General Information
Duration: 12 days/ 11 nights
Start/End: Yangon/ Yangon
Tour Route: Yangon – Myitkyina – Indawgyi Lake – Mandalay – Hispaw – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Indein – Yangon
Tour Type: Landscape, Nature, History, and Culture, Festival
Experience this Memorable Myanmar Photography Tour With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, and profession (English speaking guides, other languages upon request)
- Drivers: polite, friendly, responsible, reliable with many years of driving experience
- Vehicles: comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned, big window
- Meals: meals are arranged at local restaurants so you can taste authentic Burmese cuisine
- Accommodation: well-chosen hotels are listed below. Besides, various types of accommodation are available, from 5-star hotels, 4-star hotels in the best location, good value 3-star hotels, to boutique hotels reflect the style of the region
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
Day 2: Yangon to Myitkyina by Flight (B)
Day 3: Myitkyina – Indawgyi Lake Sightseeing (Festival) (B)
Day 4: Myitkyina – Mandalay by Flight (B)
Day 5: Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay (B)
Day 6: Mandalay – Hispaw (Festival) (B)
Day 7: Hsipaw Shan Villages and Boat in Dotthawaddy (B)
Day 8: Hsipaw – Mandalay (B)
Day 9: Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya (Festival) (B)
Day 10: Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Day 11: Inle Lake – Indein – Yangon (PM flight) (B)
Day 12: Yangon – Departure (B)
Please note that every element of the tour below can be tailored. Tell us your specific interest and we will be happy to make adjustments for you. This inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival – City Tour (-)
Mingalaba! Welcome to mystical Myanmar where you will start your own adventure to chase your dream in the land of golden pagodas. As you arrive at Yangon, meet your private tour guide and be ready for a Yangon city tour to get a glimpse at the unique art and architecture remaining from the British colonial that features on the old buildings along the street. From the beautiful post office proceed to the Bogyoke Aungsan Market (also known as Scott Market) where you will be drawn by an authentic Burmese lifestyle with the hectic pace. (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and the gazette holidays).
Next, head to the Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda to marvel at the giant 66 meters long reclining Buddha statue. Here you can learn from your tour guide about the meaning of the intricated design at the feet of the statue to the art of Burma. Finally, transfer to the Karaweik Hall – the massive golden barge mirroring the Kandawgyi Lake. Perhaps the highlight of today is a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda to witness how glittering is it under the magical sunset. Later, transfer to the hotel in the evening. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon to Myitkyina by Flight (B)
This morning is free until the driver comes to pick you up to transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight to Myitkina. Upon arrival at Myitkyina, meet your local tour guide and transfer to the downtown city for visits to Ksu Taung Pyi Zedi, Kachin National Park, and Kachin Cultural Museum before exploring the weaving factory and the night market. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 3: Myitkyina – Indawgyi Lake Sightseeing (Festival) (B)
Get up early this morning to drive through the scenic route to reach Indawgyi Lake, with the area covers 13 km east to west and 24 km north to south, it is one of the largest inland lakes in Southeast Asia and has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take time to visit the tranquil villages around the lake. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Day 4: Myitkyina – Mandalay by Flight (B)
Say goodbye to Myitkyina this morning to take a flight to the cultural center of Myanmar – Mandalay. Upon here, begins your wonderful sightseeing tour with the first stop at the Mahamuni Pagoda which is the most highly revered Buddha image of Myanmar.
Continue your trip to the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is home to the largest Buddha book in the world. Unlike other normal books, the book in Kuthodaw Pagoda is carved on 729 marble slabs making it the most special book. In the afternoon, proceed to the 200 years old U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. From here you can marvel at the beautiful river under the magical sunset time. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 5: Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay (B)
Following your breakfast in the morning a local boat trip to cruise up from the Irrawaddy to Mingun. Upon Mingun, visit Mingun Bell to marvel at the largest intact bronze bell in the world which weighs more than 87 tons. From here you can stroll through the Hisnbyume Pagoda – the beautiful white-washed pagoda built based on the shape of Mount Meru.
Continue your trip to Mingun by walking to the villages nearby which are home to traditional basketry and lovely artistic items. Take time to interact with the local craftsmen and hospitable locals about the production of these amazing items. In the afternoon, get on the boat and cruise back to Mandalay. Head to the Mandalay Palace as you reach Mandalay before transferring to Mandalay Hill to marvel at the panoramic view of the city. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 6: Mandalay – Hispaw (Festival) (B)
Be an early bird this morning to get on a drive to Hsipaw. The 5-hour drive would be one of the most breathtaking drives as you gaze out at the scenic beauty and explore the local life along the way. Transfer to the hotel for check-in as you reach Hsipaw. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to discover the peaceful town of Hsipaw. Attend the local festival in Bawgyo Pagoda to soak up the vibrant and delightful atmosphere. Overnight in Hsipaw.
Day 7: Hsipaw – Shan Villages and Boat in Dotthawaddy (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, start your sightseeing around the village. Begin the trip with a short trek through Farmer’s villages, paddies, seasonal crops, rivers, and living style of Shan villages, Have Shan Noodle-break at a tiny village mall.
Next, embark on a boat trip to row up the streaming river passing the spectacular mountain, valley, and plantation. If you wish, a chance for swimming at the river confluence is always available. On the way, down-streaming by boat, go visit Shan village which has typical houses with small charming gardens and then return home by boat. Overnight in Hsipaw.
Day 8: Hsipaw – Mandalay (B)
This morning return to Mandalay after your breakfast at the hotel. Along the way back, stop at the location nearby the outstanding Gokteik Viaduct which connects the two towns of Pyin Oo Lwin. From here you can take the best photos of the railway. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 9: Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya (Festival) (B)
This morning board a domestic flight to Heho. From there proceed to Pindaya which is widely known for its extensive limestone caves, centuries-old Buddha images, impressive lakeside, and the traditional Shan paper. Upon the beautiful town, indulge in the colorful Pindaya Pagoda festival. Overnight in Pindaya.
Day 10: Pindaya – Inle Lake (B)
Begins your morning of day 10 with a drive toward the southeast to Nyaung Shwe where a stunning boat trip awaits you to transfer to the hotel for check-in. Then, enjoy a full day sightseeing on the private boat trip to discover the life above the water. Stop at the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda to gaze out at the most revered religious site in the area.
Next, get a glimpse at a village to explore the traditional lotus weaving, wooden handlooms, and traditional blacksmith. Step aside from the traditional handicraft, the vibrant culture of the Shan and Intha people will definitely fulfill your thrill. Visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery as you pass through the impressive floating gardens, houses, and monasteries. From here, proceed to Nampan village to discover the cheroot factory and canoe carving. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 11: Inle Lake – Indein – Yangon (PM flight) (B)
Be an early bird today to ready for a full day sightseeing in Inle Lake and its surroundings. Begins your wonderful morning with a visit to the local market to see how lively is it. Continue your sightseeing through the scenic channels to reach the charming village of Indein which is famous for the complex of ancient shrines and stupas.
Afterward, drive to the neighboring village to meet the “long neck” tribal women and approach their daily life. Spend time learning about their traditional weaving and handicraft before getting on the boat trip to cruise back the Inle Lake. Don’t miss your chance to save the best photos of iconic leg-rowing fishermen. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream. After that transfer to Heho airport and take off your domestic flight back to Yangon. Arrived at Yangon, transfer, and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 12: Yangon – Departure (B)
This day is at leisure after your breakfast at the hotel. Wait until the driver comes to pick you up to transfer to the airport for a flight to your departure. Burma tour ends. Thank you for making your trip with Go Myanmar Tours!
