Myanmar - The Golden Land

Explore the wonders of Myanmar, to discover a land of gilded pagodas and authentic Asian traditions. Whilst the country has experienced a complex recent past, there is a real sense of renewed hope as it starts to open up to intrepid travellers once again.
 
Starting in the lively city of Yangon – Myanmar’s de facto capital – we explore the bustling downtown area. This is home to fading colonial grandeur, exotic markets and religious sites, including the gaudy Sule Pagoda. We then head to Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar before the arrival of the British. Here we follow in the steps of Buddhist pilgrims, climbing to the top of Mandalay Hill for spectacular views of the city below. We also visit the monasteries of Shwenandaw and Atumashi and the nearby former royal city of Amarapura with its iconic teak bridge.
 
We continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan, one of Asia’s most remarkable religious sites. Over ten thousand temples, monasteries and pagodas were built here, with around two thousand still remaining. We explore the site at length, watching the sun set over the monuments as well as taking a boat trip on the Irrawaddy River.
 
Flying to Heho we continue to the beautiful Inle Lake, home to stilt villages, ethnic minorities and floating markets. Here we explore the lake and its surrounds, stopping in villages and temples to meet local people. Finally we end the trip by heading back to Yangon where we visit one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist monuments in the world, Shwedagon Pagoda.
 
Throughout the trip we’ll also take opportunities to sample a wealth of typical dishes, often prepared in local homes and monasteries.
 
Myanmar has always been an outlier in a region otherwise teeming with tourists. Having been completely off limits for the past few years, travel here feels as bold and curious as ever…

Highlights

  • See the incredible 11th century temples of Bagan
  • Visit the floating markets of Inle Lake
  • Explore the bustling bazaars of Yangon
  • The opulent beauty of Shwedagon Pagoda

Day 1 - Yangon

Arrive into Yangon and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel or similar. (B)

Yangon

Known as Rangoon under British rule, Yangon is a city that mixes ancient with modern and is changing fast. The centre of the city is characterised by a superb collection of old colonial buildings, the best of which are the City Hall and High Court, but there are numerous examples of the architecture of the Raj dotted around.

As one gets closer and close to the centre the streets become busier, with all manner of stalls taking up pavement space and spilling into the road, selling second hand car parts, fried grubs and exotic fruits among just about everything else you can think of.

Although unmistakably Burmese, or Myanmarese depending on how you see it, Yangon is home to rich array of other cultural influences with Hindu and Chinese temples, synagogues and churches vying for space among the pagodas. Two that you can’t miss are the bright and brash Sule pagoda which sits in the middle of a busy roundabout, and the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda.

This is without a doubt the most impressive site in Yangon, a wonderful collection of gold encrusted stupas and pagodas with pilgrims arriving from all over the country to worship. Containing numerous images of nats (spirits) and Buddha himself, Shwedagon is immensely important for the Burmese people, and is where Aung San Suu Kyi addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands demanding democracy from the military regime.

Day 2 - Yangon

A full day to explore Myanmar’s largest city. We visit the downtown district with its colonial architecture, bustling markets and the Sule Paya, among other sites. After a lunch of local dishes, take the Yangon Circular Railway to the vibrant Bogyoke Market Bazaar. Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel or similar. (BL)


Day 3 - Yangon - Mandalay

Fly from Yangon to Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar. We first visit the Mahamuni Buddha statue, said to be only one of five true likenesses of Buddha, before continuing on to Amarapura, the former capital and known for its traditional weaving. We visit Mahagandayon Monastery, the country’s most important monastic college before walking over the picturesque U-Bein bridge. Overnight Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel or similar. (B)

Mandalay

Nestled along the banks of the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, Mandalay is a sleepier and more laid-back town compared to Yangon.  It is a superb place to explore – as well as the sites within the town itself there are a multitude of monasteries and pagodas in the surrounding countryside and it’s easy to spend a few days here. Founded in 1857, it was the last capital of independent Burma before the arrival of the British – in their quest for domination of the region the colonial authorities removed the royal family from power and Mandalay lost its brief significance.

Today it is home to a wealth of interesting sights, the most noticeable of which is Mandalay Hill which offers superb views of the city. The climb up the 760ft hill is a key part of the experience and you will need to go barefoot in places as you pass through numerous temples along the way. According to legend, the Buddha climbed Mandalay Hill and prophesised that a great city would be founded below the hill.

Shwenandaw Monastery is a great example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, decorated with intricate carvings, while Kuthodaw is touted as the ‘world’s biggest book’, the pagoda containing 729 white marble slabs  on which the books of the Buddhist text the Tripitaka are written. Also of interest is the Royal Palace. The original was lost to fire but it was reconstructed -controversially – in the 1990s and shows how the last kings of Burma once lived.

Amarapura

One of several former royal capitals clustered around Mandalay, Amarapura is best known for its picturesque footbridge – at a kilometre in length it is said to be the longest teak bridge in the world, built in 1849 and with over a thousand posts supporting it. Much used by locals to cross from one side of Taungthaman Lake to the other, it’s a great place for people watching, with fishermen casting nets below, vendors sitting on the edges and monks strolling along from one monastery to another.

On one side of the lake lies the Maha Ganayon Kyaung monastery, home to thousands of young monks – although it’s a modern monastery it’s interesting to visit to gain an insight into an incredibly important part of Burmese life.

Day 4 - Mandalay

Start the day with a climb to the top of Mandalay Hill, a major pilgrimage site and with a spectacular view of the city below. We then visit the Atumashi and Shwenandaw monasteries and Kuthodaw Pagoda which contains the world’s largest book carved into a stone tablet. After lunch we take a river cruise along the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, visiting its temple before returning to Mandalay. End the day with a visit to the lively Yadanabon Market. Overnight Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 5 - Mandalay - Bagan

Drive to Bagan and upon arrival, we head to a viewpoint for impressive views of this majestic site. We then visit the ancient temple ruins of Ananda, Dhammayangyi, Sulamani and Thatbyiinyu. In the late afternoon, take a horse and cart to watch the iconic view of the sun setting over the temples. Overnight Heritage Bagan Hotel or similar. (BL)

Bagan
The temples and pagodas of Bagan make up one of Asia’s most breathtaking architectural ensembles, covering an area of around 40 square kilometres and seemingly stretching as far as the eye can see.

An important regional power between the 11th and 13th centuries, Bagan fell into decline after the invasion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan, but while the houses and dwelling of ordinary people have been lost to history, thankfully the sturdier built temples stood the test of time. The most impressive temples include Thatbyinnyu, Ananda Pahto, Shwesandaw and the mighty Dhammayangyi, situated in the middle of the plain but there are dozens scattered throughout the area, and it’s easy to find a deserted pagoda in some quiet corner to explore and soak up the atmosphere with no-one else in sight. Exploring these magnificent buildings, wandering through dark and dusty corridors and marvelling at the statues and frescoes within is a true highlight not just of Myanmar but of all of Asia.

Best of all, head up to the terrace of a lonely pagoda in the late afternoon and watch the sun set over the plains, the stupas glowing in the fading light of day, and imagine what Bagan must have been like in its heyday – an experience to take your breath away.

Day 6 - Bagan

This morning we discover the traditional cuisine of Myanmar, visiting first to Myinkaba village market to learn how popular local foods are made before heading to Mingalazedi Pagoda, built by the last king of the Pagan empire. We then have lunch served in a local monastery sampling a range of different traditional dishes. In the late afternoon we take a bat trip on the Irrawaddy River to watch the sun set. Overnight Heritage Bagan Hotel or similar. (BL)


Day 7 - Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake

Fly from Bagan to Heho, and transfer to Inle Lake. We first head to Indein Pagoda with its impressive collection of stupas, then take lunch in the home of a local Intha family. In the afternoon visit the village of Nam Pan, before taking a boat trip in typical local canoes (paddled by the owners. Overnight Thanakha Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)


Day 8 - Inle Lake

A full day exploring Inle Lake and surrounds. We visit the floating gardens and colourful markets held by the Shan and Pa’O people as well as a local Burmese cigar workshop. We then visit Phaung Daw u Pagoda, a famous pilgrimage site home to five golden buddha statues. Overnight Thanakha Inle Hotel or similar. (BL)

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is one of Burma’s most beautiful natural sites, a vast, 22km stretch of water flanked by stilt villages and with a backdrop of the Shan hills. Inle is renowned for its ‘leg -rowing fishermen’ who propel their craft in a most unusual, and very photogenic way, but there are numerous other reasons to spend a couple of days here. Floating markets are held at different villages on different days, while villages like Indein contain fascinating ruins to explore.

A boat trip through hyacinth choked waterways reveals small settlements with water buffalo wading into the water, and wooden monasteries that have been here for centuries. The hills behind the lake are home to the Pa-O people, and you’re likely to see them strolling into town or at the markets wearing their traditional headgear.

Day 9 - Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon

Fly from Heho to Yangon, where we end our trip by visiting the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. The pagoda’s origins date back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected Buddhist monuments in the world, and it is revered by local people. While here, we can visit a traditional fortune teller and enjoy a traditional Burmese lunch. Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel or similar. (BL)


Day 10 - Yangon

Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)


This trip can be combined with our ‘Bangladesh – Waterways, Wildlife and Hill Tribes’ tour for a comprehensive journey through the region.

What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

    Please note that while we prefer to use centrally located hotels where possible, this is not always practical and in some locations they may not be the best option in terms of standards or reliability.

  • Guides

    You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again. Please note that when meals are included, sometimes these will be in hotels, as often these are the most appropriate option, and will sometimes be set menus. Local restaurants are often lacking in variety

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

Most travellers, including those from the UK, US and EU will require a visa to enter Myanmar. You can apply for an e-visa through this link: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm

Visa regulations can change however and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information.

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money

The local currency in Myanmar is the kyat. The best currency to bring for exchange purposes in the US dollar and these should be clean and unmarked as you may find it difficult to change them otherwise. The US dollar is also accepted by many hotels and restaurants within Myanmar.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience. 

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO advises against travel to some parts of Myanmar that we visit on our tours.We work very closely with our local team and are fully confident that we can operate tours safely in Myanmar. Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
Single Supplement
Trip Status
Date -
09 December 2024
Price (PP) -
£2,299
Single Supplement -
£400
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
24 February 2025
Price (PP) -
£2,449
Single Supplement -
£420
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
08 December 2025
Price (PP) -
£2,449
Single Supplement -
£420
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
23 February 2026
Price (PP) -
£2,695
Single Supplement -
£630
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
07 December 2026
Price (PP) -
£2,695
Single Supplement -
£630
Trip Status -
Available