General Information
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Start/End: Mandalay/Yangon
Tour Route: Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura – Bagan – Yangon – Mawlamyine – Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery – Win Sein Taw Ya – Yangon
Tour Type: In-depth cultural & history, nature & landscape discovery
Tour Highlights:
- Discover the magnificent archaeological area of Bagan and learn about the fine art and architecture in each destination you visit
- Learn more about the history of Burma through a visit to the cemeteries in Yangon and Mawlamyine
- Admire the wonderful sites of Myanmar including Mingun – the world’s largest Buddhist book, U Bein Bridge – the world’s longest and oldest teak bridge, Mingun Pahtodawgyi – the world’s largest unfinished pagoda and Win Sein Taw Ya – one of the world largest reclining Buddha images
- Immerse into the hectic pace of life in Yangon
Experience this 9-day Dignified Myanmar 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: Mandalay Arrival (-)
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura (B)
Day 3: Morning fly to Bagan – Temples Visit (B)
Day 4: Bagan Villages – Fly to Yangon (B)
Day 5: Yangon – War Grave Cemeteries Visit – Shwedagon Pagoda (B)
Day 6: Yangon – Mawlamyaing (B)
Day 7: Mawlamyine – Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery – Win Sein Taw Ya (B)
Day 8: Mawlamyine – Yangon (B)
Day 9: Yangon Departure (B)
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Mandalay Arrival (-)
Mingalabar! Welcome to the Golden Land of Myanmar
Today, welcomed by our guide at Mandalay International Airport, then quickly transfer to the hotel to check in. After settling into your hotel, enjoy you’re the rest of the day leisurely sightseeing around the city center. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun– Amarapura (B)
After breakfast, board a private local boat for a trip up the Irrawaddy River to reach Mingun, a small charming village where you will spend time a half-day discovering. You will first visit Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest ringing bell which weighs more than 87 tons. Take a leisure walk to Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an impressive ruin of the world’s largest unfinished Buddhist pagoda.
Then your guide also takes you to visit Hsinbyume Pagoda, a dramatic white-washed temple built that resembles the shape of Mt Meru. Follow your guide to the neighboring village to explore the traditional basketry and other artistic items for you to spend time stopping and interacting with the craftsmen and friendly locals.
After that, take a scenic drive to Amarapura, the former royal capital of Burma. Before sunset, make your way to U Bein Bridge, the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world. Take your time to enjoy a shortboard trip around the lake to marvel at the panoramic view of the bridge under the reddish hue. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 3: Morning fly to Bagan – Temples Visit (B)
This morning, say goodbye to Mandalay to board a domestic flight to Bagan – the majestic temple town of Myanmar. Upon arrival, we spend the day unlocking the beauty of the region. You will first hit the bustling Nyaung U Market, the most lively market in Bagan where you will observe an array of local products such as flowers, vegetables, and smiling faces which are covered by Tanaka (a kind of Burmese traditional make-up).
Leaving the market, we proceed to Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar. The main golden stupas of the pagoda are said to keep the holy relic of the Buddha. Listen to your guide to know more about the wonders and the great architecture of the pagoda.
Next up, follow your guide to Ananda Temple. Regarded by folklore, this is one of the most beautiful and well-kept pagodas in Bagan which features the great influence of the Mon and Indian style. From here, take a stroll through the plain to gaze out at several attractions on the way before heading to a local lacquerware workshop to observe the production in the region. Here you will have a chance to see the skillful local artisans creating beautiful items using traditional methods. Take this chance to interact with the locals to learn more about the process. In the afternoon, transfer to the jetty to embark on a boat trip to marvel at the fabulous view along with the legendary Irrawaddy River. Sit on the sundeck and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery in the sunset. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 4: Bagan Villages – Fly to Yangon (B)
The morning of day 4 takes you to an idyllic village in Bagan to get more insight into the rural life of the villagers. Wander around the village and listen to your guide to learn more about the culture and local lifestyle.
After that, get on an exotic pony cart to slowly pass through the winding road which is filled with countless ancient stupas. In the afternoon, our driver will take you to the airport to take a flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 5: Yangon– War Grave Cemeteries Visit – Shwedagon Pagoda (B)
After breakfast, start the day with a scenic drive through the city to visit the War grave cemeteries where you will learn about the glorious past of Burma during the wars resisting the invaders.
Make your first visit to Rangoon War Cemetery which is the resting place of the serviceman during the Second World War. From here, proceed to Taukkyan War Cemetery, the tomb of the Allied soldiers from the British Commonwealth who died in battle in Burma during the Second World War.
In the afternoon, drive back to Yangon and highlight your trip of the day at Shwedagon Pagoda, the symbol of Yangon, if not Myanmar. Take a stroll through the pagoda land to observe the daily pilgrimage and the super marvelous architecture. Sit back and enjoy the stunning view when the golden hue radiates in the sunset. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 6: Yangon– Mawlamyine (B)
Today will be a long day of driving to Mawlamyine, the fourth largest city of Myanmar toward the southeast of Yangon. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest time at leisure. You can take a stroll through the downtown to get a very first impression of the charming town. Overnight in Mawlamyine.
Day 7: Mawlamyine – Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery – Win Sein Taw Ya (B)
A full day to discover the city of Mawlamyine. Make your first visit of the day at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, the peaceful resting place of 3000 POW’S who lost their lives during the building of the railway. If time permits, we will take a short visit to the Death Railway Museum to gain more insight into the history of the Burma – Siam railway.
In the afternoon, we drive back to Mawlamyine. Stop at Win Sein taw Ya, one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas next to the one in Monywa. Get your camera ready to save the best photos to the sight.
Day 8: Mawlamyine – Yangon (B)
A long day of driving back to Yangon (about 7 hours). On the way, stop in Bago for a visit to Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. With a dramatic height of 375 feet, this is the highest pagoda in Myanmar.
Then your sightseeing might include a visit to Hinthar Gone, the legendary Hill with 37 Nats shrines where you will have a chance to learn about the cult of Myanmar people. From here, take a leisure walk to Kanbawzathardi Palace, the residence and working place of King Bayint Nyaung of Burma in the 15th century. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 9: Yangon Departure (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, spend your last minute visiting Bogyoke Market (or Scott Market) the sprawling 75-year-old market of Yangon (the market is closed on Mondays and gazette holiday). Take a stroll around the market area, you will find an array of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquerware to gems and jewelry. If you want, bargain at the stores to fulfill your experience in the Burmese market atmosphere. Trip ends. We hope you enjoy the trip we design for this 9-day Myanmar tour. Thank you for traveling with Go Myanmar Tours.
