9 Days • 8 Nights
Classic Myanmar: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay & Inle Lake
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stand beneath the vast golden dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, watch the sun rise over the temple-studded plains of Bagan, cross the teak U Bein Bridge at dusk near Mandalay, and glide across Inle Lake past floating gardens and stilted villages. Markets, monasteries and warm Burmese smiles fill every day.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the short domestic flights arranged, all you have to do is take in one of Asia's most enchanting countries.
Trip Highlights
- The magnificent golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
- Sunrise over the temple plains of Bagan
- A horse-cart ride among Bagan's ancient temples
- The teak U Bein Bridge at sunset near Mandalay
- The craft workshops of Sagaing and Amarapura
- Inle Lake's leg-rowing fishermen and floating gardens
- Stilted villages and a lake monastery on Inle
- Short flights linking every region
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive in Yangon and settle in. This evening, visit the glorious Shwedagon Pagoda as it glows gold at dusk, followed by a welcome dinner.
Explore colonial downtown Yangon, the reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi, the Sule Pagoda and the bustling Bogyoke market, with time by Kandawgyi Lake.
Fly to Bagan, one of the world's great archaeological wonders. An afternoon among the temples, ending with sunset over the plain from a viewpoint.
A full day exploring Bagan's finest temples — Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Shwezigon — with a lacquerware workshop and a horse-cart ride among the ruins at golden hour.
Fly to Mandalay, the last royal capital. Visit a gold-leaf workshop and the Mahamuni Pagoda, then climb Mandalay Hill for sunset over the city.
Explore the monasteries and stupa-topped hills of Sagaing and the silk-weaving of Amarapura, ending on the teak U Bein Bridge, the world's longest, at sunset.
Fly to Heho and drive to Inle Lake. Board a private boat to your lakeside hotel, gliding past the famous leg-rowing fishermen.
A full day on the lake — the floating gardens, the stilted village of Ywama, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and workshops making lotus silk and cheroots, with a lakeside lunch.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Heho airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private guide and driver in each region
- 2 nights Yangon, 2 nights Bagan, 2 nights Mandalay, 2 nights Inle Lake
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and an Inle Lake lunch
- A Yangon city tour with the Shwedagon Pagoda
- Bagan temple touring with a sunset viewpoint and horse-cart ride
- Mandalay, Sagaing, Amarapura and the U Bein Bridge
- An Inle Lake boat tour with floating gardens and villages
- Domestic flights Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Heho as per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Myanmar
- Myanmar eVisa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and zone fees where not stated
- Optional excursions, experiences and hot-air balloon flights
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Myanmar eVisa, applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Travel advisories: Conditions in Myanmar can change, so please review your government's latest travel advice and ensure your travel insurance covers the destination before booking
- Cash economy: Myanmar runs largely on cash. Bring clean, crisp, unmarked US dollar notes to exchange, and the local currency is the Myanmar Kyat; cards are rarely accepted outside top hotels
- Temple etiquette: You must remove shoes and socks at all pagodas and monasteries, and cover shoulders and knees. Slip-on footwear makes this much easier
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is by far the best time; March to May is very hot, and June to October brings monsoon rain
- Heat: Central Myanmar (Bagan and Mandalay) is extremely hot from March to May, so start sightseeing early and carry water and sun protection
- Getting around: Small domestic flights link Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and the Inle Lake gateway of Heho, all arranged for you
- Health: Drink only bottled or boiled water, use mosquito repellent and consider anti-malarial advice for rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
- Respect: Monks are highly revered; women should not touch them or hand items directly. Never point your feet at people or Buddha images, and always ask before photographing people
- Connectivity & power: Mobile data via a local SIM is cheap but can be slow in remote areas. Bring a universal adapter (Myanmar uses several plug types at 230V)
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as an Inle Lake lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Myanmar's fragrant curries and street food.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on Inle Lake), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Myanmar?
Most visitors need a Myanmar eVisa, applied for online before travel. We can guide you to the official portal and requirements.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is ideal — cool, dry and clear. March to May is very hot, especially in Bagan, and June to October is the green, quieter monsoon season.
Do I need cash?
Yes — Myanmar is largely a cash economy. Bring clean, crisp US dollar notes to exchange, as cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels and ATMs can be unreliable.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add Ngapali Beach, a river cruise or a balloon flight over Bagan. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the sights?
By short domestic flights between Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Heho (for Inle Lake), plus private cars and boats — all included and arranged.
Can we add a hot-air balloon over Bagan?
Yes — a dawn balloon flight over Bagan's temples (available roughly October to April) is one of the world's great experiences and can be added on request.
Is nine days enough for Myanmar?
It is the ideal first circuit, covering the four essential regions — Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake — at a comfortable pace with short flights between them.
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