General Information
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Start/End: Mandalay/Yangon
Tour Route: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun – Bagan – Heho – Kalaw – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Indein – Maing Tauk Village – Ngapali – Yangon
Tour Type: Beach, Sightseeing & Experience, Landscape, Culture & History Discovery
Experience this Myanmar Highlight & Beach Vacation With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, and 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: well-chosen hotels are listed below. Besides, various types of equivalent 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: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun
Day 2: Mandalay – Bagan River Cruise
Day 3: Bagan Discovery
Day 4: Bagan & Villages
Day 5: Bagan – Heho – Kalaw
Day 6: Kalaw – Pindaya
Day 7: Pindaya – Inle Lake
Day 8: Inle Lake – Indein
Day 9: Inle Lake – Maing Tauk Village
Day 10: Inle Lake – Ngapali
Day 11: Ngapali
Day 12: Ngapali – Yangon
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: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun
Mingalaba! Welcome to the Golden Land of Myanmar to unlock the myths and hidden beauty.
This morning board a local boat trip to cruise up the Irrawaddy to Mingun. After reaching the peaceful town, gaze out at the Mingun Bell. With more than 87 tons making it become the world's second-largest intact bronze bell. Next, head to the unfinished Mingun Paya which was intentionally constructed to be the largest religious site in Myanmar.
Also, take time to visit the white-washed beautiful Hsibyume Pagoda, Unfortunately, it was damaged by two large earthquakes which lead to the abandonment of the pagoda. From here transfer to the neighboring traditional village to interact with the local craftsmen and learn about the production of artistic items. Your afternoon sightseeing continues after you return to Mandalay. Head to the Royal Palace to admire the residence of the last royal dynasty in Myanmar. Later, relax in Mandalay Hill to behold the commanding overview of the city.
Day 2: Mandalay – Bagan River Cruise
Start your second day in Myanmar with a beautiful sunrise from the upper deck of RV PANORAMA with a well-served breakfast. Here enjoy the light breeze under the warm sunlight before cruising to Bagan. The scenic landscape of the Irrawaddy riverside ensures to give you an unforgettable moment. Relax on the sundeck and enjoy scrumptious Burmese cuisine later. Perhaps the most interesting experience today is to wear the traditional longyi and put on Thanakha makeup as our included service. Later, enjoy the majestic sunset time till you reach Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan Discovery
Start your exciting day 3 exploration with a visit to the local Nyaung U Market to gain insight into the daily life of the community. Your sightseeing day then proceeds to the pagodas and temples in the region to explore the art and architecture of Bagan. Possessing over 2000 temples and pagodas, Bagan is truly a dizzy daydream that will never fail to impress you.
Next, head to the local lacquerware workshops and wood crafts to witness how the artisans create their unique products from generation to generation. In the afternoon, follow your lunch by a drive to a hill for the sunset view. From there you can gain a panoramic view of the area under the magical sunset.
Day 4: Bagan & Villages
Be an early bird today to head for a full day discovering the hidden beauty as well as the history, culture, and local lifestyles of Bagan and its villages. Get on a Pony cart and slowly enjoy the charm of the landscape from a different perspective.
Perhaps the most expected moment of today is heading to the jetty in the afternoon for a private boat trip where you can relax on the open deck and gain fabulous views as you cruise along the Irrawaddy River to the Shwezigon Pagoda. Take time to enjoy the tranquil ambiance and listen to the swaying light breeze in the air.
Day 5: Bagan – Heho – Kalaw
Say goodbye to Bagan this morning to board a flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and guide and quickly transfer to Kalaw – a former British colonial town. Take a stroll through the central market to reach Hnee Pagoda where you will find a 500-year-old bamboo Buddha image. From there you can walk across the Shwe U Min Pagoda (or Shwe Oo Min Paya) to witness the cave with golden Buddhas.
Along the route, you will find impressive images that remind you of British colonial times such as restored cottages and Christ the King Church – a religious monument that reveals the active Christian worship in Myanmar. Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 6: Kalaw - Pindaya
This morning head to Pindaya as you pass through the Shan Plateau where you will capture the poetic mountain rice. Start your visit with the first stop in Pindaya caves situated on a limestone ridge offers you a magnificent view with thousands of Buddha images displayed in different chambers. Afterward, walk to some local houses nearby to explore the production of Shan paper and parasols.
Day 7: Pindaya - Inle Lake
Start your 7th day with a drive to Nyaung Shwe where you will embark on a boat trip and transfer to the hotel in Inle Lake. The rest of the day provides you with a breathtaking time on your private boat. trip. First, stop at the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which is the most sacred religious site in southern Shan State. Your wonderful boat trip will take you to explore the local lotus weaving, handicrafts, and wooden handlooms. Here you will not just have an opportunity to behold the beautiful scenery but also gain an insight into the life of the Intha people who have inhabited the lake for a hundred years.
After passing through the exceptional floating gardens, houses, and monasteries, stop at the 200-year-old Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery to get a glimpse at the oldest wooden monastery in Inle Lake. From here proceed to Nampan village to witness the local cheroot factory and canoe carving.
Day 8: Inle Lake – Indein
Continue your exploration in Inle Lake with an early trip in the morning to the 5-day rotate market where you will see a mix of colorful dresses, products, and people. Next, get on a boat trip and cruise along the scenic channel to reach Indein to gaze out at the complex of ancient stupas. Take a stroll through the exotic relics to reach the "long neck" tribal women and listen to their story of the origin of the big rings around their necks. Gaze out at their daily life with traditional weaving and handicraft before returning.
Along the way back, you will see the highlight of the lake with the iconic leg-rowing fishermen who always stand by one leg and use another leg to wrap an oar. Remember to bring your camera to save this best moment.
Day 9: Inle Lake – Maing Tauk Village
Enjoy your breakfast then prepare for a full day of discovery beyond your poetic Inle Lake. Begin with a walk to the morning market in Nyaung Shwe to indulge in the mix of colorful fruits, vegetables, goods, clothing, and more. After that reach the village of Pa-Oh and Intha people as you pass the eastern shore where you may see many Buddhist nuns and monks go back from their morning alms. Spend your time wandering around the village to behold the scenery and talk with the friendly local people.
Next up, hike up to the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery to learn about the wine production in the factory. If you wish, it is available to taste 4 types of wine (including account) while sitting in the Red Mountain restaurant and waiting for the magnificent sunset moment.
Day 10: Inle Lake – Ngapali
Say goodbye to the picturesque lake this morning to board a flight to Ngapali beach – the most attractive beach in Myanmar. The day at leisure lets you explore the beauty of the beach.
Day 11: Ngapali Beach
Today is a full day for you to explore the beautiful Ngapali Beach, you can rent a bike from your hotel and cycling along the seashore to power up a delightful morning. Then if you want to discover the local lifestyle, head to the fishing village near the beach to meet the people and see their way of life. Also, do not miss your chance to immerse in the turquoise water of Ngapali
Day 12: Ngapali Beach – Yangon
Your time is free until your private driver comes to pick you up to transfer to the airport to fly to Yangon where your holiday ends. Hope you have had a meaningful vacation in Myanmar.
