General Information
Duration: 15 days/14 nights
Start/End: Yangon/Yangon
Tour Route: Yangon – Golden Rock – Bago – Bagan – Popa – Mandalay – Amarapura, Ava & Sagaing – Mingun – Kakku – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Indein – Yangon
Tour Type: Adventure, Sightseeing & Experience, In-depth History & Culture
Experience this Myanmar Lifetime Adventure 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: Yangon Arrival
Day 2: Yangon – Golden Rock (B)
Day 3: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon (B)
Day 4: Yangon – Bagan (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Yangon, only full-day guide in Bagan)
Day 5: Bagan & Villages (B)
Day 6: Bagan – Popa – Bagan (B)
Day 7: Bagan – Mandalay (Alliance Myanmar Cruise) (B)
Day 8: Mandalay – Amarapura, Ava & Sagaing (B)
Day 9: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun (B)
Day 10: Mandalay – Heho – Kakku (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Mandalay, only full-day guide in Inle)
Day 11: Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Day 12: Inle Lake – Indein (B)
Day 13: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Heho, only full-day guide in Yangon)
Day 14: Yangon (B)
Day 15: 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!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Mingalaba! Welcome to the gateway city of Yangon with amazing things to discover. Today, you are welcomed by our tour guide at the airport and then our driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy your drive as you pass through the fabulous streets in the downtown city. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Golden Rock (B)
Be an early bird this morning to take a trip through the scenic route to reach Golden Rock pagoda (194km – 5 hours). Upon arrival at Bago, transfer to Golden Rock base camp and then move to the transit junction where a small open truck is waiting to carry you to the pagoda. Once reaching the destination, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent panoramic view of the large area. Overnight in Golden Rock.
Day 3: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon (B)
This morning enjoy the lovely sunrise moment by strolling around the hill sites before having breakfast in the hotel. Afterward, leave the base camp for a drive to Bago, the beautiful city which used to be the ancient capital of the Mon kingdom. Visit the local market as you reach Bago to witness authentic local life.
Next, head to the thousand years old Shwemawdaw Pagoda. From there you can proceed to Shwethalyaung Pagoda where you can behold the giant Buddha image 55 meters long and 16 meters high. Take time to gaze out at the pagoda before returning to Yangon. Stop for sightseeing at Allied War Memorial Cemetery along the way back. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 4: Yangon – Bagan (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Yangon, only full-day guide in Bagan)
This morning board a flight to Bagan – the paradise of the sun. Upon arrival, get a glimpse of the local life in the lively Nyaung U Market before spending the whole day discovering the fantastic mix of the man-made masterpiece and nature's creations in outstanding ruins and pagodas in the region.
Nothing can compare to the moment in the late afternoon when you climb up to the top of the highest pagoda to wait for the majestic sunset slowly hidden behind the cloud. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 5: Bagan & Villages (B)
Day 5 provides you with a full day to explore the simple life of the locals in the villages. Step aside from enjoying the scenic beauty along your sightseeing route, you will have a great opportunity to learn about the people's lifestyle, culture as well as the history of the region. Even more, get on a stunning Pony cart and ride along the rugged paths and capture the real charm of Bagan through the countless temples and stupas.
Then take time to behold the charm of this wonderland before embarking on a breathtaking cruise trip this afternoon to cruise along the Irrawaddy River down to the Shwezigon Pagoda. Sitting on the sundeck and enjoying the scenery and the light breeze swaying into the air.
Day 6: Bagan – Popa – Bagan (B)
Following your breakfast in the afternoon drive to Mount Popa – an extinct volcano well-known for its spectacular view above 1518 meters high. In order to reach the top of the mountain, you have to hike up to 777 steps. But it is truly an amazing route cause you will capture many monkeys that you can even play with them. Your guide will introduce you to the important role of the mountain in Myanmar culture as well as its religions and history at every step.
Up to the pagoda on the top of the mountain, you will have an opportunity to learn about Nats of Burmese (natural spirit) and Nats worship. Spend time sightseeing around the pagoda and return to Bagan in the afternoon.
Day 7: Bagan – Mandalay (Alliance Myanmar Cruise) (B)
This morning transfer to Alliance Myanmar Cruise to move to Mandalay. Your local guide will wait for you at the jetty to pick you up to the hotel as you arrive.
Day 8: Mandalay – Amarapura, Ava & Sagaing (B)
This morning transfer you to Amarapura after a 30-minute drive to visit Mahagandayon Monastery where you will approach the famous monastery of more than a thousand monks living and studying. Continue your trip with a visit to U Bein Bridge – the longest teak bridge in the world to marvel at the gorgeous view over Taungthaman Lake.
Next, head to Bagaya Monastery to visit the oldest religious monastery of Mandalay which is widely known as the teak wood monastery possessing intricated designs. After lunchtime, take a short boat trip to reach the former Royal Capital of Inwa. Here you can explore the region on a horse-drawn carriage. Stop at Namyint Watch Tower to witness the architecture of Myanmar in the 19th century. From there stroll through the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery – an impressive brick monastery built in 1818. Proceed to Bargaya Monastery to see the fabulous ornate woodcarvings and teak posts before driving to watch the sunset and gain a panoramic view of the area.
Day 9: Mandalay – Irrawaddy River – Mingun (B)
Following your breakfast a local boat trip up the Irrawaddy to the ancient Mingun. After 45 minutes you will reach the charming town and then head to the Mingun bell to marvel at the biggest intact bronze bell in the world. Next, visit the unfinished Mingun Paya which is intended to be built as the largest religious pagoda in the world.
Highlight your trip with a visit to the fantastic white-washed Hisnbyme Pagoda to take awesome photos. Then stroll through the neighboring village to see the traditional basketry and have an interesting talk with the artists. Your afternoon sightseeing continues with a visit to the charming Royal Palace where you can marvel at the majestic architecture. Later, transfer to Mandalay Hill in the evening for a commanding overview of the city. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 10: Mandalay – Heho – Kakku (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Mandalay, only full-day guide in Inle)
This morning take a flight to Heho. Upon arrival, continue traveling by road to Taunggyi and more one hour to Kakku. Gaze out at the great complex of over 2000 stupas as you head to Kakku Pagoda.
Continue your sightseeing after lunch with a stop at Htan-Ph-Ya village and cave. Here you can witness many unknown Shan Buddha images kept on the wall of the cave. Fulfill your trip through the picturesque landscape of Kakku with a visit to Pao village – home to one of the nine ethnic groups in Shan State before returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Your wonderful morning starts with a drive to Pindaya Cave where you can marvel at thousands of Buddha images inside. Next visit the 200-year-old wooden Sin Khaung Monastery built in the traditional Shan style. Here you can witness the impressive bamboo weaving Buddha images and bronze statues.
Complete your meaningful day with a visit to the traditional village to learn more about their bamboo hat-making, pottery, umbrella, shan paper as well as other beautiful handicrafts. From there transfer to the hotel in Nyaung Shwe for check-in.
Day 12: Inle Lake – Indein (B)
Awake your morning of day 12 with a visit to the 5-day rotating market to soak up the vibrant atmosphere with the locals wearing colorful traditional dresses sitting in front of their vendors with full of products. Next, embark on a breathtaking boat trip to explore the scenic beauty of Inle Lake. After rowing through the channels you will reach the charming Indein village where you can marvel at the majestic complex of ancient stupas. Spend time wandering along the colonnades of stairways through shop stalls and then head to the nearby village to visit the long neck tribal women and gaze out at their daily life on the stilts with the traditional lotus weaving.
Later return to Inle Lake where you will see the most expected image of leg-rowing fishermen with their unique rowing method using one leg to keep an oar and another leg to stand on the boat. Remember to bring your camera to save this best moment.
Day 13: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon (B) (No guide for airport transfer in Heho, only full-day guide in Yangon)
Say goodbye to Inle Lake this morning to take a flight to Yangon. As you arrive, head to Bogyoke Aungsan Market (Scott Market) to indulge in the hustle and bustle atmosphere and observe the daily trading of the local people. (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and gazette holidays) Here you can find myriads of interesting Burma souvenirs from jewelry to lacquerware. If you want to purchase, this is a great chance for you to show off your bargaining ability.
Next, continue your city tour with a stop at St Mary's Cathedral, a fantastic red-brick building constructed in 1899. Visit Sule Pagoda at the roundabout of the city and Mushmeah Yeshua Synagogue which is one of 188 sites in the list of Yangon Heritage Buildings. Spend time here to meet the Trusty and learn about the life of Jewish in the Pagoda Land. Afterward, visit Little India and amazing Chinatown. Stop at one of the vendors and have an exciting talk with the seller and listen to them about their ware. It is really interesting!
Day 14: Yangon (B)
Today continue exploring the charming Yangon with a drive through the street to capture the fabulous mix of Burmese and British colonial architecture that you can find nowhere in Asia. From the Post office drive-through Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden, and Independence Monument to reach Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda – home to the giant reclining Buddha image with 66 meters long and intricate design in the feet featuring Burma art. Next, you will have time for stunning photos at the Karaweik Hall – the royal floating barge on the poetic Kandawgyi Lake.
Remark your afternoon sightseeing in Yangon with a final visit to Shwedagon Pagoda to marvel at the legendary construction with 5448 diamonds and 2873 rubies tipped on the crown. Enjoy the fantastic sunset view before going back to the hotel.
Day 15: Yangon – Departure (B)
The day is at leisure until the driver comes to transfer you to the airport to fly to your departure. Trip ends. We hope that you love the itinerary we design for 2 weeks in Myanmar. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours!
