Essential Myanmar

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

• Yangon (Rangoon) - 2 nights
• Mandalay - 2 nights
• Bagan (Pagan) - 2 nights
• Inle Lake - 3 nights
• Yangon - 1 night
• Amarapura
• Mingun - Ava - Saging
• Mt.Popa - Pindaya - Inpawkhon
• 4 or 5 star hotels
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1: Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar (Dinner)

Meet our guide upon your arrival at Yangon International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. Depending upon your flight time, we will have a short excursion to Myanmar's holiest monument the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden Stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Yangon (formerly Rangoon) (Breakfast)

Today we have a full day tour to discover the colourful capital city of Yangon, formerly named Rangoon. Our tour includes visiting the National Museum, Sule pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, the colonial courthouse and city hall.

Later we hop on a rickshaw for a drive around the colonial district, where we stop at a local teashop to enjoy Burmese tea. We then continue along the famous Strand Road and visit the bustling Yangon harbor.

In the afternoon we explore China town and admire the beautiful Chinese temple, Kheng Hock Keong. Stroll through thecolourful Theingyi Market and Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly named Scott's market) for souvenir shopping and some free time. Note: Bogyoke Scott Market is closed on Mondays.

Day 3: Yangon - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay (Breakfast)

This morning we travel by air to Mandalay, where we meet our local guide upon arrival and proceed overland to Amarapura.

In Amarapura we'll visit Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery, home to over one thousand monks. We continue to the 200-year-old U Bein teak bridge which dates from 1782, when Amarapura was the royal capital. Later we visit Bagaya Monastery which houses 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. We will also visit Shwe Inbin monastery and the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung) which is a superb example of traditional wooden engineering. Later we visit Kuthodaw pagoda, known for the huge book of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Conclude the day watching the magnificent sunset over the hills of Mandalay.

Day 4: Mandalay - Mingun - Ava - Saging -Mandalay (Breakfast)

After breakfast we transfer to the jetty and board a private boat for a cruise across the Irrawaddy River towards the former capital of Mingun. Mingun is famous for its huge unfinished pagoda housing Mingun Bell, the world's largest uncracked ringing bell, and the beautiful white Hsinbyume pagoda. From Mingun we continue by boat to Inwa (Ava) then enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the Namyint watch tower, the leaning tower of Ava, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery built of brick and stucco and Bargayar Monastery with its numerous impressive ornate woodcarvings and teak posts.

Day 5: Mandalay- Bagan (Breakfast)

Take a morning flight to the ancient city of Bagan (formally Pagan) in upper Myanmar and upon arrival take a guided tour of 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 lacquerware making village in Myinkaba.

Day 6: Bagan - Mt.Popa - Bagan (Breakfast)

Today we journey to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, to challenge ourselves with climbing the 777 steps to the animisticnbshrine at the top of the volcanic plug. After lunch (not included) at the beautiful Popa Mountain Resort, we drive to Salay and tour Yokesone Monastery. Yokesone is Myanmars oldest surviving wooden monastery hall, built on 154 teak posts with beautiful wood carvings decorating the outer walls.

Return to Bagan via Chauk, where you will see the old Burma Oil installations of nodding donkeys, and scenic views along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

Day 7: Bagan - Heho - Pindaya - Inle Lake (Breakfast)

Bid farewell to Bagan and fly to Heho. Meet our local guide upon arrival and we drive to Pindaya and visit the unique Pindaya caves crammed with Buddha images from pilgrims over many centuries. We also call in at a Shan Paper Umbrella workshop before transferring to Nyaung Shwe to take a boat to our hotel on Inle Lake.

Day 8: Inle Lake -Inpawkhon -Inle Lake (Breakfast)

This morning we tour Inle Lake by boat to experience local life in this secluded corner of the world. We will have the opportunity to see leg-rowers, floating gardens and villages.

In the afternoon we travel further to see Phaungdawoo pagoda and the weaving village of Inpawkhon and other interesting sights along the way.

Day 9: Inle Lake (Breakfast)

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy Inle Lake at your own leisure.

Day 10: Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon (Breakfast)

Today our guide will meet you for your transfer to Heho Airport and flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon

Day 11: Yangon-Departure (Breakfast)

Free time until your transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure.

Beach Extensions & multi country options available: Please contact us for details.

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Prices are based upon a small group tour excluding international flights from UK. 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.

* 50% 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
• Selections of superior/deluxe 4 star hotels
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Supply of bottled water provided whilst in vehicle
• Air conditioned transportation
• 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.