General Information
Duration: 9 days/ 8 nights
Start/End: Yangon/ Yangon
Tour Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mt Popa – Mandalay – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Yangon
Tour Date: Not fixed. Up to your schedule
Tour Type: Cycling, Adventure & Discovery, Nature, In-depth Culture
Experience this 9-day Best of Burma with:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge and humor (English-speaking guides, other languages upon request)
- Drivers: polite, friendly, responsible, reliable with many years of driving experience
- Vehicles: comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned, big window
- Meals: meals are arranged at local restaurants so you can taste authentic Burmese cuisine
- Accommodation: well-chosen accommodation. Besides, various types of accommodation are available, from 5-star hotels, 4-star hotels in the best location, good value 3-star hotels, to boutique hotels reflect the style of the region
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing around Yangon
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan (not including early check-in at Bagan Hotel)
Day 3: Bagan Excursion (B)
Day 4: Bagan – Mt Popa – Bagan (B)
Day 5: Bagan – Mandalay (Alliance Myanmar Cruise)
Day 6: Mandalay bike tour (B)
Day 7: Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Day 8: Inle Lake & Indein – Yangon (B)
Day 9: Departure (B)
Please note that every element of the tour below can be tailored. Tell us your specific interest and we will be happy to make adjustments for you. This inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing around Yangon
Mingalaba! Welcome to Myanmar - the Golden Land of Myanmar!
Today, our passionate and professional tour guide will meet you at the airport. Afterward, ready for a memorable city tour around Yangon with the first stop at Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to gaze out at the giant 66 meters long reclining Buddha image. Next, follow our guide to Karaweik Hall – a golden barge with an impressive design floating over the beautiful Kandawgyi Lake.
In the late afternoon, head to the dramatic Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar where the legend is said to be home to several Buddha relics. Take your time to witness the legendary construction built with 16 tons of pure gold, and topped with over 7000 diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Enjoy the sunset view from the pagoda and then return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan (not including early check-in at Bagan Hotel)
Get up early this morning to hit the local Bogyoke Aungsan Market, the largest bazaar in Yangon to get a glimpse at the daily trading of the people and a variety of interesting Myanmar souvenirs such as gems, foods, and clothes. (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and gazette holidays).
Next, drive to St Mary's Cathedral – a lovely religious Catholic church. From there proceed to the 2500-year-old Sule Pagoda, an impressive 44 meters stupa in the heart of Yangon. Indulge in the lively atmosphere as you visit Little India and Chinatown, two of the amazing streets in the city where you will observe the ancient colonial architecture faded on the street building and have an interesting chat with the locals selling exotic wares. Later, transfer to the station for a night bus to Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan Excursion (B)
With over 2000 temples remaining to date, Bagan is one of the most wonderful towns in the world for travelers to visit and discover. Power up your amazing day 3 with a visit to the Nyaung U Market, the colorful market in Bagan for a quick look at the daily life of the local people. Next, join in a temple tour to capture the fascination of the most outstanding pagodas among over 2000 heritage sites in the region.
First, stop at Shwezigon Pagoda which is said to ensure Buddha's hair and tooth. From here proceed to Ananda, the beautiful well-persevered temple; Htilominlo, the majestic 46 meters three-story temple; Thatbyinnyu, one of the highest temples in Bagan; Dhammayan Gyi, the dramatically pyramid-shaped; and Sulamuni Pagoda to fulfill the art and architecture experience of Bagan. Gain a spectacular sunset moment in the highest temple in the region before transferring for a visit to the traditional lacquerware workshop to witness Myanmar's traditional souvenirs. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan – Mt Popa – Bagan (B)
Highlight the 4th day with an amazing trip to Mt Popa – an impressive extinct volcano that is said to be the birthplace of Myanmar Nats (Spirits). Hike up to 777 steps to reach the pagoda on the top and gain a panoramic view of the area. Afterward, return to Bagan and stop for a short visit to the palm tree plantation and a local tranquil village to learn more about Myanmar culture.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the Irrawaddy River where you will take a breathtaking boat trip to behold the scenic landscape along the riverside and wait for the stunning sunset moment – which is considered the most attractive moment in Bagan. There is a great option for you this day: experience a wonderful hot air balloon ride to float over thousands of temples in Bagan.
Day 5: Bagan – Mandalay (Alliance Myanmar Cruise)
Transfer to Alliance Myanmar Cruise this morning to reach Mandalay. Upon arrival, meet your tour guide at the jetty and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 6: Mandalay bike tour (B)
An exciting day as you get on the bike and discover the charm of Mandalay. This morning, cycle to Amarapura – the city of Immortality where you will visit Mahagandayone Monastery one of the largest teaching monasteries in Myanmar to learn more about the daily life of monks. Then head to U Bein Bridge – the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world to save several beautiful photos.
Later, head to Sagaing – an important religious area in southeast Mandalay which is home to over 600 Buddhist monasteries. Visit Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thon Sae Pagodas, two beautiful pagodas full of history and Buddha images. Along with your biking route, stop to visit the local market, Silverware Cottage Industry, and Clay pot making. Enter a Nunnery to explore the life of Buddhist nuns before completing your 6th day in the impressive Mahamuni Pagoda which is famous for Buddha images.
Day 7: Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
This morning says goodbye to Mandalay to board a flight to Heho Airport. Upon arrival, transfer to Pindaya, the beautiful town where you will capture the attractive limestone caves, picturesque lakes, fields, and plantations.
Head to Pindaya cave to marvel at 9000 Buddha images inside the cave. Next gaze out at the 250-year-old Bayan tree before transferring to Nyaung Shwe for an overnight.
Day 8: Inle Lake & Indein – Yangon (B)
The morning of day 8 begins with a breathtaking boat trip to discover the life above the water. Passing through the iconic floating gardens, stilt houses, and monasteries, you will be captivated by the simple beauty as well as the local life of the inhabitants is working on their gardens and the leg-rowing fishermen rowing by one leg. A wonderful boat trip also transfers you to the silversmiths and cigar factory for a quick look at the production. After that, proceed to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Nga Phe Chaung Monastery to marvel at the main attractions of the Inle Lake region.
Next, enjoy your lunch and continue your boat trip to reach Indein and Pa-Oh village where you will witness a fabulous complex of stupas. Spend time strolling around the nearby local school to see how it operates or if you wish, a hike to the top of the hill to gain a fresh atmosphere is always available. Later, transfer to the hotel and check out, our driver will come to pick you up to transfer to the airport for a flight to Yangon.
Day 9: Departure (B)
This morning is free to let you enjoy the charm of Yangon city before the driver transfers you to the airport to take a departure flight. Trip ends. We hope that you love the itinerary we design. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours! We hope to see you again soon!
