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Discover over 12 days the must-see sites that showcase the beauty of Myanmar: Yangon, the country’s largest city and capital until 2005, home to the extraordinary and revered Shwedagon Pagoda and magnificent colonial-era buildings; Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Konbaung dynasty, a major religious and cultural center; Bagan, one of Asia’s most impressive archaeological sites with more than 2,200 pagodas scattered across the plains along the Ayeyarwady River; and Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you will travel by canoe to explore picturesque villages and floating gardens.
Along the way, many surprises and encounters await you between these destinations.
This is a private tour including the services of one or more French-speaking guides for your visits.
TOUR UNAVAILABLE DUE TO THE POLITICAL CONFLICT
Our representative will meet you directly at the airport and transfer you by private car to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and rest
Yangon, the country’s largest city, was the capital until 2005. You will begin your exploration with the impressive Reclining Buddha of Chauk Htat Gyi, located near Shwedagon and also considered a highly important place of worship. You will then head to Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market, closed on Mondays and public holidays), a vast complex built in 1926, famous for its wide variety of handicrafts and typical goods from all over Myanmar – an excellent opportunity for some last-minute shopping.
Next, you will explore downtown Yangon, where you can stroll along Pansodan Street and admire its superb colonial-era buildings. It is also fascinating to observe the many small street markets set up along the sidewalks, especially those selling books, tools, and foodstuffs.
Before sunset, you will visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most magnificent pagodas in Asia and above all the most revered monument in the country.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. Mandalay was the last capital of the Konbaung dynasty until it fell to the British in 1885. Even today, the city remains the country’s main religious and cultural center, where you can still experience the authenticity of an older Asia and the deepest Buddhist beliefs.
Visits to Mandalay’s main highlights include the revered Mahamuni Pagoda with its Buddha image covered in tons of gold and other ancient Theravada Buddhist relics. The city holds a remarkable Buddhist heritage, with extraordinary monasteries often hidden or closed—though our guide can sometimes request special access from the monks. Among the most famous sites are the stunning Shwenandaw Monastery, built entirely of teak wood, and the extraordinary Kuthodaw Pagoda, surrounded by hundreds of stupas containing what is considered the world’s largest book, carved in marble.
You will also have the chance to observe the city’s renowned artisans, skilled in working marble, wood, silver, and gold leaf—the latter used to adorn religious objects. End the day with a breathtaking sunset in Amarapura, overlooking the majestic Ayeyarwady River, and enjoy authentic scenes of local life away from the main tourist crowds (who usually come in the morning after visiting Mahagandayon Monastery).
You will head to Mandalay jetty to embark on a short and pleasant cruise to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (11 km, about 1 hour). This site was intended to be the largest stupa in the world, but construction stopped in 1819 after the death of King Bodawpaya. A subsequent earthquake in 1838 further damaged the monument. Nevertheless, the 50-meter-high base remains extremely impressive, especially when approached from the river by boat. Nearby, you will also visit the Mingun Bell, originally intended to hang atop the pagoda but now housed in a separate shrine. It is said to be one of the largest hanging bells in the world and remains remarkably well preserved.
Your journey continues to Inwa (Ava). Founded in 1364, the city served as the imperial capital for more than 400 years (with some interruptions). Inwa is reached by a short boat ride; as no cars are allowed on the island, you will travel by horse-drawn cart between the ruins and grand monuments, many of which remain half-buried. Among the remarkable sites are the old palace walls; the Leaning Tower of Ava; the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, an extraordinary brick-and-stucco structure; and the elegant Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, one of Myanmar’s few remaining teakwood monasteries, where novice monks still study today.
Today, you will be transferred to the jetty for a pleasant boat journey along the Irrawaddy River to Bagan. Lunch is included as part of the cruise services. We always recommend this option, as the crew takes the time to share with you some unique insights into Burmese culture. Moreover, this is the only boat that makes a stop at a small riverside village, where locals make their living from crafting pots, growing peanuts, and other seasonal products.
Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, with more than 2,200 pagodas scattered across the plains along the legendary Ayeyarwady River. For your first archaeological exploration, you will visit some of Bagan’s oldest and most important temples. Among them, the Sulamani Temple, built by King Narapatisithu; the Dhammayangyi Pahto, a late-period temple renowned for its exquisite brickwork; the towering Thatbyinnyu Temple, which dominates Bagan’s skyline; as well as the Dhammayazika Pagoda or Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the earliest prototypes of Myanmar’s stupas.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda, an idyllic spot for panoramic views, and the Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century monument adorned with fine mural paintings. Later, you will explore a traditional lacquerware workshop, where you can meet skilled artisans and, as this is a private tour, even try your hand at drawing alongside them.
The day ends with Bagan’s famous sunset, enjoyed from a hill carefully chosen by your guide or private driver for the very best views.
Breakfast and then free time in Bagan.
Today, you will be transferred to Nyaung U Airport for your flight to Heho. You will begin your day exploring Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This abundant lake, located 900 meters above sea level, stretches 20 km long and 10 km wide. Travel across the lake takes you through floating villages and gardens, where you will witness the locals’ remarkable skills with their boats and gain a deeper understanding of their unique way of life.
Highlights include the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, with its four highly revered Buddha images, and the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, surrounded by floating crops, as well as Nan Pan Village, where traditional-style boats are still built entirely by hand. Along the way, your boatman will make many stops to bring you close to Inle’s charming floating gardens and guide you through welcoming, lesser-visited villages.
The main focus of this journey is to avoid tourist traps, such as Inle’s souvenir markets (including some of the “five-day markets”) and souvenir shops—unless specifically requested. Instead, you will be introduced to unique artisans, such as those in Inpawkhone, where you will visit traditional silk weaving workshops and observe how lotus flowers are processed to create fabric. However, note that many shops in this area are dedicated to selling souvenirs.
To end your day, you will take a walk in Thaleoo, a small farming village on the lake’s edge, where you can observe authentic scenes of rural life. Farmers here grow a wide range of crops depending on the season, making this one of Inle Lake’s most charming villages.
Today, you will cruise towards the 17th-century pagodas of Indein, navigating through small creeks and lush floating gardens to reach more remote corners of the lake (about one hour by boat). Here, you will enjoy a pleasant walk beginning in the small Pa-O village of Indein. From the old jetty, a 30-minute stroll through village houses leads you to the Indein ruins, featuring numerous ancient stupas and small temples overgrown with vegetation, most dating back to the 17th century.
On the way back, you will slip quietly through local houses before walking through a beautiful bamboo forest crossed by a charming little stream.
Next, you will experience an exciting gastronomic immersion in the Intha territory, at Thar Lay Ywa village. Equipped with a chef’s hat and apron, you will be guided by our experienced local chef. You will learn to cook some of the most exquisite Shan dishes and then savor them in an idyllic setting. Your instructor, the owner of a small yet famous local restaurant, will welcome you into his home in the heart of the village, sharing the secrets of Shan cuisine while you observe authentic daily life unfolding around you.
Overnight at Innthar House.
After breakfast, you will begin the journey towards Kalaw along a trail lined with vegetable and grain plantations. After about two hours of walking, you will reach the Magway Elephant Camp. This small village also serves as a recovery camp for elephants, home to mahouts and their families. Here, you will learn how to feed and care for these animals, and even help bathe or tend to them.
The purpose of this visit is not to ride the elephants, but rather to admire them in an exceptional natural setting. You will have the chance to interact with them during their relaxed bathing time if you wish. To support this meaningful project, you may also plant a tree to contribute to forest restoration before enjoying a final walk through this beautiful reserve, rich with butterflies, birds, orchids, and more.
A meal will be served at the camp. Return to Innthar House for the night.
Today, you will be transferred to Heho Airport for your return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to your hotel to rest
Transfer to Yangon Airport for your international departure flight.
All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.
Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.
If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.
No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.
However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.
You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.
That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.
It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.
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