Magical Myanmar

14 days - A fantastic tour including visiting the must-see site in Myanmar (Burma)...

• Yangon - 2 nights
• Bagan (Pagan) - 3 nights
• Mandalay - 3 nights
• Mt Popa
• Pyin Oo Lwin
• Kalaw - 2 nights
• Inle Lake - 2 nights
• Yangon - 1 night
• 4 & 5 star hotels
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1: Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar
Our guide will meet you upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and you will be transferred to your hotel. If time allows, we will take a short orientation tour of Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon (B)
Our tour today starts from the very centre of Yangon, taking in the Sule pagoda, the Mahabandoola Park, the colonial courthouse and the city hall.

We then explore the Chinese quarter and the Indian quarter, with stops to visit the beautiful Chinese temple Kheng Hock Keong and enjoy Burmese tea. Continue along the famous Strand Road and visit the bustling Yangon harbour.

In the afternoon, we'll see the huge reclining Buddha image at Chauk Htat Gyi pagoda, and especially the Shwedagon Pagoda with its glistening stupas covered with 60 tons of pure gold. The pagoda is regarded as the holiest monument of Myanmar and a wonder of the world. If time allowing we'll saunter the Scott Market for better knowledge of local life and shopping opportunities.

Day 3: Yangon - Bagan (B)
Transfer to Yangon airport for a morning flight to the ancient city of Bagan in upper Myanmar.

Upon arival we'll tour the city's most important pagodas and temples such as Shwezigon, Ku Byauk Gyi, Khay Min Ga, Ananda, the Mon-styled Manuha, Nanbaya, Gu Byaukgyi, the city's central market and a lacquer ware village in Myinkaba.

In the evening there's a chance to contemplate the sunset into the fabulous land of gods from a popular vantage point.

Day 4: Bagan - Nathtaung Kyanung - Bagan (B)
Today we tour the site of Tayokepyay temple in Min Nan Thu Village, then Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya temples, noted for their exquisite 13th century murals.

We then visit Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation center in Bagan. We also pay a visit to some farming villages and take a cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River to the nostalgic Nat Htaung Kyaung - a wooden monastery dating back to 1781 to admire its woodcarvings and ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes.

Day 5: Bagan - Salay - Mt.Popa - Bagan (B, L)
Today we drive for around 2 hours to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano. Conquer the 777 steps to the animistic shrine called by the locals as "Nats", which offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

After lunch we head back to Bagan via Salay and tour Yokesone Monastery, the oldest surviving wooden monastery hall that's built on 154 teak posts with beautiful wood carvings decorating the outer walls.

Day 6: Bagan -Mandalay (B)
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Mandalay.

Proceed overland to Amarapura to visit the 200-year-old U Bein teak bridge; Mahagandayon monastery - home to over one thousand monks; Bagaya Monastery with a superb collection of Buddha statues.

In the afternoon we contemplate the spectacular Buddha image covered in thick layers of gold leaves at the Mahamuni pagoda, Shwe Inbin monastery, the Golden Palace Monastery of Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung - an example of a traditional wooden building, Kuthodaw pagoda -known for the huge book of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures.

Day 7: Mandalay- Ava - Sagaing -Mingun - Mandalay (B)
Todays excursion to the former royal capital of Ava (Inwa) starts with a short boat trip.

Continue on a horse cart to Nanmyint Watch Tower, the remains of the palace building nicknamed "Leaning tower of Ava", Maha Awingmye Bonzan and Bargayar Monasteries, one famous for its structure of brick and stucco and the other impressive ornate woodcarvings and teak posts.

We then visit Mingun - another former capital city of Myanmar. Mingun is famous for its huge unfinished pagoda housing Mingun Bell, the world's largest uncracked ringing bell, the beautiful white pagoda Hsinbyume, and the unfinished Mingun Paya, one of the world's largest chedis by King Bodaw Paya. Return to Mandalay for overnight.

Day 8: Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) - Mandalay (B)
Early this morning we journey along the beautiful road winding through the countryside for Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly known as Maymyo.

Pyin Oo Lwin is home to many ethnic tribes, famous for its moderate climate, a popular hill station set up by the British during colonial days in Myanmar.

We'll visit the central market with multicolored flowers and vegetables and the huge botanical garden "laid out by Sir Harcourt Butler, former Governor of Burma" to observe the conservation of diverse botanical species around the world.

We also tour the Purcell Tower and Shiva Temple and the Candacraig (now the state-owned Thiri Myaing Hotel) before driving further towards Hsipaw to visit Pwe Kauk Falls (Hampshire Falls), and Pyeik Chin Miang - the deep caves full of Buddha images. Return to Mandalay for the night.

Day 9: Mandalay - Heho -Kalaw (B)
Today we travel by air to Heho in Shan State.

On arrival we will be met by our guide before proceeding by road to Pindaya (40 miles) for a visit to the Pindaya Caves, a unique site housing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over the centuries.

After the caves, we continue on the narrow, bumpy road to Kalaw (30 miles), a delightful hill station on the rim of the Shan Plateau and market centre for ethnic minorities. The remainder of the day will be at own leisure.

Day 10: Kalaw (B, L)
After breakfast we set out with our guide on a gentle trek to the hill villages around Kalaw. Head for the Palaung villages of Ywa Thit and Tar Yaw located west of Kalaw on the rim of the mountains.

We take time to visit the hill villages longhouses, mountain plantations and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The animist Palaungs were amongst the earliest inhabitants in Myanmar and have kept to their traditions living with several families in longhouses, cultivating cash crops and tanapet for Burmese cheroot cigars. Proceed to a view point which overlooks the whole mountain range. Time-permitting proceed to the Palaung village of Hin Khar Khan before returning to your hotel in Kalaw.

Day 11: Kalaw - Inle Lake (B)
After breakfast we set off by road for Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's best-known sights and our base for the next few days. This region is home to Intha people, a tribe of Mon descent.

After checking into the hotel we'll be taken on an enjoyable boat trip to see the famous leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and the magnificent scenery. We will also visit the Phaungdaw U Pagoda, one of the main shrines in Myanmar which date back to the 18th century; the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and the weaving village of Inpawkhon.

Day 12: Inle Lake - Inn Dein - Inle Lake (B)
After breakfast we travel by boat to the middle of the lake then continue downstream a small canal to the village of In Dein. This part of the boat trip is very interesting thanks to the busy activities along the banks.

After visiting the village, we take the covered stairway to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou where ancient stupas are partly covered by vegetation. Alaung Sitthou offers a magnificent view over the lake. Return to the hotel early afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

NOTE: Subject to dates and if time allows, there may be an opportunity to visit a colourful local market in the Inle Lake region.

Day 13: Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon (B)
Today we bid farewell to Inle Lake and return to Yangon by air. In Yangon we'll have ample time to relax or further explore the city independently.

Day 14: Yangon-Departure (B)
Free till transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure.

Beach Extensions & multi country options available:

Please contact us for details.

Weekly - Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Prices are based upon a small group tour staying in good 4 star and 5 star accommodation. Price exclude international flights. As an agent for airline consolidators, we can obtain your international flights at a competitive rate to suit your preferred departure date. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

* Surcharge will apply to the above price during Water festival period, which is celebrated yearly for 12-15 days towards end of April.

Price Includes (The prices shown are 'per person')

• All flights within Myanmar including airport tax.
• All airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Supply of bottled water provided whilst in vehicle
• Air conditioned transportation & bottled water in vehicle
• Guaranteed Departure

Price Does Not Include

• International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
• Visa fees
• Travel Insurance.
• Early check-in & late check-out
• Tip for driver and Guide.
• Fuel surcharges prior to full payment

FAQ and further Tour information
Please see our FAQ page for further essential tour information.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of the flight available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.