Discover the very best of Myanmar in just five unforgettable days with a journey designed for travelers who love culture, history, and authentic local experiences. This tour takes you from the charming streets of Yangon and the golden glow of the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda to the ancient wonders of Bagan, where over 2,000 temples rise magically at sunrise. Continue on to Mandalay, the artistic and spiritual heart of the country, where tradition and daily life blend in a truly captivating way. If you're looking for tours Myanmar that are concise yet rich in experience, this 5-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to the timeless beauty and cultural soul of the Golden Land.
General Information
Tour Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Yangon
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Start/End: Yangon/Yangon
Tour Type: Culture, Local Experience, Soft Adventure
Tour Category: Myanmar Classic Tours, Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days
Tour Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Yangon’s vibrant culture: colonial streets, traditional Burmese breakfast, spiritual landmarks, and Thiri Mingalar Market.
- Fly to Bagan and explore both famous and lesser-known temples, visit Nyaung U Market, and witness the stunning sunrise over 2,000 temples.
- Experience the magical hot-air balloons of Bagan (optional), walk through Old Bagan’s ancient ruins, and enjoy scenic views before flying or taking a bus to Mandalay.
- Discover Mandalay’s cultural and culinary treasures, including Mahagandayon Monastery, U Bein Bridge, hillside temples, and the historic Inwa area.
- Return to Yangon for a relaxing final day with time to shop, unwind, and explore local markets and attractions at your own pace.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival – Colonial Streets – Markets – Shwedagon Pagoda
Day 2: Yangon – Fly to Bagan – Markets – Temples – Minnanthu Village
Day 3: Sunrise in Bagan – Walking Tour – Fly/Bus to Mandalay – Food Adventure
Day 4: Mandalay Full-Day Tour – Monasteries – U Bein Bridge – Fly Back to Yangon
Day 5: Yangon Free Day – Shopping – Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon
Your adventure in Yangon begins today – the perfect start to your 5 days in Myanmar itinerary. Arrive early at Yangon International Airport where your guide or representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. If you did not arrange an airport transfer, you may take a taxi to the downtown area (about 7,000 Kyat or 7 USD). After check-in and a short rest, start your first day with a traditional Burmese breakfast – either at your hotel buffet or in the town centre.
Afterwards, visit some of Yangon’s highlights including the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda and the moving Taukkyan War Cemetery. Your guide will share interesting facts about the city and its famous attractions. You can also ask your local guide to take you to the bustling Thiri Mingalar Market, an excellent introduction to community life in Yangon and a great chance to mingle with locals.
Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
For one of the most memorable breakfasts you’ll ever have, wake up to a sumptuous traditional Burmese meal in your private room. A typical breakfast might include Mohinga (Myanmar’s national dish), a rich fish-based broth with rice noodles, onion, ginger, chilli and turmeric; Htoke (Burmese salads); Ohn-no khao Swe (coconut-milk noodles with chicken); and warm Nan bread or Paratha with yellow beans.
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Bagan (about 1 hour 20 minutes) where you will spend the day exploring both famous and lesser-known attractions. Begin at the lively Nyaung U Market, an educational stop to build a basic understanding of Bagan and local life.
Continue to impressive sites such as Sulamani Guphaya Temple, Ananda Ok Kyaung and the peaceful Minnanthu Village, perfect highlights for your Myanmar itinerary 5 days.
Day 3: Bagan – Mandalay
Get up before dawn to witness the sunrise over Bagan. As the sky glows red, more than 2,000 temples slowly reveal themselves in silhouette and then in all their immense glory, while colourful hot air balloons drift above the plains – a signature moment in any Myanmar 5-day itinerary. If you have budget set aside (around 300 USD per person), the balloon ride offers an impressive 360-degree view of the temple-studded landscape.
After breakfast at the hotel, start your own walking tour of Old Bagan (don’t forget to grab a map at the entrance) and explore ancient ruins and viewpoints that will leave you speechless. After lunch, take a flight to Mandalay (about 70 USD, 30 minutes) or, if you are on a limited budget, opt for a bus from Bagan to Mandalay (7–9 USD, around 6 hours) – a good choice if you enjoy long rides and taking photos of the countryside. Mandalay, the final royal capital of Myanmar in the late 19th century, awaits you with culture and cuisine.
In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing and food adventure, trying popular local restaurants such as Aye Myst Tar, Ko’s Kitchen, Yunnan III and Lashio Lay.
Day 4: Mandalay – Yangon
From food to adventure, nature to culture – everything in Mandalay feels vibrant and exciting, making it a key stop in your 5 days in Myanmar. The best way to explore is to hire a taxi for a full-day tour (around 55–60 USD for eight hours).
Visit important attractions such as Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura, the iconic U Bein Bridge (the world’s longest teak bridge), the scenic Hillside Temples and the historic Inwa (Ava) – Mai Nu Oke Kyung. Later in the afternoon, take a flight back to Yangon (about 124 USD, approximately two hours).
Upon arrival, check in to your chosen accommodation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the famous Karaweik Palace in the Kandawgyi area, which serves an international buffet with a vibrant cultural show – a wonderful way to experience Myanmar’s traditions and performances.
Day 5: Yangon
After four full days of adventure in Myanmar, reward yourself with a slower-paced final day in Yangon. Spend your time wandering through nearby attractions or simply relaxing. If you still have time, visit the popular Bogyoke Aung San Market to stock up on souvenirs such as traditional Longyi, jewellery, bells, paper umbrellas, cigars and Buddha statues. This marks the end of your suggested 5 days in Myanmar itinerary. You may extend your vacation as long as you wish until you have seen all t
