Grand Myanmar 25 Days

Welcome to Myanmar!

Meet up with your tour guide and driver at the airport then transfer to the hotel.

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city with impressive colonial and spiritual heritage. We will visit Yangon highlights in one day:

• Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70 meter long reclining Buddha.
• Take your leisure tour around the city to take photos or relax with a drink at a local tea shop.
• Visit Shwedagon Pagoda – the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar.

Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

After a scenic drive, arrive in Bago, the capital of the 16th century Mon kingdom.

In the morning, you will visit Shwethalyaung temple and Shwemawdaw Pagoda, two outstanding Buddhist sacred sites in the region with great architecture and fascinating history. Then, get ready to explore the town market and villages to learn about their rustic local lifestyle.

The afternoon is dedicated to a trekking trip to discover the Golden Rock. The rock is a huge boulder covered with gold leaves that is delicately balanced on a cliff. This is one of Myanmar’s main pilgrimage sites. The pagoda on the top of the rock is said to hold a hair of the Buddha. Buddhists traverse all the way across the country to pay homage here.

Overnight near the Golden Rock.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Golden rock Myanmar tours

Start your day with the brilliant sunrise over the Golden Rock. Afterward, go downhill on foot and then by open-air truck.

In the afternoon, you will move to the next destination – Hpa An. En-route visit to Bayint Nyi Cave and Kaw Gun Cave. The former has a hot spring lake. You will get a beautiful view of the temple complex and cave. Kaw Gun Cave is also fascinating with over 2,000 stone tablets with Mon inscriptions and hundreds of Buddha statues inside the cave.

Arrive in Hpa An and check in to your hotel.  Overnight in Hpa An.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

In the morning, you will explore the outskirt of Hpa An to see Zwe Kapin, one of many bizarre limestone formations in the area. Then you will visit Kyauk Kalat Pagoda, a small stupa perched on top of a club-like rock formation on a small island in a lake.

Next stop, Mawlamyaing. During a 1,5-hour drive to this ancient city, take a brief visit to Kawhnat-Kadoe – a local village.

In the afternoon, arrive in the Mon State capital of Mawlamyaing, formerly known as Moulmein. Situated near the mouth of the Thanlwin River, this attractive town is surrounded by leafy tropical areas with a hilly ridge served as a backdrop. Since it was the capital of British Burma between 1827 and 1852, the town retains a great colonial vibe.

Overnight in Mawlamyaing

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Spend your whole morning sightseeing many sites of Mawlamyaing: Mawlamyaing central market, Mahamuni Pagoda, Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, and Seindon Mibaya – a wooden monastery over 100 years old. Walk along the town’s Strand Road for a glimpse of the impressive Kaladan Mosque.

In the afternoon, board a private boat to visit Khaung Sae Kyun (Shampoo Island). It is famous for its long-established royal-hair washing ceremony.

Come back to Mawlamyaing.  Overnight in Mawlamyaing.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

After breakfast, take a 7-hour drive from Mawlamyaing to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Spend your whole morning to explore other parts of Yangon. The city center features faded colonial buildings. Some other highlights include Yangon Jetty – the cultural hub of the region and Yangon’s colorful Chinatown.

Around 1.30pm, get ready for your first railway trip to Pyay. You’ll be seated in reclining seats in an air-conditioned cabin, with windows on either side of the carriage. Sit back and relax while the train crosses scenic landscapes and beautiful villages. The journey takes around 6.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Pyay, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Pyay.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Start your day with shopping at Pyay local market. Pyay, also known as Prime, is served as the capital of the Pyu Kingdom from the 5th – 9th centuries. It is a 46-square- kilometers area encircled by walls. Pyay used to be Asia’s largest walled city. Nevertheless, nowadays it is a sleepy riverside town with a unique charm.

Shwe Sandaw Pagoda is your next destination in the afternoon. The ancient city of Sriketra used to be the largest and most elaborate city in the area. This visit is a must-do in Pyay.

Overnight in Pyay.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

After breakfast at the hotel, drive 4-hour to the north to Magway. The road trip unveils a beautiful rural scenery dotted with small towns. Along the way, we will stop at Beikthano, a 2000-year-old ancient city.

Magway is well known for its production of groundnut and sesame oil. After lunch, we will travel by horse cart to the famous Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. This revered temple is located on the bank of the Irrawaddy River, a super photogenic place.

Return by horse cart to the town center. Overnight in Magway.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Spend your full day exploring the surrounding areas of Magway. After breakfast, we’ll head to Kyaung Taw Yar Pagoda in Irrawaddy River’s north banks.

On the return to Magway, stop at Nagar Pwet Taung, an unusual pool of bubbling mud. This unusual geological phenomenon is believed, by the locals, to be caused by dragons living deep inside the earth. We’ll also visit a nearby temple, which has the perfect panoramic views of the mighty Irrawaddy River and refreshing breeze.

Return to Magway in the early evening. Overnight in Magway.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Cargo boats on the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay, Myanmar.

The 5-hour drive to Bagan passes one of the aridest regions of Myanmar with its unique landscape. On the way, take a visit to toddy palm fields and learn how to make toddy juice.

Take some time to recharge your energy in the afternoon before hopping on a horse cart ride to the majestic Bagan temple complex. After visiting some best-decorated temples, rest at North Guni temple to watch the beautiful sunset over the plain.

Return to your hotel for an evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Today’s excursion includes a range of various sites, providing a great overview of Bagan’s history, culture, and local lifestyle.

The journey begins at Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains, then Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan. Afterward, sightsee Myinkaba Village and Gubyaukgyi Temple widely known for its beautiful mural paintings on inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Finally, visit Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple.

After learning about Bagan’s history, let’s move on with two interesting workshops: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch skilled craftsmen using techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful handmade items.

Return to your hotel to escaping the midday heat then embark on a cruise trip to Kyauk Gu U Min in the afternoon.

The cruise trip unveils fabulous scenes of life on the water: fishermen, local ferry boats, riverside villages and views of the Bagan temples. You’ll visit Sae Lan village – a typical riverside village along the Irrawaddy. After exploring Kyauk Gu U Min, you’ll return to the boat for a relaxing cruise back to Bagan (around 1 hour).

Overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous view as the sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River. (Note: the search is only available from October to March.)

After breakfast, transfer to Ngat Pyit Taung Monastery and explore the temple’s caves, learning about local traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Burmese. The remaining time of this morning will be spent exploring more temples as you wish, based on your personal interests. This afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s least visited areas. Here you will explore temples such as Payathonzu, with its unusual architecture and Tantric Buddhism influence, Lemyentha and Nandamannya. Overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

In the morning (07.00am), depart by road for the drive to Mandalay. After around 45-60 minutes, we’ll reach Popa laan village, a local village near the base of Mt Popa that is typical of many villages in the area.

Take a short walk through this scenic village with the friendly residents.

Continue on to Mt Popa and Taung Kalat, a volcanic plug standing 1,518 metres high.

Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times. Its shrine, located at the top of Taung Kalat, is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits.

Learn about nats and nat worship as you climb the stairs to the top with your local guide. The view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak is impressive.

Take a drive to Mandalay (lunch will either be at a local restaurant near Mt Popa or later in Meiktila depending on time). Reach Meiktila in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Meiktila.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

After two hour drive, we’ll reach the town of Kyauk Se. It is famous for its yearly Elephant Festival in October or November.

We’ll visit the town center then continue to Shin Pin Tamoke Shwegu, an incredible excavation site with ruins dating back to the 11th century and immaculate carvings.

A further one hour drive takes us to Mandalay. After dropping off our bags, we’ll take a short introductory tour of the city with a visit to Mandalay Hill, which rises 240 metres above the city.

Enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and the city centre. Overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

OPTIONAL: Wake up early this morning (around 4 am) and catch a local taxi to Mahamuni Pagoda.

Every morning before dawn, the monks wash the face and brush teeth of the ‘lumpy’ Buddha image with special fragrant water. The ritual takes around one hour and is a unique insight into Buddhism.

Return to your hotel around 07:30 am for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura.

Cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae.

Return toward the city and continue to explore the south of the city to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will take us across the river to where our horse and carriage are 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 you travel by horse cart you’ll get a glimpse of local life in the Burmese countryside.

Stop for lunch (on your own) in Ava before returning to our car.

In the afternoon, visit Amarapura, a former capital. Its name means ‘City of Immortality’ with Mahagandayon monastery, when over one-thousand monks reside. Continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge.

Back to your hotel. Overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

This morning depart from Mandalay on a scenic two-hour drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo. Now it is officially called Pyin Oo Lwin. The town is located on a plateau 1000m above sea level and renowned for its cooler temperatures and lush foliage. The afternoon is free time for you to explore on your own. Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Start around 08:00 am and transfer to the Pyin Oo Lwin train station where we’ll board the local train to Naung Pain Village. The journey takes around 5 hours passing through stunning scenery including the Gokhtiek Viaduct. A lunch box will be prepared and served along the way.

Upon arrival in Kyauk Me, we’ll check in to our guesthouse and walk around this charming town. Kyauk Me is a trading town nestled amid the Shan hills. It is small so that you can walk the whole town in one hour.

Overnight in Kyauk Me.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: None

After breakfast, depart from Kyauk Me by car to Hsipaw (approximately 2 hours). Hsipaw, also known as Thibaw, is a charming mountainous town and serves as the region’s main market town. This afternoon is free to relax or take a stroll around town. Overnight in Hsipaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Wake up early this morning and walk through the ‘candlelight market’. This busy morning market is filled with people from the nearby villages – including Shan and Palaung hill tribes – who gather in the predawn hours to trade their wares and goods. The market usually lasts from 3.30 until around 6 AM. If you wish, try a bowl of local Shan noodles here before returning to the hotel.

After freshening up at the hotel and having breakfast, we’ll set off for a boat journey along the Dokehtawaddy River. It’s a 15 minute walk to river jetty where our private long-tail boat is waiting. Cruise upstream for around 30 minutes to a fruit farm where we’ll disembark for a walk through the farm, the village there and then up to a 150-year old monastery (40 minutes walking).

Return to boat and cruise to the confluence of the Dokehtawaddy River where we’ll stop for a swimming break and to take photos of the beautiful setting.

Continue to visit a hill tribe village where lunch will be served. Take a stroll around the village to meet with the locals and learn more about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

Then return by boat to Hsipaw and walk to your hotel. The whole journey takes around 5 hours. Overnight in Hsipaw.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart for the drive back to Mandalay. The drive takes around 6-7 hours and is along a sealed road in good condition. A stop will be made along the way for lunch. Overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Drive to the Shan State through flat plains and then into rolling hills. Many stops will be made en route for photos or village visits. After around 5-6 hours, reach Pindaya. Take a break at the hotel to freshen up and then head to the town’s famous Pindaya Caves. Nestled on a hillside, the cave consists of many chambers filled with hundreds of Buddha statues. On the return to the hotel stop to visit a local workshop making umbrellas and paper from local raw materials. Overnight in Pindaya.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Continue your exploration of the Shan State this morning with a drive to Nyaung Shwe, a small town on the northern tip of Inle Lake. Upon arrival, drop your luggage at the hotel and head to the jetty where a private, long-tail boat is waiting for a half-day of sightseeing.

Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens. These gardens are 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. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. Return to Nyaung Shwe late this afternoon. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Enjoy the morning market, whose locations are rotated on a 5-day basis. (note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days). This daily market attracts people from all over the lake’s shores who gather to buy and sell their wares. If you are lucky you may see Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people in their traditional outfits. Wander around the stalls where your guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale.

Continue to Indein, on the southwestern shores of the lake. The boat will travel down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque stupas and has magnificent views of the lake.

Then return to mainland and transfer to the Heho airport for the flight back to Yangon.

Upon reaching Yangon, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English speaking guide

Today is at your own leisure before heading to the airport for your international flight. End of services.