12 Days • 11 Nights
Luxury Myanmar & Irrawaddy River Cruise
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stand beneath Yangon's golden Shwedagon, board an elegant colonial-style river ship to drift past riverside villages and stupa-crowned hills, watch the sun rise over Bagan, explore Mandalay's crafts and kingdoms, and unwind on serene Inle Lake. Every transfer is private, every hotel a landmark, every meal a pleasure.
For travellers who want Myanmar's soul with the utmost comfort, there is nothing like it.
Trip Highlights
- Five-star landmark hotels throughout
- A luxury Irrawaddy river cruise between Bagan and Mandalay
- The golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
- Sunrise over the temple plains of Bagan
- Riverside villages and stupa-crowned hills from the ship
- Mandalay's crafts and the U Bein Bridge
- Serene Inle Lake and its floating gardens
- Private guides and all meals aboard the cruise
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Met privately and chauffeured to your five-star hotel, with the Shwedagon Pagoda glowing gold at dusk and a gourmet welcome dinner.
A private tour of colonial Yangon, the reclining Buddha and the markets, with time for the city's finest dining.
Fly to Bagan and your luxury retreat among the temples, with a private sunset viewpoint over the plain.
Rise for the magic of sunrise over the temple plain, then a private day among the finest temples and a lacquerware atelier.
Board your elegant river ship and settle into your suite as the luxury cruise begins upstream toward Mandalay.
A day gliding past riverside villages, stupa-crowned hills and fishing boats, with a shore excursion to a pottery village and fine dining aboard.
More river scenery and a shore visit before disembarking near Mandalay, the last royal capital.
A private day of Mandalay's crafts, the Mahamuni Pagoda and the ancient cities, ending on the teak U Bein Bridge at sunset.
Fly to Heho and glide by private boat to your luxury lakeside retreat on Inle Lake.
A private day on the lake — floating gardens, stilted villages, lotus-silk workshops and the atmospheric Indein stupas, with a lakeside lunch.
A final indulgent day by the lake — the spa, a winery in the hills or simply the view, with a farewell dinner.
A final gourmet breakfast before your boat and private transfer to Heho airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private chauffeured transfers and a private expert guide throughout
- 2 nights Yangon, 2 nights Bagan, 3 nights on a luxury Irrawaddy cruise, 2 nights Mandalay, 2 nights Inle Lake
- Daily gourmet breakfast, a welcome dinner and an Inle Lake lunch, plus all meals aboard the cruise
- A Yangon city tour with the Shwedagon Pagoda
- Bagan temple touring with sunrise and a private guide
- A 3-night luxury Irrawaddy river cruise with shore excursions
- Mandalay crafts, the U Bein Bridge and an Inle Lake boat tour
- Domestic flights and all touring in five-star comfort
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Myanmar
- Myanmar eVisa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (essential for a journey of this value)
- Meals and premium beverages beyond those stated
- Personal purchases, spa and additional experiences
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and cruise staff
- 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.
What is the Irrawaddy cruise like?
An elegant, colonial-style river ship with spacious suites, fine dining and a small number of guests, gliding between Bagan and Mandalay with guided shore excursions — the most relaxing and scenic way to travel Myanmar's great river.
What hotels do we stay in?
Myanmar's finest five-star and boutique hotels and lodges, chosen for location and character. We confirm the exact properties with you and tailor to your taste.
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