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Discover in 9 days the very essence of what has made Burma famous: Yangon, the country’s largest city and capital until 2005, with its extraordinary and revered Shwedagon Pagoda and magnificent colonial-era buildings; Mandalay, the last capital of the Konbaung dynasty and still today the country’s main religious and cultural center; Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, 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 take several canoe trips 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 POLITICAL UNREST
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 at leisure to relax and rest.
Yangon, the country’s largest city, served as the capital until 2005. You will begin your exploration with the impressive Reclining Buddha of Chauk Htat Gyi, located near Shwedagon and considered a highly important place of worship. Next, head to the Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market, closed on Mondays and public holidays), a vast complex built in 1926 and famous for its wide variety of handicrafts and typical goods from across Myanmar – an excellent opportunity for some last-minute shopping.
Continue with a visit to 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 on the sidewalks, especially the stalls selling books, tools, and foodstuffs.
Before sunset, you will visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most magnificent pagodas in Asia and above all the most revered monument in the country.
Today, you will be transferred to Yangon Airport for a flight to Bagan (approx. 1h20).
Bagan is 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 a first introduction to this sacred land, you will explore some of Bagan’s oldest and most important temples. Among them, the Sulamani Temple, built by King Narapatisithu; the Dhammayangyi Pahto, a temple from one of the last dynasties, renowned for its exquisite brickwork; and the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which dominates Bagan’s skyline, as well as Dhammayazika Pagoda or Shwezigon Pagoda, a prototype of Myanmar’s earliest stupas.
In the afternoon, your tour continues with the Shwesandaw Pagoda, an idyllic spot for panoramic views, and the Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century monument featuring fine mural paintings. Later, you will visit a traditional lacquerware workshop to meet skilled craftsmen and discover these unique products. Since this is a private tour, you may even try your hand at drawing alongside the local artisans.
Finally, you will enjoy Bagan’s famous sunset from a hill carefully chosen by your guide to ensure the very best views.
Overnight in Bagan.
You will be free to explore the temples and landscapes of Bagan at your own pace. After a full day of visiting the main monuments (Day 2), you will already be familiar with the area. This day is dedicated to relaxation, peaceful strolls, or revisiting the places that left the greatest impression on you.
If you wish, we can offer several optional activities depending on your interests at the moment:
We recommend renting an E-bike (small electric scooter) with the help of your guide, to freely explore Bagan’s temples and scenery.
An excursion to Mount Popa can be arranged. This long-extinct volcano is home to a Nat temple (spirits of the gods), perched a hundred meters above the ground and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
We also suggest a boat trip to Kyun Thiri Island to discover its old wooden monastery, rich local agriculture, and many other surprises.
And for those who plan ahead, a hot-air balloon flight over Bagan is also possible (must be booked several months in advance). You will be picked up early in the morning, just before sunrise, to admire the first rays of light over more than 2,000 pagodas – a spectacular experience. The flight lasts around 2 hours, and a light snack will be served on board.
Today, you will be driven by private car to Mandalay (about 3 hours), giving you the chance to admire the agricultural landscapes stretching along the Ayeyarwady River.
In the afternoon, you will visit the ancient capital of Inwa (Ava). Founded in 1364, it served as the imperial capital for more than 400 years (with some interruptions). Inwa is reached by a short boat ride, and since no cars are allowed on the island, you will travel by horse-drawn cart between ruins and grand monuments, some still half-buried. Highlights include 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 the few surviving teakwood monasteries in Myanmar, where novice monks still study today.
If time permits, you will also visit the Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura, home to over 1,200 monks and novices studying Buddhism. The monastery is often crowded with tourists during the monks’ mealtime, which can make the experience less authentic. To avoid this, your visit is scheduled for the afternoon, when the atmosphere is much quieter and more serene.
Finally, continue to Amarapura, another former capital of the Burmese Empire, founded under the Konbaung dynasty. It served twice as the imperial capital (1783–1821 and 1842–1859). The city’s main attraction is the world-famous U Bein Bridge, built around 1850, the longest teak bridge in the world stretching 1.2 km across Taungthaman Lake. End the day with a breathtaking sunset at U Bein Bridge, enjoying unique views over the majestic Ayeyarwady River and authentic scenes of local life, far from the main tourist crowds (who typically visit in the morning after Mahagandayon).
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the jade wholesale market, where 80% of the world’s jade extraction and trade originates from northern Myanmar. Located in the city center during the morning, the market is surrounded by numerous shops and stalls. Entry inside costs around USD 3, but there is plenty to see outside as well, which is usually sufficient.
Next, you will be transferred to Mandalay jetty for a short and pleasant private cruise to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (11 km, about 1 hour). This site was intended to be the world’s largest stupa, but construction was halted in 1819 after the death of King Bodawpaya, and an earthquake in 1838 further damaged the monument. Even so, the 50-meter-high base remains extremely impressive when approached by boat along the river. Nearby, you will also visit the Mingun Bell, originally meant to hang atop the pagoda but now displayed in a separate shrine. It is said to be one of the largest hanging bells in the world and remains remarkably well preserved. Return to Mandalay by private boat.
In the afternoon, visits to Mandalay’s main highlights include the revered Mahamuni Pagoda, with its Buddha image covered in tons of gold, along with other ancient Theravada Buddhist relics. Mandalay is home to a rich Buddhist heritage, with extraordinary monasteries often hidden or closed—though your guide can sometimes request special access from the monks. Among the most famous sites are the stunning Shwenandaw Monastery, built entirely of teak, and the extraordinary Kuthodaw Pagoda, surrounded by hundreds of stupas containing what is considered the world’s largest book, carved in marble.
If the weather permits, end the day with a breathtaking sunset from Mandalay Hill, offering panoramic views over the region and the majestic Ayeyarwady River.
Flight to Heho (about 30 minutes), then drive to Inle Lake (about 1 hour). You will begin your day exploring Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This abundant lake lies 900 meters above sea level and stretches 20 km long and 10 km wide. Travel on the lake takes you through different villages and floating gardens, where you can admire the locals’ remarkable skill with their boats and gain a deeper understanding of their unique way of life.
Highlights include the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to four highly revered Buddha images; the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, surrounded by floating crops; and Nan Pan Village, where you can witness the traditional handmade construction of boats. Along the way, your boatman will make several stops to bring you close to Inle’s charming floating gardens and guide you through small, welcoming, and more remote 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 see how lotus flowers are processed into fabric. However, many shops in this area are primarily 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 cultivate a wide range of crops depending on the season. It is considered one of the most charming villages around Inle, with particularly kind and smiling locals welcoming passersby.
Today, you will cruise towards the 17th-century pagodas of Indein, navigating through small creeks and lush floating gardens to reach the more remote corners of the lake (about 1 hour by boat). Here, you will enjoy a pleasant walk starting from the small village of Indein. From the old jetty, a 30-minute stroll through the houses of this Pa-O minority village leads you to the Indein ruins, with numerous ancient stupas and small temples overgrown with vegetation, most dating back to the 17th century. On your return, you will slip quietly through local houses before passing through a beautiful bamboo forest crossed by a charming little stream.
Next, you will experience an exciting gastronomic immersion in the Intha region, at Thar Lay Ywa village. Wearing a chef’s hat and apron, you will be guided by our experienced local chef as you learn to cook some of the most exquisite dishes and enjoy them in an idyllic setting. Your instructor, the owner of a small but well-known local restaurant, will welcome you into his home in the heart of the village, sharing the secrets of Shan cuisine while you observe the authentic daily life of the villagers around you.
Depending on the season, you may also have the opportunity to learn how to roll local tobacco, as the chef’s parents often prepare traditional “cheroot” cigars in another part of the house to be sold at the market.
Overnight in Inle.
Today, transfer to Heho Airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport (terminal change) for your 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.
Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.
You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.
Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.
One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.
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