaung Shwe bus station to catch a bus to Yangon. 

Overnight on the bus.

In the early morning, you'll arrive in Yangon. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy some leisure time.

Overnight stay in Yangon.

Transfer to the airport for your international departure.