Forget the typical tour bus holiday: lace up your trekking boots, grab a bike and bring a sense of adventure to discover the real beauty of Myanmar. Spend two weeks exploring the country’s main sites and hidden gems, forging a closer connection with the people and culture that make Myanmar so special.
## Highlights
* Embark on a unique adventure in Yangon’s vibrant outskirts by traversing the bustling streets in a traditional, pedal-powered trishaw, immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the city from a distinctive perspective.
* Cycle through the breathtaking, temple-filled plains of Bagan, a mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient pagodas and historical monuments, allowing you to explore the region’s rich heritage at your own pace.
* Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions of the local hill tribes with an invigorating trek through the picturesque highlands of Pindaya, discovering their unique customs, interacting with the friendly locals, and witnessing their vibrant way of life.
* Experience the charm of northern Myanmar with a scenic and leisurely train journey through the rolling hills, offering stunning views of the countryside, picturesque villages, and lush landscapes, providing a relaxing and unforgettable travel experience.
* Find serenity and tranquility as you listen to the rhythmic and enchanting evening chants of monks at a local monastery, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions.
* Uncover the numerous wonders of Inle Lake by both boat and kayak, navigating the tranquil waters, exploring the unique floating gardens, visiting stilted villages, and discovering the rich cultural heritage of the local Intha people.
## Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
Your extraordinary holiday begins in Yangon, the dynamic former capital and the largest city in Myanmar. Upon arrival, there are no pre-arranged activities scheduled for today, offering you the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and recover from your international flight, allowing you to acclimatize to the local environment before embarking on your exciting adventure. Settle into your hotel, perhaps explore the immediate vicinity, and prepare yourself for the incredible experiences that await you in this fascinating country.
## Day 2: Yangon
Today, prepare to set off on an immersive and in-depth tour of Yangon, providing you with a firsthand glimpse into the local ways of life and offering valuable insights into Myanmar’s rich and captivating culture. Your day commences with a visit to the city’s bustling central train station, where you will board a slow-moving train, allowing you to travel to the suburban areas alongside local commuters, providing a unique opportunity to witness the scenes of daily life unfolding before your eyes. Disembark from the train and embark on a captivating walking tour through a typical Yangon neighborhood, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling markets, busy noodle shops, and observing children on their way to school.
In the afternoon, the exploration of Yangon continues with a visit to Dhala, a charming and tranquil village located just across the Yangon River. To reach Dhala, you will take a local ferry boat, offering a brief but scenic journey across the water. Despite its geographical proximity to the city, Dhala feels like a completely different world, exuding a peaceful and undeveloped charm that transports you back in time. Upon arrival in Dhala, you will climb aboard a traditional, pedal-powered trishaw, allowing you to explore the quiet streets and local neighborhoods at a leisurely pace. Enjoy the opportunity to sip tea at a local shop, immersing yourself in the local culture and interacting with the friendly residents. After your exploration of Dhala, you will board the ferry once again to head back to Yangon.
## Day 3: Yangon to Mandalay; Evening chants of the monks
Prepare for an early morning flight from Yangon to Mandalay, where an exciting excursion around this historically significant city awaits you. Your exploration begins with a visit to the summit of Mandalay Hill, providing you with a panoramic orientation to the city’s history and its overall layout. From this elevated vantage point, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Mandalay’s rich past and its present-day urban landscape. Following your visit to Mandalay Hill, you will explore the many significant sites located at the base of the hill, including the impressive giant marble Buddha image at Kyauktawgyi and the renowned ‘World’s Biggest Book’, showcasing the city’s dedication to Buddhist teachings and preserving its cultural heritage. The final stop of the morning is the Shwenandaw Monastery, a beautifully preserved structure that stands as the only remaining building of the Royal Palace, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Myanmar’s royal past.
After a refreshing lunch, you will continue your exploration of the sprawling city with a trip to Mahamuni Pagoda, a site of immense religious significance. This magnificent Buddha image is one of the country’s most revered statues, and it is adorned with layer upon layer of shimmering gold leaf, reflecting the deep devotion of the local people. As the day draws to a close, you will embark on a memorable trip to Yankin Hill, located to the east of the city. The area surrounding Yankin Hill is renowned for its numerous Buddhist monasteries, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. You will climb to the top of the hill, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the surrounding rice paddies and distant mountains. Descend from the hill and visit a local monastery, arriving just in time to witness the enchanting evening chants of the monks. Immerse yourself in this serene ceremony and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture, its practices, and its significance in the lives of the people of Myanmar.
## Day 4: Sagaing by car and Ava to Amarapura by bike
The day begins with a scenic trip to Sagaing, a location renowned for its spiritual significance. With over 100 meditation shrines and more than 600 other religious buildings, it’s no wonder that Sagaing is widely considered the spiritual center of Myanmar. You will have the opportunity to explore some of the most important religious sites in the area and, if you are fortunate, you may even have the chance to meet with monks or nuns, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn more about their daily lives, their spiritual practices, and their dedication to Buddhist teachings.
In the afternoon, it’s time for a bit of adventure. You will embark on a captivating biking trip through picturesque farms and charming villages. This provides a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city traffic and instead immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside, encountering friendly, smiling locals and observing farm animals wandering freely along the roadside. Your biking adventure will take you to the historic sites of Ava, also known as Inwa, a city that served as Myanmar’s capital on several occasions between the 14th and 19th centuries. This historical location allows you to delve into the country’s rich and complex past. You will continue your biking journey to Amarapura, arriving at the iconic U Bein bridge just in time for sunset. This provides the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy a refreshing drink, and watch as the light gently fades over the world’s longest teak bridge, creating a truly unforgettable and magical moment.
## Day 5: Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin (80 km / 2 ½ hour drive)
Today, you will venture into the hills and experience the cooler climate and scenic beauty of Pyin Oo Lwin. You will travel by car from Mandalay to the town of Pyin Oo Lwin, which is nestled in the Shan Mountains. Because of its location, Pyin Oo Lwin boasts a significantly cooler climate than Mandalay, which made it a favored hill station for the British during their colonial rule. Upon arrival, you will spend the afternoon exploring this charming town in a traditional horse and cart, allowing you to admire the well-preserved colonial-style buildings, the vibrant and colorful fresh market, and the quiet, peaceful side streets that offer a glimpse into the town’s relaxed atmosphere. You will also take a leisurely walk around the sprawling botanical gardens, an immaculate collection of plants and flowers sourced from around the world, showcasing the diversity and beauty of nature.
## Day 6: Pyin Oo Lwin to Gokteik Viaduct to Mandalay
Today promises an adventure of a different kind, as you embark on a scenic and unforgettable train journey. Around 8 am, you will board a train for a four-hour journey on the Mandalay-Lashio railway. As the train slowly makes its way north, you will be treated to stunning views of local villages, endless farms, and the occasional waving child, creating a heartwarming and authentic travel experience. The undeniable highlight of the journey is crossing the Gokteik Bridge, an impressive engineering marvel that hovers 300 meters above the valley floor. This provides spectacular, breathtaking views as the train slowly makes its way across the gorge. Upon disembarking in a small town, your private car will be waiting to transport you back to Mandalay.
## Day 7: Mandalay to Bagan by public boat (8-10 hours)
Today is a day to relax, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the slow pace of river travel. Be sure to bring a good book and charge your camera batteries! Today, you will embark on a scenic cruise from Mandalay to Bagan. This full-day boat trip offers the opportunity to witness some of the Irrawaddy River’s most captivating stretches. As you cast off from Mandalay, you can watch the temple-dotted hills of Sagaing gradually fade from view. Small riverside villages begin to appear on the shoreline as the ship cruises slowly down the river, providing glimpses into the lives of the people who live and work along its banks. You may see fishermen casting their nets, children splashing in the water, and other glimpses of local life, offering a unique perspective on the daily rhythms of the region.
Late this afternoon, the iconic temple spires of Bagan will begin to appear in the distance, signaling your approach to this historical and culturally significant site. Approaching Bagan from the river is a truly remarkable experience, as you witness more and more pagodas coming into view as you approach the shores, providing a captivating first look at the city’s 2000 religious buildings.
## Day 8: Bagan by bike
Today, you will have a full day to explore the wonders of Bagan by bike, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Take advantage of the extensive network of small trails that criss-cross the pagoda plains, providing you with the opportunity to get an up-close look at the historic monuments. You can visit highlights such as Ananda, Shwezigon, and Dhammayangyi, as well as discover lesser-known temples that offer a more intimate and unique experience. There is also the chance to visit the vibrant local market and cruise through charming villages and farms, providing a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who live in the Bagan region.
## Day 9: Bagan
With more than 2000 monuments to explore, you need another day in Bagan! You will continue touring around the temple plains, taking in the diversity of the architecture and getting up close to remarkable mural paintings and intricate carvings. This afternoon, you will travel by horse cart, providing a different perspective on the landscape and a more traditional mode of transportation. You will travel along trails used by farmers to pass by the tallest temples of Bagan and to enjoy the tranquility of the area. As the day comes to a close, you will climb to the upper terrace of a pagoda to watch the sunset, allowing you to witness the magical transformation of the landscape as the sun dips below the horizon.
## Day 10: Bagan to Heho to Pindaya
Leave the flat, arid plains of Bagan behind this morning and travel to the hills of the Shan State, where you will experience a different climate and landscape. A short flight will take you to Heho, where a car will be waiting to transport you on a scenic drive to Pindaya. As you travel through the countryside, you will pass through fertile fields growing cabbages, pumpkins, and other seasonal crops. Keep an eye out for members of the Pa-Oh and Danu ethnic groups, who are easily recognizable by their distinctive traditional dress.
Upon reaching Pindaya, your first stop is the local market. Mingle with the locals as you browse the stalls selling everything from fresh produce to dried fish, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling marketplace. After checking in, you will venture through town to a quiet neighborhood and meet with a local family at their tea plantation. Take a short walk through the plantation, learning how to identify fresh leaves ready for harvest. Then, you’ll walk to the family’s house, where they will serve tea from their plantation and local treats, allowing you to experience the flavors and hospitality of the region.
You will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare tea leaf salad, one of Myanmar’s most beloved snacks. The final visit of the afternoon is the renowned Pindaya caves. Arrive in the late afternoon, long after the day tour buses have left, and wander through the massive cave to admire the thousands of Buddha images found inside, creating a serene and spiritual experience.
## Day 11: Pindaya
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a full-day trek into the hills surrounding Pindaya. You will leave the town on foot and walk up dirt tracks that lead to charming villages. The gentle slope of the trail takes you higher and higher into the hills, offering fabulous views of the town and its surrounding fields. You will stop on the way at another cave filled with Buddha images and in small villages inhabited by the Danu ethnic group, providing opportunities to learn about their culture and way of life.
Around midday, you will arrive at Si Kya Inn. Enjoy a simple but filling lunch in this village, getting a chance to see the ways of life and traditions of the Danu people. After a short rest, you will resume the trek, following a different route down to Pindaya. The mostly downhill trek offers more fantastic views of the Shan Hills. Return to your hotel late this afternoon for a well-deserved shower and rest.
## Day 12: Pindaya to Inle Lake
Continue your excursion through the Shan State with a beautiful drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, you will take a short tour of this charming town before hopping into a long-tail boat for a trip on Inle Lake. Spend the day cruising around the calm waters, soaking up the splendid mountainous landscape that surrounds the lake. Explore villages built on stilts and floating gardens, getting a chance to learn about the life and culture of the lake’s residents. Stop in at workshops making incredible hand-woven silks and fabrics created from the fibers of the lotus flower. You will also visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, where you can join local devotees as they come to pay homage to this sacred site. If time allows, there will also be a stop at Nge Phe Chaung, a wooden monastery with a remarkable collection of Buddha images.
## Day 13: Roundtrip from Inle Lake to Indein
Return to the lake today for an exciting kayaking adventure, providing a unique and intimate way to experience the beauty of Inle Lake. Paddle through the quieter side canals of the lake, getting an up-close look at the iconic stilted villages and floating gardens that are characteristic of this region. Pass by canoes carrying children on their way to school and, if you are lucky, see the famous fishermen who steer their boats with their legs, a unique and impressive sight. Kayaking is the perfect way to experience the wonders of the lake and to appreciate its natural beauty.
Following the morning’s kayaking adventure, you will switch to a motorboat for a trip to Indein. Travel down a jungle-covered canal to reach the jetty. Take a leisurely walk around Indein, a village inhabited by the Pa-Oh ethnic group. Climb to the top of a hill where hundreds of small stupas cover the land, creating a visually stunning and spiritually significant landscape. Enjoy mesmerizing views of Inle Lake from this elevated viewpoint and relax in the tranquil surroundings, a perfect way to end your exploration of Inle Lake.
## Day 14: Inle Lake to Yangon
Return to Yangon this morning, taking off from the Heho airport and flying over the Shan State and back to the south. On arrival, resume your Yangon sightseeing, starting with a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. Admire the impressive 70-metre reclining Buddha image at this pagoda, then continue to tranquil Kandawgyi Park, one of the city’s largest parks, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.
As the day comes to a close, you will head to a small market to see dozens of stalls selling monks’ robes and offerings. Then, walk up a long staircase to the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda. You will be awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of this 99-meter-high, golden stupa. Stroll around the pagoda’s platform, witnessing devotees at prayer and absorbing the serene atmosphere.
After sunset at Shwedagon, you will head to Chinatown for a change of scenery. Check out the dragons and incense of the colorful Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple, then browse the busy street stalls selling fruits, barbeque, and local snacks. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this busy neighborhood, getting one last look at the wonderful diversity of Yangon.
## Day 15: Yangon Departure
Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Myanmar, and there are no activities planned. A driver will pick you up at your hotel in time for a comfortable and convenient transfer to the international airport for your onward flight, allowing you to depart with cherished memories of your unforgettable adventure.
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