Journey Through The Temples
ITINERARY

1-4
Yangon
City
Your journey to Myanmar begins with Yangon. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, giving you the chance to recover from the flight and rest. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready for adventure.

Your first full day in Yangon will be spent touring the local historical areas, accompanied by a specialist guide from the Yangon Heritage Trust. After lunch at the colonial-style House of Memories, you’ll visit Kandawgyi Park, home to the glittering Karaweik Barge, and visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

Spend the next day of your trip at the Mahasi Meditation Centre, where you’ll meet with a monk who will discuss the benefits of meditation. Put your new learnings into practice by transferring to the meditation hall and ease yourself into a meditative state. Afterward, return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure.

PLACES TO STAY
The exterior of the Strand Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar
Strand Hotel
The Strand is Yangon’s grandest hotel - a majestic Victorian mansion on the Yangon River.

Key Facilities
PoolBarRestaurantsSpa

5
Naypyidaw
City
Depart Yangon and get ready to experience something entirely different from a visit to Naypyidaw.

The city is often described as the ‘ghost town capital’, with construction having begun as recently as 2002. The government of Myanmar built the city to move high-risk ministries and government officials out of the busy Yangon region, resulting in a bizarre but captivating city of abandoned highways and grand architectural structures, the most famous being the behemoth House of Parliament complex.

You will visit the National Landmarks Garden, before heading to the Myanmar Parliament for a guided tour. Afterward, you’ll head to the Uppatasanti Pagoda - a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon – before finishing with an evening tour of the vibrant markets.

PLACES TO STAY
Swimming pool, Kempinski, Naypyidaw, Myanmar
Kempinski Naypyidaw
An expansive and luxurious hotel in Naypyidaw with an impressive choice of facilities.

Key Facilities
PoolGymRestaurantBar

6-8
Inle Lake
Tour
You’ll depart Naypyidaw and arrive at the fascinating Inle Lake via Kalaw. From here you’ll drive to Nyaung Shwe, home to the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery; take your time wandering through the 19th-century monastery, drinking in the red teak architecture and colorful glass mosaics. Afterward, you’ll board a private boat that will take you back to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure.

Spend the second day embracing the full wonders of Inle Lake. Take to the waters, discover hidden gems, and encounter local customs with a venture through stilted villages surrounded by the Shan Hills.

If you’re in need of some time off, you can spend the third day in Inle Lake relaxing by the pool or booking into your hotel’s spa or continue exploring the surrounding area.

9-10
Mandalay
Tour
Departing Inle Lake, you’ll fly to Mandalay, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Or, if you’re raring for more adventure, you can take a Mandalay evening scooter tour, with a comedy show or karaoke session afterward.

On day nine you'll explore the former capitals of Sagaing, Ava, and Amarapura and immerse yourself in the astonishing architecture and fascinating history. First up is Sagaing Hill. Regarded as the religious center of Myanmar with 600 pagodas and monasteries, including the spectacular Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, it's also home to 3,000 monks. Stop at Sagaing's local market and a small pottery village for some handmade goods before continuing south to Ava, the royal capital of Myanmar between the 14th to 18th centuries.  Here you'll enjoy lunch and visit the distinctive black teakwood Bagaya Monastery, and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. Your final stop of the day is Amarapura where you'll visit a silk weaving workshop before making your way to U Bein Bridge, believed to be the world's oldest and longest teak bridge, made from teak posts that were once part of the ancient Inwa Palace. Stroll the 1.2km bridge and soak up the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.

 

11-12
Mandalay
Cruise
On your eleventh day, you will be departing Mandalay and embarking on a Pandaw river cruise – perfect for drinking in the natural scenery without having to lift a finger. Spend the evening at your leisure, with tomorrow’s activities looming on the horizon.

In the morning, you’ll have the chance to wander around the scenic pottery village of Yandabo, where local inhabitants craft pots made from riverbank clay; you’ll also pay a visit to the Pandaw School. As the evening draws in, enjoy a rickshaw tour of Pakokku, before calling it a night. Tomorrow you’ll be disembarking from your river cruise.

PLACES TO STAY
Zawgyi Pandaw cruising in Myanmar
Pandaw Cruise
Take to Myanmar’s waters on a Pandaw Cruise, where you’ll be treated to once in a lifetime views.

Key Facilities
RestaurantBarFree bike hire on some boats

13-15
Bagan
Tour
After disembarking from your river cruise in the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to historical Bagan. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, where you’ll no doubt begin to wonder what tomorrow has in store.

Day fourteen will see you enjoying an immersive full-day tour of Bagan’s archaeological sites, led by a local Burmese archaeologist. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the area’s local history, so make sure your camera is fully charged. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset cruise; there’s no better way to experience the full beauty of Myanmar.

The next day will see you take to the skies on a balloon experience over Bagan. You’ll arrive in darkness, boarding the hot air balloon in time to witness one of Myanmar’s famously beautiful sunrises. When you’re back on firm land, raise a glass of sparkling wine and toast the amazing experience you’ve just had.

 

16-17
Yangon
City
On day 16, you’ll travel to Bagan airport for a domestic flight back to Yangon, where your journey first started. You'll spend the following morning at leisure before transferring to Yangon airport for your flight. You’ll head home brimming with newly made memories of Myanmar and all it has to offer.