Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Start/End: Mandalay/ Yangon
Tour Route: Mandalay – Amarapura – Mingun – Sagaing – Yandabo Village – Bagan – Mt. Popa – Yangon
Tour Type: River Cruise, Sightseeing & Experience, Landscape, Culture & History
Tour Category: Myanmar river cruise
Experience this 8-day Irrawaddy River Cruise With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, profession (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: 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 in Mandalay – Amarapura – Mandalay Palace (B)
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Sagaing (B, L, D)
Day 3: Sagaing – Yandabo Village (B, L, D)
Day 4: Yandabo Village – Bagan (B)
Day 5: Bagan – Salay – Mt. Popa (B)
Day 6: Bagan Discovery – Fly to Yangon (B)
Day 7: Yangon City Tour (B, D)
Day 8: Yangon 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!
Day 1: Arrival in Mandalay – Amarapura – Mandalay Palace (B)
Welcome upon arrival at the airport then we transfer to the hotel in Mandalay city center. Being famous as the Buddhism center in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks and monasteries.
We first visit the Mahagandayon Monastery and watch the monks in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony. We then take a stroll along the nearby U Bein Bridge to visit Kyautawgyi Pagoda, returning by boat to enjoy the cool breeze and spectacular landscape of Taungthaman Lake. Next, visit Mandalay Palace before heading to Kuthodaw Pagoda, famed as “the world’s biggest book” composed of 729 stupas. Conclude the day with a ride up the zigzagging road to Mandalay Hill. Climb to the top of the hill and watch the beautiful sunset around the surrounding plain, river, and mountains.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Sagaing (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Shwe Kyat Yet Jetty where we will sail upstream for about one and a half hour to the Mingun Pagoda Complex to see the unfinished pagoda, the Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tonnes and the biggest hanging undamaged bell in the world.
After lunch on board, we continue downstream to Sagaing and have a visit to Sagaing for about two & half hour’s excursion by coach. We then back to the board, sail downstream and enjoy the sunset over Sagaing Hill. Moor overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner, guests can enjoy a Traditional Dance on the sundeck (if available). We will spend the night on the Irrawaddy Princess II Cruise.
Day 3: Sagaing – Yandabo Village (B, L, D)
In the morning, we will cruise downstream to Yandabo Village. Defendant on the base economy is famous for the production of terracotta from the riverbank clay. Explore the pottery making process at various stages. We enjoy an hour shore excursion and then back to board and cast off. Continue our third-day trip by sailing downstream and moor overnight at near Chindwin confluence. We spend the second night on the Irrawaddy Princess II Cruise.
Day 4: Yandabo Village – Bagan (B)
Cast off early morning, we continue sailing downstream and approximately arrive in Bagan about 09:00 AM. Bagan is Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside.
Disembark from the board and start our day tour with a trip to the bustling Nyaung U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions then visit the Ananda Temple.
In the afternoon, we take a tour of a local lacquer ware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made. The highlight of today is the panoramic sunset view from the second highest pagoda of Bagan, the Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. Overnight in Bagan.
Note: Due to the water level and weather condition, sightseeing might be changed.
Day 5: Bagan – Salay – Mt. Popa (B)
This morning, we take a 30-minute drive to visit the magnificent Mt Popa volcano. On arrival, we’ll come across the ancient village of Salay, which is one of the most exquisitely beautiful places in all of Myanmar (Burma). While visiting Salay, we will spend time learning more about monastic life, Burmese Buddhism and this unique architectural style. We also visit one of the oldest wooden halls in the area, Salay Yoke SoneKyaung monastery.
Then we will be heading east toward Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 meters high. Join the pilgrims as they ascend Mt. Popa and admire the crazy statues that line the walkway, along with the monkeys that living on the mountain. Once at the peak, guests can relax and bask in the glorious views of Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 6: Bagan Discovery – Fly to Yangon (B)
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will start this day tour by an exotic horse cart ride to Nan Paya Temple, which is one of the biggest temples in Bagan and many other beautiful attractions surrounded. Continue with sightseeing to Minkaba Gubyau Gyi Temple, take note of the architectural difference in MyaZedi Pagoda before heading to Manuha Temple.
We will then take the late afternoon flight to Yangon. On arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
Day 7: Yangon city tour (B, D)
We spend a full day exploring former capital Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon city; Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake.
After lunchtime, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda. The “Golden Pagoda” is really a must-see attraction while you are in Myanmar. Enjoy some shopping in bustling Scott market (closed on Monday).
This evening, our highlight is dinner in Karaweik Palace, overlooking the Royal Lake and Shwedagon Tower. A meal of fine Burmese food will be served followed by a beautiful cultural show of music and dancing. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 8: Yangon Departure (B)
Time will be free until our car arrives to take us to Yangon International Airport for our departure flight. Tour ends. We hope that you love the itinerary and service we deliver. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours!
Recommended Hotel List:
| Location | Hotels & Ratings (3* Standard) |
| Mandalay | Hotel Yadanarbon |
| Irrawaddy River | Irrawaddy Princess II Cruise |
| Bagan | Bagan Thande Hotel |
| Yangon | Summit Park View |
