Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and former capital. Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your flight time, begin your first visit with Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous landmark in Yangon and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Enjoy your first evening in the city with a local dinner and overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
Take an early morning flight to Bagan, the ancient temple city known for thousands of pagodas and monuments. Upon arrival, start your sightseeing with Tharabar Gate, Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple, one of the highest temples in Bagan.
Continue to Nat Hlaung Kyaung, a rare Hindu temple in Bagan, before enjoying lunch near the riverside. After hotel check-in and a short rest, visit Myinkaba Village, famous for lacquerware workshops. Continue to Manuha Temple, Gubyaukgyi Temple and Nanpaya Temple. In the late afternoon, enjoy sunset over the temple plain if weather and local conditions allow.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan – Salay Excursion
After breakfast, transfer to the jetty for a boat trip along the Irrawaddy River to Salay, a charming town known for its old monasteries, colonial houses and traditional woodcarving.
Visit Yoke Sone Monastery, an important heritage site famous for its fine wooden architecture and carved decorations. Enjoy the peaceful river scenery and learn more about the history of the ancient kingdom.
Return to Bagan in the afternoon and take time to relax. Later, visit Dhammayangyi Temple, one of Bagan’s most mysterious temples, followed by Sulamani Temple, known for its elegant architecture and mural details.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan – Mandalay
Start the morning with a visit to Nyaung U Market, where local people buy and sell fresh produce, flowers, snacks and daily goods. This is a wonderful place to observe local life in Bagan.
Then travel by road to Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar. On the way, stop at local palm juice workshops to learn about traditional village products.
Upon arrival in Mandalay, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the country. Continue to local craft workshops before visiting Shwenandaw Monastery, famous for its beautiful teakwood design. End the day with sunset from Mandalay Hill.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 5: Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay
After breakfast, begin your Mandalay city tour with the Royal Palace area, once the centre of Myanmar’s last kingdom. Continue to Kuthodaw Pagoda, often known for its stone inscription slabs, and visit Sandamuni Pagoda.
Enjoy a local Mandalay noodle lunch before taking a boat trip across the Irrawaddy River to Mingun. Visit the famous Mingun Bell and the unfinished Mingun Pagoda, two remarkable landmarks that reflect the ambition and history of Myanmar’s royal past.
Return to Mandalay and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 6: Mandalay – Amarapura – Sagaing – Inwa – Mandalay
After breakfast, drive to Sagaing Hill, an important Buddhist centre filled with pagodas, monasteries and meditation retreats. Enjoy panoramic views over the Irrawaddy River and visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda.
Continue to Maha Ganayon Monastery before having lunch in the countryside. In the afternoon, explore Inwa, an ancient royal capital, where you can visit Nan Myint Tower and Bagaya Monastery, known for its impressive teak pillars and woodcarving.
On the way back to Mandalay, stop at Amarapura and visit U Bein Bridge, the famous long teakwood bridge. Enjoy a gentle walk and sunset atmosphere before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 7: Mandalay – Heho – Kalaw
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Heho. Depending on flight time, you may visit Paleik, known for its old temples and local religious sites.
Upon arrival at Heho Airport, drive to Kalaw, a former hill station located in the mountains. With its cool climate, fresh air and peaceful scenery, Kalaw is a wonderful place for light trekking and relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy a short walk around Kalaw town and experience its quiet mountain atmosphere.
Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 8: Kalaw – Nyaung Shwe – Inle Lake
Start the morning with a visit to Kalaw’s local market, where you may meet ethnic minority people from surrounding villages. Continue to Shwe Oo Min Pagoda, Hnee Pagoda and Christ the King Church.
After lunch, drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake. Surrounded by blue mountains and peaceful scenery, Inle Lake is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in Myanmar.
Check in at your hotel in Nyaung Shwe or Inle Lake and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Inle Lake or Nyaung Shwe.
Day 9: Inle Lake Sightseeing by Boat
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day boat excursion on Inle Lake. Discover the unique lifestyle of the Intha people, who live in floating villages and cultivate vegetables on floating gardens.
Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and local craft villages. Depending on the market schedule, you may also visit Ywama Village or Indein Village, where ancient stupas and peaceful rural scenery create a memorable experience.
Along the way, learn about lotus weaving, traditional crafts and local lake cuisine. This is one of the most fascinating days of the tour, offering a beautiful mix of culture, nature and local life.
Overnight in Inle Lake or Nyaung Shwe.
Day 10: Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
After breakfast, visit Nyaung Shwe Market, a lively morning market where local vendors sell fresh produce and daily goods. Continue to Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, known for its charming teak architecture and oval windows.
If time permits, visit a local vineyard for a short experience before transferring to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon.
Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to your hotel. Later, visit Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha Temple, home to an impressive reclining Buddha image. Enjoy a local dinner and overnight in Yangon.
Day 11: Yangon Departure
Begin your final morning with a visit to Yangon’s riverside area and city centre. Visit Sule Pagoda and enjoy a walking tour around downtown Yangon, where colonial-era buildings, local shops and street life reveal the character of the city.
Continue to Bogyoke Aung San Market for shopping and last-minute souvenirs. After lunch, transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Essential Myanmar Tour Package 11 Days.