8 Days Classic Myanmar Tour

Your exploration of Myanmar's largest city begins with an authentic experience on the Yangon Circular Train. This slow-paced commuter rail offers a "moving window" into the daily lives of the Burmese people; you'll see vendors hawking fresh produce and colorful textiles right on the platforms. It is the perfect way to witness the city's local pulse before visiting the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple. Here, you will find a magnificent 66-meter-long reclining Buddha, famous for its expressive face and the 108 sacred symbols intricately carved into its feet.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), a historic colonial building housing hundreds of stalls selling everything from traditional longyis to exquisite Burmese jade. Afterward, stroll through the bustling streets of Chinatown and visit the Yangon Jetty to watch the lively activity along the Yangon River. Your day culminates in a breathtaking sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Standing nearly 100 meters tall and covered in plates of genuine gold, this 2,500-year-old monument is the spiritual heart of the nation and glows with an ethereal light as the sun goes down.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
When visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, please be aware that you must remove both your shoes and socks before entering the marble grounds. The stones can get quite warm in the afternoon sun, so visiting toward sunset is not only more beautiful but also more comfortable for your feet. In Bogyoke Market, bargaining is expected but always keep it friendly! Also, keep your camera ready for the Circular Train—the interaction with local commuters provides some of the most candid and heartwarming photography opportunities of the trip.

This morning, you will leave the bustle of Yangon behind for a short domestic flight to Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the most mesmerizing archaeological destination in Asia. As your plane descends, you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of thousands of ancient red-brick pagodas and temples rising from the misty green plains.

Upon arrival, your local Bagan guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Your exploration starts at the Nyaung Oo Market, where you can see locals trading everything from fresh tea leaves to traditional handmade pottery. From there, you will visit the magnificent Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype for all later Burmese stupas, shimmering in gold and housing sacred relics of the Buddha.

In the late afternoon, experience the timeless charm of Bagan with a traditional horse cart ride through the dusty trails of the temple plain. As the sun begins to set, you will be guided to a designated viewing point (such as the Shwesandaw Pagoda or a nearby scenic hill) to witness the world-famous Bagan sunset. Watch as the silhouettes of countless spires fade into a golden and purple sky before returning to your hotel by horse cart.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
Bagan's climate is significantly drier and hotter than Yangon's, so keep your water bottle handy. The horse cart ride is a classic experience, but it can be a bit bumpy and dusty—a light scarf or buff to cover your face is a great "pro tip" for the trails. Please note that climbing some pagodas is now restricted to preserve the structures; your guide will ensure you are taken to the best legal and safe viewpoint for the sunset. Most importantly, remember that every temple in Bagan is a sacred site, so "no shoes, no socks" remains the rule for the entire day.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bagan Airport for a short flight to Heho, the gateway to the stunning Shan Highlands. Upon arrival, a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Shan State leads you to the shores of Inle Lake, one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful and unique destinations.

A private motorized long-tail boat will be waiting to take you to your lakeside hotel. As you glide across the shimmering waters, you will witness the world-famous Inle leg-rowers. These Intha fishermen balance on one leg at the stern of their narrow boats, using the other leg to wrap around an oar—a unique technique that allows them to see over the floating vegetation while keeping their hands free to handle their conical fishing nets.

Your exploration continues at the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's holiest religious site, which houses five small gold-leaf-covered Buddha images. Next, you will visit the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, a beautiful wooden structure built on stilts, known for its collection of ancient Shan-style Buddha statues. You will also navigate through the incredible floating gardens, where the Intha people grow tomatoes and flowers on "islands" made of tangled water hyacinth and mud, anchored to the lake bed with bamboo poles. The day ends with a tranquil sunset over the water before you are transferred back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel at Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
The boat ride across Inle Lake can be surprisingly breezy and cool, especially in the early morning or after sunset, so a windbreaker or a light sweater is a must. The sun reflects off the water with high intensity, so wear plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Inle Lake is also a hub for traditional handicrafts; if you are interested, your guide can take you to see lotus silk weaving, silversmithing, or the making of traditional cheroots (Burmese cigars) in the lakeside villages.

Today's journey takes you deeper into the cultural soul of the Shan State as you navigate the winding, scenic canals of the Inn Thein Creek. The boat ride itself is a highlight, passing through lush bamboo groves and watching local farmers tend to their fields along the banks.

Your destination is Indein Village, home to one of the most atmospheric archaeological sites in Myanmar. You will explore two distinct groups of pagodas that offer a striking contrast in history and preservation. First, you will encounter Nyaung Ohak, a collection of ancient red-brick temples that have been partially reclaimed by nature. These crumbling structures, adorned with intricate stucco carvings of mythical animals and celestial beings, are dotted amidst dense overgrowth, creating a "lost world" feel.

A covered walkway leads you uphill to the second site, Shwe Inn Thein. Unlike the ruins below, this complex is vibrant and meticulously maintained. You will find over 1,000 weather-beaten stupas, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, crowded together in a stunning forest of spires. From the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Inle Lake and the surrounding valley, a perfect spot for reflection before heading back to your lakeside retreat.

Accommodation: Hotel at Inle Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
The boat trip to Indein can be slightly longer (about 45–60 minutes from the main lake) and the creek can be shallow during the dry season, leading to some fun "mini-rapids" created by the bamboo weirs. The walk up to Shwe Inn Thein is sheltered by a long colonnade, which is great for escaping the sun, but it is lined with local souvenir stalls—this is actually one of the best places to find unique Shan shoulder bags and hand-carved wooden crafts. Don't forget your camera for the viewpoint at the top!

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Heho Airport for a flight to Mandalay, the cultural and spiritual heart of Myanmar. As the last royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom, Mandalay is a city of artisans, ancient monasteries, and profound Buddhist heritage.

Upon arrival, your local Mandalay guide will welcome you and begin your city exploration. Your first stop is the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the country. Here, you can witness the deep devotion of local pilgrims as they apply layers of gold leaf to the Mahamuni Buddha image—a practice that has continued for decades, leaving the statue with a unique, "knobby" texture of pure gold.

Next, you will visit the exquisite Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery). This stunning structure was originally part of the Royal Palace and is a masterpiece of 19th-century teak architecture, renowned for its intricate wood carvings depicting Buddhist myths and celestial beings. From there, continue to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the "World's Largest Book." The "book" consists of 729 white marble slabs, each housed in its own small stupa, inscribed with the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.

As the day draws to a close, you will head to the summit of Mandalay Hill. At 240 meters high, it offers the most iconic panoramic view of the city, the winding Irrawaddy River, and the distant Shan Hills, all bathed in the warm glow of the sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
Mandalay is the center of Myanmar's traditional arts. If time permits, ask your guide to stop by a gold-leaf workshop or a tapestry (kalaga) studio to see how these crafts are still made by hand using ancient techniques. At the Mahamuni Pagoda, please note that only men are permitted to enter the inner sanctum to apply gold leaf to the Buddha, though women can observe and pray from the outer area. Also, Mandalay can be warmer than Inle Lake, so light, breathable clothing is highly recommended for the day's walking tour.

Today's excursion takes you outside the city limits to explore the monumental ruins of Mingun and the romantic lakeside setting of Amarapura.

In the morning, you will travel to Mingun, situated on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River. Your first stop is the massive Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Had it been finished, it would have been the largest pagoda in the world; today, it stands as a colossal "pile of bricks" that was split by an earthquake in 1839, leaving a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight. Nearby, you will find the Mingun Bell, a 90-ton bronze masterpiece that remains the world's second-largest ringing bell. You will also visit the striking Hsinbyume Pagoda, a beautiful white-washed temple built in seven wavy terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mount Meru.

In the afternoon, you will head to Amarapura, a former royal capital. The highlight of the day is a stroll across the U Bein Bridge. Spanning 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake, this is the longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world. Built around 1850 using reclaimed teak pillars from the old royal palace, it is a living piece of history. To conclude your day, visit the Taung Mingyi Pagoda, located near the lake, before witnessing a legendary sunset over the bridge's silhouette.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
To get to Mingun, the most scenic way is a 1-hour private boat ride from Mandalay's Gaw Wein Jetty. The river breeze is refreshing and offers great photo opportunities of local life. At the U Bein Bridge, the best way to experience the sunset is by hiring a small wooden rowing boat. This allows you to drift on the lake and capture the iconic silhouette of monks and locals walking across the bridge against the orange sky.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel as your journey through the golden landscapes of Myanmar comes to a close. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some last-minute time to stroll through the local markets to pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs—perhaps some traditional marionettes or a piece of lacquerware—to remember your adventure.

At the designated time, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Mandalay International Airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination.

Accommodation: /
Meals: Breakfast