The Essentials of Myanmar - 9 days tour
 

The Essentials of Myanmar – 9 days tour

per person

Discover the essential highlights of Myanmar in 9 days: Yangon, the country’s first city and capital until 2005, the extraordinary and revered Shwedagon Pagoda, and the stunning colonial-era buildings; Mandalay, the last capital of the Konbaung Dynasty, a religious and cultural center of the country; Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia with over 2200 pagodas surrounded by plains and bordered by the Ayeyarwaddy River; Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site – you will make several boat trips on the lake to discover picturesque villages and floating gardens.

Along the way, many surprises and encounters await you between these destinations.

This is a private tour with the service of one or more French-speaking guides for your visits.

Available from October to March.

9 days
  • Departure
    Yangon / Yangon
  • Dress Code
    Comfortable and rainproof clothing, hiking shoes, first aid kit.
1
Arrival in Yangon
Our representative will pick you up directly from the airport, and then you will be taken to the hotel in a private car for check-in. Rest of the day is free for leisure and relaxation.
  • Included in the day: Airport welcome and hotel transfer, overnight at the hotel.
2
Visit of Yangon (B)
Yangon, the country's first city, was the capital until 2005. You will begin your exploration with the Chauk Htat Gyi reclining Buddha, right next to Shwedagon, which is also a very important place of worship. Next, you will head to the Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market, closed on Mondays and holidays), a vast complex built in 1926 and famous for its wide variety of crafts and other typical items from all corners of Myanmar; an excellent opportunity to indulge in some last-minute shopping. Afterwards, you will visit downtown Yangon. You can stroll around Pansodan Street with its splendid colonial-era buildings. It is also interesting to observe the various small markets on the sidewalks, especially the stalls selling books, supplies, and food items. Before sunset, you can visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful pagoda gems in Asia and above all, the most revered monument in the country.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, French-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.
3
Yangon - flight to Bagan (B)
Today you will be transferred to Yangon Airport for a flight to Bagan (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). Bagan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Asia, is adorned with over 2,200 pagodas that stretch across the plains along the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River. For an initial introduction to this sacred land, you will explore Bagan's oldest and most significant temples. For example, the Sulamani Temple, built by King Narapatisithu; then the Dhammayangyi Pahto Temple, a temple from one of the last dynasties featuring some of the finest masonry in Bagan. Finally, you will see the Thatbyinnyu Temple which dominates the Bagan skyline, as well as the Dhammayazika Pagoda or the Shwezigon, a prototype of Burma's earliest stupas. The afternoon tour includes a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda, an idyllic spot for its panoramic view, and the Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century monument with exquisite murals. Later, you will visit a traditional lacquerware shop to learn about the craftsmen and artisans behind these unique products. As a private tour, you can try your hand at drawing alongside local artisans. Finally, you will enjoy the famous Bagan sunset from a hill chosen by our guide to provide the best views. Overnight in Bagan.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, flight tickets, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.
4
Bagan - free time (B)
You will have the opportunity to explore the temples and landscapes of Bagan at your own pace. By now, you will be familiar with this area after a day of visiting the main monuments (day 2). This day is dedicated to relaxation, leisurely strolls, or rediscovering places that have particularly captivated you. If you wish, we have several options to offer you based on your current desires: We recommend renting an E-bike (electric scooter) on-site with the assistance of your guide to explore the temples and landscapes of Bagan freely. An excursion to Mount Popa can be arranged. It is an extinct volcano with a temple dedicated to Nats (spirits of the gods) perched at a height of around a hundred meters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We also propose a boat trip to Kyun Thiri Island to discover its old wooden monastery and abundant local agriculture, along with many other surprises. (Essential to book a few months in advance) A hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan is also possible. You will be picked up early in the morning, just before sunrise, to witness its first rays over the 2000 pagodas and experience a spectacular moment. The tour will last approximately 2 hours, and a snack will be served during the ride.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
5
Bagan - Mandalay (B)
Today, you will be driven by private car to Mandalay (approximately 3 hours of travel). This will allow you to observe the agricultural landscape that stretches around the Ayeyarwaddy River. During the afternoon, a visit to the former capital of Inwa is scheduled. The city was founded in 1364 and served as the imperial capital for 400 years (with some interruptions). Inwa is accessible by a short boat transfer, as there are no cars on the island. Therefore, you will travel by horse-drawn carriage among the ruins and grand monuments (some of which are partially buried). Among other ruins and religious monuments, you can admire the old palace walls, the leaning tower of Ava, the extraordinary brick and stucco Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery, and the elegant Bagaya Kyaung monastery. The latter is one of the few and unique teak wood monasteries in Myanmar where young apprentices still study to this day. If you have time, it's interesting to visit Mahagandayon Monastery, where over 1,200 monks and novices learn about Buddhism. Mahagandayon Monastery (in Amarapura) is often crowded, especially with tourists during the monks' mealtime. This can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, and we aim to offer our clients programs away from crowds. Therefore, we suggest visiting the monastery in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. Finally, you will head to Amarapura, one of the former capitals of the Burmese Empire, founded under the Konbaung dynasty. The city served as the imperial capital twice (1783-1821 and 1842-1859). The main attraction is the famous U Bein Bridge (built around 1850), the world's longest teakwood bridge, stretching 1.2 km across Taungthaman Lake. End the day with a stunning sunset on the U Bein Bridge, enjoying a unique view of the majestic Ayeyarwady River. Take in these scenes of local life without too many tourists (they usually visit in the morning after the Mahagandayon visit).
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.
6
Boat excursion to Mingun and visit of Mandalay (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your day with a visit to the wholesale jade market, where 80% of the world's jade extraction and trade comes from northern Myanmar. It is located in the city center during the morning. You can explore the shops and stalls around the area, and there is an entrance fee of about $3 USD to access the interior (but there is plenty to see outside, which is usually sufficient). Next, you will be transferred to the Mandalay jetty, where you will begin a short and pleasant private cruise to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (11 km, 1 hour). Here, you will find the site of what would have been the largest stupa in the world if it had been completed. However, all work was halted in 1819 after the death of King Bodipaya, and then an earthquake in 1838 severely damaged the monument. Nevertheless, the base of this 50-meter stupa remains very impressive as you approach it from the river by boat. Next to it, you can also visit the Mingun Bell, which was supposed to be hung at the top of the pagoda but is now housed in a new shrine. It is said to be one of the largest hanging bells in the world and remains in very good condition. Return by private boat to Mandalay. During the afternoon, visits to the main points of interest in Mandalay include the revered Mahamuni Pagoda and its Buddha covered in tons of gold, as well as many other ancient relics of Theravada Buddhism. There is a rich Buddhist heritage in Mandalay, some of which is often hidden or closed (unless your guide arranges for the monks to show you). Also, the famous Shwenandaw Monastery, a fantastic teakwood monastery, and the extraordinary Kuthodaw Pagoda with its hundreds of stupas containing the world's largest open book, carved in marble. If the weather permits, end the day with a beautiful sunset on Mandalay Hill, enjoying a panoramic view of the region, including the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transport, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel
7
Flight to Heho and private canoe tour on Inle Lake (B)
Flight to Heho (about 30 minutes) from where you will be driven to Inle Lake (about 1 hour). You will start your day by visiting Inle Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This abundant lake is located 900 meters below sea level, stretching 20 km long and 10 km wide. Traveling on the lake involves navigating through various villages and floating gardens, allowing you to admire the locals' skill with their shores and understand their way of life. Points of interest include the Phaung Daw O Pagoda, with its four highly revered Buddha images, as well as the Ngaphe Chaung Monastery (surrounded by floating crops). You will also visit the Nan Pan village, where you will witness the crafting of traditional-style boats (all handmade!). Along the way, your boat will make numerous stops, taking you close to the charming floating gardens of Inle and passing through welcoming and more remote small villages. The main goal is to avoid tourist traps, including some of the souvenir markets on Inle Lake (like certain "5-day markets") and souvenir shops (best to skip unless requested). There are interesting and unique artisans, such as in Inpawkhone, where you will visit traditional silk weaving workshops and see the process of turning lotus flowers into fabric. However, many shops in this area are dedicated to souvenir sales. To conclude your day, you will take a stroll in Thaleoo, a small agricultural village on the lakeshore, where you can observe genuine local life. Farmers there cultivate a variety of products depending on the season. It is undoubtedly one of the most charming villages on Inle Lake. The farmers are particularly friendly and welcoming to visitors. As the sun sets, the colors of the lake change as villagers return to their homes after a busy day of work. It's a truly special moment to navigate near the floating villages to capture a final beautiful photo before returning to the hotel.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transport, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, overnight stay at the hotel.
8
Boat excursion to Indein and cooking class
Today you will navigate to the 17th-century pagodas of Indein, crossing some of the small streams and lush floating gardens to reach the more remote areas of the lake. About 1 hour of boating. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk starting from the ancient jetty and walking for 30 minutes among the houses of this village of the PaO minority. You will arrive at the ruins of Indein, which include many ancient stupas and small temples covered with vegetation, mostly dating back to the 17th century. You will return by discreetly weaving through local houses and passing through the beautiful bamboo forest crossed by a charming little river. Next, you will experience an exciting gastronomic immersion in the Intha territory, in the village of Thar Lay Ywa. Equipped with a chef's hat and apron, you will be guided by our local and experienced chef. You will learn to cook some of the most exquisite dishes and savor them in an idyllic setting. Your instructor (owner of a small but famous local restaurant) will welcome you to his home in the middle of the village to teach you the secrets of Shan cuisine while observing the authentic activities of the local residents nearby. You will also have the opportunity (depending on the season) to learn how to roll local tobacco, as our chef's parents often roll "cheroot" cigars in another part of the house to be sold at the market. Night in Inle
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entrance tickets, night at the hotel
9
Transfer to Heho airport - flight to Yangon - end of the tour (B)
Transfer to Heho Airport for your flight to Yangon. And transfer to the international airport (terminal change) for your departure.
  • Included in the day: Breakfast, transfer to Heho Airport, flight from Heho to Yangon

TOUR LOCATION

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  • Here is the list of hotels we offer for your 9-day stay in Myanmar. Of course, everything is customizable, and if you prefer other hotels, we can include them in your itinerary.
Ville 3 stars hotels 4 stars hotels
Yangon Hotel Grand United (Ahlone Branch) Rose Garden Hotel
Mandalay Victoria Palace Hotel Bagan King Hotel
Bagan Thazin Garden Hotel Amata Garden Resort Bagan
Inle Lei Thar Gone Hotel Inle Garden Resort
Nyaung Shwe Maine Li Hotel Inle Garden Resort
  • Here are the prices per person in dollars.
  • This is a private tour including private car transfers and the services of an English-speaking tour guide from the 2nd day to the 8th day.
Catégorie  2 3 - 4 5 - 6 Single add
3 stars hotels 1750 1500 1290 275
4 stars hotels 1870 1630 1400 380