A comprehensive tour on the beauty, culture and history of Myanmar (Burma). With friendly people, scenic vistas and a traditional way of life, this tour of Myanmar is not to be missed! Read more >
Spend 14 days journeying around some of the most beautiful and famous destinations in Myanmar; learn about the varied history, meet local people and marvel at breathtaking landscapes.
Having been isolated from the outside world until relatively recently, Myanmar is still largely undiscovered by tourists unlike many other Southeast Asian countries. With thousands of pagodas, sky-high Buddhas, and traditional rituals that are still practiced today, it's a fascinating country to explore.
We'll begin the tour in the old colonial capital of Yangon, a paradox with the hustle and bustle of a commercial hub rising confidently against the glorious backdrop of the gilded, historic Shwedagon pagoda.
Journey northwards to Pyin Oo Lwin, a hill station town where the British government relocated to during the hot summer months, before travelling to the nearby city of Mandalay. Immortalised in the words of Kipling, Mandalay has captivated visitors for hundreds of years. The former capital city of Myanmar and home of the last Burmese king, Thibaw, there are remnants of dynasties throughout the region making it an interesting place for history lovers. One of the most iconic places here is U Bein Bridge. Also rich in history, it was constructed in 1850 with teak from the royal palace in Inwa, and is believed to be the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world.
Our tour continues with a serene cruise on the Irrawaddy River to the ancient city of Bagan. Catch your breath from a raised temple as you look out over plains dotted with 2,000 pagodas and temples. Alternatively, get a bird's eye view from a hot air balloon as the sun rises over the stupas.
In Mandalay and Bagan, we will visit local workshops and meet artisan makers in wood carving, tapestry, lacquerware and gold-leaf - particularly popular in Myanmar, before having the option to head to the beautiful village of Salay, with its main streets lined with faded colonial building and 12th Century pagodas.
For the next leg, we'll board a plane heading east to the hills of Kalaw. Previously a British hill station with wooded areas, villages and lush green plantations, it now plays host to an ethical elephant sanctuary. Green Hill Elephant Camp is a retirement homes for elephants no longer working in the logging industry; an important place in a country with the highest number of working elephants in the world.
Our next stop is one of the most remarkable places on the trip, Inle Lake. See a life lived on water with villages and markets atop stilts and fisherman gliding by on boats, standing precariously on one leg as they cast their nets. In this area, we'll stop at Sagar. With its stunning array of sunken stupas emerging from the water, it's surprisingly little-visited by tourists.
The tour draws to a close back in the city of Yangon. With opportunities for some last minute souvenir hunting and to visit the majestic Shwedagon pagoda once again. This majestic stupa, adorned with gold leaf, is loveliest at sunset; a perfect way to end a journey through Myanmar.
Important Practical Information
Group Size: 4 - 14
Single Supplement: A mandatory single supplement is applicable for all single travellers and will guarantee a single room for all nights of the tour.
Accommodation: At all night stops on the Magnificent Myanmar tour your room will have full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet).
Transport and Luggage: Please note that we use a range of transportation methods on tour - planes, boats and private coaches. There will be occasions where you may have to carry your bags for short distances, so please ensure you pack with this in mind.
International Flights: This tour starts in Yangon and finishes in Yangon.
Check-in: Please note that check-in at the Yangon hotel is from 2pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).
What's included
- 13 nights' hotel accommodation
- All transport between destinations (including airport transfers on arrival and departure)
- Meet-and-greet upon arrival at Mandalay International Airport
- Breakfast every day, six lunches and two evening meals
- Full-time services of your tour leader
- An expert local guide in most destinations
- InsideAsia Tours complimentary Info-Pack
- Tips for local guides and coach drivers
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Entrance fees or additional transport costs not outlined, or described as optional in the day- by-day itinerary
- All drinks and any meals not outlined above
- Any tips for hotel porters, tour leader and others
Tour Price Information
- Tour Price: From US$4053
- Single Supplement: From US$929
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$68 pp Single From US$138 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$68 pp Single From US$138 pp
Tour Highlights
- See the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset
- Look over thousands of pagodas on the plains of Bagan
- Visit markets and local people in the stilted villages of Inle Lake
- Explore the much fabled city of Mandalay
- Meet the elephants at Green Hill Elephant Camp
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
What, where, when and how...
Magnificent Myanmar - 14 Days
Magnificent Myanmar - 14 Days - Day by Day
Magnificent Myanmar - 14 Days - Accommodation
Magnificent Myanmar - 14 Days - Experiences
Magnificent Myanmar - 14 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$929
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Day 1-2
Day 1
Welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel. After dropping off your luggage and checking in you'll have the rest of the day free for you to enjoy at leisure.
This evening you'll enjoy a scrumptious welcome dinner at a restaurant of your tour leader's choice.
Day 2
In the morning you'll transfer to Yangon's main railway station and board a lively circular train for a colourful ride through Yangon's neighbourhoods before alighting in the city centre and embarking on a walking tour of the downtown area.
In the late afternoon, you'll head to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, just in time to catch it at the sun sets. Follow our tour leader as you explore this massive complex and learn why it's so revered among locals.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel
-
Day 3
Day 3
This morning, you'll make your way back to Yangon airport for your flight to Mandalay. From Mandalay, take a two-hour, scenic drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo. Today known as Pyin Oo Lwin, this hill station is located on a plateau 1,000 metres above sea level and is known for its cooler climate and lush foliage. Many reminders of the colonial era are still present in Pyin Oo Lwin, including brick and timber houses with British names. You'll take a ride in a traditional horse and carriage to visit some of these sights before ending at the Botanical Gardens where there will be time to enjoy a walk through the landscaped gardens.
Overnight: Aureum Resort at Governor's House
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Day 4-5
Day 4
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel you'll make your way back to Mandalay to explore some of the city's main attractions. You'll include visits to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country's most revered Buddha images; Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World's Biggest Book' and the Shwenandaw Monastery, a grand teak building known for its exquisite woodcarvings and the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace.
In the evening, you will head to one of the city's many colourful night markets. Mandalay is a fantastic place to explore markets as its location along the Irrawaddy River makes it a hub for wares coming from Northern Myanmar. Explore the stalls as your tour leader introduces you to many exotic foods.
Day 5
Today you will head out to explore the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing which surround Mandalay.
In Amarapura you'll visit a silk weaving workshop and walk along U-Bein Bridge a 200 year-old teak bridge where we'll see fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams. In Ava, travel by horse and cart to explore the small villages scattered amidst the ancient capital's ruins, offering a unique glimpse into local life.
After a delicious lunch in Ava you'll cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar, home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres. Finally you'll also head to Sagaing's local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Discover a range of items for sale including locally-produced pottery, silver and other handicrafts.
Overnight: Mandalay Hill Resort
-
Day 6-8
Day 6
This morning you will be transferred to the jetty to board your day boat from Mandalay to Bagan. This 10-11 hour journey offers a fascinating insight into daily life along the Irrawaddy River. You'll also enjoy a lunch on board.
Upon arrival in Bagan, you'll make your way to the hotel and after checking in you have rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 7
Today, begin with breakfast at a local tea shop just as the locals do! From here you'll head out to discover Bagan's picturesque temples. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore the many pagodas in the area by car and on foot before visiting some local lacquerware and wood workshops to see skilled craftsmen create beautiful items using techniques passed down through the generations.
In the evening your tour leader will take you up to a hilltop viewpoint in time to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains.
Optional Activity (weather permitting): Balloon Experience Over Bagan. Prices from £260 per person. Please pre-book this activity with your Travel Consultant as soon as possible.
Day 8
You have a full day at leisure today. You may wish to relax by the pool or buy some local souvenirs.
Optional Activity: Full Day trip to Salay & Mount Popa. This experience is offered at no additional cost.
Overnight: Amata Garden Resort
-
Day 9
Day 9
After breakfast, a driver will arrive to take you to the airport for your flight to Heho. After the short flight it's a one hour drive through the stunning Shan Hills to Kalaw, a quaint British Hill Station.
Here, you have the option to join a leisurely trek, around 3-4 hours, which passes through the beautiful mountains around Kalaw. You will pass along farms, through pine forest and visit local villages.
Afterwards you'll spend the afternoon exploring downtown Kalaw.
Overnight: Pine Hill Resort
-
Day 10-12
Day 10
This morning you'll head to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe Village. This family owned camp is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and provides refuge for retired working elephants. Learn about a reforestation project set up by the local villagers before heading to the nearby river to watch the elephants as they enjoy a refreshing dip in the river's cold waters and help the mahouts as they bathe these fascinating animals.
You'll then return to the main camp for lunch before driving to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorised longboat and head out to explore one of Myanmar's most spectacular sights. As you head to the hotel, you'll pass traditional stilted villages, home to the Inha people and impressive floating gardens and stupas. Be sure to keep an eye out for the unique leg-rowing fishermen!
Day 11
After an early start exploring Inle Lake's morning markets you'll visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
Inle Lake is known for its range of handicraft workshops, and you'll make several stops to watch the production of these items. Visit the weaving village of Inpawkhone where, in addition to weaving silk and cotton, the locals also use the stems of lotus flowers to craft beautiful textiles. You'll also stop at a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.
This afternoon, take a short walk along the shore, passing farms growing corn, soya beans and sugar cane. Many village monasteries form part of the scene with the Shan Hills in the background.
Day 12
Today you will hop on board a long tail motorboat and make your way to Sagar. Here you'll get to discover the various sites on the water's edge including the iconic ‘sunken' stupas of Sagar. After this you will continue to Thaya Gone village, home to the Pa-Oh, Shan and Intha people. The village is famous for its high-quality, homemade rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brew. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to a hilltop for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding villages.
Nearby is Sae Khaung, a small pottery village. Take a walk through the village to see the underground kilns and traditional tools needed to create oil and water pots. One last stop will be made in Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas set on the western shores of the lake before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight: Pristine Lotus Spa Resort Inle
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Day 13-14
Day 13
Enjoy a morning at leisure today before your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, head to the hotel to check in (if early check-in is available) and the rest of the day is free. You may wish to do some more sightseeing, buy a few souvenirs or simply relax by the pool.
As our tour comes to an end, we hope that you will join your tour leader and travel companions for a farewell meal in the evening - a chance for one last night of good food and drink before heading home.
Day 14
Time to bid Myanmar farewell today. A car will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel
-
Day 1-2
Day 1
Welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel. After dropping off your luggage and checking in you'll have the rest of the day free for you to enjoy at leisure.
This evening you'll enjoy a scrumptious welcome dinner at a restaurant of your tour leader's choice.
Day 2
In the morning you'll transfer to Yangon's main railway station and board a lively circular train for a colourful ride through Yangon's neighbourhoods before alighting in the city centre and embarking on a walking tour of the downtown area.
In the late afternoon, you'll head to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, just in time to catch it at the sun sets. Follow our tour leader as you explore this massive complex and learn why it's so revered among locals.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel
-
Day 3
Day 3
This morning, you'll make your way back to Yangon airport for your flight to Mandalay. From Mandalay, take a two-hour, scenic drive to the former British hill station of Maymyo. Today known as Pyin Oo Lwin, this hill station is located on a plateau 1,000 metres above sea level and is known for its cooler climate and lush foliage. Many reminders of the colonial era are still present in Pyin Oo Lwin, including brick and timber houses with British names. You'll take a ride in a traditional horse and carriage to visit some of these sights before ending at the Botanical Gardens where there will be time to enjoy a walk through the landscaped gardens.
Overnight: Aureum Resort at Governor's House
-
Day 4-5
Day 4
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel you'll make your way back to Mandalay to explore some of the city's main attractions. You'll include visits to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country's most revered Buddha images; Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World's Biggest Book' and the Shwenandaw Monastery, a grand teak building known for its exquisite woodcarvings and the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace.
In the evening, you will head to one of the city's many colourful night markets. Mandalay is a fantastic place to explore markets as its location along the Irrawaddy River makes it a hub for wares coming from Northern Myanmar. Explore the stalls as your tour leader introduces you to many exotic foods.
Day 5
Today you will head out to explore the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing which surround Mandalay.
In Amarapura you'll visit a silk weaving workshop and walk along U-Bein Bridge a 200 year-old teak bridge where we'll see fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams. In Ava, travel by horse and cart to explore the small villages scattered amidst the ancient capital's ruins, offering a unique glimpse into local life.
After a delicious lunch in Ava you'll cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar, home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres. Finally you'll also head to Sagaing's local market, a typical Burmese market that few tourists visit. Discover a range of items for sale including locally-produced pottery, silver and other handicrafts.
Overnight: Mandalay Hill Resort
-
Day 6-8
Day 6
This morning you will be transferred to the jetty to board your day boat from Mandalay to Bagan. This 10-11 hour journey offers a fascinating insight into daily life along the Irrawaddy River. You'll also enjoy a lunch on board.
Upon arrival in Bagan, you'll make your way to the hotel and after checking in you have rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 7
Today, begin with breakfast at a local tea shop just as the locals do! From here you'll head out to discover Bagan's picturesque temples. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore the many pagodas in the area by car and on foot before visiting some local lacquerware and wood workshops to see skilled craftsmen create beautiful items using techniques passed down through the generations.
In the evening your tour leader will take you up to a hilltop viewpoint in time to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains.
Optional Activity (weather permitting): Balloon Experience Over Bagan. Prices from £260 per person. Please pre-book this activity with your Travel Consultant as soon as possible.
Day 8
You have a full day at leisure today. You may wish to relax by the pool or buy some local souvenirs.
Optional Activity: Full Day trip to Salay & Mount Popa. This experience is offered at no additional cost.
Overnight: Amata Garden Resort
-
Day 9
Day 9
After breakfast, a driver will arrive to take you to the airport for your flight to Heho. After the short flight it's a one hour drive through the stunning Shan Hills to Kalaw, a quaint British Hill Station.
Here, you have the option to join a leisurely trek, around 3-4 hours, which passes through the beautiful mountains around Kalaw. You will pass along farms, through pine forest and visit local villages.
Afterwards you'll spend the afternoon exploring downtown Kalaw.
Overnight: Pine Hill Resort
-
Day 10-12
Day 10
This morning you'll head to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe Village. This family owned camp is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and provides refuge for retired working elephants. Learn about a reforestation project set up by the local villagers before heading to the nearby river to watch the elephants as they enjoy a refreshing dip in the river's cold waters and help the mahouts as they bathe these fascinating animals.
You'll then return to the main camp for lunch before driving to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorised longboat and head out to explore one of Myanmar's most spectacular sights. As you head to the hotel, you'll pass traditional stilted villages, home to the Inha people and impressive floating gardens and stupas. Be sure to keep an eye out for the unique leg-rowing fishermen!
Day 11
After an early start exploring Inle Lake's morning markets you'll visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
Inle Lake is known for its range of handicraft workshops, and you'll make several stops to watch the production of these items. Visit the weaving village of Inpawkhone where, in addition to weaving silk and cotton, the locals also use the stems of lotus flowers to craft beautiful textiles. You'll also stop at a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand.
This afternoon, take a short walk along the shore, passing farms growing corn, soya beans and sugar cane. Many village monasteries form part of the scene with the Shan Hills in the background.
Day 12
Today you will hop on board a long tail motorboat and make your way to Sagar. Here you'll get to discover the various sites on the water's edge including the iconic ‘sunken' stupas of Sagar. After this you will continue to Thaya Gone village, home to the Pa-Oh, Shan and Intha people. The village is famous for its high-quality, homemade rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brew. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to a hilltop for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding villages.
Nearby is Sae Khaung, a small pottery village. Take a walk through the village to see the underground kilns and traditional tools needed to create oil and water pots. One last stop will be made in Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas set on the western shores of the lake before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight: Pristine Lotus Spa Resort Inle
-
Day 13-14
Day 13
Enjoy a morning at leisure today before your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, head to the hotel to check in (if early check-in is available) and the rest of the day is free. You may wish to do some more sightseeing, buy a few souvenirs or simply relax by the pool.
As our tour comes to an end, we hope that you will join your tour leader and travel companions for a farewell meal in the evening - a chance for one last night of good food and drink before heading home.
Day 14
Time to bid Myanmar farewell today. A car will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel
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Hands On Myanmar (IAT Classic)
- Mandalay
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- Inle Lake
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From pottery to temple vistas, cooking classes to bathing elephants, this is a culturally immersive hands on tour that will show you the true heart of Myanmar (Burma) and its people.
14 nights: US$4613 Read more >
303 952 0379
303 952 0379
