Myanmar Explorer
This 14-day, 13-night tour includes all Myanmar destinations. We could have spent our valuable time with this package.
Domestic Airtickets
Luxury Transportation
4-5 Star Accommodations
National and Asean Licensed Tourist Guide (Multilanguage)
Tours will start from Yangon!
Our Zawgyi Guide will greet you at Yangon International Airport and our happy holidays will started.
Details & Itinerary
14DAYS/13NIGHTS; DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL YANGON (D)
Yangon Airport to Yangon city centre (20 km): 30 – 60 mins.
Upon arrival, meet with Zawgyi Guide and head to the hotel for check-in and a chance to freshen up. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
After lunch, meet with the guide and head to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great introduction to Myanmar’s unique brand of Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of Buddha, the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and a great many locals gather here to pray.
Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea as while sitting amongst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.
Next, follow the guided tour to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here, witness the glittering Karaweik Barge, a replica of the Royal Barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon Pagoda in the background. Depending on the day, Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come on the weekends to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the locals believe that the original structure was built 2500 years ago and was then renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99-meters tall, gilded with gold leaf, and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead around the massive complex and learn why this temple is so revered among locals.
Overnight in Yangon.
DAY 2 - YANGON – KYAIKHTIYO - GOLDEN ROCK (B)
Yangon-Kyaikhtiyo (167 km): 4h
This morning the tour starts at 08:00.
Depart Yangon for a journey by road to Kyaikhtiyo and the Golden Rock.
Late morning, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo Base Camp (approximately 5 hrs). Travel by local, open-air truck along a winding road (45 minutes) and be dropped off a short five-minute walk from the Golden Rock. A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar’s most important pilgrimage sites. The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha and Buddhist from across the country come here to pay homage.
Overnight near Golden Rock.
DAY 3 - KYAIKHTIYO - BAGO - YANGON (B)
Yangon-Bago (80 km): 2h
This morning there is the option to visit the Golden Rock again to see the rising sun casting its rays upon the rock. Starting before dawn, local pilgrims gather by the rock to make offerings in the solitude of the morning. It’s a unique and memorable experience that’s not to be missed.
Today the journey continues at 08:00.
Return down to base camp by the same route on foot and by open-air truck. Then drive to Bago, the former capital of the Mon Kingdom.
The visit in Bago begins at a local market for a short walk amongst the colourful stalls selling flowers, produce, and spices. Then visit Shwethalyaung Temple, which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha, and the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Shwemawdaw is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. At 114 meters tall, it’s even taller than Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards, visit a local Mon village nearby for a short walk through this quiet, typical rural village that was once famous for its silk weaving.
On the way back to Yangon, stop at the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan. This beautiful, peaceful cemetery is the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers.
Overnight in Yangon.
DAY 4 - YANGON - HEHO - INLE LAKE (B,L)
Heho Airport to Nyaung Shwe (28 km): 45 mins Nyaung Shwe Jetty to Hotel on Inle Lake (10 – 20 km): 30 – 60 mins
After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho.
From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.
Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat and head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by local Intha people. Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Prepare lunch with a local family- This cooking course is a fun and interesting way to learn about the traditional flavors and preparation techniques of Burmese cuisine. Join a local Inthar family in their kitchen to cook local dishes then sit on the floor at a round table and dine in the local way. Minimum 2 persons
Peruse the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand.
If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
Overnight on Inle Lake.
DAY 5 - INLE LAKE - IN DEIN - INLE LAKE (B,L)
This morning the sightseeing begins at 08:00.
Visit the lake’s bustling morning market for unique insight into the local cultures of the area. The market rotates its location every day in 5-day cycles. Villagers from the surrounding hill tribes come to the market to sell and trade their wares -making it the perfect place to witness the uniquely diverse population of people in Inle Lake’s surrounding areas all in the same place. (Note: the market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day).
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the village of Indein. Explore the area on foot and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. From here, climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill covered with picturesque ancient stupas. Enjoy magnificent views of the lake below from this vantage point.
After enjoying the visit to Indein, return to the boat. Continue along the lake for additional sightseeing before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.
Overnight Inle Lake.
DAY 6 - INLE LAKE - HEHO - MANDALAY (B)
We will depart from Inle after breskfast at hotel. Today we will arrange by
landtransportation from Inle to Mandalay. On the way we can visit to famous circular
train bridge, Kalaw city, Railway station and enjoy other beautiful scenics. Driving hours
may take about 6 hours. Checkin at hotel and Dinner at Hotel host by Asia Zawgyi
Travels. Overnight at Mandalay Hotel.
DAY 7 - MANDALAY - SAGAING – AVA- AMARAPURA – MANDALAY (B)
Mandalay-Amarapura (13 km): 30 mins Mandalay-Sagaing (21 km): 50 mins
This morning the tour starts at 08:00.
Depart for an excursion to the outskirts of Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Ava, Sagaing, and Amarapura.
First, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to more than 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Visit Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae Pagodas for a glimpse into the unique environment of this area.
Then, pay a visit to Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists frequent. Discover a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver, and other handicrafts. Also stop at a small pottery village to see the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar.
Then continue south of the city to Ava, Myanmar’s capital from 14th to 18th centuries. A short ferry ride across the river drops off at the station where a horse and carriage will be waiting. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. There are many small villages located amid Ava’s ruins as well. Travelling by horse and cart is the perfect way to witness the unique local life in this rural area.
On the way back to Mandalay, stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. After touring this tranquil site, continue to the iconic U Bein Bridge. The bridge was constructed from 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace and is 1.2 kilometers in length -making it the world’s longest teakwood construction. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous views of the surrounding lake and farms.
Return to Mandalay late in the afternoon.
Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 8 - MANDALAY - MINGUN – MANDALAY (B)
Today the sightseeing begins at 08:00.
Transfer to the Mandalay jetty and board a private local boat for a 1-hr cruise on the Irrawaddy River to Mingun.
Visit the main sites of Mingun beginning with the famous Mingun Pahtodawgyi. This huge brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted the King would die should the temple be completed. In the 1800s, an earthquake left several large cracks in the structure. Continue on to the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda, whose distinctive style is meant to resemble the mythical Mount Meru. Then, see the Mingun Bell which, weighing in at more than 90 tons, is considered the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell.
Return to Mandalay by boat and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, visit Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha image which, over the years, has been covered with metres of gold leaf, giving it a distinct ‘lumpy’ texture. This is the perfect place to witness Burmese culture in action, as a great number of locals come to pay their respects and earn merit.
Mandalay is well-known for its skilled craftsmen. After Mahamuni Pagoda, tour some of the city’s traditional workshops, and learn about the city’s unique cottage industry. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf using techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Make a marionette- Join local craftsmen at their workshop and create a unique traditional puppet. A hands-on way to learn about the local culture and create a memorable, personalized souvenir!
Continue the tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title being home to the ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teakwood building is known for its exquisite woodcarving.
Afterwards, there’s an option head to the top of Mandalay Hill -the highest point in the city. From this vantage point, get amazing views of the city below as the sun sets.
Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 9 - MANDALAY – BAGAN (B,D)
Our couch will ready at Hotel after breakfast at Hotel then transfer to Bagan. We can see
some rural life and beautiful scenic during 5 hours of driving. We will arrive to Bagan at
the afternoon and check in at Hotel. Then dinner will serve at Hotel and overnight.
DAY 10 - BAGAN (B,D)
Today’s excursion starts at 08:00 with a visit to a range of sites, providing a great
overview of Bagan’s history, culture and lifestyles.
The journey begins at an elevated viewpoint with spectacular views over the surrounding
plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture.
Next continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan and which is
quiet in the morning, before all the tour buses arrive.
Afterwards, head to Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple, the latter of which is noted
for the beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on
its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with
nice Buddha statues and stone work.
DAY 11 – BAGAN (B, D)
Today there are three options to choose from depending on preferences.
Ballooning over Bagan : Start the morning with an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight
over Bagan’s temple-studded plains -widely considered to be one of the most iconic
experiences in Asia. Pastries, croissants, coffee and tea are provided while the balloon is
inflated. Climb aboard before gently rising above thousands of gilded stupas and earthen
temples all back-dropped by the impressive Irrawaddy River. Be sure to bring a camera,
as this will surely prove to be one of the best photo opportunities of the entire trip. As you
eventually drift back to earth, you will be greeted by our dedicated crew, and can
celebrate your flight with a glass of chilled sparkling wine, in true aeronautical tradition.
Please accept, with our compliments, your own Oriental Ballooning cap and personallysigned
flight certificate before we return you to your hotel or guest house.(Note: available
only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting).
Swe Daw Lay Su Legendary Tour : Discover one of Bagan’s most famous legends while
following in the footsteps of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant. By boat, car
and jeep, visit four auspicious sites and travel amid rural villages in a journey that brings
the legend to life, all while getting an intimate look at Burmese local life.
Excursion to Mount Popa & Salay : Take a break from temple touring in Bagan to visit
Mount Popa and Salay. Start with a drive to Chauk and visit a fabulous morning market
filled with locals buying and selling their goods. Continue on to the village of Salay, an
important Buddhist centre, and visit its famed wooden monastery with intricate carvings.
Turn east and head through the countryside to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano which is
believed to be home to ‘Nats’, or ancient Burmese animist spirits. Climb to the top for
stunning views of the surrounding countryside before heading back down to Bagan. (Note:
Salay monastery museum closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays)
At the evening we plan to enjoy Dinner with Puppet show in Bagan.
Overnight at Bagan Hotel.
DAY 12 - BAGAN (B)
After breakfast at Hotel, our private driver and local tour guide of Zawgyi Travel will pick
up you at lobby of hotel. After that drive to Palin Elephant camp; the only camp near
Bagan where we can see the way they live and join in their bath in the Irrawaddy River.
After that we will drive back to Bagan and relax at Hotel for a while.
At the afternoon, we will visit rest of the Pagoda and interesting places around Bagan.
We join Sunset Cruise Tours on the Irrawaddy River, cruise on one of these ships will be an
unforgettable and unique experience for you. This is also guaranteed by the personal
service and support provided by the local crew on board our ships, which, with just five
double cabins, make the concept of our premium service, individual river cruise a unique
experience for every passenger. We arrange a dinner at Local Restaurant. (Own Account)
and Overnight at Bagan Hotel.
DAY 13 - BAGAN – YANGON (B)
Check out from hotel and transfer to Bagan (Nyaung U) Airport for the flight to Yangon. On
arrival, transfer to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
Our trip finishes happily in Yangon with lovely recollections.
DAY 14 - DEPART YANGON (B)
After the Breakfast, drive back to Yangon. Visit to Bogyoke Market; the shoppers’ paradise,
and at the evening visit to Shwedagon Pagoda; the landmark of Myanmar, Today we have
some free and flexible time before check-out from hotel at 12:00 noon. Our vacation is
happily finish and transfer to Yangon International Airport.
Service Including
- HOTEL (3 Nights at Yangon Wyndham Grand Hotel, 1 Night at Golden Rock Mountain
Top Hotel, 2 Nights at Inle Amata Garden Resort, 3 Nights at Mandalay Rupamandalar
Resort, 4 Nights at Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort with Twin Share System)
DOMESTIC FLIGHT (RGN-HEH and NYU-RGN by Air KBZ)
TRANSPORTATION (Daily transportation with SUV)
TRANSFER (River Boat from Mandalay to Mingun, Airport Transfers)
MEALS (Described in Itinerary)
Puppet Show
Sunset Cruise
Horsecart Riding
GUIDE (Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish,
and Thailand)
Entrance Fees, Zone Fees, Admission Fees and Special Pass (Only for described
Itinerary)
Fruits and Fresh Juices
Mineral Water and Towels
Travel Insurance (Only for described Itinerary)
Service Excluding
- International flight ticket
Services not specified in the itinerary and Service including
Lunches & Dinners which do not mentioned in itinerary
Surcharge applied by hotels (mostly beach resorts) during end of the year festive
season,
Surcharge applied (mostly beach resorts during end of the year festive season) &
supplements for compulsory Christmas dinner and New Year Eve dinner applied by
some hotels during the Festive Period
Visa Fees, COVID-19 Test Fees, Health Insurance & International Air Route
All expenditures of personal nature & Camera Fees, drinks and tips
Service & Destination which is not mentioned
Credit card fees (2-3%) or bank transfer fees for non-cash payments