General Information
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Start/End: Yangon/ Yangon
Tour Route: Yangon – Golden Rock – Bago – Inle Lake – Kalaw – Red Mountain – Bagan – Mt Popa – Yangon
Tour Date: Not fixed. Up to your schedule
Tour Type: In depth-culture & history, Nature & Landscape Discovery, Sightseeing & Experience
Experience this Burma Exploration With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, profession (English speaking guides, other languages upon request)
- Drivers: polite, friendly, responsible, reliable with many years of driving experience
- Vehicles: comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned & clean
- Meals: meals are arranged at local restaurants so you can taste authentic Burmese cuisine
- Accommodation: listed below or 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 – Golden Rock
Day 2: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon (B)
Day 3: Yangon – Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Day 4: Inle Lake – Kalaw (B)
Day 5: Inle Lake – Red Mountain (B)
Day 6: Inle Lake – Bagan (B)
Day 7: Bagan – Mt. Popa (B)
Day 8: Bagan – 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 – Golden Rock
Mingalaba! Welcome to majestic Myanmar!
Welcome our tour guide in Yangon and then take a scenic drive to reach Golden Rock for 5 hours. As you arrive at Golden Rock base camp, move to the transit conjunction where a small open truck is waiting to transfer you to the Pagoda. Marvel at the fantastic location of the Golden Rock and enjoy the fabulous view as you reach the top of the mountain. Here your guide will introduce you to the legend of the sacred pagoda. Overnight in Golden Rock.
Day 2: Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon (B)
Be an early bird this morning to behold the sunrise time around the hill. Spend time strolling through the area near your hotel before the driver transfers you to the base camp for a trip to Bago – the former capital of the Mon Kingdom. Hit the local market upon arrival in the city.
Next, gaze out at Shwemawdaw Pagoda – an impressive pagoda dating back a thousand years ago. From there proceed to Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda to admire the reclining Buddha – one of the most outstanding Buddha statues in Myanmar. Later, return to Yangon and stop for a short visit at Allied War Memorial Cemetery along your way back.
Day 3: Yangon – Heho – Inle Lake (B)
Following your breakfast in the morning a domestic flight to Heho airport. Upon arrival, drive to Nyaungshwe where you will proceed to discover the picturesque Inle Lake. Take a stunning boat trip from Nyaung Shwe Boat Jetty to pass through the imposing mountains, stilt houses, and scenic floating gardens. Stop at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery to see the collection of carvings and Buddha images.
Continue rowing around the lake and you will have a great opportunity to meet the Intha people and learn about their unique farming and growing methods. Head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda – one of the main attractions on Inle Lake that is well-known for 5 gilded Buddha images. Afterward, gaze out at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery – a beautiful monastery built on a stilt and then return to your hotel in Nyaung Shwe.
Day 4: Inle Lake – Kalaw (B)
This morning take a drive to Kalaw – a poetic town surrounded by hills and pine forests. Enjoy the majestic scenery along your way before you reach the town. Kalaw used to know as a British Hill station with pleasant temperatures all year around. Follow your tour guide and wander around the charming town to observe the local life on every step you pass, head to the lively market and witness the daily trading of the people and enjoy some authentic local food.
Day 5: Inle Lake – Red Mountain (B)
Spend the whole morning of day 5 exploring the lake’s shore with a first visit to the local market where you will hear vibrant sounds of buyers bargaining in front of the vendors and stalls. Continue your morning sightseeing to the eastern shore of the lake to reach the villages of the Pa-Oh and Inthar people.
Along your way, you will meet Buddhist nuns and monks returning from their alms. If you wish, it is available to walk to the meditation center in the mountain.
Highlight your sightseeing with a visit to Red Mountain which is home to the first Myanmar vineyards and wineries. Here you will have an opportunity to learn about the process of growing grapes on the hill and then taste the wines in the restaurant. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 6: Inle Lake – Bagan (B)
Say goodbye to Inle Lake this morning for a flight to Bagan – the dreamland of every visitor. Hit the local Nyaung Oo Market – the main bazaar in the region to get a glimpse at the daily life in the region. Then ready for a temple tour for the rest of the day to discover the art and architectural masterpiece of Bagan.
Your destinations include Shwezigon Pagoda which is known to be built to enshrine one of the four replicas of the Buddha’s tooth, Ananda Temple – one of the most beautiful religious construction in Bagan, That Byin Nyu Temple – an ancient temple dating back to the 12th century, Dhammayan Gyi Temple, constructed by King Narathu, and Gubyauk Gyi Pagoda. Fulfill your Bagan temple trip with a drive to the sunset hill where you can catch the fantastic sunset over magnificent temples. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 7: Bagan – Mt. Popa (B)
An amazing day as you take a day trip from Bagan to the spectacular Mt Popa – an impressive extinct volcano where you will have a chance to challenge yourself as you climb up to 777 steps to reach the top of the mountain. Before conquering the mountain, head to the ancient village of Salay.
Spend time learning more about the monastic life, Burmese Buddhism, and unique architecture. Also, head to the oldest wooden hall in the region – Salay Yoke SoneKyaung Monastery. Later, drive toward the east to reach Mt Popa to admire crazy statues and monkeys along your walkway. Enjoy the gorgeous panoramic view of the area as you reach the top.
Day 8: Bagan – Yangon Departure (B)
Take a flight back to Yangon this morning after your breakfast at the hotel. Visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda – home to the giant 66 meters long reclining Buddha image as you arrive at the city. Remark your Yangon trip with a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda – the legendary construction in Myanmar which is made from 11 tons of pure gold. Next, indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Bogyoke Aungsan Market which is a paradise of souvenirs such as gems, handicrafts, foods, clothes, etc. (Note: the market is closed on Mondays and gazette holidays).
In the afternoon, transfer to Yangon Airport to take a departure flight. Trip ends.
